bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic significance of preoperative nutritional assessment in elderly patients who underwent laparoscopic gastrectomy for stage I–III gastric cancer
Authors: Uehara Hideo , Ota Mitsuhiko , Yamamoto Manabu , Nakanoko Tomonori , Shin Yuki , Shiokawa Keiichi , Fujimoto Yoshiaki , Nakashima Yuichiro , Sugiyama Masahiko , Onishi Emi , Shimagaki Tomonari , Mano Yohei , Sugimachi Keishi , Morita Masaru , Toh Yasushi
Published: September 2022

Purpose: Surgery for elderly patients with gastric cancer is becoming more common. However, the risk factors of the laparoscopic surgery for these patients are unknown, and thus it is difficult to determine appropriate treatments for such patients.
Methods: Two hundred twenty-two patients who underwent laparoscopic gastrectomy for primary gastric cancer between January 2014 and December 2017 were enrolled. Clinical characteristics and short- and long-term prognoses were analyzed in 47 patients aged 75 years or older (elderly group) and in 175 patients who were under 75 years old (non-elderly group).
Results: The presence of comorbidities was more common in the elderly group than in the non-elderly group (91.5% versus 61.7%, p<0.0001). The rate of postoperative complications in the elderly group was significantly higher than that in the non-elderly group (42.6% vs 22.9%, p=0.01). The 5-year overall survival rate was significantly lower in the elderly group than in the non-elderly group (66.9% versus 92.2%; p<0.0001). In the elderly group, 5-year overall survival in patients with a low preoperative prognostic nutritional index (PNI) was significantly worse than that in patients with a high preoperative PNI (25.0% versus 80.9%; p<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that the PNI value was independently associated with overall survival in elderly patients who underwent laparoscopic gastrectomy (p<0.05). In particular, the rate of non-cancer deaths after surgery in elderly patients was significantly higher than that in non-elderly patients (p<0.05).
Conclusion: PNI value is an independent prognostic factor for overall survival in elderly patients who have undergone laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer; therefore, we need to determine not only its recurrence but also non-cancerous diseases in elderly patients with low PNI.
Proposed Methods for Sham-Controlled Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Trial in Surgical Facial Pain Patients
Authors: Blackwood Mallory , Strohman Andrew , White Justin , Witcher Mark
Published: September 2022

Introduction:
Although several studies have investigated the efficacy and safety of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for pain relief in chronic orofacial pain disorders (COFP), significant variability in stimulation methodology and a lack of sham-controlled, double-blinded studies limit the conclusions which can be drawn from this literature.
Objective
To review the current literature on the use of TMS for COFP and propose an optimal, sham-controlled, double blinded randomized trial. Additionally, this study design is novel in its application of this treatment to a population of COFP patients whose pain can not be controlled pharmacologically during the vulnerable pre-surgical period.
Proposed Methods:
34 COFP patients with poor pain control who are awaiting neurosurgical intervention will be randomized evenly into either the sham or true TMS condition and receive 5 consecutive days of treatment. Each stimulation session will be a train of 100 20-Hz pulses once per minute for 10 minutes focused on the contra-lateral M1 Hand area, a protocol and target which showed the most promise in prior studies. The sham condition will be achieved by using a sham-capable TMS coil and replicating the scalp sensation of stimulation using transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation electrodes toggled on or off by a single unblinded study coordinator. The primary outcome measure will be change in reported pain on the Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SFMPQ), completed by participants at several timepoints. Change in SFMPQ composite scores over time between groups may be analyzed with a repeated ANOVA among other exploratory analyses.
Conclusion
These proposed methods represent the most rigorous investigation of TMS for COFP-related pain that the authors are aware of. By combining the use of a sham condition, double-blinding, and the most promising stimulation protocol according to current literature, the results of this study would yield near-definitive evidence of TMS efficacy. Additionally, such a study could inform whether the adoption of TMS as a pre-surgical intervention might provide pain relief in this especially vulnerable setting.
Body size and fin length as determinants in the geographic distribution of Loliginid squids
Authors: Ibanez Christian M. , Luna Amanda , Márquez Carolina , Torres Felipe I. , Sales Joao Bráullio L.
Published: September 2022

Macroecological studies have mainly focused on exploring the relationships between body size and geographic distribution on large scales, whether regional, continental or even global, and most of them have been conducted on terrestrial species. Few studies have been conducted on aquatic species, and even fewer have considered the importance of phylogeny in the observed patterns. Cephalopod molluscs are a good model to tackle these problems given that they have large geographic and bathymetric ranges, a wide range of body sizes, as well as diverse fin sizes and shapes. Here, we evaluate the relationships between body and fin size with the geographic distribution of 30 squid species of the family Loliginidae distributed worldwide. To test a macroecological hypothesis, we evaluated the phylogenetic signal and correlated evolution of the three traits to assess the role of phylogenetic relationships in squid distribution using a molecular phylogeny based on two mitochondrial and one nuclear gene. The analyses showed the existence of a relationship between body size and geographic distribution. Similarly, relative fin size showed a positive relationship with distribution. Phylogenetic signals were high for morphological traits (body and fin size), while it was low for distribution. The geographic distribution of loliginid squids evolved in relation to body size, where larger squids with large fins (e.g. genusSepioteuthis) have wide distributions, while small-finned species (e.g. genusPickfordioteuthis) have narrow distributions. This study opens the gates to explore such relationships in other squid families or other marine swimming animals.
The effects of combined respiratory muscle and exercise training in children with bronchial asthma
Authors: yang shuhui , Zhanmei Zhang , Liu Yulin , Liu Enmei , LUO Zhengxiu
Published: September 2022

