bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arthroscopic treatment of stable nonunion, unstable nonunion, or nonunion of the scaphoid with early degenerative radioscaphoid arthritis
Authors: Shih Yin-chuan , Wu Chang-Chin , Shih Jui-Tien
Published: July 2022

Background: This study was designed to analyze the clinical follow-up results (minimum of 2 years) in patients with stable nonunion, unstable nonunion, or nonunion of the scaphoid with early degenerative radioscaphoid arthritis (Lichtman classification stage I–III) treated with arthroscopic osteosynthesis with autogenous bone graft.Methods: We retrospectively recruited 44 consecutive patients with scaphoid fracture nonunion treated with arthroscopy-assisted percutaneous internal fixation with autogenous bone grafts from January 2010 to November 2019. We recorded union and return to activity and analyzed data with regular clinical follow-up at a mean duration of 33 months (range, 24–46 months). Clinical (i.e., visual analog scale pain score, grip strength, and range of motion), radiographic, and functional (Mayo Modified Wrist Score (MMWS)) outcomes at the final follow-up were compared with the preoperative assessments and analyzed in patients with different stages. Results: We confirmed union in 39 of the 44 patients (88.6%) after a mean 15.4 weeks post-operatively according to clinical examinations and standard radiography. All clinical parameters improved significantly. For the MMWS, there were 25 excellent and 14 good results. Of the 44 patients, 40 (90.9%) returned to work or sports activities at their preinjury levels. Comparisons of the outcomes between patients in different stages of scaphoid nonunion revealed no significant difference in the aspect of union rate, VAS pain score, and functional score improvement.Conclusions: Arthroscopic osteosynthesis with autogenous bone grafts is a reliable and minimally invasive method for achieving nonunion healing and improving clinical outcomes in stage I–III scaphoid nonunion.Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.
Informed consent in cancer drug clinical trials in China: a narrative literature review of the past 20 years
Authors: wang xiaomin , Liu Xing , Lu Xiaoran , Zhou Wei , Hahne Jessica , Khoshnood Kaveh , Shi Xiaoting
Published: July 2022

BackgroundAlthough the number of cancer drug clinical trials is increasing rapidly in China, issues concerning informed consent in this research context are currently understudied. By performing a narrative literature review, we aim to describe the current situation and identify the most salient challenges affecting informed consent in cancer drug clinical trials among adult patients in China since 2000.MethodsWe searched Web of Science (WOS), PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library databases, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Biomedical Literature Database on Disc (CBMdisc), Chinese Scientific Journals Fulltext Database (CQVIP) and WANFANG to identify relevant publications since 2000. Data were extracted by three reviewers on 6 items pertaining to study type, theme and challenges.ResultsWe identified 37 unique manuscripts, from which 19 full texts were obtained and six were included in the review. A review of references cited by the six eligible studies did not result in identifying additional eligible studies. All six studies were published in Chinese journals, and the publication years of the majority (five out of six) of the studies were 2015 or later. The authors of the six studies were all from clinical departments or ethical review committees at five hospitals in China. All of the included publications were descriptive studies. Publications reported challenges related to the following aspects of informed consent: information disclosure, patient understanding, quality of information disclosure, voluntariness, authorization, and procedural steps.ConclusionBased on our analysis of publications over the past two decades, there are currently frequent challenges related to various aspects of informed consent in cancer drug clinical trials in China. Furthermore, only a limited number of high-quality research studies on informed consent in cancer drug clinical trials in China are available to-date. Efforts toward improvement of informed consent practice, in the form of guidelines or further regulations in China, should draw on both experience from other countries and high-quality local evidence.
Deep learning based one-dimensional inversion of magnetotelluric data, and an application in the southwestern Athabasca Basin, Canada
Authors: Liu Xiaojun , Craven James A , Tschirhart Victoria
Published: July 2022

The magnetotelluric (MT) method uses the earth’s natural electromagnetic signals to image the resistivity distribution of the subsurface. Its application is widespread in studies to improve our understanding of the lithospheric architecture, earthquake zones, and for the exploration of natural resources, such as critical minerals and geothermal energy. Inversion of MT data is a fundamental step in the data analysis routine to retrieve a subsurface geo-electrical model that can be used to inform geological interpretations. In order to reduce the effect of non-uniqueness and the local minimum trapping problems of conventional deterministic inversion, a data-driven mathematical method with a deep neural network can be used to estimate the subsurface properties in many geophysical inversion techniques. In this study, we investigate a deep learning (DL) inversion method composed of a multi-head convolutional neural network (CNN) architecture for 1-D MT data analysis. We created synthetic datasets consisting of 100,000 random samples of resistivity layers to train the CNN model parameters. The trained model was validated with independent synthetic datasets, and the predicted resistivity distribution displayed an acceptable resolution and reliability, which demonstrate the potential application of DL inversion for MT data. The trained CNN model was used to analyze real MT data collected in the southwestern Athabasca Basin, Canada. Predicted results from the DL method displayed a similar subsurface resistivity distribution with traditional iterative inversion. Because this approach can predict a resistivity model without multiple forward modelling operations after the trained CNN model is created, this framework is suitable to speed up multidimensional MT inversion for predicting subsurface resistivity.
Persistent lymphopenia after chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy predicted unfavorable outcome in breast cancer patients - a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Dong Minjun , Zhuo Wenying , Luo Liang , Luo Lixi , Shen Jianguo , Yu Haitao , Lu Yi , Chen Danzhi , Chen Wenjun , Zhao Wenhe , Wang Linbo , Wu Zhongyu
Published: July 2022

