bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physicochemical Characteristics and Storage Stability of Hybrid Beef Patty Using Shiitake Mushroom (Lentinus edodes)
Authors: Park Gyutae , Oh Sehyuk , Park Sanghun , Kim Yun-a , Park Yunhwan , Kim Youngjin , Lee Juho , Lee Hwayong , Choi Jungseok
Published: February 2023

This study evaluated the physicochemical characteristics and storage stability (at 0, 3, and 7 days) of hybrid beef patties with different amount of shiitake mushrooms (Lentinus edodes) added. Shiitake mushrooms contain healthy ingredients such as ergosterol and β-glucan. Four proportions of shiitake mushrooms were added to beef patties (T1, 20%, T2, 40%, T3, 60%, T4, 80%) as a substitute for beef and compared with a control group (CON 0%). Chemical composition, water holding capacity (WHC), cooking loss, pH, color, texture profile analysis, and sensory properties of the products were compared on day 0. As a storage stability experiment, volatile basic nitrogen (VBN), 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and total microbial count were compared (0, 3, and 7 days). The results revealed that replacement with shiitake improved the WHC and cooking loss of patties but had a negative effect on sensory properties and storage stability. These results indicate that shiitake mushrooms can be added along with beef to produce hybrid patties; however, the usage amount must be considered.
Serum Markers of Neuronal Damage and Astrocyte Activity in Patients with Chronic Epilepsy: Elevated Levels of Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein
Authors: Mochol Monika , Taubøll Erik , Aukrust Pål , Ueland Thor , Andreassen Ole A. , Svalheim Sigrid
Published: February 2023

Objectives. Blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction is one of the key pathogenic mechanisms in the development of epilepsy. There is therefore an increasing need to identify BBB biomarkers as these will have prognostic and therapeutic implications. The purpose of this study was to assess the levels of the BBB permeability markers, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), neuron-specific enolase (NSE), S100B, and furin in patients with stable epilepsy compared with the levels in healthy controls. Materials and Methods. This cross-sectional study included 119 epilepsy patients and 80 healthy controls. Circulating levels of GFAP, NSE, S100B, and furin were measured and questionnaires regarding epilepsy, use of drugs, and comorbidities were completed by all participants. Results. GFAP levels were higher in epilepsy patients after adjustment for potential confounders (sex, age, and BMI) in linear regression (

p
=
0.042

). No significant differences were found in levels of S100B, NSE, or furin. None of the markers were significantly associated with epilepsy duration, seizure type or severity, or seizures in the preceding six months. The majority of the patients (79.7%) did not report seizures within the last 6 months. Conclusion. Our main finding is elevated serum levels of GFAP in epilepsy patients. The results may suggest the presence of astrocyte activation in our patient population with stable epilepsy. Future prospective studies focusing on the longitudinal relationship between epilepsy debut, seizures, and time of blood sampling for BBB markers, also within CSF, could provide valuable knowledge including regarding novel treatment options. The study registration number is 2011/1096, 2018/1437.
How Do Cognitive Interventions Impact Driver Aggressiveness in China?—A Driving Simulator Study
Authors: Wu Fuwei , Zhang Zhi , Han Zhoupeng
Published: February 2023

Aggressive driving behavior is one of the main reasons for traffic crashes in China. However, how cognitive interventions affect impulsive driving behavior is still unknown. In this study, a simulated drive was constructed to evaluate the influence of different cognitive interventions. In addition to speeding behavior in limit zones, speed when passing pedestrians, at intersections, and on the whole drive was adopted as a measure to evaluate aggressive driving behaviors. Forty-eight young drivers were recruited with monetary rewards. Compared to the control group, the penalty feedback intervention significantly reduced the mean speed in the 40 km/h zone, the 80 km/h zone, and when passing pedestrians. The combined feedback intervention significantly reduced the distance ratio of speeding in the 40 km/h and 80 km/h zones, as well as the mean speed at the intersection and on the whole drive. However, the interaction effects between the driving task and intervention method were not remarkably observed during aggressive driving behaviors. The findings from this study provide evidence that different cognitive interventions contribute distinctively to improving aggressive driving behaviors. These conclusive results have possible implications for the design of vehicle warning systems and traffic safety interventions.
Evaluation of Agrowaste Species for Removal of Heavy Metals from Synthetic Wastewater
Authors: Ahmed Hussein. M. , Sobhy Neama A. , Hefny Mohamed M. , Abdel-Haleem Fatehy M. , El-Khateeb Mohamed A.
Published: February 2023

This study’s goal was to learn more about how agrowaste plants tolerate, absorb, and accumulate a number of metals that are of relevance to the environment. Adsorption of lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), selenium (Se), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) ions from synthetic aqueous solutions and wastewater using natural waste residues (NWRs) such as moringa, Lupinus, sugarcane straw, and tea residue was evaluated. The adsorbents used for this study were prepared by washing, drying, and grinding. Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis were used to characterize the adsorbents’ waste residues. The effect of different parameters such as pH, dose of adsorbents, and the initial concentration of heavy metals, as well as the adsorption isotherm parameters were studied. Moringa, Lupinus, sugarcane straw, or tea residue results were found to fit the Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms. The adsorption capacity reached 14.59, 16.10, 12.73, and 15.01 mg/g, respectively. The adsorption study’s overall results indicated the removal efficiency pattern as moringa > tea > Lupinus > sugarcane straw. At a dose of 0.5 g/L, the maximum removal percentages for lead, chromium, selenium, copper, and zinc ions were 90.2, 76.55, 70.55, 76.6, and 78.9, respectively. The materials might be regarded as efficient adsorbents for extracting the ions Pb, Cr, Se, Cu, and Zn from wastewater, according to the research.
Variations in Patterns of Care of Rectal Cancer Patients in South Australia According to Sociodemographic Characteristics:A Registry Study
Authors: Ebert Alyssa , Short Michala , Pule Lettie , Marcu Loredana , Buckley Elizabeth
Published: February 2023

