bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of COVID-19 Chest X- Ray Images using a Multi-layer Hybrid Classification Model
Authors: Poomkur Thanakorn , Wongsirichot Thakerng
Published: April 2022

Background: COVID-19 diagnoses during the pandemic require fast and accurate identification of chest X-Ray (CXR) images. Image processing techniques are critical in accurately diagnosing diseases. This study establishes a method for image analysis and classification using the Multi-Layer Hybrid Classification (MLHC) technique on COVID-19, non-COVID-19 (viral and bacterial pneumonia), and healthy CXR images.Methods: In this retrospective study, five public datasets of 4,200 CXR images were analyzed using several machine learning techniques which include Decision Tree (DT), Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Neural Networks (NN). Pre-processing was performed by image segmentation, image enhancement, and feature extraction techniques. The best performing classifiers were identified based on evaluation criterion and ensembled into MLHC for COVID-19 (MLHC-COVID-19).Results: MLHC-COVID-19 was trained using ten-fold cross-validation. For the unseen test, MLHC-COVID-19 showed promising performance achieving an accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 96.2%, 96.2%, and 98.1%, respectively. Therefore, MLHC-COVID-19 can effectively classify CXR images enhancing the accuracy of CXR image interpretation.Conclusion: Rigorous comparative studies used more than ten advanced convolutional neural network (CNN) based classification models. The results showed that the proposed method outperforms the comparative models in classification. Therefore, MLHC-COVID-19 can be a potential practical computer-aided diagnostic (CADx) tool for COVID-19 CXR classification. Additionally, a web-based MLHC-COVID-19 CADx is available at http://psuva.com/mlhc.
Mass transfer intensification for carbon quantum dot nanofluid drops under pulsed electric fields
Authors: Jafari Farnaz , Saien Javad , Rashidi Alimorad
Published: April 2022

Simultaneous use of carbon quantum dot (CQD) nanofluids and pulsed electric fields exhibits amazing mass transfer intensification in liquid–liquid extraction of circulating drops. Here, the chemical system of kerosene–acetic acid–water with mass transfer resistance in the organic phase was used, in which organic nanofluid drops contained CQD or modified CQD-Fe. These products with extremely small sizes of 7.2 and 13.4 nm were synthesized and characterized by DLS, Zeta potential, XRD, EDS and SEM techniques. To find optimum conditions, CQD concentrations within (0.0005 - 0.003) wt%, electric field frequencies within (50 - 550) Hz and electric field strengths to 16 V/cm were examined. From hydrodynamic point of view, the flow pattern of drops was in circulating mode, and that terminal velocity of drops correctly followed the Grace model. The substantial effect of pulsed electric field on the CQD and CQD-Fe nanofluids, brought about mass transfer enhancements to 263.5 and 291.6%. This can be attributed to the electro-induced motion of global CQDs with pulsed electric fields. For the aim of modelling, the adapted Kumar and Hartland equation with a developed correlation of the enhancement factor versus involved dimensionless variables were satisfactory to reproduce the mass transfer coefficient data.
Securing information using a proposed reliable chaos-based stream cipher - with real-time FPGA-based wireless connection implementation
Authors: Merah Lahcene , Lorenz Pascal , Noureddine Chaib , Adda Ali-Pacha
Published: April 2022

In this paper, a robust Chaos Based Stream Cipher (CBSC) is proposed . The novelty of this work is that it addresses all challenges confronting chaos- based cryptography. The PCBSC (Proposed CBSC) has a robust synchronization circuit that mitigates the effect of channel noise, a perturbation block that overcomes the dynamical degradation, a robust encryption scheme, and an efficient control parameters ' generator that generates strong keys. According to the complexity evaluation , the improved chaotic map provides good statistical properties. This can be confirmed by the obtained high values of the statistical metrics (Largest Lyapunov Exponent, Approximate Entropy, Permutation Entropy, and Sample Entropy) used for the evaluation . According to the security analysis ; the PCBSC has good security features , the PCBSC provides strong keys that ensure confusion property, as well as enough space to withstand brute-force attacks . On the other hand , the proposed encryption scheme proves its efficiency; the result of the differential attack clearly shows that the diffusion property is guaranteed. Additionally, the original images' statistical properties are completely dispersed on the encrypted images. The obtained performance over noisy channels proves the synchronization circuit's efficiency. When compared to other proposals, the PCBSC provides the best results. In addition, the PCBSC is implemented on an FPGA and evaluated in real-time over a wireless link.
TSWV modulates sex ratio in the western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, by down-regulating a FSCB-like gene
Authors: Tao Min , Wan Yanran , Zheng Xiaobin , Qian Kanghua , Xu Baoyun , Zhang Youjun , Zhou Xuguo , Wu Qingjun
Published: April 2022