Background: Lymphopenia was often observed during follow-up for cancer patients, this study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of prolonged lymphopenia for breast cancer patients. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort analysis of 296 patients with clinical stage I-III operable breast cancer, who had received chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Absolute lymphocyte count lower than 1.1×10^3/ul was defined as lymphopenia. Lymphopenia around the 6th month after chemo-radiotherapy was defined as cohort L, while normal Absolute lymphocyte count was defined as cohort N. Predictors of lymphopenia were assessed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analyses were used to evaluate the relationship between the two cohorts. Results: The baseline characteristics analysis: comparing to cohort N, cohort L had more Stage III(47.4% vs. 25.5%) and less Stage I cancer(12.3% vs. 20.1%)(p=0.005), more patients experienced combined chemotherapy regimen(86.0% vs. 69.5%, p=0.012), more patients experienced radiotherapy(78.9% vs. 64.9%, p=0.041), and less patients experienced endocrine therapy(54.4% vs. 68.2%, p=0.049). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed two negative independent factors associated with DFS: pTNM staging (stage II vs. I: HR=5.346, 95% CI: 2.286-12.504, p<0.001; stage III vs. II: HR=3.089, 95% CI:1.739-5.487, p<0.001), and ALC status 6 months after chemo- and/or radiotherapy (HR=2.445, 95% CI: 1.577-3.788, p<0.001). Cohort L had significantly shorter DFS (log rank: p< 0.001), as well as significantly shorter OS (log rank: p< 0.001).Conclusion: Persistent lymphopenia after chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy was an independent predictor for breast cancer relapse and unfavorable survival.
Motivation and retention of primary healthcare workers in rural health facilities: An exploratory qualitative study of Chipata and Chadiza Districts, Zambia.
Authors: Manda Kenneth , Silumbwe Adam , Kombe Maureen Mupeta , Hangoma Peter
Published: July 2022

BackgroundRural areas have the most pressing health needs in most low-and-middle-income countries and yet they face the largest shortage of human resources for health. This reality cripples the already fragile local healthcare systems as they struggle with how best to motivate and retain health workers in rural areas. This study sought explore the factors that shape motivation and retention of primary health workers in rural facilities of Chipata and Chadiza Districts, Zambia.MethodsThe study adopted a qualitative research study design using a phenomenological and exploratory approach. The data consisted of 28 in-depth interviews and observations with health workers at selected rural health facilities in Chipata and Chadiza Districts of the Eastern province of Zambia. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis approach with the use of NVivo software. ResultsThree thematic categories were identified by the participants as factors that influence the motivation and retention of primary health workers in rural facilities. Firstly, opportunities for career advancement through study leave and attendance of workshops accounted for motivation and retention. The second factor was related to the work environment which comes with stimulating tasks, promotion opportunities as well as co-worker recognition and relationships. Thirdly, the rural community dynamics of reduced cost of living, recognition, community and local support, and access to land for farming were found to contribute to the motivation and retention of rural health workers. ConclusionWhile motivational factors vary, opportunities for career advancement, stimulating and challenging tasks, opportunities for promotion, and co-worker recognition are core factors that can engender retention of rural health workers. Interventions are required to enhance rural health worker motivation and retention, including strengthening the supervision system, developing career progression pathways, and ensuring clear and transparent incentives. Strategies around retention need to be addressed as these would better enable rural primary health workers to cope with the challenging conditions they work in rural areas.
Shape of dental arches after self-ligating appliance in adolescents: A 30-week prospective study.
Authors: Lewy Stephanie , Albert Adelin , Bruwier Annick
Published: July 2022

Objective
To analyze the variability of dental arches shape before and after alignment with a passive bimaxillar Damon® self-ligating fixed appliance in adolescents.
Material and methods
55 patients aged 13 years, with definitive denture, were enrolled. The dental arch was assessed before (T1) and after a 30-week dental alignment period (T2). The archwire was changed every 6 weeks at each orthodontic appointment, following the Damon® protocol. In addition to the linear measurement, the Superimposition Penin Analysis (SPA) based on Procrustes method was used to superimpose and discriminate dental arches shape.
Results
Transverse and sagittal dental arch distances taken on casts significantly increased from T1 to T2. The dental arches superimpositions revealed a significant decrease of the shape variability from T1 to T2. There was a great variability of dental arch shapes at T1, probably dependent from the morphologic type and then the muscular environment or an eventual osteopathic disease. This study highlighted that the mean dental arch shape at the end of treatment was close to a parabola: rounded at the front, narrow at the back with an expansion of the premolar area.
Conclusion
Contrary to the theoretical concept of the self-ligating fixed appliances, dental arches evidenced uniformity at T2. The results did not indicate any individual development of the dental arch shape.
Vertical tearing of subducting slabs controlled by geometry and rheology of oceanic plates
Authors: Chen Yaguang , Chen Hanlin , Liu Mingqi , Gerya Taras
Published: July 2022

