bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biofuels for transportation
Authors: Zhang Felix
Published: October 2023

Biofuels for transportation is an essential factor of significant measures to increase fuel security, combat climate change, and promote rural development. The rising amount of greenhouse pollution brought on by the use of fossil fuels is now widely recognized. The energy crisis results from the growing disparity between the energy needs of the industrialized world and the finite amount of energy from fossil fuels. Among energy consumers, the transportation sector is frequently cited as one of the primary pollutant sources. For instance, the second-most polluting industry in the USA in 2014 was the transportation sector. Transportation ranked fourth in pollution-producing industries in 2014, contributing 14% of all pollutants worldwide. Due to the rise in emissions of CO2, which caused global warming, the significant impact of large vehicles on polluted air as well as other gases or airborne contaminants has become a significant issue. Acid rain and climate change are both projected to be significantly reduced by reducing the quantity of pollution produced by the transportation industry. Fossil fuels now provide approximately 98% of the energy used in the transport industry. In this regard, it has been suggested that one way to combat the enormous environmental impact of using fossil fuels is to consume and use environmentally friendly alternative fuels like biofuels, fuel cells, and solar power. Researchers and decision-makers are interested in biofuel as one of the possible gasoline substitutes that can lower the level of pollution emissions.
Research progress of compound flood in coastal cities
Authors: Yin Kaixin
Published: October 2023

Facilitating the development of cities in coastal areas is an economic strategy from a global perspective. Currently it can be seen that large developed cities in many countries are distributed along the coast. However, in recent years, with the influence of climate change, sea level rise, cyclone changes and land subsidence, the frequency of compound storm floods has been increasing. More academics begin work on compound storm flooding. It can be found that the development of the flood model has experienced a process from ordinary static simulation to one-Dimensional-three-Dimensional coupled model. At present, there are mainly hurricane model and hydrodynamic model to study the composite storm flood. Through current storm flood models, it is known that the intensity and frequency of storm floods will increase under current climate change conditions. At the same time, this paper also looks forward to the models, and proposes an improvement plan to increase the application scope of the model.
Coagulation technologies for separation of microplastics in water: current status
Authors: Pu Kundi
Published: October 2023

The pollution of the microplastics in the water environment has already been a threat to the whole ecosystem. Numerous MPs are detected in the ocean and the treated wastewater from the wastewater treatment plant. Due to its small particle size, MPs are proven to penetrate through animal cells and cause even fatal harm to the aminal itself. These reports discuss how well the coagulation behaves in MPs’ separation from the water environment and what factors could affect the MPs’ separation efficiency using coagulation. Recent studies about the coagulation used in MPs separation from water has been reviewed, and the MPs removal efficiency for conventional coagulation and electro-coagulation is determined to be 8.28% to 98.2% and 8.24% to 99.4% respectively. The result and conclusion of this study hopefully provide references for people who study the MPs in water and its management strategy in the future.
Effects of clouds on global climate
Authors: Li YinWei
Published: October 2023

The subject of climate change is one that elicits significant anxiety all across the world. The public’s attention has been increasingly focused on climate-related issues, such as warming on a global scale, in recent years. Clouds are one of the primary sources that are accountable for the uncertainties that are associated with climate change. In this paper, the detailed radiation impacts that clouds have on the climate of the entire planet are reviewed, and some major topics that need to be answered in order to have a deeper understanding of clouds are discussed. It is possible that this research will serve to expand knowledge of the crucial role that clouds play in modifying the climate system and provide credible scientific support for the fulfillment of global green and sustainable development in the future.
Analyzing the current state and future development of carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) strategies and technologies in China
Authors: Wang He
Published: October 2023

Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (hereafter as CCUS) encompass the procedures of capturing carbon dioxide before it is emitted into the atmosphere, transporting it via pipelines or vehicles and finally utilizing it or storing it in a secure manner. CCUS is vital in transitioning the world into more sustainable and low carbon energy production since it serves as a temporary “band-aid” in reducing the impacts of humanity’s high dependence on fossil fuels. The Chinese government has recently committed itself to reach carbon neutrality by 2060 and CCUS technologies will be a critical cornerstone in reaching this substantial goal. Up to 60% of China’s energy supply in 2019 derived from coal, thus an effective CCUS strategy integrated with the 1,110 operational Chinese coal power plants could be decisive in reaching their carbon neutrality goal. This research paper will analyze the most effective best available technologies (BATs) in terms of cost efficiency and practicality, providing a comprehensive report on the optimal steps for China to take in order to reach its carbon neutral goals through CCUS.
The Simulation Research of Uniform Droplets Transformation Process-from Drop on Demand to Continue Ink Jet Technology
Authors: Wang Tongju , Zhang Qimei , Zhang Wenqian
Published: October 2023