Plant viruses can facilitate their transmission by modulating sex ratios of their insect vectors. Previously, we found that exposure to tomato spotted wilt orthotospovirus (TSWV) in the western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, led to a male-biased sex ratio in the offspring. TSWV, a generalist pathogen with a broad host range, is transmitted primarily by F. occidentalis in a circulative-propagative manner. Here, we integrated proteomic tools with nanoparticle-mediated RNAi to comprehensively investigate the genetic basis underlying the shift in vector’s sex ratio induced by virus. Proteomic analysis showed 104 differentially expressed proteins between F. occidentalis adult males with and without TSWV. The expression level of the fiber sheath CABYR-binding-like (FSCB) protein, namely FoFSCB-like, a sperm-specific protein associated with sperm capacitation and motility was decreased by 46%. The predicted FoFSCB-like protein include 10 classic Pro-X-X-Pro motifs and 42 phosphorylation sites, which are key features for sperm capacitation. The relative expression of FoFSCB-like was gradually increased alongside the developmental stages and peaked at the pupal stage. After exposed to TSWV, FoFSCB-like expression was substantially down-regulated. RNAi substantially suppressed FoFSCB-like expression and led to a significant male bias in the offspring. This study not only advances our understanding of virus-vector interactions, but also identifies a potential target for the genetic management of F. occidentalis, the primary vector of TSWV, by manipulating male fertility.
How Strong is Demand for Public Transport Service in Nepal? A Case Study of Kathmandu Using a Choice-Based Conjoint Experiment
Authors: ARYAL Tulsi Ram , Ichihashi Masaru , Kaneko Shinji
Published: April 2022

A public transport system is the most efficient and equitable solution to the challenges of urban mobility and climate change. To improve public transport, technological innovations, policy interventions, and behavioral changes should all be applied appropriately; however, there is a lack of information about the demand for public transport services in developing countries. This paper aims to measure the degree of demand for public transport services by comparing various factors using as a case study Kathmandu, one of the most congested urban areas in a developing country. We designed a choice-based conjoint experiment with five attributes: mode of transport, waiting time, one-way fare per km, commute time per km, and payment method. Our results indicate that 73% of the respondents are in favor of changing the current transport policy and wish for a shift to public transport, which means that most commuters are in favor of the proposed mode of transport, that is, MRT. On the other hand, the study reveals that respondents have a negative evaluation of motorbikes, one of the most popular modes of transport in Kathmandu. Our results provide transport planners guidance for addressing current public transport policies.
Microalgae (Selenastrum Capricornutum) Growth Inhibition Following Exposure to Pond Water: Monitoring Pond Toxicity
Authors: OKPASHI VICTOR ESHU
Published: April 2022

Bio-indicators are organisms, such as bacteria, that can be used to determine the state of health and biogeographic change in the environment. Microalgae, for example, are used as bioindicators to assess the health of natural ecosystems such as pond water. They're utilized to evaluate the media in which a biological system operates, as well as the molecules within it. They serve as a symbol of the high quality of its surroundings. Microalgae respond quickly to changes in the environment, making them an excellent biomarker for evaluating the quality of pond and water pollutants. Fish are grown in a fixed pool of water known as a pond, with old water being replaced every five days or more. For the duration of the investigation, hazardous metabolites in the pond water were examined for the beginning or build-up of harmful metabolites. The Algaltoxkit approach was used for five days. Selanastrum capricornutum, a microalgae, was grown as a bio-indicator of pond toxicity. The pond water was collected without dilution from day one to day five. The microalgae test was conducted for 72 hours, with minor deviations from ISO guideline 8692. Microalgae growth inhibition varied among the days monitored, according to the results, findings imply that pond water poisoning begins on day 2-5. This finding shows that hazardous compounds in the pond water at day 5 may be affecting the fish's ability to grow and develop normally. The Algaltoxkit kit could also be a useful, quick test instrument for detecting the beginning of hazardous metabolites in a fish pond.
Violence perpetration by husbands and their risky sexual behaviour among young couples in India: Emerging Evidences from Demographic Health Survey (2015-16)
Authors: Manisha Manisha , Dakua Tushar
Published: April 2022

Objective: To explores the association between sexual risk behaviour among men and their violence perpetration on their wives in India.Methods: The data of Indian National Family Health Survey-4 was used for the present study. Analyses were limited to sample size of 18,631 husband, whose wife interviewed and selected for the domestic violence module. Logistic regression was used to see the association between violence perpetration by husbands and their risky sexual behaviour among young couples in India. Sexual activity with multiple partners, sexual intercourse with other than a spouse and number of lifetime partners, were classified as sexual risk behaviour.Results: One third (31%) of the youth married women (15-29-year-old) experienced intimate partner violence in India. Men who reported having multiple sexual partners were more likely to involve in sexual violence (AOR=1.8) and emotional violence (AOR=1.93) on their wives. Similarly, Men with history of high-risk sex were 1.77 times more likely to have carried out emotional violence on their wives. Sexual abuse is also 1.4 times more among men who have more than a one-lifetime partner. Conclusion: Men who perpetrate abuse represent increased risk regarding their wives’ sexual health because they are more likely to participate in extramarital sexual behaviour.
Effect of Nano-Curcumin on Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Bacillus cereus inoculated in chicken kofta
Authors: Elsabagh Rasha , Abd-Elaaty Elsayed M. , Elfeil Wael K. , Diab Mohamed S.
Published: April 2022

