bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluación de riesgo ambiental y efectos en salud de la emergencia por Ola Invernal, Colombia, 2018
Authors: Muñoz Guerrero María Nathalia , Gómez Ortega Luis Carlos , Soto Alegria Luisa Fernanda , Bernal Johanna Katerine , Gamarra Jorge Alberto , Díaz Jorge Luis , Padilla Lopez Ana Victoria , Walteros Acero Diana Marcela
Published: January 2022

Introducción: la Vigilancia de Factores de Riesgo Ambiental y el Sistema de Alerta Temprana Ambiental y Efectos en Salud –SATAES- del Instituto Nacional de Salud –INS-, detecta y realiza el seguimiento de situaciones y amenazas de tipo ambiental que pueden desencadenar efectos en salud, entre ellas, la identificada por la alerta de Ola invernal que se presentó en algunas regiones del país en 2018. El objetivo fue clasificar el nivel de riesgo ambiental y efectos en salud de la población durante la emergencia ambiental (Ola invernal) en los departamentos de Arauca, Boyacá, Guainía, Putumayo y Vichada. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, mediante la matriz de evaluación de riesgo ambiental de situaciones o alertas ambientales del SATAES para los departamentos de Arauca, Boyacá, Guainía, Putumayo y Vichada. La situación fue registrada diariamente en una base de seguimiento. Se priorizó la monitorización por sala de análisis del riesgo (SAR) de los eventos: enfermedad diarreica aguda, infección respiratoria aguda, varicela, accidente ofídico, dengue, chikungunya, leptospirosis y malaria. Se realizó búsqueda activa institucional en Registros Individuales de Prestación de Servicios de Salud de enfermedades dermatológicas y síndromes gastrointestinales para su seguimiento. Resultados: el nivel de riesgo en salud pública para dos de los cuatro departamentos priorizados, se mantuvo en amarillo por lo que se requirió la activación de la SAR y el desplazamiento de un equipo de respuesta inmediata –ERI-, con el fin de fortalecer las actividades de inteligencia epidemiológica y reforzar las capacidades para la respuesta. Los eventos de interés en salud pública de infección respiratoria aguda, enfermedad diarreica aguda, malaria y accidente ofídico presentaron comportamientos inusuales en su notificación durante la emergencia ambiental, generando actividades de vigilancia intensificada en los territorios para adoptar medidas de control. Conclusiones: La evaluación de riesgo ambiental y de efectos en salud de la emergencia de Ola Invernal señalan las acciones a realizar por parte de los territorios afectados en respuesta al grado de vulnerabilidad y afectación por esta amenaza, fortaleciendo las actividades de prevención, vigilancia y control recomendadas en cada una de las entidades territoriales.
Análisis de situación del sistema de vigilancia de tuberculosis farmacorresistente en Colombia, 2018
Authors: Bocanegra H. Diana P. , Campo C. Alfonso R.
Published: January 2022

Introducción: La tuberculosis farmacorresistente es causada por una cepa de Mycobacterium tuberculosis resistente a los fármacos utilizados durante tratamiento. La infección se transmite de persona a persona a través del aire (1). En Colombia, el análisis de situación y la evaluación completa del sistema de vigilancia para el evento permite identificar las mejoras en la operación y la efectividad del sistema. Los objetivos del estudio fueron identificar la importancia del sistema de vigilancia de tuberculosis farmacorresistente; identificar los objetivos y la operatividad del sistema de vigilancia, y evaluar los atributos del sistema de vigilancia.
Metodología: se hizo un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo transversal, se analizó el sistema de vigilancia de tuberculosis farmacorresistente y se evaluaron los atributos del sistema con el modelo del CDC de manera cualitativa y cuantitativa. La población en estudio fueron los casos de tuberculosis farmacorresistente
notificados al Sistema de Vigilancia del Instituto Nacional de Salud entre los periodos epidemiológicos I al VI de 2018.
Resultados: los hallazgos encontrados en el sistema de vigilancia de tuberculosis farmacorresistente muestran que es útil para la vigilancia del evento, es simple, flexible, representativo, tiene una sensibilidad del 97,1 % y un valor predictivo positivo del 93,4 %.
Conclusiones: el sistema de vigilancia de la tuberculosis farmacorresistente está concebido para la recolección, análisis y divulgación del evento de manera que genere información para la toma de decisiones y generación de políticas públicas; es un sistema simple, funcional, que tiene la suficiente flexibilidad para responder a diferentes situaciones, con buena sensibilidad y valor predictivo positivo.
RAAS-gátló kezelés – Covid-pandémia
Authors: Kékes Ede
Published: January 2022

