bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A generalized analytical solution of groundwater head response to dual tide in a multi‐layered island leaky aquifer system
Authors: Zhao Zhi‐Xue , Hao Yonghong , Wang Tongke , Yeh Tian‐Chyi Jim , Zhang Ming
Published: March 2022

The hydraulic properties of coastal aquifer systems are relevant to various hydrogeological, hydro‐ecological and engineering problems. This study presents an analytical solution for predicting groundwater head fluctuations induced by dual‐tide in multi‐layered island aquifer systems, consisting of an unconfined aquifer on the top and any number of leaky aquifers below. The solution was derived via the methods of matrix differential calculus and separation of variables. It is more general than any existing analytical solutions for the tidal pressure propagation since the new solution can consider multi‐layered aquifer systems along with the effects of leakage and aquifer length. Using this solution, we illustrated potential errors that may occur due to neglecting one or more vital factors affecting groundwater fluctuations. Besides, we articulated the groundwater response to the dual‐tide in complex coastal aquifers. Considering that some thin semipermeable layers may be ignored in practical field investigation, we also demonstrated the effects due to simplification of aquifer layers. The results showed that with the increase in the number of overlapped leaky layers, the tidal propagation in the bottom part of multi‐layered aquifer system approaches that in a single confined aquifer with the same transmissivity and storage.
Trend of nasopharyngeal carcinoma mortality and years of life lost in China and its provinces from 2005 to 2020
Authors: Long Zheng , Wang Wei , Liu Wei , Wang Feixue , Meng Shidi , Liu Jiangmei , Liu Yunning , Qi Jinlei , Wang Lijun , Zhou Maigeng , Yin Peng
Published: March 2022

To examine the trends of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) mortality and years of life lost (YLL) in China and its provinces from 2005 to 2020, our study used data from China National Mortality Surveillance System (NMSS) to estimate the number and rate of mortality and YLL of NPC by age and sex. We calculated average annual percent change (AAPC) to describe the trend of NPC mortality and YLL over time. We also analyzed the proportion of NPC deaths in all cancer deaths and explored the drivers of change in NPC deaths by decomposition analysis. The age‐standardized mortality rate (ASMR) of NPC in China had a significant downward trend from 2.0/100 000 in 2005 to 1.4/100 000 in 2020 (AAPC = −2.4, P < .05). Age‐standardized YLL rate also showed the similar trends (AAPC = −2.8, P < .05). Southern provinces including Guangdong (163.9/100 000), Guangxi (130.5/100 000), and Hainan (105.6/100 000) had the highest YLL rate in 2020. The mortality and YLL rate increased with age and males were higher than females. From 2005 to 2020, the proportion of NPC deaths in all cancer deaths remained stable at around 1.0% in China. The total number of deaths of NPC increased by 7.3%, of which age‐specific mortality, population growth, and population aging accounted for −46.2%, 8.5% and 45.0%, respectively. NPC remains a significant public health issue in China southern provinces and tailored prevention and control strategies should be strengthened to reduce the burden of premature mortality of NPC in high risk areas.
Global patterns in testicular cancer incidence and mortality in 2020
Authors: Znaor Ariana , Skakkebaek Niels Erik , Rajpert‐De Meyts Ewa , Kuliš Tomislav , Laversanne Mathieu , Gurney Jason , Sarfati Diana , McGlynn Katherine A. , Bray Freddie
Published: March 2022

With 74 500 new cases worldwide in 2020, testicular cancer ranks as the 20th leading cancer type, but is the most common cancer in young men of European ancestry. While testicular cancer incidence has been rising in many populations, mortality trends, at least those in high‐income settings, have been in decline since the 1970s following the introduction of platinum‐based chemotherapy. To examine current incidence and mortality patterns, we extracted the new cases of, and deaths from cancers of the testis from the GLOBOCAN 2020 database. In 2020, testicular cancer was the most common cancer in men aged 15 to 44 in 62 countries worldwide. Incidence rates were highest in West‐, North‐ and South‐Europe and Oceania (age‐standardised rate, ASR ≥7/100 000), followed by North America (5.6/100 000 and lowest (<2/100 000) in Asia and Africa. The mortality rates were highest in Central and South America (0.84 and 0.54 per 100 000, respectively), followed by Eastern and Southern Europe, and Western and Southern Africa. The lowest mortality rates were in Northern Europe, Northern Africa and Eastern Asia (0.16, 0.14, 0.9 per 100 000, respectively). At the country level, incidence rates varied over 100‐fold, from 10/100 000 in Norway, Slovenia, Denmark and Germany to ≤0.10/100 000 in Gambia, Guinea, Liberia, Lesotho. Mortality rates were highest in Fiji, Argentina and Mexico. Our results indicate a higher mortality burden in countries undergoing economic transitions and reinforce the need for more equitable access to testicular cancer diagnosis and treatment globally.
Is there an association between isolated sonographic abdominal circumference below the 10th percentile and placental vascular lesions?
Authors: Torem Maya , Marom Or , Gonen Noa , Gindes Liat , Schreiber Letizia , Kovo Michal
Published: March 2022

Objective

To study the association between prenatal diagnosis of isolated abdominal circumference (AC) below the 10th percentile (AC <10th) in appropriate for gestational age (AGA) neonates and placental vascular lesions.