Objective:To investigate the effects of combined respiratory muscle and exercise training on inspiratory muscle strength, exercise capacity, lung function, asthma control the quality-of-life in children with asthma.
Design：randomisd trail
Methods:Fifty children with asthma, who were treated in XX hospital in Chongqing between May and December 2021, were selected and randomly divided into a rehabilitation group and a control group by using a random number table. The control group was given routine drug treatment and health education while the rehabilitation group received a combination of respiratory muscle and exercise training.
Results:After three months of treatment, the maximum inspiratory pressure, level of asthma control and quality-of-life in the rehabilitation group were significantly improved when compared with those in the control group (P＜0.05); there were no significant differences in the 6-minute walking test and lung function (P＞0.05). After three months of treatment, all outcome indicators in the rehabilitation group were significantly improved when compared to those before treatment (P＜0.05). The mean maximum inspiratory pressure and some indices of pulmonary function in the control group were significantly improved when compared to those before treatment (P＜0.05).
Conclusion: Combining respiratory muscle and exercise training significantly improved inspiratory muscle strength, the level of asthma control and the quality-of-life in children with asthma. More research is needed to explore its role in asthma in the future.
Trial registration：Chinese clinical trail registry, ChiCTR2100049173, Registered 24 July 2021 - Retrospectively registered, http://www.chictr.org.cn/listbycreater.aspx.
Microorganism profile and antimicrobial resistance pattern of pathogenic bacteria in urinary tract infection from a tertiary pediatrics hospital in Henan, China
Authors: Fang Panpan , Gao Kaijie , Sun Hongqi , Shan Zhiming , Yang Junmei , Wang Yingyuan
Published: September 2022

Background: To describe the distribution of urinary tract infection (UTI) pathogens and their changes of antimicrobial resistance in the Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, China.
Methods: We performed a retrospective study on inpatient with UTI from Jan 1, 2015 to Dec 31, 2020. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was conducted by Kirby-Bauer automated systems, and results were interpreted using CLSI criteria.
Results: Totally 1,309 strains were isolated from 1,236 children with UTIs, the most common pathogen was Escherichia coli (26.89%), followed by Enterococcus faecium (20.63%), Enterococcus faecalis (16.42%), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (7.79%). The detection ratio of E. coli decreased significantly (31.00% vs 20.06%, P=0.03); The resistance rate of E. coli to ceftriaxone in 2018 was as high as 79.59%, E. coli was relatively sensitive to amikacin, imipenem, nitrofurantoin, and Cefoperazone/Sulbactam, the resistance rates to these drugs in 2020 were 6.45%, 11.29%, 3.23%, and 14.25 respectively; The resistance rate of Enterococcus to gentamicin of high concentrations changed statistically from 2015 to 2020 (P <0.05), the resistance rate of E. faecium was the highest in 2019, which was 56.60%, and that of E. faecalis was the highest in 2018, which was 33.33 %.
Conclusion: Our results showed that most isolates showed high levels of resistance to commonly used antibiotics, the overall antimicrobial resistance rate was highest in 2017-2018 and showed a downward trend in 2019-2020. Individualized treatment plans should be formulated based on drug susceptibility test results to curb the spread and prevalence of resistant bacteria.
Nocardia abscessus bronchiolitis in a patient treated with corticosteroids
Authors: Cascarano Estelle , Frappa* Murielle , Degano Bruno , Pelloux Isabelle , Saint-Raymond Christel , Gheerbrant Hubert
Published: September 2022

Nocardiosis is a disease that mainly affects immunocompromised patients. Inhaled corticosteroids are standard of care for asthma. This treatment can induce respiratory infections but no case of bronchiolitis nocardiosis have been described so far. A 58-year-old man, with a controlled moderate allergic asthma, started since two years coughing and having dyspnoea during efforts. Within two months, although inhaled corticosteroids were increased to high doses, symptoms worsened linked to a severe obstructive ventilatory disorder as pulmonary function tests (PFT) revealed. Small-scale lesions (< 10%) were found on chest computed tomography (CT). A bronchoalveolar lavage found Nocardia abscessus. After six months of Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim, PFT results improved and chest CT became completely normal. We therefore present the case of a bronchiolitis nocardiosis with several bronchial syndrome and the only immunosuppressive factor found are inhaled corticosteroids (ICS).
Clinical SARS-CoV-2 Kinetic Profiles Are Dependent on the Viral Strain and Host Vaccination Status
Authors: Gunawardana Manjula , Cortez John , Breslin Jessica , Webster Simon , Rochman Nash , Anton Peter , Baum Marc
Published: September 2022