A SARS-CoV-2 okozta különböző méretű és lefolyású akut légzési szindróma ma az egészségügyi rendszerek legnagyobb kihívása világszerte. A Covid-19 klinikai képének kialakulásában döntő szerepe van a renin-angiotenzin-aldoszteron, valamint a kinin-kallikrein rendszernek, illetve ezen rendszereken belül két endopeptidáznak, az ACE és ACE-2 enzimeknek. Az ACE által stimulált Ang II/AT1R tengely káros hatásait (oxidáns, gyulladáskeltő hatás, vasoconstrictio) az ACE-2 által indukált AT2R- és MasR-aktivitás (antioxidáns, gyulladáscsökkentő hatás, vasodilatatio) ellensúlyozza. A SARS-CoV-2 azért okoz ilyen súlyos tüdő- és szisztémás gyulladást, mert az ACE-2-t, mint a tüdő fontos védelmi tényezőjét, károsítja a SARS-CoV-2 fehérjetüskéje az ACE-2-höz kötődéssel, ami az ACE-2-szint csökkenéséhez vezet. Ezzel párhuzamosan fokozott a bradikinintermelődés, amely a BKB1- és BKB2-receptorok révén ugyancsak erősíti a SARS-CoV-2 gerjesztette citokinvihart. Mivel a RAAS-gátló szerek (ACEI, ARB) különböző támadási helyeken és különböző mértékben befolyásolják a két említett szabályozó rendszert és enzimeket, sürgős volt szerepük tisztázása a Covid-fertőzés során, hiszen alkalmazásuk igen kiterjedt és nélkülözhetetlen pillére számos népbetegségnek (hypertonia, car­diorenalis anyagcsere-betegségek). A pa­to­fiziológiai és kísérletes adatok alapján jogosan feltételezhető, hogy Covid-fertő­zésben a társbetegségekkel járó esetekben – kifejezetten az idős egyéneknél – a csökkent ACE-2-expressziót a RAAS-gátlók helyreállíthatják, és újra érvényesülni tud az el­maradt, vagy csökkent védőhatás. Ez a vé­dő­hatás mindkét RAAS-gátlóra érvényes. A klinikai vizsgálatok egyértelműen alátámasztják a különböző nemzetközi társaságok deklarált véleményét, miszerint a RAAS-gátlók alkalmazása nem növeli a Covid-19-előfordulást, illetve a súlyos, kritikus Covid-betegek megjelenésének kockázatát. Ennek értelmében az elindított RAAS-gátló kezelést folytatni lehet és szükséges a Covid-19 betegség kialakulása folyamán.
TÜKENMİŞLİK SENDROMU KONUSUNDA YAZILAN TEZLERİN KATEGORİK OLARAK İNCELENMESİ
Authors: YİĞİT Burcu
Published: January 2022

Bu çalışmanın amacı, pek çok bilim dalına çalışma konusu olan ve pek çok bilim dalının odağında olan tükenmişlik sendromu konusunda yazılan tezlerin kategorik olarak incelenmesidir. Bu kapsamda, tükenmişlik sendromu konusunda Türkiye’de yazılmış olan erişime açık 140 teze erişilmiştir. Bu tezler, içerik analizi ile incelenmiştir. Yapılan içerik analizinde, tezlerin yayım yılları, üniversite isimleri, anabilim dalları, dilleri, türleri, enstitüler, danışman unvanları, tezlerdeki değişken sayısına göre sınıflandırma yapılmıştır. Elde edilen sonuçlara göre, en çok tezin 2019 yılında yayımlandığı; tezlerin en çok Beykent Üniversitesi’nde yazıldığı, anabilim dalı olarak İşletme Anabilim Dalı; tez dili olarak Türkçe, tez türü olarak yüksek lisans; enstitü bazında Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü; tez danışmanı unvanına göre Dr. Öğretim Üyesinin en çok olduğu; değişken sayısı olarak en çok iki değişkenli çalışıldığı ortaya konmuştur.
Common Retrospective Economic Perception Items Are Noisy But Broadly Reliable
Authors: Bailey Jack
Published: January 2022

Retrospective economic perception items dominate economic voting research. Though they are well-used, they are not well-validated. In this short note, I assess the items’ test-retest reliability for the first time. I make three contributions. First, I show that the items are broadly reliable. Second, I show that personal items are more reliable than national ones. Third, I show that the differences in reliability I find have little effect on model outputs. Thus, though these items have their problems, reliability is likely not one of them.
Immobilization and Evaluation of Penicillin G Acylase on Hydroxy and Aldehyde Functionalized Magnetic α-Fe2O3/Fe3O4 Heterostructure Nanosheets
Authors: Ni Yun , Lv Zhixiang , Wang Zhou , Kang Shouyu , He Dawei , Liu Ruijiang
Published: January 2022

Magnetic α-Fe2O3/Fe3O4 heterostructure nanosheets were fabricated via hydrothermal calcination. The activity of penicillin G acylase (PGA), which was covalently immobilized onto silica-decorated heterostructure nanosheets, achieved the highest activity of 387.03 IU/g after 18 h of incubation with 0.1 ml of PGA. In contrast, the activity of free PGA reached the highest level when the temperature was 45°C with a pH of 8.0. However, the activity of free PGA changed more dramatically than immobilized PGA as the relative conditions changed. Moreover, the Michaelis–Menten constant (Km) and reusability of immobilized PGA were also explored. The results showed that free PGA Km and maximum rate (Vmax) were 0.0274 M and 1.167 μl/min, respectively. Km and Vmax values of immobilized PGA were 0.1082 M and 1.294 μl/min, respectively. After 12 cycles of repetitive use, immobilized PGA remained approximately 66% of its initial activity, indicating that the PGA immobilized onto the heterostructure nanosheets showed better stability and reusability than free PGA.
Acute Effects of Heel-to-Toe Drop and Speed on Running Biomechanics and Strike Pattern in Male Recreational Runners: Application of Statistical Nonparametric Mapping in Lower Limb Biomechanics
Authors: Yu Peimin , He Yuhuan , Gu Yaodong , Liu Yuwei , Xuan Rongrong , Fernandez Justin
Published: January 2022

