bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design of five two-dimensional Co-metal-organic frameworks for oxygen evolution reaction and dye degradation properties
Authors: Fan Chuanbin , Zhang Xiaoyin , Guo Feng , Xing Zhiyong , Wang Junli , Lin Wanying , Tan Jie , Huang Guimei , Zong Ziao
Published: November 2022

Two-dimensional (2D) metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have been extensively investigated as oxygen evolution reaction (OER) materials because of their numerous advantages such as large specific surface areas, ultrathin thicknesses, well-defined active metal centers, and adjustable pore structures. Five Co-metal-organic frameworks, namely, [Co(L) (4.4′-bbidpe)H2O]n [YMUN 1 (YMUN for Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities)], {[Co2(L)2 (4.4′-bbibp)2]·[Co3(L) (4.4′-bbibp)]·DMAC}n (YMUN 2), [Co(L) (3,5-bip)]n (YMUN 3), [Co(L) (1,4-bimb)]n (YMUN 4), and [Co(L) (4.4′-bidpe)H2O]n (YMUN 5), were designed and fabricated from flexible dicarboxylic acid 1,3-bis(4′-carboxylphenoxy)benzene (H2L) and rigid/flexible imidazole ligands. Their frameworks consist of two-dimensional lamellar networks with a number of differences in their details. Their frameworks are discussed and compared, and their oxygen evolution reaction electrochemical activities and photocatalysis dye degradation properties are investigated.
Clinically encountered growth phenotypes of tuberculosis-causing bacilli and their in vitro study: A review
Authors: Mishra Saurabh , Saito Kohta
Published: November 2022

The clinical manifestations of tuberculosis (TB) vary widely in severity, site of infection, and outcomes of treatment—leading to simultaneous efforts to individualize therapy safely and to search for shorter regimens that can be successfully used across the clinical spectrum. In these endeavors, clinicians and researchers alike employ mycobacterial culture in rich media. However, even within the same patient, individual bacilli among the population can exhibit substantial variability in their culturability. Bacilli in vitro also demonstrate substantial heterogeneity in replication rate and cultivation requirements, as well as susceptibility to killing by antimicrobials. Understanding parallels in clinical, ex vivo and in vitro growth phenotype diversity may be key to identifying those phenotypes responsible for treatment failure, relapse, and the reactivation of bacilli that progresses TB infection to disease. This review briefly summarizes the current role of mycobacterial culture in the care of patients with TB and the ex vivo evidence of variability in TB culturability. We then discuss current advances in in vitro models that study heterogenous subpopulations within a genetically identical bulk culture, with an emphasis on the effect of oxidative stress on bacillary cultivation requirements. The review highlights the complexity that heterogeneity in mycobacterial growth brings to the interpretation of culture in clinical settings and research. It also underscores the intricacies present in the interplay between growth phenotypes and antimicrobial susceptibility. Better understanding of population dynamics and growth requirements over time and space promises to aid both the attempts to individualize TB treatment and to find uniformly effective therapies.
A nomogram for predicting the risk of mortality in patients with acute pancreatitis and Gram-negative bacilli infection
Authors: Yan Jia , Yilin Huang , Di Wu , Jie Wang , Hanyue Wang , Ya Liu , Jie Peng
Published: November 2022

Objective

Gram-negative bacilli (GNB) are common pathogens of infection in severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), and their occurrence increases the mortality of SAP. Early identification of SAP severity and prognosis is of great significance to SAP treatment. This study explored risk factors for mortality in patients with SAP and GNB infection and established a model for early prediction of the risk of death in GNB-infected SAP patients.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with SAP from January 1, 2016, to March 31, 2022, were included, and their baseline clinical characteristics were collected. Univariate logistic regression analysis was performed to screen for death related variables, and concurrently, a Boruta analysis was performed to identify potentially important clinical features associated with mortality. The intersection of the two results was taken for further multivariate logistic regression analysis. A logistic regression model was constructed according to the independent risk factor of death and then visualized with a nomogram. The performance of the model was further validated in the training and validation cohort.

Results

A total of 151 patients with SAP developed GNB infections. Univariate logistic regression analysis identified 11 variables associated with mortality. The Boruta analysis identified 11 clinical features, and 4 out of 9 clinical variables: platelet counts (odds ratio [OR] 0.99, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.99–1.00; p = 0.007), hemoglobin (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.92–1; p = 0.037), septic shock (OR 6.33, 95% CI 1.12–43.47; p = 0.044), and carbapenem resistance (OR 7.99, 95% CI 1.66–52.37; p = 0.016), shared by both analyses were further selected as independent risk factors by multivariate logistic regression analysis. A nomogram was used to visualize the model. The model demonstrated good performance in both training and validation cohorts with recognition sensitivity and specificity of 96% and 80% in the training cohort and 92.8% and 75% in the validation cohort, respectively.

