bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of the P-Selectin Inhibitor Crizanlizumab on Survival Free of Organ Support in Patients Hospitalized for COVID-19: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Solomon Scott D. , Lowenstein Charles J. , Bhatt Ankeet S. , Peikert Alexander , Vardeny Orly , Kosiborod Mikhail N. , Berger Jeffrey S. , Reynolds Harmony R. , Mavromichalis Stephanie , Barytol Anya , Althouse Andrew D. , Luther James F. , Leifer Eric S. , Kindzelski Andrei L. , Cushman Mary , Gong Michelle N. , Kornblith Lucy Z. , Khatri Pooja , Kim Keri S. , Baumann Kreuziger Lisa , Wahid Lana , Kirwan Bridget-Anne , Geraci Mark W. , Neal Matthew D. , Hochman Judith S. ,   for the ACTIV4a Investigators
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND:

COVID-19 has been associated with endothelial injury, resultant microvascular inflammation and thrombosis. Activated endothelial cells release and express P-selectin and von Willebrand factor, both of which are elevated in severe COVID-19 and may be implicated in the disease pathophysiology. We hypothesized that crizanlizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody to P-selectin, would reduce morbidity and death in patients hospitalized for COVID-19.

METHODS:

An international, adaptive, randomized controlled platform trial, funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, randomly assigned 422 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 with moderate or severe illness to receive either a single infusion of the P-selectin inhibitor crizanlizumab (at a dose of 5 mg/kg) plus standard of care or standard of care alone in an open-label 1:1 ratio. The primary outcome was organ support–free days, evaluated on an ordinal scale consisting of the number of days alive free of organ support through the first 21 days after trial entry.

RESULTS:

The study was stopped for futility by the data safety monitoring committee. Among 421 randomized patients with known 21-day outcomes, 163 patients (77%) randomized to the crizanlizumab plus standard-of-care arm did not require any respiratory or cardiovascular organ support compared with 169 (80%) in the standard-of-care–alone arm. The adjusted odds ratio for the effect of crizanlizumab on organ support–free days was 0.70 (95% CI, 0.43–1.16), where an odds ratio >1 indicates treatment benefit, yielding a posterior probability of futility (odds ratio <1.2) of 98% and a posterior probability of inferiority (odds ratio <1.0) of 91%. Overall, there were 37 deaths (17.5%) in the crizanlizumab arm and 27 deaths (12.8%) in the standard-of-care arm (hazard ratio, 1.33 [95% CrI, 0.85-2.21]; [probability of hazard ratio>1] = 0.879).

CONCLUSIONS:

Crizanlizumab, a P-selectin inhibitor, did not result in improvement in organ support–free days in patients hospitalized with COVID-19.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT04505774.
Morphological, geographic and ecological evidence support a new species of Chusquea subg. Swallenochloa (Poaceae, Bambusoideae, Bambuseae) from Parque Nacional do Caparaó, Brazil
Authors: PIANISSOLA EVANDRO M. , S. GONÇALVES ANA PAULA , G. CLARK LYNN , OLIVEIRA REYJANE P.
Published: June 2023

Specimens from the Serra do Caparaó (border of Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo states in Brazil) previously treated as Chusquea aff. heterophylla were compared with C. heterophylla. We found differences in macromorphology (including habit, culm leaf persistence and indument, subsidiary branch number, foliage leaf indument on sheath and blades, and spikelet size and bract proportions), abaxial micromorphology of the foliage leaf blades (including silica cell shape, prickle hair shape, bicellular microhair relative size and proportion of its cells, macrohair presence, long cell papillar shape, and subsidiary cell papillar shape and orientation) and in geographic distribution and habitat. These differences were considered enough to describe Chusquea riparia as a new species herein considered as microendemic to the Parque Nacional do Caparaó, growing only in riparian areas of montane Atlantic forest and campos de altitude. We provide illustrations, maps, taxonomic and phenological comments on the new species, and a key to the species of C. subg. Swallenochloa from the Parque Nacional do Caparaó.
Taxonomic studies on the genus Delphinium (Ranunculaceae) from China (XXIV): D. latilimbum, recently described from southern Xizang (Tibet), is another new synonym of D. kamaonense, a Sino-Himalayan species
Authors: YUAN QIONG , YANG QIN-ER
Published: June 2023

Based on critical observations on herbarium specimens and living plants in the wild, we demonstrate that Delphinium latilimbum, recently described from Cona county in southern Xiang (Tibet), China, is conspecific with D. kamaonense, a widely distributed Sino-Himalayan species. We therefore place D. latilimbum in synonymy with D. kamaonense herein. The occasional presence of sparsely pubescent filaments of stamens in D. kamaonense is confirmed, but this character is considered to be of little taxonomic significance. A distribution map is given for D. kamaonense.
Synoptic Revision of Diplazium (Athyriaceae) in Rwanda with description of Diplazium cyamudongoense sp. nov.
Authors: FISCHER EBERHARD , LOBIN WOLFRAM
Published: June 2023

A synoptic revision of Diplazium in Rwanda is provided. Two species, Diplazium humbertii and D. zanzibaricum had already been recorded for the country. Here we describe D. cyamudongoense sp. nov. that can be readily distinguished by the long and brittle scales at the base of the stipe. A key to the species is provided. The spores of the three studied species are documented and compared.
Plantago tunetana (Plantaginaceae) in Tunisia: notes on its morphology, distribution, and ecology
Authors: BELHAJ LTAEIF HELA , SAKHRAOUI ANIS , HASSEMER GUSTAVO , CASTILLO JESÚS M. , ELIMEM MOHAMED , ROUZ SLIM
Published: June 2023

