bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A TriNetX Registry Analysis of the Need for Second Procedures following Index Anterior and Posterior Urethroplasty
Authors: Prebay Zachary J. , Ostrovsky Adam M. , Buck Matthew , Chung Paul H.
Published: March 2023

Background: We queried a global database to understand re-intervention rates following urethroplasty with the goal of evaluating whether they align with previously published data. Methods: Using the TriNetX database and Common Procedural Terminology (CPT) and International Classification of Diseases-10 (ICD) codes, we identified adult male patients with urethral stricture disease (ICD N35) who underwent one-stage anterior (CPT 53410) or posterior urethroplasty (CPT 53415), with or without (substitution urethroplasty) a tissue flap (CPT 15740) or buccal graft (CPT 15240 or 15241). We set urethroplasty as the index event and used descriptive statistics to report the incidence of secondary procedures (using CPT codes) within 10 years after the index event. Results: There were 6606 patients who underwent urethroplasty within the last 20 years, with 14.3% of patients undergoing a second procedure after index event. Upon subgroup analysis, reintervention rates were 14.5% for anterior urethroplasty vs. 12.4% of patients with an anterior substitution urethroplasty (RR 1.7, p = 0.09) and 13.3% for posterior urethroplasty vs. 8.2% for patients with a posterior substitution urethroplasty (RR 1.6, p < 0.01). Conclusions: Most patients will not need any form of re-intervention following urethroplasty. These data align with previously described recurrence rates, which may help urologists counsel patients considering urethroplasty.
Does Being Ignored on WhatsApp Hurt? A Pilot Study on the Effect of a Newly Developed Ostracism Task for Adolescents
Authors: Latina Delia , Goreis Andreas , Sajko Polona , Kothgassner Oswald D.
Published: March 2023

(1) Background: Many studies have used a well-known social exclusion task, namely Cyberball, to assess the psychophysiological reactions to ostracism in laboratory settings. However, this task has been recently criticized for its lack of realism. Instant messaging communication platforms are currently central communication channels where adolescents conduct their social life. These should be considered when recreating the emotional experiences that fuel the development of negative emotions. To overcome this limitation, a new ostracism task, namely SOLO (Simulated On-Line Ostracism), recreating hostile interactions (i.e., exclusion and rejection) over WhatsApp was developed. The aim of this manuscript is to compare adolescents’ self-reported negative and positive affect, as well as physiological reactivity (i.e., heat rate, HR; heart rate variability, HRV) exhibited during SOLO to Cyberball. (2) Method: A total of 35 participants (Mage = 15.16; SD = 1.48; 24 females) took part in the study. The first group (n = 23; transdiagnostic group), recruited at an inpatient and outpatient unit of a clinic for children and adolescent psychiatry, psychotherapy, and psychosomatic therapy in Baden-Württemberg (Germany), reported clinical diagnoses linked with emotional dysregulation (e.g., self-injury and depression). The second group (n = 12; control group), recruited in the district of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, had no pre-existing clinical diagnoses. (3) Results: The transdiagnostic group showed higher HR (b = 4.62, p < 0.05) and lower HRV (b = 10.20, p < 0.01) in SOLO than in Cyberball. They also reported increased negative affect (interaction b = −0.5, p < 0.01) after SOLO but not after Cyberball. In the control group, no differences in either HR (p = 0.34) or HRV (p = 0.08) between tasks were found. In addition, no difference in negative affect after either task (p = 0.83) was found. (4) Conclusion: SOLO could be an ecologically valid alternative to Cyberball when assessing reactions to ostracism in adolescents with emotional dysregulation.
Ultrasound Guided Parasternal Block for Perioperative Analgesia in Cardiac Surgery: A Prospective Study
Authors: Pascarella Giuseppe , Costa Fabio , Nonnis Giulia , Strumia Alessandro , Sarubbi Domenico , Schiavoni Lorenzo , Di Pumpo Annalaura , Mortini Lara , Grande Stefania , Attanasio Andrea , Gadotti Giovanni , De Cassai Alessandro , Mattei Alessia , Nenna Antonio , Chello Massimo , Cataldo Rita , Agrò Felice Eugenio , Carassiti Massimiliano
Published: March 2023

Ultrasound guided parasternal block is a regional anaesthesia technique targeting the anterior branches of intercostal nerves, which supply the anterior thoracic wall. The aim of this prospective study is to assess the efficacy of parasternal block to manage postoperative analgesia and reduce opioid consumption in patients undergoing cardiac surgery throughout sternotomy. A total of 126 consecutive patients were allocated to two different groups, receiving (Parasternal group) or not (Control group) preoperative ultrasound guided bilateral parasternal block with 20 mL of 0.5% ropivacaine per side. The following data were recorded: postoperative pain expressed by a 0–10 numeric rating scale (NRS), intraoperative fentanyl consumption, postoperative morphine consumption, time to extubation and perioperative pulmonary performance at incentive spirometry. Postoperative NRS was not significantly different between Parasternal and Control groups with a median (IQR) of 2 (0–4.5) vs. 3 (0–6) upon awakening (p = 0.07); 0 (0–3) vs. 2 (0–4) at 6 h (p = 0.46); 0 (0–2) vs. 0 (0–2) at 12 h (p = 0.57). Postoperative morphine consumption was similar among groups. However, intraoperative fentanyl consumption was significantly lower in the Parasternal group [406.3 ± 81.6 mcg vs. 864.3 ± 154.4, (p < 0.001)]. Parasternal group showed shorter times to extubation [(191 ± 58 min vs. 305 ± 72 min, (p)] and better performance at incentive spirometer with a median (IQR) of 2 raised balls (1–2) vs. 1 (1–2) after awakening (p = 0.04). Ultrasound guided parasternal block provided an optimal perioperative analgesia with a significant reduction in intraoperative opioid consumption, time to extubation and a better postoperative performance at spirometry when compared to the Control group.
Liver Injury Associated with COVID-19 Infection: Pathogenesis, Histopathology, Prognosis, and Treatment
Authors: Elemam Noha Mousaad , Talaat Iman M. , Maghazachi Azzam A. , Saber-Ayad Maha
Published: March 2023