Food safety is the major issue in the food industry. Curcumin is a natural antimicrobial that has nutritional and health benefits. Nanotechnology can improve its bioavailability and application in food. Thus, this study was designed to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of nano-curcumin on some food poisoning bacteria, especially those of zoonotic importance, such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus cereus, in vitro and inoculated in chilled chicken kofta. Nano-curcumin showed antimicrobial effects on the microbes under study in vitro, which were confirmed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM).The microbiological quality and physicochemical and sensory attributes of chilled chicken kofta was evaluated at 4°C for 27 days. Nano-curcumin reduced the count of E. coli from 5.73 to 1.09 log cfu/g, the count of S. aureus from 5.73 to 1.02 log cfu/g, and the count of B. cereus count from 5.87 to 3.13 log cfu/g. Nano-curcumin increased PH, TBA and TVB-N values over the storage period. Moreover, it enhanced the sensory attributes and shelf life of chicken kofta until the 27th day of storage. Nano-curcumin is considered a novel antimicrobial and antioxidant agent for meat products.
Multiplex core of the human brain using structural, functional and metabolic connectivity derived from hybrid PET-MR imaging
Authors: Devrome Martijn , Laere Koen Van , Koole Michel
Published: April 2022

With the increasing success of mapping brain networks and availability of multiple MR- and PET-based connectivity measures, the need for novel methodologies to unravel the structure and function of the brain at multiple spatial and temporal scales is emerging. Therefore, in this work, we used hybrid PET-MR data of healthy volunteers (n = 67) to identify multiplex core nodes in the human brain. First, monoplex networks of structural, functional and metabolic connectivity were constructed, and consequently combined into a multiplex SC-FC-MC network by linking the same nodes categorically across layers. Taking into account the multiplex nature using a tensorial approach, we identified a set of core nodes in this multiple network based on a combination of eigentensor centrality and overlapping degree. We introduced a coreness coefficient, which mitigates the effect of modeling parameters to obtain robust results. The proposed methodology was applied onto young and elderly healthy volunteers, where differences observed in the monoplex networks persisted in the multiplex as well. The multiplex core showed a decreased contribution to the default mode and salience network, while an increased contribution to the dorsal attention and somatosensory network was observed in the elderly population. Moreover, a clear distinction in eigentensor centrality was found between young and elderly healthy volunteers.
Simultaneous transcranial electrical and magnetic stimulation boost gamma oscillations in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex
Authors: Maiella Michele , Casula Elias Paolo , Borghi Ilaria , Assogna Martina , D’Acunto Alessia , Pezzopane Valentina , Mencarelli Lucia , Pellicciari Maria Concetta , Koch Giacomo
Published: April 2022

Neural oscillations in the gamma frequency band have been identified as a fundament for synaptic plasticity dynamics and its alterations are central in various psychiatric and neurological conditions. Transcranial magnetic stimulation and alternating electrical stimulation may have a strong therapeutic potential by promoting gamma oscillations and plasticity. Here we applied intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS), an established TMS protocol known to induce cortical plasticity, simultaneously with transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) at either theta (θtACS) or gamma (γtACS) frequency on the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). We used TMS in combination with electroencephalography (EEG) to evaluate changes in cortical activity on both left/right DLPFC and over the vertex. We found that simultaneous iTBS with γtACS but not with θtACS resulted in an enhancement of spectral gamma power, a shift of individual peak frequency towards faster oscillations and an increase of local connectivity in the gamma band. These results were specific to the DLPFC and confined locally to the site of stimulation, not being detectable in the contralateral DLPFC. We argue that the results described here could promote a new and effective method able to induce long-lasting changes in brain plasticity useful to be clinically applied to several psychiatric and neurological conditions.
Association of Young versus Elderly Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients with Mortality: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study in China
Authors: Chen Jilin , Wang Jinling , Liu Ying , Gao Fengdi , Sun Xuefeng , Jiang Hongli , Shi Wei , Liang Xinling , Liu Wenhu , Fu Ping , Ding Xiaoqiang , Chang Ming , Yang Xiao , Gao Bihu , Cao Ning , Chen Jing , Ni Zhaohui , Sun Shiren , Chen Menghua , He Yani , Wang Huimin , Wang Jianqin , Hao Lirong , Li Suhua , He Qiang , Yi Na , Shao Fengmin , Hu Menghong , Wang Weidong , Lin Hongli
Published: April 2022

