bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Burden of cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy on affected children and their families through the eyes of family caregivers
Authors: Sevin Caroline , Thomas Gaëlle , Vivar Elise Saunier , Yazbeck Elise , Rochereuil Hélène , Bignami Fabrizia , Clément Aurore , Podevin Marieke
Published: January 2023

Aim: This research assessed the needs of family caregivers of children with cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy (cALD), focusing on the diagnostic process; the burden of the disease on the child and their caregiver’s quality of life; and the physical, social, psychological, professional, and financial impacts on the whole family. Methods: Family caregivers of children with cALD were recruited via the European Leukodystrophies Association International’s online platform, Leuconnect, to respond to a quantitative survey and a quality-of-life questionnaire and participate in a qualitative semi-structured interview. The questions focused on disease experience from onset to diagnosis and consequences on current life. Twelve family caregivers of 14 children were interviewed. Results: cALD diagnosis took an average of 16.5 months, and 8 of 12 children were misdiagnosed, with parents often describing a lack of listening from doctors. Caregivers described bedridden children whose poor quality of life correlated with a high Neurologic Function Score. On average, they needed to care for their children 7.7 h/day, with serious consequences for their employment, social life, and psychological state. Conclusion: Our interviews with family caregivers helped us to consider limiting diagnostic wandering by improving the skills of general practitioners and public knowledge of pathology. By gathering information on precise daily routines centered around a dependent child, we can better understand how to effectively support families by adapting not only the global care of the child but also to the following needs expressed for the entire family: better information, coordination of both care and administrative procedures, and real respite.
Cell Biology Board Game: Cell Survival Drive
Authors:   University of Dundee, Williams Thomas
Published: January 2023

When dangers strike a cell, they are detected by sensors. Sensors tell messengers about the danger. Messengers tell the organiser. The organiser plans the cell defence, using responders and recyclers. Researchers in the MRC-PPU are figuring out how these different parts interact with each other.
Using Readable English Leads to Reading Gains For Rural Elementary Students: An Experimental Study
Authors: Coggins Joanne
Published: January 2023

Reading proficiency is requisite in our read-to-learn educational system, yet two-thirds of American students are not proficient readers. Assuring educational equity means supporting all learners with multiple component reading interventions that individually scaffold students while remediating weak literacy skills and providing intensive and sustainable intervention early. This study (N = 855) measured the efficacy of two different multiple component reading programs for students in grades three, four, and five. Grade levels of students were assigned to either the treatment intervention or the typical practice condition; and all students were pre-and post-tested using EasyCBM Reading Benchmarks. Students scoring at/below the 30th percentile on either benchmark were also assessed with the WRMT-3 Passage Reading Comprehension and Oral Reading Fluency measures. Students in the treatment condition received Readable English and students in typical practice condition continued to receive Amplify CKLA during their regular ELA times for 45—60 hours. Students receiving Readable English significantly outperformed students in the typical practice condition on measures of oral reading fluency, reading rate, accuracy, and passage comprehension. Raw scores, growth scale values, and grade equivalents are reported, and implications for practice are discussed. In a school year fraught with pandemic instructional interruptions and learning loss, elementary students in the intervention condition averaged a year’s worth of growth in reading fluency and nine months of growth in reading comprehension compared to three- and five-months fluency and comprehension growth in the typical practice condition. Students in the Readable English condition experienced meaningful gains in reading rate and accuracy that will give exponential word reading volume dividends to students able to read text faster and more accurately going forward. This study adds to accumulating evidence that multiple component reading programs designed to reinforce fluency skills also support reading comprehension gains for all students.
Overheat Analysis on the Scania P380 Engine UsingFishbone Analysis Method
Authors: Asrifan Andi , Ramli Ismail , Hajar Siti
Published: January 2023