The SARS-CoV-2 infection kinetics in a real-world, clinical setting represent a knowledge gap in understanding the underlying COVID-19 pathogenesis. There are scant reports on the dynamics describing the two principal components of the viral life cycle, namely the rapid proliferation and slower clearance phases. Here, we present results from an ongoing workplace clinical surveillance study where two vaccinated participants became infected with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant (BA.1. lineage). The subjects were followed longitudinally at high temporal resolution allowing the kinetics of both viral phases to be characterized. The viral doubling times in the proliferation phase (3.3-3.5 h) and maximum measured viral loads were similar to those observed for unvaccinated individuals infected with an earlier SARS-CoV-2 strain. However, the clearance phase was much shorter in the current study and unexpectedly displayed a multimodal profile. Longitudinal whole genome SARS-CoV-2 sequencing identified a stable mutation that arose in one of the participants over the 2-week period of positivity. Our small study provides a rare insight into the clinical SARS-CoV-2 dynamics holding significance to public health measures and the biology underlying COVID-19.
Evaluation of indoor environmental quality, personal cumulative exposure dose, and aerosol transmission risk levels inside urban buses in Dalian, China
Authors: Zhao Yu , Gu Chenmin , Song Xiaocheng
Published: September 2022

The transmission of pollutants in buses has an important impact on personal exposure to airborne particles and spread of the COVID-19 epidemic in enclosed spaces. We conducted the following real-time field measurements inside buses: CO2, airborne particle concentration, temperature, and relative humidity data during peak and off-peak hours in spring and autumn. Correlation analysis was adopted to evaluate the dominant factors influencing CO2and particle mass concentrations in the vehicle. The cumulative personal exposure dose to particulate matter and reproduction number were calculated for passengers on a one-way trip. The results showed the in-cabin CO2concentrations, with 22.11% and 21.27% of the total time exceeding 1,000 ppm in spring and autumn respectively. In-cabin PM2.5 mass concentration exceeded 35 μm/m3 by 57.35% and 86.42% in spring and autumn, respectively. CO2 concentration and the cumulative number of passengers were approximately linearly correlated in both seasons, with R value up to 0.896. The cumulative number of passengers had the most impact on PM2.5 mass concentration among tested parameters. The cumulative personal exposure dose to PM2.5 during a one-way trip in autumn was up to 43.13 μg. The average reproductive number throughout the one-way trip was 0.26; it was 0.57 under the assumed extreme environment. The results of this study provide an important basic theoretical guidance for the optimization of ventilation system design and operation strategies aimed at reducing multi-pollutant integrated health exposure and airborne particle infection (such as SARS-CoV-2) risks.
What is the role of puberty in the development of islet autoimmunity and progression to type 1 diabetes?
Authors: Peltonen Essi J. , Veijola Riitta , Ilonen Jorma , Knip Mikael , Niinikoski Harri , Toppari Jorma , Virtanen Helena E. , Virtanen Suvi M. , Peltonen Jaakko , Nevalainen Jaakko
Published: September 2022

In many populations, the peak period of incidence of type 1 diabetes (T1D) has been observed to be around 10–14 years of age, coinciding with puberty, but direct evidence of the role of puberty in the development of T1D is limited. We therefore aimed to investigate whether puberty and the timing of its onset are associated with the development of islet autoimmunity (IA) and subsequent progression to T1D. A Finnish population-based cohort of children with HLA-DQB1-conferred susceptibility to T1D was followed from 7 years of age until 15 years of age or until a diagnosis of T1D (n = 6920). T1D-associated autoantibodies and growth were measured at 3- to 12-month intervals, and pubertal onset timing was assessed based on growth. The analyses used a three-state survival model. IA was defined as being either positive for islet cell antibodies plus at least one biochemical autoantibody (ICA + 1) or as being repeatedly positive for at least one biochemical autoantibody (BC1). During follow-up, 211 children (3.2% of those who were ICA + 1-defined IA-negative at 7 years) or 198 children (5.3%, BC1) developed IA, and 169 (31.9% or 25.6% of children observed to be ICA + 1 or BC1-defined IA-positive during follow-up, respectively) progressed to T1D. Puberty was associated with an increase in the risk of progression to T1D, but only from ICA + 1-defined IA (hazard ratio: 1.57; 95% confidence interval: 1.14, 2.16), and the timing of pubertal onset did not affect the association. No association between puberty and the risk of IA was detected. In conclusion, puberty may affect the risk of progression but is not a risk factor for IA.
Analytical solution for the extrusion deformation of the reinforced face in deep tunnel
Authors: Wang Zhilong , Xu Baiyang , Zhang Sheng , Liu Dagang
Published: September 2022

The stability of the tunnel face is an essential consideration in tunnel design. When it is not possible to maintain tunnel face stability under natural conditions, it is essential to intervene with extremely expensive reinforcing operations. Numerical models and simplified analytical models can be used to accomplish a detailed analysis of the stability conditions of the tunnel face. There are simplified analytical models for shallow tunnels, but there are few for deep tunnels. This work proposes a closed-form solution for the analysis of face extrusion deformation with reinforcement during full-face tunnel excavation based on the theory of spherical symmetry in homogeneous initial stress. It is worth noting that the proposed approach is both simple and applicable. It also provides a new mathematical concept for the design of fiberglass dowels and is useful for real engineering applications. The proposed model's accuracy and applicability are validated by comparing it with numerical simulation. The results show that with the increase of various parameters, the extrusion deformation decreases gradually, which reveals that improving the strength of the face plays a significant role in ensuring its stability. The comparison shows that the proposed model in this paper has higher accuracy for the squeezing tunnel. In addition, when the reinforcing radius RL increases, the extrusion deformation value of the tunnel face falls steadily. However, when RL increases, the relative control impact decreases. When the reinforcement radius RL increases, the extrusion deformation value and the influence of relative control of the tunnel face decreases. Thus, under the same reinforcement strength, there is a reasonable reinforcement radius range, which should be determined in combination with engineering safety and economy.
Response of Marine Microalgae Tetraselmis chuii to 5 Groups of Antibiotics
Authors: Keipour Sepideh , Mostafvi Pargol Ghavam , Rafiei Farnaz , Fatemi Seyyed Mohammad reza
Published: September 2022

