bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Extra-Articular Tibia Valga Morphology in Valgus Knees and its Implications for Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Sobhi Salar , Khan Riaz J.K. , Fick Daniel P. , Finsterwald Michael
Published: October 2022

Introduction
Tibia valga, an extra-articular valgus deformity of the tibia, is common in valgus knees and can result in component misplacement and early total knee arthroplasty (TKA) failure. However, the prevalence and importance of tibia valga in TKA has been seldom reported. This study aims to describe the prevalence and characteristics of tibia valga morphology in valgus knees and describes implications for surgical planning in primary TKA.
Methods
We prospectively examined pre-operative weightbearing whole-body EOS digital radiographs of patients with knee osteoarthritis listed for TKA between December 2018 and December 2020. Hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA), mechanical lateral distal femoral angle (mLDFA), mechanical medial proximal tibial angle (mMPTA), joint line convergence angle (JLCA) and tibial morphology with centre of rotation of angulation of tibia (CORA-tibia) were measured and analysed.
Results
In 830 knees, 253 (30%) and 577 (70%) were classified as valgus and varus respectively. In valgus knees, 89 knees (35%) had tibia valga. Median CORA-tibia was 2.8o (range 0.2-10.9o). Tibia valga knees had no difference in mLDFA, higher HKA (5.0o versus 3.0o, p=0.002) and mMPTA (89.6o versus 88.1o, p<0.01), and lower JLCA (2.1o versus 2.3o, p<0.01) compared to non-tibia valga knees. Tibia valga deformity was weakly positively correlated with valgus HKA (ρ=0.23, p<0.001) and mMPTA (ρ=0.38, p<0.001). In varus knees, there were 52 cases of tibia valga (9%) with median CORA-tibia of 3.0o (range 0.5-5.5o). Tibia valga knees had higher mMPTA (87.0o versus 85.2o, p<0.05) and no difference in HKA, mLDFA and JLCA. CORA-tibia was weakly positively correlated with mMPTA.
Conclusions
Valgus knees may have an extra-articular deformity of the tibia which might be the primary contributor of the overall valgus HKA deformity rather than the distal femoral anatomy. To detect the deformity, full leg-length radiographs should be acquired pre-operatively. Intramedullary instrumentation should be used cautiously in knees with tibia valga when performing TKA.
Correlation between Earnings Management and Financial Distress among Selected Firms in Kenya
Authors: Kamau Charles , Banafa Abdulkadir , Kariuki Samuel
Published: October 2022

Background This paper evaluates the link between earnings management and financial distress among listed firms in Kenya. Earnings management is the use of accounting practices to prepare financial statements that portray a company's business activity and financial status in an unrealistically favorable manner. On the other hand, financial distress is when an organization's revenues or income no longer satisfy its financial obligations, resulting in bankruptcy and possible dissolution. Results The assessment compares the modified Jones score, which is commonly used to measure discretionary accruals, with Altman’s Z score, which measures the degree of financial distress. The earnings management and financial distress. The selected firms under this study are known to be financially distressed as per the publicly available information. The hypothesis tests express whether a correlation exists between earnings management and financial distress. The result also highlights the level of significance of the effect of earnings management on financial distress. Conclusion The study concludes that there is some moderate probability that a financially distressed firm is likely to practice earnings management. On the other hand, there is a moderate likelihood that firms that practice earnings management may face financial distress at some point. Earnings management is not necessarily practiced to camouflage financial distress, but that does not mean that it cannot happen. On the other hand, financial distress is not an indicator of earnings management and vice versa.
Benefits of a laparoscopic approach for second colorectal resection after colectomy or proctectomy
Authors: Nozawa Hiroaki , Sasaki Kazuhito , Emoto Shigenobu , Murono Koji , Yokoyama Yuichiro , Sonoda Hirofumi , Nagai Yuzo , Abe Shinya , Ishihara Soichiro
Published: October 2022

Background: Alaparoscopic approach generally provides several benefits in patients who undergo colon or rectal surgery without jeopardizing oncological outcomes. However, there is a paucity of studies on comparative outcomes of laparoscopic versus open approaches for second primary colorectal lesions after colectomy or proctectomy.
Methods: From patients with colorectal disease who underwent surgery between 2008 and 2021 at our hospital, we collected 73 consecutive patients who had previous colorectal surgery for this retrospective study. Based on the second surgery approach (laparoscopic or open), patients were classified into the Lap (n=38) or Op group (n=35). Patients’ baseline data and perioperative and postoperative outcomes were compared between the two groups.
Results: Four patients (11%) of the Lap group needed conversion to laparotomy. The intraoperative blood loss was lower in the Lap group than the Op group (median: 50 ml vs 210 ml, p=0.0003). The time to first bowel movement was shorter in the Lap group than the Op group (median: 2.7 days vs 3.5 days, p=0.004). The operative time, frequencies of postoperative morbidities, andoverall survival did not differ between the two groups.
Conclusion: Laparoscopic surgery appeared feasible and beneficial for selected patients undergoing second colorectal resection after colectomy or proctectomy regarding blood loss and bowel function recovery without affecting other outcomes.
Body Mass Index and Risk of Internal Knee Derangement: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Cai Kaishen , Xiong Binglang , Fan Yinuo , Lai Qizhong , Lin Tianye , Chen Minghai , Liang Yupeng , Fang Hanjun , Zhou Chi , Zhang Qingwen , Chen Zhenqiu
Published: October 2022