Engine Overheating is a condition where the engine temperature has increased above the working temperature. This analysis aims to analyze the damage, determine the factors causing the damage, identify corrective steps and prevent engine overheating. The inspection procedure is carried out by checking the cooling system's components, cylinder head, and cylinder block. Further analysis using a fishbone diagram to analyze the causes of engine overheating troubleshooting. Damage analysis results Engine overheating occurs because the thermostat is damaged, namely, the thermostat valve which cannot open when the temperature reaches the standard temperature (71oC), and also due to damage to the cylinder gasket which causes bubbles due to compression leaks and mixing of radiator coolant and oil. Repair steps are taken in the form of replacing damaged components with new ones. Preventive measures are taken by not using the unit on an over-running basis, checking coolant levels, carrying out daily checks properly and correctly, and carrying out preventive maintenance regularly.
Implementation of the International Lung Screening Trial in Catalonia (Spain): An Economic Analysis
Authors: Rosell Antoni , Baeza Sonia , Mouriño Rocío , Saigí Maria , Munné Marta , Lopez de Castro Pedro , Bechini Jordi , Estrada Oriol , Ara Jordi , López Seguí Francesc
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND: The National Lung Screening Trial (ILST) and the NELSON study showed that lung cancer-specific mortality can be reduced by 20-24% using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening in high-risk populations, due to an increase in early-stage diagnoses. RESEARCH QUESTION: How much lung cancer-related direct costs may be reduced using a LDCT screening programme based on the ILST protocol in a public healthcare system?STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Cost analysis of lung cancer screening (LCS) vs. usual care in the framework of the retail price of the Catalan public healthcare system. The LCS group included costs of screening (ILST protocol), treatment cost according to weighted average distribution of TNM staging in the NLST and NELSON trials, lung cancer detection rate (CDR) and smoking cessation intervention. The usual care group included treatment costs based on distribution of TNM staging registered in the Spanish index hospital. RESULTS: In the usual care group, treatment costs were €91,959. In the 5-year duration of the LCS programme, the average expected costs per subject were €1,342 (range €1,054-1,832 depending on malignancy in detected nodules) for screening and €32,431 for treatment, with an expected reduction of €952 based on an average CDR of 1.6%. The decrease in cost resulting from stage shift offsets 70.6% of the costs of the screening programme. INTERPRETATION: Baseline 5-year LCS costs are low according to the ILST protocol. In the Catalan public healthcare system, the expense reduction from the stage shift due to the LCS programme compensates a substantial part of its costs.
Machine Learning Models for Approximating Downward Short-wave Radiation Flux over the Ocean from All-sky Optical Imagery based on DASIO Dataset
Authors: Krinitskiy Mikhail A. , Koshkina Vasilisa S. , Borisov Mikhail A. , Anikin Nikita N. , Gulev Sergey K. , Artemeva Maria
Published: January 2023

Downward short-wave (SW) solar radiation is the only essential energy source powering the atmospheric dynamics, ocean dynamics, biochemical processes, etc. on our planet. Clouds are the main factor limiting the SW flux over the land and the Ocean. For the accurate meteorological measurements of the SW flux one needs expensive equipment - pyranometers. For some cases where one does not need golden-standard quality of measurements, we propose estimating incoming SW radiation flux using all-sky optical RGB imagery which is assumed to incapsulate the whole information about the SW flux. We used DASIO all-sky imagery dataset with corresponding SW downward radiation flux measurements registered by an accurate pyranometer. The dataset has been collected in various regions of the World Ocean during several marine campaigns from 2014 to 2022, and it will be updated. We demonstrate the capabilities of several machine learning models in this problem, which are multilinear regression, Random Forests, Gradient Boosting and convolutional neural networks (CNN). We also applied the inverse target frequency (ITF) re-weighting of the training subset and the approach of pre-classification in order to raise the SW flux approximation quality. We found that the CNN is capable of approximating downward SW solar radiation with higher accuracy compared to existing empiric parameterizations. We also found that the ITF reweighting of the training subset increases the approximation quality substantially. The estimates of the SW radiation flux using all-sky imagery may be of particular use in case of the need for the fast radiative budgets assessment of a site.
Design and Fabrication of Lithium-ion Batteries with Different Anodes
Authors: Muntaser Akram
Published: January 2023

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are becoming more common in portable electronic devices due to their high energy density, lack of memory effect, and high charge and discharge rate capabilities. Li-ion batteries are a relatively new technology, first marketed in the early 1990s, and research and development work are ongoing to improve safety and increase capacity, charge/discharge rate, and lifetime [1]. In this paper, we review the types and characteristics of Li-ion batteries and summarize charging methods and safety considerations. Following, we design and fabricate Li-ion battery and highlight the steps of fabrication that ensure fast charge/discharge rates that give the battery more reliability and high energy density
Benchmarking Gradient Based Optimizers’ Sensitivity to Learning Rate
Authors: Guha Rehan
Published: January 2023

Initial choice of Learning Rate is a key part of gradient based methods and has a great effect on the performance of the Deep Learning Model.This paper studies the behavior of multiple gradient based optimization algorithm which are commonly used in Deep Learning and compare their performance on various learning rate. As observed popular choice of optimization algorithms are highly sensitive to various choice of learning rates. Our goal is to find which optimizer has an edge over others for a specific setting. We look at two datasets namely MNIST and CIFAR10 for benchmarking. The results are quite surprising, and it will help us to choose a learning rate more efficiently.
Doximity Orthopaedic Surgery Program Rankings Are Associated with Academic Productivity
Authors: Meade Patrick J. , Amin Sheena J. , Stamm Michaela A. , Mulcahey Mary K.
Published: January 2023

Background:

Doximity residency rankings are used to compare training programs. Reputation is a component of Doximity rankings and is based on physician surveys. Outcomes-based measures allow for objective program comparison and may be more appropriate when assessing programs. This study evaluated how Doximity rankings of orthopaedic surgery residency programs compare with an outcomes-based ranking of programs based on academic productivity. This study also evaluated whether program size and type were associated with academic productivity.

Methods:

Orthopaedic program rankings, size, type, and research productivity were recorded from Doximity. An academic productivity score was calculated by averaging the mean percentage of alumni clinical trials and alumni publications. Analysis of variance and post hoc analyses were performed to determine whether academic productivity was associated with program reputation, size, and type.

