bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circulating MiR-1290 as a Potential Diagnostic and Disease Monitoring Biomarker of Human Gastrointestinal Tumors
Authors: Xu Liyi , Chen Xiao , Zhu Yongliang , Cai Jianting
Published: October 2020

BackgroundGastrointestinal tumors are a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Our previous research demonstrated that miR-1290 is overexpressed in colorectal cancer (CRC) and promotes tumor progression. We therefore aimed to explore the potential of circulating miR-1290 as a biomarker for gastrointestinal cancer.MethodsSerum miRNA sequence analysis was performed. Then, circulating miRNA detection technologies were established. miR-1290 expression levels in gastrointestinal tumor cell lines and cellular supernatants were analyzed. Expression levels of circulating miR-1290 in clinical samples were examined. Associations between miR-1290 expression and clinicopathologic characteristics were analyzed. Xenograft models were conducted to assess the fluctuation of serum miR-1290 during disease progression.ResultsThrough miRNA sequencing, we identified that miR-1290 was overexpressed in CRC serum. We confirmed that human gastrointestinal tumor cells express and secret miR-1290. Circulating miR-1290 was up-regulated in pancreatic cancer (PC) (p < 0.01), CRC (p < 0.05), and gastric cancer (GC) (p < 0.01). High expression levels of miR-1290 were associated with tumor size, lymphatic invasion, vascular invasion, distant metastasis, tumor differentiation and AJCC stage in PC and CRC. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.8857 in PC, with 60.9% sensitivity and 90.0% specificity. The AUC was 0.7852 in CRC, with 42.0% sensitivity and 90.0% specificity. In GC, the AUC was 0.6576, with 26.0% sensitivity and 90.0% specificity. The in vivo model verified that circulating miR-1290 levels significantly increased after tumor formation and decreased after drug treatment.ConclusionsOur findings demonstrate that circulating miR-1290 is a potential diagnostic and disease monitoring biomarker in gastrointestinal cancer.
Bioethanol Production From Leaves of Quercus Infectoria in Kurdistan Region
Authors: Tahir Bawar , Wang Xiaoqing , Zhong Yuan , Mezori Hassan , Liu Yan , Liao Wei
Published: October 2020

Quercus infectoria is one of the most abundant native oak species in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. This study focused on utilizing leaves of Quercus infectoria for ethanol production in the region. A typical three-step conversion process of acid pretreatment, enzymatic hydrolysis, and yeast fermentation was investigated to produce ethanol from the leaves. Under the selected acid pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis conditions, the glucose and xylose concentrations in the hydrolysates reached 11.4 g/L and 16.8 g/L, respectively, with the corresponding sugar conversions of 42.8% and 99.8%. A yeast strain, Kluyveromyces marxianus, was used to ferment mono-sugars in the hydrolysates for ethanol production. The ethanol production rate and conversion of K. marxianus in the fermentation were 0.17 g/L/h and 27%. The techno-economic analysis further concluded that a regional ethanol biorefinery can be established in the Zawita sub-district, Iraq to utilize Q. infectoria leaves to produce 200,000,000 kg ethanol/year with a positive energy balance of 745,052,623 MJ/year. The net annual revenue of the biorefinery is $123,692,804. The payback period of the biorefinery is 10 years.
Conducting Household Surveys on Reproductive Health in Urban Settings: Lessons From Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Khan Mir Baz , Nausheen Sidrah , Hussain Imtiaz , Hackett Kristy , Kaneez Zahra , Feroze Khalid , Canning David , Shah Iqbal , Soofi Sajid Bashir
Published: October 2020

Background: Data collection is the most critical stage in any population health study and correctly implementing fieldwork enhances the quality of collected information. However, even the most carefully planned large-scale household surveys can encounter many context-specific issues. This paper reflected on our research team’s recent experiences of conducting surveys for a quasi-experimental evaluation of a reproductive health program in urban areas of Karachi, Pakistan. Methods: The study followed a three-stage random sampling design. Result: This paper has described the issues that were encountered around technical problems related to geographical information system (GIS) usage and computer assisted personal interviews (CAPI), household listing, interviewing respondents on sensitive topics and their expectations, and other field related concerns such as ensuring privacy etc. during the survey.Conclusion: The papers has also underscored on lessons learned from this process and presented some potential solutions for conducting future household surveys in similar urban environments.
A riskscore-based nomogram for the prediction of overall survival in cervical squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Li Lingling , Zhang Sujie , Wang Lijie , Tao Haitao , Long Yaping , Gao Yiming , Hu Yi , Sun Yi
Published: October 2020