Vertical tearing (VT) of subducting slabs is documented in the majority of subduction systems worldwide as the primary process to adjust slab lateral deformation along subduction zones. However, the rheological mechanisms, physical controls, and dynamics of this process remain controversial. Here, we employed 3D thermo-mechanical numerical modelling to systematically investigate the evolution and possible controlling factors of VT in a homogenous subducting oceanic plate with an initially offset trench geometry corresponding to the transform boundary. Numerical results suggest that this geometry can cause self-sustained mode-III (out-of-plane shear) VT that operates during the entire subduction process. The long-term stability of the VT can be attributed to dynamical trench instability that causes a preference for segmented trenches compared to gently curved trenches and oblique subduction. An intense strain weakening greatly facilitates strain localization and favors the brittle-plastic mechanism of VT. Without strain weakening, a pronounced slab flexure develops in front of propagating VT driven by ductile deformation. Comparison of numerical modeling results to observations suggests that dynamical trench instability producing mode-III VT is broadly developed in modern subduction and collision zones.
Analysis of risk factors for gastrointestinal fistula after duodenal perforation repair
Authors: Liu Jianping , Xue Xiaojun , Zhou Song , Wang Shaoyi
Published: July 2022

Background: Duodenal ulcer perforation repair is a conventional procedure, but clinically, approximately 4% of patients develop gastrointestinal fistula after perforation repair, increasing the risk of death. We retrospectively analyzed clinical data from 168 patients at our hospital to explore risk factors for gastrointestinal fistula after perforation repair and provided some suggestions.Methods: A retrospective case-control study was conducted by collecting clinical data of 168 patients who underwent duodenal ulcer perforation repair at the General Surgery Department, Affiliated Dongnan Hospital of Xiamen University from January 2012 to January 2022. Patients' general data, relevant preoperative and intraoperative indices, and association with postoperative duodenal fistula were analyzed. The χ2 test or Fisher's exact test was employed for count data, the t-test for measurement data, variables with P < 0.05 in univariate analysis were included in the logistic regression model in multivariate analysis and developed a nomogram to predict the probability of gastrointestinal fistula after perforation repair.The variables with independent risk factors were analyzed with ROC curves.In the internal validation of performance of nomogram ,the C-index and AUC of the model was 0.896（95％CI 0.81-0.98）which demonstrated the nomogram model was well calibrated.Result: In this study, 156 patients (92.9%) did not develop fistulas after duodenal perforation repair and 12 patients (12.1%) developed fistulas. In univariate analysis, there were significant differences between the two groups in age, shock, NSAIDs, albumin, and perforation size (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that albumin and perforation diameter were independent risk factors for gastrointestinal fistula after duodenal perforation repair. The area under the ROC curve for perforation diameter was 0.737, p-value was 0.006, the optimal cutoff point was 11.5, sensitivity was 58.3%, and specificity was 93.6%.Conclusion: Low albumin and perforation diameter are independent risk factors for gastrointestinal fistula after duodenal perforation repair. ROC analysis showed that a perforation diameter of 11.5 mm or greater should be considered for the development of gastrointestinal fistula. If a postoperative gastrointestinal fistula develops, a drainage tube or jejunal feeding tube should be placed to reduce the burden of suturing and nutritional support.
Favoring the hierarchical constraint in penalized survival models for randomized trials in precision medicine
Authors: Belhechmi Shaima , Teuff Gwénaël Le , De Bin Riccardo , Rotolo Federico , Michiels Stefan
Published: July 2022

Background: The research of biomarker-treatment interactions is commonly investigated in randomized clinical trials (RCT) for improving medicine precision. The hierarchical interaction constraint states that an interaction should only be in a model if its main effects are also in the model. However, this constraint is not guaranteed in the different penalized statistical approaches used for high-dimensional data selection. Results: To favor the property of the hierarchical interaction constraint, we proposed to create groups composed of the biomarker main effect and its interaction with treatment and to perform the bi-level selection on these groups. We proposed two weighting approaches (Single Wald (SW) and likelihood ratio test (LRT)) for the adaptive lasso method. The selection performance of these two approaches is compared to alternative lasso extensions (adaptive lasso with ridge-based weights, composite Minimax Concave Penalty, group exponential lasso and Sparse Group Lasso) through a simulation study. A RCT (NSABP B-31) randomizing 1574 patients (431 events) with early breast cancer aiming to evaluate the effect of adjuvant trastuzumab on distant-recurrence free survival with expression data from 462 genes measured in the tumour will serve for illustration. The simulation study illustrates that the adaptive lasso LRT and SW favored the hierarchical interaction constraint (with a ratio between the number of selected main effects and selected interactions greater than 50%). Overall, in the alternative scenarios, they had the best balance of false discovery and false negative rates for the main effects of the selected interactions. For NSABP B-31, 12 genes for which interaction with treatment was selected more than 20% were identified by the different methods. Among them, the adaptive lasso (SW) approach offered the best trade-off between a high number of selected gene-treatment interactions and a high proportion of selection of both the gene-treatment interaction and its main effect.Conclusions: Adaptive lasso with Single Wald and likelihood ratio test weighting approaches outperformed their competitors in favoring the hierarchical constraint of the biomarker-treatment interaction. However, the performance of the methods tends to decrease in the presence of prognostic biomarkers.
Both central and peripheral arterial stiffness determines brachial artery resting retrograde flow in patients with ischemic heart disease and healthy human subjects
Authors: Badhwar Smriti , Chandran Dinu , Jaryal Ashok , Narang Rajiv , Patel Chetan , Deepak Kishore
Published: July 2022

