bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of micro inclusions in steel sheets using high-frequency ultrasound speckle analysis
Authors: Kim Yeonggeun , Kim Jongbeom , Ahn Joongho , Han Moongyu , Lim Hae Gyun , Lee Ki Jong , Lee Juseung , Kim Chulhong , Kim Hyung Ham
Published: October 2021

With the increasing need for steel sheet quality assurance, the detection of micro-scaled inclusions in steel sheets has become critical. Many techniques have been explored to detect inclusions, e.g., visual inspection, radiography, magnetic testing, and ultrasound. Among these methods, ultrasound (US) is the most commonly used non-destructive testing (NDT) method due to its ease of use and deep penetration depth. However, ultrasound currently cannot be used for detecting the micro-scaled inclusions due to low spatial resolution, e.g., less than 30 μm, which are the key important factors causing the cracks in the high-quality steel sheets. Here, we demonstrate a high-resolution US imaging (USI) using high-frequency US transducers to image micro inclusions in steel sheets. Our system utilizes through-transmission USI and identifies ultrasound scattering produced by the inclusions. We first ultrasonically imaged the artificial flaws induced by the laser on the steel sheet surface for validating the system. We then imaged the real inclusions in the steel sheets formed during manufacturing processes and analyzed them to derive quantitative parameters related to the number of micro-scaled inclusions. Our results confirm that inclusions less than 30 μm can be identified using our high-resolution USI modality and has the potential to be used as an effective tool for quality assurance of the steel sheets.
The severity of adverse drug reactions and their influencing factors based on the ADR monitoring center of Henan Province
Authors: Yan Ziqi , Feng Zhanchun , Jiao Zhiming , Chen Chaoyi , Wang Ganyi , Feng Da
Published: October 2021

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) may be a serious public health problem and have received widespread attention in recent years. This study has analyzed the factors leading to the occurrence of serious ADRs (SADRs), determined the factors affecting the prognosis of patients with severe adverse reactions at different levels of medical institutions, and finally made corresponding recommendations for the monitoring, prevention, and treatment of SADRs. We used descriptive analysis and chi-square test to analyze the year, age, gender, proportion of SADRs, and the results of the ADRs in the report. Use the logistic regression to analyze the factors affecting the prognosis of SADRs in different levels of medical institutions. A total of 387 642 people’s 394 037 ADRs were collected from the Henan Provincial Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring Center from 2016 to 2020. Among them 35 742 cases of serious ADRs (9.1%), 96.1% were eventually relieved or cured, but 39 cases of SADRs caused death. The main causes of death included hemorrhages, organ failure, and allergies. Age, number of medication and illnesses, level of medical institution, history of adverse reactions, and type and method of medication were all factors that affected the severity of ADR. The prognosis of SADRs is worse than normal ADRs. The ADRs in autumn and winter and new adverse reactions are unique risk factors found in this study. The elderly and patients with multiple diseases or taking multiple drugs should pay attention to their adverse reactions. They should be closely observed within a week after taking the medicine. The supervision of patients with a history of allergies and new adverse reactions should be strengthened by primary medical institutions, and in nonprimary medical institutions should paid attention with past medical histories, and use imported drugs and biological agents with caution to ensure the safety and health of patients.
Valorization of products from grounded-coffee beans
Authors: Gouws Shawn , Muller Michael
Published: October 2021

The valorisation of ground coffee beans is discussed in two parts; the first research question relates to the extraction of cold brew from ground coffee beans to provide a healthy cold beverage. Two parameters were investigated: temperature, and the ratio of ground coffee beans to water. This work suggests that cold brew coffee can be extracted between 15 and 20 °C over 2 to 4 h instead of 24 h as outlined in typical cold brew extraction processes. The coffee aroma was the response variable. Part of this investigation was to develop a downstream product from the waste spent grounded coffee bean. This part of the study investigates the production of firelighters from spent ground coffee beans to reduce the impact of dumping significant quantities of spent coffee grounds from coffee houses, restaurants, and baristas on landfill sites, which can lead to environmental problems such as polluting water systems, killing wildlife and disturbing ecosystems. The study used spent ground coffee beans in products such as firelighters to test their efficacy. This application has shown promising results, with the firelighters showing longer burning times for the ignition of log fires while also emitting a gentle, pleasant coffee aroma.
One-pot peptide cyclisation and surface modification of photosensitiser-loaded red blood cells for targeted photodynamic therapy
Authors: Chu Jacky C. H. , Shao Chihao , Ha Summer Y. Y. , Fong Wing-Ping , Wong Clarence T. T. , Ng Dennis K. P.
Published: October 2021

We report herein a one-pot approach to cyclise a tumour-targeting RGD peptide and conjugate it on the surface of red blood cells loaded with photosensitisers. Such design allows selective binding against target cells, leading to enhanced PDT effect.
Influence of nanoparticles on the haemostatic balance: between thrombosis and haemorrhage
Authors: Tran Huong D. N. , Moonshi Shehzahdi Shebbrin , Xu Zhi Ping , Ta Hang Thu
Published: October 2021

A first review discussing the influence of nanoparticles on the whole haemostatic balance through their interaction with the coagulation, anticoagulation, fibrinolytic and/or the innate immune system, which is potentially linked to haemostasis.
Insights into the naphthalenide-driven synthesis and reactivity of zerovalent iron nanoparticles
Authors: Reiß Andreas , Donsbach Carsten , Feldmann Claus
Published: October 2021