Background:Cervical cancer is still the major cause of cancer-related death among women. However, the prognosis of cervical cancer varies even in the same stage. Thus, exploring prognostic biomarkers that could reflect its biological heterogeneity may contribute to identify patients with a poor prognosis.Methods:Based on the ESTIMATE algorithm, we acquired the immune/stromal scores of cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) patients collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset. Subsequently, we analyzed the DEGs between high- and low immune score groups using R package edgeR and performed K-M analysis to illustrate the relationship between differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and the overall survival to select survival-related DEGs. Then the LASSO regression model was constructed with the package “glmnet” in R to evaluate the riskscore of each patient. Finally, we developed a nomogram composing riskscore and clinicopathological characteristics to predict the overall survival (OS) of CSCC patients. The R software v3.6.1 was used for statistical analyses. All statistical tests were two-tailed.Results:We established a riskscore model composed of two genes including FOXP3 and ZAP70. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve demonstrated a good potency of the riskscore model. Ultimately, we constructed a nomogram composing riskscore, age and stage to predict the overall survival (OS) of CSCC patients. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of the nomogram for OS was 0.805, 0.723 and 0.748 for the first, third, and fifth years, respectively. The concordance index (C-index) was 0.746. The calibration curves also showed optimal accuracy of the nomogram for survival prediction. Conclusion:The nomogram based on riskscore could predict overall survival in CSCC and may benefit those patients through individualized immunotherapy.
Comprehensive Analysis of the Expression and Prognosis for E2Fs in Human Cervical Cancer
Authors: Zhu Shan , Yan Yiqi , Liu Tao , Wang Zijing , Jin Ya , Han Rui , Zhang Han , Xia Qingmei , HU Zhen , Li Nan
Published: October 2020

Background: Accumulating evidence was found that E2Fs are a family of transcription factors that are aberrantly expressed or multi-activated in malignant tumors and are found in a variety of tumorigenesis. However, the expression pattern and exact role of E2Fs in cervical cancer (CC) tumorigenesis and progression have not been elucidated.Methods: In the study arrangement, we examined the expression and prognostic value of E2Fs in CC patients using multiple databases, including ONCOMINE, GEPIA, cBioPortal, Metascape, and Kaplan-Meier mapper.Results: E2F1/2/3/8 is upregulated in CC patients, with E2F1 mRNA levels upregulated with better OS correlation. E2F3/8 has an even worse RFS difference and could presumably be used as a CC therapeutic target. Conclusion: These results suggest that E2F1/2/3/8 can exist as a marker for CC. However, more experimental results are needed to confirm this inference.
Competing Risk Analysis of Cardiovascular/Cerebrovascular Death in T1/2 Kidney Cancer: A SEER Database Analysis
Authors: Mo Xiaofei , Zhou Mingge , Yan Hui , Chen Xueqin , Wang Yuetao
Published: October 2020

Background: Kidney cancer (KC) is associated with cardiovascular regulation disorder, which easily leads to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular death (CCD), and CCD is one of the major causes of death in patients with KC, especially in T1/2 status. However, there are few studies treated CCD as an independent outcome and analyzed the risk factors related to this outcome. We aimed to evaluate the key factors associated with CCD or kidney cancer-specific death (KCD) in patients with T1/2 KC by competing risk analysis, and compared these two kinds of risk factors to offer some information for clinical management. Methods: A total of 45117 patients diagnosed with first primary KC in T1/2 status between 2004-2015 were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. According to their outcomes at the end of follow-up, all patients were divided into CCD group (n=3087), KCD group (n=3212), Other Events group (n=6312) and Alive group (n=32506). Patients’ clinical characteristics were estimated their association with CCD and KCD by Fine-Gray’s competing risk model. Factors significantly correlating with CCD or KCD were used to create forest plots to compare their differences.Results: The Fine-Gray’s competing risk analysis showed that age at diagnosis, race, marital status, tumor size, AJCC T stage, chemotherapy, kind of surgery of primary site and scope of lymph node were correlated significantly with CCD. Moreover, age at diagnosis, sex, marital status, tumor size, AJCC T/N status, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, kind of surgery of primary site and scope of lymph node were correlated significantly with KCD. Then the forest plots of these two kinds factors were established to compare their difference. It was found that age at diagnose, race, AJCC T/N status and therapy methods represented significantly different risks for patients with T1/2 KC developing to CCD or KCD.Conclusion: We firstly separated CCD and KCD as two independent outcomes to analysis the risk factors related them, and found that age at diagnose, race, AJCC T/N status and therapy methods differently affected patients with T1/2 KC developing to CCD or KCD.
Inverse Analysis to Reconstruct Hydraulic Conditions of Non-steady Turbidity Currents: Application to an Ancient Turbidite of the Kiyosumi Formation of the Awa Group, Boso Peninsula, Central Japan
Authors: Nakao Kento , Naruse Hajime , Tokuhashi Shuichi
Published: October 2020

This study proposes a new method of inverse analysis from ancient turbidites to the non-steady turbidity currents with consideration of multiple grain-size classes. The forward model employed in this study is based on the shallow water equation, and the initial condition of flows are assumed to be the lock-exchange type condition. To obtain a solution of the inverse problem, this study employed the genetic algorithm for finding the optimized initial conditions. The present method successfully estimated the true given initial conditions of the turbidity currents from the artificial data sets of deposits created by the calculation of the forward model. The author also applied the method to the turbidite bed in the Kiyosumi Formation. As a result of inverse analysis, the obtained solution fits well to the observed data of the individual turbidite, providing estimates of the flow velocity, the flow thickness and the sediment concentration of the turbidity current.