Methods

A prospective study was conducted of healthy women who underwent sonographic fetal biometric measurements, up to 7 days before delivery, and delivered AGA neonates. The study cohort was divided into those with and without prenatal isolated AC <10th. Placental histopathology lesions were classified into maternal and fetal vascular malperfusion (MVM, FVM) lesions.

Results

Compared to the AC over 10th percentile group (n = 85), the AC <10th group (n = 85) was characterized by lower maternal body mass index, higher rate of smokers, and increased rate of induced labor (P = 0.029, P = 0.029, P = 0.001, respectively). There were no between‐group differences regarding maternal age, gestational age, and neonatal outcome. Mean placental weight was lower in the isolated AC <10th (P < 0.001). The rate of MVM or FVM lesions did not differ between the groups. By multivariate logistic regression analysis, isolated AC <10th was not found to be associated with increased risk for placental vascular lesions.

Conclusion

Isolated AC <10th is associated with increased rate of induction of labor; however, it is not associated with increased placental vascular lesions.
Categorization of breast masses based on deep belief network parameters optimized using chaotic krill herd optimization algorithm for frequent diagnosis of breast abnormalities
Authors: Chandraraju Thirumarai Selvi , Jeyaprakash Amudha
Published: March 2022

Several deep learning techniques are utilized for classification of the masses in mammogram images. But the existing method doesnot provide sufficient accuracy . for breast masses classification in mammogram images. In this manuscript, an efficient breast cancer image classification framework utilizing the deep belief network (DBN) through chaotic krill herd optimization (CKHO) algorithm for classification of masses in mammogram images is proposed. Initially the input mammogram images are pre‐processed by altered phase preserving dynamic range compression (APPDRC) method for removing the unwanted noise and artifacts. Then these pre‐processed images are assumed with DBN for classifying that mass in the mammogram images into normal, benign, and malignant lesions. Generally, DBN does not reveal any acceptance of optimization techniques for computing optimal parameters that guarantee an accurate classification. Therefore in this work, proposed CKHO algorithm is employed for optimizing weight parameters of the self‐attention convolutional neural network (SACNN). The simulation process is performed under MATLAB platform. Finally, the proposed DBN with chaotic krill herd optimization algorithm (DBN‐CKHO) attains high accuracy 44.5%, 33.42%, 55.23%, 62.35%, and 43.42% when compared with the existing method such as extreme learning machine classifier with moth flame optimization (ELMC‐MFO), Kernel extreme learning machine classifier with Chaotic salp swarm algorithm (KELMC‐CSSA), Extreme learning machine classifier with fruit fly optimization algorithm (ELMC‐FOA), Kernel extreme learning machine classifier with grasshopper optimization algorithm (KELMC‐GOA) and deep neural network with non‐dominated sorting genetic algorithm‐based classification approach.
Longitudinal bidirectional effects between sleep quality and internalizing problems
Authors: Vazsonyi Alexander T. , Liu Dan , Blatny Marek
Published: March 2022

Introduction

The current study tested the longitudinal bidirectional links between changes in sleep quality and two measures of internalizing problems, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and whether these links differed between males and females.

Methods

Longitudinal data were collected from 570 early adolescents (58.6% female; Mage = 12.43 years, SD = 0.66 at Time 1) who were assessed four times over the course of 1.5 years.

Results

Cross‐lagged panel models were hypothesized and tested the bidirectional links between sleep quality and both depressive and anxiety symptoms; multigroup tests were used to test for sex differences. Sleep quality and developmental changes in sleep quality were negatively associated with developmental changes in depressive symptoms as well as anxiety symptoms over time, and vice versa. These associations did not differ between male and female early adolescents.

Conclusions

Study findings provide evidence that the relationship between poor sleep quality and depressive symptoms as well as anxiety symptoms are likely bidirectional and consistently intertwined. Clinicians might consider both problems to better guide case conceptualization and treatment.
Influence of water hardness on zinc toxicity in Daphnia magna
Authors: Paylar Berkay , Asnake Solomon , Sjöberg Viktor , Ragnvaldsson Daniel , Jass Jana , Olsson Per‐Erik
Published: March 2022

Zinc is an essential trace metal required for the maintenance of multiple physiological functions. Due to this, organisms can experience both zinc deficiency and toxicity. Hardness is recognized as one of the main modifying physiochemical factors regulating zinc bioavailability. Therefore, the present study analyzed the effect of hardness on zinc toxicity using Daphnia magna. Endpoint parameters were acute‐toxicity, development, reproduction, and expression data for genes involved in metal regulation and oxidative stress. In addition, the temporal expression profiles of genes during the initiation of reproduction and molting were investigated. Water hardness influenced the survival in response to exposures to zinc. A zinc concentration of 50 μg/l in soft water (50 mg CaCO3/L) caused 73% mortality after 96 h exposure, whereas the same zinc concentration in the hardest water did not cause any significant mortality. Moreover, increasing water hardness from 100 to 200 mg CaCO3/L resulted in a reduced number of offspring. Fecundity was higher at first brood for groups exposed to higher Zn concentrations. The survival data were used to assess the precision of the bioavailability models (Bio‐met) and the geochemical model (Visual MINTEQ). As the Bio‐met risk predictions overestimated the Zn toxicity, a competition‐based model to describe the effects of hardness on zinc toxicity is proposed. This approach can be used to minimize differences in setting environmental quality standards. Moreover, gene expression data showed that using the toxicogenomic approach was more sensitive than the physiological endpoints. Therefore, data presented in the study can be used to improve risk assessment for zinc toxicity.
Label‐free single‐shot imaging with on‐axis phase‐shifting holographic reflectance quantitative phase microscopy
Authors: Liu Hanzi , Wu Xiaoyan , Liu Guodong , Ren Hongliang , R. V. Vinu , Chen Ziyang , Pu Jixiong
Published: March 2022