Antibiotic contamination in aquatic environments, as well as its effects on non-target organisms, has recently come to the attention of researchers. In the current study, three dosages (1, 0.5, and 0.25mg/L) of five antibiotic groups were tested on the marine green microalgae T. chuii: quinolones, tetracyclines, penicillins, macrolides, and sulfanamides. As stress biomarkers, cell density, dry biomass, specific growth rate, and chlorophyll content were calculated. Tetracyclines, penicilines, and sulfonamide in all doses inhibited algal growth. Among Quinolones, Ciprofloxacin and Enrofloxacin stimulated green algae growth at all tested dosages, whereas 1mg/l of Levofloxacin and Nalidilic acid inhibited it slightly while the other dosages stimulated it. Similar results were obtained for Macrolides: all three Erythromycin dosages were toxic to T.chuii, while 1mg/L was not. Similar results were obtained for Macrolides: all three Erythromycin dosages were toxic to T.chuii; while 1mg/L of Tylosin stimulated algal growth, lower dosages inhibited it. As a result, antibiotic pollution may alter the aquatic environment not only by reducing or inhibiting the growth of one species, but also by stimulating the growth of others, resulting in ecological imbalance and, as a result, the food chain. Using specific antibiotics in specific dosages in microalgae farms, on the other hand, could increase biomass while decreasing microbial contaminations.
Synthesis of a bifunctional metal-organic framework membrane for the removal of anionic and cationic heavy metals from wastewater
Authors: Cui Hao , Song Yi , Pan Jinjiang , Jiang Zhenmao , Wei Shiqiang , Li Lei
Published: September 2022

A novel adsorption composite composed of metal-organic frameworks with bifunctional groups of -NH2 and -COOH [UIO-66-NH2(-COOH)] loaded onto the fiberglass membrane labelled as F-MOFs-M was fabricated by a two-step method. This surface-modified composite could simultaneously capture both anionic and cationic heavy metal ions from wastewater, and the adsorption priority followed an order of SbO3−, CrO42−, AsO43−, Pb2+, and Ni2+. The adsorption capacity for AsO43−, CrO42−, SbO3−, Ni2+, and Pb2+ was 55 mg·g− 1, 189 mg·g− 1, 342 mg·g− 1, 16 mg·g− 1, and 133 mg·g− 1, respectively. It could be used for the quick removal of these toxic ions by withdrawing the membrane after adsorption. Additionally, the prepared F-MOFs-M provided an excellent stability in 7 days of continuous work, and could be easily regenerated and reused without significant decrease in removal performance even after 5 filtration cycles. The adsorption performances and their corresponding mechanisms were exploited by a series of advanced techniques. The MOF-derived materials loaded on membrane provide a new application scenario in the remediation of polluted water bodies.
Fibrocystin/Polyductin releases a C-terminal fragment that translocates into mitochondria and prevents cystogenesis
Authors: Walker Rebecca , Yao Qin , Xu Hangxue , Maranto Anthony , Swaney Kristen , Ramachandran Sreekumar , Li Rong , Polster Brian , Outeda-Garcia Patricia , Watnick Terry , Qian Feng
Published: September 2022

Fibrocystin/Polyductin (FPC) is encoded by PKHD1 which, when mutated, causes autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD). FPC’s function and its role in cystogenesis are unknown. We describe that endogenous FPC undergoes complex proteolytic processing, generating three small C-terminal fragments (ICDs), one of which (ICD15) contains a novel mitochondrial targeting sequence that directs its translocation into mitochondria. Pkhd1 inactivation leads to aberrant ultrastructural morphology of mitochondria in proximal tubules of developing kidneys. FPC inactivation enhances renal cystogenesis and causes severe pancreatic cystogenesis in a Pkd1 mouse mutant with blocked G protein‐coupled receptor proteolysis site (GPS) cleavage of the Pkd1-encoded Polycystin-1 protein. Deletion of the ICD15 region, encoded by exon 67, is sufficient to enhance renal cystogenesis but does not cause pancreatic cystogenesis. Our results connect FPC, a ciliary protein, directly to a mitochondrial signaling pathway whose perturbation is implicated in PKD pathogenesis.
Spin current driven by ultrafast magnetization of FeRh
Authors: Kang Kyuhwe , Omura Hiroki , Lee OukJae , Lee Kyung-Jin , Lee Hyun-Woo , Taniyama Tomoyasu , Choi Gyung-Min
Published: September 2022

Laser-induced ultrafast demagnetization is an important phenomenon that probes arguably ultimate limits of the angular momentum dynamics in solid. Unfortunately, many aspects of the dynamics remain unclear except that the demagnetization transfers the angular momentum eventually to the lattice. In particular, roles of electron-carried spin current are debated. Here we experimentally probe the spin current in the opposite phenomenon, i.e., laser-induced ultrafast magnetization of FeRh, where the laser pump pulse initiates the angular momentum build-up rather than its dissipation. Using the time-resolved magneto-optical Kerr effect, we directly measure the ultrafast-magnetization-driven spin current in a FeRh/Cu heterostructure. Strong correlation between the spin current and the net magnetization change rate of FeRh is found even though the spin filter effect is negligible in this opposite process. This result implies that the angular momentum build-up is achieved by an angular momentum transfer from the electron bath (supplier) to the magnon bath (receiver) and followed by the spatial transport of angular momentum (spin current) and dissipation of angular momentum to the phonon bath (spin relaxation).
Immortalized murine tenocyte cells – a novel and innovative tool for tendon research
Authors: Oreff Gil Lola , Maurer Barbara , Gerner Iris , Sexl Veronika , Jenner Florien
Published: September 2022