With the increased popularity of running, many studies have been conducted into footwears that are highly related to running performance and running-related injuries. Previous studies investigated different shoe types and running shoes with different heel-to-toe drops (HTDs). However, no research was found in investigating shoes with negative values with HTD. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the acute effect of HTD and running speed on lower limb biomechanics and strike pattern in recreational runners. Thirteen male recreational runners wearing shoes with two different HTDs (−8 and 8 mm) performed running at three different speeds (preferred speed [PS], 90% of PS, 110% of PS). Lower extremity kinematics and ground reaction forces were synchronously captured via Vicon motion analysis system and AMTI force platform. Strike index (SI), vertical average loading rate (VALR), vertical instantaneous loading rate (VILR), excursion, eversion duration, joint angles, and range of motion (ROM) of metatarsophalangeal (MTP), ankle, knee, and hip joints were calculated. Joint angles during the entire stance phase were analyzed applying the statistical nonparametric mapping (SnPM) method. SI and VILR in shoes with −8 mm HTD significantly increased by 18.99% and 31.836 BW/s compared to those with 8 mm HTD (SI: p = 0.002; VILR: p < 0.001). Significant alterations of ROM occurred in the MTP, ankle, and knee joints (p < 0.05), and HTD factor primarily accounted for these changes. Joint angles (MTP, knee, and hip) during the entire stance phase altered due to HTD and speed factors. Running speed primarily influenced the kinematics parameters of knee and hip joints, increasing knee angles in the frontal plane and hip angle in the horizontal plane at PS (p > 0.05). Compared to shoes with 8 mm HTD, shoes with −8 mm HTD may be useful to storage and return energy because of the increased ROM of MTP in the sagittal plane. Besides, forefoot strike gait retraining was recommended before transition from normal running shoes to running shoes with −8 mm HTD.
Intervertebral Disc-on-a-Chip as Advanced In Vitro Model for Mechanobiology Research and Drug Testing: A Review and Perspective
Authors: Mainardi Andrea , Cambria Elena , Occhetta Paola , Martin Ivan , Barbero Andrea , Schären Stefan , Mehrkens Arne , Krupkova Olga
Published: January 2022

Discogenic back pain is one of the most diffused musculoskeletal pathologies and a hurdle to a good quality of life for millions of people. Existing therapeutic options are exclusively directed at reducing symptoms, not at targeting the underlying, still poorly understood, degenerative processes. Common intervertebral disc (IVD) disease models still do not fully replicate the course of degenerative IVD disease. Advanced disease models that incorporate mechanical loading are needed to investigate pathological causes and processes, as well as to identify therapeutic targets. Organs-on-chip (OoC) are microfluidic-based devices that aim at recapitulating tissue functions in vitro by introducing key features of the tissue microenvironment (e.g., 3D architecture, soluble signals and mechanical conditioning). In this review we analyze and depict existing OoC platforms used to investigate pathological alterations of IVD cells/tissues and discuss their benefits and limitations. Starting from the consideration that mechanobiology plays a pivotal role in both IVD homeostasis and degeneration, we then focus on OoC settings enabling to recapitulate physiological or aberrant mechanical loading, in conjunction with other relevant features (such as inflammation). Finally, we propose our view on design criteria for IVD-on-a-chip systems, offering a future perspective to model IVD mechanobiology.
Sa12b Improves Biological Activity of Human Degenerative Nucleus Pulposus Mesenchymal Stem Cells in a Severe Acid Environment by Inhibiting Acid-Sensitive Ion Channels
Authors: Wang Ziyu , Han Letian , Chen Haoyu , Zhang Shengquan , Zhang Sumei , Zhang Hua , Li Yuhao , Tao Hui , Li Jie
Published: January 2022

Sa12b is a wasp peptide that can inhibit acid-sensitive ion channels (ASICs). The biological effects of nucleus pulposus mesenchymal stem cells (NP-MSCs) have not been investigated. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of Sa12b on the biological activity of NP-MSCs through ASICs in the acidic environment of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). In this study, NP-MSCs were isolated from the nucleus pulposus (NP) in patients who underwent lumbar disc herniation surgery, identified by flow cytometry and tertiary differentiation, and cultured in vitro in an acidic environment model of IVDD with a pH of 6.2. Proliferation, and apoptosis were observed after different Sa12b concentrations were added to P2 generation NP-MSCs. The Ca2+ influx was detected using flow cytometry and laser confocal scanning microscopy, and qPCR was used to detect the relative expression of stem cell–associated genes (Oct4, Nanog, Jag1, and Notch1), the relative expression of extracellular matrix (ECM)–associated genes (collagen II, aggrecan, and SOX-9), and the relative expression of genes encoding ASICs (ASIC1, ASIC2, ASIC3, and ASIC4). Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression of collagen II and aggrecan in different treatment groups. Cells isolated and cultured from normal NP were spindle-shaped and adherent, and they exhibited expansion in vitro. Flow cytometry results showed that the cells exhibited high expression of CD73 (98.1%), CD90 (97.5%), and CD105 (98.3%) and low expression of HLA-DR (0.93%), CD34 (2.63%), and CD45 (0.33%). The cells differentiated into osteoblasts, adipocytes, and chondrocytes. According to the International Society for Cellular Therapy criteria, the isolated and cultured cells were NP-MSCs. With an increase in Sa12b concentration, the cell proliferation rate of NP-MSCs increased, and the apoptosis rate decreased significantly, reaching the optimal level when the concentration of Sa12b was 8 μg/μl. When the Sa12b concentration was 8 μg/μl and contained the ASIC non-specific inhibitor amiloride, the Ca2+ influx was the lowest, followed by that when the Sa12b concentration was 8 μg/μl. The Ca2+ influx was the highest in the untreated control group. qPCR results showed that as the concentration of Sa12b increased, the relative expression of Oct4, Nanog, Jag1, Notch1, collagen II, aggrecan, and SOX-9 increased, while that of ASIC1, ASIC2, ASIC3, and ASIC4 decreased. The difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). In conclusion, Sa12b can improve the biological activity of NP-MSCs in severely acidic environments of the intervertebral disc by reducing Ca2+ influx via AISC inhibition and, probably, the Notch signaling pathway. This study provides a new approach for the biological treatment of IVDD. Inhibition of AISCs by Sa12b may delay IVDD and improve low back pain.
Dendrimer-Based N-Acetyl Cysteine Maternal Therapy Ameliorates Placental Inflammation via Maintenance of M1/M2 Macrophage Recruitment
Authors: Liu Yang , Na Quan , Liu Jin , Liu Anguo , Oppong Akosua , Lee Ji Yeon , Chudnovets Anna , Lei Jun , Sharma Rishi , Kannan Sujatha , Kannan Rangaramanujam M. , Burd Irina
Published: January 2022