Retrograde flow in endothelial cell cultures has been shown to induce a pro-atherogenic phenotype. Despite its potential role as a pathophysiological link between cardiovascular risk factors and atherosclerotic disease, resting retrograde flows between patients with cardiovascular disease and healthy subjects have not been compared. Further, the vascular characteristics and mechanisms governing retrograde flow in human arteries have not been systematically investigated. Central and peripheral vascular characteristics and association of brachial pressure-gradient with a retrograde flow profile, was investigated in 32 healthy subjects and 47 patients with ischemic heart disease. Endothelial dysfunction was assessed by brachial ultrasound-based calculation of flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and sub-clinical atherosclerosis was estimated from carotid-intima media thickness (CIMT). Retrograde blood flow velocity (RBFV) and shear rate were comparable between the two groups (RBFV 1.82(0.97–3.32) vs 1.78(1.24–2.65) cm/s p = 0.79). Augmentation index was a significant determinant of retrograde flow in both patients and healthy subjects. Carotid artery incremental elastic modulus was an independent determinant of retrograde flow patterns in healthy subjects while ejection fraction, cf/cr PWV ratio and forearm vascular conductance emerged as independent determinants in patients. Retrograde flow patterns were also associated with FMD (RBFV r = -0.43, p = 0.004) and CIMT (r = 0.30, p = 0.041) in patients. The results of the study suggest a difference in the determinants of retrograde flow in patients and healthy subjects, with central arterial stiffness being a major contributor in healthy subjects while interaction between central, peripheral, and cardio-arterial factors influence retrograde flow in patients with ischemic heart disease.
Response of Doru luteipes (Dermaptera: Forficulidae) to insecticides used in maize crop as a function of its life stage and exposure route
Authors: Moreira Luciano Bastos , Lima Lucas Lorenzon Resende , Farias Elizeu de Sá , Carvalho Geraldo Andrade
Published: July 2022

The present study aimed to evaluate insecticide toxicity to Doru luteipes (Scudder), a major predator of corn pests. Lethal (reduction in survival) and sublethal effects (prey consumption, adult tibia length and walking distance) of compounds were assessed on earwig nymphs and adults. Insects were exposed to the compounds through contact (exposure to insecticide residue on corn leaves) and ingestion (consumption of insecticide-treated prey) routes. Tested insecticides included a biopesticide (Spodoptera frugiperda multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus - SfMNPV), and modern (flubendiamide and metaflumizone) and older neurotoxins (imidacloprid + β-cyfluthrin). The imidacloprid/β-cyfluthrin mix was highly toxic (100% mortality) to the predator, regardless of the exposure route and predator stage. Metaflumizone caused mortality superior to 95% and 45% of nymphs and adults, respectively. Flubendiamide and SfMNPV were the least toxic compounds, not differing from the untreated control in any of the assessed endpoints. Adult tibial length did not differ among treatments. Overall, the insecticides caused a more pronounced effect on D. luteipes nymphs than on adults and were more toxic by the contact route. From these findings, flubendiamide and SfMNPV are safer for D. luteipes and should head insecticide choice in integrated pest management programs in corn.
Does Low-Carbon City Pilot Affect the Enterprise Competitiveness in China? Based on a Staggered Difference-in-Difference Model
Authors: Duan Mengran , Xu Ruiyao
Published: July 2022

To control their greenhouse gas emissions, China has recently been instituting the low-carbon city pilot (LCCP) policy in target areas. Studies examining those environmental regulations have not focused on how they affect enterprise competitiveness, especially emphasizing the LCCP’s dynamic effect. Here, we use the quasi-experimental opportunities of the LCCP policy along with a staggered difference-in-difference model to evaluate and explain the influences and transmission mechanisms of the LCCP policy on enterprise competitiveness. The empirical results show that (1) the construction of low-carbon cities significantly reduces, by 3.56%, the average enterprise competitiveness. Also, capital-intensive firms and small firms are more susceptible to adverse effects from the LCCP policy, but those effects weaken with time. (2) The LCCP policy affects enterprise competitiveness by increasing operating costs and reducing R&D. (3) However, those adverse effects can be suppressed when a region’s degree of marketization is high and industry competition is fierce. Although, our results show that the LCCP policy indeed brings greater economic costs, through market-based reforms and improved market competition, those economic distortions can weaken.
Theoretical Error Performance Analysis for Variational Quantum Circuit Based Functional Regression
Authors: Qi Jun , Yang Chao-Han , Chen Pin-Yu , Hsieh Min-Hsiu
Published: July 2022

The noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) devices enable the implementation of the variational quantum circuit (VQC) for quantum neural networks (QNN). Although the VQC-based QNN has succeeded in many machine learning tasks, the representation and generalization powers of VQC still require further investigation, particularly when the dimensionality reduction of classical inputs is concerned. In this work, we first put forth an end-to-end quantum neural network, namely, TTN-VQC, which consists of a quantum tensor network based on a tensor-train network (TTN) for dimensionality reduction and a VQC for functional regression. Then, we aim at the error performance analysis for the TTN-VQC in terms of representation and generalization powers. We also characterize the optimization properties of TTN-VQC by leveraging the Polyak-Lojasiewicz (PL) condition. Moreover, we conduct the experiments of functional regression on a handwritten digit classification dataset to justify our theoretical analysis.
The Environmental and Socioeconomic Effects and Forecast of Tuberculosis Patients in the Southwest of China: a population-based study
Authors: Wei Wen , Xia Lan , Wu Jianlin , Zhang Wenqiang , Zhou Zonglei , Luan Rongsheng
Published: July 2022

Background To assess the incidence of tuberculosis in the population and find the risk factors and forecast of tuberculosis patients with a high burden of tuberculosis (TB) in socioeconomic level.Methods Descriptive analysis, Spatial and Space-Time Scan, Correlation analysis and regression analysis were carried out, based on cases of TB in Sichuan Province and ecological data from 2006 to 2017, to explore the characters of TB and ecological factors, using transfer function noise model to forecast the trend of TB until 2035(by SPSS 20.0 , SatScan v9.5, ArcGis 10.2 software ).Results 783,735 tuberculosis cases were reported in Sichuan Province, during 2006 to 2017. Linshui County was the aggregation center, the aggregation radius was 237.17 Km, and the aggregation time was from 2006 to 2011. Factors affecting the incidence of TB, increasing per capita green area, reporting status of TB among Tibetans and Yi minorities, comprehensive treatment management, total cost of tuberculosis per capita for urban residents, proportion of males with high school education, 20 to 20 hours of 24-hour accumulated precipitation, reducing HIV at the same time as AIDS deaths, the increase in the proportion of males in junior high school education and the increase in the number of registered tuberculosis cases can reduce the incidence of TB. The incidence of TB in the whole population aged 15-24 and aged 25-64 owning a increase trend by 2035.Conclusion Enhanced control of the environment, education, medical and health, population structure, marital status could control incidence of TB. Reinforcement required to reduce the TB of east Sichuan Counties and the incidence of TB in the whole population aged 15-24 and aged 25-64 in socioeconomic level by 2035.
Comparison of Cardiac Index Measurements in Intensive Care Patients using Continuous Wave versus Pulsed Wave Echo-Doppler compared to Pulse Contour Cardiac Output
Authors: Parulekar Prashant , Powys-Lybbe James , Bassett Paul , Roques Seb , Snazelle Mark , Harris Tim
Published: July 2022

Purpose:Cardiac index (CI) assessments are commonly used in critical care to define shock aetiology and guide resuscitation. Echocardiographic assessment is non-invasive and has high levels of agreement with thermodilution assessment of CI. CI assessment is derived from the velocity time integral (VTI) assessed using pulsed wave (PW) doppler at the level of the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) divided by body mass index (BMI). Continuous wave (CW) doppler offers an alternative means to assess VTI and may offer better assessment at high velocities. Methods:We performed a single centre, prospective, observational study in a 15-bed intensive care unit (ICU) in a busy district general hospital. Patients had simultaneous measurements of cardiac index by Pulse Contour Cardiac Output (PiCCO) (thermodilution), transthoracic (TTE) LVOT PW-VTI and TTE AV CW-VTI. Mean differences were measured with Bland-Altman (B-A) limits of agreement (LOA) and Percentage Error (PE) calculations.Results:Data was collected on 52 patients. Mean CIs were: AV CW 2.7 L/min/m2 (range 0.78 – 5.11, SD 0.92). LVOT PW 2.33 L/min/m2 (range 0.77 – 5.40, SD 0.90) and PiCCO 2.86 L/min/m2 (range 1.50 – 5.56, SD 0.93). AV CW VTI and PiCCO mean difference was -0.16 L/min/m2 PE 43.5%. LVOT PW VTI and PiCCO had a mean difference of -0.54 L/min/m2 PE 38.6%. AV CW VTI and LVOT PW VTI had a mean difference of 0.38 L/min/m2 PE 46.0%. Conclusions:CI derived from both AV CW-VTI and LVOT PW-VTI methods underestimate CI compared to PiCCO, with the AV method having closer values overall to PiCCO. AV CW-VTI may offer a more accurate assessment of CI.
Acinar ATP8b1/LPC pathway promotes macrophage efferocytosis and clearance of inflammation during chronic pancreatitis development
Authors: Zhang Guo-wei , Cao Rong-chang , Yang Wan-jun , Xiao Wang , Zhang Xiao-lou , Xu Hao , Wang Meng , Zhou Zhitao , Chen Huoji , Xu Jia , Chen Xuemei , Zeng Jun-ling , Li Shu-ji , Luo Min , Han Yan-jiang , Yang Xiao-bing , Feng Guo-dong , Lu Yu-heng , Ni Yuan-yuan , Wu Chan-gui , Bai Jun-jie , Yuan Zi-qi , Jin Jin
Published: July 2022

