bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Hematological Test Results for Severity Assessment of Acute Radiation Injury on Early Stages
Authors:   A.I. Burnasyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center, Moscow, Russia, Soloviev V.Yu. , Gudkov E.A. ,   A.I. Burnasyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center, Moscow, Russia
Published: July 2022

Purpose: Investigation of the predictive value of information on the concentrations of neutrophils and lymphocytes in the peripheral blood of victims of radiation accidents in the first days (2 to 9) after exposure to predict the severity of acute radiation injury. Material and methods: Data on the post-radiation dynamics of the concentrations of lymphocytes and neutrophils in the peripheral blood of victims of the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in 1986 from the database on acute radiation injuries to humans of the A.I. Burnasyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center was used. Correlation analysis was used as a research method. Results: Due to the fact that in the period from the 2nd to the 9th day after irradiation, the concentration of lymphocytes in the peripheral blood does not change significantly, and the concentration of neutrophils has a persistent tendency to decrease in the dose range of more than 2 Gy, in addition to the widespread lymphocyte test, operative characteristics for dose-response analysis such as average relative rates of decline in neutrophil concentrations (neutrophil test) and the ratio of neutrophil to lymphocyte concentrations (NLR test) in peripheral blood were proposed. The results of the isolated use of the proposed tests are investigated. The analyzed parameters were the average concentration of lymphocytes on days 2–4 after irradiation and the average relative rates of decrease in the concentration of neutrophils and the ratio of the concentrations of neutrophils to lymphocytes (NLR) in the peripheral blood of the victims. Estimates show that the neutrophil test (σ = 1.16 Gy) has the highest accuracy in the dose range up to 8 Gy with the isolated use of tests compared to the lymphocyte test (σ = 1.42 Gy) and the NLR test (σ = 1.31 Gy). An algorithm for using the so-called combined test, which is a functional superposition of data on the post-radiation dynamics of the concentration of lymphocytes and neutrophils in peripheral blood in the period from 2 to 9 days after irradiation, which gives a higher predictive accuracy of the dose estimate (σ = 0.9 Gy). Conclusion: The proposed combined test has a higher predictive value in assessing the severity of acute radiation injury compared with the use of isolated lymphocytic, neutrophilic and NLR tests in clinical practice.
Combination Therapy of Breast Cancer Patients (СT1-2N0-1M0) after Skin-Sparing and Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy with Immediate Implant Based Reconstruction
Authors:   P.A. Hertzen Moscow Oncology Research Institute, Moscow, Russia., Bagdasarova D.V. , Zikiryakhodzhaev A.D. ,   P.A. Hertzen Moscow Oncology Research Institute, Moscow, Russia.,   I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia,   People’s Friendship University of Russia, Moscow, Russia, Usov F.N. ,   P.A. Hertzen Moscow Oncology Research Institute, Moscow, Russia, Khmelevsky E.V. ,   P.A. Hertzen Moscow Oncology Research Institute, Moscow, Russia, Gerasimov A.N. ,   I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia, Duadze I.S. ,   I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia, Dzhabrailova D.Sh. ,   P.A. Hertzen Moscow Oncology Research Institute, Moscow, Russia
Published: July 2022

Purpose: indications for determination of radiation therapy in patients with primary operable breast cancer (сT1-2N0-1M0) after skin-sparing/nipple-sparring mastectomy with immediate breast reconstruction. Material and methods: The study analyzed 203 patients who underwent skin-sparing (58 cases (28.6%)) or nipple-sparring (145 cases (71.4%)) mastectomy with immediate breast reconstruction as part of combined or complex treatment from January 2008 to March 2018. Radiation therapy was performed in 98 (48,2 %) cases on the reconstructed breast and the area of regional lymph nodes. Results: The presence of metastatic axillary lymph nodes (p=0.008) and lymphovascular invasion (p=0.048) correlates with deterioration in deseese-free survival. There were no significant differences in the rates of recurrence (p=0.734) and progression (p=0.432) in groups of patients with and without RT. However, due to the inclusion of an initially favorable group of patients and a small number of adverse outcomes, it was found that RT changes the risk of developing a relapse of the disease by no more than 3-4 times. Conclusions: Additional RT allowed to obtain the same results in the group цшер poor prognosis as in the group цшер favorable prognosis. The preliminary conclusion that RT does not affect treatment outcomes in the group with favorable prognosis should be validated in a study with larger number of observations.
Neurosurgical Management of Cerebrospinal Tumors in the Era of Artificial Intelligence : A Scoping Review
Authors: Agadi Kuchalambal , Dominari Asimina , Tebha Sameer Saleem , Mohammadi Asma , Zahid Samina
Published: July 2022