Uniform droplets production technology, which include continue ink jet and drop on demand technology, has been widely used in many fields, such as electronic packaging and inkjet printing. The continue ink jet and drop on demand all need a periodic driving force to produce uniform droplets. However, there is a lack of research on the transformation process from drop on demand to continue ink jet technology. In this paper, the Ansys Fluent software platform was used to research the transformation process. The transformation process could be realized by increase the jet velocity of liquid-column and the frequency of the pulse wave at the maximum value of the pulse wave of 0.5m/s.
An Analysis on the Thermal Flow Characteristics of the Car Exhaust Manifold Geometry
Authors: Bao Jia-Bao , Kun-Zhang
Published: October 2023

The exhaust manifold is connected to the engine cylinder block and concentrates the exhaust from each cylinder into the exhaust manifold with divergent piping. Research on how the stability and efficiency of the exhaust manifold affects the aftertreatment system of an automobile is actively conducted. Therefore, this article studies to derive the most suitable model for the design of the exhaust manifold of an automobile by analyzing and comparing its pressure distribution, flow distribution, and temperature distribution according to the different shapes of the exhaust manifold. The thermal characteristics were studied and analyzed using FLUENT in ANSYS 2019R3. The results of the analysis are as follows, based on the results of the comparative analysis of the pressure distribution, case 1 shows a low-pressure difference of 200 Pa. In the results of the analysis of the flow rate, the flow rate fluctuations are confirmed in cases 3, 2 and 1 in sequence. Furthermore, when the temperature distribution was analyzed comparatively, it was found that the shape of the car exhaust manifold did not have an effect on the temperature. Therefore, as a result of these findings, the Case 1 model was inferred to be the most suitable model for the design of the exhaust manifold shape of the automobile.
Numerical Study of the Effect of Imaginary Circle Diameter on the Combustion in a Corner-tangentially-fired Boiler
Authors: Sheng Ranran
Published: October 2023

The key factor affecting the combustion and operation of corner tangentially fired boilers (CTFBs) is the diameter of the imaginary circle. In this paper, the temperature and reducing gas distribution in a 350 MW supercritical CTFB were studied numerically, and the influence of imaginary circle diameter on combustion characteristics was analyzed. The results show that: 1) When the diameters of the imaginary circles of the primary and secondary air are decreased, there will be a delay in combustion. This is not profit to the steady-state burning of coal powder. In addition, the temperature near the water wall decreases, and the volume fraction of CO and H2S decreases on the rear side of the main combustion area, but increases significantly on the side of the fire. 2) By reducing only the diameter of the imaginary circle of primary air, the ignition distance of pulverized coal in the lower burner can be advanced, which is profit to improving combustion stability at low loads. Besides, the temperature, CO and H2S volume fraction near the water wall all decrease. 3) When the imaginary circle diameters of primary and secondary air in the upper part of the furnace are reduced, the temperature, volume fraction of CO and H2S in the adjacent layer near the water wall are increased.
A Method for Fast Detecting Shot Deviation and Its Application
Authors: Wei Xinjian , Yang Wuyang , Zhang Xiangyang , Li Shuping , Li Haishan , Xu Xin , Liu Shuren , Fu Zhanbao
Published: October 2023

During the process of seismic acquisition, due to the undulation of the ground surface and workers operation errors, it is easy to cause the actual position of the shot to deviate from the original design, which has a negative impact on the NMO accuracy and data stacking in the later stage, and even causes construction accidents such as continuous generation of abandoned shots in the field seismic acquisition site. The existing algorithms for the location deviation and correction of shots were generally lack of subjectivity, low automation, low efficiency and low accuracy. After studying the nearest-offset trace properties, this paper proposes a real-time detection of shot position deviation and correction method, which by comparing the consistency of the nearest-offset trace determined by the theoretical first break and actual one, judges the shot position deviation and corrects it. The actual application of this method shows that it fully meets the needs of real-time monitoring the quality of seismic data under the current efficient seismic acquisition conditions, and achieves good application results.
Simulation of Particle Breakage in Vibration Mill Based on Tavares Model
Authors: Dong Zhihui , Qian Hai , Zhuang Haijun , Zheng Mengqi , Wang Ke
Published: October 2023

In this paper, discrete element simulation software EDEM and Tavares crushing model were used to carry out numerical simulation research on the motion characteristics and crushing characteristics of materials in the MZ100 vibration mill during the grinding process. The influence of material characteristics, shape characteristics and filling rate of grinding media, vibration frequency, and amplitude of vibration mill on the efficiency and effect of vibration mill was analyzed. The factors affecting the distribution characteristics of the rotary center of mass and the low-energy region of the grinding medium in the grinding cavity are discussed. The extreme inflection point of the crushing efficiency of the grinding material in the grinding cavity with respect to the increase of the excitation frequency is obtained. In order to improve the grinding efficiency and reduce the low energy zone, the optimum process parameters of eccentric vibration grinding were discussed, which provided theoretical guidance for the efficient crushing of grinding materials.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation of the Effect of Zr, B, C, W, Ti, Hf, Nb, and Ta Elements on the K3AlF6-Na3AlF6-AlF3 Molten Salt System
Authors: Zhou Yuhan , Zhang Zhihao , Zeng Jing , He Hanbing
Published: October 2023

