bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of compound water retention agent on soil nutrients and soil microbial diversity of winter wheat in saline-alkali land
Authors: Xu Yunshuo , Gao Yu , Li Wubo , Chen Shuang , Li Yajun , Shi Yan
Published: January 2023

Water retention agents have been applied to agricultural fields to improve the growing conditions of crops, but the potential of these agents in saline soils is poorly understood. The effects of compound water retention agents on nutrient content and soil microbial diversity of saline winter wheat soils were investigated in a field experiment with no water retention agent (CK) and 30 kg hm2 of commercial attapulgite water retention agent (T4) as control and different amounts of compound water retention agents as treatments (15 kg hm2-T1, 30 kg hm2-T2, 45 kg hm2-T3). The study showed that the application of water retention agents increased the soil water content. From anthesis to harvest stage, the decreases in soil alkali-hydrolyzed nitrogen, available phosphorus, available potassium and organic matter content were greater in T2 and T3 than in the other treatments. At harvest stage, the alkali-hydrolyzed nitrogen content of T2 was significantly lower than that of CK and T4 6.19–8.83% and 4.62–5.39%, respectively. The soil available phosphorus content of T2 was significantly lower than that of CK 8.14–8.83%. The relative abundance of Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria and Acidobacteria as well as the Shannon and Simpson indices of T2 reached their maximum at harvest stage. T2 showed the best performance in terms of overall number of OTUs. The compound water retention agent may regulate soil nutrient content and accelerate plant nutrient accumulation by regulating soil water content and soil microbial abundance composition.

Graphical abstract
Clinical effectiveness of tigecycline in combination therapy against nosocomial pneumonia caused by CR-GNB in intensive care units: a retrospective multi-centre observational study
Authors: Yang Kuang-Yao , Peng Chung-Kan , Sheu Chau-Chyun , Lin Yu-Chao , Chan Ming-Cheng , Wang Sheng-Huei , Chen Chia-Min , Chen Chih-Yu , Zheng Zhe-Rong , Feng Jia-Yih ,   the T-CARE (Taiwan Critical Care and Infection) Group
Published: January 2023

Background

Tigecycline has in vitro bacteriostatic activity against a broad spectrum of bacteria, including carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (CR-GNB). However, the role of tigecycline in treatment of nosocomial pneumonia caused by CR-GNB remains controversial and clinical evidences are limited. We aimed to investigate the clinical benefits of tigecycline as part of the combination treatment of nosocomial CR-GNB pneumonia in intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods

This multi-centre cohort study retrospectively enrolled ICU-admitted patients with nosocomial pneumonia caused by CR-GNB. Patients were categorized based on whether add-on tigecycline was used in combination with at least one anti-CR-GNB antibiotic. Clinical outcomes and all-cause mortality between patients with and without tigecycline were compared in the original and propensity score (PS)-matched cohorts. A subgroup analysis was also performed to explore the differences of clinical efficacies of add-on tigecycline treatment when combined with various anti-CR-GNB agents.

Results

We analysed 395 patients with CR-GNB nosocomial pneumonia, of whom 148 received tigecycline and 247 did not. More than 80% of the enrolled patients were infected by CR-Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB). A trend of lower all-cause mortality on day 28 was noted in tigecycline group in the original cohort (27.7% vs. 36.0%, p = 0.088). In PS-matched cohort (102 patient pairs), patients with tigecycline had significantly lower clinical failure (46.1% vs. 62.7%, p = 0.017) and mortality rates (28.4% vs. 52.9%, p < 0.001) on day 28. In multivariate analysis, tigecycline treatment was a protective factor against clinical failure (PS-matched cohort: aOR 0.52, 95% CI 0.28–0.95) and all-cause mortality (original cohort: aHR 0.69, 95% CI 0.47–0.99; PS-matched cohort: aHR 0.47, 95% CI 0.30–0.74) at 28 days. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis in subgroups of patients suggested significant clinical benefits of tigecycline when added to a colistin-included (log rank p value 0.005) and carbapenem-included (log rank p value 0.007) combination regimen.

Conclusions

In this retrospective observational study that included ICU-admitted patients with nosocomial pneumonia caused by tigecycline-susceptible CR-GNB, mostly CRAB, tigecycline as part of a combination treatment regimen was associated with lower clinical failure and all-cause mortality rates.
Estimation of source, path, and site factors of S waves recorded at the S-net sites in the Japan Trench area using the spectral inversion technique
Authors: Dhakal Yadab P. , Kunugi Takashi , Yamanaka Hiroaki , Wakai Atsushi , Aoi Shin , Nishizawa Azusa
Published: January 2023

S-net is a large-scale ocean bottom (OB) network in the Japan Trench area, consisting of inline-type 150 observatories equipped with seismometers and pressure gauges. Among them, 41 observatories have been buried about one meter beneath the seafloors in the shallow water regions (water depth <1500 m). We analyzed the strong-motion data recorded at the S-net sites from earthquakes with magnitudes 3.5 < Mw ≤ 7 and focal depths < 70 km to understand the site amplification effect on the recorded motions. We used the spectral inversion technique and obtained some fundamental properties of the earthquake source spectra, path attenuation, and site factors from the horizontal-component S-wave portions of the recordings. We obtained that the source spectra followed the $${\omega }^{-2}$$