Central nervous system tumors are identified as tumors of the brain and spinal cord. The associated morbidity and mortality of cerebrospinal tumors are disproportionately high compared to other malignancies. While minimally invasive techniques have initiated a revolution in neurosurgery, artificial intelligence (AI) is expediting it. Our study aims to analyze AI’s role in the neurosurgical management of cerebrospinal tumors. We conducted a scoping review using the Arksey and O’Malley framework. Upon screening, data extraction and analysis were focused on exploring all potential implications of AI, classification of these implications in the management of cerebrospinal tumors. AI has enhanced the precision of diagnosis of these tumors, enables surgeons to excise the tumor margins completely, thereby reducing the risk of recurrence, and helps to make a more accurate prediction of the patient’s prognosis than the conventional methods. AI also offers real-time training to neurosurgeons using virtual and 3D simulation, thereby increasing their confidence and skills during procedures. In addition, robotics is integrated into neurosurgery and identified to increase patient outcomes by making surgery less invasive. AI, including machine learning, is rigorously considered for its applications in the neurosurgical management of cerebrospinal tumors. This field requires further research focused on areas clinically essential in improving the outcome that is also economically feasible for clinical use. The authors suggest that data analysts and neurosurgeons collaborate to explore the full potential of AI.
Potencial alimentar de frutas e plantas da caatinga: revisão integrativa
Authors: Camacam Bruno Luiz Macedo , Messias Cristhiane Maria Bazílio de Omena
Published: July 2022

A variedade de recursos vegetais da Caatinga permite que ela seja utilizada para diversos fins pela população regional, principalmente para fins alimentares. A Caatinga possui uma biodiversidade incrível, incluindo várias espécies de plantas com potencial alimentar. As frutas nativas brasileiras estão entre as mais aromáticas e nutritivas do mundo, mas muitas delas são conhecidas apenas pela população local. Este trabalho teve como objetivo abordar sobre plantas alimentícias decorrentes do bioma Caatinga, como forma de mostrar seu valor e importância para alimentação local, pouco divulgada entre os povos do semiárido brasileiro. Este estudo trata-se de uma revisão integrativa e foi conduzido por meio das seguintes etapas: elaboração da questão norteadora da pesquisa; busca na literatura cientifica por estudos primários; extração de dados; avaliação dos estudos; análise e síntese dos resultados e apresentação da revisão. Foi utilizado como plataforma: Scielo, Google Acadêmico, e o Portal de Periódicos da CAPES, utilizando os descritores e palavras-chave. Esse fato provavelmente está relacionado ao desconhecimento dos produtores, da indústria e da população sobre a fruta nativa e seu potencial alimentar e nutricional. Embora haja muitas pesquisas sobre a biodiversidade da caatinga, ainda pouco é estudado sobre espécies de plantas alimentícias, seu valor e potencial, assim, mais pesquisas são necessárias para que as comunidades locais do semiárido possam preservá-las e, também, visando a divulgação dessas diversidades.
Conservation implications for post-fledging dispersal of yellow-eyed penguins/hoiho
Authors: Young MJ , Seddon PJ , Pütz K , Agnew P , Mattern T , Hickcox RP , Robertson BC , van Heezik Y
Published: July 2022

With the extinction of yellow-eyed penguinsMegadyptes antipodeson mainland New Zealand predicted within the next few decades, identifying preventable causes of mortality during the juvenile dispersal period is critical. Between 2017 and 2019, we tracked 30 juvenile yellow-eyed penguins during their post-fledging dispersal to determine their dispersal trajectory, marine habitat use, and to identify overlap with commercial gillnet fishing operations, a known cause of yellow-eyed penguin mortality. Usingk-nearest neighbour local convex hulls, we identified core foraging hotspots (50% isopleths) and main marine habitats (95% isopleths). We identified environmental covariates that influenced penguin habitat use during separate stages of the dispersal journey. After fledging, juvenile yellow-eyed penguins from the Otago coast dispersed and foraged 140 to 692 km (mean ± SD = 359.9 ± 129.3 km) from their natal locations, north-north-east into the Canterbury Bight, a region where penguin bycatch in commercial gillnet fishing operations has been recorded. There was a 51.6% overlap between core juvenile foraging hotspots and known commercial gillnet fishery locations (from 2017 to 2019). Less than 12.6% of the core foraging hotspots occurred within the 4 nautical mile gillnet prohibition zone implemented in 2008. A recent extension in the size of the gillnet prohibition zone in 2020 increased this spatial overlap to cover 36.9% of core foraging hotspots and 28.9% of main marine habitats. These findings highlight the vulnerability of juvenile yellow-eyed penguins at this critical life-stage, but there is opportunity to amalgamate marine protection measures with other endangered species with overlapping distributions that are also at risk of gillnet-related mortality.
ANALYSIS OF HEAVY METAL CONTENT IN SALT (CASE STUDY OF SALT FIELD, LOSARANG DISTRICT, INDRAMAYU REGENCY)
Authors: Salsabiela Mutiara -
Published: July 2022

Salt is a staple food needed for human life, especially for industrial and household consumption. The raw material for making the salt comes from sea water which is very susceptible to contamination by contaminants in the form of heavy metals. The presence of heavy metals in salt will be harmful to human health when consumed. The study was conducted to determine the quality of salt free from heavy metal contamination and suitable for consumption. in Losarang District, Indramayu Regency. This research was conducted by descriptive method. Data collection techniques were carried out through observation and interviews. The samples tested were salt produced with TUF technology and Geoisolator. The sampling technique refers to SNI 19-0428-1998 regarding the instructions for taking solid samples where the sample is taken using a spear and inserted into a plastic clip that has been labeled with the name and code. The parameters tested were heavy metals consisting of Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Mercury (Hg) and Arsenic (As). The method of testing the content of heavy metals in salt in this study used the AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer) method which was carried out in the
THE EFFECT OF WATER RESISTIVITY ON THE CORROSION RATE OF STEEL PLATE IRRIGATION IN LABORATORY
Authors: Ibrahim Puji Astuti
Published: July 2022

