bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Slotted Tube Overlay Geotextile in Tailing Pond Radial Seepage Test Model and Analysis of the Permeation Characteristics
Authors: Yang Chun-bo , Wang Yuan , Wang Lin-bing , Huang Jing-qi , Li Qing-wen , Wu Long
Published: October 2021

Slotted tube drainage system plays an important role in reducing the wetting line of tailing dam. In the past studies, the permeability coefficient of geotextile was measured separately based on one-dimensional test, and the permeability characteristics of the whole system of the slotted tube overlay geotextile were rarely studied. Firstly, a set of radial flow test equipment for infiltration system of the slotted tube overlay geotextile is developed in this study. Then, with the aid of the test device, a two-dimensional radial flow test is conducted to investigate the drainage system of the slotted tube overlay geotextile before and after blocking by tailing sands, with considering different water head difference and the number of geotextile layers. By the two-dimensional radial flow test, it can be concluded that (1) the permeability coefficients of the slotted tube overlay geotextile before and after blocking all have a slight upward trend with the increase of water head difference; (2) with increasing the number of geotextile layers, the permeability coefficients before and after blocking increase first and then decrease, which approaching its minimum value at about two layers; (3) under the seepage pressure, some particles might attach to or stay in geotextile. Therefore, the permeability coefficient of the slotted tube overlay geotextile after blocking is significantly smaller than that before blocking. This study offers the insight to the further research on the permeation characteristics of the slotted tube overlay geotextile system.
Dysbiosis of Gut Microbiota Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression by Regulating the Immune Response
Authors: Zhang Nan , Gou Yusong , Liang Shan , Chen Ning , Liu Yali , He Qiushui , Zhang Jing
Published: October 2021

Background and Aim. Dysbiosis of gut microbiota is important in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, little is known about whether and how dysbiosis impacts HCC progression. This cross-sectional study is aimed at evaluating microbiome dysbiosis, gut damage, and microbial translocation in different stages of HCC. Method. This study included 74 Chinese male patients with HCC. They were divided into early (

n
=
19

), intermediate (

n
=
37

), and terminal (

n
=
18

) groups, referred to as Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage 0+A, B, and C+D, respectively. Paired fecal and plasma samples were collected. Microbial composition and profiles were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The levels of gut damage marker (regenerating islet-derived protein 3α (REG3α)) and microbial translocation markers (soluble CD14 (sCD14), lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP), peptidoglycan recognition proteins (PGRPs)) were determined in plasma samples of patients by ELISA. Twenty plasma cytokine and chemokines were determined by Luminex. Results. In early, intermediate, and terminal groups, the abundance of the Bifidobacteriaceae family decreased significantly (3.52%, 1.55%, and 0.56%, respectively,

P
=
0.003

), while the abundance of the Enterococcaceae family increased significantly (1.6%, 2.9%, and 13.4%, respectively,

P
=
0.022

). Levels of REG3α and sCD14 were markedly elevated only in the terminal group compared with the early (

P
=
0.025

and

P
=
0.048

) and intermediate groups (

P
=
0.023

and

P
=
0.046

). The level of LBP significantly increased in the intermediate (

P
=
0.035

) and terminal (

P
=
0.025

) groups compared with the early group. The PGRP levels were elevated only in the terminal group compared with the early group (

P
=
0.018

). The ratio of Enterococcaceae to Bifidobacteriaceae was significantly associated with the levels of REG3α, LBP, sCD14, and PGRPs. With HCC progression, increased levels of inflammatory cytokines accompanied by a T cell-immunosuppressive response and microbial translocation were observed. Conclusion. Gut microbiota compositional and functional shift, together with elevated gut damage and microbial translocation, may promote HCC development by stimulating inflammatory response and suppressing T cell response.
Lead and Chromium Immobilization Process Subjected to Different Freeze-Thaw Treatments in Soils of the Northeastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
Authors: Li Leiming , Wu Jun
Published: October 2021

The freeze-thaw cycle is one of the important processes that affected heavy metal behaviors in soil. However, information regarding the adsorption and desorption behavior of heavy metals in soils under different freeze-thaw conditions is relatively less. Therefore, different freeze-thaw conditions including unfrozen, 15 freeze-thaw cycles at 60% water content, and 15 freeze-thaw cycles at 100% water content were investigated. Then the adsorption and desorption behaviors of Pb and Cr in freeze-thaw soils were studied. Results showed the Pb and Cr adsorption amount mostly decreased with increasing water-soil ratio, and the soil performance of Pb and Cr adsorption at same water-soil ratios showed variation under different freeze-thaw conditions. The Pb isothermal adsorption was higher for most freeze-thaw treatments compared to the control. The soil performance of Cr isothermal adsorption showed variation under different freeze-thaw conditions. Most electrostatic binding of Pb and Cr were stronger under unfrozen and freeze-thaw conditions than unfrozen conditions. Most Pb and Cr adsorption kinetics patterns of freeze-thaw treated soils were rapid than unfrozen conditions. These results implied that freeze-thaw cycles could change the soil adsorption and desorption patterns of Pb and Cr. Therefore, further studies are urgently needed to investigate Pb and Cr immobilization mechanisms in soils during freeze-thaw cycles. Hence, these findings provided useful information on Pb and Cr immobilization process in soils that underwent freeze-thaw cycles to offer an additional insight into predicting Pb and Cr behaviors in cold and freezing environments.
Bilateral Symptomatic Mucoid Degeneration of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament with Anterior Knee Pain but No Limited Knee Flexion
Authors: Shimasaki Koshiro , Yoshioka Tomokazu , Kanamori Akihiro , Yamazaki Masashi
Published: October 2021