The flow thickness and velocity when the turbidity current reached at the downstream end of the study area were reconstructed to be 334.6 m, 0.98 m/s respectively at the location of the downstream end. Result of our analysis is the first example of reconstructing a reasonable conditions of the turbidity current from an ancient turbidite observed in the field, and the method is expected to be applied in various regions in the future.
Novel Epigenetic Clock for Fetal Brain Development Predicts Fetal Epigenetic Age for iPSCs and iPSC-Derived Neurons.
Authors: Steg Leonard C , Shireby Gemma L , Imm Jennifer , Davies Jonathan P , Flynn Robert , Namboori Seema C , Bhinge Akshay , Jeffries Aaron R , Burrage Joe , Neilson Grant W.A. , Walker Emma M , Perfect Leo W , Price Jack , Bray Nicholas L , Cope Emma L , Jones Kimberly M , Allen Nicholas D , Pishva Ehsan , Mill Jonathan , Lunnon Katie , Hannon Eilis
Published: October 2020

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and their differentiated neurons (iPSC-neurons) are a widely used cellular model in the research of the central nervous system. However, it is unknown how well they capture age-associated processes, particularly given that pluripotent cells are only present during the early stages of mammalian development. Epigenetic clocks utilize coordinated age-associated changes in DNA methylation to make predictions that correlate strongly with chronological age, and is has been shown that the induction of pluripotency rejuvenates predicted epigenetic age. As existing clocks are not optimized for the study of brain development, to investigate more precisely the epigenetic age of iPSCs and iPSC-neurons, here, we establish the fetal brain clock (FBC), a bespoke epigenetic clock trained in prenatal neurodevelopmental samples. Our data show that the FBC outperforms other established epigenetic clocks in predicting the age of fetal brain samples. We then applied the FBC to DNA methylation data of cellular datasets that have profiled iPSCs and iPSC-derived neuronal precursor cells and neurons and find that these cell types are characterized by a fetal epigenetic age. Furthermore, while differentiation from iPSCs to neurons significantly increases the epigenetic age, iPSC-neurons are still predicted as having fetal epigenetic age. Together our findings reiterate the need for better understanding of the limitations of existing epigenetic clocks for answering biological research questions and highlight a potential limitation of iPSC-neurons as a cellular model for the research of age-related diseases as they might not fully recapitulate an aged phenotype.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Neurological Findings in Dogs with Disc-Associated Cervical Spondylomyelopathy (63 cases)
Authors: Bonelli Marília de Albuquerque , Costa Luciana Bignardi de Soares Brisola Casimiro da , Costa Ronaldo Casimiro da
Published: October 2020

Background: Canine cervical spondylomyelopathy can be separated into osseous and disc-associated (DA-CSM) forms. Our aim was to describe the magnetic resonance imaging (using a high-field scanner) and neurological findings in dogs with DA-CSM and investigate a relationship between these findings.Results: Sixty-three dogs were included: 60/63 (95%) were large breeds, with Doberman Pinschers and males over-represented (70%). Mean and median age at the time of diagnosis was 7.25 and 7.2 years (range 0.41 – 12 years). Chronic signs were noted in 52/63 (83%) dogs, with proprioceptive ataxia the most common. Main site of spinal cord compression was commonly C6-C7 or C5-C6. Thirty-six (57%) dogs had various sites of spinal cord compression. Most dogs younger than 6 years of age had a single affected. Foraminal stenosis was present in 51/63 dogs (81%). T2-weighted hyperintensity was present in 40/63 dogs (63%). Eighty-eight percent of the articular processes showed degenerative changes, which correlated strongly with intervertebral disc degeneration. Ligamentum flavum hypertrophy was seen in 38% of dogs. No correlation was observed between neurologic signs and number of affected sites. A moderate positive correlation was observed between severity of spinal cord compression and neurologic grade (r 0.48; p<0.001).Conclusions: DA-CSM was predominantly observed in older, male Dobermans, with chronic neurologic signs, with compressive lesions located in the caudal cervical vertebral region. Although less common, DA-CSM was also seen in dogs 3 years of age or younger (8%). Single compressive lesions were more common in dogs younger than 6 years of age. Most dogs had concomitant changes (e.g.: ligamentum flavum hypertrophy and foraminal stenosis) that may affect neurologic signs. Most dogs with ligamentum flavum hypertrophy were 6 years or older. A correlation was observed between severity of spinal cord compression and neurologic grade; dogs with more severe spinal cord compression were more likely to have a higher neurologic grade. Dogs with more sites of spinal cord compression did not have more severe neurologic involvement. A very high percentage of dogs had articular process degenerative changes. Possible biomechanical or genetic relationships between degenerative changes in articular processes, ligamentum flavum, and intervertebral discs warrants further investigation.
Biomechanics of Artificial Pedicle Fixation in a 3d-printed Prosthesis After Total en Bloc Spondylectomy: A Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Wang Xiao Dong , Hanpeng Xu , Han Ye , Wu Jincheng , Song Yang , Jiang Yuanyuan , Wang Jianzhong , Miao Jun
Published: October 2020