Objective. To explore variations in patterns of care over three decades for a subgroup of rectal cancer patients in South Australia according to sociodemographic characteristics. Methods. This study evaluated three decades of retrospective data from the South Australian Clinical Cancer Registry. A total of 4,131 patients diagnosed with rectal cancer between 1982 and 2015 and treated in South Australian public hospitals were included. Study outcomes were age at diagnosis, area of primary residence, cancer stage, and primary treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy). Results. There was a significantly lower likelihood of conventional therapy for the elderly. Adjusted odds of receiving surgery or radiotherapy decreased by 70% and those of receiving chemotherapy by 90% in the 80+ age group, compared to the 50–59 age group. No significant variation was detected according to area-level socioeconomic status or remoteness. Conclusion. Socioeconomic factors showed little impact on the receipt of therapies for rectal cancer patients in South Australia. Variation in treatment by age, irrespective of disease stage or period of diagnosis, requires further investigation.
Effect of Conventional Cataract Surgery and Femtosecond Laser‐Assisted Cataract Surgery on Bruch’s Membrane Opening‐Minimum Rim Width, Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer, and Macular Thickness
Authors: Reñones Josefina , Anton Alfonso , Gonzalez-Martin Jesús María , Carreras Humberto , Loro-Ferrer Juan Francisco
Published: February 2023

Purpose. To evaluate the effect of conventional cataract surgery (CCS) and femtosecond laser‐assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) on Bruch’s membrane opening‐minimum rim width (BMO‐MRW), peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFL), and macular thickness (MT) using spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT). Methods. BMO‐MRW, RNFL, and MT were measured using SD‐OCT preoperatively, 1 month and 6 months after surgery in both CCS and FLACS groups. Differences between preoperative and postoperative values were evaluated in both groups. The postoperative changes were evaluated in each group and compared between groups. Results. A total of 146 eyes of 146 patients were included in this study, 65 underwent CCS, and 81 underwent FLACS. One month after surgery, there was an increase (in microns) of 20.93 in BMO‐MRW, 4.26 in RNFL, and 7.85 in MT in CCS group (P < 0.001), and 17.7, 3.73, and 5.65, respectively, in FLACS group (P < 0.001). Six months after surgery, there was an increase of 12.53 in BMO‐MRW, 1.42 in RNFL, and 4.72 in MT in CCS group (P < 0.001), and 13.7, 1.88, and 4.14, respectively, in FLACS group (P < 0.001). The postoperative changes in CCS group were similar to those in FLACS group. Conclusion. CCS as well as FLACS result in a slight increase in BMO‐MRW, RNFL, and MT values one month and six months after surgery. Neither CCS nor FLACS lead to a deterioration in the parameters that define the structure of the optic nerve head and the macula. These results suggest that FLACS is as safe as CCS regarding the optic nerve head and the macula in normal eyes.
Engineering Application of Nanomaterial and Ferroelectric Domain Polarization to the Dynamic Structure of the Surrounding Rock of Heavy-Duty Railway with Small Clear Intersection Tunnel
Authors: Hao Xiaotian , Wang Hailong
Published: February 2023

With the development of national railways and railways as one of the important channels for heavy-haul transportation, the construction of heavy-haul railways must be a rapid development, which makes it inevitable that the heavy-duty situation of small-distance interchange tunnels will appear. Nanomaterials refer to materials that have at least one dimension in the three-dimensional space in the nanoscale range (1 nm∼100 nm) or are composed of them as basic units. Ferroelectric domain polarization refers to the existence of electric domains in ferroelectrics, electric domains refer to small regions with the same spontaneous polarization direction, and the boundaries between electric domains and electric domains are called domain walls. It is also urgent to study the dynamic structure of the surrounding rocks of heavy-duty railways. This article aims to study the use of nanomaterial and ferroelectric domain technology to improve the overall strength, wear resistance, toughness, and other properties of steel to ensure the safety of the surrounding rock dynamic structure of the heavy-duty railway in the small clearance intersecting tunnel. Moreover, on this basis, this article proposes the method of spraying steel with nanomaterials and the use of ferroelectric domain polarization technology. The strength and wear resistance of steel can be improved under different nanomaterial content and the degree of ferroelectric domain polarization. Sustainability and toughness have been improved, respectively. After the wear resistance experiment and analysis, the experimental results of this article show that the impact resistance of the steel increased by 18.75%. When 0.012% of CeO2 is added, the impact toughness of the steel is increased to the maximum of 3.4 J, an increase of 16.31%, and a 37% increase in wear resistance. Under the premise of ensuring the demand for heavy-duty transportation, the safety performance and sustainability of transportation are greatly improved.
Stochastic Optimization of a Nonlinear Base Isolation System with LRB and EIMD for Building Structures
Authors: Wang Heng , Shen Wenai , Zhu Hongping , Luo Hui
Published: February 2023

