bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the Relationship Between Sphenoid Sinus Morphology and Area and Volume by Computed Tomography
Authors: Serindere Mehmet , Belgin Ceren Aktuna
Published: October 2022

Purpose
The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the relationship between sphenoid sinus volume and surface area measurements and its morphology by computed tomography (CT).
Methods
In this study, CT images of 150 patients were evaluated retrospectively. Sphenoid sinus pneumatization types, Onodi cell (OC) prevalence, protrusion and dehiscence of internal carotid artery (ICA) and optic nerve (ON) were evaluated. The volume and area of the sphenoid sinus were calculated using the manual segmentation module using InVesalius software program.
Results
Out of the 150 sinuses, 58 (38.66%), 47 (31.33%), 22 (33%), 4 (2.66%) and 8 (5.33%) were postsellar a, postsellarb,sellar type,conchal and presellar type, respectively. OC was found in 43 (28.7%) of 150 patients. ICA protrusion was observed in a total of 61 CTs (40.7%), 23 (15.3%) were unilateral and 38 (25.3%) were bilateral. Out of 61 CTs (40.7%) who showed ICA dehiscence, 51 (34.0%) were unilateral, and 10 (6.7%) were bilateral. ON protrusion was observed in a total of 43 CTs (28.7%), 14 (9.3%) were unilateral and 29 (19.3%) were bilateral. Out of 28 CTs (18.7%) who showed ON dehiscence, 17 (11.3%) were unilateral, and 11 (7.3%) were bilateral. The mean volume and area of sinus were 9949.4 ± 351.0 mm3 and 4570.9 ± 1604.9 mm2, respectively.
Conclusions
Sinus volume and area were significantly higher in patients with bilateral protrusion of ICA compared to patients without protrusion of ICA. In patients with bilateral dehiscence of ICA, sinus volume and area were found to be significantly higher than those without ICA dehiscence. Sinus volume and area were significantly higher in patients with bilateral protrusion of ON compared to patients without ON protrusion. Sinus volume and area in males were found to be significantly higher than in females.There was a negative correlation between age and sinus volume and area.Sphenoid sinuses are in different variations with the important surrounding neurovascular structures. It is important to examine these relationships in detail before the operation in order to prevent complications.
Edge emotion recognition: applying fast Fourier transform on speech Mel spectrograms to classify emotion on a Raspberry Pi for near real-time analytics
Authors: de Andrade Dominik Esteves , Buchkremer Rüdiger
Published: October 2022

Many people and machines are inherently unable to interpret socio-affective cues such as tone of voice. Thoughtful adoption of intelligent technologies may improve the conversation. Since direct communication often occurs via edge devices, where an additional network connection is often not guaranteed, we now describe a real-time processing method that captures and evaluates emotions in a speech via a terminal device such as the Raspberry Pi computer. In this article, we also present the current state of research on speech emotional recognition. We examine audio files from five important emotional speech databases and visualize them in situ with dB-scaled Mel spectrograms using TensorFlow and Matplotlib. Audio files are transformed using the fast Fourier transform method to generate spectrograms. For classification, a support vector machine kernel and a CNN with transfer learning are selected. The accuracy of this classification is 70% and 77%, respectively, a good value related to the execution of the algorithms on an edge device instead of on a server. On a Raspberry Pi, it took less than one second to evaluate pure emotion in speech using machine learning and the corresponding visualization, suggesting the speaker's emotional state.
Assessment of the factors associated with the performance of the National Immunization Days during Covid-19 Vaccines introduction in Cameroon
Authors: AMANI Adidja , DIA Mariette , NJOH Andreas ATEKE , GUIEDEM Elise , NDOULA Shalom , EFOUBA Gisele , MENGUE Annie , CHEUYEM Fabrice Zobel LEKEUMO , BAMA Solange NGO , TAMBASHO Afizu , NGUEFACK-TSAGUE Georges , KAMGNO Joseph , GAHONGANO Gervais
Published: October 2022

Introduction: Although Cameroon has been declared free of wild polio virus since 2020 by the Africa Regional Certification Commission (ARCC), in order to sustain the polio response and to continue achieving the goals of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, the National Response Plan conducted the National Polio Immunization Days. The aim of these immunization activities was to enhance polio immunization in vulnerable populations, with the goal of increasing immunization coverage to at least 95% in children 0-59 months.
Methods: A vaccination campaign was carried out from 7-9 May 2021 throughout the country with strategies; door to door, fixed and temporary fixed points, priority transit points and markets.
Results: The target population was 6,042,816 children aged 0-59 months. Of these, 5,262,468 (87%) were vaccinated; 936,764 (75%) aged 0-11 months. Factors associated to missed vaccination were: refusal (Center: OR = 1.026; p=0.001, East: OR = 1.10; p = 0.002, Littoral: OR = 1.033; p = 0.04), Refugee status (South-west: OR = 1.022; p <0.0001, Extreme-North: OR = 1.022; p = 0.012), the nomadic status (Extreme-North: OR = 1.059; p = 0.007; West region: OR = 1.069, p < 0.0001).
Conclusion: Increasing vaccination campaigns is potent to eradicate polio virus; however, the target population must fully adhere for optimal results.
Soil Water Deficit Reduced Root Hydraulic Conductivity of common reed (Phragmites australis) by Regulating ABA-related Genes
Authors: Wang Ruiqing , Zhang Zhenming , Wang Haoyue , Chen Yinglong , Zhang Mingxiang
Published: October 2022