Quantitative phase microscopy (QPM) has been emerged as an indispensable diagnostic and characterization tool in biomedical imaging with its characteristic nature of label‐free, noninvasive, and real time imaging modality. The integration of holography to the conventional microscopy opens new advancements in QPM featuring high‐resolution and quantitative three‐dimensional image reconstruction. However, the holography schemes suffer in space‐bandwidth and time‐bandwidth issues in the off‐axis and phase‐shifting configuration, respectively. Here, we introduce an on‐axis phase‐shifting holography based QPM system with single‐shot imaging capability. The technique utilizes the Fizeau interferometry scheme in combination with polarization phase‐shifting and space‐division multiplexing to achieve the single‐shot recording of the multiple phase‐shifted holograms. Moreover, the high‐speed imaging capability with instantaneous recording of spatially phase shifted holograms offers the flexible utilization of the approach in dynamic quantitative phase imaging with robust phase stability. We experimentally demonstrated the validity of the approach by quantitative phase imaging and depth‐resolved imaging of paramecium cells. Furthermore, the technique is applied to the phase imaging and quantitative parameter estimation of red blood cells. This integration of a Fizeau‐based phase‐shifting scheme to the optical microscopy enables a simple and robust tool for the investigations of engineered and biological specimen with real‐time quantitative analysis.
Necroptotic TNFα-Syndecan 4-TNFα Vicious Cycle as a Therapeutic Target for Preventing Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis
Authors: He Feng , Ma Yuanjun , Li Shi , Ren Haozhe , Liu Qian , Chen Xiaohua , Miao Hui , Ye Tao , Lu Qian , Yang Zuge , Li Tianle , Tong Xin , Yang Hongxu , Zhang Mian , Wang Helin , Wang Yazhou , Yu Shibin
Published: March 2022

Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA) is a chronic degenerative disease for which the underlying mechanism still remains unclear. Compared with apoptosis and autophagy, necroptosis causes greater harm to tissue homeostasis by releasing damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). However, the role of necroptosis and downstream key DAMPs in TMJOA is unknown. Here, rodent models of TMJOA were established by the unilateral anterior crossbite (UAC). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and immunohistochemistry of receptor interacting protein kinase 3 (RIPK3)/phosphorylation of mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (pMLKL) were conducted to evaluate the occurrence of necroptosis in vivo. The therapeutic effects of blocking necroptosis were achieved by intra-articularly injecting RIPK3 or MLKL inhibitors and using RIPK3 or MLKL knockout mice. In vitro necroptosis of condylar chondrocyte was induced by combination of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), second mitochondria-derived activator of caspases (SMAC) mimetics and carbobenzoxy-valyl-alanyl-aspartyl-[O-methyl]- fluoromethylketone (z-VAD-fmk). The possible DAMPs released by necroptotic chondrocytes were screened by quantitative proteomics and blocked by specific antibody. Translucent cytosol, swollen organelles, and ruptured cell membranes, features of necroptosis, were frequently manifested in chondrocytes at the early stage of condylar cartilage degeneration in TMJOA, which was accompanied by upregulation of RIPK3/pMLKL. Inhibiting or knocking out RIPK3/MLKL significantly prevented cartilage degeneration. DAMPs released by necroptotic condylar chondrocytes, such as syndecan 4 (SDC4) and heat shock protein 90 (HSP90), were verified. Furthermore, blocking the function of SDC4 significantly attenuated the expression of TNFα in cartilage and synovium, and accordingly increased cartilage thickness and reduced synovial inflammation. Thus, the necroptotic vicious cycle of TNFα-SDC4-TNFα contributes to cartilage degeneration and synovitis, and can serve as a potential therapeutic target for treating TMJOA. © 2022 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
A real space picture of the role of steric effects inSN2reactions
Authors: Gallegos Miguel , Costales Aurora , Martín Pendás Ángel
Published: March 2022

Within substitution reactions, the Bimolecular Nucleophilic Substitution (SN2) reaction mechanism is one of the most frequently found and studied ones. Among other factors, the easiness of the SN2 pathway is classically considered to be determined by steric hindrance. However, the diffuse nature of the latter inevitably darkens these and other arguments holding the pillars of chemical intuition. In this work, we employ the steric energy (EST) descriptor, formulated within the Interacting Quantum Atoms approach, to offer insights regarding this problem. The steric demands of the substrate, nucleophile and leaving group were studied using the gas‐phase SN2 reaction with different organic skeletons (CH3, CH3CH2, (CH3)2CH, (CH3)3C, (CH3)3CCH2) and halogens (F, Cl, and Br) as test‐bed systems. Our results show that, according to EST, the SH experienced along these simple reactions fits, in the general case, the trends predicted by a meticulous and rigorous application of chemical intuition. However, steric clash alone should not be considered as the only argument used to explain the easiness of the SN2 reaction over different electrophiles.
Analysis of HIV‐1 integrase genotypes and polymorphisms among integrase inhibitors‐based antiretroviral treatment naïve patients in South Sudan
Authors: Giovanetti Marta , Farcomeni Stefania , Sernicola Leonardo , Virtuoso Sara , Fontanelli Sulekova Lucia , Maggiorella Maria T , Buttò Stefano , Taliani Gloria , Ciccozzi Massimo , Borsetti Alessandra
Published: March 2022