Results:

One hundred seventy-five orthopaedic residency programs were included. Program rankings, size, and type had a statistically significant association with academic productivity (p < 0.0001). The 44 orthopaedic programs in the top quartile had an academic productivity score of 79.1 ± 13 in comparison with programs in the bottom quartile, who had a score of 38.3 ± 12.1 (p < 0.0001). Of the programs in the top quartile of reputation rankings, 32 (73%) were also in the top quartile for academic productivity. Programs with more residents demonstrated greater academic productivity than smaller programs. Twenty-three programs (13%) had more than 30 residents and a mean academic productivity of 76.2 ± 14.8. In comparison, 13 programs (7.5%) had 10 or fewer residents with an academic productivity score of 40.6 ± 16.3 (p < 0.0001). An academic productivity score differed significantly based on program type: university (63.9 ± 14.8), military (54.7 ± 16.9), university/community (46.3 ± 15.6), and community (38.7 ± 15) (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions:

Academic productivity among orthopaedic residency programs is associated with Doximity ranking, program size, and type. This information can be used by medical students, residents, and physicians to understand the Doximity rankings and how they correlate with this objective measure.

Level of Evidence:

III.
Tendon Transfers to Restore Shoulder Function for Obstetrical Brachial Plexus Palsy
Authors: Thamer Semran , Kijak Nicoletta , Toraih Eman , Thabet Ahmed M. , Abdelgawad Amr
Published: January 2023

Background:

Obstetrical brachial plexus palsy (OBPP) is a relatively common stretch injury of the brachial plexus sustained during delivery. Tendon transfers are commonly performed to improve shoulder function among patients with OBPP. Although several techniques for the surgical management of OBPP exist, it is unclear whether tendon transfers to the rotator cuff vs. posterior humerus yield different outcomes.

Methods:

A systematic search in PubMed, Web of Science, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar up to January 1, 2021, was performed. Relevant publications were classified by surgical technique of tendon transfers to the rotator cuff or posterior humerus. The standard mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated to compare preoperative and postoperative aggregate Mallet scores as well as abduction and external rotation scores using the Mallet scale. A p value of <0.01 was considered significant.

Results:

Data from 26 studies and 951 patients (46.2% male patients) with a mean age of 68.9 ± 29.3 months were included. Eight hundred three patients underwent tendon transfer to the rotator cuff and 148 to the posterior humerus. The average postoperative follow-up period was 45.2 ± 21.7 months. The pooled cohort had an overall improvement in postoperative aggregate Mallet scores (SMD = 5.53, p < 0.001), abduction scores (SMD = 1.79, p < 0.001), and external rotation scores (SMD = 1.99, p < 0.001). Tendon transfer to the rotator cuff had a greater postoperative improvement in abduction (SMD = 1.90, p < 0.001) than transfer to the posterior humerus (SMD = 1.32, p < 0.001) while both techniques yielded similar improvements in external rotation (rotator cuff SMD = 2.01, p < 0.001, posterior humerus SMD = 1.98, p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

This is the first systematic review comparing outcomes for tendon transfers to the rotator cuff vs. the posterior humerus for improving shoulder function in patients with OBPP. Overall, tendon transfers are an effective treatment for improving shoulder function. Transfer of the latissimus dorsi and teres major to the rotator cuff compared with transfer to the posterior humerus results in greater improvement in abduction while both techniques have similar results in improving external rotation.

Level of Evidence:

Level I Systematic review of Level I and Level II studies
Wise in Using Social Media: Education for Pahandut Residents of Palangkaraya
Authors: Achmadi Achmadi , Sanawiah Sanawiah , Arni M.
Published: January 2023

There have been complaints and reports to the police related to the increase of alleged violations in the use of social media such as defamation, hate speech, hoax, data theft, illegal data distributions, and racial issues. The method used in this research is an observation done by conducting a survey through which a team visits and meets the residents of Pahandut Village to find out their lack of understanding of the ITE (Electronic Information and Transactions) Law. The researchers found out that the residents have various interpretations of the ITE Law. Therefore, the researchers need to focus on the important issue and conduct socialization for them by educating families to cope with the problem. In the first phase, education can be done by avoiding provocative themes, checking sources of information and their authenticity, and thinking before sharing. The act of community empowerment in Pahandut Village and its Muhammadiyah residents as da'wah agents are the targets of community service activities. The result of this community service activity is the successful socialization and education concerning the ITE Law to the residents of Pahandut Village. The success of residents’ satisfaction level is measured by the high percentage of the residents who choose very important indicators in community service. The socialization of the ITE Law and education to the community is carried out through community service videos containing stories about families who use their social media wisely.
Service Quality in the Performance of Kejapanan Village Employees District
Authors: Herlina Novita Dwi , Mursyidah Lailul
Published: January 2023