The thermal and chemical stability of [LiNaph]/[NaNaph] is examined. The most stable [LiNaph] in THF is used to obtain Fe(0) nanoparticles, which themselves serve as a starting material to obtain new iron coordination compounds.
Photodynamic therapy with mitochondria-targeted biscyclometallated Ir(iii) complexes. Multi-action mechanism and strong influence of the cyclometallating ligand
Authors: Zafon Elisenda , Echevarría Igor , Barrabés Sílvia , Manzano Blanca R. , Jalón Félix A. , Rodríguez Ana M. , Massaguer Anna , Espino Gustavo
Published: October 2021

Four Ir(iii) complexes have been synthesized as photosensitizers for PDT. Derivatives bearing 2-phenylpyridinate exhibit high photocytotoxicity through a mitochondria-targeted mechanism involving NADH oxidation, membrane depolarization and DNA damage.
In situ determination of engineered nanomaterial aggregation state in a cosmetic emulsion – toward safer-by-design products
Authors: Catalano Riccardo , Slomberg Danielle L. , Picard Céline , Hucher Nicolas , Vidal Vladimir , Saint-Antonin François , Hubaud Jean-Claude , Rose Jerome , Labille Jerome
Published: October 2021

Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) aggregation in cosmetics can lower their UV protection efficacy and affect their subsequent environmental impact. In situ ENMs aggregation state can be easily evaluated using 2D X-rays absorption spectroscopy.
Homolysis/mesolysis of alkoxyamines activated by chemical oxidation and photochemical-triggered radical reactions at room temperature
Authors: Audran Gérard , Blyth Mitchell T. , Coote Michelle L. , Gescheidt Georg , Hardy Micael , Havot Jeffrey , Holzritter Maxence , Jacoutot Samuel , Joly Jean-Patrick , Marque Sylvain R. A. , Koumba Tataye Moussounda Moussounda , Neshchadin Dmytro , Vaiedelich Enzo
Published: October 2021

Instantaneous and spontaneous room temperature C–ON bond mesolysis of alkoxyamines triggered by chemical oxidation.
Synthesis ofpara-linked azacalix[n]pyridine[n]pyrazines and their uranyl ion binding properties
Authors: Lin Na , Huang Lei , Ding Huan-huan , Zhang Yue , Dong Wen-jing , Xia Bin-yuan , Ren Wen-sheng , Zhao Dong
Published: October 2021

Based on the fragment coupling strategy, the novel macrocycles,para-linked azacalix[n]pyridine[n]pyrazines (n= 2 and 4) with coexisting different heteroaromatics, were synthesized readily starting from 2,5-dibromopyrazine and 2,6-dibromopyridine.
Comparative study of pyrolytic carbons prepared from printed circuit boards by magnetic and electrostatic separation
Authors: Kan Yujiao , Zheng Fangyuan , Zhang Ruxin
Published: October 2021

To discover the influence of separation technologies for PCBs on the preparation, characterization and application of pyrolytic carbon, two kinds of nonmetal fraction from magnetic and electrostatic separation were chosen as the precursors.
Construction of a Keggin heteropolyacid/Ni-MOF catalyst for esterification of fatty acids
Authors: Zhang Qiuyun , Luo Qizhi , Wu Yaping , Yu Rongfei , Cheng Jingsong , Zhang Yutao
Published: October 2021

The developed heteropolyacids immobilized on Ni-MOF catalysts have strong acidity and perform well in esterification.
A wide temperature range dual-mode luminescence thermometer based on Pr3+-doped Ba(Zr0.16Mg0.28Ta0.56)O3 transparent ceramic
Authors: Tang Wei , Zuo Chuandong , Li Yingkui , Ma Chaoyang , Yuan Xuanyi , Wen Zicheng , Cao Yongge
Published: October 2021

Compared to glasses and single crystals, transparent ceramics present extraordinarily large resistance to thermal shocks. Here, dual-mode LIR/FL temperature detection with a wide temperature range is realized with BZMT:Pr3+transparent ceramic.
High performance non-doped green organic light emitting diodes via delayed fluorescence
Authors: Sk Bahadur , Thangaraji Vasudevan , Yadav Nisha , Nanda Gyana Prakash , Das Sannibha , Gandeepan Parthasarathy , Zysman-Colman Eli , Rajamalli Pachaiyappan
Published: October 2021

Anthracene-based non-doped OLED devices show EQE = 7.2% due to the delayed fluorescence resulting from the triplet-triplet annihilation (TTA). The hyperfluorescence device, in combination with a TADF assistant dopant, provides a high EQE of 17.8%.
Inorganic lead-free antimony-based perovskite-inspired solar cells with a carbon electrode and green anti-solvent regulation
Authors: Zhou Jun , Zhao Fei , Shen Junhao , Zhou Yang , Wu Yuyao , Guo Yixin , Jiang Jinchun , Chu Junhao
Published: October 2021

A Cs3Sb2ClxI9−x film with green anisole as an anti-solvent shows a dense surface morphology with good crystallinity. The performance of the devices is improved by using anisole as an anti-solvent, resulting in improved efficiency (from 0.44% to 2.07%).
Counseling and Care Partner Training in Primary Progressive Aphasia
Authors: Schaffer Kristin M. , Henry Maya L.
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Individuals with primary progressive aphasia (PPA) experience loss of communication abilities in the context of neurodegenerative disease. Consequently, many individuals with PPA endorse negative psychosocial effects, including social isolation, reduced communication confidence, and depression. Incorporating communication-centered counseling early and often within the speech-language pathology treatment framework is a vital component in holistically addressing the multifaceted ramifications of living with this devastating disorder. Additionally, care partners are key stakeholders in the treatment dynamic. Involving these individuals in the treatment paradigm through care partner training is crucial for facilitating optimal communication in daily life. The purpose of this narrative literature review is to discuss existing research regarding counseling and care partner training in PPA and to outline additional treatment considerations and future research needs in this understudied area.