The criticality of the physicochemical properties of the K3AlF6-Na3AlF6-AlF3 molten salt system to electrolytic aluminum production is a topic of great interest. In this study, molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to investigate the impact of Zr, B, C, W, Ti, Hf, Nb, and Ta on various properties including the radial distribution function, coordination number, viscosity, and conductivity of the 23.4K3AlF6-54.6Na3AlF6-22AlF3 molten salt electrolyte under conditions of 1173 K and standard atmospheric pressure. Significant and noteworthy discoveries were yielded by the simulations. A decrease in the coordination between Al-F and conductivity was brought about by the inclusion of B2-. Likewise, higher Zr4+ content resulted in a decrease in the coordination number between Al-F and viscosity. The impact of carbon was insignificant, while the presence of tungsten reduced the coordination number between Al-F. On the other hand, titanium, hafnium, niobium, and tantalum facilitated the decomposition of Al-F ligands, leading to an increased coordination between Al-F and the ions in the electrolyte. These findings provide valuable insights for future investigations on inert anodes containing Zr, B, Ti, Hf, Nb, and Ta. By understanding the effects of these elements on the physicochemical properties of the molten salt electrolyte, this work lays a solid foundation for further research in the field.
Study on Adsorption Properties of Cellulose Based Hydrogels
Authors: Li Haihua , Gao Yuhua , Zheng Yuxuan
Published: October 2023

The hydrogel prepared from biomass can be used as the absorbent gel and the adsorbent for heavy metal ions. Cellulose based hydrogel CMC/P(AM-AMPS) was synthesized with sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as raw material, acrylamide (AM) and 2-acrylamide-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS) as grafting monomer through grafting and crosslinking reaction. The test results showed that the hydrogel had strong adsorption properties, and the swelling rate could reach 198.20 g/g in 2h; When the initial concentration of Cu2+ was 10 mg/L and the dosage of CMC/P(AM-AMPS) was 400 mg/L, the removal rate of Cu2+ could reach 91.2%, and the equilibrium adsorption amount could reach 22.80 mg/g.
Experimental and Theoretical Studies on the Self-assembled Nano-structure of Nonionic Surfactant/ionic Liquid Hybrid Systems
Authors: Zhu Jingjing , Hua Er , Harada Masafumi
Published: October 2023

The self-assembled structure of various Brij series nonionic surfactants (such as Brij-30, Brij-52, Brij-56, Brij-58, Brij-35, and Brij-700) hybridized with room-temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) was studied using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) measurements and DFT calculations. The detailed characterization of the obtained self-assembled structure in nonionic surfactant/RTILs hybrid system was carried out using the combination of SAXS and DFT calculations. The SAXS result indicates that the alkyl chain length dependence on the spatial correlation corresponds to the interference peak angle. The addition of Brij surfactant to the [BMIm][PF6] results in a drastic change in the interference peak position. The DFT calculation result shows that a weak hydrogen bonding was formed between the −CH, −F of RTILs ([BMIm][PF6] and [OMIm][PF6]) and the polar site −OH, −O − of surfactants (Brij-30 and Brij-56). When the mixing molar ratio of ILs/Brij is 1:1, the absolute value of interaction energy (ΔE
0
BSSE) is 8.10-1.43 and 4.22-0.90 kcal·mol-1 for ILs/Brij-30 and ILs/Brij-56, respectively. Meanwhile, in the case of the ILs/Brij molar ratio equal to 2:1, ΔE
0
BSSE is 19.14-1.79 and 12.39-1.45 kcal·mol-1, respectively. It suggests that the stability of ILs/Brij hybridized system is higher for ILs/Brij-30 than for ILs/Brij56, and it has an increasing tendency to some extent with an increase of the molar fraction of ILs.
Development and application of the 2×350kN dual parallel excitation horizontal vibration test system
Authors: Zhiqiang Shen , Xinming Li , Jungang Zhang , Guiqian Fang , Chuang Liu , yicun Xie , qi Xin
Published: October 2023

Vibration test is an important method to test the vibration environment during the launch and flight of spacecraft. With the development of China’s space industry, large spacecraft weighing more than 10 tons and diameter greater than 3 m are becoming more and more common. Key capabilities such as load bearing, table size, rated thrust and overturning moment of the original vibration test equipment can not meet the needs of large spacecraft development. Therefore, this paper develops a set of 2×350kN dual parallel excitation horizontal vibration test system which can carry out horizontal vibration test of large spacecraft. This paper introduces the structure and design method of the system, and analyzes the test results of the system. The technical indexes of the system all meet the design requirements. The system has been successfully applied to the vibration test simulation of large spacecraft such as the core module of the space station, which provides a better evaluation method for the ground test of large spacecraft in China.
Development of methane leakage telemetry system based on tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Ma Rong , Pan Fu-qian , Wang Ting , Hu Bing , Liang Xiao-yu , Yu Yue
Published: October 2023