The purpose of this study was to describe and analyze the performance of employees in the administrative services of Kejapanan Village, Gempol District, Pasuruan Regency and to analyze and describe the inhibiting factors and supporting factors of employee performance in Kejapanan village administration services. The research method used is descriptive research with a qualitative approach. The data collection techniques used were interviews, observation and documentation with one key informant including the Kejapanan Village Secretary and four informants including the Head of Service Section, Head of Planning Affairs, one head of Kejapanan Village RT, and one community leader. The data analysis technique in this research is data collection, data reduction, data presentation and conclusion drawing. The results of this study seen from the service quality indicators of the speed of service are quite good and in terms of politeness and friendliness of employees in providing services is quite good. It can be explained that some of these informants can be seen from several service quality indicators that are only partially fulfilled, that the quality of services in Kejapanan Village, Gempol District is quite good and quite maximal.
Understanding Imbibition Mechanisms of Catanionic Surfactant–Stabilized Nanoemulsion for Enhanced Oil Recovery in Tight Sandstone Reservoirs: Experimental and Numerical Assessment
Authors: Wei Bing , Wang Lele , Mao Runxue , Yu Guanqun , Wang Dianlin , Lu Jun , Tang Jinyu
Published: January 2023

Surfactant-induced imbibition is considered a promising method for increasing oil recovery from tight oil reservoirs beyond primary production. Nanoemulsion (nE) offers a great potential for this application owing to its unique physicochemical properties, such as kinetic stability, large surface area, and low oil-aqueous interfacial tension (IFT). Herein, we designed and prepared a series of surfactant-stabilized oil-in-water (O/W) nE using efficient catanionic surfactants by a low-energy method. The physicochemical properties of the nE samples were comprehensively characterized to better perform experimental and numerical simulations and constrain the modeling. We conducted imbibition tests on Chang 7 tight cores using nE and brine and also assessed the imbibition dynamics.

Results indicated that nE was successfully synthesized at a surfactant concentration ranging from 0.4 to 1.0 wt%. The oil droplets in nE had a mean size of 10 nm. All the nE samples were able to lower the oil-aqueous IFT to an ultralow level of 10–3 mN/m. In addition, nE demonstrated superior capacities in wettability alteration, and oil solubilization and emulsification, which were all integrated into numerical modeling. The imbibition oil recovery was increased by 18.8% of the initial oil in place when nE1 (0.4 wt%) was used compared to that of brine. Because of the interactions among oil, nE, and rock surface, nE required a longer time to reach imbibition equilibrium than brine. The simulation results, for the first time, suggested that the dominant imbibition mechanisms of nE varied with time, during which IFT reduction and wettability alteration played the leading roles in the first 50 hours. The reactions of oil solubilization and emulsification became significant after 50 hours and then contributed equally to the oil recovery with IFT reduction and wettability alteration. The diffusion of nanosized oil droplets increased the equilibrium time of imbibition, thereby promoting the ultimate oil recovery.
Real-Time Underreamer Vibration Predicting, Monitoring, and Decision-Making Using Hybrid Modeling and a Process Digital Twin
Authors: Shi Jibin , Dourthe Laetitia , Li Denis , Deng Li , Louback Leonardo , Song Fei , Abolins Nick , Verano Fernando , Zhang Pusheng , Groover Joshua , Gomez Falla Diego , Li Ke
Published: January 2023

In hole enlargement while drilling (HEWD) operations, underreamers are used extensively to enlarge the pilot hole. Reamer wipeout failure can cause additional bottomhole assembly (BHA) trips, which can cost operators millions of dollars. Excessive reamer shock and vibration are leading causes of reamer wipeout; therefore, careful monitoring of reamer vibration is important in mitigating such a risk. Currently, downhole vibration sensors and drilling dynamics simulations (DDSs) are used to comprehend and reduce downhole vibration, but vibration sensors cannot be placed exactly at the reamer to monitor the vibrations in real time. DDSs are difficult to calibrate and are computationally expensive for use in real time; therefore, the real-time reamer vibration status is typically unknown during drilling operations. A process digital twin using a hybrid modeling approach is proposed and tested to address the vibration issue. Large amounts of field data are used in advanced DDSs to calibrate the HEWD runs. For each HEWD section, calibrated DDSs are performed to comprehend the downhole vibration at the reamer and downhole vibration sensors. A surrogate regression model between reamer vibration and sensor vibration is built using machine learning. This surrogate model is implemented in a drilling monitoring software platform as a process digital twin. During drilling, the surrogate model uses downhole measurement while drilling (MWD) data as inputs to predict reamer vibration. Wipeout risk levels are calculated and sent to the operators for real-time decision-making to reduce the possibility of reamer wipeout. Large volumes of reamer field data, including field recorded vibration and reamer dull conditions were used to validate the digital twin workflow. Then, the process digital twin was implemented and tested in two reamer runs in the Gulf of Mexico. A downhole high-frequency sensor was placed 8 ft above the reamer cutting structure in one field run, and the recorded sensor vibration data and corresponding reamer dull conditions showed a very good match with the real-time digital twin predictions in a low-vibration scenario. Cases in high vibration are needed to fully validate the feasibility and accuracy of the digital twin. State-of-the-art downhole sensors, DDS packages, large amounts of field data, and a hybrid approach are the solutions to building, calibrating, and field testing the reamer digital twin to ensure its effectiveness and accuracy. Such a hybrid modeling approach can not only be applied to reamers but also to other critical BHA components.
Wellbore Temperature Field During Cementing Pumping
Authors: Zheng Rui , Huang Zhao , Chen Zhi-Tao , Cheng Si-Da , Li Yong , Jin Hai-Sheng
Published: January 2023