Base-isolated structures achieve superior seismic performance but with the cost of large deformation of the base floor, which possibly causes superstructure collapse during severe earthquakes. Hence, it is of great interest to develop hybrid base isolation systems that can reduce the base deformation and simultaneously improve the superstructure’s performance. Recently, several hybrid base isolation systems using inerter-based dampers have emerged; however, the nonlinear performance of the isolators has rarely been considered in these studies. In this paper, we conduct a nonlinear stochastic optimization of a novel hybrid base isolation system with lead-rubber bearings (LRB) and electromagnetic inertial mass dampers (EIMD). Based on the Bouc–Wen hysteretic model of the LRB, we derive the semianalytical solutions of the response variances of a simplified base-isolated model subjected to stationary seismic excitations. Then, based on the semianalytical solutions, we propose a procedure for optimizing the EIMD aimed at minimizing the superstructure interstory drift. In addition, we investigate the effect of site conditions and postyielding to preyielding stiffness ratios of the LRB on the optimal EIMD parameters and corresponding seismic performance. It is found that the hybrid base isolation system achieves better performance at a soft site than at a firm site. Results of a hybrid base-isolated building under artificial and real earthquake excitations illustrate that the EIMD can reduce both the base deformation and superstructure response, which outperforms the hybrid base-isolated building with conventional viscous dampers (VD).
A Privacy-Preserving Authentication Scheme for VANETs with Exculpability
Authors: Li Shangle , Yang Ruili , Chen Jiageng
Published: February 2023

Message authentication and conditional privacy preservation are two critical security issues in VANETs (vehicular ad hoc networks). To achieve the corresponding security goals, many security technologies have been proposed so far. Identity-based pseudonyms and group signature-based schemes are two of the main technologies in recently published literature. However, the key escrow is difficult to achieve and pseudonym identities may reveal the physical location of the vehicle in the identity-based scheme. The global manager TA of VANETs knows the full keys given to the vehicles and can forge signatures under the vehicle’s key. Therefore, the exculpability cannot be satisfied in the group signature scheme. To address these security issues, a privacy-preserving authentication scheme for VANETs with exculpability is proposed in this paper, which applies double key approach to realize the trusted communication between vehicle and road side units and TA by combining the advantage of group-based methods and identity-based methods. Security analysis shows that the security of our scheme can resist stronger attacks than previous schemes.
Perspectives of Food Insecurity and Service Delivery amongst Emergency Food Relief Clients in a Regional City in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Kleve Sue , Greenslade Deborah , Farrington Melissa , Funston Sarah , David Benjamin S. , Xi Jessica , Swiney Chloe , Clarke Emily , Pollard Christina M. , Booth Sue
Published: February 2023

This cross-sectional study examined the experiences of people accessing Emergency Food Relief (EFR) in the regional city of Ballarat, Victoria, Australia, including determinants, impacts of food insecurity, and service delivery recommendations. The forty-one item survey examined demographics, food security status (six-item adult US-Household Food Security Survey Module), food acquisition, use of charitable food services, and self-rated health. Adults n = 100 accessing meal programs and/or EFR services from three EFR organisations in 2018 were surveyed. Ninety-seven percent of participants received government social security payments. Food insecurity prevalence was 92% (USDA-HFSSM 6 item); of these, 63% were experiencing very low food security. Over half (54%) of households with children (n = 26) reported being sometimes unable to feed their children balanced meals and 50% indicated that they were not eating enough. Participants (47%) relied on EFR services for food between one and five years. Poor self-rated dental health was expressed by over 50% of participants and 97% indicated the importance for services to provide healthy food. Food insecurity prevalence was high and chronic among adults receiving EFR services in a large regional Australian city. Recipients’ poor dental health, chronicity of use of services for food assistance, and calls for healthier food suggest more was needed to secure pathways out of food insecurity. The chronicity of reliance on EFR is a concern. The results of this study are likely to be of interest to providers and funders of EFR, policy makers, academics, and client advocates. Whilst the provision of EFR is not a sustainable solution to the problem of food insecurity, scope exists to improve service delivery to uphold principles of dignity, choice, and access to nutritious food. Furthermore, this highlights that the key strategies to mitigate food insecurity lie beyond simply feeding people.
On the Fourth Hybrid Power Mean Involving the Generalized Gauss Sums
Authors: Liu Xiaoge , Meng Yuanyuan
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we use the elementary and analytic methods to study the fourth hybrid power mean involving the generalized Gauss sums and prove several interesting identities for them.
Getting Up to Date with What Works: A Systematic Review on the Effectiveness and Safety of Task Sharing of Modern Methods in Family Planning Services
Authors: Millogo Tieba , Chomi Eunice , Kouanda Seni , Ali Moazzam
Published: February 2023