Background
Traditional observational studies have found an increased risk of internal knee derangement (IKD) associated with higher body mass index (BMI). Here, we hypothesized that BMI and the risk of IKD have a causal relationship, and that high BMI is more likely to suffer from IKD.
Method
By reading the results of previous studies, we can assume that high BMI can increase the risk of IKD. The instrumental variables of BMI were obtained from the GIANT GWAS meta-analysis, which included approximately 700,000 individuals of European descent (n = 681,275). The IKD genetic data from IEU database, comprising 16,380,251 SNPs of European population. We performed MR analysis mainly by inverse-variance weighted (IVW), MR-Egger, Weighted median. In order to test the robustness of the correlation, we further conducted sensitivity analysis through Cochran’s Q test, MR-Egger intercept test and leave-one-out analysis.
Results
Genetic predisposition to higher BMI by 1 SD (SD = 4.8kg/m2) was associated with 49% higher risk of IKD (OR = 1.491; [95%CI: 1.373–1.619]; p = 1.932e-21༜0.05). Sensitivity analysis was consistent with causal interpretation, which shows that there is unlikely to be a major bias in genetic pleiotropy.
Conclusions
Our findings indicated that high BMI predicted by genes exerts a causal effect on increasing the risk of IKD. Further research is required to unravel the mechanism of BMI in IKD prevention.
Experimental Study on the Influence of Curing Conditions on the Mechanical Performance of MSWI-BA
Authors: Zhao Yao , Xu Fengchi
Published: October 2022

In this study, three groups of municipal solid waste incinerated-bottom ash (MSWI-BA) with different particle sizes (1.18–2.36 mm; 2.36–4.75 mm; 4.75–9.5 mm) were separately treated under natural dry, half-wet, and wet condition, to investigate the possibility of their mechanical performance. The strength of MSWI-BA was periodicity tested throughout the crushing value test. The change of microstructure and mineral components over curing time were separately analyzed via scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results show that the highest strength of MSWI-BA is obtained under half-wet curing condition. The strength development of MSWI-BA is attributed to the formation of hydration products of calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) and the increase in well-crystallized minerals of CaCO3. In addition, the results of the indoor long-term immersion test shows that the heavy metal leached concentrations of MSWI-BA are far below the limited values in Chinese standard (GB 5085), confirming the safety of using MSWI-BA as road construction material from the environmental perspective.
Prospective study on the organization and efficiency of online journal club
Authors: Burlov Nikita , Baranovskii Matvei , Burlova Elizaveta , Khrykov Gleb
Published: October 2022

Background.
Interest in journal clubs is still high. All authors report positive results on subjective parameters. But objective assessments of effectiveness are limited and contradictory. The aim of this study is to share our experience and the effectiveness of the journal club.
Methods.
The prospective cohort study. Our Journal club is held online. To become a member, a person needs to go through 3 steps (application form, tests, interview). Each meeting is conducted online using the Zoom client. The date, time and specialty are chosen by voting in the Telegram channel. The meetings are held in a discussion format. During each samples participants were also tested in EBM and statistics (experimental groups), as well as the contestants (control group).
Results.
Now there were 25 members in the JC. During the year there were 21 meetings. As for the 2nd sample, experimental group had better test results (p unadjusted = 0.032, p adjusted = 0.212). Then, regarding the 3rd sample the outcomes did not differ between the groups.
Conclusion.
The subjective results match the data from other studies. Objective assessments continue to be contradictory. The main limitations may be biases. Additional research is required to help better develop the methodology of organizing and evaluating the effectiveness of journal clubs.
Different Femoral Tunnel Placement in Posterior Cruciate ligament reconstruction: A finite element Analysis
Authors: Wang Bing , Ye Yongjie , Yao Long , Wei Ancheng , Huang Xin , Wang Zhiqiang , Yu Xiaojun
Published: October 2022

Background
At present, there is no consensus on the optimal biomechanical method for PCL reconstruction, and the “critical corner” that is produced by the femoral tunnel is currently considered to be one of the main reasons for PCL failure. Thus, the purpose of this study was to identify one or several different tunnels of the femur, thereby reducing the influence of the "critical corner" without reducing the posterior stability of the knee.
Methods
CT and MRI data of the knee joint of a healthy adult man were collected, and computer-related software was used to reconstruct the finite element model of the knee joint, to provide different properties to different materials and to allow for the performance of a finite element analysis of the reconstructed model. The position of the femoral tunnel was positioned and partitioned according to anatomical posture, and three areas were divided (the antero-proximal region, the antero-distal region and the posterior region). In addition, we applied a posterior tibial load of 134 N to the reconstructed model, recorded and compared different tunnels of the femur, conducted peak stress at the flexion of the knee joint of 0°, 30°, 60° and 90°, and elicited the displacement of the proximal tibia.
Results
Among the 20 different femoral tunnels, the graft peak stress was lower in tunnels 4, 12 and 18 than in the PCL anatomical footpath tunnel 13, especially at high flexion angles (60° and 90°). These three tunnels did not increase the posterior displacement of the proximal tibia compared with the anatomical footpath tunnel 13.
Conclusion
In summary, among the options for PCL reconstruction of the femoral tunnel, the tunnels located 5 mm distal to the footprint and 5 mm anterior to the footprint could reduce the peak stress of the graft; additionally, it may reduce the "critical corner" and was shown to not reduce the posterior stability of the knee joint.
Neuroprotective effect of a multi strain probiotic mixture in SOD1G93A mice Through reducing SOD1 aggregation and targeting the microbe-gut-brain axis
Authors: Xin Zikai , Xin Cheng , Huo Jia , Liu Qi , Dong Hui , Li Rui , Liu Yaling
Published: October 2022