HIV‐1 genetic diversity and drug resistance mutations remain public health challenges especially in regions where treatment is limited. The aim of this study was to characterize the HIV‐1 integrase (IN) subtype and the possible occurrence of drug‐resistance mutations or polymorphisms in resource‐poor settings in South Sudan. Dried blood spots from integrase inhibitor treatment (Integrase strand transfer inhibitor [INSTI]) naïve HIV‐1 infected patients were subjected to DNA amplification and direct sequencing of integrase genes. The sequences were interpreted for drug resistance according to the Stanford algorithm and the International AIDS Society‐USA guidelines. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that HIV‐1 subtype D, C, G, A1, and recombinant forms accounted for 40%, 10%, 13.3%, 23.4%, and 13.3%, respectively. Furthermore, inter‐subtype recombinants were interspersed within viral strains sampled in other African countries, highlighting complex transmission dynamics within a mobile host population. A total of 78 of 288 (27%) amino acid IN positions presented at least one polymorphism each. Major INSTI resistance mutations were absent, however, polymorphic accessory mutations at positions M50ILR (26.6%) and L74I (3.3%) were detected. Despite the limited size of the study population, our findings underscore the need for monitoring minor and natural polymorphisms that may influence the outcome of treatment regimens.
The impact of anti‐COVID‐19 nonpharmaceutical interventions on hand, foot, and mouth disease—A spatiotemporal perspective in Xi'an, northwestern China
Authors: Shen Li , Sun Minghao , Song Shuxuan , Hu Qingwu , Wang Nuoya , Ou Guangyu , Guo Zhaohui , Du Jing , Shao Zhongjun , Bai Yao , Liu Kun
Published: March 2022

Growing evidence has shown that anti‐COVID‐19 nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) can support prevention and control of various infectious diseases, including intestinal diseases. However, most studies focused on the short‐term mitigating impact and neglected the dynamic impact over time. This study is aimed to investigate the dynamic impact of anti‐COVID‐19 NPIs on hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) over time in Xi'an City, northwestern China. Based on the surveillance data of HFMD, meteorological and web search data, Bayesian Structural Time Series model and interrupted time series analysis were performed to quantitatively measure the impact of NPIs in sequent phases with different intensities and to predict the counterfactual number of HFMD cases. From 2013 to 2021, a total number of 172,898 HFMD cases were reported in Xi'an. In 2020, there appeared a significant decrease in HFMD incidence (−94.52%, 95% CI: −97.54% to −81.95%) in the first half of the year and the peak period shifted from June to October by a small margin of 6.74% compared to the previous years of 2013 to 2019. In 2021, the seasonality of HFMD incidence gradually returned to the bimodal temporal variation pattern with a significant average decline of 61.09%. In particular, the impact of NPIs on HFMD was more evident among young children (0–3 years), and the HFMD incidence reported in industrial areas had an unexpected increase of 51.71% in 2020 autumn and winter. Results suggested that both direct and indirect NPIs should be implemented as effective public health measures to reduce infectious disease and improve surveillance strategies, and HFMD incidence in Xi'an experienced a significant rebound to the previous seasonality after a prominent decline influenced by the anti‐COVID‐19 NPIs.
Baseline sensitivity of Rhizoctonia solani to four DMI fungicides
Authors: Gao Shigang , Xu Lihui , Zeng Rong , Gao Ping , Song Zhiwei , Dai Fuming
Published: March 2022

A set of 78 Rhizoctonia solani isolates from Shanghai, China, were examined for their sensitivity in vitro to four demethylase inhibitor (DMI) fungicides, epoxiconazole, difenoconazole, hexaconazole, and tebuconazole, by the mycelial growth rate method. The isolates were very sensitive to the four DMI fungicides. The ranges and means of the EC50 values were 0.004–0.045 and 0.014 ± 0.007 μg ml−1 for epoxiconazole, 0–0.103 and 0.010 ± 0.016 μg ml−1 for difenoconazole, 0.001–0.078 and 0.011 ± 0.013 μg ml−1 for hexaconazole, and 0.001–0.210 and 0.034 ± 0.035 μg ml−1 for tebuconazole, respectively. The frequency distribution of the EC50 values showed a normal curve for epoxiconazole and an approximately unimodal curve for difenoconazole, hexaconazole, and tebuconazole. There was no correlation between the sensitivities of the R. solani population to any two of the four fungicides (r < 0.3). In field trials, in 2015 and 2016, the control efficacies of hexaconzole, epoxiconazole, and tebuconazole were >90.0% at 75 g.a.i. ha−1, 80.0%–90.0% at 75 g.a.i. ha−1 and 80.0%–90.0% at 97 g.a.i. ha−1, respectively; these values are significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those obtained in this study for difenoconazole (65.0%–70.0% at 80 g.a.i. ha−1) and jinggangmycin (68.0%–71.0% at 150 g.a.i. ha−1). These results show that sensitivity data can be used to monitor and detect any variations in the sensitivity of the R. solani population to these four DMI fungicides, and demonstrate that epoxiconazole, hexaconazole, and tebuconazole are likely to be good alternatives to jinggangmycin for controlling rice sheath blight.
Computational analysis of Lisfranc surgical repairs
Authors: Perez Michael T. , Owen John R. , Adelaar Robert S. , Wayne Jennifer S.
Published: March 2022