Conclusions

Relative to studies that delineate restitutive speech-language interventions for PPA, the literature pertaining to counseling and care partner training is limited. Available evidence supports the utility of these approaches, which serve as complementary components to restitutive and compensatory speech-language intervention. Additional research is warranted to support generalizability and long-term benefit of these interventions, and to address facets of counseling and care partner training that have not been explored in PPA (e.g., counseling interventions drawing from specific psychotherapeutic traditions; multicultural counseling) or have only been explored to a limited degree (e.g., interventions that jointly provide counseling and partner training).
A high-spectral-resolution catalog of emission lines in the visible spectrum of comet C/2020 F3 (NEOWISE)
Authors: Cambianica P. , Cremonese G. , Munaretto G. , Capria M. T. , Fulle M. , Boschin W. , Di Fabrizio L. , Harutyunyan A.
Published: October 2021

Aims. Comet C/2020 F3 (NEOWISE) is considered to be the brightest comet observed in the northern hemisphere since the passage of comet C/1995 O1 (Hale-Bopp) in 1997. Since the study of comets offers a unique opportunity to investigate the early stages of the formation and evolution of our Sun and the Solar System, we obtained high-resolution optical spectra (R = λ/Δλ = 11 5000) of comet NEOWISE. The unique passage and its brightness yielded spectra with a large number of emission lines, providing information on the coma composition and the physical and chemical processes occurring in the nucleus. The spectra have been used to generate a catalog of emission lines to be used for future studies of comets since there are no catalogs in the literature with such a high spectral resolution.

Methods. Two high-resolution spectra of comet NEOWISE were obtained, on 26 July 2020 (geocentric distance of 0.7 AU) and 5 August 2020 (geocentric distance of 0.89 AU), with the High Accuracy Radial velocity Planet Searcher for the Northern hemisphere (HARPS-N) echelle spectrograph installed on the 360 cm Telescopio Nazionale Galileo. The spectra cover the range between 383 and 693 nm, and have been extracted using the HARPS-N Data Reduction Pipeline. To analyze the spectra and compile the high-resolution catalog, we collected several laboratory molecular line lists that cover the same wavelength range as that of our spectra. To validate the final identification, we compared our catalog with other atlases that resulted from the spectral analysis of other comets.

Results. We generate a high-spectral-resolution catalog of emission lines observed in comet NEOWISE, providing the identification for 4488 lines. We found cometary lines due to CN, CH, C2, C3, and NH2 and atomic lines due to NaI and [OI].
Contraception dans le contexte de l’adolescente
Authors: Duranteau Lise
Published: October 2021

La demande d’une contraception par l’adolescente permet de plus au praticien d’évaluer et rediscuter avec elle la vaccination contre le papillomavirus (HPV) et la prévention des infections sexuellement transmissibles (IST), mais aussi de détecter les possibles maltraitances que l’adolescente subit. L’optimisation de l’utilisation de la contraception reste l’objectif prioritaire de la consultation. Toutes les méthodes peuvent être proposées. L’adhésion à telle ou telle méthode est améliorée par une information préalable et un choix qui sera personnalisé. En dehors du risque vasculaire de la contraception œstroprogestative, la contraception hormonale a des effets gynécologiques bénéfiques. L’efficacité des méthodes de longue durée d’action est supérieure à celle des méthodes ponctuelles, mais leur tolérance reste imparfaite. Une contraception d’urgence sera prescrite à l’avance, afin de prévoir tout évènement pouvant survenir de façon inopinée. Des mesures de délivrance sont facilitées pour les mineures.
Wie (un)gefährlich ist die einfache Fettleber?
Authors: Figge Anja , Jähnert Andreas , Canbay Ali
Published: October 2021

Was kann die nichtinvasive Diagnostik bei Steatosis hepatis leisten? Neuere, nichtinvasive bildgebende Verfahren, die den Fettgehalt und die Steifigkeit der Leber bestimmen, werden zunehmend zur Verlaufskontrolle bei Patienten mit nicht-alkoholischer Fettlebererkrankung (NAFLD) eingesetzt. Dadurch kann die Leberbiopsie Patienten mit unklaren Befunden vorbehalten bleiben.

Wie entsteht die Steatosis hepatis und was bedingt die Erkrankungsprogression? Westlicher Lebensstil, Veränderungen des enteralen Mikrobioms, Kofaktoren wie Begleiterkrankungen und Medikamente sowie genetische Prädispositionen beeinflussen die Krankheitsentstehung und -progression.

Welche klinischen Verläufe sind bei Steatosis hepatis zu erwarten? Wichtigster prognostischer Faktor der NAFLD ist das Auftreten einer Leberfibrose. Jedoch finden sich zunehmend auch Komplikationen, insbesondere der primäre Leberzellkrebs bei NAFLD-Patienten, ohne dass eine nichtalkoholische Steatohepatitis (NASH) zuvor bekannt war oder eine fortgeschrittene Fibrose oder Zirrhose vorliegt. Eine Komorbidität der NAFLD mit Diabetes mellitus Typ 2 ist auch bei simpler Steatose mit einer erhöhten Sterblichkeit assoziiert.