Corrosion is one of the processes of metal damage or degradation due to redox reactions between a metal and various substances in its environment that produce undesirable compounds. In the water one of the environmental parameters is water resistivity. By knowing the connection between water resistivity and corrosion rate, it is possible to monitor laboratory tests with water environments that have different levels of corrosiveness. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct an analysis to determine the effect of water resistivity on water corrosivity, understand the factors that influence the corrosion rate and calculate the corrosion rate of the irrigation gate steel plate on the water environment. This analysis uses a laboratory scale, analysis with talagasari irrigation water media, domestic wastewater, PDAM water and dead river estuary water. All water media used have a high level of corrosiveness. The factor that causes the low resistivity value is the large amount of inorganic minerals containing metal in the water so that at low resistivity values the corrosion rate increases. In the results of this laboratory analysis, it is proven that the more acidic the water medium, the faster the corrosion rate and the more alkaline the water medium, the slower the corrosion rate.
Fungi as an Essential Part of the Gray-Brown (Chestnut) Soils Zymogenic Microflora
Authors: Rzayeva A.
Published: July 2022

This article presents some results of studies of the microbiological status and, particularly, micromycetes of gray-brown (chestnut) soils, semi-humid subtropics of the Lankaran region. Gray-brown (chestnut) soils are characterized by a rich set of microorganisms. The studies covered mainly natural biotopes, rich in organic remains and characterized by established biocenotic relationships. Natural biotope and cultivated agrocenosis under grain were chosen as research objects. The detected fungi (micromycetes) form an essential part of the zymogenic microflora. They are usually heterotrophs and use organic residues rich in digestible nitrogen as food. The studies have established that the detected micromycetes belong to five: Chytridiomycetes, Oomycetes, Zygomycetes, Ascomycetes, and Basidiomycetes. The article provides a brief description of the life activity of each class separately. Optimal temperature and humidity indicators of the development of fungi and other groups of microflora are analyzed. Dominant groups of bacilli have also been identified, which, in combination with micromycetes, perform the functions of decomposition of plant residues and their subsequent humification. Based on laboratory experiments and analysis of literary sources, it was possible to establish the optimal temperature and humidity intervals for the life of spore-forming bacilli and microscopic fungi. In these intervals, participation in the decomposition and humification of organic residues takes place. The results obtained can be used in the biological diagnostics of soils.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN JOB MOTIVATION, COMMUNICATION AND WORK RELATIONSHIP AND, SALARY AND REMUNERATION ON ORGANIZATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS
Authors:   University Sultan Azlan Shah Faculty of Management and Information Technology, MD AMIN BOKHORI
Published: July 2022

Organizations want to achieve successful performance in the market and if possible, to have sustainable economic growth. However, in the current state of globalization and strong competition, technology is evolving rapidly, thus making the market an unsafe environment. Business organizations need to make full use of all available resources. It is already a common fact that the human resources or staff of an organization are a key asset to achieving success. Yet, what makes employees satisfied or motivated to achieve the planned objectives? In this research, we analyze several factors that influence employee motivation to improve their performance. Through empirical and theoretical analysis, the study will identify the relationship between employee motivation and organizational effectiveness and ultimately the improvement of organizational outcomes. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect produced by employee motivation on organizational effectiveness. Employee motivation will involve criteria such as employee bonuses, good communication within the work premises, and satisfaction in their workplace.
THE RELATIONSHIP OF SAFETY AND HEALTH MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON EMPLOYEES’ PERFORMANCE IN MANUFACTURING FIRMS AT PENANG, MALAYSIA
Authors:   University Sultan Azlan Shah Faculty of Management and Information Technology, MD AMIN BOKHORI
Published: July 2022

This study evaluated the relationship between welfare management practices, emergency management practices, and safe workplace environment practices on employees' performance in manufacturing firms in Penang, Malaysia. A sample size of 222 respondents was taken from 28 electrical manufacturing firms with a 6322 population and 361 samples to examine the relationship. A questionnaire was designed for data collection to measure welfare management practices, emergency management practices, and safe work place environment practices on employees' performance in manufacturing firms. A stratified sampling method was used, and the data was analyzed using SmartPls 3.7.8. The study showed that welfare management practices, emergency management practices, and safe workplace environment practices significantly affect employees' performance in manufacturing firms. However, the limitation of this study only covers electrical manufacturing firms. Suggested for future study focus on electronic, plastic, and fabricated manufacturing firms to be more effective in improving manufacturing firms' safety and health practices.
Prediction of Adverse Drug Reaction Linked to Protein Targets Using Network-Based Information and Machine Learning
Authors: Galletti Cristiano , Aguirre-Plans Joaquim , Oliva Baldo , Fernandez-Fuentes Narcis
Published: July 2022