ω

-
2

source model generally well, and the estimated magnitudes were mostly within ± 0.3 magnitude units of the catalog magnitudes. The stress drops increased systematically with the focal depths, and the values for the shallow earthquakes in the Pacific Plate were higher than those for the interplate earthquakes with comparable focal depths. The path-averaged quality factors were generally frequency-dependent and were somewhat larger than those in the past studies. The peak site frequencies ranged between about 0.2 and 10 Hz, while the peak amplification factors ranged between 10 and 50. Even though the peak frequencies and amplification factors differed from site to site, the peak frequencies were mostly higher than 2 Hz at the outer trench stations, while they were lower than 2 Hz at many inner trench stations. The amplification factors at a few OB sites in the shallow water regions were comparable with the theoretical ones computed from the 1-D subsea model. The amplification factors at intermediate frequencies (~ 0.3 to 2 Hz) generally increased with P-wave travel time in the sediments estimated from the multi-channel seismic survey. At about 20% of the sites (mainly at the unburied stations), spurious site spectra were recognized at frequencies higher than about 4 Hz. If the site spectra between 4 and 10 Hz are required, using only the X-component records is recommended.

Graphical Abstract
A three-dimensional morpho-volumetric similarity study of Down syndrome keratopathy vs. keratoconus
Authors: Toprak Ibrahim , Cavas Francisco , Velázquez José S. , Alio del Barrio Jorge L. , Alio Jorge L.
Published: January 2023

Background

To compare and contrast morpho-volumetric features between Down syndrome (DS) cornea and non-DS keratoconic cornea by three-dimensional (3D) modelling.

Methods

Forty-three subjects (43 eyes) with DS and 99 patients matching their age and sex (99 eyes) with keratoconus (KC) were included in this single-center cross-sectional study. Main outcome measures were high-order aberrations (HOA), central corneal thickness (CCT), spherical equivalent refraction, and morpho-volumetric parameters established using a 3D corneal model, such as deviation of anterior and posterior corneal apices (Dapexant/Dapexpost) and minimum thickness points (Dmctant/Dmctpost) from corneal vertex, areas of the anterior and posterior surfaces (Aant/Apost), sagittal area passing through the anterior and posterior corneal apices (Aapexant/Aapexpost) and minimum thickness point (Amctpost) and corneal volume of the complete cornea (Vtotal).

Results

Age, gender, spherical equivalent refraction, CCT and Vtotal were similar between the net on-DS KC and DS groups (P > 0.05), while non-DS KC group had higher HOA than the DS group (P < 0.05). Dapexant, Aant, Apost and Aapexant showed higher values in the DS group than in the non-DS KC group, whereas Dapexpost showed a reduction in the DS group when compared with the non-DS KC group (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that anterior and posterior corneal apex dynamics were specifically different in DS subjects, as the anterior apex tends to displace more prominently when compared to that from the non-DS KC group, while the posterior apex appears to be more stable than that in non-DS KC, which also support the theory that DS patients suffer from a specific keratopathy, distinctively different to KC but strongly related to it, and probably showing a diversity of corneal phenotypes in all cases of DS.
Single classifier vs. ensemble machine learning approaches for mental health prediction
Authors: Chung Jetli , Teo Jason
Published: January 2023

Early prediction of mental health issues among individuals is paramount for early diagnosis and treatment by mental health professionals. One of the promising approaches to achieving fully automated computer-based approaches for predicting mental health problems is via machine learning. As such, this study aims to empirically evaluate several popular machine learning algorithms in classifying and predicting mental health problems based on a given data set, both from a single classifier approach as well as an ensemble machine learning approach. The data set contains responses to a survey questionnaire that was conducted by Open Sourcing Mental Illness (OSMI). Machine learning algorithms investigated in this study include Logistic Regression, Gradient Boosting, Neural Networks, K-Nearest Neighbours, and Support Vector Machine, as well as an ensemble approach using these algorithms. Comparisons were also made against more recent machine learning approaches, namely Extreme Gradient Boosting and Deep Neural Networks. Overall, Gradient Boosting achieved the highest overall accuracy of 88.80% followed by Neural Networks with 88.00%. This was followed by Extreme Gradient Boosting and Deep Neural Networks at 87.20% and 86.40%, respectively. The ensemble classifier achieved 85.60% while the remaining classifiers achieved between 82.40 and 84.00%. The findings indicate that Gradient Boosting provided the highest classification accuracy for this particular mental health bi-classification prediction task. In general, it was also demonstrated that the prediction results produced by all of the machine learning approaches studied here were able to achieve more than 80% accuracy, thereby indicating a highly promising approach for mental health professionals toward automated clinical diagnosis.
Self-reported physical functioning, cardiometabolic health conditions, and health care utilization patterns in Million Veteran Program enrollees with Traumatic Brain Injury Screening and Evaluation Program data
Authors: Clark Alexandra L. , McGill Makenna B. , Ozturk Erin D. , Schnyer David M. , Chanfreau-Coffinier Catherine , Merritt Victoria C. ,   the VA Million Veteran Program
Published: January 2023

Background

Examining the health outcomes of veterans who have completed the United States Veterans Health Administration’s (VHA’s) Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Screening and Evaluation Program may aid in the refinement and improvement of clinical care initiatives within the VHA. This study compared self-reported physical functioning, cardiometabolic health conditions, and health care utilization patterns in Million Veteran Program enrollees with TBI Screening and Evaluation Program data (collected between 2007 and 2019), with the goal of enhancing understanding of potentially modifiable health conditions in this population.

