bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
State and Government Administrative Databases
Authors: Meier Sarah K. , Pollock Benjamin D. , Kurtz Steven M. , Lau Edmund
Published: October 2022

The availability of large state and federally run administrative health-care databases provides potentially comprehensive population-wide information that can dramatically impact both medical and health-policy decision-making. Specific opportunities and important limitations exist with all administrative databases based on what information is collected and how reliably specific data elements are reported. Access to patient identifiable-level information can be critical for certain long-term outcome studies but can be difficult (although not impossible) due to patient privacy protections, while more easily available de-identified information can provide important insights that may be more than sufficient for some short-term operative or in-hospital outcome questions.

The first section of this paper by Sarah K. Meier and Benjamin D. Pollock discusses Medicare and the different data files available to health-care researchers. They describe what is and is not generally available from even the most granular Medicare Standard Analytic Files, and provide an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of Medicare administrative data as well as the resulting best and inappropriate uses of these data.

In the second section, the Nationwide Inpatient Sample and complementary State Inpatient Database programs are reviewed by Steven M. Kurtz and Edmund Lau, with insights into the origins of these programs, the data elements that are recorded relating to the operative procedure and hospital stay, and examples of the types of studies that optimally utilize these data sources. They also detail the limitations of these databases and identify studies that they are not well-suited for, especially those involving linkage or longitudinal studies over time.

Both sections provide useful guidance on the best uses and pitfalls related to these important large representative national administrative data sources.
Physical, Chemical and Organoleptic Characteristics of Red Dragon Fruit Instant Drink Powder (Hylocereus polyrhizus)
Authors: Wulansari Kasih Ayu , Hudi Lukman , Saidi Ida Agustini
Published: October 2022

Red dragon fruit is the type of dragon fruit that is most in demand by consumers because it is more nutritious for the health of the body. The production of red dragon fruit every season is always abundant. However, fresh dragon fruit cannot be stored for long, because it has a high moisture content of 90%. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out further processing so that nutritional needs can be maintained and extend the shelf life by making instant drink powder using the foam mat drying method. This study used the Split Plot Design method with the basic design of RAK (Randomized Block Design) which was repeated 3 times, with drying temperature treatment as the main plot consisting of 3 levels, namely 40°C, 50°C, 60° C and treatment with maltodextrin concentration as sub-plots consisting of 3 levels, namely 10%, 15%, 20%. The data were analyzed by analysis of variance and then continued with the Honest Significant Difference (BNJ) test at a 5% level and the hedonic scale organoleptic test. The results showed that the highest value of the solubility parameter was 68.68%, water content 8.08%, vitamin C 11.11%, color organoleptic 4.10, taste organoleptic 3.90, aroma organoleptic 3.67.
An (Apparent) Exception in the Aristotelian Natural Philosophy: Antiperistasis as Action on Contrary Qualities and its Interpretation in the Medieval Philosophical and Medical Commentary Tradition
Authors: Panzica Aurora
Published: October 2022

This paper explores the scholastic debate about antiperistasis, a mechanism in Aristotle’s dynamics described in the first book of Meteorology as an intensification of a quality caused by the action of the contrary one. After having distinguished this process from a homonymous, but totally different, principle concerning the dynamics of fluids that Aristotle describes in his Physics, I focus on the medieval reception of the former. Scholastic commentators oriented their exegetical effort in elaborating a consistent explanation of an apparently paradoxical process like the intensification of a quality by the opposite one. From the fourteenth century onwards, most of the commentators resorted to the theory of the multiplication of species, according to which each entity acts through the emission of simulacra of the objects (species) that spread spherically in the medium. When these rays encounter an obstacle, such as a contrary quality, they are pushed back towards their source. The reflection of the species determined by the surrounding and opposite quality produces a concentration of the first one, which is therefore intensified. Another distinctive feature of the scholastic interpretation of Aristotle’s antiperistasis is the convergence between the discussions on inorganic and organic matter, physical and medical discourse. This convergence found its most significant expression in the adoption of the model described in the first book of Aristotle’s Meteorology to the biological context of Hippocrates’s Aphorisms I, 15. Following Galen’s exegesis of this passage, medieval commentators established a link between physics and medicine substantially extraneous to Aristotle’s theory.
Nicole Oresme on Motion and the Atomization of the Continuum
Authors: Debroise Philippe
Published: October 2022

As Aristotle classically defined it, continuity is the property of being infinitely divisible into ever-divisible parts. How has this conception been affected by the process of mathematization of motion during the 14th century? This paper focuses on Nicole Oresme, who extensively commented on Aristotle’s Physics, but also made decisive contributions to the mathematics of motion. Oresme’s attitude about continuity seems ambivalent: on the one hand, he never really departs from Aristotle’s conception, but on the other hand, he uses it in a completely new way in his mathematics, particularly in his Questions on Euclidean geometry, a tantamount way to an atomization of motion. If the fluxus theory of natural motion involves that continuity is an essential property of real motion, defined as a res successiva, the ontological and mathematical structure of this continuity implies that continuum is in some way “composed” of an infinite number of indivisibles. In fact, Oresme’s analysis opened the path to a completely new kind of mathematical continuity.
Nicole Oresme on the Movements of Javelin Throwers: a Peripatetic Reading of De Configurationibus II, 37
Authors: Cordonier Valérie
Published: October 2022