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a devastating neurodegenerative disease characterized by the formation of intracellular protein aggregations and the selective loss of motor neurons. Inflammatory response imbalance was considered to be a risk factor and disease-modifier and involved in the regulation of abnormal protein aggregation in ALS disease. The “microbiota-gut-brain axis” is a bidirectional communication system, which has been shown play some regulatory role in neuroinflammation and abnormal protein aggregation of neurodegenerative disorders. But whether probiotics can exert effects on ALS disease through “microbiota-gut-brain axis” is not clear. In our present study, we first report on superoxide dismutase 1-positive aggregates in intestinal myenteric neurons of SOD1G93A mice. This phenomenon was accompanied by structural disorder of myenteric neurons and enteric glial cells, impaired barrier function and overactivated pro-inflammatory response in intestine. This pathological change is different in colon and ileum, suggesting that it may be related to the difference of microbiota in their lumen. Oral administration of a multi-strain probiotic mixture containing Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium longum and Enterococcus faecalis not only improved the gut barrier function and pro-inflammatory response of spinal cord and intestine but also reduced aberrant SOD1 aggregation in myenteric neurons and spinal cord. This effect is accompanied by the alteration of gut microbiota composition and the increased level of short-chain fatty acids. Together, these findings might imply a potential benefit of microbiota-gut-brain axis axis-based therapy in ALS.
STIFMap employs a convolutional neural network to reveal spatial mechanical heterogeneity and tension-dependent activation of an epithelial to mesenchymal transition within human breast cancers
Authors: Weaver Valerie , Stashko Connor , Hayward Mary-Kate , Northey Jason , Pearson Neil , Ironside Alastair , Lakins Johnathon , Goyette Marie-Anne , Mayo Lakyn , Russnes Hege , Hwang E , Kutys Matthew , Polyak Kornelia
Published: October 2022

Intratumor heterogeneity in breast cancer associates with poor patient outcome. Tissue fibrosis and stromal stiffening accompany breast cancer development and associate with the aggressiveness of human breast cancer subtypes. Whether human breast cancers demonstrate stiffness heterogeneity, and if this is linked to breast tumor aggression remains unclear. To answer these questions, we developed a spatial method to measure the stiffness heterogeneity in human breast tumor tissues that also quantifies the local stromal stiffness each cell experiences and permits correlation with biomarkers of tumor aggression. Here, we present Spatially Transformed Inferential Force Maps (STIFMaps) to predict the elasticity across whole tissue sections with micron-resolution. The method exploits computer vision to precisely automate AFM indentation and then uses a trained convolutional neural network to predict matrix elasticity using collagen morphological features and ground truth AFM data. Because STIFMaps is compatible with biomarker staining we used the approach to register high-elasticity regions within sections of human breast tumors with markers of mechanical activation and an epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) that associated with tumor aggression. The findings herein highlight the utility of STIFMaps for assessing the mechanical heterogeneity of human breast tissues across length scales from single cells to whole tissues. The method also reveals, for the first time, a direct association between stromal stiffness and EMT, thereby implicating stromal stiffness as a driver of human breast cancer aggression.
Network Contagion of COVID-19 on US Industries
Authors: Levin Michael
Published: October 2022

The applications of Network Science have been limited in finance, but recently Zhu et. al (2016) have created a methodology in which co-movements between a given industry and the overall stock market can be represented by nodes and transitions between these movement states can be represented as edges. This modeling approach creates network structures that provide information on the susceptibility of markets to contagious risk that can be studied with network methods. This paper builds on this methodology to study the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on contagious financial risk across industrial sectors. I propose a novel metric to measure an industry’s susceptibility to contagion at a point in time. I apply this metric to a sample of U.S. industrial ETFs before and after the onset of the pandemic. My results suggest that COVID-19 led to increases in the susceptibility to contagious risk across all sectors.
Assessing the feasibility, fidelity and acceptability of a behaviour change intervention to improve tractor safety on farms: Protocol for the BeSafe tractor safety feasibility study
Authors: Surendran Aswathi , McSharry Jenny , Bligh Francis , McNamara John , Meredith David , O'Hora Denis
Published: October 2022