Ligamentous Lisfranc injuries cause debilitating pain and loss of function. Even small diastasis of this normally rigid joint after injury requires surgical treatment, but outcomes remain poor. Existing literature has compared the different surgical procedures using cadaveric models, but no approach has been recommended over others. This study uses a computational biomechanical approach consistent with a cadaveric study to evaluate the different procedures' ability to stabilize the Lisfranc joint without inducing secondary consequences. A validated rigid body model for the cadaver foot with a Lisfranc injury was extended to compare the stability of four different surgical repairs—three open reduction and internal fixation procedures with different hardware (cannulated screws, endobuttons, and screws with a dorsal plate) and primary arthrodesis with screws. Forces calculated from the rigid body model for 50% partial weight bearing provided boundary conditions for a finite element model of the surgical repairs. Comparing the different surgical procedures, the open reduction and internal fixation with screws and primary arthrodesis with screws showed the most stable postoperative Lisfranc joint. However, the use of cannulated screws for fixation showed regions of high stress that may be susceptible to breakage and also resulted in higher contact forces in joints adjacent to the surgery site. Endobuttons and dorsal plates did not restore sufficient stability. Since all procedures showed different points of concern that could impact outcomes, additional surgical approaches could be needed in the future. This study offers a standard protocol for benchmarking the new procedures against those currently used.
Modified low ratio ketogenic therapy in the treatment of adults with super‐refractory status epilepticus
Authors: Kaul Neha , Nation Judy , Laing Joshua , Nicolo John‐Paul , Deane Adam M. , Udy Andrew A. , Kwan Patrick , O'Brien Terence J.
Published: March 2022

Background

Induction of ketosis by manipulation of nutrition intake has been proposed as an adjunctive treatment for super‐refractory status epilepticus (SRSE). However, the classical 4:1 ketogenic ratio may not meet the nutrition needs, specifically protein for critically ill adults. The aim of this study was to analyze the outcomes of adults with SRSE who received a lower ketogenic ratio of 2:1 grams of fat to non‐fat grams, including 20%–30% of energy from medium chain triglycerides.

Methods

We reviewed patients aged ≥18 years with SRSE treated with ketogenic therapy between July 2015 and December 2020 at two quaternary teaching hospitals in Melbourne, Australia. Data collected from medical records included patient demographics, nutrition prescription, clinical outcomes, and ketogenic therapy‐related complications. The primary outcome of the study was to assess tolerability of ketogenic therapy.

Results

Twelve patients (female = 7) were treated with ketogenic therapy for SRSE. Patients received between 4 and 8 antiseizure medications and 1–5 anesthetic agents prior to commencement of ketogenic therapy. Blood beta‐hydroxybutyrate concentrations were variable (median = 0.5 mmol/L, range: 0.0–6.1 mmol/L).

SRSE resolved in 10 cases (83%) after a median of 9 days (range: 2–21 days) following commencement of ketogenic therapy. Ketogenic therapy–associated complications were reported in five patients, leading to cessation in two patients.

Conclusion

Despite the challenge in maintaining ketosis during critical illness, low ratio 2:1 ketogenic therapy incorporating medium chain triglycerides is tolerable for adults with SRSE. Further studies are required to determine the optimal timing, nutrition prescription and duration of ketogenic therapy for SRSE treatment.
Efficacy and safety of metaraminol in critically ill patients with shock: a systematic review
Authors: Sardaneh Arwa Abu , Narayan Sujita , Penm Jonathan , Oliver Matthew , Gattas David , McLachlan Andrew J. , Patanwala Asad E.
Published: March 2022

Aim

To assess the efficacy and safety of metaraminol infusions in comparison to other vasopressors in critically ill patients with shock with regard to hospital mortality, effect on haemodynamics (mean arterial pressure or systolic blood pressure), duration of vasopressor use, and adverse events.

Data sources

A systematic review was conducted in eight electronic databases and nine trial registers from inception to 17 March 2021.

Study selection

Studies included randomised or non‐randomised controlled trials, and retrospective or prospective observational studies of critically ill adult patients admitted to the intensive care unit or emergency department with shock of any aetiology and who received metaraminol via continuous infusion compared to patients who received other vasopressors.

Results

Out of 1387 eligible articles, three observational studies and one controlled trial were included involving a total of 54 patients. Study patients had different types of shock including septic (n = 28), cardiogenic (n = 21), hypovolemic (n = 3) and neurogenic shock (n = 2). All studies compared metaraminol to noradrenaline and were of poor quality and high risk of bias. There was no difference in hospital mortality or effect on mean arterial pressure or systolic blood pressure between metaraminol and noradrenaline in any of the studies. None of the studies reported the duration of vasopressor use or adverse drug events such as extravasation or tissue injury.