Methods

In this observational cohort study, veterans (n = 16,452) were grouped based on the diagnostic outcome of the TBI Screening and Evaluation Program: 1) negative TBI screen (Screen–); 2) positive TBI screen but no confirmed TBI diagnosis [Screen+/ Comprehensive TBI Evaluation (CTBIE)–]; or 3) positive TBI screen and confirmed TBI diagnosis (Screen+/CTBIE+). Chi-square tests and analysis of covariance were used to explore group differences in physical functioning, cardiometabolic health conditions, and health care utilization patterns, and logistic regressions were used to examine predictors of Screen+/– and CTBIE+/– group status.

Results

The results showed that veterans in the Screen+/CTBIE– and Screen+/CTBIE+ groups generally reported poorer levels of physical functioning (P’s < 0.001, np2 = 0.02 to 0.03), higher rates of cardiometabolic health conditions (P’s < 0.001, φ = 0.14 to 0.52), and increased health care utilization (P’s < 0.001, φ = 0.14 to > 0.5) compared with the Screen– group; however, health outcomes were generally comparable between the Screen+/CTBIE– and Screen+/CTBIE+ groups. Follow-up analyses confirmed that while physical functioning, hypertension, stroke, healthcare utilization, and prescription medication use reliably distinguished between the Screen– and Screen+ groups (P’s < 0.02, OR’s 0.78 to 3.38), only physical functioning distinguished between the Screen+/CTBIE– and Screen+/CTBIE+ groups (P < 0.001, OR 0.99).

Conclusions

The findings suggest that veterans who screen positive for TBI, regardless of whether they are ultimately diagnosed with TBI, are at greater risk for negative health outcomes, signifying that these veterans represent a vulnerable group that may benefit from increased clinical care and prevention efforts.
Retroperitoneal-first dissection approach at the dorsal space for a huge serous cystic neoplasm of the pancreatic tail: a case report
Authors: Nanashima Atsushi , Takamori Hiroki , Imamura Naoya , Tahira Kousei , Kitamura Eiji , Hiyoshi Masahide , Hamada Takeomi , Tsuchimochi Yuuki , Komori Hiroyuki , Kamoto Toshiyuki
Published: January 2023

Background

Large tumors of serous cystic adenomas in the pancreatic body-to-tail severely compress the surrounding organs and retroperitoneal space.

Case presentation

We present a unique surgical challenge for distal pancreatectomy (DP). We present the case of a patient who had a massive mass lesion measuring more than 20 cm in size that had been misdiagnosed as a retroperitoneal tumor by the previous hospital. However, an expert radiologist at our institute diagnosed serous cystadenoma of the pancreas based on imaging characteristics. We decided to perform retroperitoneal space first dissection using a small incision because we were concerned about tumor infiltration or compressive adhesions in important retroperitoneal vessels. We safely attempted distal pancreatectomy by limiting the laparotomy incision step-by-step while securing the main vascular injury of the retroperitoneum. In addition to the ordinary cooperation with urological surgeons, this technique is referred to by the concept of retroperitoneal procedures for minimally invasive surgery in urology.

Conclusions

This approach is useful for lifting resected specimens by prior and wide retroperitoneal dissection, which may lead to safety and the prevention of unexpected vascular injury.
Menstrual hygiene management practice and its associated factors among in-school adolescent girls in Western Ethiopia
Authors: Daniel Naol , Kejela Gemechu , Fantahun Firehiwot , Desalegn Markos , Guteta Fantahun
Published: January 2023

Background

Adolescent girls should practice good menstrual hygiene to enhance their health and educational attainment. However, socio-cultural restrictions and limited water, sanitation, and hygiene in school environments continued to make it difficult for in school adolescent females to practice good menstrual hygiene management. So, the main aim of this study was to assess menstrual hygiene management practice and its associated factors among in-school adolescent girls in the secondary schools of Gimbi town, western Ethiopia.

Methods

A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 378 adolescent girls in Gimbi town secondary schools. The study participants were selected by using stratified random sampling techniques. Pretested self-administered Afan Oromo questionnaire with sociodemographic characteristics, information and knowledge about menstruation, and practice of menstrual hygiene management, as well as observational checklist to assess school environment were used to collect the data. Data were cleaned, coded, and entered into Epi-info version 7.2.0.4 and exported to SPSS version 25 for statistical analysis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with the practice of menstrual hygiene management and P-values less than 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance.

Results

Out of 378 respondents, 163 (43.1%) (38–48) of adolescent girls had good menstrual hygiene management practice. Being urban resident (AOR = 3.48, (95% C.I:1.99–6.08), having mother with secondary level of education (AOR = 2.71, 95%CI: 1.15,6.42), having mother with educational level of college and above (AOR = 3.30, 95%CI1.28,8.50), having discussion about menstruation with parents (AOR = 2.42,95%CI:1.45,4.04), and having knowledge about menstruation (AOR = 2.94, 95% CI: 1.69–5.13) were factors associated with good menstrual hygiene management practice.