Drug discovery attrition rates, particularly at advanced clinical trial stages, are high because of unexpected adverse drug reactions (ADR) elicited by novel drug candidates. Predicting undesirable ADRs produced by the modulation of certain protein targets would contribute to developing safer drugs, thereby reducing economic losses associated with high attrition rates. As opposed to the more traditional drug-centric approach, we propose a target-centric approach to predict associations between protein targets and ADRs. The implementation of the predictor is based on a machine learning classifier that integrates a set of eight independent network-based features. These include a network diffusion-based score, identification of protein modules based on network clustering algorithms, functional similarity among proteins, network distance to proteins that are part of safety panels used in preclinical drug development, set of network descriptors in the form of degree and betweenness centrality measurements, and conservation. This diverse set of descriptors were used to generate predictors based on different machine learning classifiers ranging from specific models for individual ADR to higher levels of abstraction as per MEDDRA hierarchy such as system organ class. The results obtained from the different machine-learning classifiers, namely, support vector machine, random forest, and neural network were further analyzed as a meta-predictor exploiting three different voting systems, namely, jury vote, consensus vote, and red flag, obtaining different models for each of the ADRs in analysis. The level of accuracy of the predictors justifies the identification of problematic protein targets both at the level of individual ADR as well as a set of related ADRs grouped in common system organ classes. As an example, the prediction of ventricular tachycardia achieved an accuracy and precision of 0.83 and 0.90, respectively, and a Matthew correlation coefficient of 0.70. We believe that this approach is a good complement to the existing methodologies devised to foresee potential liabilities in preclinical drug discovery. The method is available through the DocTOR utility at GitHub (https://github.com/cristian931/DocTOR).
Neural-Network-Based Model-Free Calibration Method for Stereo Fisheye Camera
Authors: Cao Yuwei , Wang Hui , Zhao Han , Yang Xu
Published: July 2022

The fisheye camera has a field of view (FOV) of over 180°, which has advantages in the fields of medicine and precision measurement. Ordinary pinhole models have difficulty in fitting the severe barrel distortion of the fisheye camera. Therefore, it is necessary to apply a nonlinear geometric model to model this distortion in measurement applications, while the process is computationally complex. To solve the problem, this paper proposes a model-free stereo calibration method for binocular fisheye camera based on neural-network. The neural-network can implicitly describe the nonlinear mapping relationship between image and spatial coordinates in the scene. We use a feature extraction method based on three-step phase-shift method. Compared with the conventional stereo calibration of fisheye cameras, our method does not require image correction and matching. The spatial coordinates of the points in the common field of view of binocular fisheye camera can all be calculated by the generalized fitting capability of the neural-network. Our method preserves the advantage of the broad field of view of the fisheye camera. The experimental results show that our method is more suitable for fisheye cameras with significant distortion.
RETRACTED: Synthesis of Bioactive Yttrium-Metal–Organic Framework as Efficient Nanocatalyst in Synthesis of Novel Pyrazolopyranopyrimidine Derivatives and Evaluation of Anticancer Activity
Authors: Saleh Raed Obaid , Achmad Harun , Daminov Botir Turgunpulatovich , Kzar Hamzah H. , Mahdi Ahmed B. , Hammid Ali Thaeer , Abid Mohammed Kadhem , Opulencia Maria Jade Catalan , Mustafa Yasser Fakri , Sharma Himanshu
Published: July 2022

Novel Yttrium-metal–organic framework (Y-MOF) was synthesized under optimal conditions of microwave with a power of 20 W, the temperature of 30 degrees of centigrade, and time duration of 10 min. The products were characterized by SEM (morphology and size distribution), TGA (thermal stability), BET technique (surface area), and FTIR (characterization of the related group). The Yttrium-metal–organic framework (Y-MOF) synthesized in this study, after identifying and confirming the structure, was used as an efficient and recyclable catalyst in the synthesis of new pyrazolopyranopyrimidine derivatives. Following the study of the properties and applications of Y-MOF, its anticancer properties on breast cancer cells based on the MTT method were evaluated, and significant results were observed. In addition, the anticancer properties of the pyrazolopyranopyrimidine derivatives were investigated.
Acoustic-Based Automatic Addressee Detection for Technical Systems: A Review
Authors: Siegert Ingo , Weißkirchen Norman , Wendemuth Andreas
Published: July 2022

Objective

Acoustic addressee detection is a challenge that arises in human group interactions, as well as in interactions with technical systems. The research domain is relatively new, and no structured review is available. Especially due to the recent growth of usage of voice assistants, this topic received increased attention. To allow a natural interaction on the same level as human interactions, many studies focused on the acoustic analyses of speech. The aim of this survey is to give an overview on the different studies and compare them in terms of utilized features, datasets, as well as classification architectures, which has so far been not conducted.

Methods

The survey followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. We included all studies which were analyzing acoustic and/or acoustic characteristics of speech utterances to automatically detect the addressee. For each study, we describe the used dataset, feature set, classification architecture, performance, and other relevant findings.