Mucoid degeneration of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a rare cause of anterior knee pain (AKP). Some case reports have been published; however, it is difficult to diagnose and is often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed because of its pathophysiological ambiguity. We report a rare case of a patient diagnosed with bilateral mucoid degeneration of the ACL with AKP and no limited joint range of motion (ROM). A 59-year-old man with spontaneous right AKP was admitted to our hospital. He first underwent arthroscopic resection of the thickened medial plica protruding far into the medial patellofemoral joint (PFJ) but felt little effectiveness thereafter. He then had an arthroscopic release of the lateral patellar retinaculum because of valgus knee and patellar instability, which resulted in only temporary improvement. Then, the AKP relapsed, this time with limitations in the ROM. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI0 showed a diffuse, thickened ACL with a high inhomogeneous intensity in the T2-weighted and proton density weighted images and which looked similar to a celery stalk. Based on the patient’s history and MRI findings, we suspected mucoid degeneration of the ACL and subsequently performed arthroscopic excision. At the same time, AKP appeared on the other side. Since the MRI demonstrated a similar celery stalk image as before, the same operation was performed on this side, as well. Finally, AKP and the limitation of the ROM were relieved approximately one month after surgery. Due to the patient only suffering from AKP with a preserved ROM, it took about 14 months to diagnose this disease. It should, therefore, always be considered in cases of AKP alone.
Deep Learning-Based Computed Tomography Imaging to Diagnose the Lung Nodule and Treatment Effect of Radiofrequency Ablation
Authors: Guo Xixi , Li Yuze , Yang Chunjie , Hu Yanjiang , Zhou Yun , Wang Zhenhua , Zhang Liguo , Hu Hongjun , Wu Yuemin
Published: October 2021

This study aimed to detect and diagnose the lung nodules as early as possible to effectively treat them, thereby reducing the burden on the medical system and patients. A lung computed tomography (CT) image segmentation algorithm was constructed based on the deep learning convolutional neural network (CNN). The clinical data of 69 patients with lung nodules diagnosed by needle biopsy and pathological comprehensive diagnosis at hospital were collected for specific analysis. The CT image segmentation algorithm was used to distinguish the nature and volume of lung nodules and compared with other computer aided design (CAD) software (Philips ISP). 69 patients with lung nodules were treated by radiofrequency ablation (RFA). The results showed that the diagnostic sensitivity of the CT image segmentation algorithm based on the CNN was obviously higher than that of the Philips ISP for solid nodules <5 mm (63 cases vs. 33 cases) (

P
<
0.05

); it was the same result for the subsolid nodule <5 mm (33 case vs. 5 cases) (

P
<
0.05

) that was slightly higher for solid and subsolid nodules with a diameter of 5–10 mm (37 cases vs. 28 cases) (

P
<
0.05

). In addition, the CNN algorithm can reach all detection for calcified nodules and pleural nodules (7 cases; 5 cases), and the diagnostic sensitivities were much better than those of Philips ISP (2 cases; 3 cases) (

P
<
0.05

). Patients with pulmonary nodules treated by RFA were in good postoperative condition, with a half-year survival rate of 100% and a one-year survival rate of 72.4%. Therefore, it could be concluded that the CT image segmentation algorithm based on the CNN could effectively detect and diagnose the lung nodules early, and the RFA could effectively treat the lung nodules.
Effect of Veneering and Hydrothermal Aging on the Translucency of Newly Introduced Extra Translucent and High Translucent Zirconia with Different Thicknesses
Authors: Cinar Sevki , Altan Bike
Published: October 2021

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of veneering and aging on the translucency of newly introduced extra and high translucent zirconia with different thickness. Materials and Methods. One hundred forty disk‐shaped specimens were fabricated from two translucent zirconia blocks (VITA YZ XT and VITA YZ HT), and they are milled with CAD/CAM system. Then, specimens were divided into nonveneered (XT, HT) and veneered groups (XTV, HTV). Nonveneered groups were prepared with four different thicknesses (0.5‐1‐1.5‐2 mm). Veneered groups were divided into three subgroups (n = 10) for veneering with base dentin ceramic with thicknesses of 0.5 + 0.5, 0.5 + 1, and 0.5 + 1.5 mm. A spectrophotometer was used to calculate the translucency parameter (TP) and contrast ratio (CR) of all specimens before and after aging. Statistical analysis was performed using 3‐way ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests (p < 0.05). Results. TP values were significantly affected by thickness of specimens (p < 0.001). VITA YZ XT was significantly found more translucent than VITA YZ HT. The highest translucency was observed in the XT‐0.5 mm group. There is no significant difference between translucency of the veneered and nonveneered groups in the same thickness for XT. On the contrary, veneering significantly affected translucency of HT. TP values significantly decreased after aging for all groups. After aging, translucency value difference before and after aging was the highest in the XT‐0.5 mm group whereas the HTV‐2 mm group showed the lowest difference after aging. TP decreased significantly as thickness of specimen increases regardless of the material type. Extra translucent and nonveneered zirconia groups are more prone to hydrothermal aging. Conclusions. The translucency parameter of zirconia ceramics was significantly influenced by both material type and veneering. Also, extra translucent and nonveneered zirconia groups are more susceptible to hydrothermal aging.
Estimation of Sine Inverse Exponential Model under Censored Schemes
Authors: Shrahili M. , Elbatal I. , Almutiry Waleed , Elgarhy Mohammed
Published: October 2021