In this contribution, I analyze a text by Oresme which gives a rather original explanation of the process of throwing a javelin and, more generally, of the actions of people who seem to have a kind of natural ability to succeed in their actions (De Configurationibus II, 37). In highlighting some sources that appear to have been present on the author’s mind although they were hitherto neglected in Oresmian studies, I would like to show that his presentation of this specific kind of motion is deeply rooted in the scholastic theological tradition and that this tradition makes this chapter seem much less strange than it might seem at first glance.
The Concept of Motion in Jacques Legrand’s Philosophical Compendium
Authors: Di Liscia Daniel
Published: October 2022

The following paper investigates the concept of motion in Jacques Legrand, a hitherto little-studied author of the early fifteenth century. Legrand, an important member of the Order of Hermits of Saint Augustine, wrote a philosophical Compendium for the students of his Order. This contribution first attempts to provide a contextualization of Legrand’s treatment of motion within this work. Legrand’s contribution to philosophical encyclopedism is here discussed. Secondly, it reviews the most important theories on the nature of movement in the Middle Ages. Thirdly, it offers a detailed analysis of Legrand’s arguments in support of the nominalist view that it is unnecessary (if not wrong) to consider the local motion as a fluxus added to the moveable body. The article suggests that Legrand’s generalized nominalist position may be connected with certain lines to be followed within his own Order or even with the anti-realist ideology of the conciliarists philosopher, like Pierre D’Ailly and Jean Gerson.
Introduction
Authors: Di Liscia Daniel
Published: October 2022

-
A Novel Approach in Understanding the Role of Water in Oxidation and Upgrading Reactions during In-Situ Combustion Oil Recovery, Part B: Interpretations
Authors: Fassihi M. Reza , Alamatsaz A. , Moore R. G. , Mehta S. A. (Raj) , Ursenbach M. G. , Mallory D. , Pereira Almao P. , Gupta S. C. , Chhina H. S.
Published: October 2022

To understand the role of connate water as a source of hydrogen in oxidation and upgrading of bituminous oil at high temperature, heavy water (D2O) and O-18 enriched water (H2O18) were used as connate water in two different in-situ combustion experiments using a conical tube. Aside from a fundamental understanding of the role of such reactions in in-situ combustion, the results could also potentially help in optimizing in-situ hydrogen generation and upgrading of heavy and bituminous oil. The conical tube had previously been used for understanding the impact of air flux in sustaining the combustion front (please see Alamatsaz et al. 2011Alamatsaz et al. 2012,2). Significant upgrading was observed in these tests with a produced API gravity of 35 °API compared to the original bitumen gravity of 9 °API.

The produced fluids (gases and water) were analyzed with a mass spectrometer to demonstrate the effectiveness of using D2O and H2O18 as tracers in bitumen upgrading reactions and specifically to determine whether the H2O18 would be more effective than D2O in understanding the role of connate water.

It was found that heavy water exchanges too readily with hydrogen atoms in the bitumen when the two are mixed. As a result, it could not be reliably used as an indicator for identifying the role of water. The run with O-18 enriched water, however, provided a better indication of water participation in the oxidation reactions.

The results obtained from the mass spectrometry analysis of evolved gases and water samples collected in the second test showed that water does split during the reaction and O atoms of indigenous water molecules do combine with C atoms (from the hydrocarbon) to form CO2. These findings open the path for mechanistic considerations around the processes taking place during in-situ combustion and in-situ upgrading reactions.
Impact of Financial Assumptions on Economic Viability of Incremental Projects
Authors: Mian M. A.
Published: October 2022

Commerciality assessment and reserves booking is an important task, routinely performed by every oil and gas company. The task is performed based on the guidelines presented in the Petroleum Resources Management System (PRMS). The PRMS, revised in 2018, is a system developed for consistent and reliable definition, classification, and estimation of hydrocarbon resources. The document was prepared by the Oil and Gas Reserves Committee under the auspices of the Society of Petroleum Engineers. The PRMS has been broadly adopted by the oil and gas industry as an international standard reference for the classification and categorization of oil and gas reserves and resources.

The objective of this paper is to reiterate the well-known knowledge regarding the economic viability, economic limit, sunk cost, depreciation, incremental project vs. entity’s economics, economic contingency, and technical contingency in a simple, unambiguous, and concise manner. The paper emphasizes using only discounted cash flows in all economic evaluations whether it is for reserves booking or investment decision-making. It is unfortunate that this well-known knowledge is incorrectly described and used in the industry for commerciality assessment of oil and gas resources and investment decision-making.