Objective. This systematic review was conducted to provide up‐to‐date evidence on the safety and effectiveness of task sharing in the delivery of modern contraceptives. Study Design. The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta‐analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We searched Medline, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Google Scholar for peer‐reviewed studies that reported on effectiveness and/or safety outcomes of task sharing of any modern contraceptive method. Only Cochrane Effective Practice of Organizations of Care (EPOC) study designs were eligible, and quality assessment of the evidence was performed using the Cochrane risk of bias (RoB) tools. Meta‐analyses, where possible, were carried out using Stata, and certainty of the evidence for outcomes was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation tool (GRADE). Results. Six studies met the inclusion criteria: five reported on self‐injection of subcutaneous depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA‐SC) compared to administered by trained health providers; and one assessed tubal ligation performed by associate clinicians compared to advanced‐level associate clinicians. Self‐injection improved contraceptive continuation, with no increase in unintended pregnancy and no difference in side effects compared to provider administered. In tubal ligation, the rate of adverse events, time to complete procedure, and participant satisfaction were similar among associate clinicians and advanced clinicians. Conclusion. The evidence suggests that self‐injection of DMPA‐SC and tubal ligation performed by associate clinicians are safe and effective. These findings should be complemented with the evidence on the feasibility and acceptability of task sharing of these methods. The review protocol was registered with PROSPERO CRD42021283336.
Astragalus Polysaccharides Alleviate Lung Adenocarcinoma Bone Metastases by Inhibiting the CaSR/PTHrP Signaling Pathway
Authors: Ma Xiaoting , Wang Cong , Yu Jing
Published: February 2023

Bone metastasis is one of the common complications of lung cancer and can lead to bone-related adverse events, such as pathological fractures, spinal cord defects, and nerve compression syndrome. As an effective medicinal component of Astragalus membranaceus, Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) has antitumor activity and alleviates osteoporosis to a certain extent. In this study, we explored the possible role and mechanism underlying APS inhibition of lung adenocarcinoma bone metastases by constructing a mouse model of lung adenocarcinoma bone metastases. First, we constructed osteoclast (OC) and osteoblast (OB) culture systems in vitro to confirm that APS affected the differentiation and function of OCs and OBs. Then, using the mouse bone metastasis model, microCT, and bone histopathology, we confirmed that APS inhibited osteolytic metastasis and tumor cell proliferation in mice, and the effect was mainly realized by inhibiting the CaSR/PTHrP signal pathway. The results showed that APS had a protective effect on lung adenocarcinoma bone metastases.
Structural Nonlinear Model Updating Based on an Improved Generative Adversarial Network
Authors: Yuan Zi-Qing , Xin Yu , Wang Zuo-Cai , Ding Ya-Jie , Wang Jun , Wang Dong-Hui
Published: February 2023

This study proposes a novel nonlinear model updating approach based on an improved generative adversarial network (GAN). In the improved GAN, a convolutional neural network (CNN) surrogate model is added to the discriminator network to enhance the capability of the GAN to learn the complex mapping relationship between vibration responses and nonlinear model parameters. To avoid the gradient disappearance present in the traditional GAN, a combined objective function is added to the improved GAN model. In the network training process, the instantaneous amplitudes of the decomposed accelerations are extracted as input samples and the nonlinear model parameters are defined as the GAN output. When the improved GAN is trained, the trained network model is capable of estimating the nonlinear model parameters based on measured instantaneous acceleration amplitudes. To confirm the feasibility of the improved GAN for structural nonlinear model updating, a steel-concrete hybrid bridge tower subjected to seismic excitation is numerically simulated and the effects of different numbers of data points and noise levels are studied. Furthermore, the identification accuracy of the improved GAN is compared with the updated results. For experimental applications, the shake table test of a scaled steel-concrete hybrid bridge tower subjected to seismic excitations is employed to confirm the effectiveness of the proposed nonlinear model updating method. Both numerical and experimental results demonstrate that the improved GAN model is reliable and effective for the nonlinear model updating of structures subjected to seismic excitation.
Wireless Monitoring of Downhole Pressure Based on Tubing Transmission
Authors: Zheng Jian , Yang Yang , Tan Ting , Chen Man , Gao Shangjun
Published: February 2023

Downhole pressure is an important parameter for evaluating the production status of production wells. A wireless monitoring system was designed for downhole pressure which consists of two parts, i.e., the downhole tool and the wellhead tool. The tubing was used as the information transmission medium between the two parts. The downhole tool includes four pressure sensors, and the measured results will be applied to the tubing in the form of an alternating voltage with a frequency of 2.5 Hz. The amplitude of the alternating voltage output by the downhole tool is related to the magnitude of the downhole pressure. The wellhead tool measures and decodes the signal uploaded through the tubing, and the decoded result will be transmitted to the host computer through the ground cable. The wireless transmission model of downhole pressure in the production well was equivalent to a resistance network. Simulation analysis indicates that the amplitude of the signal received by the wellhead tool is negatively correlated with the downhole depth of the downhole tool and positively correlated with the formation resistivity. The designed wireless monitoring system for downhole pressure was tested in gas-producing wells in southwestern China. The test results verified the stability and reliability of the system for downhole pressure monitoring. It also confirmed that the strength of the received signal at the wellhead is negatively correlated with the downhole depth of the downhole tool for the first time and is not affected by the structure of the wellbore. The wireless monitoring scheme of downhole pressure introduced in this paper can be extended and applied to the monitoring of other downhole parameters such as temperature.
Exploring the Immunogenicity of Noncanonical HLA-I Tumor Ligands Identified through Proteogenomics
Authors: Lozano-Rabella Maria , Garcia-Garijo Andrea , Palomero Jara , Yuste-Estevanez Anna , Erhard Florian , Farriol-Duran Roc , Martín-Liberal Juan , Ochoa-de-Olza Maria , Matos Ignacio , Gartner Jared J. , Ghosh Michael , Canals Francesc , Vidal August , Piulats Josep Maria , Matías-Guiu Xavier , Brana Irene , Muñoz-Couselo Eva , Garralda Elena , Schlosser Andreas , Gros Alena
Published: February 2023