In this article, we introduce a new one-parameter model, which is named sine inverted exponential (SIE) distribution. The SIE distribution is a new extension of the inverse exponential (IE) distribution. The SIE distribution aims to provide the SIE model for data-fitting purposes. The SIE distribution is more flexible than the inverted exponential (IE) model, and it has many applications in physics, medicine, engineering, nanophysics, and nanoscience. The density function (PDFu) of SIE distribution can be unimodel shape and right skewed shape. The hazard rate function (HRFu) of SIE distribution can be J-shaped and increasing shaped. We investigated some fundamental statistical properties such as quantile function (QFu), moments (Mo), moment generating function (MGFu), incomplete moments (ICMo), conditional moments (CMo), and the SIE distribution parameters were estimated using the maximum likelihood (ML) method for estimation under censored samples (CS). Finally, the numerical results were investigated to evaluate the flexibility of the new model. The SIE distribution and the IE distribution are compared using two real datasets. The numerical results show the superiority of the SIE distribution.
Construction and Validation of an Immune‐Related Gene Prognostic Index for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Ji Qinghua , Cai Yingying , Shrestha Sachin Mulmi , Shen Duo , Zhao Wei , Shi Ruihua
Published: October 2021

Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy may benefit patients with advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC); however, novel biomarkers are needed to help predict the response of patients to treatment. Differentially expressed immune‐related genes within The Cancer Genome Atlas ESCC dataset were selected using the weighted gene coexpression network and lasso Cox regression analyses. Based on these data, an immune‐related gene prognostic index (IRGPI) was constructed. The molecular characteristics of the different IRGPI subgroups were assessed using mutation information and gene set enrichment analysis. Differences in immune cell infiltration and the response to ICI therapy and other drugs were also analyzed. Additionally, tumor and adjacent control tissues were collected from six patients with ESCC and the expression of these genes was verified using real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. IRGPI was designed based on CLDN1, HCAR3, FNBP1L, and BRCA2, the expression of which was confirmed in ESCC samples. The prognosis of patients in the high‐IRGPI group was poor, as verified using publicly available expression data. KMT2D mutations were more common in the high‐IRGPI group. Enrichment analysis revealed an active immune response, and immune infiltration assessment showed that the high‐IRGPI group had an increased infiltration degree of CD8 T cells, which contributed to the improved response to ICI treatment. Collectively, these data demonstrate that IRGPI is a robust biomarker for predicting the prognosis and response to therapy of patients with ESCC.
Stability Switches and Hopf Bifurcation Induced by Nutrient Recycling Delay in a Reaction‐Diffusion Nutrient‐Phytoplankton Model
Authors: Zhuang Kejun , Li Ying , Gong Bin
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we study a reaction‐diffusion nutrient‐phytoplankton model with nutrient recycling delay and toxin‐producing phytoplankton. For the delay‐free case, we prove that the release rate of toxic chemicals by the toxin‐producing phytoplankton can destabilize the system and cause periodic oscillation. For the time‐delayed case, we observe that nutrient recycling delay may bring about stability switches and Hopf bifurcation. Moreover, we derive the formula for determining the direction and stability of the bifurcating periodic solutions. Finally, we give some numerical simulations to support the theoretical analyses.
Privacy‐Preserving Sensing and Two‐Stage Building Occupancy Prediction Using Random Forest Learning
Authors: Stamatescu Grigore , Chitu Claudia
Published: October 2021

Sensing and predicting occupancy in buildings is an important task that can lead to significant improvements in both energy efficiency and occupant comfort. Rich data streams are now available that allow for machine learning‐based algorithm implementation of direct and indirect occupancy estimation. We evaluate ensemble models, namely, random forests, on data collected from an 8 × 8 PIR matrix thermopile sensor with the dual goal of predicting individual cell temperature values and subsequently detecting the occupancy status. Evaluation of the method is based on a real case study deployed in an IT Hub in Bucharest, for which we have collected over three weeks of ground data, analyzed, and used it in order to predict occupancy in a room. Results show a 2–4% mean absolute percentage error for the temperature prediction and >99% accuracy for a three‐class model to detect human presence. The resulting outputs can be used by predictive building control models to optimize the commands to various subsystems. By separating the specific deployment from the system architecture and data structure, the application can be easily translated to other usage profiles and built environment entities. As compared to vision‐based systems, our solution preserves privacy with improved performance when compared to single PIR or indirect estimation.
Distributed Optimization for Mobile Robots under Mobile Edge Computing Environment
Authors: Luo Hui , Yin Quan
Published: October 2021