Results

1,581 studies were screened, of which 23 studies met the inclusion criteria. The majority of studies utilized German or English speech corpora. Twenty-six percent of the studies were tested on in-house datasets, where only limited information is available. Nearly 40% of the studies employed hand-crafted feature sets, the other studies mostly rely on Interspeech ComParE 2013 feature set or Log-FilterBank Energy and Log Energy of Short-Time Fourier Transform features. 12 out of 23 studies used deep-learning approaches, the other 11 studies used classical machine learning methods. Nine out of 23 studies furthermore employed a classifier fusion.

Conclusion

Speech-based automatic addressee detection is a relatively new research domain. Especially by using vast amounts of material or sophisticated models, device-directed speech is distinguished from non-device-directed speech. Furthermore, a clear distinction between in-house datasets and pre-existing ones can be drawn and a clear trend toward pre-defined larger feature sets (with partly used feature selection methods) is apparent.
In-hospital Outcomes and Early Hemodynamic Management According to Echocardiography Use in Hypotensive Preterm Infants: A National Propensity-Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Raschetti Roberto , Torchin Héloïse , Marchand-Martin Laetitia , Gascoin Géraldine , Cambonie Gilles , Brissaud Olivier , Rozé Jean-Christophe , Storme Laurent , Ancel Pierre-Yves , Mekontso-Dessap Armand , Durrmeyer Xavier
Published: July 2022

Background

Hypotension is a common condition during the first postnatal days of very preterm infants and has been associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes but its management remains controversial. There is a consensus to promote the use of neonatologist-performed echocardiography (NPE) in hypotensive very preterm infants, although no clinical trial ever assessed this practice.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from the French national EPIPAGE-2 cohort to evaluate the association of NPE with survival, severe morbidity, and therapeutic management in very preterm infants with early hypotension. Reasons for administering antihypotensive treatments were also analyzed. We included infants born before 30 weeks of gestation with hypotension within 72 h of birth. Infants managed with (NPE group) or without (no-NPE group) NPE use were compared after matching on gestational age and a propensity score, reflecting each patient's probability of having an NPE based on his/her baseline covariates. This matching procedure intended to control for the indication bias of NPE.

Results

Among 966 eligible infants, 809 were included (NPE group, n = 320; no-NPE group, n = 489), and 229 from each group could be matched. The NPE group did not differ significantly from the no-NPE group for survival (OR 1.01, 95% CI 0.64 to 1.60; p = 0.95) or survival without severe morbidity at discharge (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.63 to 1.34; p = 0.66), but received more antihypotensive treatments [144/229 (62.9%) vs. 99/229 (43.0%), p < 0.001]. Isolated hypotension was the main reason for treatment in both groups. Among treated infants, volume expansion was administered at equal rates to the NPE and no-NPE groups [118/144 (82.1%) vs. 79/99 (80.1%), p = 0.67], but the NPE group received inotropic drugs more often [77/144 (53.7%) vs. 37/99 (37.8%), p = 0.023].

Conclusion

NPE use in hypotensive preterm infants was not associated with in-hospital outcomes and had little influence on the nature of and reasons for antihypotensive treatments. These results suggest the need to optimize NPE use.
The Role of Patient-Specific Morphological Features of the Left Atrial Appendage on the Thromboembolic Risk Under Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Musotto Giulio , Monteleone Alessandra , Vella Danila , Di Leonardo Sofia , Viola Alessia , Pitarresi Giuseppe , Zuccarello Bernardo , Pantano Antonio , Cook Andrew , Bosi Giorgia M. , Burriesci Gaetano
Published: July 2022

Background

A large majority of thrombi causing ischemic complications under atrial fibrillation (AF) originate in the left atrial appendage (LAA), an anatomical structure departing from the left atrium, characterized by a large morphological variability between individuals. This work analyses the hemodynamics simulated for different patient-specific models of LAA by means of computational fluid–structure interaction studies, modeling the effect of the changes in contractility and shape resulting from AF.

Methods

Three operating conditions were analyzed: sinus rhythm, acute atrial fibrillation, and chronic atrial fibrillation. These were simulated on four patient-specific LAA morphologies, each associated with one of the main morphological variants identified from the common classification: chicken wing, cactus, windsock, and cauliflower. Active contractility of the wall muscle was calibrated on the basis of clinical evaluations of the filling and emptying volumes, and boundary conditions were imposed on the fluid to replicate physiological and pathological atrial pressures, typical of the various operating conditions.

Results

The LAA volume and shear strain rates were analyzed over time and space for the different models. Globally, under AF conditions, all models were well aligned in terms of shear strain rate values and predicted levels of risk. Regions of low shear rate, typically associated with a higher risk of a clot, appeared to be promoted by sudden bends and focused at the trabecule and the lobes. These become substantially more pronounced and extended with AF, especially under acute conditions.