Primary tenocytes rapidly undergo senescence and a phenotypic drift upon in vitro monolayer culture, which limits tendon research. The Ink4a/Arf locus encodes the proteins p16Ink4a/Arf and p14ARF (p19ARF in mice) that regulate cell cycle progression and senescence. We here established an immortalized cell line using tenocytes isolated from Ink4a/Arf deficient mice (Ink4a/Arf-/-). These cells were investigated at three distinct time points, at low (2-5), intermediate (14-17) and high (35-44) passages. Wild-type cells at low passage (2-5) served as controls. Ink4a/Arf-/- tenocytes at all stages were comparable to wild-type cells regarding morphology, expression of tenogeneic genes (collagen type 1, 3 and 5, Scleraxis, Tenomodulin and Tenascin-C), and surface markers (CD29, CD44 and CD105) and form 3D tendon-like structures. Importantly, Ink4a/Arf-/- tenocytes maintained their phenotypic features and proliferation potential in culture for more than 40 passages and also following freeze-thaw cycles. In contrast, wild-type tenocytes underwent senescence starting in passage 6. These data define Ink4a/Arf-/- tenocytes as novel tool for in vitro tendon research and as valuable in vitro alternative to animal experiments.
Comparison of long-term outcomes in simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant versus simultaneous deceased donor pancreas and living donor kidney transplant
Authors: Kim Jin-Myung , Ko Youngmin , Choi Minha , Kwon Hye Eun , Lee Jae Jun , Jung Joo Hee , Kwon Hyunwook , Kim Young Hoon , Shin Sung
Published: September 2022

Simultaneous deceased donor pancreas and living donor kidney transplant (SPLK) has certain advantages over conventional simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant (SPK) and may be beneficial for overcoming the paucity of organs needed for diabetic patients with requiring transplant. We compared the clinical outcomes of diabetic patients with end-stage renal disease who underwent either SPK (n=149) or SPLK (n=46) in terms of pre- and post-transplantation variables, development of de novo DSA, occurrence of biopsy-proven acute rejection (BPAR), and graft survival rates. There were no significant differences in the baseline characteristics between the SPK and SPLK groups except for the shorter cold ischemic time of kidney grafts, shorter duration of diabetes, older age of pancreas graft-donors, and younger age of kidney graft-donors in the SPLK group. Ten years of follow-up data showed that the death-censored pancreas graft survival rate was lower in the SPLK group. In addition, the incidence of BPAR of the pancreas graft was higher in the SPLK group. There was no significant difference in the presence of de novo DSA and the rates of kidney graft failure, kidney BPAR, and mortality. Our results show that SPLK can be considered an alternative option for SPK in diabetic patients with ESRD.
Interfacial Nanobubbles’ Growth at the Initial Stage of Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Yu Jinwen , Hu Kadi , Zhang Zhengyi , Luo Liang , Liu Yiwei , Zhou Daojin , Kuang Yun , Xu Haijun , Li Hui , Duan Haohong , Sun Xiaoming
Published: September 2022

Bubble evolution in electrolysis commonly initiates from nanobubbles (NBs), and their ultrasmall size induces unique high internal pressure and consequently high anti-potential, namely, the extra overpotential, which is of great significance but still remains rather vague. Herein, we employ the in situ electrochemical surface plasmon resonance imaging method as combined with atomic force microscopy measurement to track the formation and growth of interfacial NBs during initiative hydrogen evolution reaction. We find that NBs’ growth initiate from pancake shaped ones with increasing coverage and roughly pinned three-phase boundaries and increasing contact angle and height, but the coverage remains almost unchanged after reaching equilibrium state; Further increasing overpotential leads to the rise of NBs’ curvature (anti-potential), as well as higher gas outflux rate, namely, higher background current. As confirmed by molecular dynamics simulation, the “pin-rise” growth mode and the quantitative influence of NBs on the electrochemical performance has been revealed.
Added Value of Bias Adjusted and statistical downscaled ISIMIP Models in Simulating Extreme Precipitation Characteristics over West Africa
Authors: Ebiendele Precious Eromosele , Adigun Paul Ayodele , Ezekwe Laura Chinora , Rhaji Ibraheem Ayomide , Doko Hailemarim Mengistu
Published: September 2022