Background
Noninflammatory clearance of dying cells by professional phagocytes, termed efferocytosis, is fundamental in both homeostasis and inflammatory fibrosis disease but has not been confirmed to occur in chronic pancreatitis (CP). Here, we investigated whether efferocytosis constitutes a novel regulatory target in CP and its mechanisms.
Methods
PRSS1 transgenic (PRSS1Tg) mice were treated with caerulein to mimic CP development. Sphingomyelin metabolite profiling and epigenetic assays were performed with PRSS1Tg CP models. The potential functions of Atp8b1 in CP model were clarified using Atp8b1-overexpressing adeno-associated virus, immunofluorescence, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) and lipid metabolomic approaches. ATAC-seq combined with RNA-seq was then used to identify transcription factors binding to the Atp8b1 promoter, and ChIP-qPCR and luciferase assays were used to confirm that the identified transcription factor bound to the Atp8b1 promoter, and to identify the specific binding site. Flow cytometry was performed to analysis proportion of pancreatic macrophages.
Results
Decreased efferocytosis with aggravated inflammation was identified in CP. The lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) pathway was the most obviously dysregulated sphingomyelin pathway, and LPC and Atp8b1 expression gradually decreased during CP development. H3K27me3 ChIP-seq showed that increased Atp8b1 promoter methylation led to transcriptional inhibition. Atp8b1 complementation substantially increased the LPC concentration and improved CP outcomes. Bhlha15 was identified as a transcription factor that binds to the Atp8b1 promoter and regulate sphingomyelin metabolism.
Conclusion
The acinar Atp8b1/LPC pathway acts as an important “find-me” signal for macrophages and plays a protective role in CP, with Atp8b1 transcription promoted by the acinar cell-specific transcription factor Bhlha15. Bhlha15, Atp8b1 and LPC could be clinically translated into valuable therapeutic targets to overcome the limitations of current CP therapies.
Surgeon's detection of lung nodules with intraoperative ultrasound during thoracoscopic surgery: experience of a single centre.
Authors: Messina Gaetana , Bove Mary , Natale Giovanni , Noro Antonio , Martone Mario , Opromolla Giorgia , Filippo Vincenzo Di , Leone Francesco , Leonardi Beatrice , Panini Francesco , Pirozzi Mario , Caterino Marianna , Facchini Sergio , Zotta Alessia , Polito Rita , Vicidomini Giovanni , Santini Mario , Fiorelli Alfonso , Ciardiello Fortunato , Fasano Morena
Published: July 2022

OBJECTIVEVideo-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS) resection, of deep-seated and nodules smaller than 3 cm, is very hard.Solitary, small and deep-seated pulmonary nodules are difficult to palpate or to see during VATS. We aimed to evaluated the validity of Intraoperative lung ultrasound (ILU) to visualize solitary and deep-seated pulmonary nodules smaller than 3 cm to enhance knowledge on the ultrasound morphological patterns.RESULTSUS processor was inserted by expert ultrasound surgeon into the chest through the operating hole, and the mediastinal, costal and diaphragmatic surfaces of the lung were explored.VATS- Ultrasound (VATS-US) allows to identify size, localization and Ultrasound (US) pattern of the lesions of interest.Accuracy of Intraoperative Lung Ultrasound for the detection of pulmonary nodules was calculated-comparing the two groups; the first group in which the patients did not undergo intraoperative ultrasound and the second group in which the patients underwent intraoperative ultrasound.Student's t-test (p<0,0001) showed that the accuracy of intraoperative ultrasound by comparing detection time of nodules in the two groups.Intracavitary VATS-US is a reliable, feasible, real-time and effective method of localization of parenchymal lung nodules during selected wedge resection procedures.
A Qualitative Exploration of the Fear of Recurrence Experienced by the Partners of Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors: Brown Elli , Hoskin Jake , Gullifer Judith
Published: July 2022

Purpose: The current study aimed to qualitatively explore the meanings partners place on fear of cancer recurrence to provide further insight into this phenomenon. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight male partners of breast cancer survivors, aged 50 years or older. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and then analysed through an inductive thematic analysis.Results: Four general themes were constructed from the data: shared experience, external reminders, facing death and living life, and refrain from worry. The findings highlight the partners’ perception of sharing the cancer journey with the survivor. Thus, the partners’ fear of cancer recurrence was perpetuated by cancer-related reminders, which induced a fear of the survivors’ death and a subsequent endeavor to live a fulfilling life. Regardless, when faced with their fear of cancer recurrence, the partners avoided thinking or worrying about the possibility of a cancer recurrence.Conclusion: These results will provide a conceptual framework for future research to develop and test interventions targeted towards the fear of cancer recurrence experienced by the partners of breast cancer survivors.
Study on fuel/air mixing based on oblique detonation engine
Authors: Xiang Gaoxiang , Li Danyang , Xie Xu Zhen , Tu Qirong , Zhang Yi Chen , Jin Ke
Published: July 2022