Driven by the development of the Internet industry, mobile robots (MRs) technology has become increasingly mature and widely used in all walks of life. Since MRs are densely distributed in the network system, how to establish a reliable communication architecture to achieve good cooperation and resource sharing between MRs has become a research hotspot. In this respect, mobile edge computing (MEC) technology and millimeter wave (mmW) technology can provide powerful support. This paper proposes a mmW communication network architecture for distributed MRs in MEC environment. The mmW base station provides reliable communication services for MRs under the coverage of information cloud (IC). We design a joint resource and power allocation strategy aimed at minimizing network energy consumption. First, we use the Lyapunov optimization technique to transform the original infinite horizon Markov decision process (MDP) problem. Then, a semidistributed algorithm is introduced to solve the distributed optimization problem in the mmW network. By improving the autonomous decision‐making ability of the mmW base station, the signaling overheads caused by information interaction are reduced, and information leakage is effectively avoided. Finally, the global optimal solution is obtained. Simulation results demonstrate the superiority of the proposed strategy.
Model Construction of Using Physiological Signals to Detect Mental Health Status
Authors: Liu Xiaoqian
Published: October 2021

Background. Mental health is a direct indicator of human mental activity, and it also affects all aspects of the human body. It plays a very important role in monitoring human mental health. Objectives. To design a mental health state detection model based on physiological signals to detect human mental health. Methods. For the detection of mental health, the sliding window method is used to divide the physiological signal dataset and the corresponding time into several segments and then calculate the physiological signal data in the sliding window for each physiological signal to form a sequence of characteristic values; according to the heart rate variability of the physiological signal, the heart rate variability (HRV) is extracted from the interval spectrum waveform: through the discrete trend analysis in statistics, the change characteristics of the ECG signal are analyzed, and the sequence statistical indicators of the physiological signal are calculated. With the help of a support vector machine used for the significant accuracy with less computation power, the physiological signals of the mental state are classified, and the discriminant function of the mental health state signals is normalized. A mental health state detection model is constructed according to the index system, the optimal solution of the model is obtained through the optimization function, and the mental health state detection is completed. Result. The detection error of the proposed model is less which improves the detection accuracy and is less time consuming. Conclusion. The detection model using physiological signals is proposed to evaluate the mental health status. As compared to the other detection models, its detection time is short and method error is always less than 2% which shows its accuracy and effectiveness.
Determining the Height of Water‐Flowing Fractured Zone in Bedrock‐Soil Layer in a Jurassic Coalfield in Northern Shaanxi, China
Authors: Feng Jie , Wang Sujian , Hou Enke , Ding Xiang , Duan Huijun
Published: October 2021

The height of the water‐flowing fractured zone is the most important technical parameter for water prevention and control in a coal mine. Due to the numerous factors affecting the water‐flowing fractured zone, it is difficult to accurately identify the zone. Currently, no effective way exists for determination of the water‐flowing fractured zone in a soil layer. To accurately determine the development law of the water‐flowing fractured zone in the bedrock‐soil layer of a Jurassic coalfield in northern Shaanxi, China, we conducted a comprehensive study using microresistivity scanning imaging technology, apparent density logging, long‐range gamma logging, observation on drilling flushing fluid consumption, physical simulation, and numerical simulation. The following results were obtained: (1) The ratio of the height of the water‐flowing fractured zone to the mining height was 28.3–28.5, which was obtained by microresistivity scanning imaging technology, whereas the ratio of the height of the water‐flowing fractured zone to the mining height was 28.1–29.1, determined by apparent density logging, long‐range gamma logging, physical simulation, and numerical simulation. The microresistivity scanning imaging results were consistent with those obtained by other methods. (2) Based on the thickness of the soil layer and the bedrock, the height model of the water‐flowing fracture zone was divided into four regions, that is, the thick bedrock‐thick soil layer region, thick bedrock‐thin soil layer region, thin bedrock‐thin soil layer region, and thin bedrock‐thick soil layer region. A mathematical model describing the difference between the thickness of the water‐flowing fractured zone and the bedrock and the thickness of the soil under the condition of bedrock‐soil was established. (3) We conclude that microresistivity scanning imaging technology can accurately detect the height of the water‐flowing fractured zone in a soil layer, and the apparent density logging and long‐range gamma logging can precisely detect the height of the water‐flowing fractured zone in bedrock. This is a new comprehensive method for research on the height of the water‐flowing fractured zone that can provide a reliable basis for water prevention and control in mines.
Effect of Ageing on the Common Bile Duct Diameter
Authors: Govindan Shankara , Tamrat Nebiyu Elias , Liu Zi Jun
Published: October 2021