The paper also shows that some of the financial assumptions and definitions such as financing at the incremental project level, properly accounting for sunk cost, and treatment of income tax when an entity has positive taxable income, if applied correctly, can greatly and legally enhance the chances of commerciality and reserves booking.
Controllable mitochondrial aggregation and fusion by a programmable DNA binder
Authors: Zhu Longyi , Shen Yiting , Deng Shengyuan , Wan Ying , Luo Jun , Su Yan , You Mingxu , Fan Chunhai , Ren Kewei
Published: October 2022

DNA nanodevices have been feasibly applied for various chemo-biological applications, but their functions as precise regulators of intracellular organelles are still limited. Here, we report a synthetic DNA binder that can artificially induce mitochondrial aggregation and fusion in living cells. The rationally designed DNA binder consists of a long DNA chain, which is grafted with multiple mitochondria-targeting modules. Our results indicated that the DNA binder-induced in situ self-assembly of mitochondria can be used to successfully repair ROS-stressed neuron cells. Meanwhile, this DNA binder design is highly programmable. Customized molecular switches can be easily implanted to further achieve stimuli-triggered mitochondrial aggregation and fusion inside living cells. We believe this new type of DNA regulator system will become a powerful chemo-biological tool for subcellular manipulation and precision therapy.
Climate variability and indigenous adaptation strategies by Somali pastoralists in Ethiopia
Authors: Ayal Desalegn Yayeh , Kebede Hilina Yohannes , Belay Abrham , Emiru Nega Chalie , Mekuyie Muluken
Published: October 2022

Pastoralism is a fragile livelihood system for millions of people around the world and a significant number of that is found in Africa. Proper documentation and understanding of indigenous knowledge and strategies on pastoralism are limited and this study sheds light on location-specific indigenous knowledge and corresponding perceptions of local communities with the support of metrological patterns of weather and climate variability. This is an exploratory study that draws on orally existing indigenous knowledge of adaptation from qualitative data sources, analyzes climate data, and matches it with communities' oral records of major climatic events to validate the accuracy of their perceptions. The results reveals that there is a high climate variability as indicated with a Coefficient of Variation (CV) value of 30, the PCI indicated high rainfall intensity and longer dry periods indicated by the SI values. Almost every year the SI value predicted longer dry season. The community’s perception matched with recorded climate data of the past 36 years and identified 10 major climate extremes orally recounted down in history. Indigenous strategies include indigenous weather forecasts, mating calendar, destocking, herd mobility, herd diversification, traditional rotational grazing system (‘Seri’), and also lists of emerging adaptation strategies utilized as a result of the severity of climate variability and extremes in the region. The results indicates that uncommon adaptation strategies are replacing preexisting pastoralist livelihood system and that indigenous strategies are in need of support to withstand the current and predicted weather and climate variability in the sites. Pastoralists and agro-pastoralists will be in a better position to adapt to the consequences of climate variability and extremes if indigenous institutions are revitalized with innovations.
Clinical and Diagnostic characteristics of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease among Egyptian children and adolescents with type1 diabetes: a cross sectional study.
Authors: Abdallah Hanaa Reyad , Youness Eman Refaat , Bedeir Manar Maher , Abouelnaga Marwa W. , Ezzat Wafaa M , Elhosary Yasser , El-Hariri Hazem Mohamed , Hussein Mona Abd Elmotaleb A , Ahmed Heba Ramadan , Eladawy Rasha
Published: October 2022

Background
Type 1 diabetes mellitus patients are at an increased risk for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study aimed to evaluate the clinical criteria associated with the diagnosis of Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) among Egyptian children and adolescents with type 1 Diabetes.
Methods
74 T1DM patients aged 8–18 y were enrolled in this cross sectional study. Clinical examination and anthropometric assessment were done. Assessments of lipid profile, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and liver enzymes were done. Abdominal Ultrasound evaluation of hepatic steatosis was done and accordingly, patients were divided into two groups (NAFLD & normal liver group) and compared together. Assessment of liver fibrosis using acoustic radiation force impulse elastography (ARFI) was done.
Results
in this study; 37 male (50%) & 37 females with mean age 14.3 ± 3.0 y. The mean insulin dose was 1.1 ± 0.4 U/kg & mean disease duration was 6.3 ± 3.0 y. NAFLD was detected in 46 cases while 28 cases had normal liver as diagnosed by abdominal ultrasound. Cases with NAFLD had statistically significant higher BMI-Z scores, waist / hip, waist/ height and sum of skin fold thicknesses compared to those with normal liver ((P < 0.05). The mean value of HbA1c % was significantly higher in the NAFLD group (P = 0.003). Additionally, total cholesterol serum levels, triglycerides & LDL were significantly elevated (p = 0.001, 0.019 & 0.001) while the serum level of HDL was significantly lower in the NAFLD cases (p = 0.001). Although, serum levels of the liver enzymes; ALT & AST were significantly higher among cases with NAFLD than in the normal liver group (p = 0.019 & 0.015) respectively, their means were within normal. Using the ARFI elastography; cases with NAFLD exhibited significant fibrosis (F2, 3 &4). BMI, age of patients and female gender were among the risk factors for NAFLD.
Conclusions
NAFLD represents a serious consequence in type 1 diabetic children and adolescents that deserves attention especially with poor glycemic control. NAFLD has the potential to evolve to fibrosis. BMI, age of patients and female gender were detected as risk factors for NAFLD.
Distribution and Molecular Identification of Ixodid Ticks Infesting Cattle at Kilombero and Iringa District Councils, Tanzania
Authors: Magesa Walter , Haji Isihaka , Kinimi Edson , Nzalawahe Jahashi , Kazwala Rudovick
Published: October 2022