Intrauterine inflammation (IUI) is the primary cause of spontaneous preterm birth and predisposes neonates to long-term sequelae, including adverse neurological outcomes. N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) is the amino acid L-cysteine derivative and a precursor to the antioxidant glutathione (GSH). NAC is commonly used clinically as an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. Poor bioavailability and high protein binding of NAC necessitates the use of high doses resulting in side effects including nausea, vomiting, and gastric disruptions. Therefore, dendrimer-based therapy can specifically target the drug to the cells involved in inflammation, reducing side effects with efficacy at much lower doses than the free drug. Towards development of the new therapies for the treatment of maternal inflammation, we successfully administered dendrimer-based N-Acetyl Cysteine (DNAC) in an animal model of IUI to reduce preterm birth and perinatal inflammatory response. This study explored the associated immune mechanisms of DNAC treatment on placental macrophages following IUI, especially on M1/M2 type macrophage polarization. Our results demonstrated that intraperitoneal maternal DNAC administration significantly reduced the pro-inflammatory cytokine mRNA of Il1β and Nos2, and decreased CD45+ leukocyte infiltration in the placenta following IUI. Furthermore, we found that DNAC altered placental immune profile by stimulating macrophages to change to the M2 phenotype while decreasing the M1 phenotype, thus suppressing the inflammatory responses in the placenta. Our study provides evidence for DNAC therapy to alleviate IUI via the maintenance of macrophage M1/M2 imbalance in the placenta.
Visualization-Based Discovery of Vanin-1 Inhibitors for Colitis
Authors: Wang Guankai , Wang Jingjing , Du Lupei , Li Minyong
Published: January 2022

The main effect of Vanin-1/VNN1 is related to its pantetheinase sulfhydrylase activity, which can hydrolyze pantetheine into pantothenic acid and cysteamine. In recent studies, the enzymatic activity of vanin-1/VNN1 has been found to be essential in the development of many diseases. The study of specific vanin-1/VNN1 inhibitors can give us a deeper understanding of its role in the disease process. In this study, different skeletal inhibitors were designed and synthesized using pyrimidine amide compounds as lead compounds. In order to screen inhibitors intuitively, a fluorescent probe PA-AFC for in vitro evaluation of inhibitors was designed and synthesized in this study, which has good sensitivity and specificity. The bioluminescent probe PA-AL was then used for cellular level and in vivo inhibitor evaluation. This screening method was convenient, economical and highly accurate. Finally, these inhibitors were applied to a mouse colitis model, confirming that vanin-1 is useful in IBD and providing a new therapeutic direction.
Soluble Urokinase Plasminogen Activator Receptor Is Associated With Subclinical Myocardial Impairment by Speckle Tracking Echocardiography in Lung Cancer Patients
Authors: Manshad Ahmad S. , Ballout Fatima A. , Borgia Jeffrey A. , Reiser Jochen , Okwuosa Tochukwu M.
Published: January 2022

Background

Plasma cardiac biomarkers have emerged as a cost-effective diagnostic tool aimed at early identification of cardiotoxicity. Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) is a bone marrow cell derived signaling molecule that is associated with cardiovascular disease outcomes.

Objectives

We investigated associations between suPAR and global longitudinal strain (GLS) as a marker of early myocardial impairment in lung cancer patients.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 52 patients with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer with normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF >55%) and without known heart disease or end-stage renal disease (ESRD). We studied associations between cardiac biomarkers and echocardiographic measures of systolic and diastolic function. GLS was analyzed using 2D speckle-tracking echocardiography via vendor-independent software (TomTec).

Results

Median plasma suPAR was 7.0 ng/mL (interquartile range: 5.4–9.0). Mean LVEF was 61.9 ± 8.3% and mean GLS was-19.3 ± 2.1%. Inter-observer reproducibility was excellent for GLS as determined by Intraclass Correlation Coefficient analysis, ICC = 0.81 (0.68–0.89). After multivariate analysis, suPAR was the only biomarker associated with GLS (p = 0.009). suPAR was also associated with diastolic parameters E velocity (p = 0.018), A velocity (p = 0.017), and E/E' ratio (p = 0.033). Interestingly, suPAR was not associated with LVEF (p = 0.916). In addition, suPAR and GLS were found to be age-independent predictors of all-cause mortality, though only GLS remained significant after multivariate adjustment.