Conclusion

The nomogram can accurately predict the mortality risk of patients with SAP and GNB infection. The clinical application of this model allows early identification of the severity and prognosis for patients with SAP and GNB infection and identification of patients requiring urgent management thus allowing rationalization of treatment options and improvements in clinical outcomes.
Probiotics for constipation in Parkinson’s: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Yin Shao , Zhu Fengya
Published: November 2022

Background

Parkinson’s disease (PD)-related constipation may affects both disease occurrence and disease progression. Probiotics, as a potential therapeutic intervention, have attracted the attention of researchers, but the evidence of their efficacy and safety has not been systematically reviewed.

Aim

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of probiotics in the treatment of PD constipation was conducted to determine the efficacy and safety of probiotics in the treatment of PD constipation.

Methods

Four databases (The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science) were searched from their establishment to June 1, 2022. We included randomized controlled trials of probiotics for the treatment of constipation in patients with PD, with probiotics in the experimental group and a placebo, another treatment, or no treatment in the control group. The primary outcome was the number of bowel movements per week. Secondary outcomes included nonmotor symptoms (NMS), gut transit time (GTT), abdominal pain, abdominal distention, constipation, and quality of life scores. Stata15.1 was used to generate a summary of the data and perform a descriptive analysis if necessary. The GRADE tool was used to assess the quality of the evidence and the Cochrane guidelines to assess the risk of bias for each study.

Results

Finally, four qualified RCTs were included, comprising 287 participants. Compared with the control group, probiotics could effectively increase the frequency of defecation per week in PD patients (WMD = 1.02. 95%CI: 0.56–1.48, and P < 0.00001), but the heterogeneity was high, and the quality of the evidence was low. There was no significant difference in average stool consistency between patients with PD treated with probiotics and those given a placebo in (WMD = –0.08. 95%CI: –1.42–1.26, and P = 0.908). In addition, the results suggested that probiotics have no obvious effect on additional indicators of gastrointestinal dysfunction, such as GTT, abdominal pain, and abdominal distension, and there is insufficient evidence on their ability to improve NMS and Parkinson’s disease Questionnaire 39 summary indices (PDQ39-SI). Safety issues should be carefully explained.

Conclusion

There is insufficient evidence supporting the use of probiotics to treat constipation in patients with PD. Taking all the results together, probiotics have potential value in the treatment of PD-related constipation.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO CRD42022331325.
Prolonged mask wearing does not alter the oral microbiome, salivary flow rate or gingival health status – A pilot study
Authors: Au Sheralyn , Baraniya Divyashri , Dao Jason , Awan Shehar Bano , Alvarez Jenelle , Sklar Shari , Chen Tsute , Puri Sumant , Al-Hebshi Nezar N.
Published: November 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the widespread use of N95 respirators and surgical masks, with anecdotal reports among healthcare providers and the public of xerostomia, halitosis, and gingivitis, a consortium of symptoms colloquially termed “mask mouth”. However, this has not been scientifically verified. The aim of this study was to assess changes in salivary flow rate, gingival health status and oral microbiome associated with prolonged mask use. A total of 25 dental students (mean age = 26.36 ± 1.58) were included in the study and evaluated at three time points: T1, at the end of at least 2 months of full-day mask wear (7.26 ± 1.56 hours/day); T2, at the end of a period of minimal mask use (1.13 ± 1.13 hours/day); and T3, at the end of 2-3 weeks of resuming full-day mask wear (6.93 ± 1.80 hours/day). Unstimulated whole saliva (UWS) flow rate, xerostomia (on a quantitative scale of 10), gingival index (GI) and plaque index (PI) were assessed at each time point. The salivary microbiome was characterized using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Overall, UWS flow rates were normal (mean of 0.679 ml/min) and xerostomia, PI and GI scores were low (Mean of 3.11, 0.33 and 0.69, respectively) with no significant differences as a result of prolonged mask wearing. Similarly, there were no significant microbial changes at a false discovery rate (FDR) ≤ 0.05. However, some trends were identified using a nominal p-value cut-off of ≤ 0.01, namely Gemella sanguinis, Streptococcus sp. Oral taxon 066 and Oral taxon 058 were associated with prolonged mask wear. Trends were also seen by gender, race and age, for example an increase in P. gingivalis and P. intermedia with age. In conclusion, we found no evidence that prolonged mask wear adversely affects oral health. The findings support that the oral microbiome of healthy individuals is resilient.
Systematic identification and functional characterization of the CFEM proteins in poplar fungus Marssonina brunnea
Authors: Qian Yulin , Zheng Xinyue , Wang Xueying , Yang Jun , Zheng Xiangyang , Zeng Qirui , Li Jinwen , Zhuge Qiang , Xiong Qin
Published: November 2022