Currently, the inflow conditions used in the study of oblique detonation engines are ideal premixed inflow, and there are few studies on non-premixed inflow. The fuel mixing process in the flow field structure and mixing degree for forming oblique blast waves has essential significance. This paper uses a combination of theoretical analysis and numerical simulation to study the inlet section of the oblique detonation engine. The governing equations are the inviscid Euler equations coupled with chemical reaction source terms, and the second-order TVD scheme is used to solve the equations. First, this paper compared the influence of the single hydrogen nozzle parameters on the flow field structure and the hydrogen mole fraction distribution at the outlet, optimized the hydrogen jet structure, and analyzed the coupling effect between the incoming flow and the jet. The closer the nozzle location is to the supersonic inlet, the lower the Mach number, and the higher the equivalence ratio of hydrogen to oxygen, the better the fuel and air mixing effect. And too large or too small hydrogen injection angle will make the hydrogen too concentrated on the wall and insufficient penetration depth, which reduces the mixing of hydrogen. Secondly, while maintaining the same fuel mass flow rate as the single hydrogen nozzle, this paper increases the number of hydrogen nozzles, thereby increasing the obstruction to the incoming flow and improving the fuel mixing effect. Finally, because the physical ramp and aerodynamic ramp as a method of increasing mixing will lead to fuel concentration on the wall, which is not conducive to the subsequent combustion, this paper proposes an optimization model of the strut injection method. The results show that strut injection can effectively improve the mixing degree of hydrogen and air at the exit and solve the problem of fuel concentration at the wall by using the staggered jet and baroclinic effect of hydrogen. This paper reveals the law of fuel injection in the inlet and provides essential data support for studying oblique detonation engines in a non-premixed environment.
Protistan epibionts affect prey selectivity patterns and vulnerability to predation in a cyclopoid copepod
Authors: Kumar Ram , Kumari Suman , Malika Anshu , Sharma A. P. , Dahms Hans-Uwe
Published: July 2022

Colonisation of crustacean zooplankton with ciliate epibionts is widespread in freshwater and marine environments. However, the ecology of such association are little studied as yet. The occurrence of ciliate epibionts on copepods and the preference towards this association with different life stages of Mesocyclops were studied from winter to spring. Relative susceptibility of zooplankton species was evaluated by analysing the epibiont colonies and zooids and relate this to the surface area of the host. The maximum epibiont infestation was recorded on copepodites followed by copepod adults rather than other zooplankton species, whereas the rotifer Asplanchna was never affected. Influence of climatic factors such as temperature on the colonisation of epibionts on basibionts was found significant. In winter (November to February) samples, copepods were infested by autotrophic epibionts whereas in late spring and early summer (March-April) heterotrophic protists (peritrichian ciliates) were the sole epibionts on copepods. We conducted experiments in the laboratory on prey selection pattern of predator by direct visual and video-graphic observations of various events (encounter, attack, capture, ingestion, prey escape) during predation by the infested and uninfested copepodites and adults of Mesocyclops. Postencounter the attack probability was significantly lower in infested than in uninfested copepods. The present paper reports on substrate preference by epibionts and their impacts in food rich and food scarce environments. Further studied on major environmental interactions with the reproductive phenology of copepods with respect to epibionts and the cause and effect of long term association of epibionts with copepods need to be addressed.
Antispasmodic activity of novel 2,4-dichloroanilinium perchlorate hybrid material (I): X-ray crystallography, DFT studies, and molecular docking approach
Authors: Jaziri Emna , Louis Hitler , Gharbi Chaima , Unimuke Tomsmith O. , Agwamba Ernest C. , Mathias Gideon E. , Fugita Wataru , Nasr Chérif Ben , Khedhiri Lamia
Published: July 2022

The intriguing properties of organic-inorganic hybrid materials has resulted in the recent upsurge for more effective hybrid materials with diverse activity, harnessing the advantage of the flexibility and structural diversity imposed by these materials. In line with these, the synthesis, crystallography and structural characterization of a novel perchlorate (2,4-dichloroanilinium perchlorate) organic-inorganic hybrid material is reported. The synthesized structure was characterized by FTIR and NMR techniques. Appropriate computational methods were utilized to correlate the experimentally observed spectroscopic properties as well as other molecular electronic properties. The computational studies were achieved at the DFT/M06-2X/6-311 + + G(2df,2dp) and aug-cc-pVTZ level of theory. For benchmarking purposes, the PWPB95 functional with D3BJ dispersion correction was utilized. Molecular electronic properties such as the frontier molecular orbitals, Natural bond orbital analysis, Hirshfeld surface analysis, and visual study of weak interaction via non-covalent interaction were considered to understand the molecular diversity of the perchlorate cluster. Hybrid materials often pose diverse bio-activities and as such the anti-spasmodic activity of the studied compound is considered by molecular docking approach.
Expression of juvenility related microRNAs and target genes during micropropagation of silver birch (Betula pendula Roth).
Authors: Krivmane Baiba , Girgžde Elva , Samsone Ineta , Ruņģis Dainis Edgars
Published: July 2022