Conclusions

In this cohort of stage IV non-small cell lung cancer patients with normal LVEF and without known heart disease or ESRD, suPAR was associated with GLS and diastolic impairment. suPAR is a readily available inexpensive biomarker; further research is required to evaluate the possible role of suPAR in screening for subclinical LV dysfunction in the high-risk oncological population.
A Predictive Scoring Model for Postoperative Tracheostomy in Patients Who Underwent Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Wang Dashuai , Wang Su , Du Yifan , Song Yu , Le Sheng , Wang Hongfei , Zhang Anchen , Huang Xiaofan , Wu Long , Du Xinling
Published: January 2022

Background

A subset of patients require a tracheostomy as respiratory support in a severe state after cardiac surgery. There are limited data to assess the predictors for requiring postoperative tracheostomy (POT) in cardiac surgical patients.

Methods

The records of adult patients who underwent cardiac surgery from 2016 to 2019 at our institution were reviewed. Univariable analysis was used to assess the possible risk factors for POT. Then multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors. A predictive scoring model was established with predictor assigned scores derived from each regression coefficient divided by the smallest one. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test were used to evaluate the discrimination and calibration of the risk score, respectively.

Results

A total of 5,323 cardiac surgical patients were included, with 128 (2.4%) patients treated with tracheostomy after cardiac surgery. Patients with POT had a higher frequency of readmission to the intensive care unit (ICU), longer stay, and higher mortality (p < 0.001). Mixed valve surgery and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), aortic surgery, renal insufficiency, diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary edema, age >60 years, and emergent surgery were independent predictors. A 9-point risk score was generated based on the multivariable model, showing good discrimination [the concordance index (c-index): 0.837] and was well-calibrated.

Conclusions

We established and verified a predictive scoring model for POT in patients who underwent cardiac surgery. The scoring model was conducive to risk stratification and may provide meaningful information for clinical decision-making.
Catheter Ablation in Complex Atrial Arrhythmias: Pilot Study Evaluating a 3D Wide-Band Dielectric Imaging System
Authors: Pongratz Janis , Dorwarth Uwe , Riess Lukas , Schwartz Yitzhack , Wankerl Michael , Hoffmann Ellen , Straube Florian
Published: January 2022

Background

Cryoballoon ablation (CBA) for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is a standard in atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation but might not be enough in complex atrial arrhythmias (AA). An open three-dimensional wide-band dielectric imaging system (3D-WBDIS) has been introduced to guide CBA.

Material and Methods

Pilot study evaluating feasibility and safety of 3D-WBDIS in combination with CBA and optional radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in patients with complex AA defined as (1) history of persistent AF, (2) additional atrial tachycardia/flutter, or (3) previous left atrial ablation.

Results

Prospectively, seventeen patients, 68.9 ± 12.2 years of age, with complex AA were enrolled. In 70 pulmonary veins (PV), balloon positioning maneuvers (n = 129) were guided additionally by the occlusion tool (1.84/PV). Compared to angiography, its sensitivity and specificity was 94.5, and 85%, respectively. CBA-PVI was achieved in 100% of PVs including variants. In 68 maps, the median number of mapping points was 251.0 (interquartile range (IQR) 298.0) with a median map volume of 52.8 (IQR 83.9) mL. Following CBA, six additional arrhythmias (two right and two left atrial flutter, one left atrial appendage tachycardia, and one atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia) were identified and successfully ablated by means of RFA in five patients (29.4%). Left atrial and fluoroscopy times were 88 (IQR 40) and 20 (IQR 10) minutes, respectively. Dose area product was 1,100 (IQR 1252) cGyxcm2. Freedom from AA after 6 months follow-up time and 90 days blanking period was documented in 10/17 (59%) patients, and 8/17 (47%) without a blanking period. No major complication was observed.

Conclusion

The combined use of CBA with optional RFA guided by a novel 3D-WBDIS is feasible and safe in patients suffering from complex AA. The occlusion tool shows high sensitivity and specificity for assessment of the balloon occlusion. Additional arrhythmias were successfully mapped and ablated. Short-term outcome is promising, and subsequent prospective, larger outcome studies are necessary to confirm our observations.
Energy Metabolism in Osteogenic Differentiation and Reprogramming: A Possible Future Strategy for Periodontal Regeneration
Authors: Fujihara Chiharu , Nantakeeratipat Teerachate , Murakami Shinya
Published: January 2022

Energy metabolism is crucial in stem cells as they harbor various metabolic pathways depending on their developmental stages. Moreover, understanding the control of their self-renewal or differentiation via manipulation of their metabolic state may yield novel regenerative therapies. Periodontal ligament (PDL) cells existing between the tooth and alveolar bone are crucial for maintaining homeostasis in the periodontal tissue. In addition, they play a pivotal role in periodontal regeneration, as they possess the properties of mesenchymal stem cells and are capable of differentiating into osteogenic cells. Despite these abilities, the treatment outcome of periodontal regenerative therapy remains unpredictable because the biological aspects of PDL cells and the mechanisms of their differentiation remain unclear. Recent studies have revealed that metabolism and factors affecting metabolic pathways are involved in the differentiation of PDL cells. Furthermore, understanding the metabolic profile of PDL cells could be crucial in manipulating the differentiation of PDL cells. In this review, first we discuss the energy metabolism in osteoblasts and stem cells to understand the metabolism of PDL cells. Next, we summarize the metabolic preferences of PDL cells during their maintenance and cytodifferentiation. The perspectives discussed have potential applicability for creating a platform for reliable regenerative therapies for periodontal tissue.
Structural Vibration Analysis of Historical Drum Tower Structure Caused by Underground Train Running
Authors: Zhou Yefei , Bai Xiaoxiao , Wang Shengnian , Zhao Kai , Su Hui , Wang Haiyan
Published: January 2022