A methane telemetry system based on Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (TDLAS) is proposed for the long-range, high-precision, and real-time measurement of methane concentration in coal mine safety production. The output wavelength of the tunable semiconductor laser is controlled to scan at 1654nm (6045.94cm−1) of the methane absorption spectrum. The harmonic signal is obtained by digital phase locking technique, and the effect of light intensity variation on the system measurement results is eliminated by 2f/1f signal processing technique. Through calibration experiment and measurement error analysis, the measurement error of the system is less than 10%, which proves that the device has the advantages of high accuracy.
Single breath counting technique to assess pulmonary function: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Delmondes Glívia Maria Barros , Couto Nathália Ferreira Santos , Correia Junior Murilo Gominho Antunes , Bonifácio Amanda Bezerra da Silva , Freitas Dias Ricardo de , Bezerra Jorge , Santos Marcos André de Moura , Gomes de Barros Mauro Virgílio , Costa Emília Chagas , Correia Junior Marco Aurélio de Valois
Published: October 2023

Pulmonary function is usually assessed by measuring Vital Capacity (VC) using equipment such as a spirometer or ventilometer, but these are not always available to the population, as they are relatively expensive tests, difficult to transport and require trained professionals. However, the single breath counting technique (SBCT) appears as a possible alternative to respiratory function tests, to help in the pathophysiological understanding of lung diseases. The objective is to verify the applicability of the SBCT as a parameter for evaluating VC. This is a systematic review registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42023383706) and used for PubMed®, Scientific Electronic Library Online, LILACS, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases of articles published until January 2023. Methodological quality regarding the risk of bias was assessed using Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 and National Institutes of Health tools. Eleven of a total of 574 studies were included, of these, nine showed a correlation between VC and SBCT (weak in healthy, moderate in neuromuscular and strong in hospitalized patients). One study of hospitalized patients accurately identified a count value of 21 for a VC of 20 ml kg−1 (Sensitivity = 94% and Specificity = 77%), and another estimated a count lower than 41 for a VC below 80% of predicted in patients with neuromuscular dystrophy (Sensitivity = 89% and Specificity = 62%), and another showed good intra and inter-examiner reproducibility in young, adult, and elderly populations. A meta-analysis of three studies showed a moderate correlation in subjects with neuromuscular diseases (r = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.52–0.71, p < 0.01). A high risk of bias was identified regarding the justification of the sample size and blinding of the evaluators. SBCT has been presented as an alternative to assess VC in the absence of specific equipment. There is a clear relationship between SBCT and VC, especially in neuromuscular and hospitalized individuals. New validation studies conducted with greater control of potential bias risks are necessary.
Simulation study on the conversion between CT and CBCT dose quantities via the effective dose
Authors: Ketelhut Steffen , Kuhlmann Marie-Luise , Büermann Ludwig , Pirl Lukas , Borowski Markus
Published: October 2023

In recent years, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) has been used in many imaging tasks traditionally performed by computed tomography (CT). This has created challenges for dosimetry, as the dose quantities in CBCT and CT, i.e. the dose-area product (DAP) and dose-length product (DLP), are not mutually convertible. Convertibility would be desirable to compare doses in similar clinical studies performed using CT or CBCT and ultimately for the application of diagnostic reference levels (DRLs). In this work, the conversion of the DAP into the DLP and vice versa via the effective dose E is investigated with the aim of finding common diagnostic reference levels. The dose calculation was performed using Monte Carlo simulations for scan regions with imaging tasks, which can be carried out either with CT or CBCT scanners. Four regions in the head and four in the trunk were chosen. The calculations resulted in conversion coefficients

k
=

DAP

DLP

of 30(4) cm for the cranium, 22(4) cm for the facial bones, 24(2) cm for the paranasal sinuses, 18(2) cm for the cervical spine, 78(12) cm for the thorax, 85(13) cm for the upper abdomen, 57(6) cm for the lumbar spine and 70(12) cm for the pelvis.
A surjective summation operator with no Lipschitz right inverse
Authors: Laustsen Niels Jakob , Messerschmidt Miek , Wortel Marten
Published: October 2023

We show that there exists a Banach space 

X
X

which contains closed subspaces 

Y
Y

and 

Z
Z

with

Y
+
Z
=
X

Y+Z=X

such that the associated surjective summation operator

Σ
:
Y
×
Z
→
X

\Sigma \colon Y\times Z\to X

defined by

Σ
(
y
,
z
)
=
y
+
z

\Sigma (y,z)= y+z

for

y
∈
Y

y\in Y

and

z
∈
Z

z\in Z

has no Lipschitz right inverse.
Self-similar solutions of the relativistic Euler system with spherical symmetry
Authors: Lu Bing-Ze , Kao Chou , Lien Wen-Ching
Published: October 2023

We consider the spherical piston problem in relativistic fluid dynamics. When the spherical piston expands at a constant speed, we show that the self-similar solution with a shock front exists under the relativistic principle that all velocities are bounded by the light speed. The equation of state is given by