Proteins containing Common in Fungal Extracellular Membrane (CFEM) domains uniquely exist in fungi and play significant roles in their whole life history. In this study, a total of 11 MbCFEM proteins were identified from Marssonina brunnea f. sp. multigermtubi (MULT), a hemibiotrophic pathogenic fungus on poplars that causes severe leaf diseases. Phylogenic analysis showed that the 11 proteins (MbCFEM1-11) were divided into three clades based on the trans-membrane domain and the CFEM domain. Sequence alignment and WebLogo analysis of CFEM domains verified the amino acids conservatism therein. All of them possess eight cysteines except MbCFEM4 and MbCFEM11, which lack two cysteines each. Six MbCFEM proteins with a signal peptide and without trans-membrane domain were considered as candidate effectors for further functional analysis. Three-dimensional (3D) models of their CFEM domains presented a helical-basket structure homologous to the crucial virulence factor Csa2 of Candida albicans. Afterward, four (MbCFEM1, 6, 8, and 9) out of six candidate effectors were successfully cloned and a yeast signal sequence trap (YSST) assay confirmed their secretion activity. Pathogen challenge assays demonstrated that the transient expression of four candidate MbCFEM effectors in Nicotiana benthamiana promoted Fusarium proliferatum infection, respectively. In an N. benthamiana heterogeneous expression system, MbCFEM1, MbCFEM6, and MbCFEM9 appeared to suppress both BAX/INF1-triggered PCD, whereas MbCFEM8 could only defeat BAX-triggered PCD. Additionally, subcellular localization analysis indicated that the four candidate MbCFEM effectors accumulate in the cell membrane, nucleus, chloroplast, and cytosolic bodies. These results demonstrate that MbCFEM1, MbCFEM6, MbCFEM8, and MbCFEM9 are effectors of M. brunnea and provide valuable targets for further dissection of the molecular mechanisms underlying the poplar-M. brunnea interaction.
Bibliometric and visual analysis of fecal microbiota transplantation research from 2012 to 2021
Authors: Zhang Fengwei , Yang Peilin , Chen Yilin , Wang Ruirui , Liu Baocheng , Wang Jianying , Yuan Min , Zhang Lei
Published: November 2022

Background

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is an emerging therapy for diseases associated with intestinal flora imbalance that has attracted increasing attention in recent years. This study aims to provide an overview of research trends in the field, and act as a reference point for future scientific research by analyzing the state of current research, identifying hotspots, and potential frontiers of FMT.

Methods

Articles relating to FMT that were published between the years 2012 and 2021 were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. Bibliometric analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel and CiteSpace.

Results

A total of 2,403 English language articles relating to FMT research were published over the last ten years. Most of this research was carried out in the United States of America, with Harvard Medical school being the most productive institution. Much of the research was published in the PLoS One journal. Alexander Khoruts was identified as a prominent, productive researcher in the field. Keyword analysis revealed that research hot spots included gut microbiota, Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), and diseases. Burst detection indicated that future research frontiers include clinical practice guidelines and strategies.

Conclusion

Our analysis explored hot spots and emerging trends in the FMT field. Indications for use of FMT extended from digestive system diseases to other systemic diseases. Additionally, areas such as risk assessment and control, along with application methods were also a focus of current research. Moreover, research relating to optimization of clinical practice has excellent prospects.
An investigation of high-proficiency L2 English speakers' oral test performance: A profiling approach
Authors: Gao Jie
Published: November 2022

Linguistic profiles, which are often established through the measurement of linguistic features, are able to demonstrate characteristics shared by a specific type of text or a group of language learners. This paper examines the contexts and purposes related to profiling research in language studies, meanwhile synthesizing quantitative profiling methods such as cluster analysis, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and Factor Analysis (FA). A profiling study of high-proficiency L2 English speakers' test performance is also presented, which explains the profiling procedure in L2 speaking assessment. Cluster analysis conducted on speech fluency and vocabulary variables rendered four different speech profiles, which are associated with the speakers' L1 background and L2 English proficiency level. This paper also discusses the interpretation of linguistic profiles, as well as the statistical concerns involved in the profile construction process.
Landmark selection for route instructions: At which corner of an intersection is the preferred landmark located?
Authors: Hamburger Kai , Röser Florian , Knauff Markus
Published: November 2022

Cognitive studies showed that good landmarks–salient objects in the environment–make it easier for recipients of route instructions to find their way to the destination. Adding landmarks to route instructions also improves mobile navigation systems for pedestrians. But, which landmarks do people consider most helpful when giving route instructions? Four experiments explored this question. In the first experiment, the environment, including the route and landmarks, was presented on a map. The landmarks were located at the four corners of a right-angled intersection. Participants had to select those landmark-based route instructions they considered most helpful. In all other experiments, the environment was presented from an egocentric perspective, either in a video or as a sequence of pictures of intersections. Participants had to select those landmarks they would use in a route instruction. All landmarks had the same visual and semantic salience. The positions of the participants at the intersection were varied. Results show that participants consistently selected landmarks at the side of the road into which they had to turn. Moreover, the participants' position at the intersection affected whether they selected landmarks before or behind the decision point. These results have consequences for human spatial cognition research and for the automatic selection of landmarks in mobile pedestrian navigation systems.
Longitudinal trends in blood pressure, prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in the Czech population. Are there any sex differences?
Authors: Cífková Renata , Bruthans Jan , Strilchuk Larysa , Wohlfahrt Peter , Krajčoviechová Alena , Šulc Pavel , Jozífová Marie , Eremiášová Lenka , Pudil Jan , Linhart Aleš , Widimský Jiří , Filipovský Jan , Mayer Otto , Škodová Zdenka , Lánská Věra
Published: November 2022

Background

Hypertension is the most common cardiovascular disease which substantially increases cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Despite the broad availability of antihypertensive medication, control of hypertension is not satisfactory worldwide.