The vibration induced by underground metro operation could have significant impacts on the safety of building structures. In this study, the dynamic response of the Nanjing Drum Tower affected by the metro line four operation was investigated by a three-dimensional FEM coupling train-track-tunnel-foundation-soil-basement–Drum Tower model performed on a 64 CPU parallel computing cluster platform. The results show that the vertical vibration caused by the subway operation has a more serious impact on the historical structure of the Drum Tower than the horizontal vibration. The vertical vibration attenuates rapidly from the basement bottom to the top of the tower. The horizontal vibration amplifies along the height of the historical building. The truss roof significantly weakens the vibration. As the speed of the train increases, the amplitude of horizontal and vertical vibration increases gradually from the bottom to the roof of the Drum Tower despite a relatively smaller increase for the horizontal vibration. As for the double-track operation case, the vertical vibration amplitude is much greater than that for the single-track operation, and no significant difference is observed in the horizontal direction. The amplitudes of horizontal vibration velocity for the basement and Drum Tower are 0.131 and 0.060 mm/s, respectively.
E-Learning Adoption in Higher Education Institutions During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Multigroup Analysis
Authors: Shams Muhammad Shahid , Niazi Murtaza Masud , Gul Habib , Mei Tang Swee , Khan Kaleem Ullah
Published: January 2022

After the outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in late December 2019, in an attempt to mitigate its development, the decision to close institutions around the world was made. To continue imparting education and delivering the learning material to their students, many institutions adopted for digital or E-learning. To support those institutions attempting to digitize their learning during this pandemic, the main aim of this study is to examine the students’ accessibility to and success of E-learning portals. Using the DeLone and McLean (D&M) Model, the study explains the differences between female and male students’ accessibility to E-learning portals. This study compares female and male student groups regarding the usage of the E-learning portal in the higher education context. Using an online google survey, the data were collected from 254 students, including males and females. The study utilized PLS-SEM to perform a multi-group analysis examining female and male student groups. The study found a significant and direct relationship of e-service quality with system use and user satisfaction for females and male student groups. System quality also supported the relationship with user satisfaction. The study further revealed a significant and positive relationship between system use and user satisfaction with E-learning portal success for females and male student groups. This study also concluded that insignificant difference exists in using the E-learning portal between female and male student in higher education institutions.
Primary Adrenal Lymphoma: Two Case Series From China
Authors: Zeng Jinyang , Yan Fangfang , Chen Yulong , Zang Li , Chen Kang , Lyu Zhaohui , Dou Jingtao , Mu Yiming , Lin Mingzhu , Yang Guoqing
Published: January 2022

Objective

Primary adrenal lymphoma (PAL) is a rare form of adrenal mass. We summarize our experience in its clinical presentation, biochemical indexes, radiological features, pathological information, therapy regimens, and outcomes.

Methods

This was an institutional review board-approved retrospective review of medical records and surgical pathology specimens of patients with a diagnosis of PAL at the Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital and the First Affiliate Hospital of Xiamen University between July 2007 and July 2017.

Results

Twenty-six patients were identified. The mean age at presentation was 60.84 ± 13.14 years with a male-to-female ratio of 2.25:1 (18:8). The most common presenting symptoms were loss of appetite (65%, 17/26), weight loss (62%, 16/26), abdominal pain (58%, 15/26), and fatigue (58%, 15/26). The levels of lactate dehydrogenase (75%, 15/20), β2-microglobulin (100%, 10/10), C-reactive protein (82%, 14/17), and ferritin (88%, 7/8) and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (83%, 10/12) were elevated. Bilateral involvement was seen in 21 of 26 patients (81%); 12 of 19 evaluated patients with bilateral lesions (63%) were confirmed to have adrenal insufficiency. On computed tomography (CT), the mean tumor diameter was 7.31 ± 3.35 cm and the median Hounsfield density was 37.0 HU (range: 31.0–45.0 HU); 67% (10/15) and 27% (4/15) of lesions presented with mild and moderate enhancement after injection of contrast medium. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET)-CT revealed not only an adrenal tumor but also extra-adrenal lesions. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) was the most common phenotype (92%, 24/26). Ninety-two percent (24/26) of patients received chemotherapy while 8% (2/26) received unilateral adrenalectomy plus chemotherapy. The prognosis of PAL was poor, with a general survival time of 7.20 ± 5.18 months.