Background: This study compared the biomechanics of artificial pedicle fixation in spine reconstruction with a 3-dimensional (3D)-printed prosthesis after total en bloc spondylectomy (TES) by finite element analysis.Methods: A thoracolumbar (T10–L2) finite element model was developed and validated. Two models of T12 TES were established in combination with different fixation methods: Model A consisted of long-segment posterior fixation (T10/11, L1/2) + 3D-printed prosthesis; and Model B consisted of Model A + two artificial pedicle fixation screws. The models were evaluated with an applied of 7.5 N·m and axial force of 200 N. We recorded and analyzed the following: 1) stiffness of the two fixation systems; 2) hardware stress in the two fixation systems; and 3) stress on the endplate adjacent to the 3D-printed prosthesis.Results: The fixation strength of Model B was enhanced by the screws in the artificial pedicle, which was mainly manifested as an improvement in rotational stability. The stress transmission of the artificial pedicle fixation screws reduced the stress on the posterior rods and endplate adjacent to the 3D-printed prosthesis in all directions of motion, especially in rotation.Conclusions: After TES, the posterior long-segment fixation combined with the anterior 3D printed prosthesis could maintain postoperative spinal stability, but adding artificial pedicle fixation increased the stability of the fixation system and reduced the risk of prosthesis subsidence and instrumentation failure.
Can the Bone Mineral Density of the Non-fractured Contralateral Hip Predict Medial Migration of Helical Blade-type Lag Screws in Osteoporotic Hip Fractures?
Authors: Jo Suenghwan , Lee Hyun Jun , Lee Sang Hong , Ryu Je Hong , Kim Ba Rom , Lim Dong Seop , Kim Soo Ah
Published: October 2020

Background: In this study, we performed a biomechanical tests on the osteoporotic femoral heads to validate whether the bone mineral density (BMD) measured at the non-fractured contralateral hip can predict the BMD and potential medial migration of helical blade-type lag screws on the fractured femoral head.Methods: Twenty-four osteoporotic femoral heads were retrieved from patients with femoral neck fracture undergoing hip arthroplasty. The patients had their BMD measured from the contralateral hip using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry prior to surgery. The BMD of the retrieved femoral heads was measured using micro-computed tomography. The mechanical properties for the medial migration of lag screw were measured by performing an uniaxial compression test on the femoral head using a helical blade-type lag screw. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the correlation among the BMDs of the non-fractured contralateral hip and the retrieved femoral head and the mechanical properties of the fractured femoral head.Results: The mean BMD of the contralateral hip was 0.60±0.14 g/cm2 in the neck region and 0.63±0.15 g/cm2 in the total proximal femur. The mean BMD of the fractured femoral head was 463.3±48.05 mg HA/cm3. The mechanical properties of the fractured femoral head were measured to be 0.92 kN for the maximum compressive load and 14.50±5.48 kN for the accumulated compression load. In the analysis of the correlation among the parameters, we found no correlation between the BMD of the non-fractured contralateral hip and the mechanical properties of the fractured femoral head. In addition, we observed no correlation between the BMD of the fractured femoral head and that of the contralateral hip.Conclusions: Our results indicate that the BMD of the contralateral hip does not reflect the BMD or the mechanical properties of the fractured femoral head. Therefore, helical blade-type lag screw migration may not be predicted from the BMD of the non-fractured contralateral hip.
Identification of Candidate Genes Associated with Steroid-Induced Osteonecrosis of The Femoral Head by Bioinformatics Based on GEO Database
Authors: Cheng Shile , Nie Zhigang , Peng Hao
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUNDː Steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (SONFH) is a progressive bone disorder and its characterized by femoral head collapse and hip joint dysfunction and the biomarkers of SONFH remain unclear. The purposes of this study are to identify the significant biological function and pathway involved in SONFH, and further to search the underlying mechanism of this pathway in SONFH. METHODSː The GSE123568 dataset obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and normalized using Robust Multiarray Averaging (RMA) methods. And the Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), Ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA), VarElect online tool, MalaCards database, miRWalk online tool, DIANA too, and Cytoscape were integrated for bioinformatics analyses.RESULTSː 6 biological processes and 4 KEGG pathways were enriched by GSEA, and 68 candidate genes were involved in these pathways. Besides, the canonical pathway and molecule function analysis by IPA, the results revealed that 10 canonical pathways and 12 candidate genes were identified, and 20 modules and 101 candidate genes were enriched by molecule function analysis. The above candidate genes were combined and filtered using the VarElect online tool. The filtered candidate genes were overlapped with another cluster of candidate genes from the MalaCards database to identify hub genes ACP5, TNF, MMP8. Based on the hub genes, the miRNAs were screened and overlapped to predict the lncRNAs. Total 7 miRNAs of ACP5, TNF, MMP8 were targeted 956 candidate lncRNAs.CONCLUSIONSː In summary, this study identified the hub candidate genes and pathways associated with SONFH progress, and constructed the ceRNA network based on the hub candidate genes. Our findings might provide the potential biomarkers of SONFH diagnosis and treatment.
Degeneration of the Lumbar Paravertebral Muscle in Patients With Dynamic Sagittal Imbalance, A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Ru Nan , Li Yang , Cui Xingang , Sun Jianmin , Wang Guodong
Published: October 2020