Liver injury occurs frequently as a consequence of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Direct infection of the liver leads to hepatic impairment with elevated transaminases. In addition, severe COVID-19 is characterized by cytokine release syndrome, which may initiate or exacerbate liver injury. In patients with cirrhosis, SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with acute-on-chronic liver failure. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is one of the world’s regions characterized by a high prevalence of chronic liver diseases. Both parenchymal and vascular types of injury contribute to liver failure in COVID-19, with a myriad of pro-inflammatory cytokines playing a major role in perpetuating liver injury. Additionally, hypoxia and coagulopathy complicate such a condition. This review discusses the risk factors, and the underlying causes of impaired liver functions in COVID-19, with a focus on key players in the pathogenesis of liver injury. It also highlights the histopathological changes encountered in postmortem liver tissues as well as potential predictors and prognostic factors of such injury, in addition to the management strategies to ameliorate liver damage.
Design and Fabrication of Aerogel Composites for Oil Water Separation and Spilled Oil Cleaning
Authors: Gan Yong X.
Published: March 2023

Aerogel composites are multicomponent highly porous materials with air as the major dispersed phase. There are many kinds of aerogel composites including synthetic and natural aerogel composites. Aerogel composites have found wide applications in sorption, thermal insulation, vibration damping, and noise control. This mini review focuses on the aerogel composites with oil water separation function for spilled oil cleaning. The design and fabrication of various aerogel composites for oil cleaning are emphasized. The commonly used technologies including in-situ reaction, sol–gel spinning, templating, and self-assembling are introduced. The microstructure control through directional freeze casting, bio-inspired approach, coating, etc., are discussed.
Nanomodified Basalt Fiber Cement Composite with Bottom Ash
Authors: Fediuk Roman , Makarova Natalia , Kozin Andrey , Lomov Maksim , Petropavlovskaya Victoria , Novichenkova Tatiana , Wenxu Xiao , Sulman Mikhail , Petropavlovskii Kirill
Published: March 2023

Directed control of the process of structure formation of a cement composite from modern positions must be carried out taking into account the synergistic effect of its components. In particular, the cement composite, when applied with pozzolanic additives and fiber reinforcement, is transformed into a more complex material with excellent performance. The aim of the article is to study the combined action of nanomodified basalt fiber (NBF) and bottom ash (BA) as structural elements of concrete. To achieve this aim, a number of tasks were performed, including the development of nanomodified-basalt-fiber–bottom-ash–cement concretes, as well as the study of their fresh, physical and mechanical properties (flowability, average density, compressive and flexural strength, elastic modulus and crack resistance) and durability characteristics (water, frost and abrasion resistance). A series of nanomodified basalt-fiber-reinforced concretes (from 0 to 7 wt.% NBF) were developed, in which the economical Portland cement CEM I 32.5 N was replaced by up to 45 wt.% mechanically activated bottom ash residue (400 m2/kg). An economical superplasticizer with a high water-reducing capacity (35%) made it possible to achieve uniform flowability of the mixes (slump 20–22 cm and slump flow 45–52 cm). The combined effect of BA and NBF provides control over the structure formation of cement materials, which ensures the redistribution of internal stresses from shrinkage deformations throughout the entire volume of the composite; under loading, the process of crack formation slows down, the stress concentration near structural defects decreases, and stresses are redistributed in the microstructure of the cement composite between its components. Perfect values of mechanical properties (compressive strength up to 59.2 MPa, flexural strength up to 17.8 MPa, elastic modulus up to 52.6 GPa, critical stress intensity factor 0.507 MPa m0.5) are explained by the complex action of the ash residue and nanomodified basalt fibers. A mix with 30 wt.% BA and 5 wt.% NBF is characterized by water resistance grade W18, frost resistance class F400 and abrasion resistance 0.59 g/cm2, which confirms the high wear resistance of the developed materials.
Effect of Propolis on Root Dentine Microhardness When Used as an Intracanal Medicament: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Naeem Meshal Muhammad , Sarwar Huma , Nisar Aliza , Ahmed Shahbaz , Shabbir Juzer , Khurshid Zohaib , Palma Paulo J.
Published: March 2023