Background: Hard ticks infesting cattle are vectors of Tick-borne diseases that causes major public health problems and considerable socioeconomic losses to livestock industry in tropical and subtropical countries. A repeated cross-sectional study was carried out by collecting ticks on cattle during the wet and dry seasons from January to August 2021 in order to determine hard tick prevalence, distribution and abundance on cattle, at Kilombero and Iringa District Councils of Tanzania. The collected ticks were identified morphologically using published morphological keys, under a stereomicroscope and confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing.
Results: Out of 740 examined cattle, (n=304, 41.08%) were infested with ticks. A total of 1,889 ticks were collected comprising three genera and nine species based on morphological identification. In total 3,560 ticks were recorded after ticks counted on one side of the animal’s body and doubled. Rhipicephalus microplus was predominantly prevalent (n = 909, 48.1%), followed by Rhipicephalus evertsi (n = 310, 16.4%) and Amblyomma lepidum (n = 310, 16.4%), while the least common was Hyalomma albiparmatum (n = 3, 0.2%). Tick diversity was highest in Iringa than Kilombero District Council. Ticks were widely distributed in different parts of the host body, the distribution was highest on zone 4 (n = 1,060, 56.11%) which includes (groin, flank, abdomen and around inner thigh of the hind legs) and least on zone 2 (n = 14, 0.74%) which includes back surface of the body. Amblyomma lepidum and Rhipicephalus microplus species were distributed in all the five body zones and recorded with the highest proportions on zone 4, A. lepidum (n = 209, 67.42%) and R. microplus (n = 714, 78.55%). The nine tick species identified morphologically were identified by molecular method, however during sequencing two species (Rhipicephalus appendiculatus and R. decoloratus) had poor quality sequences and were excluded from the analysis. The sequencing results indicate high nucleotide identity (96-100%) with sequences available in GenBank and Barcode of Life Database (BOLD). The phylogenetic analysis of partial mitochondrial COI and 16S rRNA gene sequences of ticks confirmed the morphological identification. Tick prevalence was higher in wet season (n=148, 41.11%).
Conclusion: The results showed high burden of tick infestation on cattle and this could reduce animal production and possibly increase the risk of tick-borne diseases. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the epidemiological and molecular aspects of various tick species in other regions of Tanzania.
The early prognostic value of serum anion gap in adult patients with acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Lu Jianhong , Zhong Lei , Yuan Meng , Min Jie , Xu Yin
Published: October 2022

Background: Although previous studies have reported that many biomarkers can determine the prognosis of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), the serum anion gap (AG) has not been well studied. We aimed to determine whether serum AG can predict the outcome of patients with AMI.
Methods: Data from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III database were analyzed. Patients were divided into the survival and non-survival groups based on 90-days outcome. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the value of AG in predicting 90-day all-cause mortality in patients with AMI, and the best cut-off value was obtained, according to which, the patients were further divided into the high and low AG groups. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve was plotted, and all-cause mortality was compared between the two groups using the log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were constructed to assess whether the AG level could independently predict recent all-cause mortality in these patients. And the association between serum AG and 90-day all-cause mortality risk in patients with AMI was analyzed with restricted cubic splines (RCS).
Results:1563 adults were enrolled in this study. Increased serum AG was independently associated with 90-day poor prognosis in patients with AMI, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.708, and the optimal cutoff value for predicting 90-day mortality was 15.50 mmol/L. Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis showed that the 30-day and 90-day cumulative survival rates were significantly lower in the high AG group than in the low AG group. Adjusted multivariable Cox regression analysis confirmed that increased AG was associated with higher 30-day and 90-day mortality, indicating that increased AG (≥15.50 mmol/L) can predict for short-term prognosis in adult patients with AMI independently. RCS analysis showed that there was a linear trend relationship between serum AG and 90-day all-cause mortality risk in patients with AMI（c2= 7.550，P=0.056）.
Conclusion: Elevated serum AG (≥15.50 mmol/L) is associated with poor outcomes and is an independent risk factor for short-term mortality in patients with AMI.
Oncological outcome after laparoscopic ‘no-touch’ versus ‘touch’ left pancreatectomy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Authors: Mazzotta Alessandro , Bodegraven EA , Usai S. , Carneiro A. Costa , Tribillon E. , Ferraz JM , Bonnet S. , Busch O. R. , Gayet B. , Besselink MG , Soubrane O.
Published: October 2022