Background and Aims Root system is the main organ for absorbing water and nutrients, and the first contact to sense soil and environmental stresses. Plant root morphology and internal physiological characteristics are affected by soil moisture content, leading to differences in the rate of plant water uptake.
Methods The common reeds (Phragmites australis) were treated for 45 days at four different soil moisture content. Harvesting starts after 30 days of the treatment and the morphological characteristics, anatomical characteristics and hydraulic conductivity of the common reed root system are measured using pressure chambers and paraffin sections And common reed root transcriptomic profiles were assessed using next-generation RNA sequencing.
Results The root system shrinks morphologically and anatomically during a drought. Decrease in soil moisture significantly reduced hydraulic conductivity of both the whole and single root of the common reed. RNA-seq results implicated abscisic acid (ABA) related genes in the regulation of hydraulic conductivity, with the expression profiles of ABA1, 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase (NCED), ABA2, and abscisic-aldehyde oxidase 3(AAO3) showing an overall decreasing trend as drought conditions intensified. Plasma membrane intrinsic proteins (PIPs) contents varied under different soil water treatments with up-regulated expression under 60% field capacity treatment indicating that PIP genes were regulated by drought stress to some extent.
Conclusion Soil moisture contents significantly influenced root morphological, anatomical characteristics, and induced the expression of root-sourced ABA and aquaporins in common reed, which in turn altered root hydraulic conductivity.
Single-Molecule Discrimination and the Specific Binding Properties of the Lipopolysaccharides with a Solid-State Nanopore sensor
Authors: Zhu Rui , Liang Liyuan , Zheng xinchuan , Wang Zhong , Wu Ji , Qin Fupeng , Gui Xiaoyu , Fang Shaoxi , Ding Jianjun , Li Pei , Wang Deqiang
Published: October 2022

Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are the major constituent on the cell envelope of all gram-negative bacteria. They are ubiquitous in water, air, and food, and are toxic inflammatory stimulators and optimal biomarkers for some urinary
disorders and sepsis. A good many optical, electrical, thermal, and electrochemical sensors based on the intermolecular interplay of LPS with proteins, peptides, and aptamers are reported, they are generally complicated methods. We demonstrate the single-molecule nanopore approach for the identification of LPS from distinct bacteria as well as the discrimination of serotypes from the same bacterium. With a 4 nm nanopore, we achieve a LOD of 10 ng/mL and a linear response up to 10,000 ng/mL. Both the antibiotic PMB and DNA aptamer display good binding affinity to LPS, and the complexes exhibit distinct nanopore translocation behaviors compared with the individual LPS. The real sample tests in both human serum and tap water show good performance characteristics in the identification of LPS in complicated media with a nanopore platforms. Our work shows a highly-sensitive and easy-to-handle scheme for clinical and environmental biomarkers determination and provides a promising screening tool for early warning of contamination in food, water, and medical supplies.
Interindividual variation of the organism - as an indicator for assessing the severity of heat stroke in an experimental study of Wistar rats
Authors: Dervisevic Emina , Dervisevic Lejla , Ajanović Zurifa , Salihbegović Adis , Mujarić Ekrema , Katica Muhamed
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Autopsies are often performed, but the evidence is insufficient and non-specific. The aim of the research was to determine the core temperature values of rats exposed to different water temperatures (37°C, 41°C, 44°C), before the start of the experiment (Tb), after immersion in water (Tu), after 20 minutes of exposure (Tu) and at death. (Ts) rats for the purpose of hyperthermia and heat stroke.

Material and Method

Forty rats were divided into five groups depending on the temperature and length of exposure to water: control group-CG37, G41-hyperthermia- group which exposure time was a 20 minutes on 41°C, G41-heat stroke- group exposed until death on 41°C, G44- hyperthermia- group which exposure time was a 20 minutes on 44°C, G44- heat stroke- group exposed until death on 44°C. A RET-4 probe was used to measure the core temperature of rats.

Results

Significant changes in the body temperature of rats were observed during the lethal outcome, p < 0.0005. A significant difference was also observed in postmortem temperature of groups G41 and G44, p = 0.01. a significant difference between body temperatures in groups CG37, G41-hyperthermia, G41- heat stroke, G44-hyperthermia and G44-heat stroke (p < 0.0005), and the significance of the differences in the CG37 group was p = 0.044.

Conclusion

Exposure of albino rats to different water temperatures also led to a change in the internal temperature; normothermia was established through thermoregulation in the control group, and in the other groups, hyperthermia and heat stress occurred.
Distinguishing characteristics of equiform Hasimoto surfaces in Minkowski 3-space
Authors: Mahmoud W. M. , ElHafez S. M. Abd , Solouma E. M. , Soliman M. A.
Published: October 2022

We investigate the equiform Hasimoto surfaces P(σ, ℓ) in Minkowski 3-space in this paper. In E 3 1 , in different three cases, the geometric properties of equiform Hasimoto surfaces are discussed. For each case, the equiform Gaussian and mean curvatures of the equiform Hasimoto surface are determined. Then, in E 3 1 , we characterize the parameter equiform Bishop curves of equiform Hasimoto surfaces. Keywords— Hasimoto surface, Minkowski geometry, equiform Bishop frame, smoke ring equation.
Predictors of antepartum maternal sepsis and effects on neonatal outcomes: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Ozarslan Nida , Gaw Stephanie , Cassidy Arianna , Caughey Aaron
Published: October 2022

Objective

To examine the relationship between maternal sepsis, type of infection, and short-term neonatal outcomes.