Conclusion

This work clarifies the role of active and passive contraction on the healthy hemodynamics in the LAA, analyzing the hemodynamic effect of AF that promotes clot formation. The study indicates that local LAA topological features are more directly associated with a thromboembolic risk than the global shape of the appendage, suggesting that more effective classification criteria should be identified.
Evolution of Peak Shear Strength of Rock Fractures Under Conditions of Repetitive Dry and Wet Cycling
Authors: Guo Baohua , Cheng Tan , Sun Jiehao , Tian Shixuan , Chen Yan , Niu Yongbin
Published: July 2022

The degradation of shear mechanical properties of rock fracture surfaces was determined after applying multiple dry-wet cycles. Artificially fractured feldspathic sandstone specimens were soaked in chemical solutions with pH values of 2, 7, and 12 for 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 dry-wet cycles, followed by direct shear tests under normal stresses of 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 MPa. The results showed that the pre-peak shear stiffness and peak shear strength of the fracture surfaces decreased, and the peak shear displacement increased progressively after cumulative dry-wet cycling treatments compared to the behavior of oven-dry rock fractures. Additionally, the pre-peak shear stiffness, peak shear strength, peak shear displacement, and residual shear strength decreased cumulatively as the number of dry-wet cycles increased. However, the chemistry of the wetting solution had little effect on mechanical behavior. Based on the Barton formula for describing the peak shear strength for rock fractures, an empirical formula for peak shear strength for irregular rock fractures under dry-wet cycling conditions is proposed by introducing a proportionality factor to describe the degree of deterioration of the rock fracture surface shear strength. The modified formula has a good fitting accuracy for the test shear strength data of sandstone fractures under dry-wet cycling conditions, which may assist in the practical estimation of the peak shear strength of rock fractures under dry-wet cycling conditions in engineering practice.
Spatiotemporal Pattern of Occurrence Time of Extreme Precipitation and Circulation Mechanisms in the Arid Region of Northwest China
Authors: Sun Wenxuan , Jiang Youyan , Chen Jizu , Du Wentao , Lian Lishu , Song Linlin , Hu Yuling , Cheng Zhen , Zhou Xiyin , Kang Shichang , Wu Jichun
Published: July 2022

Investigation of extreme precipitation events in arid and semiarid regions, especially for occurrence time and the associated circulation mechanisms, is vital to support the forecasting of and the advanced response to resultant disasters. In this study, the spatiotemporal pattern of occurrence time of extreme precipitation and atmospheric circulation mechanisms in the Arid Region of Northwest China (ARNC) were analyzed using two indicators (precipitation concentration degree and period) and the climate diagnosis method. Results showed that the significant scattered pattern of extreme precipitation occurrence time (EPOT) in Northern Xinjiang and the postponed pattern of maximum extreme precipitation occurrence (MEPO) from southern to northern Xinjiang are consistent with the input pathway of the Arctic air mass. During the anomaly dispersion year of EPOT and the anomaly delay year of MEPO, the Arctic air mass carried sufficient water vapor is transported to ARNC for triggering extreme precipitation events. Meanwhile, the pattern of concentration–dispersion–concentration in eastern ARNC demonstrates interaction between the westerlies and the summer monsoon. Sufficient water vapor is transported to southwestern ARNC by the southwest monsoon during the anomaly delay year of MEPO and the anomaly concentration year of EPOT. The findings of this study suggest that invasion of the Arctic air mass and the summer monsoon could influence extreme precipitation in ARNC.
The Construction and Analysis of Infiltrating Immune Cell and ceRNA Networks in Diabetic Foot Ulcer
Authors: Zeng Lin , Zhang Pengxiang , Fang Zebin , Liu Deliang , Li Huilin , Qu Xin , Chu Shufang , Zhao Hengxia , Liu Xuemei , Lee Maosheng
Published: July 2022

Background

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a severe complication characterized by low-grade infectious inflammation and probably associated with specific competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) and infiltrating immune cells. Nonetheless, no reliable biomarkers are used for detecting infectious inflammation in DFU. Therefore, it is essential to explore potential biomarkers for the accurate diagnosis and treatment of DFU.

Methods

The gene expression profile was retrieved from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and divided into two groups, namely, standard samples and DFU samples. To establish the ceRNA networks, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were utilized to analyze differential expression genes (DEGs). The cell type identification was achieved by estimating relative subsets of RNA transcripts (CIBERSORT) algorithm to screen-specific immune-infiltrating cells associated with DFU.

Results

A ceRNA network was constructed with 20 differential expression circRNA (DEcircRNAs), 11 differential expression microRNAs (DEmiRNAs), and 9 differential expression mRNAs (DEmRNAs). Functional enrichment analysis demonstrated that DFU was mainly enriched in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and T-cell receptor signaling. In addition, CIBERSORT estimation indicated that CD8+ T cells and Monocytes were significantly related to the expression of IL-6, a DFU-specific infectious inflammation factor.

Conclusion

This study identified that some significant ceRNAs (JUNB, GATA3, hsa-circ-0049271 and hsa-circ-0074559) and infiltrating immune cells (CD8+ T cells and monocytes) might be related to DFU infectious inflammation.
Quantitative Proteomics Reveals That a Prognostic Signature of the Endometrium of the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Women Based on Ferroptosis Proteins
Authors: Zhang Jian , Ding Nan , Xin Wenhu , Yang Xin , Wang Fang
Published: July 2022

Objective

We aimed to study the relationship between ferroptosis proteins and reproductive outcomes of infertile patients with PCOS and construct the related prognostic model.