Background: The validity of laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy in left-sided pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is still unclear. However, a meticulous surgical dissection through a “no-touch” technique might allow a radical oncological resection with minimal risk of tumor dissemination and seeding. This study aims to evaluate the oncological outcomes of the laparoscopic “no touch” technique versus the “touch” technique
Methods: From 2001 to 2020, we analyzed retrospectively 45 patients undergoing LDP (laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy) for PDAC from two centers. Factors associated with overall (OS), disease-free (DFS) survival and Time to recurrence (TTR) were identified.
Results. The OS rates in the ‘no-touch’ and ‘touch’ groups were 95% vs 78% (1-year OS); 50% vs 50% (3-year OS), respectively (p=0.60). The DFS rates in the ‘no-touch’ and ‘touch’ groups were 72 % vs 57 % (1-year DFS); 32% vs 28 % (3-year DFS), respectively (p=0.11). The TTR rates in the ‘no-touch’ and ‘touch’ groups were 77 % vs 61 % (1-year TTR); 54% vs 30 % (3-year TTR); 46% vs 11 % (5-year TTR); respectively (p=0.02) In multivariate analysis the only factors were Touch technique (OR= 2.62, p= 0.02) and lymphovascular emboli (OR= 4.8; p=0.002).
Conclusion. We advise the ‘no-touch’ technique in patients with resectable PDAC in the pancreatic body and tail. Although this study does not provide definitive proof of superiority, no apparent downsides are present for the ‘no-touch’ technique in this setting although there could be oncological benefits.
Association between BMI z-score and postinduction hypotension in Chinese children undergoing oral surgery: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Cui Qichun , He Huan , Shao Yun
Published: October 2022

Background: Hypotension normally occurs in children after induction under general anesthesia. Limited studies related to the development of postinduction hypotension in children undergoing oral surgery. The aim of this study is to test the hypothesis that BMI z-score is associated with postinduction hypotension.
Methods: In this retrospective study, we included 334 Chinese children undergoing oral surgery under general anesthesia. The primary measurement and observation indicators were BMI z-score and postinduction hypotension events. Smooth curve fitting and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to test the relationship between BMI z-score and postinduction hypotension.
Results: Our study presented postinduction hypotension in 29 children (9%). The average age was 5.8± 2 years old, and approximately 67% were male. Every 0.01 increase in BMI z-score was associated with a 28% decreased risk of postinduction hypotension (OR 0.72, 95% CI(0.54~0.95)). Compared to normal children (-2< BMI z-score<1), the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of postinduction hypotension for participants in thinness (BMI z-score< -2) and overweight (BMI z-score>1) were 5.66 (95% CI: 1.74–18.41) and 0.75 (95% CI: 0.25–2.18), respectively. The P-trend values are significant across all models. The fitted smooth curve showed a linear association between the BMI z-score and the incidence of postinduction hypotension.
Conclusions: The BMI z-score was negatively correlated with the incidence of postoperative hypotension in Chinese children undergoing oral surgery. Thin children, presumably, have a higher incidence of postinduction hypotension.
3D smooth path planning of AUV based on Improved Ant Colony Algorithm considering heading switching pressure
Authors: Meng Ronghua , Sun Aiwen , Wu Zhengjia , Du Xuan , Meng Yongdong
Published: October 2022

There are problems such as inaccurate expression of path environment information, large steering angle, and many inflection points in the autonomous underwater vehicle navigating in complex sea area. Aiming at these problems, a mathematical model is established for planning the shorter and smoother path. An improved ant colony optimization based on three-dimensional(3D) environment modeling is proposed in this paper. The grid method is used to implement 3D environment modeling. Through three spatial adjacency relationships between grids, the search strategy of spatial connectivity adjacency domain is refined to screen out the spatial search domain. All these will ensure path safety, and realize he practical three-dimensional space safe path planning traversal search. In order to search the optimal path quickly and efficiently, the heuristic functions of each evolutionary strategy are designed to improve the optimization ability of the algorithm. To ensure the stability of the algorithm, the pheromone update mechanism is improved. The adjustable pheromone volatilization factor is set to increase the adaptability of the algorithm. Finally, the effectiveness of the model and algorithm is verified by simulating the environment of obstacle spatial distribution.
Acute social defeat stress activated neurons project to the claustrum and basolateral amygdala
Authors: Tanuma Masato , Niu Misaki , Ohkubo Jin , Ueno Hiroki , Nakai Yuka , Yokoyama Yoshihisa , Seiriki Kaoru , Hashimoto Hitoshi , Kasai Atsushi
Published: October 2022

We recently reported that a neuronal population in the claustrum (CLA) identified under exposure to psychological stressors plays a key role in stress response processing. Upon stress exposure, the main inputs to the CLA come from the basolateral amygdala (BLA); however, the upstream brain regions that potentially regulate both the CLA and BLA during stressful experiences remain unclear. Here by combining activity-dependent viral retrograde labeling with whole brain imaging, we analyzed neurons projecting to the CLA and BLA activated by exposure to social defeat stress. The labeled CLA projecting neurons were mostly ipsilateral, excluding the prefrontal cortices, which had a distinctly labeled population in the contralateral hemisphere. Similarly, the labeled BLA projecting neurons were predominantly ipsilateral, aside from the BLA in the opposite hemisphere, which also had a notably labeled population. Moreover, we found co-labeled double-projecting single neurons in multiple brain regions such as the ipsilateral ectorhinal/perirhinal cortex, entorhinal cortex, and the contralateral BLA. These results suggest that the CLA and BLA receive inputs from neuron collaterals in various brain regions during stress, which may regulate the CLA and BLA forming in a stress response circuitry.
Dietary diversity, fish consumption patterns and its determinants among women, children and households in Bangladesh
Authors: Njogu Lucy , Adam Rahma , Mwema Catherine , Murshed-e-Jahan Khondker
Published: October 2022