Study Design

We conducted a retrospective cohort study investigating pregnancies between 2005 and 2008 in California with antepartum maternal sepsis diagnosis. Comparisons were made between sepsis cases and all other births without sepsis, using chi-squared or Fisher’s exact test. Multivariable logistic regression (MLR) was performed, adjusting for maternal characteristics.

Results

MLR analyses indicated that specific maternal characteristics increased the odds of maternal sepsis. Chorioamnionitis, pneumonia, pyelonephritis, listeriosis, and fungal infection were all significantly associated with maternal sepsis (p < 0.001). Neonates born to patients with maternal sepsis had a higher risk of developing certain neonatal complications.

Conclusion

Maternal sepsis was associated with neonatal complications. Efforts to reduce maternal sepsis may improve neonatal outcomes. Further studies are required for a better understanding of these associations and whether prevention or more rapid diagnosis and treatment can lower these risks.
Coalition and contradiction in managing Brahmaputra: Opportunities for more hydropower?
Authors: Xu Hongzhang , Pittock Jamie , Kamruzzaman Md , Acharya Sagar
Published: October 2022

Transboundary sharing of river water is not just an international problem, and it also cascades down to regional, state and local levels. Water cooperation in the Brahmaputra River basin among China, India, Bhutan and Bangladesh has long been contested. Better transboundary management of Brahmaputra requires a new direction from the current situation of fragmented cooperation, conflicts and disputes in the region and increasing threats of climate change. However, it is unclear how the four countries can cooperate and what the cornerstones for their cooperation might be. To explore possible consensus, we conducted an advocacy coalition assessment of the four countries based on the heterogeneous ecosystem services valued by each nation. While China and India are focused on politics, Bangladesh and Bhutan are primarily concerned about the basin in physical terms. Although each nation values the Brahmaputra in different ways, it is possible to initiate strong collaboration based on shared beliefs. We find that developing hydropower sustainably meets the needs and expectations of all nations, especially under the threats of climate change. A sustainable hydropower coalition can help to reduce carbon emissions, acquire green energy, irrigate land in dry seasons, and manage disasters and increasing runoffs from melting glaciers. We conclude our paper with insights for each nation and hydropower development as a whole that might help the nations to manage the Brahmaputra River more sustainably by overcoming their unmatched or mismatched values and interest, and achieving a win-win solution to manage the Brahmaputra River more sustainably.
The Effect of AI-based Techniques on Photovoltaic Power Generation under Shaded Environments
Authors: Ncir Noamane , Akchioui Nabil El
Published: October 2022

Due to the current emphasis on applying Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques to Renewable Energy (RE) systems, particularly Photovoltaic (PV), a thorough study of Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) control techniques-based AI approaches, particularly Fuzzy Logic Controller (FLC), Artificial Neural Network (ANN), and Adaptive Neural Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS), is performed under various climatic conditions to demonstrate the best AI approach for the goal of maximizing the power generated by the PV panel. Consequently, the training performance of the Artificial Neural Network based Bayesian Regularization (ANN-BR) technique is compared in the first section of this study using a variety of ANN configurations. Applying 13 neurons in the hidden layer of the neural model provides for better convergence while reducing the fitness function's value to 3.9935E-14 within only 128 epochs, which demonstrate its efficiency and speed above alternative ANN designs. The second simulation in this study compares the benefits and limitations of the aforementioned AI algorithms in order to establish the optimum way for locating the Maximum Power Point (MPP) under Partial Shading (PS) conditions. As a result, the ANN-BR strategy shown its fastness in tracking the MPP, while the ANFIS approach demonstrated an excellent energy efficiency by outperforming the other strategies in three of four situations. The effectiveness of the proposed technique is investigated using flow simulations in the MATLAB ®program.
Gastroblastoma mimics the embryonal mesenchyme of the foregut: A case report.
Authors: Sugimoto Ryo , Uesugi Noriyuki , Yamada Noriyuki , Osakabe Mitsumasa , Baba Shigeaki , Yanagawa Naoki , Akiyama Yuji , Habano Wataru , Sasaki Akira , Oda Yoshinao , Sugai Tamotsu
Published: October 2022

Background

Gastroblastoma is a rare gastric tumor composed of epithelial and spindle cell components. Identification of the characteristic MALAT–GLI1 fusion gene has only been reported in 5 cases. We report the morphological characterization of gastroblastoma with the MALAT1–GLI1 fusion gene in a young Japanese woman.