Wechselspiel zwischen nichtalkoholischer Fettlebererkrankung und extrahepatischen Komorbiditäten: Die NAFLD als hepatische Manifestation des metabolischen Syndroms ist ein unabhängiger Risikofaktor für kardiovaskuläre Komplikationen. Neben dem primären Leberzellkrebs lassen sich auch extrahepatische Neoplasien, insbesondere das kolorektale Karzinom und das Mammakarzinom, bei NAFLD-Patienten insgesamt, aber auch bei Patienten mit simpler Steatose gehäuft nachweisen. Somit sollte beim Umgang mit NAFLD-Patienten, auch bei simpler Steatose, über den „hepatologischen Tellerrand“ hinaus das Bewusstsein für die hier beschriebenen zahlreichen metabolischen, kardiovaskulären und neoplastischen Assoziationen geschärft werden. Es gilt bei dieser prävalenten Erkrankung, ganzheitliche Präventionskonzepte interdisziplinär zu prüfen und zu evaluieren. Die strukturierte Etablierung und Evaluierung spezialisierter Versorgungszentren für Patienten mit NAFLD, einschließlich der interdisziplinären Evaluation und Betreuung von Patienten mit simpler Steatose, stellen angesichts der aktuellen Datenlage und der Prävalenz eine große Herausforderung für sämtliche Akteure des Gesundheitssektors dar (
Abb. 1
).
Clinical Features and Outcomes of Streptococcus pneumoniae Meningitis in Children: A Retrospective Analysis of 26 Cases in China
Authors: Wang Wenhui , Han Hong , Du Lijun , Li Zhaoyang , Wu Yunhong
Published: October 2021

Background Streptococcus pneumoniae is an important cause of pediatric meningitis.

Objective The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical features and outcomes of children with pneumococcal meningitis at our hospital in China, so as to provide basis for improving the clinical treatment effect.

Methods This retrospective analysis included patients aged <16 years treated for pneumococcal meningitis at the Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Shanxi (January 2014–February 2016). Clinical data were extracted from the medical records. Patients were followed up for 6 months after discharge.

Results The analysis included 26 children aged 2 months to 13 years, with 17 (65.4%) aged <3 years. Presenting symptoms included fever (100%), lethargy (100%), impaired consciousness (88.5%), neck stiffness (69.2%), seizures (53.8%), and headache (50.0%). All patients had positive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cultures. The final treatment was vancomycin combined with a third-generation cephalosporin or other antibiotics in 25 patients. Eleven patients (42.3%) were recovered, 3 (11.5%) had neurological sequelae, and 12 (46.2%) died. Impaired consciousness (p = 0.035), cerebral hernia (p = 0.037), respiratory failure (p = 0.004), heart failure (p = 0.044), septic shock (p = 0.037), low CSF white blood cell count (p = 0.036), high CSF protein levels (p = 0.028), low white blood cell count (p = 0.036), and low blood neutrophil ratio (p = 0.016) are associated with a poor prognosis to pneumococcal meningitis.

Conclusion Pneumococcal meningitis is associated with a poor prognosis in many children. Poor prognosis might be related to early ineffective antibiotic therapy, a combination of systemic failure, neurological problems, and changed inflammatory response. It is important to rapid initiation of appropriate antibiotic therapy if meningitis is suspected.
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome with Aortic Distress after Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair and False Lumen Exclusion with “Candy Plug” Technique
Authors: Tolva Valerio S. , Kahlberg Andrea , Bertoglio Luca , Trimarchi Santi , Miloro Riccardo , Casana Renato , Chiesa Roberto
Published: October 2021

A 41-year-old male presented for pain treated with oxycodone. A zone-2 thoracic endovascular aortic repair with distal PETTICOAT (provisional extension to induce complete attachment) for complicated Type-IIIB aortic dissection was performed 18 months before. Repeated hospitalizations did not show any issues to justify the recurrent pain. The aortic nature of the pain was suspected considering the plug as a pain trigger. Through a left thoracoabdominal incision in the eighth intercostal space, the candy plug was removed. Pain diminished after thoracoabdominal surgery steadily.
Estudo anatômico da região medial do joelho: Análise qualitativa, quantitativa e descrição do ligamento oblíquo anterior
Authors: Jorge Pedro Baches , Silva Marconde de Oliveira e , Horita Melanie Mayumi , Resende Vanessa Ribeiro de , Guglielmetti Luiz Gabriel Betoni , Oliveira Diego Escudeiro de
Published: October 2021

Objetivo Descrever todas as estruturas ligamentares, capsulares, tendinosas e marcos ósseos da região medial do joelho, assim como uma nova estrutura ligamentar identificada em uma série de dissecções anatômicas de espécimes cadavéricos.

Métodos Vinte joelhos de cadáveres foram dissecados para estudar o compartimento medial. As principais estruturas dessa região foram identificadas durante a dissecção. A morfologia das estruturas e sua relação com parâmetros anatômicos conhecidos foram determinados tanto de forma qualitativa quanto de forma quantitativa. Os dados coletados foram analisados e interpretados por meio de estatística descritiva.

Resultados Na dissecção de todos os espécimes, foram identificadas todas as estruturas ligamentares já descritas anteriormente no estudo anatômico da porção medial do joelho, e foram realizadas medidas objetivas que podem auxiliar como parâmetros para a reconstrução ligamentar cirúrgica. Foram observados e descritos, ainda, ao se desprender o ligamento colateral medial superficial, uma proeminência óssea imediatamente distal à sua inserção tibial proximal, uma bursa abaixo do ligamento, na qual o mesmo não se mostrava inserido, assim como uma estrutura ligamentar localizada extracapsularmente e com origem na face anterior do epicôndilo medial, seguindo obliquamente em direção à tíbia, aos quais foram dados os nomes, respectivamente, de tubérculo interinsercional, bursa interinsercional e ligamento oblíquo anterior.