Silver birch (Betula pendula Roth.) is an ecologically and economically important deciduous tree species in Northern Europe. In vitro culture initiation and shoot rejuvenation from birches in their reproductive phase is difficult and often unsuccessful. Currently, markers to evaluate the degree of juvenility of birch in vitro shoots, which could be used to track the rejuvenation process and to determine factors affecting it, have not been developed. The aims of this study were to assess expression of juvenility related microRNAs and target genes during micropropagation of silver birch, and to investigate factors affecting juvenility of birch genotypes with different in vitro morphogenic ability. Potential precursor sequences and target genes of the microRNAs miR156 and miR172 were determined by alignment to the birch unigene set. Ten potential miR156 and miR172 precursor sequences were identified, and were tested for the ability to form the required stem-loop structure. Based on precursor sequences, primers were designed for real time PCR analysis of precursor miRNA expression. Expression patterns of two miR156 family precursors (miR156_511 and miR156_789) and one miR172 precursor (miR172_1931) and two target genes (BpSPL1 and BpAP2) had the best correlation with juvenility/maturity in in vitro propagated silver birch. Expression patterns of these miRNA precursors and target genes were also investigated in samples cultured under different in vitro conditions. This study provides an initial survey of molecular markers for assessment of phase change in birch in vitro micropropagation.
Retrospective study on the efficacy of monocyte distribution width (MDW) as a screening test for COVID-19
Authors: Wakamatsu Kentaro , Nagasawa Zenzo , Katsuki Kouta , Kumazoe Hiroyuki , Yasuda Masayo , Kawamoto Sae , Kawamura Ayano , Ueno Tsuyoshi , Kiyotani Ruriko , Fukui Izumi , Maki Sanae , Nagata Nobuhiko , Kawasaki Masayuki , Yamada Hozumi
Published: July 2022

Background
Pathogenic genetic testing for Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can detect viruses with high sensitivity, however there are several challenges. In the prevention, testing, and treatment of COVID-19, more effective, safer, and convenient methods are desired. We evaluated the possibility of monocyte distribution width (MDW) as an infection biomarker in COVID-19 testing.
Methods
The efficacy of MDW as a screening test for COVID-19 was retrospectively assessed in 80 patients in the COVID-19 group and 232 patients in the Non-COVID-19 group (141 patients with acute respiratory infection, 19 patients with non-respiratory infection, 1 patient with viral infection, 11 patients who had received treatment for COVID-19, 1 patient in contact with COVID-19 patients, and 59 patients with non-infectious disease).
Results
The median MDW in 80 patients in the COVID-19 group was 23.3 (17.2–33.6), and the median MDW in 232 patients in the Non-COVID-19 group was 19.0 (13.6–30.2) (P < 0.001). When the COVID-19 group was identified using the MDW cut-off value of 21.3 from the Non-COVID-19 group, the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.844, and the sensitivity and specificity were 81.3% and 78.2%, respectively. Comparison of MDW by severity between the COVID-19 group and patients with acute respiratory infection in the Non-COVID-19 group showed that MDW was significantly higher in the COVID-19 group for all of mild, moderate I, and moderate II disease.
Conclusions
MDW (cut-off value: 21.3) may be used as a screening test for COVID-19 in fever outpatients, etc.
An electrolyte for SiOx/LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 batteries
Authors: Ko Seongjae , Han Xiao , Shimada Tatau , Takenaka Norio , Yamada Yuki , Yamada Atsuo
Published: July 2022

The Li-ion batteries composed of high-capacity SiOx anode and high-potential LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 cathode is the most realistic options to meet the increasing demands for higher-energy-density storage systems. However, the absence of electrolytes covering the multifaceted issues from highly reducing and oxidizing conditions at the SiOx anode and LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 cathode, respectively, has limited its applications. Herein, we present an electrolyte that can solve these issues simultaneously. A concentrated LiN(SO2F)2/methyl (2,2,2-trifluoroethyl) carbonate electrolyte upshifts the reaction potentials of the SiOx anode and enables an earlier formation of a robust anion-derived passivation film upon charge to diminish the reductive degradation of the electrolyte. The weak solvating ability of the electrolyte provides a high oxidation tolerance against Al corrosion and transition metal dissolution from the cathode material. Excellent long-term cycling of 5 V-class SiOx|LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 full cells (96% capacity retention after 500 cycles at a low constant current of 0.5 C-rate) was achieved.
Enhanced visible-light photocatalytic performance of a novel FeIn2S4 microspheres/BiOBr nanoplates heterojunction with a Z-scheme configuration
Authors: Zhang Biao , Liu Yu , Zhu Hongyu , Gu Dongxu , Zhou Kanghong , Hao Jianyuan
Published: July 2022

The rational design of heterojunction photocatalysts is an effective way to improve semiconductor photocatalytic activity. The simple solvothermal method was used to successfully prepare visible light-driven FeIn2S4 microspheres/BiOBr nanoplates binary heterojunction photocatalysts with varying FeIn2S4 contents. The crystal structure, morphology, surface composition, specific surface area, charge separation and optical properties of the as-prepared photocatalysts were investigated using a variety of analytical methods. In the photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B, the FeIn2S4/BiOBr photocatalysts obtained a degradation efficiency of 96% within 60 min, which was approximately 5.33 and 2.59 times higher than pure FeIn2S4 and BiOBr, respectively. Radical trapping experiments and ESR measurements revealed the main active species (·OH, ·O2−, and h+) produced during photocatalytic degradation. The increased photocatalytic activity was due to the formation of Z-scheme heterojunctions between FeIn2S4 and BiOBr, which contributed to the improved effective charge separation of photogenerated charge carriers, augmented specific surface area and enhanced redox capacity. It is expected that our current study will provide a hopeful way for future environmental remediation research.