Introduction: The aim of the study was to determine if the common bile duct (CBD) diameter increases physiologically with age and investigate whether gallstones lead to changes in CBD diameter. Method: Our study is composed of 721 patients in 2 groups: 517 asymptomatic patients and 204 gallstones patients who underwent MRCP. Their CBD diameter was measured at its widest visible portion on MRCP. Simple linear regression of the average of these measurements was used to investigate the relationship between age and CBD diameter in both populations. Subjects were further divided into 8 subgroups age-wise, respectively, and their means compared decade-wise using ANOVA. Furthermore, each subgroup mean from both populations was compared with each other using a t test. Results: Among the 517 subjects, the mean CBD diameter was 5.3663 mm ± 1.43546 and correlated with age (p < 0.01), dilating at 0.07 mm/year. The mean diameter of our oldest group was 7.9 mm, resulting in a plausible upper limit of 8 mm for the asymptomatic population. The mean CBD diameter of the cholelithiasis population was 5.6738 mm ± 1.40986 and also correlated with age (p < 0.01). The mean CBD diameter of the age groups from the cholelithiasis population was larger than that from the asymptomatic population, but none were statistically significant. Conclusion: Although the CBD increases physiologically with age, there is no significant difference in CBD size between the general population and the cholelithiasis patients at any particular age. Gallstones do not independently dilate the CBD.
Genetic and Nongenetic Determinants of Variable Warfarin Dose Requirements: A Report from North India
Authors: Kaur Navjot , Pandey Avaneesh , Shafiq Nusrat , Gupta Ankur , Das Reena , Singh Harkant , Ahluwalia Jasmina , Malhotra Samir
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Warfarin is widely used and will continue to be prescribed especially in developing countries due to its low cost. Given the huge patient load requiring anticoagulation, there is a need to develop strategies to optimize warfarin therapy for ensuring safe and effective anticoagulation. In the present work, we aimed at elucidating the association of genetic and nongenetic variables with warfarin dose requirement in patients attending the cardiovascular clinic in a tertiary care center of North India. Methods: This was a prospective study conducted over 1 year. Patient demographic and clinical details were captured in customized case record forms. Genotyping was done using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Pharmacogenetic influence of CYP2C9 (rs1799853 and rs1057910) and VKORC1 (rs9923231) variant alleles was studied. The association of genetic and nongenetic factors with warfarin dose was quantified using a stepwise multivariate linear regression model. Results: Two hundred and forty patients were screened. Data from 82 eligible patients were used for quantifying the association of genetic and nongenetic factors with warfarin dose. A descriptive model based on CYP2C9*3 (rs1057910) and VKORC1 (rs9923231) variant alleles and BMI was developed. The model explains nearly half of the interindividual variation in warfarin dose requirement. Conclusion: The model explains nearly half of the interindividual variation in warfarin dose in patients with atrial fibrillation and or requiring valve replacement.
Duodenal Metastasis of Pulmonary Pleomorphic Carcinoma: A Case Report
Authors: Matsuda Masayuki , Kai Yoshiro , Harada Suzuka , Suzuki Kentaro , Hontsu Shigeto , Muro Shigeo
Published: October 2021

Pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma (PPC) is a rare subtype of lung sarcomatoid carcinoma that has a poor prognosis, and no standard therapy has been established. Here, we report the case of a 74-year-old man with PCC who showed rare duodenal metastasis. He was referred to our hospital with a mass shadow in the right lung. The patient was diagnosed with PPC clinical stage II B on the basis of immunohistochemical staining from bronchoscopy, and the tumor proportion score of programmed death-ligand 1 was 80%. He did not want any treatment. A year and a half later, progressive anemia was detected. The primary tumor was stable; however, abdominal computed tomography and esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed a duodenal tumor with stenosis. He was diagnosed with duodenal metastasis from PPC, and he underwent gastrojejunal bypass surgery to prevent bowel obstruction. After surgery, he received pembrolizumab for chemotherapy. However, owing to the progression of peritoneum dissemination, he died 2 months later due to the onset of melena.
Prolonged Survival Using First-Line Pazopanib in a Filipino Male with Renal Cell Carcinoma and Brain Metastasis: A Case Report
Authors: Mojica Christianne V. , Aguas Gerard Vincent A. , Cornelio Gerardo Thomas H. , Damian Ludwig F.
Published: October 2021

Renal cell carcinoma is one of the leading causes of cancer worldwide. Brain metastasis is a poor prognostic factor among patients with this disease. The advancements in understanding of the molecular framework behind malignancy and brain metastasis led to more sophisticated treatment regimens which include targeted drugs and immunotherapy. While the role of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in metastatic renal cell carcinoma has been proven in the literature, its specific role among patients with brain metastasis has not yet been fully elucidated. We report a case of a Filipino male with renal cell carcinoma and brain metastasis who underwent stereotactic radiosurgery of his right frontal lesion followed by pazopanib taken initially at 800 mg/day and then decreased to 600 mg/day. A significant increase in creatinine level led to the discontinuation of the medication after >3 years. He had a remarkable progression-free survival of 38 months. This is the first documented case of such significant response to pazopanib in a patient with renal cell carcinoma and brain metastasis. In the Philippine setting where options for cancer treatment are limited by the prohibitive cost of medications, this case can support the use of pazopanib as a potent agent for treating patients with this condition.
‘The Mute Compulsion of Economic Relations’: Towards a Marxist Theory of the Abstract and Impersonal Power of Capital
Authors: Mau Søren
Published: October 2021