To plan cementing operations in oil wells, predicting accurate circulating temperature is required. Failure to predict the circulating temperature can result in the wrong thickening time. To the best of our knowledge, correlation of the tables in API Recommended Practice 10B are usually chosen to predict bottomhole circulating temperature (BHCT), but both are not suitable in every block with a different geological condition. To design thickening time of the cement slurry, it is necessary to give a credible temperature profile of the wellbore during cementing pumping. Accordingly, a heat transfer numerical model has been developed to simulate conditions encountered down hole. To be accurate, the thermal conductivities and the specific heat of the mud, the spacer, and the cement slurry have been tested. The circulating temperature encountered by the cement slurry rises with the drop of the rate, the increase of the lateral section, the decrease of the slurry density, the decrease of the slurry thermal conductivity, and the decrease of the slurry-specific heat. The simulated data agree with the data obtained from the field case. The heat-up process of the cement slurry in simulation is different from that in the API thickening-time test. To analyze the impact of heat-up process on thickening time, two tests were designed. The results show that the heat-up process has a significant impact on the thickening time. Therefore, the method given by API has some limitations. The wellbore temperature field during cementing pumping was analyzed, and the real-time temperature of fluid was tracked, which supports the cementing design optimization and job safety, also improving bonding quality.
Laboratory Testing of Nanosilica-Reinforced Silicate and Polyacrylamide Gels
Authors: Zahirovic Irina , Danilovic Dušan , Šuput Vranjin Milica , Tripkovic Miloš
Published: January 2023

One of the most common methods used to reduce excessive water production is water shutoff operations. These types of operations include injection of gel for flow profile modification. The most widely used gels are polyacrylamide- and silicate-based gels. As a way to improve and optimize gel characteristics, nanosilica can be added to the gelant solution. In this paper, laboratory testing of nanosilica-reinforced silicate and polyacrylamide gels is presented. Bulk gelation and capillary tubing tests were used for determination of gelation time, and core flooding tests on low permeability carbonate core samples were conducted as a way to assess gel-plugging ability. Tests showed that gelation time for both types of gels was faster when nanosilica was added. The strength of the polyacrylamide-based gel was enhanced. Silicate gel samples with nanosilica led to a 17% higher reduction in permeability compared to pure silicate gel, and polyacrylamide gel with the addition of nanosilica has almost 43% higher permeability reduction compared to pure polyacrylamide gel.
Correlation of Ultrasound Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System with Histopathology findings among patients in Uganda
Authors: Isse Hamdi Mohamed , Lukande Robert , Sereke Senai Goitom , Odubu Fualal Jane , Nassanga Rita , Bugeza Samuel
Published: January 2023

Background:Ultrasonography (US) is a noninvasive modality for the initial assessment of thyroid nodules. Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) has demonstrated good performance in differentiating malignant thyroid nodules. However, the correlation of ACR TI-RADS with FNNA cytology is unusual in our setting. The study aims at correlating TI-RADS with cytology among patients referred for US-guided fine-needle none aspiration (FNNA) cytology at Mulago National Referral Hospital (MNRH).Methods: Thiswas a hospital-based cross-sectional study that recruited 132 patients with thyroid nodules. Spearman’s correlation was used to establish a relationship between TI-RADS and FNNA cytology findings. The diagnostic accuracy of TI-RADS was assessed using sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, positive and negative likelihood ratios.Results: Of 132 study participants 90% (n=117) were females and the mean age of 41±13. One hundred sixty-one thyroid nodules were analyzed. More than half of the thyroid nodules (54.7%, n=87) were solid or almost solid, 96.9% (n=154) were shaped wider than tall, with 57.2% (n=91) having smooth margins while 83.7% (n=133) were hyperechoic or isoechoic and 88.7% (n=141) had none or large comet-tail artifact. TR3 was the commonest at 42.9% (n=69). The proportion of malignancy for TR4 and TR5 were 73.3% and 85.7% respectively. The correlation between ACR TI-RADS and the Bethesda system of thyroid classification scores was r=0.577. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, positive and negative likelihood ratios of ACR TI-RADS were 90.9%, 98.5%, 90%, 99.3%, 62.3, and 0.1 respectively.Conclusion:We found that ACR TI-RADS classification is an appropriate and non-invasive method for assessing thyroid nodules in routine practice. It can safely reduce the number of unnecessary FNNA in a significant proportion of benign thyroid lesions. Thyroid nodules classified as TR3 should be followed routinely. ACR TI-RADS should be standardized as the screening tool in resource-limited areas.
Physiological Effects of Freeze-Thaw, Cadmium and Ambrosin Combined Stress on Secale cereale L. Seedlings
Authors: Zhang Longtian , Bao Guozhang , Yu Zihang , Guan Tao , Li Jingwen , Su Yidan , Yang Yinan , Xi Jinghui , Zhang Xin , Li Guomei , Zhao Hongwei
Published: January 2023