Given the high levels of malnutrition in Bangladesh, and the importance of fish in providing micro-nutrients, we sought to understand the dietary diversity levels, patterns of fish consumption and its determinants among households in Rangpur and Rajshahi divisions. We collected data from 2669 households. The study employed a Household Dietary Diversity (HDD), Individual Dietary Diversity – Women (IDD-W) and Minimum Dietary Diversity (MDD) to analyze the dietary diversity. Results indicate that the average HDD was relatively high (8.22), the mean IDD_W for women and children was low at 4.99 and 4.90, respectively. T-test analysis indicated dietary diversity scores increased with consumption of fish and the number of fish species consumed. Intra-household discrimination and substitution of fish and other types of meat in the households, was observed. Increase in level of education and pond ownership were factors that increased fish consumption. Contrary, distance to the market and the price of fish increased fish consumption.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease may be a risk factor for liver metastasis after radical surgery for colorectal cancer: a retrospective study
Authors: Miyata Takashi , Shinden Yuki , Motoyama Shota , Sannomiya Yuta , Tamezawa Hozumi , Nagayama Taigo , Kin Ryosuke , Nishiki Hisashi , Hashimoto Akifumi , Kaida Daisuke , Tomita Yasuto , Nakamura Naohiko , Miyashita Tomoharu , Fujita Hideto , Ueda Nobuhiko , Takamura Hiroyuki
Published: October 2022

Background
The liver is the most common site for distant colorectal cancer (CRC) metastasis, which develops in approximately one-third of CRC patients who undergo radical surgery. Hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) is the only potentially curative treatment for these patients. However, few metastatic CRC patients meet the criteria for this radical resection, and they have a low 5-year survival rate. Among those who undergo hepatectomy for CRLM, the recurrence rate is 60%. Thus, identifying risk factors for patients with CRLM is critical. One risk factor is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the incidence of which is increasing worldwide. NAFLD has become a main cause of chronic liver disease, and it is also an independent risk factor for CRC development. However, the effect of NAFLD on CRC liver metastasis after radical surgery remains unclear. The aim of this study was to retrospectively investigate the impact of NAFLD-associated hepatic fibrosis on liver metastasis after radical surgery for CRC.
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed data from 388 CRC patients with hepatic metastasis who underwent curative hepatectomy for CLRM at our hospital between April 2008 and March 2015. Data on each patient’s clinical results, surgical procedure, and postoperative course and their pathological and survival data were collected from our hospital records. The NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS) was also calculated, and patients were divided into two groups (NAFLD and non-NAFLD) on the basis of the NFS.
Results
Recurrence was observed in 83 (21.4%) of 388 patients after a mean follow-up 65.6 ± 15.1 months. Twenty-five patients had liver metastasis, and eight of them had NAFLD (8/45; 17.8%), while 17 of them (17/343; 5.0%) did not have NAFLD (p = 0.004). Additionally, liver metastasis-free survival in NAFLD patients was significantly worse than that in non-NAFLD patients (p < 0.001). We also showed that NAFLD and stage were independent risk factors for liver metastasis recurrence.
Conclusions
These results suggest that NAFLD may be a risk factor for liver metastasis in CRC patients who undergo curative surgery.
Optimal investment-consumption and life insurance strategy with mispricing and model ambiguity
Authors: Gu Ailing , He Xinya , Chen Shumin , Yao Haixiang
Published: October 2022

In this paper, we consider the optimal investment-consumption and life insurance strategy for a wage earner, who has uncertain labour income described by an Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process. In addition to consumption and purchasing life insurance, the wage earner invests his wealth into the financial market, which consists of a risk-free asset, a market index and a pair of risky assets with mispricing. Our aim is to maximize the expected utilities obtained from consumption, bequest, or his wealth at the end of decision horizon.With dynamic programming approach, we obtain explicit solutions for the optimization problem by solving the corresponding HJB equation. Finally, several numerical examples are presented to illustrate our results.
Improving the antioxidant defense system in different species of Citrus fruits under cold stress using osmolytes
Authors: Mohammadrezakhani Soheila , rezanejad farkhondeh
Published: October 2022

Background
Citrus fruits are one of the most important horticultural fruits in the world. Cold stress, as one of the most important environmental stresses, prevents the physiological processes of plants and causes a decrease in yield and even their death. In this research, the interaction of putrescine with proline and temperatures of 1, -1, and − 3°C have been done in order to investigate the changes of antioxidant systems in fruits of three Citrus speices.
Results
The results of comparison of means showed that antioxidant capacity incresed with decreasing of temperature. In addition, application of putrescine and proline with different concentrations was led to an improvement in the amount of antioxidant capacity compared to control fruits.
Conclusions
The comparison between Citrus species showed that the highest levels of antioxidant capacity in treated and untreated fruits were observed in C. reticulata while the lowest levels were seen in C. paradisi indicating that C. reticulata has a higher resistance than the other species.
Mining of clinical and prognosis related genes in the tumor microenvironment of endometrial cancer
Authors: Li Wenxue , Qin Yujing , Chen Xiujuan , Wang Xiaolei
Published: October 2022