Application of intracanal medicaments may affect the physical properties of root dentine. Calcium hydroxide (CH), a gold standard intracanal medicament, has proven to decrease root dentine microhardness. A natural extract, propolis, has been shown to be superior to CH in eradicating endodontic microbes, but its effect on the microhardness of root dentine is still not known. This investigation aims to evaluate the effect of propolis on root dentine microhardness compared to calcium hydroxide. Ninety root discs were randomly divided into three groups and treated with CH, propolis, and a control. A Vickers hardness indentation machine with a load of 200 g and dwell time of 15 s at 24 h, 3, and 7 days was used for microhardness testing. ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test were used for statistical analysis. A progressive decrease in microhardness values was observed in CH (p < 0.01), whereas a progressive increase was observed in the propolis group (p < 0.01). At 7 days, propolis demonstrated the highest microhardness value (64.43 ± 1.69), whereas CH demonstrated the lowest value (48.46 ± 1.60). The root dentine microhardness increased over time when propolis was applied, while it decreased over time after application of CH on root dentine sections.
Efficient Dual Output Regulating Rectifier and Adiabatic Charge Pump for Biomedical Applications Employing Wireless Power Transfer
Authors: Almarri Noora , Langlois Peter , Jiang Dai , Demosthenous Andreas
Published: March 2023

A power management unit (PMU) is an essential block for diversified multi-functional low-power Internet of Things (IoT) and biomedical electronics. This paper includes a theoretical analysis of a high current, single-stage ac-dc, reconfigurable, dual output, regulating rectifier consisting of pulse width modulation (PWM) and pulse frequency modulation (PFM). The regulating rectifier provides two independently regulated supply voltages of 1.8 V and 3.3 V from an input ac voltage. The PFM control feedback consists of feedback-driven regulation to adjust the driving frequency of the power transistors through adaptive buffers in the active rectifier. The PWM/PFM mode control provides a feedback loop to adjust the conduction duration accurately and minimize power losses. The design also includes an adiabatic charge pump (CP) to provide a higher voltage level. The adiabatic CP consists of latch-up and power-saving topologies to enhance its power efficiency. Simulation results show that the dual regulating rectifier has 94.3% voltage conversion efficiency with an ac input magnitude of 3.5 Vp. The power conversion efficiency of the regulated 3.3 V output voltage is 82.3%. The adiabatic CP has an overall voltage conversion efficiency (VCE) of 92.9% with a total on-chip capacitance of 60 pF. The circuit was designed using 180 nm CMOS technology.
Channel Model and Signal-Detection Algorithm for the Combined Effects of Turbulence and Link Misalignment in Underwater Optical Massive MIMO Systems
Authors: Fu Jielin , Zhu Kongliang , Mohsan Syed Agha Hassnain , Li Yanlong
Published: March 2023

In recent years, underwater wireless optical communication (UWOC) has become a potential wireless carrier candidate for signal transmission in water mediums such as oceans. Underwater signal transmission is impaired by several challenges such as turbulence, scattering, attenuation, and misalignment. In this paper, we propose an improved-order successive interference cancellation (I-OSIC) algorithm based on partition space–time block coding (STBC) technology to solve the sub-channel correlation enhancement problem, which is caused by the combined effects of turbulence and link misalignment in the underwater optical massive multiple-input multiple-output (massive MIMO) systems. The partition STBC technology can make the encoded symbols orthogonality of space and time resist random fading under turbulence environments and fully use the communication link of the massive MIMO system. Under link misalignment conditions, the receiver detector will receive multiple beams. The proposed I-OSIC algorithm based on partition STBC can precisely track the degree of link misalignment error and reorder receiver signals based on the minimum interference criterion. It can use the channel matrix to estimate the interference magnitude of the link misalignment, and then eliminate the interference successively by demodulating the least interfered signal first. When the link misalignment error is large, the I-OSIC algorithm can provide a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) gain of about 3 dB and provides the same error performance compared with the successive interference cancellation algorithm based on the received signal power.
Development and Control of an Innovative Underwater Vehicle Manipulator System
Authors: Zheng Xinhui , Tian Qiyan , Zhang Qifeng
Published: March 2023

Recently, as humans have become increasingly interested in ocean resources, underwater vehicle-manipulator systems (UVMSs) have played an increasingly important role in ocean exploitation. To realize precise operation in underwater narrow spaces, the fly arm underwater vehicle manipulator system (FAUVMS) is proposed with manipulators as its core. However, this system suffers severe dynamic coupling effects due to the combination of small vehicle and big manipulators. To resolve this issue, we propose a robust adaptive controller that contains two parts. In the first part, the extended Kalman filter (EKF) is designed to estimate the system states and predicts external disturbances to achieve adaptive control. In the second part, a chattering-free sliding mode control (SMC) is designed to converge the tracking errors to zero, thus guaranteeing the robustness of the controller. We constructed the simulation platform based on the geometric model of FAUVMS, and various simulations are carried out under different situations. Compared to the traditional methods, the proposed method has a faster convergent speed, a better robustness and adaptiveness to external disturbances, and the tracking errors of positions of the vehicle and each end-effector are much smaller.
Numerical Study on the Water Entry of a Freely Falling Unmanned Aerial-Underwater Vehicle
Authors: Dong Liyang , Wei Zhaoyu , Zhou Hangyu , Yao Baoheng , Lian Lian
Published: March 2023