Conclusão Além da descrição e medida das estruturas e parâmetros já existentes no estudo anatômico da porção medial do joelho, foi possível a descrição de três novas estruturas: o tubérculo interinsercional a bursa interinsercional e o ligamento oblíquo anterior, ainda não descritos na literatura. Essas estruturas foram encontradas em todas as dissecções realizadas.
Estudo comparativo com e sem o uso de prototipagem em 3D de uma técnica não convencional no planejamento cirúrgico de revisão de artroplastia total de quadril
Authors: Ranzzi Alonso , Lucena Rafael de Luca de , Schwartsmann Carlos Roberto , Galia Carlos Roberto , Girotto Marina Cornelli , Spinelli Leandro de Freitas
Published: October 2021

Este artigo apresenta uma comparação entre dois casos em que havia a necessidade de revisão de artroplastia total de quadril por falha acetabular asséptica. Utilizamos prototipagem em 3D em um dos casos para realizar uma técnica não convencional de moldagem de material de síntese antes do procedimento, com objetivo de avaliar o tempo economizado no transoperatório em casos complexos.
Nonhematologic and Hematologic Factors in Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Kwaan Hau C.
Published: October 2021

Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage is defined as nontraumatic bleeding into the brain without vascular malformations or presence of tumor. It occurs in about a third of all strokes and has a high mortality and morbidity. Risk factors that determine the outcome are incompletely understood. Known factors include older age, male gender, Asian ethnicity, hypertension, and comorbidity such as inherited or acquired bleeding diathesis and use of antithrombotic drugs. Likewise, the clinical characteristics of the hematoma such as location and volume of the hematoma and other imaging features are also important. Hematoma extension or expansion is a complication with an unfavorable outcome. Recognition of risk factors for hematoma expansion and measures to prevent it, such as blood pressure lowering, will improve the outcome. Enhanced diagnostic methods, especially in imaging techniques developed over the past decade, have not only led to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage but also of the factors that influence hematoma expansion. An improved knowledge is essential to better management, minimizing hematoma expansion and leading to a healthier outcome.
Selection strategies for beef cow size and condition
Authors: Hickson R. E. , Pitchford W. S.
Published: October 2021

Context The present work was motivated by beef breeder concerns that selection for high growth and low fat in steers and low mature weight in cows will lead to cows that have low body condition and, therefore, productivity. Aims The aim of this was to partition cow weight into size (associated with height) and condition (variation net of height) and test whether the trait net weight is a worthy addition to breeding programs. Methods Angus cows (5901) were measured as heifers (4889) and at pre-calving and weaning of their first and second calf (minimum 2690) for weight, height and body condition traits (condition score, ultrasound eye-muscle area, P8 and rib fat depth, and intramuscular fat percentage). A novel trait was developed by fitting height as a covariate to weight, with the residuals termed net weight. Key results Net weight was both heritable and genetically correlated with cow condition score and ultrasound measures. However, despite having a lower heritability, condition score was a more effective measure for genetic improvement of cow condition. Conclusions A measure of cow condition should be included in genetic evaluation programs but net weight is unlikely to be that measure. Implications Condition score should be recorded at the time of mature cow weight for breeding programs.
Quality of condition suggestions and urgency advice provided by the Ada symptom assessment app evaluated with vignettes optimised for Australia
Authors: Gilbert Stephen , Fenech Matthew , Upadhyay Shubhanan , Wicks Paul , Novorol Claire
Published: October 2021

When people face a health problem, they often first ask, ‘Is there an app for that?’. We investigated the quality of advice provided by the Ada symptom assessment application to address the question, ‘How do I know the app on my phone is safe and provides good advice?’. The app was tested with 48 independently created vignettes developed for a previous study, including 18 specifically developed for the Australian setting, using an independently developed methodology to evaluate the accuracy of condition suggestions and urgency advice. The correct condition was listed first in 65% of vignettes, and in the Top 3 results in 83% of vignettes. The urgency advice in the app exactly matched the gold standard 63% of vignettes. The app’s accuracy of condition suggestion and urgency advice is higher than that of the best-performing symptom assessment app reported in a previous study (61%, 77% and 52% for conditions suggested in the Top 1, Top 3 and exactly matching urgency advice respectively). These results are relevant to the application of symptom assessment in primary and community health, where medical quality and safety should determine app choice.
Sperm-borne sncRNAs: potential biomarkers for semen fertility?
Authors: Sellem Eli , Jammes Hélène , Schibler Laurent
Published: October 2021

Semen infertility or sub-fertility, whether in humans or livestock species, remains a major concern for clinicians and technicians involved in reproduction. Indeed, they can cause tragedies in human relationships or have a dramatic overall negative impact on the sustainability of livestock breeding. Understanding and predicting semen fertility issues is therefore crucial and quality control procedures as well as biomarkers have been proposed to ensure sperm fertility. However, their predictive values appeared to be too limited and additional relevant biomarkers are still required to diagnose sub-fertility efficiently. During the last decade, the study of molecular mechanisms involved in spermatogenesis and sperm maturation highlighted the regulatory role of a variety of small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) and led to the discovery that sperm sncRNAs comprise both remnants from spermatogenesis and post-testicular sncRNAs acquired through interactions with extracellular vesicles along epididymis. This has led to the hypothesis that sncRNAs may be a source of relevant biomarkers, associated either with sperm functionality or embryo development. This review aims at providing a synthetic overview of the current state of knowledge regarding implication of sncRNA in spermatogenesis defects and their putative roles in sperm maturation and embryo development, as well as exploring their use as fertility biomarkers.
Rotating arc welding of AA8090–AA2050: Microstructure and mechanical properties
Authors: Tyagi Yuvraj , Siddiqui Sahil , Dindakurthi Sai Sudhamsu , Madhavan S.
Published: October 2021