Objective

The study aim was to assess longitudinal trends in blood pressure, prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in a representative population sample of the Czechia from 1985 to 2016/2017, focusing on sex differences.

Methods

A total of 7,606 men and 8,050 women aged 25–64 years were screened for major CV risk factors in seven independent cross-sectional surveys run consistently in the same six country districts of the Czechia between 1985 and 2016/2017. The population samples were randomly selected.

Results

Over a study period of 31/32 years, there was a significant decline in systolic and diastolic blood pressure in both sexes, whereas the prevalence of hypertension decreased only in women. There was an increase in hypertension awareness in both sexes over the entire study period with consistently higher rates in women. The proportion of individuals treated with antihypertensive drugs increased significantly in both sexes throughout the study, again with consistently higher rates in women. Control of hypertension increased significantly over the study period with consistently higher rates in women. The age-adjusted trends in blood pressure, prevalence, awareness, and treatment of hypertension were significantly different in men and women, always in favor of women. The age-adjusted trends in control of hypertension in treated patients were equally poor in both sexes.

Conclusion

There are significant differences in longitudinal trends in blood pressure, prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension between men and women, always in favor of women except for the control of hypertension in treated patients, where it is equally poor in both sexes.
Single-cell RNA-sequencing and microarray analyses to explore the pathological mechanisms of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Miao Ran , Dong Xingbei , Gong Juanni , Li Yidan , Guo Xiaojuan , Wang Jianfeng , Huang Qiang , Wang Ying , Li Jifeng , Yang Suqiao , Kuang Tuguang , Liu Min , Wan Jun , Zhai Zhenguo , Zhong Jiuchang , Yang Yuanhua
Published: November 2022

Objective

The present study aimed to explore the pathological mechanisms of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) using a gene chip array and single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq).

Materials and methods

The mRNA expression profile GSE130391 was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. The peripheral blood samples of five CTEPH patients and five healthy controls were used to prepare the Affymetrix microRNA (miRNA) chip and the Agilent circular RNA (circRNA) chip. The pulmonary endarterectomized tissues from five CTEPH patients were analyzed by scRNA-seq. Cells were clustered and annotated, followed by the identification of highly expressed genes. The gene chip data were used to identify disease-related mRNAs and differentially expressed miRNAs and circRNAs. The protein–protein interaction (PPI) network and the circRNA–miRNA–mRNA network were constructed for each cell type.

Results

A total of 11 cell types were identified. Intersection analysis of highly expressed genes in each cell type and differentially expressed mRNAs were performed to obtain disease-related genes in each cell type. TP53, ICAM1, APP, ITGB2, MYC, and ZYX showed the highest degree of connectivity in the PPI network of different types of cells. In addition, the circRNA–miRNA–mRNA network for each cell type was constructed.

Conclusion

For the first time, the key mRNAs, miRNAs, and circRNAs, as well as their possible regulatory relationships, during the progression of CTEPH were analyzed using both gene chip and scRNA-seq data. These findings may contribute to a better understanding of the pathological mechanisms of CTEPH.
Blood creatinine and urea nitrogen at ICU admission and the risk of in-hospital death and 1-year mortality in patients with intracranial hemorrhage
Authors: Luo Hai , Yang Xuanyong , Chen Kang , Lan Shihai , Liao Gang , Xu Jiang
Published: November 2022

Background

The relationship between renal function and clinical outcomes in patients with intracranial hemorrhage is controversial.

Aims

We investigated the associations of blood creatinine and urea nitrogen levels with hospital death and 1-year mortality in patients with intracranial hemorrhage treated in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods

A total of 2,682 patients with intracranial hemorrhage were included from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III (MIMIC-III) database. Clinical variables, including admission creatinine, urea nitrogen, type of intracranial hemorrhage, underlying diseases and other blood biochemistry parameters, were collected. Multivariable correction analysis was conducted of the relationships between blood creatinine and urea nitrogen levels on admission with hospital death and 1-year mortality in the included patients with intracranial hemorrhage. Smooth curve and subgroup analyses were also performed for these associations.

Results

A total of 2,682 patients had their blood creatinine and urea nitrogen levels measured within the first 24 h after ICU admission, with median values of 0.80 and 15.00 mg/dL, respectively. We observed steeply linear relationships between creatinine and urea nitrogen levels and the risk of in-hospital death and 1-year mortality, but the risk of in-hospital mortality and 1-year mortality increased little or only slowly above creatinine levels > 1.9 mg/dL or urea nitrogen > 29 mg/d (the inflection points). Consistently, conditional logistic regression analysis suggested that these inflection points had significant modification effects on the associations between blood creatinine levels, as well as blood urea nitrogen, and the risk of in-hospital death (interaction value < 0.001) and 1-year mortality (interaction value < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our results supported the hypothesis that elevated blood creatinine and urea nitrogen levels on admission are associated with an increased risk of in-hospital death and 1-year mortality in patients with intracranial hemorrhage. Interestingly, these independent relationships existed only for lower levels of serum creatinine (<1.9 mg/dL) and uric acid (<29 mg/dL).
Identification and exploration of novel M2 macrophage-related biomarkers in the development of acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Zhou Qiaoyu , Zhang Guogang , Liu Zhaoya , Zhang Jiayi , Shi Ruizheng
Published: November 2022

Background

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI), one of the most severe and fatal cardiovascular diseases, is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Macrophages play a critical role in ventricular remodeling after AMI. The regulatory mechanisms of the AMI progression remain unclear. This study aimed to identify hub regulators of macrophage-related modules and provide translational experiments with potential therapeutic targets.