Purpose:

Tumor antigens are central to antitumor immunity. Recent evidence suggests that peptides from noncanonical (nonC) aberrantly translated proteins can be presented on HLA-I by tumor cells. Here, we investigated the immunogenicity of nonC tumor HLA-I ligands (nonC-TL) to better understand their contribution to cancer immunosurveillance and their therapeutic applicability.

Experimental Design:

Peptides presented on HLA-I were identified in 9 patient-derived tumor cell lines from melanoma, gynecologic, and head and neck cancer through proteogenomics. A total of 507 candidate tumor antigens, including nonC-TL, neoantigens, cancer-germline, or melanocyte differentiation antigens, were tested for T-cell recognition of preexisting responses in patients with cancer. Donor peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) were in vitro sensitized against 170 selected nonC-TL to isolate antigen-specific T-cell receptors (TCR) and evaluate their therapeutic potential.

Results:

We found no recognition of the 507 nonC-TL tested by autologous ex vivo expanded tumor-reactive T-cell cultures while the same cultures demonstrated reactivity to mutated, cancer-germline, or melanocyte differentiation antigens. However, in vitro sensitization of donor PBL against 170 selected nonC-TL, led to the identification of TCRs specific to three nonC-TL, two of which mapped to the 5′ UTR regions of HOXC13 and ZKSCAN1, and one mapping to a noncoding spliced variant of C5orf22C. T cells targeting these nonC-TL recognized cancer cell lines naturally presenting their corresponding antigens. Expression of the three immunogenic nonC-TL was shared across tumor types and barely or not detected in normal cells.

Conclusions:

Our findings predict a limited contribution of nonC-TL to cancer immunosurveillance but demonstrate they may be attractive novel targets for widely applicable immunotherapies.

See related commentary by Fox et al., p. 2173
Scratching the Surface: NECTIN-4 as a Surrogate for Enfortumab Vedotin Resistance
Authors: Aggen David H. , Chu Carissa E. , Rosenberg Jonathan E.
Published: February 2023

Clinical data with enfortumab vedotin (EV) suggest that most bladder cancers overexpress NECTIN-4. A recent article shows that NECTIN-4 membranous expression changes with progression to metastatic disease and that low NECTIN-4 expression in metastatic biopsies is potentially associated with EV resistance. These data argue for incorporation of NECTIN-4 expression into future biomarker strategies.

See related article by Klümper et al., p. 1496
Saliva Secretion Is Significantly Lower in Female Patients with Mild Reflux Esophagitis than in Female Healthy Controls
Authors: Momma Eri , Koeda Mai , Hoshikawa Yoshimasa , Tanabe Tomohide , Hoshino Shintaro , Kitasako Yuichi , Kawami Noriyuki , Iwakiri Katsuhiko
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Saliva secretion is significantly lower in patients with mild reflux esophagitis than in healthy controls. A previous study on healthy controls showed that stimulated saliva secretion was lower in females than in males. Saliva secretion may be lower in female patients with mild reflux esophagitis than in male patients. Therefore, the present study investigated sex differences in saliva secretion in patients with mild reflux esophagitis. Methods: Twenty-five male patients with mild reflux esophagitis, 25 male healthy controls, 24 female patients with mild reflux esophagitis, and 24 female healthy controls were recruited for this case-control study. Saliva secretion was assessed as follows: each patient chewed sugar-free gum for 3 minutes prior to endoscopy, and the volume and pH of saliva before and after acid loading as an index of the acid-buffering capacity were measured. Results: No significant differences were observed in the amount of stimulated saliva secretion, salivary pH, or the acid-buffering capacity between male patients with mild reflux esophagitis and healthy controls. No significant differences were noted in salivary pH between female patients with mild reflux esophagitis and healthy controls; however, the amount of stimulated saliva secretion was significantly lower (p = 0.0023) in the former (2.5 [1.9–4.1]) than in the latter (4.6 [3.2–6.6]), while the acid-buffering capacity was slightly lower (p = 0.0578) in the former (5.9 [5.7–6.2]) than in the latter (6.2 [6.0–6.5]). Conclusion: The amount of stimulated saliva secretion was significantly lower in female patients with mild reflux esophagitis than in female healthy controls. This reduction in saliva secretion may affect the pathophysiology of mild reflux esophagitis in females.
Endoscopic Hemostatic Treatment for Acute Gastrointestinal Bleeding by Combined Modality Therapy with PuraStat and Endoscopic Hemoclips
Authors: Kubo Kimitoshi , Hayasaka Shuhei , Tanaka Ikko
Published: February 2023