Background End-stage renal disease patients with maintenance hemodialysis have high-mortality risk. The association of different age of hemodialysis patients with mortality remains uncertain in China. This study aimed to assess the survival outcomes and risk factors affecting mortality between young and elderly patients with maintenance hemodialysis.Methods The multicenter retrospective cohort study enrolled adult patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis from 24 hemodialysis centers in China between January 1, 2008, and September 30, 2015. The patients were assigned to young and elderly group according to age on the initiation of the hemodialysis. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality of patients. Survival outcomes of patients was performed using a Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Multivariate cox proportional hazards regression models were implemented to identify risk factors affecting all-cause mortality of patients with maintenance hemodialysis.Results A total of enrolled 1601 patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis, including 642 young patients and 959 elderly patients. The mean follow-up duration was 48.17 ± 25.59 months, the all-cause mortality was 64 (9.97%) in young group and 255 (26.59%) in elderly group, the hazard ratio [HR] of elderly patients relative to young patients, 1.699 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.482 to 1.949, P＜0.001). The Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed that overall cumulative survival was lower in elderly group than young group (Log Rank tests = 63.31, P＜ 0.001). Multivariate cox regression analysis revealed that the cardiovascular disease (HR, 1.544; 95% CI, 1.103 to 2.161; P = 0.011), cerebrovascular disease (HR, 2.158; 95% CI, 1.309 to 3.557; P = 0.003), lower serum albumin (HR, 1.404; 95% CI, 1.001 to 1.968; P = 0.049), Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) scores with 4-5 (HR, 4.910; 95% CI, 2.327 to 10.357; P＜ 0.001), CCI scores with ≥6 (HR, 9.596; 95% CI, 4.807 to 19.158; P＜ 0.001) were the risk factors associated all-cause mortality of patients.Conclusions The elderly patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis showed lower survival and higher mortality than young patients in China. Cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, serum albumin, CCI scores were the risk factors for all-cause mortality of young and elderly patients with maintenance hemodialysis.
Physiological selectivity of insecticides to the egg parasitoids Telenomus podisi and Trissolcus teretis (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae)
Authors: Silva D. M. , Carvalho G. A. , Biondi A. , Ribeiro W. , Bueno A. F.
Published: April 2022

Telenomus podisi and Trissolcus teretis are important parasitoids of stink bug eggs and their preservation contributes to the ecological management of these pests. This work aimed to evaluate the physiological selectivity of the newest insecticides ethiprole and sulfoxaflor + lambda-cyhalothrin in comparison with thiamethoxam + lambda-cyhalothrin and chlorpyrifos, used to control stink bugs, for T. podisi and T. teretis. Bioassays were carried out in the laboratory following standardized protocols. Six independent bioassays were conducted to evaluate the effect of insecticides on the pupal and adult stages of the parasitoids and the effects of insecticide sprays over the host eggs before parasitism. The insecticides were applied using a Potter tower. Ethiprole at rates of 150 and 200 g/150L H2O was classified as harmless (class 1), according to the International Organization of Biological Control to both pupae and adults of T. podisi. When tested against T. teretis, ethipprole was classified as harmless (class 1) and slightly harmful (class 2), but it still was the most selectivity pesticide among studied chemicals. When adult parasitoids of both species were exposed to sprayed host eggs, wasps had similar parasitism. The other treatments trigged more severe negative side effects to the parasitoids, especially to adults. Overall, ethiprole was the least toxic compound and should be preferred in integrated pest management aimed at preserving these biocontrol agents, while the other tested insecticides should be evaluated under semi-field and field conditions to confirm their higher toxicity and be replaced for more selectivity pesticide whenever possible.
Integrated Structure-based Protein Interface Prediction
Authors: Walder M. , Edelstein E. , Carroll M. , Lazarev S. , Fajardo J.E. , Fiser A. , Viswanathan R.
Published: April 2022

Background: Identifying protein interfaces can inform how proteins interact with their binding partners, uncover the regulatory mechanisms that control biological functions and guide the development of novel therapeutic agents. A variety of computational approaches have been developed for predicting a protein’s interfacial residues from its known sequence and structure. Methods using the known three- dimensional structures of proteins can be template-based or template-free. Template-based methods have limited success in predicting interfaces when homologues with known complex structures are not available to use as templates. The prediction performance of template-free methods that only rely only upon proteins’ intrinsic properties is limited by the amount of biologically relevant features that can be included in an interface prediction model.Results: We describe the development of an integrated method, ISPIP, to explore the hypothesis that the efficacy of a computational prediction method of protein binding sites can be enhanced by using a combination of methods that rely on orthogonal structure-based properties of a query protein, combining and balancing both template-free and template-based features. ISPIP is a method that integrates these approaches through simple linear or logistic regression models and more complex decision tree models. On a diverse test set of 156 query proteins, ISPIP outperforms each of its individual classifiers in identifying protein binding interfaces. Conclusions: The integrated method captures the best performance of individual classifiers and delivers an improved interface prediction. The method is robust and performs well even when one of the individual classifiers performs poorly on a particular query protein. This work demonstrates that integrating orthogonal methods that depend on different structural properties of proteins performs better at interface prediction than any individual classifier alone.
Study on surface integrity and ductile cutting of PV polycrystalline silicon and wear mechanisms of electroplated diamond wire
Authors: Costa Erick Cardoso , Santos Caroline Piesanti dos , Carvalho Vinicius Almeida , Xavier Fabio Antonio
Published: April 2022