Conclusion

There is limited and low‐quality efficacy and safety data to support the use of metaraminol over other vasopressors in critically ill patients with shock. Future clinical trials are needed before this agent is routinely used in this patient population.
When is the evidence conclusive? Analysis of systematic reviews for which Cochrane declared that conclusions will not change with further studies
Authors: Babić Andrija , Poklepović Peričić Tina , Pieper Dawid , Puljak Livia
Published: March 2022

Some Cochrane reviews were declared stable or closed, that is, not in need of updating. For some of them, it has been declared that conclusions will not (or it is unlikely they will) change with further studies. We explored whether there is a discernable decision‐making pattern for decisions about the conclusiveness and stabilization of these reviews. We analyzed Cochrane reviews published until April 2020 labeled as stable or closed. We extracted the rationale leading to the decision declaring that the conclusion is not expected to change with further studies. Furthermore, we assessed whether the reviews used GRADE analysis. We extracted data from summary of findings (SoF) tables on the direction of effect, statistical significance, and I2 values for the first and primary outcomes in SoFs, conclusions in the abstract and review, and implications for practice and future research. We included 40 stable/closed Cochrane reviews. Rationales for their stabilization did not enable any insight into the Cochrane's decision‐making algorithm for considering the evidence as conclusive. Among 191 outcomes presented in the SoFs, 70% were rated with either low or very low certainty evidence. None of the reviews mentioned in the text that the review should be stabilized or closed, or that there is sufficient evidence on the subject. Reasons for stabilizing/closing Cochrane reviews were unclear, and we could not discern any pattern of “conclusive review” traits. Definition of systematic review conclusiveness is still lacking, which may contribute to research waste.
Surgical resection for adrenocortical carcinoma: Current trends affecting survival
Authors: Shah Monali , NeMoyer Rachel E. , Kashyap Richi , Lin Yong , Sarmiento Juan , Kooby David A. , Maithel Shishir K. , Gillespie Theresa W. , Laird Amanda M. , Shah Mihir M.
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is associated with a poor prognosis. We reviewed the National Cancer Database (NCDB) to analyze the prognostic factors in surgically resected ACC patients and the association of surgical approaches with overall survival (OS).

Methods

A retrospective NCDB (2004–2014) review of patients undergoing curative‐intent surgical resection for ACC was performed. Effects of patient demographics, tumor characteristics, histopathology, and perioperative course on OS were analyzed. Log‐rank statistics were used to associate clinical variables with OS. The multivariable Cox proportional hazard model included only statistically significant variables.

Results

A total of 1599 patients with ACC were included. A majority of patients were female (60.73%) and presented with a Charlson–Deyo score of zero (75.42%). A majority of the ACC cases were Grade 3 (45.69%), and almost a third (30.64%) underwent margin‐positive resections. Univariate analysis demonstrated a decrease in OS associated with increasing age and comorbidities. A negative resection margin and lack of lymphovascular invasion predicted better OS. Multivariable analysis showed that age, grade, surgical resection margins, and hospital length of stay were associated with OS.

Conclusions

Advanced age, grade, presence of lymphovascular invasion, and positive surgical margins predicted a worse overall survival for adrenocortical cancer in our analysis. Resection with negative margins improves outcomes.
Estimating elephant density using motion‐sensitive cameras: challenges, opportunities, and parameters for consideration
Authors: Morrison Jacqueline , Omengo Fred , Jones Martin , Symeonakis Elias , Walker Susan L. , Cain Bradley
Published: March 2022

With extinction rates far exceeding the natural background rate, reliable monitoring of wildlife populations has become crucial for adaptive management and conservation. Robust monitoring is often labor intensive with high economic costs, particularly in the case of those species that are subject to illegal poaching, such as elephants, which require frequent and accurate population estimates over large spatial scales. Dung counting methods are commonly employed to estimate the density of elephants; however, in the absence of a full survey calibration, these can be unreliable in heterogeneous habitats where dung decay rates may be highly variable. We explored whether motion‐sensitive cameras offer a simple, lower cost, and reliable alternative for monitoring in challenging forest environments. We estimated the density of African savanna elephants (Loxodanta africana) in a montane forest using the random encounter model and assessed the importance of surveying parameters for future survey design. We deployed motion‐sensitive cameras in 65 locations in the Aberdare Conservation Area in Kenya during June to August in 2015 to 2017, for a survey effort of 967 days, and a mean encounter rate of 0.09 ± 0.29 (SD) images/day. Elephants were captured in 16 locations. Density estimates varied between vegetation types, with estimates ranging from 6.27/km2 in shrub, 1.1/km2 in forest, 0.53/km2 in bamboo (Yushania alpine), and 0.44/km2 in the moorlands. The average speed of animal movement and the camera detection zone had the strongest linear associations with density estimates (R = −0.97). The random encounter model has the potential to offer an alternative, or complementary method within the active management framework for monitoring elephant populations in forests at a relatively low cost.
A Wearable Strain Sensor Based on Electroconductive Hydrogel Composites for Human Motion Detection
Authors: Fraser Stephanie A. , Van Zyl Werner E.
Published: March 2022