Background: In Ireland, the agriculture sector reports the highest number of fatalities even though farmers constitute only 6% of the working population. Tractor-related behaviours are implicated in 55% of all vehicle work-related fatalities and 25% of reported injuries, and many of these occur in farmyards. There is limited research on the feasibility and acceptability of behaviour change interventions to improve tractor safety. Target behaviours that promotes safe operation in farmyards, determining and addressing blind-spots of tractors, were identified, and an intervention was developed following the Behaviour Change Wheel Approach. The objective of the study is to examine the feasibility, fidelity and acceptability of a behaviour change intervention to enhance the safe operation of tractors in farmyards with a particular focus on tractor blind spots.
Method: A single group, pre-post feasibility study will be undertaken. Approximately 16 farmers from four major farm types will be recruited for the study between August and September 2022. The intervention involves an in-person demo session, facilitated discussion and personalised safety training procedure with safety goals. Data will be collected from participants at baseline (3-10 days before the intervention), during the intervention, and the follow-up session (7-30 days after the intervention). Quantitative data will be collected through a pre-intervention interview and feedback surveys. A pre and post-intervention qualitative interview will also be conducted with the participants and will be supplemented with qualitative data from recruitment logs, observational memos and logs and feedback from recruiters. Evaluation of the feasibility, acceptability and fidelity of the intervention will be guided by a pre-determined feasibility checklist, fidelity framework and theoretical framework of acceptability, respectively. Interviews will be analysed using the content analysis
Discussion: The current study can determine the feasibility and fidelity of delivering a systematic, theoretically driven, tailored behaviour change intervention. It will also assess whether the intervention, its ingredients, and delivery are acceptable to the farming population. This study will also inform the development of a future larger trial to test the effectiveness of the intervention.
Trial registration: ISRCTN Identifier: ISRCTN22219089. Date applied 29th July 2022
Identification of SNHG16 and Its Derived Tumor Immune Gene Signatures for Predicting Prognosis and Efficacy of Immunotherapy in Bladder Cancer
Authors: Li Yu-chen , Zhu Yu-yan , Fu Yang , Guo Dan-yang , Yu Meng , Li Ze-liang , Shi Du , Kong Chui-ze Z.
Published: October 2022

Background

In the era of individualized therapy,there is a great need to incorporate lncRNAs into preclinical models to develop prognostic or therapeutic biomarkers.We sought to apply the tumor immune-associated lncRNA – SNHG16 to develop and validate a predictive model constructed from SNHG16 and associated immune gene signatures in BC patients obtained from independent public datasets and clinical internal cohorts, to assess the benefit of immune checkpoint inhibitors treatment and the prognosis in BC patients.

Materials and methods

A novel immune-related and independent predictive model was developed for prognosis and immunotherapeutic evaluation of bladder cancer, based on the identification and analysis of the immune-related SNHG16. Based on the training (TCGA-BLCA) and external validation datasets, the SNHG16-associated immune gene signature was applied to classify BC patients into low- and high-risk groups. Cell proliferation assay and Transwell assay were used to detect the function of related genes.

Results

There were significant differences in prognosis and response to immunotherapy among patients in the different risk groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses confirmed the SNHG16-associated immune gene signature to be an independent predictor of BC prognosis. In addition,in vitro functional assay data confirmed the cancer biological function of SNHG16 and its associated immune signature genes.

Conclusions

Immune-associated lncRNA-SNHG16 and its associated immune gene signatures are reliable tools for predicting BC prognosis and response to immunotherapy and may provide valuable insights for deciding the treatment for BC. Further, the model will provide useful guidance for clinical judgment and personalized regimen-selection for immunotherapy of bladder tumors.
Genome-wide association study reveals candidate genes for traits related to meat quality in Colombian Creole hair sheep
Authors: Revelo Herman Alberto , López-Alvarez Diana , Palacios Yineth , Vergara Oscar David , Bustamante Moris , Ariza Manual Fernando , Castro Susan Lorena , Ortiz Yurani , Álvarez Luz Angela
Published: October 2022

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) allow identifying genomic regions related to traits of economic importance in animals of zootechnical interest.
Objective: To conduct a genome-wide association study on muscle growth traits using Illumina OvineSNPs50 BeadChip array.
Methods: We analyzed SNP (single-nucleotide polymorphism) data to conduct a GWAS for pH and water-holding capacity (WHC) traits in the Longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle in 167 Creole hair sheep of 12 months old belonging to Pelibuey (CHSP, n=60), Ethiopian (CHSE, n=44), and Sudan (CHSS, n=63) breeds. We measured pH and WHC after seven days of maturation. Genotype data were obtained from an Illumina OvineSNP50 BeadChip array. The GWAS was done using a mixed linear model (MLMA) and based on the Ovis aries v3.1 genome.
Results: CHSE showed the lowest meat juice release and, consequently, the highest water-holding capacity (WHC=30.6±0.1), suggesting that this breed has better performance in the meat industry compared with CHSS (WHC=41.7±0.1) and CHSP (WHC=36.8±0.1). We obtained 11 candidate genes associated with WHC (ELOVL2, ARAP2, LOC101102527, SHOC2, AIPL1, CSRNP3, IFRD, KDM8, NANS, DAPK1, IBN2, TPM2 ). Particularly, ELOVL2, ARAP2, IBN2, and TPM2 genes are involved in muscle contraction and fatty acid composition in sheep.
Conclusion: In this study, we generated a baseline for GWAS related to meat quality traits in Colombian Creole hair sheep, that can be used for future genomic selection plans.
Is Ventricular Lavage a Novel Treatment of Neonatal Posthemorrhagic Hydrocephalus? A Meta analysis
Authors: Parenrengi Muhammad Arifin , Ranuh I. G. M Aswin R. , Suryaningtyas Wihasto
Published: October 2022