This study aimed to evaluate and better understand the mechanical and crystalline responses of polycrystalline silicon sawn by diamond wire sawing. To simplify the multi-wire sawing kinematic, an endless wire saw with a single looped diamond wire was used. The wire cutting speed and feed rate of the sawing process were varied in order to evaluate the characteristics of sawn surface morphology, surface roughness and subsurface damage. The analysis of brittle-ductile transition and residual stress of the sawn surface and silicon chips were performed with Raman spectroscopy. The wear and failure mechanism of the diamond wire were analyzed. The results show that sawn surface is composed of brittle and ductile regions and the predominance of one of these directly affected the surface roughness Ra. The ductile cutting mode induced the predominance of microgrooves and ploughing over the sawn surface and led to formation of an amorphous layer with residual compressive stress of up to -192.3 MPa. Micro-cracks in subsurface were identified and it reached a minimum depth of 7.2±1.6 µm. Chip fragments and elongated chips were observed and Raman spectra showed that the latter are amorphous. The wire wear analysis indicated that during the cutting there is deformation of the Ni-layer, exposed grits and grit pullout. The main wear mechanisms are Ni-matrix removal and abrasive wear of the diamond grit. A better surface quality of polycrystalline silicon was obtained on increasing wire cutting speed and decreasing feed rate. The results found in this study can help to reach a high quality surface of silicon wafer for photovoltaic application.
Roadmap for achieving net-zero emissions in global food systems by 2050
Authors: Costa Ciniro , Wollenberg Eva , Benitez Mauricio , Newman Richard , Gardner Nick , Bellone Federico
Published: April 2022

Food systems (FSs) emit ~20 GtCO2e/y (~35% of global greenhouse gas emissions). This level is supposed to raise given the expected increases in food demands, which may threaten global climate targets. By evaluating 60+ scenarios based on existing low-emission and carbon sequestration practices, we estimate that intensifying FSs could reduce its emissions from 21.4 to -2.0 GtCO2e/y and address increasing food demands without relying on carbon offsets. However, given historical trends and regional contexts, a more diverse portfolio of practices, including diet shifts and new-horizon technologies, will be needed to increase the feasibility of achieving net-zero FSs. One likely pathway consists of implementing practices that shift food production to the 30th-percentile of least emission-intensive FS (~45% emissions reduction), sequester carbon at 50% of its potential (~5 GtCO2e/y) and adopt diet shifts and new-horizon technologies (~6 GtCO2e/y). For a successful transition to happen, the global FS would, in the next decade (2020s), need to implement cost-effective mitigation practices and technologies, supported by improvements in countries’ governance and technical assistance, innovative financial mechanisms and research focused on making affordable technologies in the following two decades (2030-2050). This work provides options and a vision to guide global FSs to achieving net-zero by 2050.
Study on mechanical and crushing characteristics of tailings in large-scale high tailings dam
Authors: Chao Zhang , Qinglin Chen , Dai Zeyu , Xiaojun Wang
Published: April 2022

The mechanical and crushing characteristics of tailings under high pressure are the research foundation for large-scale high tailings dams. In consider of the high stress caused by the high tailing pond, consolidated drained (CD) triaxial shear tests were carried out. A new method for qualitatively characterizing particle crushing by identifying particles was proposed. The relative broken index proposed by Einav was used to quantitatively characterize the particle crushing of tailings. The test results show that the samples density has a great influence on the volumetric strain under low pressure. However, volumetric strain is not related to the sample density under high pressure. The shear strength of the tailings shows a significantly nonlinear. The internal friction angle under low pressure be still obtained by the traditional linear Mohr-Coulomb, and the internal friction angle under high pressure be obtained by the power function Mohr criterion. The particle crushing of tailings not only occurs at high pressure but also at low pressure. The value of broken index increases with the increase of sample density and confining pressure. It indicates that the high density and high stress in the deep part of the tailings dam is prone to the particle crushing, which affects the stability of the large-scale high dam.
Factors impeding the successful implementation of ERAS in patients undergoing colorectal resection for inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Wang Zhongyuan , Li Song , Tan Dong , Zhang Tenghui , Yu Zeqian , Ding Chao , Zhu Feng , Abudourexiti Waresi , Gong Jianfeng
Published: April 2022