P
=

σ
2

ρ

P= \sigma ^2 \rho

, where

σ
\sigma

, the sound speed, is a constant. It is an important model describing the evolution of stars. Also, we present the global existence of BV solutions for the relativistic Euler system given that the piston speed is perturbed around a constant in a finite time interval. The analysis is based on the modified Glimm scheme and the smallness assumption is required on the initial data.
ProsperousPlus: a one-stop and comprehensive platform for accurate protease-specific substrate cleavage prediction and machine-learning model construction
Authors: Li Fuyi , Wang Cong , Guo Xudong , Akutsu Tatsuya , Webb Geoffrey I , Coin Lachlan J M , Kurgan Lukasz , Song Jiangning
Published: October 2023

Proteases contribute to a broad spectrum of cellular functions. Given a relatively limited amount of experimental data, developing accurate sequence-based predictors of substrate cleavage sites facilitates a better understanding of protease functions and substrate specificity. While many protease-specific predictors of substrate cleavage sites were developed, these efforts are outpaced by the growth of the protease substrate cleavage data. In particular, since data for 100+ protease types are available and this number continues to grow, it becomes impractical to publish predictors for new protease types, and instead it might be better to provide a computational platform that helps users to quickly and efficiently build predictors that address their specific needs. To this end, we conceptualized, developed, tested and released a versatile bioinformatics platform, ProsperousPlus, that empowers users, even those with no programming or little bioinformatics background, to build fast and accurate predictors of substrate cleavage sites. ProsperousPlus facilitates the use of the rapidly accumulating substrate cleavage data to train, empirically assess and deploy predictive models for user-selected substrate types. Benchmarking tests on test datasets show that our platform produces predictors that on average exceed the predictive performance of current state-of-the-art approaches. ProsperousPlus is available as a webserver and a stand-alone software package at http://prosperousplus.unimelb-biotools.cloud.edu.au/.
Quantum annealing-based clustering of single cell RNA-seq data
Authors: Kubacki Michal , Niranjan Mahesan
Published: October 2023

Cluster analysis is a crucial stage in the analysis and interpretation of single-cell gene expression (scRNA-seq) data. It is an inherently ill-posed problem whose solutions depend heavily on hyper-parameter and algorithmic choice. The popular approach of K-means clustering, for example, depends heavily on the choice of K and the convergence of the expectation-maximization algorithm to local minima of the objective. Exhaustive search of the space for multiple good quality solutions is known to be a complex problem. Here, we show that quantum computing offers a solution to exploring the cost function of clustering by quantum annealing, implemented on a quantum computing facility offered by D-Wave [1]. Out formulation extracts minimum vertex cover of an affinity graph to sub-sample the cell population and quantum annealing to optimise the cost function. A distribution of low-energy solutions can thus be extracted, offering alternate hypotheses about how genes group together in their space of expressions.
Incidence, mortality and survival of Merkel cell carcinoma: a systematic review of population-based studies
Authors: Mohsen Samiha T , Price Emma L , Chan An-Wen , Hanna Timothy P , Limacher James J , Nessim Carolyn , Shiers Jessica E , Tron Victor , Wright Frances C , Drucker Aaron M
Published: October 2023

Background

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, aggressive skin cancer that most commonly occurs in ultraviolet-exposed body sites. The epidemiology of MCC in different geographies and populations is not well characterized.

Objectives

The objective of this systematic review is to summarize evidence on the incidence, mortality and survival rates of MCC from population-based studies.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from database inception to 6 June 2023. No geographic, age or date exclusions were applied. We included population-based studies of MCC that reported the incidence, survival or mortality rate, and also considered systematic reviews. A data-charting form was created and validated to identify variables to extract. Two reviewers then independently charted the data for each included study with patient characteristics, and estimates of incidence rate, mortality rate, and survival rate and assessed the quality of included studies using the Joanna Briggs Institute Checklist for Prevalence studies, Newcastle–Ottawa Scale and Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews. We abstracted age-, sex-, stage- and race-stratified outcomes, and synthesized comparisons between strata narratively and using vote counting. We assessed the certainty of evidence for those comparisons using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessments, Developments and Evaluations framework.

Results

We identified 11 472 citations, of which 52 studies from 24 countries met our inclusion criteria. Stage I and the head and neck were the most frequently reported stage and location at diagnosis. The incidence of MCC is increasing over time (high certainty), with the highest reported incidences reported in southern hemisphere countries [Australia (2.5 per 100 000); New Zealand (0.96 per 100 000) (high certainty)]. Male patients generally had higher incidence rates compared with female patients (high certainty), although there were some variations over time periods. Survival rates varied, with lower survival and/or higher mortality associated with male sex (moderate certainty), higher stage at diagnosis (moderate-to-high certainty), older age (moderate certainty), and immunosuppression (low-to-moderate certainty).

Conclusions

MCC is increasing in incidence and may increase further given the ageing population of many countries. The prognosis of MCC is poor, particularly for male patients, those who are immunosuppressed, and patients diagnosed at higher stages or at an older age.
Demographics, diagnostics, treatment, and outcomes of patients presenting with acute groin hernia: 15-year multicentre retrospective cohort study
Authors: Brown Leo R , Clyde Danielle R , Li Lucy Q , Swan Rebecca , McLean Ross C , Damaskos Dimitrios
Published: October 2023

Background

Groin hernias commonly present acutely in high-risk populations and can be challenging to manage. This retrospective, observational study aimed to report on patient demographics and outcomes, following acute admissions with a groin hernia, in relation to contemporary investigative and management practices.