Introduction
Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) may produce obliterative arachnoiditis, which disrupts the flow and absorption of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), resulting in posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH). PHH gives a high risk of neurofunctional impairment.
Ventricular lavage is the treatment of choice for PHH in neonates with IVH for decades. It’s developing with the combination of fibrinolytic therapy also called drainage, irrigation and fibrinolytic therapy (DRIFT), and with the using of neuroendoscopic apparatus also called neuroendoscopic lavage (NEL).
Methods
This review is a meta-analysis using the PRISMA method guideline, including the clinical studies comparing ventricular lavage (VL) with standard treatment of PHH between 2000 and 2021.
Results
VL group reduce the shunt dependency compared to standard treatment (OR = 0.22; 95CI 0.05 to 0.97; p = 0.05). VL group has less infection risk compared to the standard treatment group (RR = 0.20; 95CI 0.07 to 0.59; p < 0.05). The severe neurofunctional outcome is similar between the two groups (OR = 0.99; 95CI 0.13 to 7.23; p = 0.99). The early approach treatment group may give better neurofunctional outcome compared to the late approach (OR = 0.14; 95CI 0.06 to 0.35; p < 0.05).
Conclusion
VL reduce the shunt dependency on the PHH, decreasing the shunt’s related infection rate. The early ventricular lavage may give benefit for the neurocognitive outcome.
Mammalian Diversity, Abundance and Habitat Preferences in Godebe National Park, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia
Authors: Melese Getahun Tassew , Taju Muhabaw
Published: October 2022

In Ethiopia, the number of protected areas is increasing mainly to conserve the biodiversity resources facing anthropogenic threats and thereby mitigate the ever-changing temperature change and its effects. The study was conducted in Godebe Park with the target of assessing the variety, distribution, abundance, and habitat preferences of untamed mammalian species within the park. A stratified sampling technique was wont to collect data using line transect across four major habitat types. The information were analysed employing a speed sheet and R software version 4.2. Fifteen mammalian species were identified by direct sighting and indirect indicators under five orders and ten families. Carnivora was the family richest, whereas Bovidae was the species’ richest family. Combretum - Terminalia Woodland was the species richest with the best diversity (H′ = 1.98) and evenness (J = 0.73). Savana was the poorest in species richness whereas the smallest amount of diversity and evenness were recorded within the Riverine habitat (H′ = 1.15) and (J = 0.42). The best similarity in species occurrences was between Combretum - Terminalia Woodland and Riverine habitats(S = 0.75) and therefore the least similarity was between Combretum - Terminalia Woodland and Savana (0.52). Cercopithecus aethiops were the foremost abundant (relative abundance = 46.22%) followed by Hystrix cristata (17.78%) whereas the smallest amount abundant was Erythrocebus patas (0.44%). The National park is endowed with moderate wild mammalian diversity distributed all told major habitat types. The foremost preferable habitat type was the riverine forest with the foremost abundant of Cercopithecus aethiops. The National park is surrounded by resettlements and commercial farming harbouring ecological threats. A way of ownership should be developed by stakeholders and officials so the threats to the park should be removed.
The association between red blood cell distribution width, C-reactive protein and renal function in patients with type2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Shao Zehua , Dong Yang , Huo Shuai , Niu Peiyuan , Shao Fengmin
Published: October 2022

Objective
Red cell distribution width (RDW) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were respectively considered as important biomarker of cardiovascular diseases and inflammatory diseases.We aimed to evaluate the association of RDW) ,CRP with renal function in patients with type2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM ).
Methods
Patients with T2DM with a wide range of estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR) and proteinuria from 2019 to 2021 at Henan Provincial People’s Hospital were included in this study.. Blood samples from T2DM patients with normal eGFR(n = 146) and T2DM patients with decreased eGFR(n = 246) were collected. Clinical characteristics, routine blood test results and biochemical parameters were recorded, including age, gender, red blood cell, hemoglobin, RDW, platelet, CRP, albumin, total bilirubin, glucose, high-density lipoprotein, uric acid, creatinine, urea nitrogen and cystatin C. The effect of RDW and CRP level on the renal function was evaluated by using multiple linear step.wise regression analysis.
Results
Compared with the T2DM patients with normal eGFR,the the T2DM patients in decreased eGFR group had lower levels of hemoglobin, albumin and platelet, and higher levels of CRP, Uric acid, creatinine and cysC. Moreover, the levels of RDW levels were negatively correlated with eGFR (r=-0.224,p < 0.001), but positively related with CRP (r = 0.211,p < 0.001). Importantly, Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the levels of RDW had significant effects on decline of renal function (β = 0.091, p = 0.002).
Conclusions
RDW were an independent risk factor for for decline in renal function in patients with T2DM, RDW was also positively correlated with CRP.
The effect of biochar on nitrogen availability and bacterial ocommunity diversity in farmland
Authors: Hu Tian , Wei Jiating , Du Li , Chen Jibao , Zhang Jun
Published: October 2022