In this study, two grades of Aluminium–Lithium alloys: AA8090 and AA2050 have been selected. Butt joints were produced using the Rotating arc welding process (SpinArc™) with ER4043 filler. Two different groove joints, Square Butt and V-Groove, were used during the process. The joints were subjected to analysis of microstructure, mechanical properties and electronic work function. A correlation was brought out between all these tests. The microstructure analysis showed the formation of Mg2Si and Al2Cu eutectics. It was also found that the joint made using the Square Butt joint exhibited greater weld strength and enhanced work function. Electron microscopy and XRD analysis revealed the presence of different strengthening precipitates at various zones.
Simultaneous Optimization of Power Factor and Thermal Conductivity towards High-Performance InSb-Based Thermoelectric Materials
Authors: Li Wang , Xu Tian , Ma Zheng , Haruna Abubakar-Yakubu , Jiang Qing-Hui , Luo Yu-Bo , Yang Jun-You
Published: October 2021

Thermoelectric performance of InSb is restricted by its low Seebeck coefficient and high thermal conductivity. Here, CuCl is employed to optimize simultaneously the electrical and thermal transport properties of InSb. The substitution of Cl for Sb results in enhanced electron effective mass, leading to high Seebeck coefficient of –159.9 μV/K and high power factor of 31.5 μW⋅cm−1⋅K−2 at 733 K for InSb + 5 wt% CuCl sample. In addition, CuCl doping creates hierarchical architectures composed of Cu9In4, Sb, Cu2Sb in InSb, leading to a strengthened phonon scattering in a wide wavelength (i.e., nano to meso scale), thus a low lattice thermal conductivity of 2.97 W⋅m−1⋅K−1 at 733 K in InSb + 5 wt% CuCl. As a result, a maximum ZT of 0.77 at 733 K has been achieved for the InSb + 5 wt% CuCl sample, increasing by ∼ 250% compared to pristine InSb.
Splitting fields of real irreducible representations of finite groups
Authors: Pasechnik Dmitrii
Published: October 2021

We show that any irreducible representation

ρ
\rho

of a finite group

G
G

of exponent

n
n

, realisable over

R

\mathbb {R}

, is realisable over the field

E
≔

Q

(

ζ
n

)
∩

R

E≔\mathbb {Q}(\zeta _n)\cap \mathbb {R}

of real cyclotomic numbers of order

n
n

, and describe an algorithmic procedure transforming a realisation of

ρ
\rho

over

Q

(

ζ
n

)

\mathbb {Q}(\zeta _n)

to one over

E
E

.
1091 Assessment of Cauda Equina Syndrome Referrals to The Tertiary Spinal Service for Compliance with National Standards
Authors: Choudri M J , Tahir M , Haleem S , Hughes S
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Urgent assessment/investigation and appropriate referral of Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) is important in preventing morbidity and avoiding litigation. A recent GIRFT review outlined a series of guidelines on the management of patients with suspected CES. This audit aimed to assess whether CES referrals to a tertiary spinal service are compliant with GIRFT recommendations and SBNS/BASS guidelines.

Method

Retrospective review of an electronic referral system at a tertiary spinal centre over 4 months, examining CES referrals from surrounding peripheral hospitals. General Practice referrals were excluded. Data collected included patient demographics, symptoms/examination findings, timing of MRI and outcomes of the referral.

Results

A total of 48 referrals were included for analysis, mean age was 46.7 and 64% were female. 27% had no ‘red' or ‘yellow' flag signs/symptoms and were inappropriately referred. Majority did not perform pre/post void bladder scans prior to referring. 58% of all referrals were made without an MRI. 22% of those referred within ‘working hours’ were referred without MRI scan. There were significant variations in time taken to perform MRI at the referring hospital; median delay 11.1 hours (3-21hrs).

Conclusions

SBNS/BASS standards are currently not being met, which may adversely impact patient outcomes. Cost implications of patients being transferred to tertiary spinal centres who are found to have no abnormality, must be balanced against the cost of missed CES. This audit highlights the need for improvement in the quality of referrals through education and training at the referring centres.
1214 A Combined Approach to Prioritise Patients for Colonoscopy
Authors: Saiyara N , Islam F , Binte Rahim T , Islam M M
Published: October 2021

Aim

Correlating colonoscopy finding with presenting features to assess the diagnostic yield of different symptoms.

Method

We looked at findings of 100 patients retrospectively who had colonoscopy in Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh during first peak of COVID (August 2020 to December 2020). We reviewed NICE guideline for high-risk symptoms and NHS guideline for prioritisation of colonoscopy patients.

Results

100 cases were reviewed, 67% were male among the patients, average age was 42.11 (4 – 75 years). 47 were found to have significant pathology. Findings included colorectal malignancy (28%), Polyp (9%), IBD (6%), tuberculosis (2%) etc. PR bleed had highest diagnostic yield (21.27%), followed by abdominal lump (17.02%) and lower abdominal pain (14.89%). Weight loss showed lowest diagnostic yield (4.25%). 28% colonoscopy findings were normal. Patients were chosen based on clinical assessments and imaging results, as stool biochemical marker tests (FIT test, faecal calprotectin) are not available in DMCH.