The unmanned aerial–underwater vehicle (UAUV) is a new type of vehicle that can fly in the air and cruise in water and is expected to cross the free water surface several times to perform continuous uninterrupted observation and sampling. To analyze the hydrodynamic and motion characteristics of the vehicle, the whole water-entry process of a multi-degree-of-freedom UAUV with various velocity and pitch angle was investigated through a Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes method. The computational domain was meshed by trimmer cells. The relative movement between the vehicle and fluid domain was simulated using moving reference frame overset mesh to delineate the interaction region around vehicle body. To reduce the computational cost, adaptive mesh refinement and adaptive time-stepping strategy were used to capture the slamming pressure accurately with reasonable computational effort. First, convergence study is considered. Simulations of the vehicle with various initial velocities and different pitch angles were performed. The variable physical properties were analyzed, and detailed results through the time-varying force and velocity were shown. Initial velocity and pitch angle are found to significantly influence hydrodynamic behavior, including the time-varying force, while thickness ratio has a great impact on added mass and pressure. The results show that higher entry velocity results in greater peak vertical force. The transverse hydrodynamic characteristics for oblique water entry of the vehicle with varies pith angle are quite different.
Interactions between Surface Waves, Tides, and Storm-Induced Currents over Shelf Waters of the Northwest Atlantic
Authors: Lin Shangfei , Sheng Jinyu
Published: March 2023

A coupled wave–tide–circulation model is used to investigate wave–current interactions (WCIs) over the shelf waters of the Northwest Atlantic (NWA) during Hurricane Earl (2010). WCIs have substantial impacts on hydrodynamics in the upper ocean. The significant wave heights are modulated by WCIs, particularly over regions with strong current gradients, with a reduction up to ~2.1 m (20%) during the storm. Noticeable decreases in surface elevations and tidal currents occur in regions with strong tides such as the Gulf of Maine, mainly due to the wave-enhanced bottom stress. Over regions with weak tidal currents, wave effects on currents are dominated by two competitive processes between wave-induced forces and wave-enhanced mixing. The former strengthens surface currents (up to ~0.55 m/s) and increases the peak storm surge (up to ~0.48 m). The latter is responsible for the reduction in storm-induced surface currents (up to ~0.94 m/s) and anticyclonic modulation of current directions. Vertically, WCIs extend the strong vertical current shear and shift it downward during the storm, which enhances the local mixing and changes the structures of near-inertial oscillations (NIOs). Moreover, tidal currents also change the magnitudes of the NIOs and subtidal currents and affect the intensity of WCIs.
Stabilizing and Destabilizing Breaching Flow Slides
Authors: Alhaddad Said , Weij Dave , van Rhee Cees , Keetels Geert
Published: March 2023

As a result of the dilation of soil matrix, dense submarine sand slopes can temporarily be steeper than the natural angle of repose. These slopes gradually fail by the detachment of individual grains and intermittent collapses of small coherent sand wedges. The key question is whether steep disturbances in a submarine slope grow in size (destabilizing breaching) or gradually diminish (stabilizing breaching) and thereby limit the overall slope failure and resulting damage. The ability to predict whether the breaching failure is stabilizing or destabilizing is also crucial for the assessment of safety of submarine infrastructure and hydraulic structures located along rivers, lakes, and coasts. Through a set of large-scale laboratory experiments, we investigate the validity of an existing criterion to determine the failure mode of breaching (i.e., stabilizing or destabilizing). Both modes were observed in these experiments, providing a unique set of data for analysis. It is concluded that the existing method has limited forecasting power. This was quantified using the mean absolute percentage error, which was found to be 92%. The reasons behind this large discrepancy are discussed. Given the complexity of the underlying geotechnical and hydraulic processes, more advanced methodologies are required.
Discovery of a New Lichtheimia (Lichtheimiaceae, Mucorales) from Invertebrate Niche and Its Phylogenetic Status and Physiological Characteristics
Authors: Nguyen Thuong T. T. , Santiago André Luiz Cabral Monteiro de Azevedo , Kirk Paul M. , Lee Hyang Burm
Published: March 2023

Species of Lichtheimia are important opportunistic fungal pathogens in the order Mucorales that are isolated from various sources such as soil, indoor air, food products, feces, and decaying vegetables. In recent years, species of Lichtheimia have become an emerging causative agent of invasive mucormycosis. In Europe and USA, Lichtheimia are the second and third most common causal fungus of mucormycosis, respectively. Thus, the aim of this study was to survey the diversity of species of Lichtheimia hidden in poorly studied hosts, such as invertebrates, in Korea. Eight Lichtheimia strains were isolated from invertebrate samples. Based on morphology, physiology, and phylogenetic analyses of ITS and LSU rDNA sequence data, the strains were identified as L. hyalospora, L. ornata, L. ramosa, and a novel species, L. koreana sp. nov. Lichtheimia koreana is characterized by a variable columellae, sporangiophores arising solitarily or up to three at one place from stolons, and slow growth on MEA and PDA at all temperatures tested. The new species grows best at 30 and 35 °C and has a maximum growth temperature of 40 °C. Detailed descriptions, illustrations, and a phylogenetic tree are provided.
Taxonomy and Phylogeny of Corticioid Fungi in Auriculariaceae (Auriculariales, Basidiomycota): A New Genus, Five New Species and Four New Combinations
Authors: Li Yue , Nie Ting , Nakasone Karen K. , Li Hai-Jiao , He Shuang-Hui
Published: March 2023