Conclusion

In this study, good menstrual hygiene management practice is low among in school adolescent girls. Place of residence, maternal educational level, discussion about menstrual issue with parent, and having knowledge about menstruation were factors associated with good menstrual management practice. Stakeholders should give appropriate awareness and health education related to menstrual hygiene for adolescent girls at all levels.
Effects of financial development and capital accumulation on labor productivity in sub-Saharan Africa: new insight from cross sectional autoregressive lag approach
Authors: Zoaka Joshua Dzankar , Güngör Hasan
Published: January 2023

This study aims to shed light on the effects of financial development and accumulation of capital on the productivity of labor in the sub-Sahara African region within the period of 1990–2018. In this work, we used the (dynamic) common correlated effects estimator-mean group and additional techniques such as cross-section autoregressive distributed lag to calibrate the sample into the African subregion to ensure robustness. The findings reveal that financial progress in the region over time leads to an increase in productivity of labor and also the accumulation of capital. Furthermore, financial markets have a progressive impact on the productivity of labor within sub-Saharan African regions. We extend the very limited literature on the nexus between financial development and labor productivity by incorporating capital accumulation into our model which has not been previously studied.
The five times sit-to-stand test: safety, validity and reliability with critical care survivors’s at ICU discharge
Authors: de Melo Thiago Araújo , Silva Guimarães Fernando , Lapa e Silva José Roberto
Published: January 2023

Background

The Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test (FTSST) has been found reliable, safe and valid for measuring healthy adults’ lower limb muscle strength and for determining balance control, fall risk, and exercise capacity among older examinees. We believe that the FTSST has the potential to be a straightforward, low cost and valuable tool for identifying muscle disability and functional status following critical illness. The aim of our study was to establish the applicability, safety, and psychometric qualities of FTSST in patients at Intensive Care Unit (ICU) discharge.

Methods

In our study applicability was determined by assessing the percentage of patients who could perform the test at ICU discharge. Safety was assessed by examining data regarding any exacerbated haemodynamic and respiratory responses or adverse events associated with the test. For assessing FTSST reliability, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), standard error of measurement (SEM) and Bland-Altman plot were used. For assessing concurrent validity handgrip strength, ICU length of stay, duration of invasive ventilation, Simplified Acute Physiology Score 3 (SAPS3) and age variables were used. For investigating predictive validity, correlations between the FTSST and measures of hospital length of stay and functional independence were evaluated.

Results

Only 30% of ICU survivors (n = 261 out of 817) were eligible to perform the FTSST and 7% of patients who performed the test (n = 10 out of 142) presented adverse events. Both inter (ICC 0.92 CI95% 0.89–0.94) and intra-rater (ICC 0.95 CI95% 0.93–0.96) reliability were excellent and higher scores were associated with lower muscle strength, longer hospital stay and greater functional impairment at hospital discharge in adult survivors of critical diseases.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the FTSST may be applicable only to high-functioning critical care survivors. In this specifical population, FTSST is a safe, easy to perform, valid and reliable measure that can be applied to fall risk and functional recovery management.
Psychometric properties and measurement invariance of the Rigid and Flexible Persistence Scale in a Brazilian professional sample
Authors: Peixoto Evandro Morais , Silva Marcus Vinicius , Noronha Ana Paula Porto , Chichekian Tanya , Vallerand Robert J.
Published: January 2023

Persistence involves the intention to maintain efforts when faced with obstacles and challenges, in order to achieve a specific goal. The Rigid and Flexible Persistence Scale (RFPS) is a self-report measure that assesses persistence that is theoretically derived from the premises of the Dualistic Model of Passion. The aim of the present research was to adapt the RFPS to Brazilian Portuguese and to estimate its evidence of validity and reliability in the context of work. Participants were 400 professionals, 55.8% women, aged between 18 and 68 years. The results indicate that the RFPS presented validity evidence based on the content. Corresponding to the theoretical expectations, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses demonstrated adequacy of the structure composed of two factors, explaining 75% of the data variance, with good levels of reliability. The RFPS also revealed strong invariance across gender and work conditions (in-person vs remote). Flexible persistence showed positive association with harmonious passion and occupational self-efficacy. Conversely, rigid persistence showed positive association with obsessive passion. It was observed a mediational role of occupational self-efficacy in the relationship between harmonious passion and flexible persistence. Overall, the findings suggest that the RFPS is an adequate measure of persistence in a Brazilian occupational sample.
Periodic plane-wave electronic structure calculations on quantum computers
Authors: Song Duo , Bauman Nicholas P. , Prawiroatmodjo Guen , Peng Bo , Granade Cassandra , Rosso Kevin M. , Low Guang Hao , Roetteler Martin , Kowalski Karol , Bylaska Eric J.
Published: January 2023