Materials and methods

The GSE59867 dataset was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database for bioinformatics analysis. The expression patterns of 22 types of immune cells were determined using CIBERSORT. GEO2R was used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) through the limma package. Then, DEGs were clustered into different modules, and relationships between modules and macrophage types were analyzed using weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA). Further functional enrichment analysis was performed using significantly associated modules. The module most significantly associated with M2 macrophages (Mϕ2) was chosen for subsequent analysis. Co-expressed DEGs of AMI were identified in the GSE123342 and GSE97320 datasets and module candidate hub genes. Additionally, hub gene identification was performed in GSE62646 dataset and clinical samples.

Results

A total of 8,760 DEGs were identified and clustered into ten modules using WGCNA analysis. The blue and turquoise modules were significantly related to Mϕ2, and 482 hub genes were discerned from two hub modules that conformed to module membership values > 0.8 and gene significance values > 0.25. Subsequent analysis using a Venn diagram assessed 631 DEGs in GSE123342, 1457 DEGs in GSE97320, and module candidate hub genes for their relationship with Mϕ2 in the progression of AMI. Finally, four hub genes (CSF2RB, colony stimulating factor 2 receptor subunit beta; SIGLEC9, sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectin 9; LRRC25, leucine-rich repeat containing 25; and CSF3R, colony-stimulating factor-3 receptor) were validated to be differentially expressed and to have high diagnostic value in both GSE62646 and clinical samples.

Conclusion

Using comprehensive bioinformatics analysis, we identified four novel genes that may play crucial roles in the pathophysiological mechanism of AMI. This study provides novel insights into the impact of macrophages on the progression of AMI and directions for Mϕ2-targeted molecular therapies for AMI.
Right coronary artery deformation and injury following tricuspid valve surgery
Authors: Gerçek Muhammed , Omran Hazem , Friedrichs Kai P. , Bleiziffer Sabine , Gummert Jan , Rudolph Volker , Deutsch Marcus A. , Rudolph Tanja K.
Published: November 2022

Background

Due to its close anatomical proximity to the annular plane of the tricuspid valve (TV), the right coronary artery (RCA) is at risk of injury and distortion during surgical and interventional repair. Recently, reversible, non-flow limiting, purse-string like deformations of the RCA following percutaneous TV annuloplasty have been described. In contrast, there are only anecdotal reports on RCA deformation following conventional TV surgery.

Materials and methods

A retrospective analysis of all patients undergoing TV surgery in our hospital between 2009 and 2019 was performed including all patients who received a post-operative coronary angiography (POCA). Angiographic footage was reviewed for RCA affections.

Results

A total of 1,383 patients underwent TV surgery (replacement and repair) for tricuspid regurgitation in our center. TV repair was performed in 1,248 (90.2%) patients and 135 (9.8%) patients underwent isolated TV surgery. Sixty-five patients (4.7%) underwent POCA within 48 h after surgery due to suspected myocardial ischemia, representing the final study population. Mean age was 70.3 ± 11.3 years, 56.3% were female. Mean EuroSCORE II was 9.8 ± 11.6%. Patients with the need for POCA due to suspected myocardial injury suffered from a higher mortality compared to event-free patients over the long-term follow up period (median 2.9 years) regardless of the observed coronary status. RCA affections were observed in 24 (36.9%) patients. A new RCA deformation without flow-impairment or vascular damage was found in 16 (24.6%) of the cases and was managed conservatively. There was no significantly worse outcome observed as compared to patients without RCA affections. Six (9.2%) patients showed an RCA deformation accompanied by subtotal occlusion. A complete RCA-occlusion was observed in 2 (3.1%) patients. Revascularization by percutaneous coronary intervention could be successfully performed in these patients. RCA deformation occurred exclusively after TV repair while no cases were observed after TV replacement.