Acute gastrointestinal bleeding (AGIB) is a common condition leading to hospitalization and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Various endoscopic treatments have been reported for AGIB, while its endoscopic hemostasis treatment by combined modality with PuraStat and endoscopic hemoclips remains less well documented. We report 6 cases of AGIB, i.e., 5 cases of ulcer bleeding and 1 case of ruptured gastric varices in 3 males and 3 females aged 49–97 years (mean age, 77 years), 2 and 1 of whom had been on antithrombotic drugs and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, respectively, with 2 of these found to be in critical condition with hemorrhagic shock. Types of bleeding treated included oozing bleeding from visible vessels (n = 3), spurting bleeding from visible vessels (n = 2) and from gastric varices (n = 1). In all cases, complete hemostasis was achieved with no rebleeding. To our knowledge, this report represents a valuable addition to the AGIB literature describing endoscopic hemostasis by combined modality therapy with PuraStat and endoscopic hemoclips.
Copper Deficiency Mimicking Myelodysplastic Syndrome: Zinc Supplementation in the Setting of COVID-19
Authors: Rosenberg Maya , Thapa Sameep , Jeurkar Chetan , Kasner Margaret
Published: February 2023

While copper deficiency is rare, it can have serious consequences, including pancytopenia and neuropathy. This treatable micronutrient deficiency can present very similarly to myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a group of myeloid neoplasms which can carry devastating prognoses. Copper deficiency is an essential differential diagnosis in suspected MDS, as it can present with similar laboratory findings, bone marrow biopsy, and clinical picture. While copper deficiency has multiple potential causes, it typically occurs in patients with a predisposing gastrointestinal pathology. One possible cause of copper deficiency is zinc overload. Interestingly, zinc over-supplementation has been prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic, as some believe that zinc can help prevent COVID-19 infection. Multiple case reports have illustrated the similarities between copper deficiency and MDS. They have also highlighted zinc over-supplementation as a potential cause. The following case report is unique in that our patient lacked gastrointestinal pathology. He still presented with the clinical and laboratory findings of MDS in the setting of copper deficiency. These include anemia, leukopenia, fatigue, and neuropathy. Further, this deficiency was caused by zinc over-supplementation in efforts to prevent COVID-19. The deficiency and the accompanying symptoms were treated with copper supplementation and cessation of zinc intake.
Traditional Serrated Adenoma of the Ileum with Intussusception Successfully Treated with Laparoscopic Bowel Resection
Authors: Nishide Ryo , Kamada Teppei , Takahashi Junji , Nakashima Keigo , Ito Eisaku , Nakaseko Yuichi , Suzuki Norihiko , Yoshida Masashi , Ohdaira Hironori , Suzuki Yutaka
Published: February 2023

The most common site of traditional serrated adenomas (TSA) is the area from the left colon to the rectum; however, there are few reports on TSA in the small intestine. Herein, we report a case of TSA of the ileum with intussusception that was diagnosed and successfully treated with laparoscopic bowel resection. The patient was a 29-year-old female with the chief complaint of recurrent abdominal pain and vomiting. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed a mass in the ileum and intussusception with the mass as the lead point. The patient was diagnosed with intussusception secondary to a small intestinal tumor. Due to the difficulty in endoscopic treatment resulting from the localization of the lesion, elective laparoscopic surgery was planned. Intra-abdominal examination revealed intussusception of the small intestine in the pelvic ileum, and an elastic soft mass 400 cm from the ligament of Treitz was identified at the lead point of intussusception. Partial laparoscopic resection of the small intestine was performed, with an operation time of 81 min, and a small amount of bleeding. The pathological diagnosis was TSA of the ileum, and the patient’s postoperative course was good, with no complications. Seven months after the surgery, no recurrence of symptoms was observed. Therefore, from our case of TSA of the ileum with intussusception that was successfully treated with laparoscopic bowel resection, we conclude that when intussusception of the small intestine occurs, TSA of the ileum with malignant potential is possible, and early diagnosis by resection should be considered.
Territorios saludables: una mirada crítica a la salud comunitaria en Bogotá en la última década.
Authors: Cortés-Millán Germán Andrés , Alfonso-Morales Laura Camila
Published: February 2023

El artículo presentado a continuación, propone una discusión sobre salud comunitaria y territorial en la ciudad de Bogotá (Colombia), a partir de un análisis documental realizado en la última década, en la que se reportan las tres últimas administraciones (Bogotá Humana, Bogotá ´para todos y la ciudad cuidadora). El ejercicio contempló la utilización de reportes, documentos y demás recursos documentales tanto institucionales y no institucionales, los cuales se integraron, se clasificaron y se analizaron para los intervalos (2012 – 2016), (2016 – 2020) y (2020 – hasta la fecha). Dentro de los hallazgos, se puede apreciar de manera explícita, como transitan por las concepciones y desarrollos estratégicos, sobre salud comunitaria y territorial, discursos diferenciales, que ponen a las comunidades, sus historicidades, sus prácticas cotidianas y sus formas de cuidado, en lugares y en formas muy distintas, a partir del marco ideológico desde donde se enuncian y documental. Dicha investigación, posibilita articular y problematizar componentes de la salud pública, como lo son las territorialidades diferenciales, la interculturalidad y la salud comunitaria, desde una perspectiva crítica y situacional, en donde las fuentes documentales cobran sentido transversal y estratégico.
Lack of Statin Therapy and Outcomes After Ischemic Stroke: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Åivo Julia , Ruuskanen Jori O. , Tornio Aleksi , Rautava Päivi , Kytö Ville
Published: February 2023

Background:

Statin treatment is effective at preventing adverse vascular events after ischemic stroke (IS). However, many patients fail to use statins after IS. We studied the impact of not using statins after IS on adverse outcomes.