Conclusions

Being an aerosol generating procedure which has a considerable amount of risk of transmitting COVID infection from patient to clinician or vice versa, it is important to triage patients with lower GI symptoms for colonoscopy. In a developing country like Bangladesh, it is essential to make the most reasonable use of limited resources. Symptoms-based triaging systems are poor predictors of clinically significant disease on colonoscopy. Therefore, a more holistic and novel approach needs to be studied and formulated using a combination of symptoms, blood, and stool biomarkers in order to reduce the need for a ‘negative’ colonoscopy and avoid unnecessary risks.
1364 Quality Control of Discharge Summaries for Endocrine Surgery Patients; A Closed Loop Audit
Authors: Karageorgou M , Hanna M , Calvosa S , Fayaz A , Christakis I
Published: October 2021

Aim

A patient's discharge summary (TTO) should be accurate. Most of them are conducted by junior doctors at the beginning of their medical training. The information mentioned in a TTO ensures patient safety, continuity of care as well as correct clinical coding for the NHS. Therefore, a re-audit was designed to check the quality of the discharge summaries of endocrine surgical patients In Nottingham City Hospital i.e., the type of operation, diagnosis, or postoperative instructions.

Method

The first cycle included all the TTOs for the endocrine surgical patients operated from April 2018 to November 2018. Then we re-audited those who had endocrine surgeries from April 2019 to November 2019. NOTIS e-TTO, Bluespier theatre lists and Medway were used to retrieve the data. All general surgery patients were excluded.

Results

142 and 104 patients TTOs were included in each audit cycle, respectively. Type of operation was improved from 84% to 95% in the second cycle. Correct diagnosis was reported from 68% to 72% in the second cycle audit.

Conclusions

The introduction of electronic operation notes in our practice improved the correct clinical coding for the type of operation mentioned in the TTO. The accuracy of correct diagnosis remains suboptimal. Therefore, education of junior doctors and an idea of double-checking from a more senior colleague should be assessed.
1522 Management of Benign Anastomotic Strictures Post-Rectal Resection: A Systematic Review
Authors: Manu N , Clifford R , Fowler H , Vimalachandran D
Published: October 2021

Aim

Approximately a third of all colorectal cancers diagnosed in the UK each year are rectal in origin and will undergo surgical resection with formation of an anastomosis. Focus is placed on techniques to ensure anastomotic integrity however an anastomotic leak, pelvic sepsis, distance to the anal verge and stapler choice are all established risk factors for the formation of a benign anastomotic stricture. This review aimed to assess the use of endoscopic salvage techniques in an attempt to avoid surgical re-intervention.

Method

A literature search was performed for published full text articles using the PubMed, Cochrane and Scopus databases. Additional papers were detected by scanning the references of relevant papers.

Results

A total of 40 papers were included focusing upon balloon dilation, stent insertion, electroincision, stapler stricturoplasty and corticosteroid use. Endoscopic balloon dilatation remains the most commonly used technique in the management of anastomotic strictures, with a low complication rate despite the frequent requirement for repeated dilatations. Although established in the role for malignant obstruction, stent insertion is yet to gain an established role in the benign setting.

Conclusions

Benign anastomotic strictures can be a significant problem post-rectal resection, impacting upon quality of life and requiring repeated intervention. Endoscopic management should be utilised in the primary setting to avoid surgical re-intervention. Standardisation of these methods is imperative in establishing the best modality of treatment. For refractory strictures a low threshold of suspicion for malignant recurrence should be maintained.
389 Impact of Surgical Drain Output Monitoring on Patient Outcomes in Gastrointestinal Surgery: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kowal M , Bolton W , Van Duren B , Burke J , Jayne D
Published: October 2021

Aim

Surgical drains are widely utilised in Gastrointestinal Surgery to prevent intra-abdominal collections and identify post-operative complications. Surgical drain monitoring ranges from simple output measurements through to specific analysis for constituents such as amylase. This systematic review aimed to determine whether surgical drain monitoring can detect post-operative complications and impact on patient outcomes.

Method

A systematic review was performed, and the following databases searched between 02/03/20 and 26/04/20: MEDLINE, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library and Clinicaltrials.gov. All studies describing surgical drain monitoring of output and content in adult patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery were considered. Other invasive methods of intra-abdominal sampling were excluded.

Results

The search returned 396 articles. Following abstract review, 383 were excluded and 13 articles were included for full review. The studies were classified according to speciality: Oesophagogastric (1), Pancreatic (6), Hepatobiliary (2), Colorectal (3) and Emergency General Surgery (1). Post-operative monitoring of amylase and bilirubin decreased the incidence of post-operative complications (pancreatic fistulas, intra-abdominal infections, surgical site infections), length of stay and mortality rate in Pancreatic and Hepatobiliary Surgery. Testing of drain contents following Colorectal Surgery can aid anastomotic leak and the detection of peritonitis, however this did not confer any improvement in patient outcome. Surgical drain monitoring did not improve patient outcomes in Oesophagogastric Surgery.

Conclusions

Surgical drain monitoring has established advantages in the post-operative care for patients undergoing Gastrointestinal Surgery. Enhanced surgical drain monitoring involving the testing of drain amylase, bilirubin, lactate, and cytokines may improve detection of complications in the immediate post-operative period.
PSV-8 Sire field fertility does not correlate with sire conception rate (SCR) score
Authors: Franco-Johannsen Gessica A , Pereira Marcos Henrique C , Ortega M Sophia , Reese Sydney T , Vasconcelos Jose Luiz M , Spencer Thomas E , Pohler Ky G
Published: October 2021