Study Design: A retrospective cohort study.Background: Sagittal imbalance of the spine is a comprehensive concept ..In appearance, it is often manifested as body leaning forward instability; whereas on standing full-spine lateral digital radiographs, it shows an increased sagittal vertical axis (SVA) .Clinically, we found that some patients showed normal sagittal balance at initiation, but hunched or leaned forward after a period of walk or activity. This condition is called dynamic sagittal imbalance(DSI). There is no systematic study to explore the paravertebral muscles changes of dynamic sagittal imbalance.Method: The study group comprised 31 DSI patients and 42 control patients. All subjects underwent radiologic whole spine X-ray examination and lumbar MRI( Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scanning. Spinal-pelvic parameters at initiation such as sagittal vertical axis (SVA), thoracic kyphosis (TK), thoracolumbar kyphosis (TLK), lumbar lordosis (LL), sacral slope (SS), pelvic tilt (PT) and pelvic incidence (PI) was measured. The cross-sectional areas CSA of the erector spinae (ES), multiﬁdus (MF), and vertebral body area were measured at L2/L3 and L4/L5. The fat infiltration (FI) and relative cross-sectional area (RCSA)of muscle of these above muscles were quantitatively measured though Image J softwore.Result : Compared with the control group, the DSI group had a smaller lumbar lordosis, more severe fat infiltration and lower relative functional cross-sectional area(RFCSA) of paravertebral muscle (erector spinae and multifidus) . In DSI group, the point-in-time of occurrence of dynamic sagittal imbalance was statistically correlated with degeneration of paravertbral muscles at L4/L5 level, whereas no correlation between the two above at L2/L3 level.Conclusion: In conclusion, DSI an normal SVA (SVA＜40mm) at initiation, and prominent increase in SVA after activity with thunks marked inclined. Paravertebral muscle degeneration plays an important role in the DSI process, Patients in the DSI group had more severe paravertebral muscle degeneration compared with patients in control group. There was a significant correlation between the severity of DSI symptoms and the degeneration of lower lumbar paravertebral muscles. These findings may help spinal surgeons better understand sagittal balance of spine.
Mechanical Ventilation Preserves Diaphragm Mitochondrial Function in a Rat Sepsis Model
Authors: Eyenga Pierre , Roussel Damien , Rey Benjamin , Ndille Patrice , Teulier Loic , Geuguen-Chaignon Virginie , Morel Jerome , Eyenga Florence , Romestaing Caroline , Sheu Shey-Shing
Published: October 2020

Background: To describe the effect of mechanical ventilation on diaphragm mitochondrial oxygen consumption, ATP production, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and cytochrome-c oxidase activity and content, and their relationship to diaphragm strength in an experimental model of sepsis.Methods: A cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) protocol was performed in 12 rats while 12 controls underwent sham-operation. Half of the rats in each group were paralyzed and mechanically ventilated. We performed blood gas analysis and lactic acid assays 6 hours after surgery. Afterwards, we measured diaphragm strength and mitochondrial oxygen consumption, ATP and ROS generation, and cytochrome-c oxidase activity. We also measured malondialdehyde (MDA) content as an index of lipid peroxidation, and mRNA expression of the pro-inflammatory interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in diaphragms.Results: CLP rats showed severe hypotension, metabolic acidosis, and upregulation of diaphragm IL-1β mRNA expression. Compared to sham controls, spontaneously breathing CLP rats showed lower diaphragm force and increased susceptibility to fatigue, along with depressed mitochondrial oxygen consumption and ATP production and cytochrome-c oxidase activity. These rats also showed increased mitochondrial ROS generation and MDA content. Mechanical ventilation markedly restored mitochondrial oxygen consumption and ATP production in CLP rats; lowered mitochondrial ROS production by the complex 3; and preserved cytochrome-c oxidase activity.Conclusion: In an experimental model of sepsis, early initiation of mechanical ventilation restores diaphragm mitochondrial function.
Surgical Start Time Impact on Hospital Length of Stay for Elective Inpatient Procedures
Authors: Cifarelli Christopher , McMichael John P , Forman Alex G , Mihm Paul A , Cifarelli Daniel T , Lee Mark R , Marsh J. Wallis
Published: October 2020