Rye is a kind of wintering forage grass, distributed in China in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, northeast China and other alpine or arid areas. Additionally, ragweed, an invasive plant originated from the North America, is widely distributed in the northeast region of China, releasing ambrosin-based allelopathic substances to the environment and inflicting a wide impact on crops. In this experiment, the physiological response of Winter 70 rye under the compound stress of freeze-thaw, Cd and ragweed is studied, and the soluble sugar, soluble protein, CAT, MDA, SOD content and photosynthesis changes of rye seedlings under stress were analyzed. The results showed that under the stress of Cd and ambrosin, the content of MDA, soluble protein and soluble sugar, and CAT content increased, and the SOD content decreased under Cd stress, and the SOD content increased under ambrosin stress. Under freeze-thaw stress, MDA content, soluble protein and soluble sugar content, CAT content increased first and then decreased, and SOD content decreased. In the freeze-thaw cycle, low temperatures adversely affect ryegrass seedlings. The reaction of SOD and MDA during cooling process is evident. The net photosynthetic rate of freeze-thawed and ryegrass seedlings is significantly affected by stress, which is manifested by the reduction of net photosynthetic rate forced by a single stress, and the reduction of compound stress is greater than that of a single stress. This study provides a new understanding of the physiological response of rye to Cd and Ambrosin stress under freeze-thawing conditions, and provided clues for the management and evaluation of combined stress.
Endosymbiont-mediated resistance to entomotoxic nanoparticles and sex-specific responses in a seed beetle
Authors: Miksanek James Rudolph , Tuda Midori
Published: January 2023

Bacterial symbionts can promote insecticide resistance in their hosts by isolating and degrading insecticidal compounds or altering the expression of host genes. Although Wolbachia, a common endosymbiont in arthropods, typically does not influence insecticide resistance, there are cases of increased or decreased susceptibility. Due to the restrictions of applying conventional insecticides in a stored product setting, studies on alternative control methods are needed, including those on entomotoxic nanoparticles (NPs) and the potential for resistance. For pests of stored beans, selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) are relatively innocuous to the azuki bean beetle, Callosobruchus chinensis (L.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae). Here, we hypothesized that this response is mediated by Wolbachia, and we tested this using an isofemale line of C. chinensis (infected or uninfected with Wolbachia). Our results showed that the lifespan of Wolbachia-infected females was not affected by SeNPs, but increasing concentrations of SeNPs still had a negative effect on fecundity; in uninfected females, increasing concentrations of SeNPs significantly decreased both lifespan and fecundity. However, in males, SeNPs enhanced lifespan and decreased the incidence of sexual harassment behavior regardless of infection status (for uninfected males, the duration of harassment behavior also decreased). In the presence of males, 72-h female reproduction increased independent of infection status or SeNP treatment, but egg hatchability was reduced by male presence and SeNPs. This study documents a valuable example of symbiont-mediated resistance to entomotoxic nanoparticles.
Solutions and Drift Homogenization for a Class of Viscous Lake Equations in L2 (Ω)
Authors: Tong Maoting , Ton Daorong
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we study solutions and drift homogenization for a class of viscous lake equations using the method of semigroups of bounded operators. Suppose that the initial value (t0,u0) ∈ U, i.e., u0 = u(t0), for some Hölder continuous function u on [0,T] with smooth function value u(t) ∈ DL2 (Ω)1/2 satisfying ∂jui = 0(i ≠ j) and b(x) ∈ C∞ (Ω). Then, the initial value problem for viscous lake equations has a unique smooth local strong solution. Using this result, we study the drift homogenization for the three-dimensional stationary Stokes equation in the usual sense, bDL2(Ω).
Mathematics Subject Classification (2010). Primary 35Q30, 35B27; Secondary 76N10, 76M50, 47D06.
Characteristics of Individuals with Moderate-to-Severe Traumatic Brain Injury and Predictors of Specialized Rehabilitation: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Song Jessica Z. , Gargaro Judith , Dvorani Erind , Bayley Mark T. , Munce Sarah E. P.
Published: January 2023