Case presentation

A 29-year-old Japanese woman visited Iwate Medical University Hospital with upper abdominal pain. Computed tomography revealed a tumor in the expansive lesions involving the gastric antrum. Histologically, we observed a biphasic morphology composed of epithelial and spindle cell components. The epithelial components appeared as slit-like glandular structures and tubular or rosette-like differentiation. The spindle cell components consisted of short spindle-shaped oval cells. Immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis revealed that the spindle cell component was positive for vimentin, CD10, CD56, GLI1, HDAC2 and focally positive for PD-L1. The epithelial component was positive for CK AE1AE3, CAM5.2, CK7, and negative for CK20 and EMA. Both components were negative for KIT, CD34, DOG1, SMA, desmin, S100 protein, chromogranin A, synaptophysin, CDX2, and SS18-SSX. Finally, MALAT-GLI1 fusion gene was molecularly detected.

Conclusions

We report the following new findings with this case: (i) gastric tumors mimic the gastrointestinal mesenchyme in the embryonic period; (ii) nuclear expression of PD-L1 and HDAC2 were observed in the spindle cell component of gastroblastoma. We speculate that HDAC (Histone Deacetylase) inhibitors may offer a promising treatment option for gastroblastoma.
Assessment of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose with corn silk polysaccharides to enhance packaging performance and stability of low moisture mozzarella cheese
Authors: Abdin Mohamed , Ali Mostafa , Elmahdy Ahmed , Naeem Mohamed Ahmed
Published: October 2022

A novel film composed from hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPM) and corn silk polysaccharides (CSP) was prepared (HPM-CS). The effects of substituting different percentages from HPM with CSP on HPM-CS characteristics were investigated. The substituting of HPM by 37.5% of CSP enhanced mechanical properties 58.71% for tensile strength (TS) and 54.29% for elongation at break (EB), opacity, antioxidant activities, smooth and continuous surface without any grooves and biodegradability of produced films. However, the presence of CSP inside HPM-CS films reduced thermal stability and disturbed the crystallinity shapes at high concentrations. The best HPM concentration (1g/100mL) sample with optimum CSP concentration of (0.6g/ 100) mL was used as food wrapping material for low-moisture mozzarella cheese. The packaging material kept the stability of total microbial count in hygienic scale up to 40 days of cold storage, moisture loss and pH values up to 30 days. Additionally, the results of hedonic sensory evaluation were satisfied compared with fresh cheese until 30 days of storage.
Diminished LAG3+ B cells correlate with exacerbated rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Hu Suiyuan , Tao Yuting , Hu Fanlei , Liu Xu
Published: October 2022

Background
Regulatory B (Breg) cells negatively regulate immunity, and the impairment of Breg cells participates in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG3) is an inhibitory receptor involved in maintaining immune tolerance. LAG3+ B cells have been identified as a novel regulatory B cell subset. Nevertheless, its role in RA remains elusive.
Methods
Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from RA, osteoarthritis (OA) patients and healthy volunteers were collected for flow cytometry staining of LAG3+ cells in different B cell subsets. Their frequencies with the clinical features and immunological characteristics of the RA patients were then analyzed. Moreover, collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mouse models were also established for the detection of LAG3 + B cells and their potential involvement in the disease.
Results
A significant downregulation of LAG3+ B cells was observed in RA lymphocytes as well as B cell subsets as compared with healthy individuals and OA patients. Notably, the frequencies of LAG3+ B cells were negatively correlated with tender joint count (r = -0.4301, p = 0.0157) and DAS28-ESR (r = -0.4018, p = 0.025) in RA patients. In CIA mouse models, LAG3+ B cell frequencies in LAG3+ CD86+ B cells, LAG3+ CD80+ B cells, LAG3+ CD69+ B cells and LAG3+ plasma B cells were also decreased, negatively correlating with the CIA arthritis score.
Conclusions
Impairment of LAG3+ B cells potentially contribute to the initiation and development of RA. Reconstituting LAG3+ B cells might provide novel therapeutic strategies for the persistent disease.
Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes following COVID-19 Vaccination in Pregnancy
Authors: Ali Hosseini Nasab , Shahrzad Sanjari , Reza Mohammidi Soleimani Mohammad , Mohammadreza Kashani , Katayoun Alidousti
Published: October 2022

Background
The physiological and anatomical changes that occur during pregnancy make the mother vulnerable to severe infections and reduce the mother's tolerance to hypoxia. Vaccination is a fundamental strategy to prevent diseases.The present study was done with the aim of investigating maternal and neonatal outcomes following COVID-19 vaccination in Pregnancy.
Methods
This cross-sectional study was carried out on 1645 pregnant women (685 COVID-19 vaccinated during pregnancy and 960 non- vaccinated). The study was conducted in the public hospitals of Kerman, located in southeastern of Iran, from January to March ,2022. Maternal and neonatal outcomes were measured by interview and observation during labor, delivery and postpartum.
Results
All vaccinated women had received the Sinopharm vaccine The mean birth weight of the neonates was 2778.9 ± 877.9 grams in the vaccinated and 2827 ± 843.6 grams in the non-vaccinated group. The first minute Apgar score was 8.05 ± 1.89 in the vaccinated and 8.15 ± 2.05 in the non-vaccinated group. The risk of maternal morbidities was not significantly different in two groups (p > 0.001). Only the risk of NICU admission was higher in vaccinated women than in non-vaccinated women (OR = 3.39, P < 0.001).
Conclusions
Since serious complications associated with receiving COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy were not observed in the present study, and COVID-19 can have serious and fatal effects during pregnancy, it seems reasonable to recommend vaccination during pregnancy to prevent the potential risk posed by COVID-19.
Clinical and Genetic Spectrums of Pediatric Cardiomyopathies: Experience from a Tertiary Pediatric Cardiology Centre in Hong Kong
Authors: Shi Zhuo Julia , Chau Fong Ting Jeffrey , Kwok Sit Yee , Yeung Kit San , Fung Lee Fong Jasmine , Kwong Ka Yee Anna , Yung Tak Cheung , Chung Hon Yin Brian , Lun Kin Shing
Published: October 2022