A procedure for defining virtual spaces, and the periodic one-electron and two-electron integrals, for plane-wave second quantized Hamiltonians has been developed, and it was validated using full configuration interaction (FCI) calculations, as well as executions of variational quantum eigensolver (VQE) circuits on Quantinuum’s ion trap quantum computers accessed through Microsoft’s Azure Quantum service. This work is an extension to periodic systems of a new class of algorithms in which the virtual spaces were generated by optimizing orbitals from small pairwise CI Hamiltonians, which we term as correlation optimized virtual orbitals with the abbreviation COVOs. In this extension, the integration of the first Brillouin zone is automatically incorporated into the two-electron integrals. With these procedures, we have been able to derive virtual spaces, containing only a few orbitals, that were able to capture a significant amount of correlation. The focus in this manuscript is on comparing the simulations of small molecules calculated with plane-wave basis sets with large periodic unit cells at the $$\Gamma$$
Γ
-point, including images, to results for plane-wave basis sets with aperiodic unit cells. The results for this approach were promising, as we were able to obtain good agreement between periodic and aperiodic results for an LiH molecule. Calculations performed on the Quantinuum H1-1 quantum computer produced surprisingly good energies, in which the error mitigation played a small role in the quantum hardware calculations and the (noisy) quantum simulator results. Using a modest number of circuit runs (500 shots), we reproduced the FCI values for the 1 COVO Hamiltonian with an error of 11 milliHartree, which is expected to improve with a larger number of circuit runs.
Incorporation of zinc oxide nanoparticles and it’s antibacterial effect on toothpaste
Authors: El Shahawi Amal M.
Published: January 2023

Background

Dental caries is the most prevalent oral infection affecting the individuals worldwide, and Streptococcus mutans is the major microorganism involved in its pathology. Thus, the aim was to evaluate the antibacterial effect of addition of nanozinc particles on toothpaste with different concentrations. The study was carried out as Deburdent toothpaste was used as a control group, and nanozinc particles were added with different concentrations to the same toothpaste, and antibacterial test for each group was evaluated.

Methods

Group 1: (control group) toothpaste only. Group 2: 0.5% of nanozinc particles added to toothpaste. Group 3: 1% of nanozinc particles added to toothpaste. The three groups were incubated for 24 h at 37 °C, and the antibacterial test was tested for all groups using agar well diffusion method.

Results

All the samples had antibacterial effect against streptococcus mutans. Meanwhile, Group 3 has showed the greatest zone of inhibition compared to the control group showed the lowest effect.

Conclusions

One % of nanozinc particles were more efficient on Sterptoccocus mutans in comparison with 0.5% nanozinc particles concentration effect.
An efficient non-iterative smoothed particle hydrodynamics fluid simulation method with variable smoothing length
Authors: Li Min , Li Hongshu , Meng Weiliang , Zhu Jian , Zhang Gary
Published: January 2023

In classical smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) fluid simulation approaches, the smoothing length of Lagrangian particles is typically constant. One major disadvantage is the lack of adaptiveness, which may compromise accuracy in fluid regions such as splashes and surfaces. Attempts to address this problem used variable smoothing lengths. Yet the existing methods are computationally complex and non-efficient, because the smoothing length is typically calculated using iterative optimization. Here, we propose an efficient non-iterative SPH fluid simulation method with variable smoothing length (VSLSPH). VSLSPH correlates the smoothing length to the density change, and adaptively adjusts the smoothing length of particles with high accuracy and low computational cost, enabling large time steps. Our experimental results demonstrate the advantages of the VSLSPH approach in terms of its simulation accuracy and efficiency.
The effect of hippocampal NR2B-containing NMDA receptors on chronic cognitive dysfunction in rats with temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Luo Xiaoqing , Li Cheng , Yu Xiaoli , Kuang Guangtao , Wang Xiaolu , Liang Jufang , Jiang Jun
Published: January 2023

Background

We have previously reported that hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) was suppressed in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) rats. The N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptors containing 2B subunit (NR2B-NMDARs) are indispensable to induce the LTP of hippocampus. However, it is still unknown whether the NR2B-NMDARs are implied with the cognitive dysfunction in TLE rats.

Methods

The TLE model was lithium chloride-pilocarpine (li-pilo) model. Morris water maze test was used to evaluate the cognitive function of epileptic rats. Expression of hippocampal NR2B-NMDAs was evaluated by western blotting. Stereotactic injection of NMDA, an agonist of NR2B-NMDARs, into the hippocampus of TLE rats was used to investigate the role of NR2B-NMDARs on cognitive dysfunction.

Results

Cognitive function TLE rats was significantly reduced compared with controls in the Morris water maze test (P < 0.05). Western blotting data showed the down-expression of hippocampal NR2B-NMDARs and p-NR2B in TLE rats compared with the control (P < 0.05). In addition, hippocampal stereolocalization of NMDA injection improved partially the learning and memory in TLE rats (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Down-expression and low activity of hippocampal NR2B-NMDARs may be implied with chronic cognitive dysfunction in TLE rats.
High-order compact gas-kinetic schemes for three-dimensional flow simulations on tetrahedral mesh
Authors: Zhao Fengxiang , Ji Xing , Shyy Wei , Xu Kun
Published: January 2023