Methods

Adult (≥18 years old) patients who presented acutely with a groin hernia to nine National Health Service trusts in the north of England between 2002 and 2016 were included. Data were collected regarding patient demographics, radiological investigations, and operative intervention. The primary outcome of interest was 30-day inpatient mortality rate.

Results

Overall, 6165 patients with acute groin hernia were included (4698 inguinal and 1467 femoral hernias). There was a male preponderance (72.5 per cent) with median age of 73 years (interquartile range (i.q.r.) 58–82). The burden of patient co-morbidity increased over the study period (P < 0.001). Operative repair was performed in 2258 (55.1 per cent) of patients with an inguinal and 1321 (90.1 per cent) of patients with a femoral hernia. Bowel resection was more commonly required for femoral hernias (14.7 per cent) than inguinal hernias (3.5 per cent, P < 0.001) and in obstructed (14.6 versus 0.2 per cent, P < 0.001) or strangulated (58.4 versus 4.5 per cent, P < 0.001) hernias. The 30-day mortality rate was 3.1 per cent for the overall cohort and 3.9 per cent for those who underwent surgery. Bowel resection was associated with increased duration of hospital stay (P < 0.001) and 30-day inpatient mortality rate (P < 0.001). Following adjustment for confounding variables, advanced age, co-morbidity, obstruction, and strangulation were all associated with an increased 30-day mortality rate (all P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Emergency hernia repair has high mortality rates. Advanced age and co-morbidity increase both duration of hospital stay and 30-day mortality rate.
Localization of PDE4D, HCN1 channels, and mGluR3 in rhesus macaque entorhinal cortex may confer vulnerability in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Datta Dibyadeep , Perone Isabella , Morozov Yury M , Arellano Jon , Duque Alvaro , Rakic Pasko , van Dyck Christopher H , Arnsten Amy F T
Published: October 2023

Alzheimer’s disease cortical tau pathology initiates in the layer II cell clusters of entorhinal cortex, but it is not known why these specific neurons are so vulnerable. Aging macaques exhibit the same qualitative pattern of tau pathology as humans, including initial pathology in layer II entorhinal cortex clusters, and thus can inform etiological factors driving selective vulnerability. Macaque data have already shown that susceptible neurons in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex express a “signature of flexibility” near glutamate synapses on spines, where cAMP-PKA magnification of calcium signaling opens nearby potassium and hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channels to dynamically alter synapse strength. This process is regulated by PDE4A/D, mGluR3, and calbindin, to prevent toxic calcium actions; regulatory actions that are lost with age/inflammation, leading to tau phosphorylation. The current study examined whether a similar “signature of flexibility” expresses in layer II entorhinal cortex, investigating the localization of PDE4D, mGluR3, and HCN1 channels. Results showed a similar pattern to dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, with PDE4D and mGluR3 positioned to regulate internal calcium release near glutamate synapses, and HCN1 channels concentrated on spines. As layer II entorhinal cortex stellate cells do not express calbindin, even when young, they may be particularly vulnerable to magnified calcium actions and ensuing tau pathology.
Low-intensity ultrasound stimulation modulates cortical neurovascular coupling in an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder rat model
Authors: Wang Mengran , Wang Teng , Li Xin , Yuan Yi
Published: October 2023

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is accompanied by changes in cranial nerve function and cerebral blood flow (CBF). Low-intensity ultrasound stimulation can modulate brain neural activity in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. However, to date, the modulatory effects of low-intensity ultrasound stimulation on CBF and neurovascular coupling in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder have not been reported. To address this question, Sprague-Dawley, Wistar-Kyoto, and spontaneously hypertensive (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) rat model) rats were divided into the control and low-intensity ultrasound stimulation (LIUS) groups. Cortical electrical stimulation was used to induce cortical excitability in different types of rats, and a penetrable laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) system and electrodes were used to evaluate the electrical stimulation-induced CBF, cortical excitability, and neurovascular coupling in free-moving rats. The CBF, cortical excitability, and neurovascular coupling (NVC) under cortical electrical stimulation in the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder rats were significantly different from those in the Sprague-Dawley and Wistar-Kyoto rats. We also found that low-intensity ultrasound stimulation significantly interfered with the cortical excitability and neurovascular coupling induced by cortical electrical stimulation in rats with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Our findings suggest that neurovascular coupling is a potential biomarker for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Furthermore, low-intensity ultrasound stimulation can improve abnormal brain function in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and lay a research foundation for its application in the clinical treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Loneliness is related to smaller gray matter volumes in ACC and right VLPFC in people with major depression: a UK biobank study
Authors: He Zhenhong , Zheng Youcun , Ni Jingxuan , Huang Jin , Pang Qingqing , Chen Tongtong , Muhlert Nils , Elliott Rebecca
Published: October 2023