The Auriculariaceae accounts for most of the species in the Auriculariales, and all species in the family are wood-decaying fungi with gelatinous, crustaceous, or woody basidiomes. Many new taxa were published recently, but the taxonomy and phylogeny of the corticioid species in the Auriculariaceae are far from resolved. We undertook a comprehensive taxonomic and phylogenetic study of the family with emphasis on corticioid specimens collected from East and Southeast Asia. Phylogenetic analyses on concatenated ITS and 28S rDNA sequences of representative taxa of the Auriculariaceae and the genera Eichleriella and Heteroradulum were carried out that resolved five new lineages. Heterocorticium gen. nov. is established for two species with resupinate coriaceous basidiomes with smooth, pigmented hymenophores. Five new species, H. bambusicola (generic type), H. latisporum, Eichleriella alpina, E. bambusicola, and Heteroradulum maolanense, are described and illustrated. In addition, Heterochaete delicata, H. discolor, and H. sinensis are transferred to Eichleriella, whereas H. roseola is regarded as a synonym of Kneiffia discolor (= H. discolor). Eichleriella aculeobasidiata is treated as a synonym of Heterochaete sinensis (= E. sinensis). Heterochaete mussooriensis is transferred to Heteroradulum with Heteroradulum semis as a heterotypic synonym. The present study contributes to the understanding of species diversity, taxonomy, and phylogeny of corticioid fungi in Asia.
Tractography-Enhanced Biopsy of Central Core Motor Eloquent Tumours: A Simulation-Based Study
Authors: Lalgudi Srinivasan Harishchandra , Pedro Lavrador Jose , Tambirajoo Kantharuby , Pang Graeme , Patel Sabina , Gullan Richard , Vergani Francesco , Bhangoo Ranjeev , Shapey Jonathan , Vasan Ahilan Kailaya , Ashkan Keyoumars
Published: March 2023

Safe Trajectory planning for navigation guided biopsy (nBx) of motor eloquent tumours (METs) is important to minimise neurological morbidity. Preliminary clinical data suggest that visualisation of the corticospinal tract (CST) and its relation to the tumour may aid in planning a safe trajectory. In this article we assess the impact of tractography in nBx planning in a simulation-based exercise. This single centre cross-sectional study was performed in March 2021 including 10 patients with METs divided into 2 groups: (1) tractography enhanced group (T-nBx; n = 5; CST merged with volumetric MRI); (2) anatomy-based group (A-nBx; n = 5; volumetric MRI only). A biopsy target was chosen on each tumour. Volunteer neurosurgical trainees had to plan a suitable biopsy trajectory on a Stealth S8® workstation for all patients in a single session. A trajectory safety index (TSI) was devised for each trajectory. Data collection and analysis included a comparison of trajectory planning time, trajectory/lobe changes and TSI. A total of 190 trajectories were analysed based on participation from 19 trainees. Mean trajectory planning time for the entire cohort was 225.1 ± 21.97 s. T-nBx required shorter time for planning (p = 0.01). Mean trajectory changes and lobe changes made per biopsy were 3.28 ± 0.29 and 0.45 ± 0.08, respectively. T-nBx required fewer trajectory/lobe changes (p = 0.01). TSI was better in the presence of tractography than A-nBx (p = 0.04). Neurosurgical experience of trainees had no significant impact on the measured parameters despite adjusted analysis. Irrespective of the level of neurosurgical training, surgical planning of navigation guided biopsy for METs may be achieved in less time with a safer trajectory if tractography imaging is available.
Clinical-Pathological Characteristics of Adenosquamous Esophageal Carcinoma: A Propensity-Score-Matching Study
Authors: Xu Xinxin , Jiang Feng , Guo Yihan , Chen Hu , Qian Jiayi , Wu Leilei , Xie Dong , Chen Guangxia
Published: March 2023

There are few studies on esophageal adenosquamous carcinoma (ADSC). Our study intended to investigate the clinical and survival features of ADSC. We included esophageal cancer (EC) data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program database to explore clinical and survival traits. Propensity score matching (PSM), the multivariate Cox regression model, and survival curves were used in this study. A total of 137 patients with ADSC were included in our analysis. The proportion of ADSC within the EC cohort declined from 2004 to 2018. Besides, results indicated no significant difference in survival between ADSC and SCC groups (PSM-adjusted HR = 1.249, P = 0.127). However, the survival rate of the ADSC group was significantly worse than that of the ADC group (PSM-adjusted HR = 1.497, P = 0.007). For the ADSC group, combined treatment with surgery had a higher survival rate than other treatment methods (all P < 0.001). Surgical resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy were independent protective prognostic factors (all P < 0.05). The proportion of ADSC has been declining from 2004 to 2018. The prognosis of ADSC is not significantly different from that of SCC but is worse than that of ADC. Surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy could improve the prognosis of patients. Comprehensive treatment with surgery as the main treatment is more beneficial for some patients.
The Progress and Pitfalls of Pharmacogenetics-Based Precision Medicine in Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Teng Yuxin , Sandhu Amrit , Liemburg Edith J. , Naderi Elnaz , Alizadeh Behrooz Z.
Published: March 2023