This paper evaluates the skill of five Inter-Sectoral Impact Model Intercomparison Project (ISIMIP) models in simulating regional variability pattern of precipitation extreme characteristics over West Africa by comparing their simulation outputs with CHIRPS, which is a high resolution observation dataset from a 34 years reference period (1981 to 2014). Based on the findings, it was established that the bias-adjusted ISIMIP models were able to accurately replicate the geographical extent and annual year to year variability pattern of extreme precipitation characteristics over the study region. Moreover, the GCMs were able to captured extreme precipitation patterns over mountainous areas, indicating an added value skill of ISIMIP models over topographical features. The performance of ISIMIP models and their multimodel ensemble in capturing extreme precipitation characteristics was further evaluated using the normalized mean bias error, normalized root mean square error, Taylor skill metric and interannual variability skill score. Our result revealed that MPI-ESM1-2-HR and multi model ensemble mean were judged to be the most promising models for reproducing the extreme precipitation pattern over the two delineated sub regions (Guinea and Sahel) of west Africa and can therefore be used as a basis for selection of models for hydrological impact studies and adaption strategy.
Value of p53 sequencing in the prognostication of head and neck cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Basyuni Shadi , Nugent Gareth , Ferro Ashley , Barker Eleanor , Reddin Ian , Jones Oliver , Lechner Matt , O’Leary Ben , Jones Terry , Masterson Liam , Fenton Tim , Schache Andrew
Published: September 2022

This review aimed to examine the relationship between TP53 mutational status, as determined by genomic sequencing, and survival in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.
The databases Medline, Embase, Web of Science (core collection), Scopus and Cochrane Library were searched from inception to April 2021 for studies assessing P53 status and survival. Qualitative analysis was carried out using the REMARK criteria. A meta-analyses was performed and statistical analysis was carried out to test the stability and reliability of results.
Twenty-five studies met the inclusion criteria, of which fifteen provided enough data for quantitative evaluation. TP53 mutation was associated with worse overall survival (HR 1.75 [95%CI 1.45–2.10], p < 0.001), disease-specific survival (HR 4.23 [95%CI 1.19–15.06], p = 0.03), and disease-free survival (HR 1.80 [95%CI 1.28-; 2.53], p < 0.001). Qualitative assessment identified room for improvement and the pooled analysis of all anatomical subsites leads to heterogeneity that may erode the validity of the observed overall effect and its subsequent extrapolation and application to individual patients.
Our systematic review and meta-analysis supports the utility of TP53 mutational as a prognostic factor for survival in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. A well designed prospective, multi-centre trial is needed to definitively answer this question
Value of p53 sequencing in the prognostication of head and neck cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Flexural strength, surface roughness, micro-CT analysis, and microbiological adhesion of a 3D-printed temporary crown material
Authors: Ribeiro Anne Kaline Claudino , Freitas Rodrigo Falcão Carvalho de Porto , de Carvalho Isabelle Helena Gurgel , de Miranda Larissa Mendonça , Silva Nathália Ramos da , Almeida Leopoldina de Fátima Dantas , Zhang Yu , Carreiro Adriana da Fonte Porto , Souza Rodrigo Othávio de Assunção e
Published: September 2022

Objective: To evaluate the thermocycling effect of 3D-printed resins on flexural strength, surface roughness, microbiological adhesion, and porosity.
Materials and methods: Specifically, 150 bar specimens (8 × 2 × 2 mm) and 100 blocks (8 × 8 × 2 mm) were made and divided among five groups, according to two factors: “material” (AR: acrylic resin, CR: composite resin, BIS: bis-acryl resin, CAD: CAD/CAM PMMA resin, and PRINT: 3D-printed resin) and “aging” (non-aged and aged – TC). Half of the samples from each group were subjected to thermocycling (10,000 thermocycles; 5–55 °C), and the rest were stored in water (37 ºC) for 24 h. The bars were then subjected to a mini flexural strength (σ) test (1 mm/min; 100kgF). All the blocks were subjected to roughness values (Ra, Rq, and Rz). The non-aged blocks were subjected to porosity analysis (micro-CT (n=5)) and fungal adherence (n=10). The data of σ (MPa) and Ra, Rq, and Rz(µm) were statistically analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test. Weibull analysis was performed to verify the reliability of the σ data. Fungal adhesion (log CFU/mL) data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test.
Results: For flexural strength, ANOVA showed that “material” and “aging” factors were statistically significant (p<0.0001). The mean flexural strength ranged from 49.87 MPa to 118.23 MPa between the experimental groups. The BIS group (118.23±16.26A) presented higher σ value than the AR group (89.60±9.38BC), whereas the PRINT group (49.87±7.55E) had the lowest mean of the flexural strength (Tukey, a=0.05). All groups showed a decrease in σ after thermocycling, except for the PRINT group, which showed significantly increased flexural strength after aging (PRINTTC:81.33±20.38CD). The Weibull modulus for the CRTC was significantly lower than those of the other groups. The AR group showed higher roughness values than the BIS group, regardless of age (p<0.0001). Porosity analyses revealed that the AR (1.369%) and BIS (6.339%) groups presented the highest porosity values among the experimental groups and that the CAD group (0.002%) had the lowest porosity. Cell adhesion was significantly different between the CR (6.81) and CAD (6.37) groups (p=0.036).
Conclusion: Thermocycling reduced the flexural strength of most provisional materials evaluated, except for 3D-printed resin. However, it did not influence the surface roughness of each material. Moreover, Candida albicans adherence and porosity varied among materials.
Clinical relevance: 3D-printed resins are promising materials for clinical applications because they have good mechanical properties and low fungal adhesion.
Development and External Validation of a Machine Learning Model to Predict Pathological Complete Response after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer: model development using commonly available clinical and demographic variables
Authors: Jung Ji-Jung , Kim Eun-Kyu , Kang Eunyoung , Kim Jee Hyun , Kim Se Hyun , Suh Koung Jin , Kim Sun Mi , Jang Mijung , Yun Bo La , Park So Yeon , Lim Changjin , Han Wonshik , Shin Hee-Chul
Published: September 2022