The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC) are thought to have important roles in loneliness (feeling of social isolation/exclusion) experience or regulation and in the pathophysiology of their disturbance in major depressive disorder (MDD). However, the structural abnormalities of these regions and the correlates with loneliness in MDD across the healthy population have not fully been clarified. The study analyzed the link between loneliness and gray matter volumes (GMVs) in the ACC and right VLPFC among 1,005 patients with MDD and 7,247 healthy controls (HCs) using UK Biobank data. Significant reductions in GMV in the right VLPFC were found in MDD males compared to HCs. MDD males also showed a higher association between loneliness and reduced GMVs in the right VLPFC and bilateral ACC than HCs. No such associations were found in MDD females. The findings suggest that loneliness may influence brain structures crucial for emotion experience and regulation, particularly in middle-older aged men with MDD. This highlights the potential adverse effects of loneliness on brain structure in MDD and suggests that social engagement could have a positive impact.
The Spatial Economic Impact of Crime: Evidence from the Construction Sector in Italian Municipalities
Authors: Rizzo Leonzio , Ferraresi Massimiliano , Secomandi Riccardo
Published: October 2023

Literature has mainly focused on understanding whether organized crime impacts on economic growth, broadly intended. Yet, at the local level, little is known as to how crime may affect economic activities. Using a unique geo-localized dataset on Italian firms, we exploit the strengthening of policy enforcement against corruption to show that when municipalities where the city council is dissolved because of organized-crime infiltration, the construction sector suffers a 7% reduction in the value added of firms located in the same area where the council dissolution occurred. We also find that the effect is larger, the longer the commissioner is present in the municipal council. Taken together our findings suggest that the action of the commissioner depresses the economic activity in the construction sector of the area where the temporary-administered municipality is located, given that it blocks all those relationships with firms related with criminality. This calls for a contemporaneous intervention stimulating public procurements with ‘good’ firms. (JEL codes: K42, D73, R10 and H32)
The Safety and Tolerability of Linezolid in Novel Short-Course Regimens Containing Bedaquiline, Pretomanid, and Linezolid to Treat Rifampicin-Resistant Tuberculosis: An Individual Patient Data Meta-analysis
Authors: Hasan Tasnim , Medcalf Ellie , Nyang'wa Bern-Thomas , Egizi Erica , Berry Catherine , Dodd Matthew , Foraida Salah , Gegia Medea , Li Mengchun , Mirzayev Fuad , Morgan Hannah , Motta Ilaria , Nguyen Linh , Schumacher Samuel , Schlub Tim , Fox Greg
Published: October 2023

Background

Effectiveness, safety, tolerability, and adherence are critical considerations in shifting to shorter tuberculosis (TB) regimens. Novel 6-month oral regimens that include bedaquiline (B), pretomanid (Pa), and linezolid (L), with or without a fourth drug, have been shown to be as or more effective than the established longer regimens for the treatment of multidrug-resistant/rifampicin-resistant TB (MDR/RR-TB). We aimed to evaluate the safety and tolerability of linezolid in BPaL-containing regimens for the treatment of MDR/RR-TB among recently completed clinical trials.

Methods

A review and meta-analysis was undertaken including published and unpublished data from clinical trials, conducted between 2010 and 2021, that evaluated regimens containing BPaL for the treatment of MDR/RR-TB. Individual patient data were obtained. For each BPaL-containing regimen, we evaluated the frequency and severity of treatment-related adverse events. The risk difference of adverse events for each regimen was calculated, in comparison to patients assigned to receiving the lowest cumulative exposure of linezolid.

Results

Data from 3 clinical trials investigating 8 unique BPaL-containing regimens were included, comprising a total of 591 participants. Adverse events were more frequent in groups randomized to a higher cumulative linezolid dose. Among patients who were randomized to a daily dose of 1200 mg linezolid, 68 of 195 (35%) experienced a grade 3–4 adverse event versus 89 of 396 (22%) patients receiving BPaL-containing regimens containing 600 mg linezolid.

Conclusions

Regimens containing BPaL were relatively well tolerated when they included a daily linezolid dose of 600 mg. These novel regimens promise to improve the tolerability of treatment for MDR/RR-TB.
Complications in patients with cardiogenic shock on veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy: distribution and relevance. Results from an international, multicentre cohort study
Authors: Beer Benedikt N , Kellner Caroline , Goßling Alina , Sundermeyer Jonas , Besch Lisa , Dettling Angela , Kirchhof Paulus , Blankenberg Stefan , Bernhardt Alexander M , Brunner Stefan , Colson Pascal , Eckner Dennis , Frank Derk , Eitel Ingo , Frey Norbert , Eden Matthias , Graf Tobias , Kupka Danny , Landmesser Ulf , Majunke Nicolas , Maniuc Octavian , Möbius-Winkler Sven , Morrow David A , Mourad Marc , Noel Curt , Nordbeck Peter , Orban Martin , Pappalardo Federico , Patel Sandeep M , Pauschinger Matthias , Reichenspurner Hermann , Schulze P Christian , Schwinger Robert H G , Wechsler Antonia , Skurk Carsten , Thiele Holger , Varshney Anubodh S , Sag Can Martin , Krais Jannis , Westermann Dirk , Schrage Benedikt
Published: October 2023

Aims

Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy (VA-ECMO) restores circulation and tissue oxygenation in cardiogenic shock (CS) patients, but can also lead to complications. This study aimed to quantify VA-ECMO complications and analyse their association with overall survival as well as favourable neurological outcome (cerebral performance categories 1 + 2).