Conclusion

Right coronary artery deformation without flow-limitation following surgical TV repair is a specific/typical phenomenon which might not impair patients’ outcome and could be managed conservatively in most of the cases. RCA injury indicating further interventional therapy is a rare complication of TV surgery. However, the need for immediate POCA in general appears to be associated with a worsened intermediate-term outcome.
Exploring opportunities for AI supported medication error categorization: A brief report in human machine collaboration
Authors: Fong Allan , Bonk Christopher , Vasilchenko Varvara , De Suranjan , Kovich Douglas , Wyeth Jo
Published: November 2022

Understanding and mitigating medication errors is critical for ensuring patient safety and improving patient care. Correctly identifying medication errors in the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) reports can be difficult because of the complexities of medication error concepts. We took a user-centered design approach to support the medication error categorization workflow process with artificial intelligence (AI). We developed machine learning models to categorize medication error terms. The average F1-score, precision, recall, and area under the precision recall curve for 18 Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA) Lower Level Term (LLT) relating to medication errors were 0.88, 0.92. 0.85, and 0.83 respectively. We developed a framework to help evaluate opportunities for artificial intelligence integration in the medication error categorization workflow. The framework has four attributes: technical deployment, process rigidity, AI assistance, and frequency. We used the framework to compare two AI integration opportunities and concluded that the quality assurance (QA) opportunity to be a more feasible initial option for AI integration. We then extended these insights into the development and user testing of a prototype application. The user testing identified the highlighting and commenting capabilities of the application to be more useful and sliders and similar report suggestions to be less useful. This suggested that different AI interactions with human highlighting should be explored. While the medication error quality assurance prototype application was developed for supporting the review of direct FAERS reports, this approach can be extended to assist in the workflow for all FAERS reports.
A review of recent developments in low-frequency ultra-wideband microwave radiometry for studies of the cryosphere
Authors: Jezek K.C. , Johnson J.T. , Tsang L. , Brogioni M. , Macelloni G. , Aksoy M. , Kaleschke L. , Wang S. , Leduc-Leballeur M. , Yardim C. , Andrews M. , Xu H. , Demir O. , Tan S. , Miller J.
Published: November 2022

Over the past decade, a series of airborne experiments in the Arctic and Antarctica explored microwave emission from sea ice and ice sheets at frequencies from 0.5 to 2 GHz. The experiments were motivated by the fact that lower frequencies penetrate deeper into a frozen surface, thus offering the possibility to measure physical temperatures at great depths in ice sheets and, subsequently, other unique geophysical observables including sea ice salinity. These experiments were made feasible by recent engineering advances in electronics, antenna design, and noise removal algorithms when operating outside of protected bands in the electromagnetic spectrum. These technical advances permit a new type of radiometer that not only operates at low frequency, but also obtains continuous spectral information over the band from 0.5 to 2 GHz. Spectral measurements facilitate an understanding of the physical processes controlling emission and also support the interpretation of results from single frequency instruments. This paper reviews the development of low-frequency, wide band radiometry and its application to cryosphere science over the past 10 years. The paper summarizes the engineering design of an airborne instrument and the associated algorithms to mitigate radio frequency interference. Theoretical models of emission built around the morphologic and electrical properties of cryospheric components are also described that identify the dominant physical processes contributing to emission spectra. New inversion techniques for geophysical parameter retrieval are summarized for both Arctic and Antarctic scenarios. Examples that illustrate how the measurements are used to inform on glaciological problems are presented. The paper concludes with a description of new instrument concepts that are foreseen to extend the technology into operation from space.
Soil liquefaction potential assessment using ambient noise: A case study in Pohang, Korea
Authors: Kang Su Young , Kim Kwang-Hee , Gihm Yong Sik , Kim Byungmin
Published: November 2022

An MW 5.5 earthquake occurred in Pohang, Korea, on 15 November 2017 and caused large damage. In and around the epicentral area the earthquake also remained numerous sand boils, which is a surface representation of soil liquefaction at shallow depth during the earthquake. Soil liquefaction is one of the most dangerous consequences of an earthquake. Here we show that the spatial distribution of the ground vulnerability index (Kg), which we estimate via ambient noise analysis, correlates very well with the distribution of sand boils. Our Kg model based on the dense microtremor surveys at differing geological conditions and urbanizations indicates that only 28.4% of the study area is vulnerable to ground shaking (Kg > 20), with 91.1% of the observed sand boils occurring in these vulnerable areas. We also observed that Kg values estimated in the study correlate well with both VS30 values and geologic units in the study area. This case report confirmed that the Kg can be an affordable supplement to traditional, but expensive and time-consuming, geotechnical/geophysical techniques for the initial screening and regional evaluations. Such a Kg map can assist stakeholders in earthquake-prone regions in identifying areas more susceptible to liquefaction and bring a recommendation to consider seismic hazard mitigation.
Intellectual property and quality of education: Exploring the academic integrity among medical students
Authors: Beketov Vladimir , Lebedeva Marina
Published: November 2022