The inadequate efficacy and adverse effects of antipsychotics severely affect the recovery of patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD). We report the evidence for associations between pharmacogenetic (PGx) variants and antipsychotics outcomes, including antipsychotic response, antipsychotic-induced weight/BMI gain, metabolic syndrome, antipsychotic-related prolactin levels, antipsychotic-induced tardive dyskinesia (TD), clozapine-induced agranulocytosis (CLA), and drug concentration level (pharmacokinetics) in SSD patients. Through an in-depth systematic search in 2010–2022, we identified 501 records. We included 29 meta-analyses constituting pooled data from 298 original studies over 69 PGx variants across 39 genes, 4 metabolizing phenotypes of CYP2D9, and 3 of CYP2C19. We observed weak unadjusted nominal significant (p < 0.05) additive effects of PGx variants of DRD1, DRD2, DRD3, HTR1A, HTR2A, HTR3A, and COMT (10 variants) on antipsychotic response; DRD2, HTR2C, BDNF, ADRA2A, ADRB3, GNB3, INSIG2, LEP, MC4R, and SNAP25 (14 variants) on weight gain; HTR2C (one variant) on metabolic syndrome; DRD2 (one variant) on prolactin levels; COMT and BDNF (two variants) on TD; HLA-DRB1 (one variant) on CLA; CYP2D6 (four phenotypes) and CYP2C19 (two phenotypes) on antipsychotics plasma levels. In the future, well-designed longitudinal naturalistic multi-center PGx studies are needed to validate the effectiveness of PGx variants in antipsychotic outcomes before establishing any reproducible PGx passport in clinical practice.
Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio as Predictive Factors for Mortality and Length of Hospital Stay after Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Tzikos Georgios , Alexiou Ioannis , Tsagkaropoulos Sokratis , Menni Alexandra-Eleftheria , Chatziantoniou Georgios , Doutsini Soultana , Papavramidis Theodosios , Grosomanidis Vasilios , Stavrou George , Kotzampassi Katerina
Published: March 2023

Background: Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) are widely accepted indices positively correlated with disease severity, progression, and mortality. In this study, we tested whether NLR and PLR could predict mortality and length of hospital stay (LOS) after cardiac surgery. Methods: NLR and PLR were calculated on days 0, 3, 5, and 7 postoperatively. A ROC curve was generated to assess their prognostic value; multivariate logistic analysis identified independent risk factors for 90-day mortality. Results: Analysis was performed on 179 patients’ data, 11 of whom (6.15%) died within 90 days. The discriminatory performance for predicting 90-day mortality was better for NLR7 (AUC = 0.925, 95% CI:0.865–0.984) with the optimal cut-off point being 7.10. NLR5 and PLR3 also exhibited a significant strong discriminative performance. Similarly, a significant discriminative performance was prominent for PLR3, NLR5, and NLR7 with respect to LOS. Moreover, NLR7 (OR: 2.143, 95% CI: 1.076–4.267, p = 0.030) and ICU LOS (OR:1.361, 95% CI: 1.045–1.774, p = 0.022) were significant independent risk factors for 90-day mortality. Conclusions: NLR and PLR are efficient predictive factors for 90-day mortality and LOS in cardiac surgery patients. Owing to the simplicity of determining NLR and PLR, their postoperative monitoring may offer a reliable predictor of patients’ outcomes in terms of LOS and mortality.
N-Terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide Levels Are Associated with Post-Stroke In-Hospital Complications
Authors: Ruiz-Franco María Luisa , Guevara-Sánchez Eva , Amaya-Pascasio Laura , Quesada-López Miguel , Arjona-Padillo Antonio , García-Torrecillas Juan Manuel , Martínez-Sánchez Patricia
Published: March 2023

Previous studies have shown the relationship between N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) with stroke mortality and functional outcome after an acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Knowledge of its association with systemic and neurological in-hospital complications is scarce. Our objective is to analyze this. We performed an observational, retrospective study that included consecutive AIS patients during a 1-year period (2020). A multivariate analysis was performed to identify if NT-proBNP levels were independently associated with in-hospital complications. 308 patients were included, of whom 96 (31.1%) developed systemic and 62 (20.12%) neurological in-hospital complications. Patients with any complication (39.3%) showed higher NT-proBNP levels than those without (median (IQR): 864 (2556) vs. 142 (623) pg/dL, p < 0.001). The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) pointed to 326 pg/dL of NT-proBNP as the optimal cutoff level for developing in-hospital systemic complications (63.6% sensitivity and 64.7% specificity for any complication; 66.7% and 62.7% for systemic; and 62.9% and 57.7% for neurological complications). Multivariate analyses showed that NT-proBNP > 326 pg/dL was associated with systemic complications (OR 2.336, 95% CI: 1.259–4.335), adjusted for confounders. This did not reach statistical significance for neurological complications. NT-proBNP could be a predictor of in-hospital systemic complications in AIS patients. Further studies are needed.
Stability and Bifurcations in Banks and Small Enterprises—A Three-Dimensional Continuous-Time Dynamical System
Authors: Desogus Marco , Venturi Beatrice
Published: March 2023