Purpose:Soil nitrification and denitrification are key factor in the global nitrogen cycle. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of biochar application on soil nitrogen and bacterial diversity.Methods:Pot experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of different biochar-based rate 0% (CK)、0.5% (BC1)、1.0% (BC2)、2.0% (BC3) and 4.0% (BC4) on soil nutrient and bacterial community diversity and composition.Results:The results indicate that the total nitrogen (TN) and ammonium nitrogen (AN) contents in the soil increased by 4.7–32.3% and 8.3–101.5%, respectively. The microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN) content increased with increased amounts of biochar rate. The application of biochar also significantly changed the soil bacterial community composition. The copy number of 16S marker gene of related enzymes to the nitrification process in BC2 was reduced by 20.1%. However, the gene expressions of nitric oxide reductase and nitrous oxide reductase in BC3 increased by 16.4% and 16.0%, respectively, compared to those in CK. AN, nitrate nitrogen (NN), and NN/TN were the main factors affecting the structure of the soil bacterial community. In addition, the expressions of nitrite reductase, hydroxylamine, and nitric oxide reductase (cytochrome c) were also significantly correlated.Conclustion:Therefore, biochar application can improve the availability of soil nitrogen, alter the structure and diversity of the soil bacterial community, and prevent risks caused by soil nitrogen and environmental pollution.
Primary Hyperparathyroidism in Young and Middle-age Patients is Associated With Metabolic Disorders: a Prospective Comparative Study
Authors: Bibik Ekaterina E. , Dobreva Ekaterina A. , Elfimova Alina R. , Miliutina Anastasia P. , Eremkina Anna K. , Gorbacheva Anna M. , Krupinova Julia A. , Koksharova Ekaterina O. , Sklyanik Igor A. , Mayorov Alexander Y. , Mokrysheva Natalia G.
Published: October 2022

Background: Components of metabolic syndrome can be observed in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). The pathogenesis of these disorders remain unclear because of the lack of relevant experimental models and the heterogeneity of examined patient groups. The effect of surgery on metabolic abnormalities is also controversial. We conducted a comprehensive assessment of metabolic parameters in young and middle-age patients with PHPT.
Methods: One-center prospective comparative study was carried out. The participants underwent a complex biochemical and hormonal examination, a hyperinsulinemic euglycemic and hyperglycemic clamps, a bioimpedance analysis of the body composition before and 13 months after parathyroidectomy compared to sex-, age- and body mass index matched healthy volunteers.
Results: 45.8% of patients (n=24) had excessive visceral fat. Insulin resistance was detected in 54.2% cases. PHPT patients had higher serum triglycerides, lower M-value and higher C-peptide and insulin levels in both phases of insulin secretion compared to the control group (p<0.05 for all). There are tendencies to decreased fasting glucose (р=0.031), uric acid (р=0.044) levels and insulin level of second secretion phase (р=0.039) after surgery, but no statistically significant changes of lipid profile and M-value as well as body composition were revealed. Negative correlations between serum calcium and total cholesterol levels as well as percent body fat and osteocalcin, b-CrossLaps and magnesium levels were revealed in patients before surgery.
Conclusions. PHPT is associated with insulin resistance which is the main risk factor of serious metabolic disorders. Radical surgery may potentially improve carbohydrate and purine metabolism.
The novel probiotic preparation based on Lactobacillus spp. mixture on the intestinal bacterial community structure of Cherry Valley Duck
Authors: Zhao Kai , Zhou Duoqi , Liu Wenqi , Zhang Yixun , Gai Mengrui , Han Yu , Li Wenhui , He Guangyu , Xiong Yan , Dong Jinsheng , Hu Jie , Liu Yannan , Shi Shuiqin
Published: October 2022