According to Marx’s unfinished critique of political economy, capitalist relations of production rely on what Marx refers to inCapitalas ‘the mute compulsion of economic relations’. The aim of this article is to demonstrate that this constitutes a distinct form of economic power which cannot be reduced to either ideology or violence, and to provide the conceptual groundwork for a systematic theory of capital’s mute compulsion.
A new species of Cyrtodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from the northern versant of New Guinea’s Central Cordillera
Authors: OLIVER PAUL M. , KARKKAINEN DENISE TAIMI , STEPHEN J. RICHARDS STEPHEN J. RICHARDS
Published: October 2021

We describe a new species in the Cyrtodactylus loriae group from the northern versant of New Guinea’s Central Cordillera in far western Papua New Guinea. Cyrtodactylus hutchinsoni sp. nov. can be distinguished from related taxa by its large size, absence of serrate tubercles on the tail and ventrolateral fold, and further aspects of scalation and colouration. Genetic data suggest the new species is closely allied to C. serratus from the southern versant of the Central Cordillera of New Guinea, providing a potential example of a species pair isolated by Pliocene uplift of these mountains. The recognised diversity of Cyrtodactylus from New Guinea and other islands east of Lydekker’s Line now stands at 30 species, of which 22 have been described in the last 20 years.
A new species of Karualona Dumont & Silva-Briano, 2000 (Cladocera: Anomopoda: Chydoridae: Aloninae) from Northeast Thailand
Authors: TIANG-NGA SUPATRA , SINEV ARTEM Y. , SANOAMUANG LAORSRI
Published: October 2021

A new species of Aloninae, Karualona arcana sp. nov. (Cladocera: Chydoridae) is described from Northeast Thailand. It differs from other species of the genus Karualona Dumont & Silva-Briano, 2000 by: (1) the inner distal lobe of limb I bearing two setae; (2) shape of the postabdomen; (3) setae on the apical segment of the antenna endopodite of equal thickness; and (4) the presence of setules on the anterior margin of labrum. Some morphological characteristics of this taxon do not match well with the genus diagnosis, but share several important characteristics as well, such as: (1) presence of two main head pores and minute lateral pores; (2) presence of a lateral indentation on labral plate; (3) presence of denticles on the posteroventral angle of valves; (4) two flaming-torch setae on endite of limb IV; and (5) lack of composite denticles on postabdomen.
Sturgeons (Acipenseridae) from the Late Miocene of Ukraine, with a discussion of materials associated with Widhalm’s (1886) nomen nudum, †Acipenser euhuso
Authors: HILTON ERIC J. , KOVALCHUK OLEKSANDR , PODOPLELOVA NATALIA
Published: October 2021

The fossil record of the family Acipenseridae (sturgeons) extends to the Late Cretaceous (c. 85 MY), with a ghost lineage extending to approximately 120 MY when the first members of the family Polyodontidae are known. Much of the fossil record of Acipenseridae is formed by isolated and fragmentary dermal bones, which bear characteristic surface ornamentation. In this paper, we report on a collection of fossil sturgeons from the Upper Miocene deposits of southern Ukraine. These specimens include those used by Widhalm to establish †Acipenser euhuso, which is a nomen nudum. While we do not establish a new taxon for these specimens, the morphological variation of those elements that are preserved does suggest the presence of several species represented in this fauna.
Diagnostic Peritoneal Aspiration Revisited: Its Diagnostic Accuracy for the Detection of Intraabdominal Hemorrhage
Authors: Liasidis Panagiotis K. , Garapati Hemanth , Ghafil Cameron , Marchini Reitz Marianne , Guzman Ruben , Nwokedi Josephine , Matthew Robert , Matsushima Kazuhide
Published: October 2021

Background

The use of Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST) in combination with computed tomography (CT) has become the mainstay of diagnostic workup in patients with suspected intraabdominal hemorrhage (IAH). However, diagnostic peritoneal aspiration (DPA) can be an important adjunct in hemodynamically unstable patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility and diagnostic accuracy of DPA in detecting IAH.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of all patients who presented to the LAC+USC Medical Center and underwent evaluation with DPA between January 2010 and December 2016. Intraoperative, CT, and autopsy findings were used as gold standards in determining the diagnostic accuracy of DPA for the detection of IAH.

Results

A total of 73 consecutive patients were included in the study. The median age was 42 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 25-56), median injury severity score was 29 (IQR: 21-41), and 82.2% sustained blunt trauma. The most common indications for DPA were hemodynamically unstable patients with suspected IAH and patients with return of spontaneous circulation following resuscitative thoracotomy. Overall, the positive and negative predictive values of DPA were 89.4% and 88.9%, respectively. In 14 cases (19.2%), DPA correctly identified false positive/negative FAST results.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that DPA has high diagnostic yield for IAH. The use of DPA should be considered in unstable patients with inconclusive FAST results who cannot safely be evaluated with CT.
Music-Assisted Training for Dart Throwing Novices: Post-Training Effects on Heart Rate and Performance Accuracy
Authors: Tso Ivor T. H. , Law James C. L. , Wong Thomson W. L.
Published: October 2021