This article offers an innovative course for building and improving knowledge on plagiarism. The tasks were as follows: (1) analyze existing knowledge about intellectual property and plagiarism among medical students before and after taking the special course; (2) examine the causes affecting students’ intellectual property infringement. To assess the awareness of academic integrity and plagiarism among medical students, the author’s questionnaire was used. The sample consisted of 658 students who were divided into two groups. The mean age was 22.41 ± 0.63 years (group 1) and 26.31 ± 0.83 years (group 2). In order to raise awareness of intellectual property and plagiarism, Intellectual Property in Medicine course was offered. The level of duplicate publication and compilation fell. The number of students who believe plagiarism is a moral issue increased. Plagiarism is mostly caused by: Large scale digitization; lack of special knowledge; the status value of academic titles; and low pay. The research findings make it possible to integrate courses on intellectual property and plagiarism into higher education, which will improve knowledge and high quality of education. There are also plans to introduce an online course in The Unified Anti-Plagiarism Principles in Higher Education for university students to improve knowledge and skills in dealing with aspects of plagiarism.
Wounded healer: The impact of a grant-supported scholarship on an underrepresented science, technology, engineering, and mathematics student’s career and life
Authors: Craig Cheryl J. , Li Jing , Rios Ambyr , Lee HyeSeung , Verma Rakesh M.
Published: November 2022

This study narratively untangles an African–American student’s experiences in the throes of receiving a scholarship to study computer science and enter a future Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) career. Using the “wounded healer” metaphor as an interpretative lens, this work explores challenges the young adult experienced relating to his development, culture, contextualized learning, family interactions, religious beliefs, and self-identity. The student’s stories of teaching-learning, transforming, and healing instantiate the profound impact the grant-supported scholarship had on the youth’s development, life, and career trajectory. Additionally, new connections between narrative and metaphor are forged in ways that strengthen the sense made of teaching-learning, culture, and social interactions in higher education.
Knowledge atlas and emerging trends on ncRNAs of osteosarcoma: A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Wang Bo , Yang Chunhua , Zhou Chuqiao , Xiao Shipeng , Li Hui
Published: November 2022

Background

Osteosarcoma is a common bone sarcoma that occurs in childhood and adolescence. Although research on non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) of osteosarcoma has been developed rapidly in recent years, a specific bibliometric analysis on this topic has not yet been performed. The bibliometric analysis aims to summarize knowledge atlas, research hotspots, and emerging trends and to provide researchers with new perspectives in further studies.

Methods

All publications regarding ncRNAs of osteosarcoma published from 2000 to 2021 were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. Quantitative indicators including the number of publications and citations, H-index, and journal citation reports were analyzed by using Excel 2019 and R software. VOSviewer and CiteSpace were used to analyze the cooperation among countries/institutions/journals/authors and the co-occurrence of keywords, keywords bursts, and references.

Results

A total of 3206 publications were extracted. A significant growth trend in the annual number of publications over the past 22 years is revealed (R2 = 0.999). The most prolific country and institution were China (2260) and Shanghai Jiao Tong University (134), respectively. Professors Wang W and Liu W contributed the most to this field. The keywords were stratified into six clusters: Cluster 1 (apoptosis and growth), Cluster 2 (cancer and progression), Cluster 3 (microRNAs and downregulation), Cluster 4 (genes and differentiation), Cluster 5 (expression and biological functions), and Cluster 6 (metastasis). The long non-coding RNAs and circular RNAs have been considered as an important research hotspot in the near future.

Conclusion

This study offers a scientific perspective on ncRNAs of osteosarcoma and provides researchers with valuable information to understand the knowledge structure and to identify emerging trends in this field.
Long-term follow-up of surgical treatment of thyroid-associated orbitopathy restrictive strabismus
Authors: Savino Gustavo , Mattei Roberta , Salerni Annabella , Fossataro Claudia , Pafundi Pia Clara
Published: November 2022

Objective

Thyroid-associated orbitopathy (TAO) is the most frequent cause of extraocular muscle enlargement, with consecutive restrictive strabismus. The main muscles involved are inferior and medial rectus, resulting in horizontal esotropia and/or vertical strabismus. Surgery may either establish or improve binocular single vision. The aim of the present study is to describe long-term follow-up of patients who underwent horizontal or vertical TAO strabismus surgery.

Methods

This observational retrospective study included 29 patients suffering from either vertical or horizontal TAO strabismus and diplopia, of whom 11 underwent bilateral medial recti muscle recession (Group A) and 18 underwent unilateral inferior rectus muscle recession (Group B). The endpoint of the study was the assessment of changes in deviation angle and diplopia across four time points (baseline, 7 days, 6 months, and 24 months) in each group.

Results

In Group A, the horizontal deviation angle significantly decreased 7 days after intervention (p < 0.001), without modifications overtime. In Group B, both deviation angles in primary and down-gaze position significantly decreased from baseline, both 7 days after surgery (p < 0.001) and at 6 months (p = 0.040). An overcorrection, with an inversion of vertical deviation angle, was observed across the different time points.

Conclusions

Horizontal TAO strabismus correction leads to significant improvements of deviation angle and diplopia, with a stable undercorrection overtime. Inferior rectus recession leads to more unstable results, with a trend towards overcorrection limited to the first 6 months after surgery.
Thin endometrium is associated with higher risks of preterm birth and low birth weight after frozen single blastocyst transfer
Authors: Zheng Yu , Chen Biao , Dai Jun , Xu Bei , Ai Jihui , Jin Lei , Dong Xiyuan
Published: November 2022

Background

It has been demonstrated that a thin endometrium is associated with a lower chance of pregnancy, but there is a paucity of research into whether a thin endometrium adversely affects perinatal outcomes.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study on 10098 frozen cycles with single blastocyst transfer, resulting in 5505 singleton clinical pregnancies, and 4314 singleton live births. Patients were divided into a thin endometrium group (<8 mm) and a normal endometrium group (≥8 mm). Multivariable logistic regression with restricted cubic splines, receiver operating characteristic curve, and multivariable linear model were used for statistical analysis.