Background: Endometrial cancer (EC) is the sixth most common malignant tumor in women worldwide, and its morbidity and mortality are on the rise.The purpose of this study was to explore potential tumor microenvironment (TME) related biomarkers associated with clinical features and prognosis of EC.
Methods: Estimating Stromal and Immune Cells in Malignancy Using Expression Data (ESTIMATE) algorithm was used to calculate TME immune score and stromal score of EC samples obtained from The Cancer Genome Atla (TCGA), and analyze the relationship between immune/stromal scores and clinical features and prognosis. Heat map and Venn map were drawn to screen differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis were performed for differentially expressed intersection genes and Protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed. Kaplan-meier survival analysis and multivariate Cox analysis were used to screen the clinical and prognostic related genes of EC.
Results: The immune score was significantly correlated with the overall survival and tumor grade of EC. A total of 1448 DEGs were screened according to immune/stromal scores, of which 387 genes were intersection genes. GO analysis found that the biological processes related to intersection genes mainly included T cell activation and regulation of lymphocyte activation. KEGG analysis showed that intersection genes were closely related to immune-related signaling pathways, especially T cell immunity.30 core genes with more than 7 nodes were identified by PPI. 6 independent prognostic genes of EC were found, namely, CD5, BATF, CACNA2D2, LTA, CD52, and NOL4,which were all immune infiltrating genes and closely related to clinical features.
Conclusion:The current study identified 6 key genes closely related to immune infiltration in TME of EC that predict clinical outcome, which may provide new insights into novel prognostic biomarkers and immunotherapy for EC patients.
Embedded 3D printing of Multi-material composites
Authors: Zhou Shitong , Tirichenko Iuliia S , Zhang Xun , Hong Yinglun , Payne Harry , Withers Philip , Bouville Florian , Saiz Eduardo
Published: October 2022

Additive manufacturing could open new opportunities in the design and fabrication of advanced composites and devices incorporating multiple phases. However, when it comes to the combination of inorganic materials (ceramics and metals) it is difficult to achieve the degree of structural control demanded by many advanced applications. To address this challenge, we have developed a means of embedded printing to build complex, fine structures within dense ceramics. We have formulated a self-healing ceramic gel that enables the movement of a printing nozzle in its interior and that heals without defect after it has passed. Upon subsequent heat treatment, the gel forms a dense, defect-free ceramic that encapsulates the printed structure. We demonstrate the potential of the technique through two case studies. One is the printing of light, sacrificial graphite structures to introduce complex microchannel arrangements in a ceramic for applications such a thermal management. The other is to embed dense steel framework structures in aluminum oxide to increase its fracture resistance. The approach enables the introduction of auxetic structures that generate works of fracture 50% greater than those obtained with simple fibre arrays and that are orders of magnitude above the fracture energy of the ceramic. These results suggest that embedded 3D printing can open the way to implement new designs in ceramic matrix composites.
Optimized Isolation and Characterization of Cellulose for Extraction of Cellulose Nanocrystals from Ensete Ventricosum Pseudo-Stem Fiber Using Two-Stage Extraction Method
Authors: Dube Abnet Mengesha , Daba Bulcha Jifara , Muleta Melkiyas Diriba
Published: October 2022

Alkali treatment followed by alkalinized hydrogen peroxide delignification yielded 73.90% cellulose from Ensete Ventricosum pseudo stem fiber, with parameters optimized using response surface methodology. The optimal reaction parameters were 157 minutes, 73 ℃, and 3.8% NaOH concentration. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transfer infrared (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy were used to examine the thermal properties, crystal structure, chemical structure, and morphological structure of isolated cellulose (SEM). Based on the findings, cellulose has a rod-like shape. The XRD results revealed that the crystallinity index of cellulose increased from 65 to 75 percent when compared with raw Enseteventricosum pseudo stem fiber (Ensete fiber). The resultant cellulose demonstrated relatively higher thermal stability than the unprocessed ensete fiber, according to the thermogravimetric examination. When compared to raw ensete fiber, FTIR analysis revealed that cellulose had a modified chemical functional structure, which suggested that alkali and alkalized hydrogen peroxide treatments had altered the chemical structure of cellulose. According to the results, it is possible to extract cellulose nanocrystals thanks to the isolated cellulose's high yield, great crystallinity index, strong thermal stability, and morphological structure.
Superior Gait Performance and Postural Stability among Yoga Instructors – Inertial Measurement Unit-Based Evaluation
Authors: Lin Ang-Chieh , Lin Tzu-Tung , Tan Yin-Keat , Pan Wei-Ren , Shih Chih-Jen , Lee Chun-Ju , Chen Szu-Fu , Wang Fu-Cheng
Published: October 2022

Background

Yoga movements involve a series of motions of the core and lower limb muscles that require constant body adjustments to maintain balance and proper body alignment. Inertial measurement unit, a wearable device that is consisted of 3-axis accelerometers, 3-axis gyroscopes and 3-axis magnetometers, can provide objective data for motion analysis. This study aimed to investigate gait symmetry and single-leg stance balance of professional yoga instructors versus age-matched normal controls using inertial measurement unit (IMU) - based evaluation.