Purpose
Several predictive models have been developed to predict pathological complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), but few of them are broadly applicable due to radiologic complexity and institution-specific clinical variables, and none have been externally validated. The purpose of this study was to develop and externally validate a machine learning model that predicts pCR following NAC in breast cancer patients using routinely collected clinical and demographic variables.
Methods
Electronic medical record data of patients with advanced breast cancer who received NAC prior to surgical resection from January 2017 to December 2020 were reviewed. Patient data from Hospital A was split into training and internal validation cohort. Five machine learning techniques including gradient boosting machine, support vector machine, random forest, decision tree and neural network were used to build predictive models and area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC) were compared to select the best model. Finally, the model was further validated in an independent cohort from Hospital B.
Results
A total of 1003 patients were included in the study: 287 in the training cohort, 71 in the internal validation cohort, and 645 in the external validation cohort. Overall, 36.3% of patients achieved pCR. Among the five machine learning models, gradient boosting machine showed the highest AUC for pCR prediction (AUC 0.903, 95% CI 0.833–0.972). External validation confirmed AUC of 0.833 (95% CI 0.800-0.865).
Conclusion
We used commonly available clinical and demographic variables to develop a machine learning model to predict pCR following NAC. External validation of the model demonstrated good discrimination power, which showed that routinely collected variables are sufficient to build a good prediction model.
Etiology and Management of Binocular Diplopia after Cataract Surgery
Authors: Shi Minghua , Ye Yingjia , Qin Aijiao , Cheng Jing , Ren Hongxing , Chen Simin , Xing Yiqiao
Published: September 2022

PURPOSE To explore the causes, treatment results, and possible preventive measures of binocular diplopia after cataract surgery METHODS We collected and analyzed the medical history of patients with binocular diplopia after cataract surgery from September 2011 to September 2021in our hospital, including operation type, cause of diplopia, and treatment results. RESULTS We studied 12 patients (average age, 73.7 ± 7.32 years) having developed diplopia after cataract surgery. Diplopia was explained in six cases by fusion weakness, three cases by incomplete extraocular paralysis, two cases by acquired central fusion disruption caused by perceptual exotropia, and one case by sensory fusion disruption. According to different etiologies, convergence exercises, hormone and vitamin therapy, and strabismus surgery were the approaches taken. Six cases (50%) recovered from diplopia, two (16.6%) showed improvement, and four (33.3%) showed treatment failure. CONCLUSION Decompensation of preexisting asymptomatic strabismus has become the main cause of binocular diplopia after cataract surgery. Improving the understanding of these diseases and their careful examination and reasonable treatment can reduce the extent of diplopia after cataract surgery to a certain extent, but it is difficult to completely eliminate it.
Multi-gene models for survival prognosis of colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Lu Zheng-Min , Zhang Huai-Yu , Zhang Ying-Hui , Yuan Wen-Li , Yan Ting-Ting , Shang xue qin
Published: September 2022

Background
The lack of effective prognostic models for colorectal cancer (CRC) makes it crucial to establish a reliable prognostic model for colorectal cancer. The aim of this study was to develop a reliable prognostic model in CRC. Using CRC samples from the TCGA database, a multi-gene combination model was screened for prognosis in CRC patients and the prognostic power of the multi-gene combination model was validated. We screened a multi-gene combination model for risk stratification and prognosis of CRC patients, which is important for individualised clinical treatment and long-term management of colorectal cancer patients.
Results
To solve these questions, we used data from colorectal cancer patients in the TCGA database to uncover differential genes, screened variables using one-way COX analysis and LASSO regression analysis, and then screened for the polygenic combination most associated with colorectal cancer and assessed its significance on survival events using multi-factor COX analysis and ROC curves to assess polygenic combinations. Finally, using gene enrichment analysis, the polygenic combinations were found to be associated with tRNA biosynthesis, homologous recombination, nucleotide excision repair, ribosome biogenesis in eukaryotes and DNA replication.
Conclusions
The multi-gene combination (FCGBP, GSTM1, IGLV4-69, IGSF9 and PCOLCE2) model screened in this study is capable of prognosticating colorectal cancer, and the findings of this study could shed new light on the prognosis of colorectal cancer in the clinical setting.
Plant and native microorganisms amplify the positive effects of microbial inoculant
Authors: Li Chong , Jia Zhaohui , Ma Shilin , Müller Christoph , Liu Xin , Zhang Jinchi
Published: September 2022