Purpose: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a disabling neurological condition that can cause substantial cognitive, behavioural, and physical health problems for the individual. Currently, it is a leading cause of death for Canadians. Rehabilitation (particularly specialized rehabilitation) has been shown to promote recovery in those with moderate-to-severe TBI, but not all eligible candidates receive it. We aim to 1) investigate demographic and clinical characteristics of individuals with moderate-to-severe TBI discharged to rehabilitation within 1-year post-injury over a 7-year period, and 2) identify predictors of discharge to specialized rehabilitation for these individuals.
Materials and Methods: Patient characteristics were examined by linking their unique health insurance number through databases. Predictors of specialized rehabilitation were determined using logistic regression models.
Results: Of 25,095 individuals with moderate-to-severe TBI, 4,748 individuals were admitted to rehabilitation within 365 days of injury between years 2010/2011 and 2017/2018. Most individuals who were admitted to rehabilitation were 64 years old or older (60%). Majority were male (65.6%). The most common cause of injury was related to a fall (61.7%). 13.9% of individuals had a mental health condition at the time of TBI hospitalization. 72.1% were discharged directly to rehabilitation following acute discharge. Mean wait time to rehabilitation was 37.3 (±52.5) days. 7.2% were rehospitalized immediately following rehabilitation discharge. Younger age, male sex, and higher rurality were some significant predictors of receiving specialized rehabilitation. Repatriated patients were less likely to receive specialized rehabilitation.
Conclusion: This study identifies key healthcare utilization characteristics of individuals with moderate-to-severe TBI, as well as significant predictors of discharge to specialized rehabilitation for this population. We also highlight potential future research areas relating to these trends. This knowledge will be useful for policy planners and administrators who wish to improve patient access to care, appropriateness of care, and outcomes following moderate-to-severe TBI.
A Chinese Scoring System for Predicting Successful Retrograde Collateral Traverse in Patients with Total Chronic Coronary Occlusion
Authors: Li Qiuyu , Lin Xiao Long , Li Fan Qi , Cheng Zi Chao , Tian Jia Yu , Zhao Dong Hui , Lau Wayne Bond , Liu Jing Hua , Fan Qian
Published: January 2023

Background Retrograde approach technique has been challenging in percutaneous coronary interventional treatment of chronic total occlusion (CTO) coronary disease. The present study endeavors to determine a novel Chinese scoring system for predicting successful collateral channels traverse via retrograde approach.
Methods The demographic characteristics and angiographic characteristics of 309 CTO patient were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analysisfor selecting potential predictors. And the nomogram was used to establish the scoring system. Then it was evaluated by the internal and external validation.
Results The predictors of Age, Connections between collateral channels and recipient vessels, and Channel Tortuosity (ACT) were identified with multivariate analysis and employed to the ACT score system. With acceptable calibrations, the AUC of the scoring system and the external validation were 0.826 and 0.816 respectively. Based on score, the predictors were divided into three risk categories and it showed a consistent prediction power in the validation cohort.
Conclusions The novel Chinese ACT score is a reliable tool for predicting successful retrograde collateral traverse.
Isolation and characterization of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria from rhizosphere of poplar in road verge and their antagonistic potential against various phytopathogens
Authors: Zeng Qingwei , Lushi Tang , Yu Zhang , Yu Shao , Wanting Wu , Jiangchuan Wang , Xiaolei Ding , Xuejiao Han , Bilal Muhammad
Published: January 2023

Background
Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria can solubilize insoluble phosphate compounds and improve phosphate availability in soil. Road verges are important parts of urban landscaping, but the pupulation structure of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria and their ecological functions in the road verge soil is still unclear.
Results
We isolated and identified the phosphate-solubilizing bacteria from the rhizosphere of poplar in urban road verge to figure out the phosphate-solubilizing bacteria community and their functions in urban road verge soil. Their phosphate-solubilizing and antagonistic activities were evaluated. Twenty-one mineral phosphate-solubilizing bacteria and 14 organic phosphate-solubilizing bacteria were screened from the soil samples. All the mineral phosphate-solubilizing bacteria showed better solubilization to Ca3(PO4)2 than FePO4 or AlPO4. Among them, 7 strains showed high phosphate-solubilizing activities to Ca3(PO4)2 (150–453 mg/L). All the organic phosphate-solubilizing bacteria displayed weak solubilization to lecithin. 16S rRNA gene-based phylogenetic analysis showed good species diversity of the phosphate-solubilizing bacteria, which belongs to 12 genera: Bacillus, Cedecea, Cellulosimicrobium, Delftia, Ensifer, Paenibacillus, Pantoea, Phyllobacterium, Pseudomonas, Rhizobium, Sinorhizobium and Staphylococcus. Moreover, 8 strains showed various degrees of growth inhibition against the phytopathogens: Fusarium oxysporum S1, F. oxysporum S2、Pythium deliense Meurs Z4, Phomopsis sp. AC1 and Pectobacterium carotovorum TP1. The strain B. siamensis Mp4-Ha30 presented growth inhibition to all the five phytopathogens (FGI > 60%).
Conclusions
The results indicated that these PSB strains could perform multiple functions in maintaining ecosystems stability in road verge and provided potential microbial resources for the further research on biofertilizers and biocontrol agents.
Configuration Design and Kinematic Performance Analysis of a Novel 4-DOF Parallel Ankle Rehabilitation Mechanism with Two Virtual Motion Centers
Authors: SONG Jingke , WEI Jun , YU Bin , LIU Chenglei , AI Cunjin , zhang jianjun
Published: January 2023