Background
Pediatric cardiomyopathies are rare conditions associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. This study aims at reporting the clinical and genetic spectrums of pediatric cardiomyopathy in the single tertiary centre in the Hong Kong.
Study Design
: All primary cardiomyopathy patients who were ≤ 18 years old and followed up in our pediatric cardiology clinic were analyzed. Whole exome sequencing was offered to patients who did not have molecular diagnosis identified with prior single gene or panel testing.
Results
45 unrelated patients were identified, including 19 (42.2%) with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, 20 (44.4%) with dilated cardiomyopathy, three (6.7%) with restrictive cardiomyopathy, and three (6.7%) with left ventricular non-compaction. Pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants were identified in 19 of 41 patients, resulted in an overall diagnostic yield of 46.3%. Among these patients, nine (47.4%) patients had an inherited disorder of the RAS/MASPK signal transduction pathway (BRAF, LZTR1, PTPN11 and RAF1), six (31.6%) harbored mutations in gene associated with primary cardiomyopathy (BAG3, MYBPC3, MYH7, MYL2, RBM20 and TNNT2), and four (21.1%) were diagnosed with syndromic or systemic conditions other than RASopathy (LAMP2, NONO and TAZ). In addition, eight patients carried a variant of uncertain significance (VUS). The presence of syndromic features or extracardiac manifestations was associated with a positive genotype.
Conclusions
The overall diagnostic yield of genetic evaluation was 46%. The study reinforced the utility of genetic assessment in phenotypically confirmed pediatric cardiomyopathy patients, especially for those with syndromic features. Novel mutation of our cohort was reported and described.
A prospective evaluation of high- and low-power holmium laser settings for transurethral lithotripsy in the management of adults with urethral stone
Authors: Wang Yuhuan , Wang Jun , Sun Xiaoping
Published: October 2022

Backgrounds
To compare the effectiveness and safety of high-power (100 W) vs. low-power (20 W) laser settings for transurethral laser lithotripsy in the treatment of urethral stones.
Methods
The trial was open to all patients scheduled for transurethral holmium laser lithotripsy who had urethral stones with the maximal diameter. Either the low-power laser setting or the high-power laser setting was applied to every substitute patient. Using IBM SPSS Statistics 24, we compared the treatment groups' operational times, intraoperative/postoperative problems (up to 1 year), and stone-free rates. Welch tests were used to compare continuous data across treatment groups, whereas Fisher's exact or Chi-square tests were used to evaluate categorical variables. Statistical significance was defined as a p value 0.05.
Results
Two hundred seven people were hired as a result. Both groups' preoperative data and mean bladder stone sizes were similar. When compared to the low-power cohort, the procedure took much less time—42.6111.74 min as opposed to 78.5625.91 min (p = 0.025)—and the ablation rate was significantly higher in the high-power cohort. In neither group were there any substantial intraoperative issues. High power group considerably outperformed low power group in terms of OABSS score and IPSS. According to results of uni- and multivariate logistic regression, the position of the ureteral stone significantly affects how well the therapy works.
Conclusion
When treating urethral stones, a high-power laser setting of up to 100 W significantly reduces the length of the procedure without increasing the risk of complications.
Prenatal prediction of the postnatal biventricular physiology of fetuses with borderline left ventricle
Authors: Kawasaki Yuki , Murakami Yosuke , Ehara Eiji , Fujino Mitsuhiro , Sasaki Takeshi , Nakamura Kae , Suzuki Tsugutoshi , Yoshida Yoko , Hamazaki Takashi
Published: October 2022

Background
Predicting the postnatal biventricular physiology of fetuses with borderline left ventricle remains challenging. This study clarified fetal echocardiographic predictors of successful postnatal biventricular physiology establishment.
Methods
Forty-nine fetuses with a left ventricular (LV) width (LVw) z-score <-2.0, LV length z-score <-2.0, or LVw/right ventricular width (RVw) ratio < 0.8 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into group B (successful postnatal biventricular physiology; n = 45) and group F (Fontan palliation for LV hypoplasia; n = 4). The z-scores of fetal cardiac structures, left and right cardiac structure ratios, LV diameter (LVd) changes, and flow directions at the foramen ovale (FO) were compared.
Results
The median gestational ages at fetal echocardiography and at birth were 31 weeks and 38 weeks, respectively. The prenatal LVw/RVw ratio, aortic valve (AoV)/pulmonary artery valve (PAV) ratio, AoV z-score, and change in the LVd were significantly higher and the RVw z-score was significantly lower in group B. Of the 42 patients whose blood flow direction was recorded at the FO, right-to-left shunts were identified in 29 (64%) in group B and in 0 in group F. The LVw/RVw ratio, AoV/PAV ratio, and AoV z-score significantly predicted postnatal biventricular physiology. For patients with bidirectional or left-to-right blood flow, the best predictor was the LVw/RVw ratio (cutoff value, 0.571; sensitivity, 100%; specificity, 100%; area under the curve, 1.0).
Conclusions
For patients with borderline left ventricle and heterogeneous cardiac defects, the blood flow direction at the FO and LVw/RVw ratio during the third trimester are good predictors of postnatal biventricular physiology outcomes.
Interaction effect of emotion and social influence on consumers’ purchase intentions of single-use plastic products
Authors: Sun Ying , He Haonan
Published: October 2022