While previous research has suggested that lowering athletes’ heart rates can enhance sports performance, it is unknown whether slow-paced music might induce a lower heart rate and thereby improve some types of motor performance. In this study, we investigated the effects of different types of music during dart-throw training on both heart rate and dart-throwing performance in 45 ( M age = 19.7, SD = 0.31 years) novice dart throwers who were randomly assigned to either a Slow Music Group (SMG), a Fast Music Group (FMG), or a Control Group (CG). All participants completed three dart-throwing blocks - Pre-Test, Practice, and Post-Test. During the Practice block, participants practiced dart-throwing with either slow-paced, fast-paced or no music according to their assigned group. We recorded the participants’ heart rates and total dart-throwing accuracy scores during Pre-Test and Post-Test. Music-assisted dart-throw training with slow-paced music was effective in significantly inhibiting a performance-related increase in heart rate and was associated with the greatest dart throwing improvement after training.
Considering the Relevance of Childhood Religious Experiences Through Centenarian Oral Histories
Authors: Jones Nadia Firdausya , Bishop Alex J. , Finchum Tanya
Published: October 2021

The current study explored a sub-sample of 57 narrative focused on childhood religious experiences from the Oklahoma Oral History Project. Analyses identified three primary themes connected to childhood religiosity, including transmission, accessibility, and socializing. First, transmission of religiosity during childhood dependent upon a parent or grandparent. A second theme involved accessibility, which highlighted various advantages and disadvantages regarding child and family ability to attend religious services. Such opportunities and barriers were centered upon three subthemes involving rurality, transportation, and infrastructure. Finally, socializing represented a third theme. In particular, church attendance during childhood created unique opportunities for early-life socializing with family, friends, and neighbors. As a whole, key themes indicate that religiosity during childhood may be vital to the early formation of social opportunities and connections that may support positive and adaptive developmental processes in human longevity. Findings have implications relative to advancing conceptual understanding of the impact of childhood religious experience on developmental outcomes among long-lived adults.
Artificial Intelligence in Toxicological Pathology: Quantitative Evaluation of Compound-Induced Follicular Cell Hypertrophy in Rat Thyroid Gland Using Deep Learning Models
Authors: Bertani Valeria , Blanck Olivier , Guignard Davy , Schorsch Frederic , Pischon Hannah
Published: October 2021

Digital pathology has recently been more broadly deployed, fueling artificial intelligence (AI) application development and more systematic use of image analysis. Here, two different AI models were developed to evaluate follicular cell hypertrophy in hematoxylin and eosin-stained whole-slide-images of rat thyroid gland, using commercial AI-based-software. In the first, mean cytoplasmic area measuring approach (MCA approach), mean cytoplasmic area was calculated via several sequential deep learning (DL)-based algorithms including segmentation in microanatomical structures (separation of colloid and stroma from thyroid follicular epithelium), nuclear detection, and area measurements. With our additional second, hypertrophy area fraction predicting approach (HAF approach), we present for the first time DL-based direct detection of the histopathological change follicular cell hypertrophy in the thyroid gland with similar results. For multiple studies, increased output parameters (mean cytoplasmic area and hypertrophic area fraction) were shown in groups given different hypertrophy-inducing reference compounds in comparison to control groups. Quantitative results correlated with the gold standard of board-certified veterinary pathologists’ diagnoses and gradings as well as thyroid hormone dependent gene expressions. Accuracy and repeatability of diagnoses and grading by pathologists are expected to be improved by additional evaluation of mean cytoplasmic area or direct detection of hypertrophy, combined with standard histopathological observations.
Comparison of kinesio taping and cold therapy in patients with total knee arthroplasty: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yuksel Ertugrul , Unver Bayram , Karatosun Vasfi
Published: October 2021

Objective

To investigate the effects of kinesio taping and cold therapy on pain, edema, range of motion, muscle strength, functional level and quality of life in patients with total knee arthroplasty.

Design

Randomised controlled trial.

Setting

A university hospital.

Subjects

One-hundred patients were included.

Intervention

Patients were allocated into three groups; control group, kinesio group and cold therapy group. The control group received a standard rehabilitation program. Kinesio taping group received two fan-shaped kinesio taping bands and cold therapy group received cold packs in addition to the standard rehabilitation program.

Main measures

The outcome measures were pain, edema, range of motion, muscle strength, functional level and quality of life. Participants were assessed at preoperative, discharge and postoperative third month.

Results

The groups were similar at preoperative. A significant difference was determined in terms of pain in kinesio taping group compared to the control group at the discharge. Cold therapy was efficient in reducing postoperative swelling but kinesio taping had no significant effects on swelling control. There was no difference between the groups in terms of range of motion, muscle strength, functional level and quality of life. The groups were similar in all parameters at the postoperative third month measurements.