Methods:

IS patients (n=59 588) admitted to 20 Finnish hospitals were retrospectively studied. Study data were combined from national registries on hospital admissions, mortality, cancer diagnoses, prescription medication purchases, and permissions for special reimbursements for medications. Usage of prescription medication was defined as drug purchase within 90 days after hospital discharge. Ongoing statin use during follow-up was analyzed in 90-day intervals. Differences in baseline features, comorbidities, other medications, and recanalization therapies were balanced with inverse probability of treatment weighting. Median follow-up was 5.7 years.

Results:

Statin therapy was not used by 27.1% of patients within 90 days after IS discharge, with women and older patients using statins less frequently. The average proportion of patients without ongoing statin during the 12-year follow-up was 36.0%. Patients without early statins had higher all-cause mortality at 1 year (7.5% versus 4.4% in patients who did use statins; hazard ratio [HR], 1.74 [CI, 1.61–1.87]) and 12 years (56.8% versus 48.6%; HR, 1.37 [CI, 1.33–1.41]). Cumulative incidence of major adverse cerebrovascular or cardiovascular event was higher at 1 year (subdistribution HR, 1.36 [CI, 1.29–1.43]) and 12 years (subdistribution HR, 1.21 [CI, 1.18–1.25]) without early statin use. Cardiovascular death, recurrent IS, and myocardial infarction were more frequent without early statin use. Early statin use was not associated with hemorrhagic stroke during follow-up. Lack of ongoing statin during follow-up was associated with risk of death in time-dependent analysis (adjusted HR, 3.03 [CI, 2.96–3.23]).

Conclusions:

Lack of statin treatment after IS is associated with adverse long-term outcomes. Measures to further improve timely statin use after IS are needed.
What Matters for Electrification? Evidence from 70 Years of U.S. Home Heating Choices
Authors: Davis Lucas W.
Published: February 2023

The percentage of U.S. homes heated with electricity has increased steadily from 1% in 1950 to 40% in 2020. Energy prices, geography, climate, housing characteristics, and income are shown to explain 90% of the increase, with energy prices by far the most important factor. The paper then estimates the cost of an electrification mandate for new homes. Households in warm states tend to prefer electricity anyway, so would be made worse off by less than $350 annually on average. Households in cold states, however, tend to prefer natural gas so would be made worse off by more than $1000 annually.
Two new Wittmackia species (Bromeliaceae: Bromelioideae) from Bahia, Brazil
Authors: LEME ELTON M. C. , DE SOUZA EVERTON HILO , AONA LIDYANNE Y. S. , SOUZA FERNANDA V. D.
Published: February 2023

The authors describe and illustrate two new species of Wittmackia, W. conduruensis and W. guedesiae. The species are endemic to the state of Bahia with a restricted geographical range, being considered critically endangered (CR) mainly due to habitat fragmentation and illegal extractivism, specifically for regional and international trade. We also present the phenology and compare their morphology with related species.
A new freshwater crab species of the genus Vela Bahir & Yeo, 2007 (Decapoda: Brachyura: Gecarcinucidae) from the Western Ghats of Karnataka, India
Authors: PATI SAMEER KUMAR , BAJANTRI PARASHURAM PRABHU , HEGDE GOPALKRISHNA DATTATRAYA
Published: February 2023

Vela bandhavya sp. nov., a new species of gecarcinucid crab is described from the Central Western Ghats, Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka state, India. The new species can be immediately distinguished from three other species of Vela Bahir & Yeo, 2007, mainly by its short male sternopleonal cavity and a relatively shorter distal article of the male first gonopod. The diagnosis of Vela is revised to accommodate the new species, and an illustrated identification key is provided for all four species. An anomalous adult male crab, with a pair of pleopods on the pleonal somite 5 in addition to the male gonopods, is also reported.
Study of Respiratory Variations of Mitral Valve Diastolic Flow in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Abdelrehim Ahmad B. , Ahmed Ahmed Abdel Haleem , Elgendi Salwa Salah , Ibrahim Walaa H.
Published: February 2023