A general framework for the development of high-order compact schemes has been proposed recently. The core steps of the schemes are composed of the following. 1). Based on a kinetic model equation, from a generalized initial distribution of flow variables construct a time-accurate evolution solution of gas distribution function at a cell interface and obtain the corresponding flux function; 2). Introduce the WENO-type weighting functions into the high-order time-derivative of the cell interface flux function in the multistage multi-derivative (MSMD) time stepping scheme to cope with the possible impingement of a shock wave on a cell interface within a time step, and update the cell-averaged conservative flow variables inside each control volume; 3). Model the time evolution of the gas distribution function on both sides of a cell interface separately, take moments of the inner cell interface gas distribution function to get flow variables, and update the cell-averaged gradients of flow variables inside each control volume; 4). Based on the cell-averaged flow variables and their gradients, develop compact initial data reconstruction to get initial condition of flow distributions at the beginning of next time step. A compact gas-kinetic scheme (GKS) up to sixth-order accuracy in space and fourth-order in time has been constructed on 2D unstructured mesh. In this paper, the compact GKS up to fourth-order accuracy on three-dimensional tetrahedral mesh will be further constructed with the focus on the WENO-type initial compact data reconstruction. Nonlinear weights are designed to achieve high-order accuracy for the smooth Navier-Stokes solution and keep super robustness in 3D computation with strong shock interactions. The fourth-order compact GKS uses a large time step with a CFL number 0.6 in the simulations from subsonic to hypersonic flow. A series of test cases are used to validate the scheme. The high-order compact GKS can be used in 3D applications with complex geometry.
Epidemiology of total hip arthroplasty: demographics, comorbidities and outcomes
Authors: Patel Ishan , Nham Fong , Zalikha Abdul K. , El-Othmani Mouhanad M.
Published: January 2023

Background

Primary THA (THA) is a successful procedure for end-stage hip osteoarthritis. In the setting of a failed THA, revision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA) acts as a salvage procedure. This procedure has increased risks, including sepsis, infection, prolonged surgery time, blood loss, and increased length of stay. Increasing focus on understanding of demographics, comorbidities, and inpatient outcomes can lead to better perioperative optimization and post-operative outcomes. This epidemiological registry study aimed to compare the demographics, comorbidity profiles, and outcomes of patients undergoing THA and rTHA.

Methods

A retrospective review of discharge data reported from 2006 to the third quarter of 2015 using the National Inpatient Sample registry was performed. The study included adult patients aged 40 and older who underwent either THA or rTHA. A total of 2,838,742 THA patients and 400,974 rTHA patients were identified.

Results

The primary reimbursement for both THA and rTHA was dispensed by Medicare at 53.51% and 65.36% of cases respectively. Complications arose in 27.32% of THA and 39.46% of rTHA cases. Postoperative anemia was the most common complication in groups (25.20% and 35.69%). Common comorbidities in both groups were hypertension and chronic pulmonary disease. rTHA indications included dislocation/instability (21.85%) followed by mechanical loosening (19.74%), other mechanical complications (17.38%), and infection (15.10%).

Conclusion

Our data demonstrated a 69.50% increase in patients receiving THA and a 28.50% increase in rTHA from the years 2006 to 2014. The data demonstrated 27.32% and 39.46% complication rate with THA and rTHA, with postoperative anemia as the most common cause. Common comorbidities were hypertension and chronic pulmonary disease. Future analyses into preoperative optimizations, such as prior consultation with medical specialists or improved primary hip protocol, should be considered to prevent/reduce postoperative complications amongst a progressive expansion in patients receiving both THA and rTHA.
Does Gelfoam slurry embolization post-pulmonary biopsy reduce risk of pneumothorax? A prospective randomized control study
Authors: Salama Nada Mohsen , Tabashy Reda Hassan , Mahmoud Ikram Hamed , Rahman Abd El Rahman Mohamed Abd El , Mohamed Dalia Negm Eldin , Kassas Hebatalla El
Published: January 2023

Background

CT-guided percutaneous transthoracic biopsy has become a widely accepted safe method in establishing the etiology of lung masses. Pneumothorax is the most commonly faced complication requiring further therapeutic intervention for treatment with chest tube drainage adding to the time of hospital stay.

Aim of work

We aim to evaluate the effect of Gelfoam mixture biopsy tract embolization as a minimal added cost in reducing the overall rate of complications, the need of chest tube placement, and hospital stay.

Patient and methods

A total of 138 transthoracic CT-guided lung biopsies were randomized to 70 track embolized patients and 68 control. The study protocol was approved from the National Cancer Institute ethical committee review board. Data were collected from the local PACS system and analyzed, reviewed and performed by one of three interventional radiologists. Patient records were analyzed for primary health risks, pre-procedural CT was analyzed for lesion-related risk factors, and intra-procedural CTs were analyzed for procedure-related risk factors. Outcome measures include incidence of pneumothorax, pneumothoraxes requiring chest tube insertion and hospital admission rates.

Results

Marked pneumothorax requiring chest tube insertion and hospital admission were significantly reduced in the embolized group as 7.1% compared to 19% in the non-embolized group with significant p value of 0.037. Hospital admissions reduced from 19% down to 4.3% in embolized cases with a significant p value of 0.007. On univariate regression analysis, embolization reduced chest tube placement odds by 68% (OR = 0.32, 95% CI 0.109–0.97, p = 0.044). The only significant procedural-related factor was needle pleural angle > 70° where it increased the risk of pneumothorax by 2.85 times and chest tube placement by 3.10 times. Gelfoam embolization significantly reduces the odds of post-procedural hospital admission by 81% (OR = 0.189, 95% CI 0.051–0.699, p = 0.012). In multivariate regression analysis, Gelfoam was significantly protective against chest tube insertion and prolonged hospital stay, by reducing the odds 74.3% (OR = 0.257, 95% CI 0.082–0.808, p = 0.020) and 86% (OR = 0.133, 95% CI 0.027–0.662, p = 0.014), respectively. Needle pleural angle more than 70° increased odds of chest tube insertion by 252%. Lesions that were in very low position related to the diaphragm and just behind ribs were less prone to chest tube insertion by 83% (OR = 0.164, 95% CI 0.035–0.779, p = 0.02), while those showing mediastinal invasion and central lung lesions had increased odds by 6.812 times (95% CI 1.452–31.958, p = 0.015) for longer hospital stays.