Human health and marine life are facing the hazards and threats of plastic waste. This focus on plastic waste has led the Chinese to pay more attention to the threats and challenges of single-use plastics products. This study aims to explore the interaction between subjective norms and positive anticipated emotions to explain the intention to purchase single-use plastic products based on the theory of planned behavior. Data collection using self-reported questionnaires and analyzed using Amos 22.0 software. Through the questionnaire survey, 402 valid questionnaires were obtained. Results indicate that attitude, perceived behavioral control, normative social influence, informational social influence and positive anticipated emotion positively affects intention to purchase single-use plastic products. Meanwhile, positive anticipated emotion positively moderates the relationship between normative social influence and intention to purchase single-use plastic products, but negatively moderates the relationship between informational social influence and intention to purchase single-use plastic products. The conclusion has a more specific guiding role for decision-makers, manufacturers, and consumers.
Lower gut dysbiosis and mortality in acute critical illness: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Evans Tess , Ali Umar , Anderton Ryan , Raby Edward , Manning Laurens , Litton Edward
Published: October 2022

Background The human gastrointestinal tract harbours a complex multi-kingdom community known as the microb\iome. Dysbiosis refers to its disruption and is reportedly extreme in acute critical illness, yet its clinical implications are unresolved. The review systematically evaluates the relationship between gut dysbiosis and clinical outcomes of patients early in critical illness.
Methods Following PRISMA guidelines, a prospectively registered search was undertaken of MEDLINE and Cochrane databases for observational studies undertaking metagenomic sequencing of the lower gastrointestinal tract of critically ill adults and children within 72hours of admission. Eligible studies reported an alpha diversity metric and one or more of the primary outcome, all cause mortality, or secondary clinical outcomes. After aggregate data was requested, meta-analysis was performed for 4 studies with mortality stratified to high or low Shannon index.
Results The search identified 26 studies for systematic review and 4 had suitable data for meta-analysis. No effect of alpha diversity was seen on mortality after binary transformation of Shannon index (odds ratio 0.52, CI 0.12–4.98, I2 = 0.64) however certainty of evidence is low. Pathogen dominance and commensal depletion were each more frequently associated with mortality, adverse clinical and ecological sequalae, particularly overabundance of Enterococcus.
Conclusions There is a paucity of large, rigorous observational studies in this population. Globally, alpha diversity was dynamically reduced in early ICU admission and was not associated with in-hospital mortality. The abundance of taxa such as Enterococcus spp. appear to offer greater predictive capacity for important clinical and ecological outcomes.
The effects of heterogeneous environmental regulation on the effectiveness of corporate green investment in China
Authors: Li Mengna
Published: October 2022

The issue of effectiveness is concerning when the entereprise comes to making green investment decisions facing environmental regulations. Existing literature ignores the research on the impact mechanism of different environmental regulations on the effectiveness of corporate green investment (ECGI). Based on the data of listed companies in China's heavily polluting industries from 2017 to 2021, this paper used the data envelopment analysis (DEA) model to measure the ECGI. Then, the influence mechanism of two types of environmental regulation on the ECGI was analyzed. The results show that the ECGI for listed companies in heavily polluting industries is generally low, and the gap between companies is large. Different types of environmental regulations exert heterogeneous effects on the ECGI. Environmental taxes and environmental subsidies have an inverted U-shaped and negative impact on the ECGI respectively, and this impact is particularly significant in non-state-owned enterprises and small-scale enterprises. The mechanism test shows that the environmental tax has a “forcing” effect on the ECGI, which is manifested in the fact that enterprises improve the ECGI through source governance. Environmental subsidies have a “crowding out” effect on the ECGI, which is manifested in the fact that enterprises inhibit the ECGI by increasing the redundancy of green investment.
Performance Models of Data Parallel DAG Workflows for Large Scale Data Analytics
Authors: Shi Juwei , Lu Jiaheng
Published: October 2022

Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) workflows are widely used for large-scale data analytics in cluster-based distributed computing systems. The performance model for a DAG on data-parallel frameworks (e.g., MapReduce) is a research challenge because the allocation of preemptable system resources among parallel jobs may dynamically vary during execution. This resource allocation variation during execution makes it difficult to accurately estimate the execution time. In this paper, we tackle this challenge by proposing a new cost model, called Bottleneck Oriented Estimation (BOE), to estimate the allocation of preemptable resources by identifying the bottleneck to accurately predict task execution time. For a DAG workflow, we propose a state-based approach to iteratively use the resource allocation property among stages to estimate the overall execution plan. Furthermore, to handle the skewness of various jobs, we refine the model with the order statistics theory to improve estimation accuracy. Extensive experiments were performed to validate these cost models with HiBench and TPC-H workloads. The BOE model outperforms the state-of-the-art models by a factor of five for task execution time estimation. For the refined skew-aware model, the average prediction error is under 3% when estimating the execution time of 51 hybrid analytics (HiBench) and query (TPC-H) DAG workflows.
A modified iterative Method for Solving Split variational Inclusion Problems and Fixed Point Problems for Nonexpansive Semigroup
Authors: Nwawuru Francis
Published: October 2022

In this paper, we introduce and study a modified iterative method for approximating a common solution of split variational inclusion problems and fixed point problems for nonexpansive semigroup in real Hilbert spaces. We prove that the proposed method converges strongly to the solution of the mentioned problem under some mild assuptions. A new inertial extrapolation is introduced which is known to speed up the rate of covergence of iterative algorithms. Our method uses self-adaptive stepsize that is generated at each iteration. It does not depend on the operator norm which is difficult in practice. We give numerical illustrations of the proposed scheme in comparison with others in the literature to further justify the applicability and efficiency of our proposed algorithm.
AMS Subject Classification: 47H09, 47J25.
Correlation between changes in arterial blood oxygen partial pressure, oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide elimination by the lungs with changes in positive end expiratory pressure: a prospective observational study
Authors: Ovsiannikov R. Iu. , Lebedinskii Konstantin M.
Published: October 2022

INTRODUCTION: Since mechanical ventilation remains the main tool of respiratory support, ventilatory aspect of lung function fixed researchers’ attention during last decades, which is reflected by open lung concept and lung-protective ventilation strategy. However, it seems logical to assess function of the lung — biphasic mass exchanger with limited capacity — measuring its gas exchange performance, depending upon lung perfusion the same extent as ventilation. Recently clinicians have got routine access to metabolographers, providing figures of lungs oxygen absorption (VO2) and carbon dioxide exhalation (VCO2). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate interchangeability of metabolographer data and arterial blood gases analysis as tools for positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) titration by comparison of dynamic VO2 and VCO2 changes with PaO2 shifts after standardized PEEP changing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single-center prospective observational study included 41 patients underwent mechanical ventilation during general anesthesia for elective non-cardiothoracic surgery. After anesthesia induction and monitored parameters stabilization, PaO2, VCO2 and VO2 were measured before and after PEEP increasing from 2 to 5 mbar. Correlation was evaluated using Spearman coefficient in R-Studio with ggplot2 visualization package. RESULTS: After PEEP level increase, in 14 patients PaO2 changes were < 5 %, in 15 patients PaO2 increase was observed, and in 12 patients PaO2 has decreased. The Spearman correlation coefficient (rh) between VCO2 and PaO2 was 0.77 (р-value = 3.75 × 10−9), between VO2 and PaO2 — rh = 0.92 (p-value = 2.2 × 10−16). CONCLUSIONS: The VCO2 and VO2 dynamic changes obtained using metabolographer demonstrates high correlation with PaO2 shifts followed PEEP changes, which makes the dynamic analysis of the first two indicators a possible non-invasive alternative for repeated arterial blood gases analysis during РЕЕР level titration. Notable fact is that in significant proportion of observations, PEEP level of 5 mbar, often recommended “by default” for lung-protective ventilation, is excessive from gas exchange performance point of view.
Dynamics of the baroreflex sensitivity during combined anesthesia with sevoflurane or propofol: a randomized trial
Authors: Trembach Nikita V. , Malyshev Yu. P. , Golubtsov V. V. , Trembach I. A. , Zabolotskikh I. B.
Published: October 2022

INTRODUCTION: A significant number of complications is still a serious problem in abdominal surgery. It is known that patients with low baroreflex sensitivity are more prone to hemodynamic instability during general anesthesia, which allows them to be identified as a risk group. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the dynamics of baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) during major abdominal surgery in patients with different risk of critical incidents under combined anesthesia with propofol or sevoflurane. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized study was conducted in 160 patients (80 high-risk and 80 low-risk patients), who were randomized into subgroups according to the type of anesthesia (propofol or sevoflurane) to assess the effect of the type of anesthesia critical incidents and baroreflex dynamics. RESULTS: After the induction there was a trend towards a decrease in BRS, while in subgroups with initially low values of BRS, it decreased below 3 ms/mmHg. After the end of operation and 6 hours after extubation, there were no significant changes in comparison with intraoperative values. Evaluation of BRS after 24 hours showed that BRS in all subgroups was significantly higher than at previous time points, but did not return to baseline values. At 6 hours postoperatively, in low-risk patients, BRS values were below 3 ms/mmHg in 12.5 % with propofol, and in 10 % with sevoflurane, in high-risk patients — in 45 % and 42.5 % of cases, respectively. At 24 hours, in the low-risk group, only two patients in the propofol anesthesia group and one in the sevoflurane anesthesia subgroup experienced this dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: Both anesthesia with propofol and anesthesia with sevoflurane lead to a decrease in the sensitivity of the arterial baroreflex, which is not fully restored 24 hours after the end of the operation. High-risk patients with initially reduced baroreflex sensitivity show more frequent postoperative baroreflex dysfunction.
Legal regulations of errors and complications in anesthesiology and intensive care in Russian Federation: a review
Authors: Gorbachev Vladimir I. , Netesin E. S. , Itygilov M. Yu. , Gorbachev S. V. , Utkin N. N.
Published: October 2022