Background&Aims
Recent literatures indicated that patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) could also benefit from enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols. However, there are few studies investigating the failure of ERAS in patients undergoing colorectal resection specifically for IBD. The current study aimed to analyze the risk factors contributing to failure of ERAS after colorectal resection in IBD patients.
Methods
From January 2019 to February 2021, consecutive patients who underwent colorectal resection for IBD under ERAS protocol were retrospectively analyzed. ERAS failure was defined as prolonged postoperative length of hospital stay (LOS), i.e. 75th percentile of postoperative LOS for patients with IBD surgery, unplanned reoperation, accidental readmission or death within 30 postoperative days. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to identify risk factors for ERAS failure in IBD surgery.
Results
Overall, 216 patients were enrolled and 65(30.1%) were defined as ERAS failure. Multivariate analysis showed that preoperative NRS-2002 score ≥ 3 (OR = 2.844; 95% CI, 1.371–5.901; p = 0.005), modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS) = 2 (OR = 3.653; 95% CI, 1.455–9.173; p = 0.006), preoperative steroids use (OR = 2.313; 95%CI, 1.111–4.818; p = 0.025), and failure to mobilization on POD1 (OR = 3.105; 95%CI,1.528–6.308; p = 0.002) were independent risk factors for ERAS failure after IBD surgery.
Conclusions
Preoperative NRS-2002 score ≥ 3, mGPS = 2, preoperative steroids use, and failure to mobilization on POD1 are independent risk factors associated with ERAS failure in IBD patients after colorectal resection. Strategies aiming at these risk factors might promote the successful implementation of ERAS in IBD surgical patients.
Dynamic Change of Lumbar Structure was Associated with Reduced Bone Mineral Density, a Clinical Retrospective Study
Authors: Wei Jianlu , Fan Lingjia , Zhu Yanbin , Ding Kai , Wang Hong , Chen Wei , Li Guangfei , Lv Jiali , Zhang Tao , Cheng Lei , Zhang Yingze
Published: April 2022

Objectives: This study aims to determine whether the dynamic change of lumbar anatomy parameters is associated with bone mineral density.Methods: This retrospective study included participants who did lumbar computed tomography (CT) scanning from October 2018 to December 2021. The established and recorded CT scanning images were used for analysis. Bone mineral density (BMD) was determined by the qCT value. CT scanning was also used to measure angle between upper and lower endplate on median sagittal view, and that between pedicle center and horizontal alignment on median sagittal view and transverse section angle on the axial view. Results: 476 participants were included. Angle between upper and lower endplate on median sagittal view in lumbar 1 (5.72±3.60), lumbar 2 (4.03±3.14), lumbar 3 (2.60 ±3.08) was positively associated with BMD, while that in lumbar 4 (2.07±4.66) was negatively associated (All P<0.05). Furthermore, angle between pedicle center and horizontal alignment on median sagittal view in lumbar 1 (-1.89±6.49), lumbar 2 (-2.10±6.96), and lumbar 3 (-0.75±5.61) was positively associated with BMD (P<0.001 for them all). However, this angle in lumbar 4 (2.99±4.78) showed no correlation with BMD (P=0.961). However, no significant correlation was observed between transverse section angle on the axial view and BMD. Conclusion: The dynamic change of lumbar anatomy parameters is associated with BMD and thus orthopadic surgeons should pay attention to these changes in the internal fixation operation.
Beyond the learning curve- Improving outcomes in Robotic Myomectomy compared to Laparoscopic Myomectomy
Authors: Sinha Rooma , Rupa Bana , Reddy Mamatha
Published: April 2022

Uterine myomas are benign tumors frequently seen in women of reproductive age. Myomectomy remains a viable option for treating this condition in women who wish to preserve their uterus. We undertook this study to compare the peri-operative surgical outcomes of Robotic myomectomy (RM) with laparoscopic myomectomy (LM) in Indian patients of uterine myomas after the initial learning curve of RM was achieved. A retrospective chart review was performed for the patients who underwent RM or LM for the treatment of uterine myomas. A total of 177 patients; 116 in the RM group and 61 in the LM group were included in the study. The mean age in the RM and LM group was 34.31 ± 5.40 years and 33.54 ± 4.96 years respectively (p = .355). The mean total operative time was marginally more in RM group (127.37 ± 110.67 vs. 120.66 ± 44.27, p = .650) but the difference was not statistically significant. Patients in the RM group had significantly less blood loss (115.43 ± 79.43 vs. 340.98 ± 453.9 ml, p = <.0001), hospital stay (1.28 ± 0.49 vs. 1.92 ± 1.05 days, p = <.0001), requirement of blood transfusion (93.97% vs. 81.97%, p = .031) and requirement of intravenous (IV) analgesia (41.38% vs. 34.43%, p = .019) as compared to the patients in the LM group. The Robotic myomectomy significantly reduces blood loss, the duration of hospital stay, and requirement of blood transfusions and IV analgesia as compared to the laparoscopic myomectomy.
Blood oxygenation-level dependent cerebrovascular reactivity imaging as strategy to monitor CSF-hemoglobin toxicity
Authors: Thomson Bart R. , Richter Henning , Akeret Kevin , Buzzi Raphael M. , Anagnostakou Vania , Niftrik Christiaan H. B. van , Schwendinger Nina , Kulcsar Zsolt , Kronen Peter W. , Regli Luca , Fierstra Jorn , Schaer Dominik J. , Hugelshofer Michael
Published: April 2022