Conclusion

PAL is a rare disease. The clinical characteristics of PAL include loss of appetite and weight loss. Endocrine evaluation should be performed to determine whether patients have adrenal insufficiency, especially patients with bilateral lesions. FDG-PET appears to be more accurate than other imaging modalities in revealing extra-adrenal sites. Better therapy is required to improve the poor prognosis of PAL.
The Role of Extracellular Vesicles in Embryo Implantation
Authors: Chen Kaiyu , Liang Junyong , Qin Ti , Zhang Yunchao , Chen Xi , Wang Zhengguang
Published: January 2022

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-coating nanoparticles derived from cells. The effect of cell-to-cell communication mediated by EVs has been investigated in different fields of physio-logical as well as pathological process in recent years. Reproduction, regarded as a definitive characteristic of organisms, has been a focus in both animal and medical sciences. It is well agreed that implantation is a critical event during early pregnancy in viviparous animals, and a proper implantation is essential for the establishment and maintenance of normal pregnancy. However, successful implantation requires the synchronized development of both the uterus and the embryo, therefore, in which well communication and opportune regulation are necessary. This review focuses on the progression of studies that reveal the role of EVs in early pregnancy, especially during implantation. Based on current evidence, EVs are produced and exist in the environment for implantation. It has been proved that EVs of different origins such as endometrium and embryo, have positive influences on embryo implantation. With their cargos of proteins and nucleic acids (especially microRNAs), EVs exert their effects including information transportation, immune stimulation and regulation of gene expression.
Study on the Influence of Flat Heat Pipe Structural Parameters in Battery Thermal Management System
Authors: Wang Yueqi , Dan Dan , Xie Yi , Li Weifeng , Guo Hongqiang , Zhang Yangjun
Published: January 2022

Battery performance and lifespan are greatly dependent on its temperature, and a good battery thermal system (BTMS) can make the battery work at its favorable temperature range, improve its electrical performance, and extend its lifespan. Due to the high heat conductivity and large surface area of flat heat pipe (FHP), the FHP-based BTMS can quickly remove the heat produced by the battery and improve the temperature homogeneity among cells in the pack. In this study, the FHP is applied to the BTMS, and the influence of its structure on the battery thermal dynamics is studied. Firstly, a coupled thermal model for the FHP-based BTMS is established and verified by the experiment. This model integrates the resistance-based thermal model of the battery and FHP model based on the thermal resistance network. Then, the effect of the structure parameters of FHP such as the thickness, porosity, and particle diameter of sintered wick on the thermal performance of the battery is investigated. According to the results, the temperature variation among battery cells rises significantly when the dimensionless thickness of the wick is greater than 0.7. Moreover, the change of the porosity and particle diameter of the wick results in a nonlinear development of the wick thermal resistance which finally changes the heat conductivity of the FHP and battery temperature. Finally, a neural network model (NNM) is used to establish the relationship between the FHP parameters and battery thermal performance for optimizing the BTMS structure. According to optimization result, the optimized FHP can keep the maximum battery temperature below 40°C at a discharge rate of 2C and reduce the temperature variation in the battery by 7.4%.
Robust Optimization of Micro-Grid of Natural Gas and Renewable Energies Considering Operational Performances and Flexibility
Authors: Zhang Tao
Published: January 2022

The micro-grid based on renewable and fossil energies relieves environmental pollution due to fuel pollutant emission and offsets renewable energies’ instabilities. A micro-grid integrated with wind, solar, and natural gas is proposed. Primary energy saving rate, annual total cost saving rate, and carbon dioxide emission reduction rate are employed to evaluate the energetic, economic, and environmental performances of micro-grid, and grid integration level and net interaction level between micro-grid and national grid are used to show its system operational flexibility. The multi-objective robust optimization model considering these indicators in non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II is constructed, in which the linear regression models fitted using points in the neighborhood of each candidate solution are used to present sensitivity analysis for the selection process of optimal solutions. The simulations in a case study demonstrate the validation of the proposed optimization model. The results show that the primary energy saving rate, annual total cost-saving rate, and CO2 reduction rate are decreased by 1.7, 19.8, and 1.2%, respectively, when integrating system flexibility into optimization objectives.
An Innovative Investigation on Fluid-to-Fluid Modeling of Post-Dryout Heat Transfer in Thermal Energy Systems
Authors: Yu Dali , Xu Chi , Hu Chongju , Fan Yijiang
Published: January 2022

Post-dryout heat transfer is an important thermal hydraulics phenomenon happening in the loss-of-coolant accident of water-cooled nuclear reactors and the off-design conditions of water-cooled ceramic breeder blanket in fusion reactors. It is necessary to research the flow and heat transfer mechanisms of post-dryout. To economically and comprehensively study on the post-dryout heat transfer characteristics, this work conducted fluid-to-fluid modeling research on water and R-134a data banks by using Buckingham dimensional analysis methodology. In addition, a new interpolation method was developed and verified to make the scaling between the two data banks possible. Finally, a scaling method of post-dryout heat transfer was proposed and assessed by using experimental data. The results showed that the obtained scaling method is reliable in certain conditions.
Verification of CENDL-3.2 and ENDF/B-VIII.0 Evaluated Nuclear Data Library on HTR-10 Benchmark
Authors: Huang Tianyi , Li Zeguang , Jiang Shihang , Wang Kan
Published: January 2022