Results

The incidences of preterm birth (15.65 vs. 9.80%, aOR=1.69 [1.19-2.42]), low birth weight (8.40 vs. 4.10%, aOR=2.05 [1.27-3.30]) and gestational diabetes (6.87 vs. 4.17%, aOR=1.74 [1.05-2.90]) were all higher in the endometrial thickness (EMT) <8 mm group. The miscarriage rate was higher in the EMT <8 mm group than the EMT ≥8 mm group (27.91 vs. 20.39%, aOR=1.40 [1.10-1.79]).

Conclusion

A thin endometrium may be associated with a higher incidence of preterm birth, low birth weight, and miscarriage. Therefore, embryo transfer should be performed with caution in these patients, and postponing to a later cycle with a thicker endometrium should be considered.
Research on reliability assessment and multi-time scale improvement strategy of electricity-gas integrated energy system under cyber attack
Authors: Zhao Zihan , Wang Yongqi , Jiang Mengmeng , Liu Xinrui
Published: November 2022

While the coupling between various energy systems is deepening as integrated energy develops quickly, security risks in the information network system will be introduced into the physical system, and the interaction between the systems causes the security risks to increase. It is essential to maintain the multi-energy coupling integrated energy system’s safe and reliable operation. Therefore, this paper first constructs the cyber physics system (CPS) model based on the electricity-gas integrated energy system (EGIES), the fault propagation mechanism of the system caused by the cyber attack is analyzed, and the cyber attack scenario simulation method based on the N-n predicted fault set is proposed. Secondly, based on the optimal load shedding model and the reliability assessment index, the reliability assessment method of the electricity-gas integrated system under cyber attack is proposed. Then, on the basis of system reliability assessment, a multi-time scale reliability improvement strategy based on branch power and pipeline flow optimization of EGIES under cyber attack is proposed. Finally, the simulation results of the IEEE57-NGS20 electricity-gas integrated system verified the effectiveness of the proposed method. The proposed optimization strategy reduces the out-of-limit range of power transmission lines and natural gas pipelines, reduces the probability of cascading failure in the system under information attacks, and improves the resistance and energy supply reliability of the system against cyber attacks.
A quantitative model based on grey theory for sea surface temperature prediction
Authors: Meng Fanyu , Gu Jilin , Wang Ling-en , Qin Zhibin , Gao Mingyao , Chen Junhong , Li Xueming
Published: November 2022

In order to predict sea surface temperature (SST), combined with the genetic algorithm and the least-squares method, a GM(1,1|sin) power model prediction method based on similarity deviation is proposed. We first combined the data of two consecutive years into a new time series, analyzed the similarity of the data of the previous year, and obtained the most similar year and the corresponding new time series. Then, we established a GM(1,1|sin) power model to predict SST. In model validation, we predicted the monthly average SST from 2016 to 2020 with the data from 1985 to 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019. The validation results showed that the maximum mean relative error (MRE) was 13.28%, the minimum MRE was 5.54%, and the average MRE and the root mean square error (RMSE) were 9.81% and 1.0627, respectively. All of evaluation metrics of Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient (LCCC) and the ratio of performance to deviation (RPD) were excellent. We iteratively predicted the monthly average SST from 2016 to 2020 with the data from 1985 to 2015, the maximum MRE was 13.91%, the minimum was 7.80%, and the average MRE, RMSE, LCCC and RPD are 11.07% 1.0603, 0.9894, and 7.497, respectively. Compared with GM(1,1), GM(1,1|sin + cos), and GM(1,1|sin) models, the proposed model outperformed these models with at least 50% in the MRE. It proves that the proposed model can be regarded as a better solution to predicting SST.
Analysis and treatment of the conflict between sustainable development and environmental protection based on the ecotourism concept
Authors: Tian Jing , Li Jing
Published: November 2022

With the rapid development of the global economy over the past few decades, tourism has greatly influenced economic internationalization and has become one of the top sectors. Meanwhile, during the development of tourism, serious environmental pollution and excessive energy resource consumption also occur, which is disadvantageous for the health of the global ecological environment as well as sustainable development. Against the background of increasing environmental pollution in the course of tourism development, some researchers began to introduce the ecosystem concept and emphasized the need for the construction of ecosystem models, especially those based on environmental protection, to satisfy the psychological needs of tourists and self-similarity and development of ecological institutions. However, many conflicts exist between sustainable ecosystem development and environmental protection. To realize a healthy and sustainable development of tourism and international ecological culture, this paper discusses the conflict between the concepts of ecosystem, sustainable development, and environmental protection, proposes some methods to improve the comprehensive benefits of ecotourism, and provides some suggestions for the development of ecotourism in China. This will help us achieve the sustainable use of resources and sustainable development of tourism.