Accurate sire fertility evaluation remains a significant challenge in the livestock industry. Sire conception rate (SCR) has been used since 2008 in the dairy industry to rank sire fertility. The objective was to characterize individual sire pregnancy rate, pregnancy loss, and determine the correlation with the sire’s respective SCR. Our main hypothesis is that large variances in fertility parameters by sire cannot be explained by variance of the SCR values. Data from 6,570 timed artificial inseminations (AI) and 25,287 timed embryo transfers (ET) from 55 dairy farms were retrospectively analyzed to assess: pregnancy rate at day 30 (P30), pregnancy rate at day 60 (P60) and pregnancy loss (PL) during this interval. The effect of sire (AI: n = 39; ET: n = 81) for each reproductive parameter was evaluated. SCR records published prior to individual service were obtained to correlate with fertility parameters. For AI mating, pregnancy rate at P30 was 33.13% (2,177/6,570), and 27.6 % for P60 (1,815/6,570) and PL occurred in 16.6% (362/2,177) of pregnancies. Large variance was observed between sires for each parameter but no or negligible correlation (r < 0.2) with published SCR was observed. For ET, pregnancy rate at P30 was 47.8% (12,082/25,287) and 40.5% for P60 (10,246/25,287) with an overall PL of 15.2% (1,836/12,082). Similar to AI, all fertility parameters were highly variable among sires but no or negligible correlation (r < 0.03) with respective SCR was observed. In summary, the current method to evaluate sire fertility using SCR does not truly represent the field fertility status. Large variance in pregnancy loss between days 30 and 60 of gestation were observed among sires and these phenotypes should be considered when evaluating sire fertility to increase the score reliability.
PSV-5 Relationship between sire conception rate, sperm motility, sperm SERPINA5 relative concentration, and in vitro produced embryos in dairy bulls
Authors: Zoca Saulo Menegatti , Walker Julie , Andrews Taylor , Kline Adalaide C , Rich Jerica J , Epperson Kaitlin M , Drum Jessica Nora , Ortega M Sophia , Perry George A
Published: October 2021

Sire conception rate (SCR) is a field measure of fertility among bulls, but it can be influenced by several factors (Sperm transport, sperm-egg binding, early embryo development, etc). The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between SCR, sperm motility, SERPINA5 concentrations, and in vitro embryo development. Measurements were performed in 19 bulls with SCR values ranging from -7.7 to 4.45. For each bull, an aliquot of frozen-thawed semen was used for analyses of total (TMOT) and progressive (PROG) motility. Remaining semen was fixed with 2% formaldehyde, and concentration of SERPINA5 was determined by immunolocalization (antibody SERPINA5/Dylight405; PA5-79976-Invitrogen / ab201798-Abcam). Mean fluorescence intensity was determined in ~200 sperm heads/bull. Approximately 149 oocytes/bull were fertilized in vitro for embryo development analysis (cleavage and blastocyst rates). Statistical procedures were performed in SAS (9.4) using the procedures CORR for correlations (SCR, TMOT, PROG, SERPINA5, cleavage and blastocyst) and GLIMMIX for comparison of “field-fertility” (SCR divided in HIGH or LOW) and “field-embryo-fertility” (LOW-SCR sires were divided based on blastocyst rate (HIGH or LOW) resulting in two classifications; LOW-HIGH≥31% and LOW-LOW≤26%, respectively). There were positive correlations (P < 0.05) between cleavage-blastocyst (r=0.50), SERPINA5-cleavage (r=0.48), and TMOT-PROG (r=0.76). Sire SCR was not associated with SERPINA5, TMOT, PROG, cleavage and blastocyst rate (P > 0.52). Among LOW-SCR sires, LOW-LOW sires (-4.83±0.60) tended to have a better SCR score than LOW-HIGH (-6.18±0.42) sires (P = 0.08), but there were no differences (P > 0.43) between LOW-HIGH, LOW-LOW, and HIGH sires for SERPINA5, TMOT, PROG, and cleavage. In conclusion, some LOW SCR sires have good embryo development indicating a different mechanism for their low SCR; however, these differences in SCR could not be explained by TMOT, PROG, SERPINA5, cleavage and blastocyst. There were, however, positive correlations between cleavage-blastocyst rate, and SERPINA5-cleavage rate.
PSII-8 Free amino acids in blood plasma of beef cattle under induced oxidative stress by hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Penrod Bethaney M , Fornes Corbin R , Dinh Thu , Rivera Daniel
Published: October 2021

This study examined the effects of oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide on free amino acids in blood plasma from beef heifers (n = 18). Cattle were supplemented with ground corn and soybean hulls to 310 to 456 kg of BW while grazing cool and warm-season pastures and were evaluated for preliminary oxidative markers; afterward, they were shipped and finished at a commercial feedlot in Iowa. Animals were blocked into three groups based on principal component analysis of oxidative stress markers and two treatments of either 20 mg hydrogen peroxide/kg BW (OX, n = 9) or 10 mL of saline (CON, n = 9) were equally and randomly assigned to animals within each group. On the day before slaughter, the OX and CON treatments were administered intravenously through the jugular vein. Blood samples were collected immediately before and 90 min after treatment, centrifuged into plasma, aliquoted, snap-frozen in liquid nitrogen, and stored at -80°C. Free amino acids in plasma were derivatized by propyl chloroformate, extracted in isooctane, and determined by gas chromatography – mass spectrometry. The data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design with repeated measures with treatment, time, and their interaction as fixed effects. Twenty-seven amino acids were quantified and sarcosine concentration was 1.5 mM greater in OX plasma than in that of CON (P = 0.064). Leucine, threonine, proline, asparagine, methionine, and α-aminobutyric acid were greater pre-treatment (P ≤ 0.006); whereas cystine was greater at 90 min post-treatment (P = 0.019). Although the effects of hydrogen peroxide injection on free amino acids in blood plasma were minimal, an increase in sarcosine concentration has been reported as a marker of induced oxidative stress.