CENDL-3.2 and ENDF/B-VIII.0 referring to the latest version of CENDL and ENDF/B, respectively, evaluated nuclear data library. To examine the applicability the libraries to high-temperature reactors (HTRs), the HTR-10 benchmark calculations are conducted by adopting CENDL-3.2, ENDF/B-VIII.0, and ENDF/B-VII.1 library. The calculated results are compared with the experimental results. As indicated from the comparison, the results of ENDF/B-VIII.0 show the optimal consistency with the experimental results, and CENDL-3.2 outperforms ENDF/B-VII.1. A semi-quantitative analysis method, on the basis of the sensitivity result, is employed to assess the effect of the cross-section change to keff. As revealed from the further calculations and analyses, the difference between cross-sections of C-12 (n, γ) channel primarily causes the inconsistent performance of CENDL-3.2 and ENDF/B-VIII.0 on the benchmark.
Exploring NH3 and NOx Interaction Chemistry With CH4 and C2H4 at Moderate Temperatures and Various Pressures
Authors: Deng Yuwen , Sun Zijian , Yuan Wenhao , Yang Jiuzhong , Zhou Zhongyue , Qi Fei
Published: January 2022

The oxidation of CH4/C2H4/NH3/NO/NO2 gas mixtures was studied aiming to explore the homogenous chemistry of exhaust gas from lean-operated natural gas engine. With respect to this goal, experiments were carried out with a laminar flow reactor under engine-relevant (diluted and lean) conditions over the temperature range of 600–1400 K. Four gas mixtures were designed to evaluate the effects of NO/NO2 ratio (1, 4) and pressure (0.04 and 1.0 atm) on the interaction chemistry of NH3/NOx with CH4 and C2H4. By using synchrotron vacuum ultraviolet photoionization mass spectrometry, fingerprint products for revealing interaction chemistry were identified and quantified, e.g., nitrogenous and oxygenated intermediates. The experimental results show that the NO concentrations are significantly affected by adding CH4/C2H4, changing NO/NO2 ratio and pressure. Besides, the promotion of DeNOx reactions and narrower temperature windows of NO reduction are unexpectedly observed in the presence of CH4/C2H4. To interpret the experimental observations, a detailed kinetic model was developed by integrating hydrocarbons/NH3/NOx interaction chemistry. Rate of production and sensitivity analyses indicate that the active radical pool is enriched and additional chain-branching pathways regarding NO/NO2 interconversion are activated with the addition of hydrocarbons. In the presence of both CH4 and C2H4, reaction C2H3 + O2 = CH2CHO + O was demonstrated as a crucial reaction that drives the reactivity of CH4/C2H4/NH3/NO/NO2 mixture. This is explained by the production of CH2CHO, whose dissociation generates CH2O and ultimately leads to the abundant production of active OH via the reaction sequence CH2O → HCO → HO2 → OH. The conversion kinetics of hydrocarbons, NO and NH3 under different NO/NO2 ratios and pressure, as well as the formation kinetics of oxygenated and nitrogenous intermediates was also analyzed in this work.
Discovering Ecological Relationships in Flowing Freshwater Ecosystems
Authors: Mielke Konrad P. , Schipper Aafke M. , Heskes Tom , Zijp Michiel C. , Posthuma Leo , Huijbregts Mark A. J. , Claassen Tom
Published: January 2022

Knowledge of ecological responses to changes in the environment is vital to design appropriate measures for conserving biodiversity. Experimental studies are the standard to identify ecological cause-effect relationships, but their results do not necessarily translate to field situations. Deriving ecological cause-effect relationships from observational field data is, however, challenging due to potential confounding influences of unmeasured variables. Here, we present a causal discovery algorithm designed to reveal ecological relationships in rivers and streams from observational data. Our algorithm (a) takes into account the spatial structure of the river network, (b) reveals the complete network of ecological relationships, and (c) shows the directions of these relationships. We apply our algorithm to data collected in the US state of Ohio to better understand causes of reductions in fish and invertebrate community integrity. We found that nitrogen is a key variable underlying fish and invertebrate community integrity in Ohio, likely negatively impacting both. We also found that fish and community integrity are each linked to one physical habitat quality variable. Our algorithm further revealed a split between physical habitat quality and water quality variables, indicating that causal relations between these groups of variables are likely absent. Our approach is able to reveal networks of ecological relationships in rivers and streams based on observational data, without the need to formulate a priori hypotheses. This is an asset particularly for diagnostic assessments of the ecological state and potential causes of biodiversity impairment in rivers and streams.
Caste, Sex, and Parasitism Influence Brain Plasticity in a Social Wasp
Authors: Gandia Kristine M. , Cappa Federico , Baracchi David , Hauber Mark. E. , Beani Laura , Uy Floria M. K.
Published: January 2022

Brain plasticity is widespread in nature, as it enables adaptive responses to sensory demands associated with novel stimuli, environmental changes and social conditions. Social Hymenoptera are particularly well-suited to study neuroplasticity, because the division of labor amongst females and the different life histories of males and females are associated with specific sensory needs. Here, we take advantage of the social waspPolistes dominulato explore if brain plasticity is influenced by caste and sex, and the exploitation by the strepsipteran parasiteXenos vesparum.Within sexes, male wasps had proportionally larger optic lobes, while females had larger antennal lobes, which is consistent with the sensory needs of sex-specific life histories. Within castes, reproductive females had larger mushroom body calyces, as predicted by their sensory needs for extensive within-colony interactions and winter aggregations, than workers who frequently forage for nest material and prey. Parasites had different effects on female and male hosts. Contrary to our predictions, female workers were castrated and behaviorally manipulated by female or male parasites, but only showed moderate differences in brain tissue allocation compared to non-parasitized workers. Parasitized males maintained their reproductive apparatus and sexual behavior. However, they had smaller brains and larger sensory brain regions than non-parasitized males. Our findings confirm that caste and sex mediate brain plasticity inP. dominula, and that parasitic manipulation drives differential allocation of brain regions depending on host sex.