Hydrogels are becoming the default platform for flexible electronic applications—specifically, strain sensors. But the simultaneous realization of compliance, robustness, and strain sensitivity required, using environmentally friendly materials, remains challenging. Here a series of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)‐based biocomposite hydrogels, comprising variable quantities of nanocellulose and sodium alginate formed by freeze/thaw cycling, is reported. The results indicate that a hybrid hydrogel is prepared via the incorporation of conductive polypyrrole/bacterial nanocellulose composite material into the optimized PVA‐based hydrogel matrix (yield strength = 6.0 MPa, elastic modulus = 2.4 MPa, stretchability >384%). The resulting hybrid material exhibits remarkable toughness, nonlinear conformability, and piezoresistivity and demonstrates good strain sensitivity over a considerable range of deformation (<≈200% elongation, maximum gauge factor = 0.96). Moreover, the hybrid hydrogel is assembled into a wearable piezoresistive sensor capable of detecting large‐range human motion with high sensitivity, stability, and repeatability over a few repeated loading cycles. Thus, there is potential for the application of the conductive hybrid hydrogel in flexible electronics, such as wearable devices for health monitoring, soft robotics, and biomedical implants. Furthermore, the implementation of biocompatible polymers and renewable materials, amongst other green design principles, provides scope for the design of sustainable high performance materials.
Finite element analysis of newly developed hip prosthesis
Authors: Namasivayam D. , Andriyana A. , Arifin N.
Published: March 2022

The present study focuses on the design and finite element analysis of a novel hip prosthesis comprising truss structures intended to equally distribute the stress along the prosthesis. The prosthesis is designed to suit three different inclination angles of 20°, 40° and 60°. The three designs were subjected to loading conditions that emulate walking, jogging, and cycling activities via finite element simulations. Using the von Mises yield criterion and Goodman relation for fatigue, it is found that the safety factor and the life cycle of the proposed prosthesis design was within the acceptable range. Furthermore, the truss structures incorporated in the prosthesis appear to reduce the stress levels in the femur.
Effect of graphene filler on mechanical properties of cotton/viscose hybrid composite
Authors: Arunkumar K. , Raghu R. , LetaTesfaye J. , Krishnaraj R.
Published: March 2022

This work addresses the preparation of cotton/viscose fabric reinforced hybrid composite with graphene as a filler material by a compression moulding process and investigation on their mechanical properties such as tensile strength, flexural strength, impact strength, and hardness. The graphene filler was taken in different proportions such as 1.5 weight percentage (wt. %), 3 wt. %, and 4.5 wt. %, which was mixed with the matrix material. It was observed that the addition of filler improved the mechanical properties of the composite. The hybrid composite with 4.5 wt. % of graphene was observed with an enhanced tensile strength of 73.9 MPa and flexural strength of 406.2 MPa. An improvement of 21.7 % in tensile strength and 284.2 % in flexural strength was noticed for the addition of 4.5 wt. % of graphene filler. The addition of filler during the preparation of hybrid composite improved the bonding of the epoxy matrix with the cotton/viscose fabric and thereby mechanical properties were enhanced due to better load carrying capacity of the composites.
Fatigue properties of wood at different load ratios tested at 50 Hz and 20 kHz
Authors: Schönbauer B.M. , Killinger M. , Karr U. , Fitzka M. , Müller U. , Teischinger A. , Mayer H.
Published: March 2022

Fatigue properties of sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus) under cyclic tension, cyclic compression and tension‐compression loading at 50 Hz are investigated. Furthermore, for the first time, fatigue test results of wood generated with the ultrasonic fatigue testing technique at 20 kHz under tension‐compression loading are presented. Cyclic properties are in line with the static properties – with the tensile strength being more than two times the compressive strength. Mean lifetimes of 106 cycles are found if the maximum tensile stress for cyclic tension is 69 %±8 % of the tensile strength and if the maximum compressive stresses for cyclic compression and tension‐compression are 75 %±7 % and 54 %±4 % of the compressive strength, respectively. Tension‐compression loading at 20 kHz delivers lifetimes comparable to servo‐hydraulic tests at 50 Hz, and no pronounced frequency effect on fatigue lifetime is found. Ultrasonic fatigue testing is therefore, in principle, appropriate for accelerated fatigue testing of wood up to the very high cycle fatigue regime. Tests up to 109 cycles show no evidence of a fatigue limit for sycamore maple.
Propagation of waves in a hydroelastic shell‐viscous liquid system, in the presence of gas bubbles
Authors: Sevdimaliyev Yusif M. , Salmanova Gulnar M. , Akbarli Reyhan S. , Nagieva Nazrin B.
Published: March 2022

In this article, a thin‐walled isotropic infinitely long‐circular cylindrical elastic tube and the pulsed flow of an aerohydroelastic system within a compressible bubble fluid have been presented in 3D. The equation has been solved for an axisymmetric waves propagation in the liquid–shell system. The form and frequency of the specific oscillations formed in the shell–fluid dynamic system have been determined. The results obtained for the case when the material of thin‐walled pipes is made from various modifications of high‐strength steel and non‐classical polymeric materials, and water containing spherical air bubbles is taken as a two‐phase liquid. The fundamental iteration technique has been used to compute eigenvalues and corresponding eigenfunctions to represent field quantities with the help of Matlab software. The numerical results have been presented graphically.
Oxygen detection system based on TDLAS–WMS and a compact multipass gas cell
Authors: Chang Jvqiang , He Qixin , Li Jiakun , Feng Qibo
Published: March 2022