Aims: Microbial inoculants can be used to restore abandoned mines because of their positive effects on plant growth and soil nutrients. Currently, soils in greenhouse pot studies are routinely sterilized to eradicate microorganisms, allowing for better inoculant colonization. Large-scale field sterilization of abandoned mining site soils for restoration is difficult, though. In addition, microbial inoculants have an impact on plants. Plants also have an impact on local microbes. The interactions between microbial inoculants, native microorganisms, and plants, however, have not been studied.
Methods: We created a pot experiment utilizing the soil and microbial inoculant from a previous experiment because it promoted plant growth in that experiment. To evaluate the effects of the plant, native microorganisms, and microbial inoculants, we assessed several indicators related to soil elemental cycling and integrated them into the soil multifunctionality index.
Results: The addition of microbial inoculant and sterilizing treatment had a significant impact on alfalfa's growth. When exposed to microbial inoculant treatments, the plant and sterilization treatments displayed radically different functional characteristics, where most of the unsterilized plant treatment indices were higher than those of the others. The addition of microbial inoculant significantly increased soil multifunctionality in plant treatments, particularly in the unsterilization-plant treatment, where the increase in soil multifunctionality was 260%. The effect size result showed that the positive effect of microbial inoculant on soil multifunctionality and unsterilization-plant treatment had the most significant promotion effect.
Conclusion: Plant and native microorganisms amplify the positive effects of microbial inoculant.
Evaluation of Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) Synthesis by Pichia Sp. TSLS24 Yeast Isolated in Vietnam
Authors: Thu Nguyen Thi Tam , Hoang Le Huy , Cuong Pham Kien , Viet-Linh Nguyen , Nga Tran Thi Huyen , Kim Dang Dinh , Leong Yoong Kit , Nhi-Cong Le Thi
Published: September 2022

Nowadays, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) is of great interest by scientists and biodegradable polymer market due to their outstanding properties such as high biodegradability in various conditions and processing flexibility. Many PHAs-synthesizing microorganisms, including normal and halophilic bacteria, and algae, were investigated. However, to the best of our knowledge, there is still little studies on PHAs-producing marine yeast. In the present study, a halophilic yeast strain isolated from Spratly Island in Vietnam were investigated for synthesis of PHA by growing the yeast in a specific medium containing Nile red dye. The strain was identified by 26S rDNA analysis as Pichia kudriavzevii TSLS24 and registered at Genbank database under code OL757724. The amount of PHA synthesized was quantified by measuring the intracellular materials (predicted as PHA) by gravimetric method, subsequently confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic analyses. Under optimal growth conditions of 35 oC and pH 7 with supplementation of glucose and yeast extract at 20 and 10 g/L, the strain isolated achieved PHA content and concentration of 43.4% and 1.8 g/L. Degradation rate of PHA produced was 28% after 28 days of incubation in sea water.
The risk of symptomatic venous thromboembolism after total knee arthroplasty for valgus deformity is comparable to that for varus deformity, but revision is 2.5 times higher
Authors: Xu Kuishuai , Zhang Liang , Song Wenlian , Ren Zhongkai , Wang Tianrui , Zhang Yingze , Zhao Xia , Yu Tengbo
Published: September 2022

Purpose
To study the difference of perioperative symptomatic venous thromboembolism (VTE) and prosthesis revision rate in patients with valgus knee osteoarthritis by comparing with patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty(TKA) for varus deformity and analyze the reasons for revision. At the same time, the distribution and radiographic features of lower extremity deep venous thrombosis were recorded.
Methods
8917 patients who underwent primary unilateral TKA in our hospital from 2011 to 2020 were retrospectively analyzed and all patients assigned to two groups: valgus group (n = 412) and varus group (n = 8505). Main indicators included the incidence of symptomatic VTE and prosthesis revision. Secondary outcomes included general information on operative time, Kellgren and Lawrence score, total hospital stay and total costs.
Results
In our hospital, the proportion of valgus knees in TKA patients was 4.62% (412/8917), the incidence of VTE events was 6.17‰ (55/8917), and most deep venous thrombosis occurred in the distal lower extremities (51/55), mainly in the intermuscular veins (43/53). The incidence of VTE was 6.23‰(53/8505) and 4.85‰(2/412) in the varus and valgus groups, and the results were not statistically different (P = 0.727). There was no significant difference in echogenicity, number of occluded vessels and thrombus length between the valgus group (P = 0.942, P = 0.653, P = 0.684). Total prosthesis revision after TKA was 5.16‰(46/8917), and infection was the main reason for revision (26/46). Patients with valgus deformity had 12.14‰(5/412) prosthesis revision, the incidence of varus deformity was 4.82‰ (41/8505), and the revision risk of valgus group was 2.5 times higher than varus group, and the results were statistically different (P = 0.043). The operation time and hospital stay in the valgus group were longer than those in the varus group, and the results were statistically different (P = 0.018, P < 0.001).
Conclusions
The proportion of valgus knees in TKA patients in our hospital was 4.62%, which was lower than that in previous reports. Compared with the varus group, no difference was found in the incidence of symptomatic VTE, thrombus location, echogenicity, number of occluded vessels, and thrombus length after TKA in the valgus group, but the prosthesis revision rate was 2.5 times higher in the valgus group than in the varus group,higher revision rates may be associated with longer operative times.
Fragility Curve Analysis for G+6 Buildings With an Outer Pheriphery Shear Wall
Authors: M Saravanakumar R , S Samson
Published: September 2022

Although it is impossible to predict the time or location of an earthquake, it is possible to predict the likelihood of a failure after it hits. Six models with different placements of the shear walls are used in this study to predict the probability of failure through fragility curve analysis. For the fragility curve analysis, each model with 40 earthquakes goes through a nonlinear time history analysis. When developing fragility curves, uncertainty is also taken into account. Uncertainties are commonly associated with construction quality, modeling, and materials. After 280 nonlinear time history analyses, the maximum response for each model is determined, and a fragility curve between PGA and probability of exceedance is performed. The SW6 model performs well in the face of seismic action, with damage levels such as immediate occupancy, limit state, and collapse prevention falling within acceptable limits. For a PGA of 0.5, all of these probabilities of exceedance are noted.