PurposeCell-free hemoglobin in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF-Hb) may be one of the main drivers of secondary brain injury after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Haptoglobin scavenging of CSF-Hb has been shown to mitigate cerebrovascular disruption. Using digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and blood oxygenation-level dependent cerebrovascular reactivity imaging (BOLD-CVR) the aim was to assess the acute toxic effect of CSF-Hb on cerebral blood flow and autoregulation, as well as to test the protective effects of haptoglobin. Methods DSA imaging was performed in eight anesthetized and ventilated sheep (mean weight: 80.4 kg) at baseline, 15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes after infusion of hemoglobin (Hb) or co-infusion with haptoglobin (Hb:Haptoglobin) into the left lateral ventricle. Additionally, 10 ventilated sheep (mean weight: 79.8 kg) underwent BOLD-CVR imaging to assess the cerebrovascular reserve capacity.Results DSA imaging did not show a difference in mean transit time or cerebral blood flow. Whole-brain BOLD-CVR compared to baseline decreased more in the Hb group after 15 minutes (Hb vs Hb:Haptoglobin: -0.03 ± 0.01 vs -0.01 ± 0.02) and remained diminished compared to Hb:Haptoglobin group after 30 minutes (Hb vs Hb:Haptoglobin: -0.03 ± 0.01 vs 0.0 ± 0.01), 45 minutes (Hb vs Hb:Haptoglobin: -0.03 ± 0.01 vs 0.01 ± 0.02) and 60 minutes (Hb vs Hb:Haptoglobin: -0.03 ± 0.02 vs 0.01 ± 0.01).ConclusionIt is demonstrated that CSF-Hb toxicity leads to rapid cerebrovascular reactivity impairment, which is blunted by haptoglobin co-infusion. BOLD-CVR may therefore be further evaluated as a monitoring strategy for CSF-Hb toxicity after aSAH.
Comparison of Saccharification and Lactic Acid Production Efficiencies From Chemically and Biologically Pretreated Wheat Straw
Authors: Rasool Asif , khan M. Ravish
Published: April 2022

Background: In recent times, agricultural waste has been utilized in many industries as an energy source in several processes. Wheat straw, one of the most cost-effective raw material, has a great potential to be utilized as a substrate in fermentation to produce lactic acid. Utilization of agro waste material as the carbon source provides a cheap and environment friendly production of lactic acid. Methods: A comparison of chemical and biological pretreatment of wheat straw and the use of pretreated wheat straw hydrolysate in fermentation of Lactobacillus was carried out using optimized process parameters of temperature and ph. Pretreatment methods using dilute acid and white rot fungus Coriolis versicolor were performed on wheat straw as well as the effect of co-pretreatment with calcium hydroxide on differentially pretreated wheat straw was studied by analyzing sugar and lactic acid concentrations during fermentation. The effect of different pH (7, 8, and 9) on fermentation using dilute acid pretreated wheat straw was observed to lower the lactic production with the increase in ph. Dilute acid pretreatment of wheat straw provided the highest concentration of glucose at 57.2mg/L and subsequently enhanced yield of lactic acid during fermentation while the biologically pretreated wheat straw hydrolysate provided comparatively lower concentration of glucose at 49.2mg/L and thus decreased lactic acid production. Result: The final lactic acid concentration of 48.14 mg/L was obtained in dilute acid pretreated wheat straw with Yp/s of 0.915 mg/mg, while the use of biologically pretreated wheat straw hydrolysate provided 39.56 mg/L concentration of lactic acid and an Yp/s of 0.908 mg/mg. However, a reduced lactic acid concentration of 27.03 mg/L and 20.62 mg/L was seen after the co-pretreatment of both dilute acid and fungal pretreated wheat straw with calcium hydroxide respectively, indicating its adverse effects on fermentation process.Conclusion: Pretreatment of wheat straw with dilute acid can be considered a good saccharification method to obtain the optimum concentration of lactic acid in microbial fermentation carried out at optimum temperature and pH conditions.
Efficient and Compact Freeform Optics Design for Customized LED Lighting
Authors: Wei Shili , Zhu Zhengbo , Ma Donglin
Published: April 2022

Adoption of LED lighting products have many advantages such as energy conservation and environmental protection. But the luminescent characteristics of LEDs cannot provide satisfactory lighting solutions to meet the requirements of today’s sophisticated applications. Freeform optics constitutes a new technique for regulating the energy output of LEDs into a customized form. However, many freeform optical elements are designed to be bulky since the point-like sources assumption. The designs that consider the spatial extents of LEDs usually have poorly controlled light patterns or low efficiencies. Here, we propose a very robust design method based on spatially variant convolution for 4D light field tailoring, which enables high-performing freeform illumination optics with small sizes. The proposed method is holistic that is suitable for various kinds of design requirements with no limitations of far-field approximation and Lambertian luminescent property. Several design examples including fabricated lenses and experimental tests are presented. The results realize compact, low-cost, and highly efficient freeform optics with customized lighting solutions. We believe that the proposed work can promote the research on enhancing the emission quality of LEDs and generating artificial light for application-specific lighting systems.
Prevalence and risk factors of postoperative venous thromboembolism in Cushing’s disease and establishment of a risk assessment model
Authors: Liu Dan , Liu Wenjuan , He Min , Miao Qing , Ji Lijin , chen Lili , Yu Yifei , Ma Zengyi , Shou Xuefei , Zhang Shuo , Wang Yutao , Wu Zhiyuan , Zhang Zhaoyun , Zhao Yao , Li Yiming , Wang Yongfei , Ye Hongying
Published: April 2022