Purpose
The development and utilization of probiotics have many environmental benefits when they are used to replace antibiotics in animal production. In this study, intestinal lactic acid bacteria were isolated from the intestines of Cherry Valley ducks. Probiotic lactic acid bacterial strains were screened for antibacterial activity and tolerance to produce a Lactobacillus spp. mixture. The effects of the compound on the growth performance and intestinal flora of Cherry Valley ducks were studied.
Method
In this experiment, we isolated and screened lactic acid bacteria from healthy cherry intestine. The dominant lactic acid bacteria were screened by antibacterial test and tolerance test, and then the new probiotic preparation of lactic acid bacteria mixture was prepared by compound culture of lactic acid bacteria. One day old healthy Cherry Valley ducks were divided into two groups. One group was used as the experimental control, and the other group was used to evaluate the new probiotic preparation feeding group of lactic acid bacteria mixture. The 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing technique was used to analyze the diversity of intestinal microorganisms in Cherry Valley ducks.
Result
Based on the results of the antibacterial activity and tolerance tests, the highly active strains Lactobacillus casei 1.2435, L. salivarius L621, and L. salivarius L4 from the intestines of Cherry Valley ducks were selected. The optimum ratio of L. casei 1.2435, L. salivarius L621, and L. salivarius L4 was 1:1:2, the amount of inoculum used was 1%, and the fermentation time was 14 h. In vivo experiments showed that compared with the control group, the relative abundances of intestinal Lactobacillus and Blautia were significantly increased in the experimental group fed the lactobacillus compound (P < 0.05); the relative abundances of Parabacteroides, [Ruminococcus]_torques_group, and Enterococcus were significantly reduced (P < 0.05), and the growth and development of the dominant intestinal flora were promoted in the Cherry Valley ducks.
Conclusion
The optimal proportion of the new probiotic preparation of lactic acid bacteria mixture is L. casei 1.2435, L. salivarius L621, and L. salivarius L4 was 1:1:2. It can promote the growth and development of the dominant intestinal flora of Cherry Valley ducks, and has made an important contribution to the healthy breeding of Cherry Valley ducks.
Tropical Cyclone-Induced Downwelling: Observational Evidence for an Overlooked Mechanism
Authors: Yang Chien-Yi , Yang Yiing Jang , Tseng Yu-heng , Jan Sen , Chang Ming-Huei , Wei Ching-Ling , Terng Chuen-Teyr
Published: October 2022

Tropical cyclones (TCs) cause intense natural hazards and drive upper ocean cooling via vertical mixing and upwelling through a series of processes involving air-sea interaction. Among these processes, TC-induced upper ocean warming and the underlying mechanisms have rarely been noted. Here, we analyzed upper ocean responses to 32 TC events observed by two buoys in the western North Pacific from 2016 to 2021. Supplemented with numerical experiments, we suggest that downwelling, a long-neglected response, frequently occurs around the radius of the 34-knot wind speed during and after TC passage. Downwelling was identified via pronounced warming anomalies under a shallow mixed layer depth. We further found that a negative wind stress curl and current-induced convergence are two primary mechanisms of downwelling. These findings highlight downwelling existence, which is crucial for understanding the relationship between TCs and biogeochemical processes in the upper ocean.
Kinematics of a Platform Stabilization using 3-PRS Parallel Manipulator
Authors: Udomsap Tossaporn , Chinchouryrang Sakda , Liampipat Siwat , Chanthasopeephan Teeranoot
Published: October 2022

In this paper, a 3-PRS (prismatic, revolute, and spherical) parallel manipulator for platform stabilization is designed. The main purpose of this device is to stabilize visual equipment, which is placed on top of a car to inspect electrical transmission cables as part of routine maintenance. Due to the bulky and heavy infrared cameras used during inspections, a stabilizer platform has been designed to handle the weight of camera equipment up to 10 kg. This device consists of two major mechanisms. The first mechanism is able to adjust the angle of the camera. Thus, the user can focus the camera along the electric transmission lines. The second mechanism is for stabilization. The mechanism serves to stabilize the orientation and position of the camera in roll, pitch, and heave directions. To test the performance of the stabilization mechanism, the device is fed with the known value of the angle as regards input. As such, the device is trying to compensate for the change in angle. Results show that errors between input angles and compensated angles are in the range of 0.4-3%. Errors are seen to be within an acceptable range. It is significant that the resultant errors do not affect the orientation of the camera.
Domination Number Based on Fuzzy Bridges in Fuzzy Graphs and Applications
Authors: Hamidi Mohammad , Nikfar Mohammad Esmaiel
Published: October 2022

In this paper, we consider the notion of (crisp)domination set of fuzzy graphs via fuzzy bridges and compute domination numbers in this regard. Indeed it is tried to combine the fuzzy values of both vertices and edges to present this domination number in fuzzy graphs. The main method in this research is based on the computation of domination number of complete fuzzy graphs with vertices depend on the distinct fuzzy value and generalization of domination number of complete fuzzy graphs with vertices depending on the indistinct fuzzy value. As a result of this study is to compute of domination number of cyclic strong fuzzy graphs with vertices depending on the distinct fuzzy value. Also, it is analyzed some critical vertices in cyclic strong fuzzy graphs such that by linking some edges in these vertices to cyclic strong fuzzy graphs, the domination number of complete fuzzy graphs is obtained. Thus there is a relationship between the domination number of cyclic strong fuzzy graphs and the domination number of complete fuzzy graphs by removing some special edges in complete fuzzy graphs. The paper includes implications for the development of fuzzy graphs, and for modeling the uncertainty problems by domination numbers and applications in some complex networks. The new conception of domination number in fuzzy graphs based on fuzzy bridges was given for the first time in this paper. We find an Algorithm that can compute the domination number of complete and cyclic strong fuzzy graphs and can apply it in the modeling of real problems of complex networks.
Bias Analysis in Healthcare Time-Series (BAHT) Decision Support Systems from Meta Data
Authors: Dakshit Sagnik , Dakshit Sristi , Khargonkar Ninad , Prabhakaran Balakrishnan
Published: October 2022