Conclusions

Gelfoam embolization post-CT-guided lung biopsy has proven to statistically reduce large pneumothoraces requiring chest tube insertion, longer hospital stay, and reduced unnecessary expenses.
An unusual presentation of the external auditory canal mass
Authors: Kishore Prathiba , Amalanathan Sophia , Rajendiran Abinaya , Colbert Kumaran Alias Ramesh
Published: January 2023

Background

External auditory canal (EAC) masses can arise secondary to a multitude of ear pathologies like congenital, inflammatory, infective, or malignancy. The most common causes of external auditory canal masses are due to otitis media—squamous and mucosal types, tubercular otitis media, malignant otitis externa, and benign tumors like osteomas, exostosis, pleomorphic adenoma, tumors from the ceruminous and sebaceous glands; and malignant tumors like squamous cell carcinoma and rhabdomyosarcoma. The management of an external auditory canal mass will vary in each case, depending upon the underlying pathology and the extent of the involvement of the surrounding structures.

Case presentation

In our case report, we report a neglected foreign body in the external auditory canal that presented as an EAC mass and its management.

Conclusion

Hence, we suggest that we need to consider an underlying neglected foreign body as a cause, whenever masses of EAC do not respond to appropriate medical treatment with antibiotics.
Neonatal hearing screening in Soba University Hospital, Khartoum, Sudan: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kardman Siddig E. , Omer Elham M. , Abdalla Nagat , Edris Osama Mohamed Khalid , Kheir Abdelmoneim E. M.
Published: January 2023

Background

Hearing loss in children constitutes a serious obstacle to their optimal development; early detection of hearing disability is vital to improve the outcome of management; currently, in Sudan, there is no national neonatal hearing screening program. The aim of this study is to discuss the results of neonatal hearing screening among newborns admitted to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and well-baby nursery, at Soba University Hospital, Khartoum (Sudan), and to reflect the magnitude of risk factors for hearing impairment present in these two different groups of newborns.

Methods

In this hospital-based cross-sectional study, newborns who were admitted to the NICU or being observed in the well-baby nursery in the period from February 2014 to February 2019 were screened for hearing loss using automated otoacoustic emission (OAE) device after recording the risk factors for hearing loss according to the Joint Committee on Infant Hearing (JCIH) year 2007 position statement and after conducting a detailed ear and general physical examination. Newborns who failed this screening test were rescreened using the same device after 48 h, and if they failed again, they underwent confirmatory auditory brainstem response test when they are 6 months old.

Results

One thousand one hundred twenty newborns were tested; 736 were NICU and 384 were well-baby nursery newborns. The prevalence of hearing impairment after confirmatory test was found to be 10.8 per 1000 in the NICU group and 5.2 per 1000 in the well-baby nursery group considering that the drop rate for the confirmatory test was 50% and 66% respectively which is very high and reflect the poor compliance to the program. The risk factors for hearing loss were more encountered in the NICU group compared to well-baby nursery group. Unmonitored ototoxic drug use was found to be very prevalent and need urgent reconsideration.

Conclusion

In this study, the estimated prevalence of neonatal hearing impairment is alarming; risk factors are very evident especially in the NICU group; this reflect the urgent need for establishing an efficient national program for neonatal hearing screening and working to eliminate the preventable risk factors for neonatal hearing impairment in this developing country.
A brief overview of seismic resolution in applied geophysics
Authors: Reilly Joseph M. , Aharchaou Mehdi , Neelamani Ramesh
Published: January 2023

The high resolving power of seismic measurements has promoted wide adoption of the seismic method in oil and gas and other industries. Studying the evolution of seismic resolution, the different factors affecting it, and the remaining barriers enables an improved understanding of where we are today and what lies ahead. The need to improve seismic resolution is best framed in the context of the interpretation questions being raised and the project stage (e.g., new frontier, appraisal, development, or production). Improvements in resolution do not depend on a single aspect of the seismic workflow but on multiple interconnected components including acquisition, processing, imaging, and interpretation methods and technologies. This paper highlights some of the key milestones in improving seismic resolution. We also conjecture on progress likely to be made in the years ahead and remaining opportunities to enhance seismic resolution.
From FWI to ultra-high-resolution imaging
Authors: Espin Isabel , Salaun Nicolas , Jiang Hao , Reinier Mathieu
Published: January 2023