Background: Hospital length of stay (LOS) remains an important metric in analysis of surgical services. Modifiable factors to reduce LOS are few in number and the ability to practically take action is limited. Surgical scheduling of elective cases remains an important task in optimizing workflow and may impact the post-surgical LOS.Methods: Retrospective data from a single tertiary care academic institution were analyzed for quality improvement of elective adult surgical cases performed from 2017 through 2019. Variables included primary procedure, age, diabetes status, ASA class, and surgical start time. Analysis of the median LOS following surgery was performed using Mann-Whitney tests and Cox hazards model. Matched-cohort analysis of mean total hospitalization costs was performed using the Student’s T-test. Results: 9258 patients were analyzed across five surgical service lines, of which 777 patients had surgical start time after 3PM. The median LOS for the after 3PM group was 1 day longer than the before 3PM start time cohort (3.0 vs 2.1, p<0.001). Service line analysis revealed increased LOS for Orthopedics and Neurosurgery (3.0 vs 1.9, p<0.001; 3.0 vs 2.0, p<0.05). Multivariate-analysis confirmed that start time before 3PM predicted shorter LOS (HR=1.214, 1.126-1.309; p<0.001). Case-matched cost analysis for frequently performed orthopedic and neurosurgical cases with an after 3PM start time failed to demonstrate a significant difference in total hospital charges. Conclusion: Optimization of surgical services scheduling to increase the proportion of elective surgical cases started before 3PM has the potential to decrease post-surgical LOS for adult patients undergoing Orthopedic or Neurosurgical procedures.
Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Alleviates Tinnitus-related Distress Among Veterans: a Pilot Study
Authors: Moring John , Resick Patricia , Peterson Alan , Husain Fatima , Esqu Carlos , Young-McCaughan Stacey , Granato Elsa , Fox Peter
Published: October 2020

Background: Military service personnel are at increased risk for developing tinnitus due to heightened exposure to acoustic trauma. The auditory disorder is a leading service-connected disability among veterans and is highly comorbidly diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The biopsychosocial model illustrates that chronic health conditions are exacerbated or maintained by psychiatric distress. Therefore, alleviation of such psychiatric distress can have beneficial impacts on health conditions, such as tinnitus. The aim of this study was to determine whether individuals with both disorders who receive evidence-based therapy for PTSD, will experience decreases in both PTSD and tinnitus-related distress.Methods: Veterans with comorbid bothersome tinnitus and PTSD received Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and were assessed for PTSD, tinnitus-related distress, and depression at baseline and one month post-treatment follow-up.Results: At post-treatment follow-up, participants demonstrated significant decreases in PTSD symptoms compared to their baseline scores. Participants also demonstrated decreased tinnitus-related distress and depression, with high effect sizes.Discussion: This pilot study demonstrated the benefit of addressing psychiatric distress, such as PTSD, to simultaneously target bothersome tinnitus. Although not statistically significant due to the small sample size, large effect sizes indicate that tinnitus-related distress decreased as a function of receiving evidence-based therapy for PTSD. Future clinical trials should increase sample sizes and compare effects to control conditions.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov. NCT03702166. Registered October 10, 2018, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03702166?cond=tinnitus&cntry=US&state=US%3ATX&city=San+Antonio&draw=1&rank=1
Younger Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis Are as Dependent in Activities of Daily Living as Their Older Counterparts
Authors: Tufan Ayse Nur , Tufan Fatih , Oksuz Mustafa Ferhat , Ermurat Selime , Coskun Belkis Nihan , Pehlivan Yavuz , Dalkilic Ediz
Published: October 2020

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis is an important cause of disability and dependency in older adults. We aimed to assess dependency in activities of daily living in younger and older patients with rheumatoid arthritis and to seek factors underlying dependency in activities of daily living.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we assessed dependency in basic and instrumental activities of daily living; disease activity; quality of life; depression; anxiety; and fatigue in the rheumatology clinic of a university hospital. Univariate analyses and a logistic regression analysis were performed to determine factors associated with dependency.Results: We enrolled 76 patients with a mean age of 57±11.1 (range 31-78). The rate of dependency in instrumental activities of daily living was high in younger (56.1%) and older (51.4%) patients. The rate of dependency in basic activities of daily living was 14.6% in younger and 14.3% in older patients. A higher depression score and female gender had significant associations with dependency in instrumental activities of daily living.Conclusion: The rate of dependency in basic and instrumental activities of daily living is high in younger and older patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Depression seems to be an independent and important factor underlying dependency. Further studies are needed to investigate the mechanisms of this association and test the effect of antidepressant treatment on dependency in rheumatoid arthritis.
Bioinformatics Analysis Combined with Experiments to Explore Neuroblastoma Prognostic Indicators Based on Immune-related Genes.
Authors: Shao FengLing , Wang Zhenni , Wang Shan
Published: October 2020