The literature review reflects the existing approaches to the structural organization of medical care in Russia and its provision with regulatory legal acts. A critical analysis of the list of medical services in the profile of anesthesiology and intensive care is being carried out, which requires significant adjustments and optimization. A variant of the formation and structuring of medical services as a purposeful concretized process of medical care is proposed. Various options for the development of the classification of complications of anesthesia and intensive care are presented. The paper substantiates the urgent need to form a database of various complications and adverse reactions of anesthesia and intensive care, which currently does not exist, as there are no official documents regulating and obliging to conduct this monitoring, and some documents on this issue are related exclusively to the undesirable effects of drugs.
COVID-19 Related Stresses, Conspiracy Beliefs, Uncertainty, and Nonadherence to Safety Guidelines
Authors: Barahmand Usha , Mohamadpour Samaneh , Sheikh Ahmad Ruhollah Heydari
Published: October 2022

Introduction: Inconsistent use of protective preventive measures and nonadherence of the guidelines set by the World Health Organization regarding the coronavirus are associated with increased morbidity and mortality, as well as increased health care costs. Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the role of COVID-19 related worries, conspiracy beliefs, and uncertainty in adherence to preventative measures in Iran. Method: In a large survey with data collected online from a volunteer sample of 599 individuals, assessments were made of the distress associated with the anticipated potential consequences associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown, extent of agreement with conspiracy beliefs, level of situation-specific uncertainty, and self-reports of compliance with preventive measures. Data were analyzed to explore paths leading to nonadherence to safety guidelines proposed by the medical authorities. Results: A large majority of individuals report significant distress and worry associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Results indicate that increasing levels of situation-specific uncertainty intolerance, as well as conspiracy beliefs regarding the coronavirus, are associated with non-compliance with the advised protocols. Specifically, the results show that worries related to the COVID-19 pandemic are linked to non-compliance with preventive measures through conspiracy beliefs and feelings of uncertainty associated with the COVID-19 situation even after gender, education, and perceived socioeconomic status were controlled. Conclusions: Findings imply that emotional exhaustion is likely to have set in and become counterproductive as people choose to violate safety guidelines. The authors discuss the theoretical and practical implications of these results.
Pokazateli effektivnosti proizvodstva predpriiatiia
Authors: Menovshchikova Alena Nikolaevna , Koksharov Vladimir Alekseevich
Published: October 2022

Today, great importance is given to the assessment of production efficiency, which is determined both by limited resources and the impact of sanctions on the country's economy. The article discusses the main indicators characterizing the efficiency of the enterprise's production, determines the value of each of the indicators in assessing the effectiveness of the enterprise.
“Canine First Technique”, An Innovative Approach in Maxillary Impacted Canines: A Case Report
Authors: Bocchino Tecla , Perrotta Stefania , Martina Stefano , D’Antò Vincenzo , Valletta Rosa
Published: October 2022

Background:

Maxillary canine impaction is one of the most challenging issues in orthodontics. The best treatment protocol in these cases is still debated. The purpose of this study is to describe the management of maxillary canine impaction in an adult female patient with the “Canine First Technique”.

Case Report:

A 21-years-old female attended our dental unit seeking orthodontic treatment. Clinical examination revealed a class II relationship, the persistence of both upper deciduous canines. The panoramic X-ray and Cone Beam Computed Tomography showed bilateral palatal permanent canine displacements and close proximity between crowns of impacted canines and roots of lateral incisors. The canines were disimpacted by means of two cantilevers inserted directly in two Temporary Anchorage Devices placed palatally and when canines were near the crest, the fixed orthodontic treatment was started.

Results:

At the end of the treatment, canine Class I relationships with torque correction of canines, normal overjet and overbite, and good alignment of dental arches were achieved. The radiographic evaluation showed ideal root parallelism and preserved periodontal health in the canine region.

Conclusion:

The Canine First Technique could provide some advantages compared to conventional approaches in terms of biomechanics, esthetics, oral hygiene, and risk reduction of root resorption of upper lateral incisors.
Functionalized Carbon Nanomaterials: Fabrication, Properties, and Applications
Authors: Bhilkar P.R.
Published: October 2022

In recent times, carbon based nanomaterials (CNMs) like graphene, graphene oxide (GO), graphene nanoplatelet (GNP), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), carbon dots (CDs), and fullerenes are among the most promising nanomaterial due to their extraordinary physiochemical, electrical, optical, mechanical, and thermal behavior. CNMs have many potential applications, including energy storage and conversion, biomedical, catalysts, composites, and biomaterials. Nonetheless, many advanced applications require the proper functionalization of CNMs. This chapter analyses the routes for CNMs functionalization and their impact on their structure and properties. Furthermore, the current and potential application of functionalized CNMs are discussed, and the challenges and future research directions are highlighted.