Conclusion

Fan-shaped kinesio taping is an effective technique in terms of postoperative pain relief. Cold therapy is an effective method in terms of edema control. Kinesio taping and cold therapy has no specific beneficial effect on functional level, muscle strength and quality of life compared to control group.
Estimation of the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in combination with diabetic kidney disease and identification of the associated factors in patients attending primary hospitals in Anhui Province, China
Authors: Xia Li , Cheng Lanlan , Jiang Tian , Liu Chao , Zhang Shiqi , Hu Honglin , Dai Fang , Zhang Qiu , Lu Yunxia
Published: October 2021

Objective

To evaluate the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with chronic kidney disease (DM-CKD) and identify the associated factors in patients attending primary hospitals in Anhui Province, China.

Methods

A multi-stage sampling method was used to collect the demographic information, general clinical data, and details of the kidney disease of patients in 2019 through a questionnaire survey, physical examination, and laboratory examination.

Results

A total of 1067 patients with T2DM were studied, of whom 345 had chronic kidney disease (CKD; 32.33%); 18.8%, 12.2%, 58.0%, 9.9% and 1.2% of the participants had stages 1 to 5 CKD. Fifty-point-three percent of the participants were female and they were 59 ± 11.3 years old. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that age, systolic blood pressure, the duration of diabetes, hyperlipidaemia, and smoking were associated with DM-CKD. The duration of diabetes was positively associated with body mass index, 2-hour postprandial glucose, fasting blood glucose concentration, glycosylated haemoglobin, total cholesterol concentration and triglyceride concentration.

Conclusions

The incidence of DM-CKD is relatively high in primary hospitals in Anhui Province. Appropriate preventive and therapeutic measures should be instituted according to the age, the duration of diabetes, sex, hypertension, smoking habits, and lipidaemia of patients.
Comparison of arteriovenous fistulas constructed with main or internal branch of the cephalic vein: a retrospective analysis of 32 cases
Authors: Guo Ning , Pan Zhong-Jian , Tian Jun
Published: October 2021

Objective

To evaluate the effect on the maturation of arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) when using the internal branch of the cephalic vein compared with the main branch of the cephalic vein.

Methods

The study enrolled patients with end-stage renal disease and divided them into an internal branch group (AVF constructed using the internal branch of the cephalic vein) or a main branch group (AVF constructed using the main branch of the cephalic vein). The surgical outcomes including complications were observed in these patients after 12 weeks.

Results

Thirty-two patients with end-stage renal disease were included in the study. There were 16 patients in each group. The demographic and clinical characteristics were not significantly different between the two groups. The diameter of the arteries and veins were not significantly different between the two groups before the operation. In the internal branch group, significantly more ( n = 7) patients failed to mature or required surgical intervention compared with the main branch group ( n = 1).

Conclusion

For veins of the same diameter, these findings suggest that constructing AVFs using the main branch of the cephalic vein instead of the internal branch was more suitable for patients with end-stage renal disease requiring haemodialysis.
Ridesourcing and urban inequality in Chicago: Connecting mobility disparities to unequal development, gentrification, and displacement
Authors: McKane Rachel G , Hess David J
Published: October 2021

Ridesourcing advocates and companies promise many benefits to cities, such as increased accessibility, a solution to the last-mile transit problem, and even reduced need for automobiles. However, an important body of research has indicated that ridesourcing is more heavily used by more privileged consumers and in more affluent and whiter neighborhoods. Questions have also emerged about the effects of ridesourcing on public transportation. This study builds on a mobility disparities perspective by analyzing ridesourcing in the context of urban inequality, including gentrification and displacement. Using a large data set from the Chicago area, this study shows that ridesourcing is associated with areas that have seen rising rents and have become whiter and more educated. The results also show that ridesourcing is more prevalent in areas that are accessible by public transportation. Although the causal relationship between ridesourcing and gentrification is complex, the study suggests a new direction in the literature that embeds the analysis of ridesourcing in the broader frameworks of unequal urban development and neoliberalization. The study also suggests policy approaches that could help to reduce some of the connections between ridesourcing and urban inequity.
Investigation of an injectable gold nanoparticle extracellular matrix
Authors: Snider Colten , Grant David , Grant Sheila A
Published: October 2021

Post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) is a progressive articular degenerative disease that degrades articular cartilage and stimulates apoptosis in chondrocyte cells. An injectable decellularized, extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffold, that might be able to combat the effects of PTOA, was developed where the ECM was conjugated with 20 nm gold nanoparticles (AuNP) and supplemented with curcumin and hyaluronic acid (HA). Porcine diaphragm ECM was decellularized and homogenized; AuNPs were conjugated using chemical crosslinking followed by mixing with curcumin and/or HA. Injection force testing and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were utilized to characterize the ECM scaffolds. In vitro testing with L929 murine fibroblasts, equine synovial fibroblasts, and Human Chondrocytes were used to determine biocompatibility, reactive oxygen species (ROS) reduction, and chondroprotective ability. The results demonstrated that conjugation of 20 nm AuNPs to the ECM was successful without significantly altering the physical properties as noted in the low injection force. In vitro work provided evidence of biocompatibility with a propensity to reduce intracellular ROS and an ability to mitigate apoptosis of chondrocyte cells stimulated with IL-1β, a known apoptosis inducing cytokine. It was concluded that an injectable AuNP-ECM may have the ability to mitigate inflammation and apoptosis.