In recent years, the development of time-lag full-waveform inversion (FWI) has enabled the use of the full wavefield (primary reflections, diving waves, and their multiples and ghosts) in the inversion process. With this advancement, it is possible to obtain a very detailed velocity model, ultimately reaching the point of deriving from the velocity a migration-like reflectivity image called the FWI image. When the FWI maximum frequency is increased, high-resolution velocity models are obtained, revealing superior reservoir information compared to conventional imaging results. Two case studies will be discussed in this paper. The first is in the Greater Castberg area where the 150 Hz FWI image greatly surpassed the Q Kirchhoff prestack depth migration image from the water-bottom level down to the reservoir (located at a depth of about 1.5 km). The second case study is over the Nordkapp Basin. The use of the full wavefield for the shallow ultra-high-resolution (UHR) FWI image (run at 200 Hz) revealed reverse faulting and pockmark details that were invisible with Kirchhoff prestack depth migration and reverse time migration. By using additional information present in multiples, ghosts, and diving waves, a spatial resolution down to 3 m was achieved. This made it possible to image very thin features without the need for a dedicated high-resolution acquisition design. The current UHR FWI image workflow provides velocity and reflectivity information in the near surface that is important in identifying optimal locations for various purposes such as well placement and wind-turbine installation.
Seismic Soundoff: The necessity and benefits of mentorship
Authors: Geary Andrew
Published: January 2023

Cara Hunter and Teresa Santana discuss the value and importance of mentoring for geoscientists. They explain the need for Mentoring365, explore networking, and offer tips for first-time mentors and mentees. They also elaborate on the two-way aspect of mentorship and how any professional can build their network. The conversation concludes with a reflection on how mentorship has influenced their careers and the value of engaging as a mentor.
Patronage or Friendship? Charlotte Lennox and the Fifth Earl of Orrery
Authors: Hamilton Patricia L.
Published: January 2023

In the front matter of The Greek Theatre of Father Brumoy, Charlotte Lennox conflates the language of patronage and friendship to refer to John Boyle, the fifth Earl of Orrery. Her conflation points to the unusual relationship the two writers forged between 1752 and 1760. Whereas patronage focused on exchanges resulting in mutual economic benefit, friendship typically involved disinterested, mutual service based on shared interests. Orrery seized on the notion of instrumentality inherent in friendship to exchange his patronal role for a place on the translation team Lennox was supervising—a remarkable reversal of the usual power dynamics of the period. The pair's professional relationship offers insight into both the strategies by which Lennox negotiated her career and the earl's motivation for entering the commercial marketplace.
Running
Authors: Freeman Lindsey A.
Published: January 2023

In Running, former NCAA Division I track athlete Lindsey A. Freeman presents the feminist and queer handbook of running that she always wanted but could never find. For Freeman, running is full of joy, desire, and indulgence in the pleasure and weirdness of having a body. It allows for a space of freedom—to move and be moved. Through tender storytelling of a lifetime wearing running shoes, Freeman considers injury and recovery, what it means to run as a visibly queer person, and how the release found in running comes from a desire to touch something that cannot be accessed when still. Running invites us to run through life, legging it out the best we can with heart and style.
shox2 is required for vestibular statoacoustic neuron development
Authors: Laureano Alejandra S. , Flaherty Kathleen , Hinman Anna-Maria , Jadali Azadeh , Nakamura Tetsuya , Higashijima Shin-ichi , Sabaawy Hatim E. , Kwan Kelvin Y.
Published: January 2023

Homeobox genes act at the top of genetic hierarchies to regulate cell specification and differentiation during embryonic development. We identified the short stature homeobox domain 2 (shox2) transcription factor that is required for vestibular neuron development. shox2 transcripts are initially localized to the otic placode of the developing inner ear where neurosensory progenitors reside. To study shox2 function, we generated CRISPR-mediated mutant shox2 fish. Mutant embryos display behaviors associated with vestibular deficits and showed reduced number of anterior statoacoustic ganglion neurons that innervate the utricle, the vestibular organ in zebrafish. Moreover, a shox2-reporter fish showed labeling of developing statoacoustic ganglion neurons in the anterior macula of the otic vesicle. Single cell RNA-sequencing of cells from the developing otic vesicle of shox2 mutants revealed altered otic progenitor profiles, while single molecule in situ assays showed deregulated levels of transcripts in developing neurons. This study implicates a role for shox2 in development of vestibular but not auditory statoacoustic ganglion neurons.
Cell-specific effects of the sole C. elegans Daughterless/E protein homolog, HLH-2, on nervous system development
Authors: Masoudi Neda , Schnabel Ralf , Yemini Eviatar , Leyva-Díaz Eduardo , Hobert Oliver
Published: January 2023

Are there common mechanisms of neurogenesis used throughout an entire nervous system? We explored to what extent canonical proneural class I/II bHLH complexes are responsible for neurogenesis throughout the entire Caenorhabditis elegans nervous system. Distinct, lineage-specific proneural class II bHLH factors are generally thought to operate via interaction with a common, class I bHLH subunit, encoded by Daughterless in flies, the E proteins in vertebrates and HLH-2 in C. elegans. To eliminate function of all proneuronal class I/II bHLH complexes, we therefore genetically removed maternal and zygotic hlh-2 gene activity. We observed broad effects on neurogenesis, but still detected normal neurogenesis in many distinct neuron-producing lineages of the central and peripheral nervous system. Moreover, we found that hlh-2 selectively affects some aspects of neuron differentiation while leaving others unaffected. Although our studies confirm the function of proneuronal class I/II bHLH complexes in many different lineages throughout a nervous system, we conclude that their function is not universal, but rather restricted by lineage, cell type and components of differentiation programs affected.