Methods

These endometrium samples of the study were collected from 33 women with PCOS and 7 control women with successful pregnancies at the Reproductive Center of Lanzhou University Second Hospital, September 2019 to September 2020. The 40 patients’ endometrium was identified the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis and Gene Ontology (GO) showed that the DEPs related pathways and functions between PCOS and controls. Subsequently, univariate Cox regression analysis and Lasso regression were used to identifying independent prognostic ferroptosis proteins, which were utilized to establish a prognostic model. Then the performance of the prognostic model was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and decision curve analysis (DCA). Then clinical data and prognostic model were used to predict the reproductive outcomes of PCOS patients by constructing the nomograms. Finally, we performed the single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) to explore the correlation between risk scores and immune status.

Results

A total of 5331 proteins were identified, 391 proteins were differentially expressed in the PCOS and controls. The KEGG analysis revealed that the ferroptosis pathway was significantly different between PCOS and controls. 5 ferroptosis proteins (GPX4, DPP4, G6PD, PCBP1, and PCBP2) prognostic model (FerSig) was constructed via Cox regression and Lasso regression. Patients were separated into high and low-risk groups according to the FerSig. Kaplan-Meier curve showed that patients in the low-risk group had much better reproductive outcomes than those in the high-risk group. The DCA showed that the risk score was an independent predictive factor for reproductive outcomes. Compared with clinical data, ROC curve analysis indicated the FerSig proteins as a potential diagnostic and prognostic factor in PCOS patients. Functional analysis revealed that the FerSig proteins and immune microenvironment were correlated to the prognosis of PCOS.

Conclusion

The prognostic model focused on the FerSig proteins could predict the reproductive outcomes of PCOS patients with decreased endometrial receptivity, and provided theoretical basis for individualized treatment.
Optimized Replacement T4 and T4+T3 Dosing in Male and Female Hypothyroid Patients With Different BMIs Using a Personalized Mechanistic Model of Thyroid Hormone Regulation Dynamics
Authors: Cruz-Loya Mauricio , Chu Benjamin B. , Jonklaas Jacqueline , Schneider David F. , DiStefano Joseph
Published: July 2022

Objective

A personalized simulation tool, p-THYROSIM, was developed (1) to better optimize replacement LT4 and LT4+LT3 dosing for hypothyroid patients, based on individual hormone levels, BMIs, and gender; and (2) to better understand how gender and BMI impact thyroid dynamical regulation over time in these patients.

Methods

p-THYROSIM was developed by (1) modifying and refining THYROSIM, an established physiologically based mechanistic model of the system regulating serum T3, T4, and TSH level dynamics; (2) incorporating sex and BMI of individual patients into the model; and (3) quantifying it with 3 experimental datasets and validating it with a fourth containing data from distinct male and female patients across a wide range of BMIs. For validation, we compared our optimized predictions with previously published results on optimized LT4 monotherapies. We also optimized combination T3+T4 dosing and computed unmeasured residual thyroid function (RTF) across a wide range of BMIs from male and female patient data.

Results

Compared with 3 other dosing methods, the accuracy of p-THYROSIM optimized dosages for LT4 monotherapy was better overall (53% vs. 44%, 43%, and 38%) and for extreme BMI patients (63% vs. ~51% low BMI, 48% vs. ~36% and 22% for high BMI). Optimal dosing for combination LT4+LT3 therapy and unmeasured RTFs was predictively computed with p-THYROSIM for male and female patients in low, normal, and high BMI ranges, yielding daily T3 doses of 5 to 7.5 μg of LT3 combined with 62.5–100 μg of LT4 for women or 75–125 μg of LT4 for men. Also, graphs of steady-state serum T3, T4, and TSH concentrations vs. RTF (range 0%–50%) for untreated patients showed that neither BMI nor gender had any effect on RTF predictions for our patient cohort data. Notably, the graphs provide a means for estimating unmeasurable RTFs for individual patients from their hormone measurements before treatment.

Conclusions

p-THYROSIM can provide accurate monotherapies for male and female hypothyroid patients, personalized with their BMIs. Where combination therapy is warranted, our results predict that not much LT3 is needed in addition to LT4 to restore euthyroid levels, suggesting opportunities for further research exploring combination therapy with lower T3 doses and slow-releasing T3 formulations.
Therapy With Intravenous Methylprednisolone Pulses Is Associated With Loss of Bone Microarchitecture in Trabecular Bone Score -Assessment Among Patients With Moderate-to-Severe Graves’ Orbitopathy: A Pilot Study
Authors: Rymuza Joanna , Pelewicz Katarzyna , Przedlacki Jerzy , Miśkiewicz Piotr
Published: July 2022

Background

Therapy with intravenous glucocorticoids (GCs) is associated with various side effects, however, the impact on bone remains elusive. Trabecular bone score (TBS) is a diagnostic tool providing information on bone microarchitecture based on images obtained from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. We investigated the influence of the intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) pulse administration on TBS in patients with moderate-to-severe Graves’ orbitopathy (GO).