Aiming at the problem that the existing ankle rehabilitation robot is difficult to fully fit the complex motion of human ankle joint and has poor human-machine motion compatibility, a equivalent series mechanism model which is highly matched with the actual bone structure of the human ankle joint is proposed and mapped into a parallel rehabilitation mechanism. And the parallel rehabilitation mechanism has two virtual motion centers(VMCs), which can simulate the complex motion of the ankle joint, adapt to the individual differences of various patients, and can meet the rehabilitation needs of both left and right feet of patients. Firstly, based on the motion properties and physiological structure of the human ankle joint, the mapping relationship between the rehabilitation mechanism and ankle joint is determined, and the series equivalent model of the ankle joint is established. According to the kinematic and constraint properties of the ankle equivalent model, the configuration design of the parallel ankle rehabilitation robot is carried out. Secondly, according to the intersecting motion planes theory, the full-cycle mobility of the mechanism is proved, and the continuous axis of the mechanism is judged based on the constraint power and its derivative. Then, the kinematics of the parallel ankle rehabilitation robot is analyzed. Finally, based on the OpenSim biomechanical software, a human-machine coupling rehabilitation simulation model is established to evaluate the rehabilitation effect, which lay the foundation for the formulation of a rehabilitation strategy for the later prototype.
Long-term physical activity and body composition after exercise and educational programs for breast cancer: A randomized controlled trial from the Setouchi Breast Project-10
Authors: Iwamoto Takayuki , Kajiwara Yukiko , Kawada Kengo , Takabatake Daisuke , Miyoshi Yuichiro , Kubo Shinichiro , Suzuki Yoko , Yamamoto Mari , Ogasawara Yutaka , Hatono Minami , Yoshitomi Seiji , Hara Kyoko , Sasahara Asako , Ohsumi Shozo , Ikeda Masahiko , Doihara Hiroyoshi , Mizota Yuri , Yamamoto Seiichiro , Taira Naruto
Published: January 2023

Background
It is unclear what interventions can sustain long-term higherphysical activity (PA) to improve breast cancer outcomes. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the long-term effects of interventions on PA after breast cancer treatment.
Methods
This was an open-label randomized controlled trial for patients with stage 0-III breast cancer evaluating the efficacy of exercise and educational programs on long-term PA compared with usual care. The primary endpoint was proportion of patients with recreational PA (RPA) ≥5 metabolic equivalents(METs)/week at 1 year after registration.
Results
From 01/03/2016 to 15/03/2020, breast cancer patients were registered in the control (n = 120), education (n = 121), or exercise (n = 115) group. There were no significant differences in proportion of RPA ≥5 METs/week at 1 year between the exercise and control groups (54% and 53%, P = 0.492) and between the education and control groups (62% and 53%, P = 0.126). Significant difference in reductions from baseline at 1 year were noted on body weight (P = 0.0083), BMI (P = 0.0034), and body fat percentage (P = 0.0027) between education and control groups. Similarly, the exercise group showed significant difference in reduction in body fat percentage (P = 0.0038) compared to control group.
Conclusions
Although there were no significant effects on RPA 1 year after exercise and educational programs for breast cancer survivors, both interventions reduced body composition. Future studies on PA should investigate appropriate interventions to improve overall survival.
Trial registration
UMIN000020595 at UMIN Clinical Trial Registry
Date of first registration: 01/03/2016
Characterization of welding fume and airborne heavy metals in electronic manufacturing workshops in Hangzhou, China: implication for occupational population exposure
Authors: Zhang Ling , Yu Jia-mian , Shan Xiao-Yue , Shao Ji , Ye Hai-peng
Published: January 2023

Occupational exposure to contaminants created by electronic manufacturing process is not well characterized. The aim of this study was to carry out risk assessments of exposure to welding fume and airborne heavy metals (HMs) in electronic manufacturing workshops. Seventy-six air samples were collected from five sites in Hangzhou, China. In welding workshops, the most abundant contaminant found was welding fume, followed by Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd and Cr. The concentration of Mn was positively correlated with Fe (r = 0.906). When compared with non-welding workshops, the Fe content in the air of welding workshops increased significantly (P < 0.05), while the Cu content decreased significantly (P < 0.05). Singapore semi-quantitative health risk assessment model and EPA inhalation risk assessment model were applied to assess the occupational exposure. In welding workshops, the levels of 8h-TWA calculated for welding fume (range 0.288 ~ 6.281 mg/m3), Mn (range Nd ~ 0.829 mg/m3) and Fe (range 0.027 ~ 2.234 mg/m3) partly exceeded the permissible limits. While, in non-welding workshops, the average of 8h-TWA for Cu (0.411 mg/m3) was higher than the limit. The risk rates (RR) assessed for Pb (2.4 vs 1.7). Mn (2.0 vs 1.4) and Fe (1.4 vs 1.0) were higher in welding workshops than that in non-welding workshops, but Cu (1.0 vs 2.2) were lower. The mean excess lifetime cancer risks (ELCR) in welding (5.59E-06 per 1000 people) and non-welding (1.88E-06 per 1000 people) workshops were acceptable. The mean non-cancer risks (HQ) estimated for Mn was greater than 10 in both welding (HQ = 164) and non-welding (HQ = 11.1) workshops. These results indicate that there was a risk of occupational exposure implication in the electronic manufacturing workshops. It’s thus suggested reducing contaminant exposure through engineering controls and management strategies, such as efficient ventilation and reducing exposure hours.