One of the hindrances in the widespread acceptance of deep learning-based decision support systems in healthcare is bias. Bias in its many forms occurs in the datasets used to train and test deep learning models and is amplified when deployed in the real-world, leading to challenges such as model drift. Recent advancements in the field of deep learning have led to the deployment of deployable automated healthcare diagnosis decision support systems at hospitals as well as tele-medicine through IoT devices. Research has been focused primarily on the development and improvement of these systems leaving a gap in the analysis of the fairness. The domain of FAccT ML (Fairness, Accountability, and Transparency) accounts for the analysis of these deployable machine learning systems. In this work, we present a framework for Bias Analysis in Healthcare Time-Series (BAHT) signals such as Electrocardiogram (ECG) and Electroencephalogram (EEG). BAHT provides a graphical interpretive analysis of bias in the training, testing datasets in terms of protected variables, and analysis of bias amplification by the trained model for time-series healthcare decision support systems. We thoroughly investigate three prominent time-series ECG and EEG healthcare datasets used for model training and research. We show the extensive presence of bias in the datasets leads to potentially biased or unfair machine learning models. Our experiments also demonstrate the amplification of identified bias with an observed maximum of 66.66%. We investigate the effect of model drift due to unanalyzed bias in datasets and algorithms. Bias mitigation though prudent, is a nascent area of research. We present experiments and analyze the most prevalently accepted bias mitigation strategies of under-sampling, oversampling, and the use of synthetic data for balancing the dataset through augmentation. It is important that healthcare models, datasets, and bias mitigation strategies should be properly analyzed for a fair unbiased delivery of service.
IABC: A Toolbox for Intelligent Analysis of Brain Connectivity
Authors: Du Yuhui , Kong Yanshu , He XingYu
Published: October 2022

Brain functional networks and connectivity have played an important role in exploring brain function for understanding the brain and disclosing the mechanisms of brain disorders. Independent component analysis (ICA) is one of the most widely applied data-driven methods to extract brain functional networks/connectivity. However, it is hard to guarantee the reliability of networks/connectivity due to the randomness of component order and the difficulty in selecting an optimal component number in ICA. To facilitate the analysis of brain functional networks and connectivity using ICA, we developed a MATLAB toolbox called Intelligent Analysis of Brain Connectivity (IABC). IABC incorporates our previously proposed group information guided independent component analysis (GIG-ICA), NeuroMark, and splitting-merging assisted reliable ICA (SMART ICA) methods, which can estimate reliable individual-subject brain functional features for further analysis. After the user arranges functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data files and clicks a few buttons to set parameters, IABC will automatically output brain functional networks, their related time courses, and functional network connectivity. All these neuroimaging measures are promising for providing clues in understanding brain function and differentiating brain disorders.
The incidence rate, serological characteristics and cytokines profile of occult HBV infection in clinic
Authors: Chen Shu-xiang , Liu Xin , Liu Hui , Lou Jin-li
Published: October 2022

Background
At present, the clinical research on OBI patients is still insufficient. Cytokines are small molecular proteins with immune regulation and immune effects, and are important indicators for judging immune function and inflammatory response. This study analyzed the prevalence rate of OBI patients in clinical HBV infection, the characteristics of HBV serological markers and serum levels of 48 cytokines/chemokines/growth factors.
Methods
A total of 76,428 HBV-infected patients with different related illnesses who were admitted to the Capital Medical University, Beijing Youan Hospital from May 2018 to May 2021 were Screened for OBI. Among them, 279 OBI patients were enrolled and 279 chronic HBV infection patients who were persistently positive for HBsAg and HBV DNA were matched. Analyze the basic medical records and laboratory data of patients with OBI, such as HBV serological markers, serum HBV DNA load, liver function index, etc. Serum samples from 30 OBI patients, 20 matched HBsAg positive patients and 16 healthy people were tested for 48 cytokines/chemokines/growth factors to determine the heterogeneity of serum cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors among the three groups.
Results
Of 76428 HBV-infected patients enrolled, 358 (0.47%) were defined as OBI patients.The prevalence of different disease categories varies. The main serological patterns of OBI patients were HBsAg negative, anti-HBs negative, HBeAg negative, anti-HBe positive and anti-HBc positive, accounting for 47.67%. 94.98% of OBI patients had HBV DNA load < 200IU/ml. The level of serum sCD40L, G-CSF, IFN-γ, MIP-1α, RANTES and Eotaxin in the OBI group was significantly higher than that in HBsAg positive group(P༜0.05), but the level of IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-13, IL-17A, PDGF-AA, TGF-α and TNF-β in the OBI group was lower than that in the HBsAg positive group(P < 0.05). The levels of various serum cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors were also different between the OBI group and the healthy control group.
Conclusions
The levels of HBV DNA replication and transcription are low in most patients with OBI. A variety of serum cytokines, chemokines and growth factors may be involved in the inhibition of HBV DNA replication and transcription levels in OBI patients, and then promote HBsAg and viral clearance.