Methods

Fifteen patients with GO were treated with 12 IVMP pulses (6x0.5g, 6x0.25 g on a weekly schedule). They received supplementation with 2000 IU of vitamin D and 1.0 g of calcium throughout the study period. TBS was assessed at baseline and after last IVMP pulse. To determine the difference between values at baseline and after treatment the least significant change (LSC) methodology was used. We compared pre- and posttreatment mean TBS values.

Results

We found a significant decrease of TBS in 5 out of 15 (33%) patients. Mean TBS value decreased becoming 2.4% lower than at baseline (p<0.05).

Conclusions

IVMP pulse therapy exerts negative effect on bone microarchitecture in TBS assessment. The analysis of the clinical risk factors for osteoporosis and the evaluation of bone mineral density and TBS should be considered before initiating IVMP therapy.
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitors in Chinese Patients With Advanced Radioactive Iodine-Refractory Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: A Network Meta-Analysis and Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
Authors: Zhu Youwen , Liu Kun , Wang Kailing , Peng Libo
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Two targeted drugs (apatinib and lenvatinib) show clinical efficacy in first-line treatment of Chinese patients with radioactive advanced iodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer (RAIR-DTC) and are recommended by the Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology guidelines. Considering the high clinical cost of long-term vascular endothelial growth factor receptor inhibitor administration and to determine which of the two targeted drugs is preferable, we opted to conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) and network meta-analysis (NMA).

Material and Methods

The results of NMA and CEA included in the two phase III randomized clinical trials REALITY (NCT03048877) and Study-308 (NCT02966093), in which Bayesian NMA and CEA were performed on 243 and 149 Chinese patients, respectively, were retrieved. Overall survival and progression-free survival (PFS) for apatinib versus lenvatinib were determined by NMA. CEA involved the development of a 20-year Markov model to obtain the total cost and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), and this was followed by sensitivity and subgroup analyses.

Results

Compared with lenvatinib, apatinib therapy provided a 0.837 improvement in QALY and $6,975 reduction in costs. The hazard ratio of apatinib versus lenvatinib and the cost of the targeted drugs had a significant impact on the model. According to the sensitivity analysis, apatinib was more cost-effective and had no correlation with willingness-to-pay in China. Subgroup analysis showed that apatinib maintained PFS more economically.

Conclusion

NMA and CEA demonstrated that apatinib was more cost-effective compared to lenvatinib in the first-line treatment of Chinese RAIR-DTC patients.
Excess Uric Acid Induces Gouty Nephropathy Through Crystal Formation: A Review of Recent Insights
Authors: Mei Yongsheng , Dong Bingzi , Geng Zhuang , Xu Lili
Published: July 2022

Uric acid (UA) is the final product of purine metabolism in the human body, and impaired purine metabolism can increase the uric acid in serum, finally resulting in hyperuricemia (HUA). Current evidences suggest that urates might have antioxidant properties under certain circumstances, but most evidences suggest that urates promote inflammation. Hyperuricemia leads to the formation of urate crystals, which might be recognized as a red flag by the immune system. Such a response stimulates macrophage activation, leads to the activation of NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome vesicles, and ultimately the production and liberation of interleukin-1b (IL-1b) and interleukin-18 (IL-18), which can mediate inflammation, apoptosis and necroinflammation and cause an inflammatory cascade response. The kidney is one of the most commonly affected organs in HUA, which promotes the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) by damaging endothelial cells, activating the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), and promoting inflammatory responses. Pharmacological interventions and lifestyle modifications are the primary means for controlling gout and lowering UA. The febuxostat is safe for CKD patients in the UA lowering therapy. Although dialysis can reduce UA levels, the application of drug is also necessary for dialysis patients. This article reviews the synthesis and metabolism of UA, etiology of HUA, the relationship between HUA and kidney disease, the treatment of gout and gouty nephropathy (GN).
Somatotropic Axis, Pace of Life and Aging
Authors: Bartke Andrzej
Published: July 2022

Mice with genetic growth hormone (GH) deficiency or GH resistance live much longer than their normal siblings maintained under identical conditions with unlimited access to food. Extended longevity of these mutants is associated with extension of their healthspan (period of life free of disability and disease) and with delayed and/or slower aging. Importantly, GH and GH-related traits have been linked to the regulation of aging and longevity also in mice that have not been genetically altered and in other mammalian species including humans. Avai+lable evidence indicates that the impact of suppressed GH signaling on aging is mediated by multiple interacting mechanisms and involves trade-offs among growth, reproduction, and longevity. Life history traits of long-lived GH-related mutants include slow postnatal growth, delayed sexual maturation, and reduced fecundity (smaller litter size and increased intervals between the litters). These traits are consistent with a slower pace-of-life, a well-documented characteristic of species of wild animals that are long-lived in their natural environment. Apparently, slower pace-of-life (or at least some of its features) is associated with extended longevity both within and between species. This association is unexpected and may appear counterintuitive, because the relationships between adult body size (a GH-dependent trait) and longevity within and between species are opposite rather than similar. Studies of energy metabolism and nutrient-dependent signaling pathways at different stages of the life course will be needed to elucidate mechanisms of these relationships.