Methods and results

All-comer patients with CS treated with VA-ECMO were retrospectively enrolled from 16 centres in four countries (2005–2019). Neurological, bleeding, and ischaemic adverse events (AEs) were considered. From these, typical VA-ECMO complications were identified and analysed separately as device-related complications. n = 501. Overall, 118 were women (24%), median age was 56.0 years, median lactate was 8.1 mmol/L. Acute myocardial infarction caused CS in 289 patients (58%). Thirty-days mortality was 40% (198/501 patients). At least one device-related complication occurred in 252/486 (52%) patients, neurological AEs in 108/469 (23%), bleeding in 192/480 (40%), ischaemic AEs in 123/478 (26%). The 22% of patients with the most AEs accounted for 50% of all AEs. All types of AEs were associated with a worse prognosis. Aside from neurological ones, all AEs and device-related complications were more likely to occur in women; although prediction of AEs outside of neurological AEs was generally poor.

Conclusion

Therapy and device-related complications occur in half of all patients treated with VA-ECMO and are associated with a worse prognosis. They accumulate in some patients, especially in women. Aside from neurological events, identification of patients at risk is difficult, highlighting the need to establish additional quantitative markers of complication risk to guide VA-ECMO treatment in CS.
Socioeconomic inequalities in the uptake of COVID-19 vaccination in Hungary; context and public health implications
Authors: Oroszi B , Juhász A , Nagy C , Horváth J K , Túri G , Koltai J , Ligeti A S , McKee M , Adany R
Published: October 2023

Background

Eastern Europe witnessed substantial life expectancy losses in 2021. COVID-19 vaccination coverage was lower, and mortality was higher than in Western Europe. Research suggests an important factor behind lower vaccination coverage is vaccine hesitancy. Our studies aimed to explore spatial inequalities in COVID-19 morbidity, mortality, and vaccination coverage in Hungary and the reasons behind vaccine hesitancy during the 3rd and 4th pandemic waves.

Methods

We characterized COVID-19 morbidity, mortality, and vaccination coverage by indirectly standardized ratios at the municipality level and investigated the association with deprivation. Attitudes towards vaccination were measured by a nationally representative monthly questionnaire survey.

Results

In Hungary, people in the most deprived municipalities had 17-58% higher relative COVID-19 mortality than the national average, although morbidity was significantly lower. COVID-19 vaccination coverage among the least deprived was 9.2% (95% CI 9-9.5%) higher, while in the most deprived areas, it was 38.2% (95% CI 38.0-38.4%) below the national average at the end of the 3rd pandemic wave. In the 10 districts with the highest proportion of the Roma population, vaccination coverage was 56.0% of the national average (95% CI 55.0-64.0%). Inequalities persisted by the end of the 4th pandemic wave. Younger age, lower education, and lower income were major determinants of vaccine refusal. Reasons for refusal mostly resulted from barriers to accessing reliable information and mistrust. Although Hungary has traditionally had high social acceptance of vaccination, the campaign failed to close the gap in COVID-19 mortality. Hungary demonstrates how social inequalities, misinformation, and mistrust can undermine a vaccination program's success. Consistent, credible communication can dispel misconceptions and build trust, which is key to the acceptance of public health measures.
Community engagement for pandemic preparedness and response in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Scoping Review
Authors: Razak G , Fischer H T , Appiah-Brimpong E , Opoku D , Hanefeld J
Published: October 2023

Background

Community participation in epidemic and pandemic preparedness and response activities is key for the successful implementation of infection control activities. However, the strategies and approaches used by health authorities and service providers to engage communities is not well documented This scoping review aimed to summarize approaches, and strategies for community engagement for epidemic and pandemic preparedness and response in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods

The PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) and the methodological framework for scoping review from Arksey and O'Malley (2005) was used to guide the review. Peer -reviewed, primary research was retrieved from databases including EMBASE, EBSCO-host, PubMed, Global Health, CINAHL, Google Scholar and Web of science. Grey literature was retrieved from websites of international organisations, and of Ministries of Health in African countries. A total of 124 articles were included in the review, and data was extracted and analyzed using a thematic analysis approach.

Results

Community engagement strategies varied widely across different contexts. Four broad categories of approaches were identified: (1) community mobilization, (2) community-based surveillance, (3) social and behavior change communication, and (4) community participation in decision-making. The review also identified key enablers and barriers to community engagement, including factors such as trust, cultural norms, and resource availability.

Conclusions

Effective community engagement for epidemic and pandemic preparedness and response requires a tailored approach that is responsive to the local context, and that addresses the specific needs and concerns of different communities. The review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge on strategies for community engagement in sub-Saharan Africa and highlights the need for further research and evaluation of community engagement approaches in this context.