Background：Due to the extremely high mortality rate of children with high-risk Neuroblastoma (NB), there is an urgent need for new indicators to further classify children in the high-risk group for more precise treatment. The purpose of our research is to explore the immune-related genes in NB in the high-risk group, and to further identify and develop a prognostic nomogram based on immune IRG signatures. Methods：Through bioinformatics analysis to explore the abnormal expression of immune-related genes in the high-risk group. Cox regression and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analysis were conducted to identify the immune and overall survival (OS) related mRNA. The accuracy of the risk score is evaluated by Kaplan-Meier method and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis, which is used to build a nomogram in combination with other clinical characteristics.. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was conducted to detect the accuracy of our results. Results：A total of 127 common differentially expressed immune genes were found between the high-risk group and the non-high-risk group of the two data sets. Four immune-related genes (IRG) related to prognosis were identified and a risk score was established. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and time-dependent ROC analysis showed that the 4-IRG risk score has satisfactory predictive potential and achieved consistency in the verification of external data sets. Subsequently, the risk score combined with clinical characteristics draws a nomogram. The reliability of the results was verified on 29 cases of NB tissues by qRT-PCR. Conclusions：Overall, we have developed a powerful multi-gene classifier that can effectively classify NB patients into low- and high-risk groups with poor prognosis, and draw a nomogram for children in the high-risk group. This feature can help select high-risk patients who need more aggressive adjuvant target therapy or immunotherapy.
A model for the kinetics of high-temperature reactions between polydisperse volcanic ash and SO2 gas
Authors: Wadsworth Fabian B. , Vasseur Jérémie , Casas Ana Silvia , Delmelle Pierre , Hess Kai-Uwe , Ayris Paul M. , Dingwell Donald B.
Published: October 2020

Rapid calcium diffusion occurs in rhyolitic volcanic ash particles exposed to hot SO2 atmospheres. Such chemical transport is important immediately following fragmentation, during proximal transport in eruption plumes and during percolative gas transport through a permeable volcanic edifice. Here we analyze published results of experiments designed to constrain the kinetics of this process. The experiments involve crushed rhyolitic glass particles tumbled in SO2-bearing atmospheres at a wide range of relevant temperatures. We find that the particle-gas reaction is fed by calcium diffusion from the bulk to the particle surfaces where calcium-sulfate crystals grow. The calcium flux is accommodated by local iron oxidation state changes. This process results in time-dependent concentrations of surface calcium that are leachable in aqueous solutions. Those leachate concentrations represent a proxy for the diffusive flux of Ca2+ out of the particle to form the surface deposits. We formulate a mathematical framework to convolve the starting particle size distributions with the solution to Fickian one-dimensional diffusion to find a weighted polydisperse result. Using this framework, we minimize for a temperature-dependent calcium diffusivity and compare our results with published calcium diffusivity data. We demonstrate that calcium diffusivity in rhyolite can be decomposed into two regimes: (1) a high-temperature regime in which the diffusivity is given by the Eyring equation and (2) a low-temperature regime more relevant to rhyolite volcanism and these gas-ash reactions. As a further test of our model, we compare the output against spatially resolved data for the calcium gradients in the experimental particles. Our analysis suggests that surface reaction rates are rapid compared with the diffusion of calcium from the particle to the surface, such that full diffusion models must be solved to predict the rhyolite-SO2 reaction. We conclude by suggesting how this framework could be used to make quantitative predictions of sulfur budgets and iron oxidation during rhyolitic eruptions.
Reply to “A comment on ‘An evolutionary system of mineralogy: Proposal for a classification of planetary materials based on natural kind clustering’”
Authors: Hazen Robert M.
Published: October 2020

I welcome the “Comment” from Hatert et al. (2021) related to the proposal for an “Evolutionary system of mineralogy” (Hazen 2019) and thank them for their historically informed, conceptually nuanced, and consistently constructive contribution. They offer corrections related to two facets of my paper that seemed unfairly to criticize aspects of the International Mineralogical Association's Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification (IMA-CNMNC) protocols for classifying minerals.

First, they note an unfortunate inferred ambivalence with respect to the relationship between the IMA system and the new evolutionary system. If I was once ambivalent, that view has changed. Having spent the past two years in an ongoing effort to develop this new historical approach, I am struck every day by the power of the IMA-CNMNC system of species classification and nomenclature, which is fundamental and indispensable to the science of mineralogy. As Hatert et al. suggest, any new approach to organizing natural solids, including one focused on planetary evolution, must rest on the foundation provided by the IMA-CNMNC and its many volunteers who selflessly bring order to the mineral kingdom. In the best scenario, the evolutionary system may one day emerge as one of several useful approaches that complement and amplify but in no way replace this core IMA-CNMNC foundation, as clearly stated in the abstract of Hazen (2019).

Second, Hatert et al. (2021) offer corrections regarding the IMA-CNMNC approach to classification, in particular a mischaracterization of the formal process to incorporate amorphous phases, poorly crystalline materials, and loosely defined “mineraloids.” I am grateful for the clarifications, as well as the implication that IMA protocols may facilitate the embrace of additional such phases in the future.

Finally, I welcome the chance to explore further the emerging concept of “natural kinds” as applied to the mineral kingdom. Here, our thoughts differ. I suggest that minerals, considered in their information-rich, idiosyncratic, paragenetic contexts (in contrast to IMA-CNMNC species), have the potential to represent quintessential examples of “natural kinds.” Furthermore, when viewed in their evolutionary context, minerals offer an intriguing opportunity to expand the concept of “historical natural kinds” beyond its present limited and, at times, controversial use in biology, into the realm of the co-evolving geosphere and biosphere.
Granulometric composition predicting models after explosion in open-pit mining
Authors:   Siberian Federal University, Vokhmin Sergei
Published: October 2020