Methods

Twenty-five yoga instructors and twenty-five healthy control subjects were recruited to conduct the walking experiments and single-leg stance tests. Kinematic data were measured by attaching IMUs to the lower limbs and trunk. The asymmetry of swing phases during gait cycles was assessed using the normal walk and tandem walk tests with eyes open and closed, respectively. The subjects subsequently conducted four single-leg stance tests, including a single-leg stance on both legs with eyes open and closed. Two balance indexes regarding the angular velocities of the waist and chest were defined to assess postural stability.

Results

The gait asymmetry indexes of yoga instructors were significantly lower than those of the normal controls on normal walk and open-eye tandem walk tests. The asymmetry indexes also showed a smaller value in the yoga instructors on close-eye tandem gait; however, it did not reach statistical significance. Similarly, the yoga instructors had better body balance, that is, smaller angular velocities on both the waist and chest, in all four single-leg stance tests. This indicates superior postural stability over both the waist and chest levels of yoga instructors during the single-leg stance.

Conclusion

The findings of this study suggest that yoga practice improves gait asymmetry and balance ability in healthy adults. However, further intervention studies are needed to confirm the effect of yoga training.
Trial Registration: This study was registered with an ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05449730.
Identification of Biomarkers Related to Tumor Associated Macrophages in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma with Weighted gene co-expression network analysis
Authors: Jiang Yunzhong , Zhang Mengzhao , Zhang Lu , Wang Lu , Ma Minghai , Jing Minxuan , Li Jianpeng , Song Rundong , Zhang Yuanquan , Yang Zezhong , Zhang Yaodong , Pu Yuanchun , Fan Jinhai
Published: October 2022

Background
Tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) play an exceedingly important role in tumor microenviroment (TME). However, few studies has reported the specific biomakers and TAM related gene signature in clear cell renal carcinoma (RCC). Herein, our research aims to pick out specific biomakers and construct a TAM related gene prognostic signature in clear cell renal carcinoma.
Methods
We downloaded clear cell renal carcinoma patients sequence data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Then, we used CIBERSORT and QuanTIseq algorithm to estimate the percentage of immune cell infiltration. Weighted gene co-expression net work analysis (WGCNA) could sort the specific genes related to TAM(M2 macrophage) in clear cell renal carcinoma. In addition, Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO), univariate and multivariate Cox regression were performed to establish a TAM related gene prognostic model in clear cell renal carcinoma patients. At last, single cell sequence from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) was also verify the expression of TAM realated genes.
Results
We found that TAM (M2 macrophage) infiltration was higher than normal tissue, which suggested that TAM may play an vital role in clear cell renal carcinoma progression. Twenty-seven TAM related genes was picked out by using WGCNA. In addition, the six gene prognostic signature which contained: TNFSF8, CD300FL, C3AR1, LAIR1, LY86, RNASE6 was established. We concluded that the riskscore and tumor stage were independent prognostic factors through univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. Single cell sequence results show that the six hub genes were all expressed in TAMs.
Conclusions
In summary, our research discovered that the TAM related genes and constructed a six gene prognostic signature for clear cell renal carcinoma, which may provide a novel insight for targeting therapy in clear cell renal carcinoma.
Dirofilarial Nodule as a Differential Diagnosis for Subcutaneous Lumps in Children
Authors: Wijekoon Naveen , Antony Diroji , Muhunthan Tharushihan , Samarasinghe Malik
Published: October 2022

Purpose
Subcutaneous nodules in children are commonly caused by pilomatrixoma, dermoid cysts, soft tissue tumors etc. Parasitic infections are reported to cause subcutaneous nodules and are infrequently described, mostly in the adult literature. We aim to describe the clinicopathological features of subcutaneous lumps caused by dirofilarial infestation in children in an endemic country.
Methods
A retrospective analysis was performed of all patients presenting with the above condition to Lady Ridgeway Hospital from 2018 to 2022 and their relevant details were captured in a proforma.
Results
There were 55 patients with a male to female ratio of 2:1. The mean age at presentation was 50 months (7–156 months). The mean duration was 97 days (1-820 days). The common sites involved were scrotum (30.9%), back (14.5%), abdominal wall (102.7%) and face (10.9%). The majority had a painless nodule (70.9%) while 10 (18.2%) had features of acute inflammation. Thirty (55.5%) had preoperative ultrasonography which showed features of parasitic nodules in 26 (47.3%). Parasite was demonstrated in histopathological analysis only in 30 patients (54.5%).
Conclusion
Dirofilarial nodule should be considered in the differential diagnosis of subcutaneous lumps in children, especially in the endemic areas.