Here, we discuss a three-dimensional continuous-time Lotka–Volterra dynamical system, which describes the role of government in interactions with banks and small enterprises. In Italy, during the COVID-19 emergency, the main objective of government economic intervention was to maintain the proper operation of the bank–enterprise system. We also review the effectiveness of measures introduced in response to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns to avoid a further credit crunch. By applying bifurcation theory to the system, we were able to produce evidence of the existence of Hopf and zero-Hopf bifurcating periodic solutions from a saddle focus in a special region of the parameter space, and we performed a numerical analysis.
Dynamic Relationship between Volatility Risk Premia of Stock and Oil Returns
Authors: Nakamura Nobuhiro , Ohashi Kazuhiko , Yokouchi Daisuke
Published: March 2023

This study investigates the relationship between the volatility risk premia (VRP) of stock and oil returns. Using daily data on VRP from 10 May 2007 to 16 May 2017, VAR analyses on the stock and oil VRP are conducted, and it is found that the effects of the stock VRP on the oil VRP are limited and, if any, short-lived. In contrast, the VRP of oil has significantly positive and long-lasting effects on the stock VRP after the financial crisis. These results suggest that investors’ sentiments (measured by VRP) are transmitted from the oil to the stock market over time, but not vice versa. This is unexpected because the financialization of commodities means a massive increase in investment in commodities by investors in the traditional stock and bond markets; hence, the direction of effects is thought to be from the stock to the commodity market.
After-Sales Attributes in E-Commerce: A Systematic Literature Review and Future Research Agenda
Authors: Ferraz Rodolfo Magalhães , da Veiga Claudimar Pereira , da Veiga Cassia Rita Pereira , Furquim Thales Stevan Guedes , da Silva Wesley Vieira
Published: March 2023

In recent years, e-commerce has assumed a more strategic and relevant role with regard to the good performance of the global retail industry. The facilities and conveniences provided by e-tail contribute to meeting the demands of a more connected consumer. However, it is necessary to consider the complex nature of the online market, which requires e-retailers to challenge themselves in order to create stronger connections with their customers to achieve greater customer satisfaction. In this context, the services offered in the after-sales phase, one of the most relevant stages of the consumer journey, can help reduce the negative impacts involved in the decision and experience of an online purchase. The post-sale in e-commerce is a research domain that has become increasingly prominent in recent years, and this maturation in the academic environment requires a deeper understanding of this scientific production. Therefore, to synthesize the main insights and suggest an agenda for future studies of this theme, a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) was conducted for this study using a hybrid approach, combining a structured review with a bibliometric review. One of the main contributions of the research is the seminal presentation of after-sales attributes in e-commerce, in a global and broad view, focusing on the retailer and consumer relationship, referred to herein as After-sales Customer Services (AFSCS). Unlike the other few existing reviews regarding the theme, this work is innovative because it investigates the e-commerce post-purchase, the attributes of this stage, and the relationship between retailer and consumer at this stage of the journey in a more direct, exclusive, and complete way.
Planning for Just Cities with Nature-Based Solutions: Sustainability and Socio-Environmental Inequalities in San José de Chamanga, Ecuador
Authors: Nickayin Samaneh Sadat , Jahelka Aubrey , Ye Shuwen , Perrone Francesca , Salvati Luca
Published: March 2023

Self-constructed cities refer to impoverished neighborhoods that suffer from inadequate housing. Such cities are the result of individual or communal initiatives that must self-construct their neighborhoods. Most of the self-constructed cities are located near endangered bioregions on the Earth, and their continued growth will inevitably aggravate the human impact on our planet. Dwellers in these areas tackle threats such as poverty, environmental degradation, and disaster vulnerability. The lack of knowledge in planning self-constructed cities causes conditions of injustice. However, appropriate management of the existing natural capital of the surrounding areas of such cities can address the mentioned challenges and the conditions for justice. This paper aims to evaluate the role of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) in planning procedures, to create conditions of fairness and equity in self-constructed cities. The paper focused on the linkage between the application of NBS and four principles of justice: distributive justice, restorative justice, spatial justice, and interactional justice. Considering data from a review of the literature, scrutiny of past planning and policy measures and a field study with interviews with stakeholders, the empirical result of our study delineates important strategic implications of Nature-Based Solutions for sustainable planning in the case study of San José de Chamanga, Ecuador. It was demonstrated how small-scale, natural-based interventions, instead of broader actions based on a pure engineering perspective, are economically and ecologically profitable, with a positive impact on local communities’ well-being and social cohesion.
Pattern and Trend of Ecosystem Service Value in the Loess Plateau of Northern Shaanxi
Authors: Zhao Yonghua , Zhang Lei , Jia Xia , Mu Qi , Han Lei , Liu Zhao , Zhang Peng , Zhao Ming
Published: March 2023