Introduction. Drilling and blasting operations are first in the workflow and significantly determine the economic efficiency of the entire mining and primary processing workflow in the enterprise. The cost of drilling and blasting operations is a significant part of total production costs of large mining companies. In this context, mining engineers today are facing a crucial technological problem, i.e. the reduction of the off-gauge fraction yield after the explosion. Research aims to develop the models which forecast the granulometric composition of the rock mass taken down as the original factor in reducing the economic waste of the entire workflow. Methodology. The parameters which influence the results of rock mass fragmentation and the techniques of rock mass granulometric composition forecasting in the course of drilling and blasting were analyzed. Results. The present paper gives a brief overview of the global mineral output; provides information on the extraction of key types of minerals (mineral fuel, ferrous metals, non-ferrous metals, precious metals, and construction materials), as well as revenues derived from their sale. On the example of domestic companies, approaches to the issue of forecasting the off-gauge fraction yield after the explosion. Summary. Direction for future actions in creating the model forecasting rock mass yield of a certain fraction after the explosion.
Substantiating the method of filling the goaf using the rock jam phenomenon
Authors:   North Caucasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (State Technological University, Golik Vladimir
Published: October 2020

Research subject, theme, and aim center on detailing jam mechanism of discrete rock in hard rock masses and implementing its residual strength to optimize the processes of goaf filling. Research methodology includes structural mechanics and continuum mechanics provisions application to explain and improve the methods of using the mechanism of discrete rocks residual strength implementation due to rock jam when calculating the host rock state control parameters. Research results and scope. The idea of goaf filling during dislocated deposits underground mining is described. Information is given on the geological structure of the studied rocky ore deposit and the role of tectonic structures in the behavior of the mass during its development. The results of the research carried out on the state of the rock mass are shown and some geotechnical sites are distinguished as part of it on the basis of rock weakness feature. Some variants of host rock behavior depending on the joint blocks jam phenomenon are considered. The possibilities are substantiated of goaf filling by combining the methods of filling with insulation and stowing with hardening mixtures. The scope of the research results is recommended for solid mineral deposits underground development. Summary. For the moment, the use of computational methods at discrete rock residual strength implementation due to rock jam through discrete rock jamming properties is a little-used factor of a goaf filling technology, which makes it possible to obtain an environmental and economic effect while ensuring the safety of mining
Selecting a site for the nuclear power plant underground installation during new fields development
Authors:   Mining Institute, Kola Science Centre RAS, Smirnov Iurii G. , Orlov Aleksandr O. ,   Mining Institute, Kola Science Centre RAS
Published: October 2020

Introduction. The construction of underground installations in permafrost is aimed at ensuring the integrated safety of power facilities, small nuclear power plants (SNPP). In these conditions, location choice is a crucial stage in SNPP design and construction. As a rule, construction sites are situated at remote and little developed territories. Construction in permafrost is characterized by adverse climatic conditions and frozen soil, which lead to construction cost indicators growth. Research aim is to carry out comparative evaluation of two sites available for the facilities arrangement at the Peschanka copper porphyry deposit by ranking SNPP location sites. Methodology. Natural and climatic conditions play a significant role in siting and are capable of affecting the safety of both the nuclear facility and surrounding territories during a nuclear power plant operation. The choice of the station location is associated with a number of natural and man-made environmental characteristics. Results. The determining factor in the use of the energy sources under consideration is the need to bring them closer to the main energy consumers, especially in remote and hard-to-reach areas without developed infrastructure. As part of SNPP creation concept, there is an increasing significance of research concerning the siting of underground radiation-hazardous facilities. The methodical approach to selecting sites for underground installations in permafrost includes their ranking. Summary. While ranking the sites according to natural and socio-economic criteria, the most acceptable sites for SNPPs are identified. The results of research on the choice of particular sites during the construction of a mining and processing complex at Peschanka deposit have made it possible to make a conclusion on the site’s suitability for underground installation adit location.
Methodical approaches to choosing the sites for underground energy facilities
Authors:   Mining Institute KSC RAS, Orlov Aleksandr , Smirnov Iurii ,   Mining Institute KSC RAS
Published: October 2020

The work is aimed at studying approaches and developing principal regulations when choosing the sites intended for constructing underground nuclear small power plants in geological formations. The research methodology provides for analysis and summarizing international and Russian experience in choosing the sites for the placement of radiation hazardous facilities. Results. The work gives the approaches when choosing the sites intended for radiation hazardous facilities proposed by IAEA in Russia and abroad. The formation of criteria complete, their specific weight and an integrated assessment of impacts of an energy object on the environment is of importance in the site choosing procedure. The several criteria characterising the site are different for the surface and underground placement of a nuclear plant. The underground placement of a nuclear plant is a determining factor in protecting against undesired external and internal impacts. The authors have proposed an algorithm of choosing the sites for underground small nuclear power plants based on a limited number of criteria. Conclusions. The approaches used for choosing the sites have similar algorithms. The site choosing procedure pays a lot of attention to formation of criteria and an integrated assessment of impacts of an energy object on the environment. The underground placement of energy objects improves their security that allows decreasing a number of observed criteria when choosing the sites.