The respiratory variations in mitral valve (MV) Doppler flow in hemodialysis (HD) patients have not been investigated and the normal echocardiographic value is used as a reference for HD patients. The present study evaluated the respiratory variation in MV Doppler flow in HD patients to determine if it has a unique pattern. In this prospective cohort study, echocardiography was performed before and 6 h after dialysis. The transmitral spectral Doppler E wave was measured during inspiratory and expiratory phases. The percent changes in the E wave were calculated pre- and post-dialysis. The means of the percent variation in the MV inspiratory and expiratory E wave pre- and post-dialysis were 56 ± 7% and 44 ± 1.1%, respectively, with a significant reduction after dialysis (P = .000). There was a significant positive correlation between post-dialysis ∆E wave % change and post-dialysis % change in weight (r = .318; P = .000). The respiratory changes in the MV E wave in HD patients were higher than the normal reference values. This marked variation could be explained by fluid overloading in HD patients.
The Impact of Contrast-Associated Acute Kidney Injury on All-Cause Mortality in Older Patients After Coronary Angiography:A 7.5-year Follow-Up
Authors: Guo Wei , Liu Jin , He Yibo , Lei Li , Guo Zhaodong , Song Feier , Zhou Ziyou , Liu Wenhai , Zhong Xian , Chen Shiqun , Rao Lifen , Liu Yong
Published: February 2023

Older patients (≥75 years) after coronary angiography constitute an increasing proportion, but only limited data are available regarding the prognosis of geriatric contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI). Patients (≥75 years) undergoing coronary angiography between December 2010 and September 2013 were consecutively enrolled. CA-AKI was defined as an increase in serum creatinine of 25% or .5 mg/dL from the baseline within 48–72 h of contrast exposure. All-cause mortality was assessed during median 7.5 years (interquartile range [IQR] 6.7–8.7 years) follow-up period. In total, 571 patients aged >75 years undergoing coronary angiography were enrolled in a single center study; 82 (14.4%) patients had CA-AKI. The all-cause mortality during the median 7.5 years follow-up period was 22.0% in patients with CA-AKI and 13.1% in patients without CA-AKI (P = .015). After adjusting for potential confounding factors, the multivariable analysis indicated that CA-AKI was related to an increased risk of all-cause mortality during the median 7.5-year follow-up (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.46; 95% CI: 1.29–4.7; P = .006). CA-AKI is a significant and independent predictor of long-term mortality for patients aged over 75 years who underwent coronary angiography.
Comparison of Symptom Duration Between Children With SARS-CoV-2 and Peers With Other Viral Illnesses During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Hicks Steven D.
Published: February 2023

Some children and young people (CYP) with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) experience persistent symptoms, commonly called “long COVID.” It remains unclear whether symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 persist longer than those of other respiratory viruses, particularly in young children. This cross-sectional study involved 372 CYP (0-15 years) tested for SARS-CoV-2. Character and duration of symptoms (cough, runny nose, sore throat, rash, diarrhea, vomiting, sore muscles, fatigue, fever, loss of smell) were compared between CYP with a positive test (n = 100) and those with a negative test (n = 272), while controlling for medical/demographic covariates. The average duration of symptoms for CYP with a positive SARS-CoV-2 test (8.5 ± 10 days) did not differ from that of CYP with a negative test (7.2 ± 5 days, P = .71, d = 0.046). A positive SARS-CoV-2 test did not increase the risk (36/372, 10%) of symptoms persisting for ≥3 weeks (odds ratio = 0.96, 95% confidence interval = 0.45-2.0). These results suggest CYP with non-SARS-CoV-2 infections experience a similar duration of symptoms as peers with SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Exploiting the voltage sensitivity of magnetostrictive transducer for energy harvesting and sensor applications
Authors: Dai Bowen , He Zhongbo , Yang Zhaoshu , Xue Guangming , Zhou Jingtao , Liu Guoping
Published: February 2023

Magnetostrictive transducer, as a kind of high-efficiency transducer, has a broad application in the field of energy harvesting and sensor. However, the voltage generating performance of the transducer limits its application. This paper will endeavor to quantify the load-induced voltage of magnetostrictive transducer by developing a holistic theoretical model and deriving the corresponding analytical solution. On this basis, this paper proposed the concept of voltage sensitivity in transducer optimization, which could quantitatively analyze the normalized voltage generated by a unit excitation. Based on the theoretical simulation and experimental validation, the voltage sensitivities of magnetostrictive transducer under different mechanical loads are investigated. The parametric analysis will be conducted to further optimize the transducer structure to enhance its open-circuit and load voltage. The works of this paper could be instructive to guide magnetostrictive transducer design in sensing and energy harvesting applications.
Blackness, Koreanness, and Han: Unmasking Race in Korean Hip Hop
Authors: Kim Hyein Amber
Published: February 2023

Previous studies have analyzed Korean hip hop through the lens of authenticity, language, and cultural hybridity, but not through the lens of race. One of the main characteristics of hip hop culture is that it emerged in the form of resistance against dominant hegemony and as a form of resistance to systemic injustice; however, it is difficult to find K-hip hop artists that defy the racial supremacy of Koreanness and racism through their art. This article utilizes Yoon Mi-rae, who is half-Black and half-Korean, as a significant text to explore how race plays a role in Korean society and how Blackness, Koreanness, and han intersect in the K-hip hop scene. Utilizing the concept of community cultural wealth, interest convergence principle, and Koreanness, the study analyzes how Yoon Mi-rae’s “Black Koreanness” was consumed by Korean media and music industry, and how Yon Mi-rae, as an embodiment of Blackness and Han, uses hip hop and her intersectionality as a tool of resistance to both the mainstream American and mainstream Korean racial ideology and discourse. With the growing influence and popularity of K-hip hop globally, the article problematizes the message K-hip hop is reflecting and sending the world about race.