In this paper, a sensitive oxygen monitoring system was demonstrated using tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy and wavelength modulation spectroscopy. Light from a distributed feedback laser near 760.8 nm was coupled into a compact Herriott cell with a 3.3 m optical path. A LabVIEW‐based orthogonal lock‐in amplifier was developed to extract the gas concentration information from the absorption signal, which can achieve baseline fitting, background deduction, filtering, and harmonic extraction. Oxygen measurement experiments were conducted, and the performance of the system was obtained. Based on an Allan deviation analysis, the minimum detection limit of the system was 0.247% at an averaging time of 1 s and could improve to 0.022% when the averaging time was 40 s.
Wideband asymmetric coplanar waveguide antenna using composite right/left‐handed transmission line
Authors: Shi Yuan , Zeng Qingsheng , Wang Zhefei , Si Qingqing , Zhang Yandong , Qiu Tian , Shang Yuqiu , Wu Yong
Published: March 2022

A broadband asymmetric coplanar waveguide antenna is designed. In this design, two periodical composite right/left‐handed transmission line (CRLH‐TL) unit cells were chosen to generate three resonating modes. The broadband characteristic of this antenna can be achieved by combining the first‐negative‐order resonance, zeroth‐order resonance, and first‐positive‐order resonance of CRLH‐TL. A prototype structure of our proposed antenna has been fabricated and tested. The dimensions of the antenna are 30.0 × 40.0 × 1.6 mm3, which corresponds to 0.19  × 0.25  × 0.01 , where is the free‐space wavelength at 1.88 GHz. The measured band in which S11 is below −10 dB ranges from 1.80 to 3.75 GHz with the fractional bandwidth of 70.27%. The radiation patterns of the proposed antenna are highly consistent throughout the operating band, which covers the band of WiMAX, with the measured average peak gain of 2.77 dBi and radiation efficiency of 86.63%.
Dynamic response of large diameter, concrete‐lined vertical shafts under external and seismic excitation
Authors: Guerra Conrado S. , Labaki Josué , Barros Pérsio L. A.
Published: March 2022

This article proposes a novel numerical model of the dynamic response of large diameter, concrete‐lined circular shafts, embedded in transversely isotropic soils. Excitation is given as time‐harmonic external loads applied to the base of the shaft, or vertically propagating, time‐harmonic pressure waves. The concrete lining is modeled with finite annular plate and cylindrical‐shell finite elements, while the contact tractions at the shaft–soil interface are modeled within a boundary elements framework. The response of the coupled system is obtained by imposing rigorous continuity and equilibrium conditions at the interface. The model yields accurate representation of the energy exchange between shaft and soil, as well as energy propagation through the soil as an unbounded medium. Original numerical results are presented on the response of the shaft and lining for selected geometric and constitutive parameters, frequencies and type of excitation, and anisotropic soil constitutions.
Impact of COVID‐19 on life experiences reported by a diverse cohort of older adults with diabetes and obesity
Authors: Wagenknecht Lynne E. , Chao Ariana M. , Wadden Thomas A. , McCaffery Jeanne M. , Hayden Kathleen M. , Laferrère Blandine , Clark Jeanne M. , Johnson Karen C. , Howard Marjorie J. , Yanovski Susan Z. , Wing Rena R. ,   the Look AHEAD Research Group
Published: March 2022

Objective

This study aimed to measure the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on self‐reported life experiences in older adults with diabetes and obesity.

Methods

Participants were surveyed in 2020 regarding negative and positive impacts of the pandemic across domains of personal, social, and physical experiences. A cumulative negative risk index (a count of all reported negative impacts of 46 items) and a positive risk index (5 items) were characterized in relation to age, sex, race/ethnicity, BMI, and multimorbidity.

Results

Response rate was high (2950/3193, 92%), average age was 76 years, 63% were women, and 39% were from underrepresented populations. Women reported more negative impacts than men (6.8 vs. 5.6; p < 0.001 [of 46 items]) as did persons with a greater multimorbidity index (p < 0.001). Participants reporting African American/Black race reported fewer negative impacts than White participants. Women also reported more positive impacts than men (1.9 vs. 1.6; p < 0.001 [of 5 items]).

Conclusions

Older adults with diabetes and obesity reported more positive impacts of the pandemic than negative impacts, relative to the number of positive (or negative) items presented. Some subgroups experienced greater negative impacts (e.g., for women, a greater multimorbidity index). Efforts to reestablish personal, social, and physical health after the pandemic could target certain groups.
Macroscopic membranes self‐assembled by alginate and a cationic and amphiphilic peptide for cell culture
Authors: Levi Topaz , Yosefi Gal , Bitton Ronit , Rapaport Hanna
Published: March 2022

Peptides self‐assembly systems have been explored over the past years in the context of various biological applications, such as tissue engineering and drug delivery. Here we present the development of hierarchically ordered planar and spherical macroscopic membranes constructed by an amphiphilic and cationic β‐sheet peptide that spontaneously assembles with the negatively charged alginate biopolymer. These two components generate a condensed film that developed to exhibit perpendicularly oriented fibers under specific conditioning over days. Here we examined the suitability of these spherical and planar membranes to serve as substrates for cell culture applications. Planar and spherical membranes were stable in the cell culture Dulbecco's modified eagle medium, at 37°C, over days. Breast‐cancer cells seeded on the peptide and alginate sides of fully developed and non‐fully developed planar membrane were viable for more than 2 weeks. In addition, cells were injected into spherical membranes and detected viable close to the rim even at 3 weeks. These results demonstrate the suitability of planar and spherical membranes to serve as a platform, for example, in studying cancer cells in unique niches and alternatively in potential allogeneic cell therapies.