The ecosystem service value (ESV) is a critical metric for assessing the construction and protection of the environment. The research into the ESV pattern and the future development trend in the Loess Plateau of Northern Shaanxi is important for the conservation of water and soil and the enhancement of the natural environment in the region. In this study, the variations and distribution patterns of the ESV in the study area from 2000 to 2020 were analyzed, the influence of various natural and social factors on the ESV was quantified, the weight of each factor was analyzed and evaluated using the entropy weighting method, and, finally, a prediction was made regarding how the ESV will develop going forward in this area. The results show that (1) the ESV showed a decreasing trend from 2000 to 2020, with the highest value for soil conservation and the lowest value for food production. Among the 25 districts and counties, Suide County had the lowest ESV per unit area, whereas Huanglong County had the highest. (2) The global positive correlation was clearly visible in the ESV. According to local spatial autocorrelation analysis, the area had a “high-high” agglomeration area in the south and a “low-low” agglomeration area in the middle and north. (3) Among the various influencing factors, population density had the highest weight and the distance from roads had the lowest weight. The impact status of the area generally showed a lighter impact in the southern region and a heavier impact in the northern region. (4) In 2030, the total ESV is predicted to be CNY 4343.6 million in the study area, CNY 39 million lower than that in 2020.
Development of a Decision-Making Model to Support the Strategic Environmental Assessment for the Revision of the Municipal Plan of Turin (Italy)
Authors: Sugoni Giorgia , Assumma Vanessa , Bottero Marta Carla , Mondini Giulio
Published: March 2023

This article presents a decision-making model for assessing the sustainability of urban plans and programmes to envision long-term transformation scenarios through the development of consistency matrices. The tool was tested in a real case study, which is the Strategic Environmental Assessment for the Revision of the General Municipal Plan of the City of Turin (Italy). The changes that have taken place in recent years have highlighted the need for more flexible, dynamic, and streamlined tools that can help the revision of plans and programmes, which are capable also of considering the citizen’s needs. The decision-making model provided in this paper was structured into five phases: normative framing of the environmental assessment procedures; spatial analysis by structures; consistency analysis of conformity between the objectives of the technical proposal of the preliminary draft and the superordinate and coordinated planning; monitoring of the technical proposal through the employment of key indicators; and the definition of guidelines for the General Regulatory Plan of the City of Turin. The tool presented in this work can support planners, municipal technicians, and general public administrations, both in the planning and assessment processes to design and implement sustainable policy recommendations capable of tackling the increasing complexity of urban transformations.
Calculating the Environmental Impacts of Low-Impact Development Using Long-Term Hydrologic Impact Assessment: A Review of Model Applications
Authors: Cai Zhenhang , Zhu Rui , Ruggiero Emma , Newman Galen , Horney Jennifer A.
Published: March 2023

Low-impact development (LID) is a planning and design strategy that addresses water quality and quantity while providing co-benefits in the urban and suburban landscape. The Long-Term Hydrologic Impact Assessment (L-THIA) model estimates runoff and pollutant loadings using simple inputs of land use, soil type, and climatic data for the watershed-scale analysis of average annual runoff based on curve number analysis. Using Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, we screened 303 articles that included the search term “L-THIA”, identifying 47 where L-THIA was used as the primary research method. After review, articles were categorized on the basis of the primary purpose of the use of L-THIA, including site screening, future scenarios and long-term impacts, site planning and design, economic impacts, model verification and calibration, and broader applications including policy development or flood mitigation. A growing body of research documents the use of L-THIA models across landscapes in applications such as the simulations of pollutant loadings for land use change scenarios and the evaluation of designs and cost-effectiveness. While the existing literature demonstrates that L-THIA models are a useful tool, future directions should include more innovative applications such as intentional community engagement and a focus on equity, climate change impacts, and the return on investment and performance of LID practices to address gaps in knowledge.
Fractal Features of Soil Particles as an Index of Land Degradation under Different Land-Use Patterns and Slope-Aspects
Authors: He Feng , Mohamadzadeh Neda , Sadeghnejad Mostafa , Ingram Ben , Ostovari Yaser
Published: March 2023

This study examines the effects of land use and slope aspect on soil erodibility (K-factor) and the fractal dimension (D) of soil particle size distribution (PSD) in calcareous soils at the watershed scale in western Iran. The study analyzed 113 soil samples collected from four land uses (slope-farmland, farmland, pasture, and woodland) at a depth of 0–20 cm, measuring common soil properties such as soil texture, soil organic matter (SOM), calcium carbonate (CaCO3), pH, and cation exchange capacity (CEC). The PSD of soil samples was measured using the international system of soil size fractions, and the D for PSD was calculated. The K-factor was calculated using the RUSLE model. The results showed that the K-factor was highest in slope farmlands with SOM at 1.6% and lowest in woodlands at 0.02 Mg h MJ−1 mm−1 with SOM at 3.5%. The study also found that there were significant correlations between D and clay content (r = 0.52), sand content (r = −0.29), and CEC (r = 0.36). Woodland soils had the highest SOM content, with a mean D value of 2.895, significantly higher than the mean D value of slope farmland soils, which had the lowest SOM at 1.6%. The study concludes that woodland soils retain finer particles, particularly clay, resulting in lower soil loss and land degradation compared to other land uses. Finally, the study suggests that shady slope aspects (south aspect) contain more organic matter due to less solar radiation and higher soil water content, resulting in lower soil erodibility (0.02 Mg h MJ−1 mm−1) and higher D values compared to other slope aspects.