Purpose: The incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in Cushing’s disease (CD) is about ten times higher than that in general population, which tends to be underestimated due to the missed detection of asymptomatic VTE events. VTE can occur at any stage of CD, mainly during the postoperative period. We aim to investigate the incidence and prothrombotic risk factors of postoperative VTE in CD patients and to further develop an assessment model to identify those at high risk of postoperative VTE events. Methods: We performed a retrospective study in 82 CD patients by evaluating their clinical, hormonal, and coagulation parameters, as well as ultrasonography and pulmonary angio-CT when necessary. Results: Nineteen patients (23.2%) developed VTE events, of which 14 developed VTE after endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery (ETS). The group of CD patients with postoperative VTE were elder (p<0.001), had more infection (p<0.05) and reduced mobility (p<0.05), higher HbA1c, and more severe impairment of glucose tolerance than those without. By using stepwise regression analysis, we obtained 4 independent risk factors for postoperative VTE: age, 2-h insulin in OGTT, current infection, and postoperative bedtime. Then a VTE risk assessment nomogram model was established to predict the patients at high risk of VTE. In this nomogram model, 70 patients (85.7%) were classified correctly, and area under the curve was 0.899 (95%CI, 0.787-0.999). Conclusion: Advanced perioperative assessment needs to be taken to screen those with high VTE risks in CD patients. Moreover, physical movement and antithrombotic prophylaxis seems to be warranted during perioperative period.
Effect of COVID-19 on treatment of paediatric febrile illnesses among registered private drug sellers in East-Central Uganda: a qualitative study
Authors: Bagonza Arthur , Etajak Samuel , Musoke David , Kabatangare Patience , Wamani Henry
Published: April 2022

BackgroundPrivate drug sellers play a critical role in treating children with malaria, pneumonia and diarrhea which remain the leading causes of mortality in children less than five years in many low-and middle-income countries. The onset of COVID-19 led to intermittent lockdowns resulting in curtailed movement of people including for access of health services. This study qualitatively assessed the effect of COVID-19 on treatment of pediatric febrile illnesses among registered private drug sellers in East-Central Uganda.MethodsFour key informant interviews (KIIs) were held with drug inspectors and four focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with registered drug sellers at the end of the second lock down period following a nationwide reduction in COVID-19 cases. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were imported into Atlas.ti 7 software for management and thematic analysis.ResultsFour major themes arose from the study. These were; Treatment practices, Logistics, Living standards and collaboration between government and private sector. Accessing drugs used for treating children with febrile illnesses was difficult because of the lock down which restricted movement of people. As such, community members were not able to work resulting in poverty. This led to procuring incomplete doses for sick children from drug sellers hence inappropriate treatment. The curtailed movement also increased the cost of procuring drugs making them unaffordable by caregivers with febrile children. This in turn led to reduced income translating into reduced standards of living for drug sellers. Noteworthy, government and the private sector need to collaborate in order to make paediatric drugs easily accessible to the private drug sellers in future pandemics. This will lead to desired pediatric health outcomes.ConclusionCOVID-19 hampered the appropriate treatment of children because the instituted lock downs caused restricted movement hence a shortage of drugs and rampant poverty among community members. The hiked cost of procuring drugs for febrile children lowered the living standards of many drug sellers. It is important that in future, synergy be created between government and private health providers in order to benefit from the economies of scale.
Research Ready Grant Program (RRGP) Protocol: A model for collaborative multidisciplinary practice-research partnerships
Authors: Flenady Tracy , Dwyer Trudy , Kahl Julie , Sobolewska Agnieszka , Reid-Searl Kerry , Signal Tania
Published: April 2022

Background: Little attention has been given to the process of implementing or evaluating a structured academic–clinician (University-Health Service) research capacity building model within healthcare settings. We have developed a model for collaborative multidisciplinary practice-research partnerships called Research Ready Grant Program (RRGP). The RRGP is informed by Cooke (1)’s Research Capacity Building (RCB) framework and principles. The aim of the study outlined in this protocol is to conduct a process and outcome evaluation of the program. We will explore how the RRGP structured mentor model contributes to research capacity building (RCB) of clinician-led multidisciplinary research teams. We will identify key factors at the organization, team, and individual levels that affect research capacity of health professionals working in one regional health service district. This protocol describes the RRGP design and outlines the methods we will employ to evaluate a research capacity building program called Research Ready Grant Program (RRGP), delivered in a regional health service in AustraliaMethods: The study will adopt an exploratory concurrent mixed-methods approach designed to evaluate the process of implementing a RCB model across one regional hospital and health service. Both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods over a 12-month period will be implemented. Data triangulation will be applied to capture the complex issues associated with implementing collaborative multidisciplinary practice-research partnerships.Discussion: The RRGP is an innovative research capacity building model for clinicians in their workplace. It is expected that the program will facilitate a culture of collaborative multidisciplinary research and strengthen hospital-university partnerships.