A review of the available knowledge for the Tunisian-Algerian endemic Plantago tunetana is proposed in the present work. This narrowly endemic species was hitherto known from Tunisia within a very restricted area. Field surveys of its occurrence during the last few years, within its locus classicus, allow to find only one population in Gouraïa locality in north-western Tunisia. IUCN Red List assessment shows that the species could be considered as Critically Endangered and requires the implementation of immediate appropriate measurements to ensure its conservation. Besides, an identification key to subgenera, sections, series and species of the genus Plantago in Tunisia is provided.
Microdochium sichuanense sp. nov. (Microdochiaceae, Xylariales), from a Poaceae host in Sichuan, China
Authors: DISSANAYAKE LAKMALI S. , KANG JI-CHUAN , MAHARACHCHIKUMBURA SAJEEWA S.N.
Published: June 2023

During our investigation of ascomycetes fungi on Poaceae, a microdochium-like fungus was collected from dead grass leaves from a terrestrial habitat in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China. Based on morphological characterization and phylogenetic analyses, we introduce this fungus as Microdochium sichuanense sp. nov. Maximum likelihood, and Bayesian analyses of combined genes (LSU, ITS and rpb2) were performed to clarify the phylogenetic affinities of the new species. Microdochium sichuanense is phylogenetically closely related to M. hainanense and morphologically it fits the generic characteristics of Microdochium species in having ostiolate ascomata, peridium cells of textura angularis to textura prismatica, unitunicate, clavate to oblong, 8-spored asci and hyaline, oval to fusiform ascospores. The new species was compared with phylogenetically and morphologically closely related species, and detailed descriptions, micrographs, and phylogenetic trees of the new species are provided.
Delphinium yui, a new replacement name for D. pubescens (Ranunculaceae)
Authors: ZHIYONG ZHANG  , IDREES MUHAMMAD
Published: June 2023

N/A
Potential of machine learning approaches for predicting mechanical properties of spruce wood in the transverse direction
Authors: Chen Shuoye , Shiina Rei , Nakai Kazushi , Awano Tatsuya , Yoshinaga Arata , Sugiyama Junji
Published: June 2023

To predict the mechanical properties of wood in the transverse direction, this study used machine learning to extract the anatomical features of wood from cross-sectional stereograms. Specimens with different orientations of the ray parenchyma cell were prepared, and their modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus of rupture (MOR) were measured by a three-point bending test. The orientation of the ray parenchyma cell and wood density ($$\rho $$
ρ
) were used as parameters for the MOE and MOR prediction. Conventional machine learning algorithms and artificial neural network were used, and satisfactory results were obtained in both cases. A regular convolutional neural network (CNN) and a density-informed CNN were used to automatically extract anatomical features from the specimens’ cross-sectional stereograms to predict the mechanical properties. The regular CNN achieved acceptable but relatively low accuracy in both the MOE and MOR prediction. The reason for this may be that $$\rho $$
ρ
information could not be satisfactorily extracted from the images, because the images represented a limited region of the specimen. For the density-informed CNN, the average prediction coefficient for both the MOE and MOR drastically increased when $$\rho $$
ρ
information was provided. A regression activation map was constructed to understand the representative anatomical features that are strongly related to the prediction of mechanical properties. For the regular CNN, the latewood region was highly activated in both the MOE and MOR prediction. It is believed that the ratio and orientation of latewood were successfully extracted for the prediction of the considered mechanical properties. For the density-informed CNN, the activated region is different. The earlywood region was activated in the MOE prediction, while the transition region between the earlywood and latewood was activated in the MOR prediction. These results may provide new insights into the relationship between the anatomical features and mechanical properties of wood.
VCAM-1 complements CA-125 in detecting recurrent ovarian cancer
Authors: Song Jin , Sokoll Lori J. , Zhang Zhen , Chan Daniel W.
Published: June 2023

Background

Close to three-quarters of ovarian cancer cases are frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage, with more than 70% of them failing to respond to primary therapy and relapsing within 5 years. There is an urgent need to identify strategies for early detection of ovarian cancer recurrence, which may lead to earlier intervention and better outcomes.

Methods

A customized magnetic bead-based 8-plex immunoassay was evaluated using a Bio-Plex 200 Suspension Array System. Target protein levels were analyzed in sera from 58 patients diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer (including 34 primary and 24 recurrent tumors) and 46 healthy controls. The clinical performance of these biomarkers was evaluated individually and in combination for their ability to detect recurrent ovarian cancer.

Results

An 8-plex immunoassay was evaluated with high analytical performance suitable for biomarker validation studies. Logistic regression modeling selected a two-marker panel of CA-125 and VCAM-1 that improved the performance of CA-125 alone in detecting recurrent ovarian cancer (AUC: 0.813 versus 0.700). At a fixed specificity of 83%, the two-marker panel significantly improved sensitivity in separating primary from recurrent tumors (70.8% versus 37.5%, P = 0.004), demonstrating that VCAM-1 was significantly complementary to CA-125 in detecting recurrent ovarian cancer.

Conclusions

A two-marker panel of CA-125 and VCAM-1 showed strong diagnostic performance and improvement over the use of CA-125 alone in detecting recurrent ovarian cancer. The experimental results warrant further clinical validation to determine their role in the early detection of recurrent ovarian cancer.
Impact of different CAD/CAM materials on internal and marginal adaptations and fracture resistance of endocrown restorations with: 3D finite element analysis
Authors: El-Farag Shaimaa Ahmed Abo , Elerian Fatma Abdallah , Elsherbiny Abdallah Ahmed , Abbas Mahy Hassouna
Published: June 2023

Purpose

To assess and compare the impact of various computers aided design/manufacturing (CAD/CAM) materials on internal and marginal discrepancies, fracture resistance and failure probability of Endocrown restorations with 3D Finite Element analysis.

Material and methods

Forty devitalized human maxillary first molars were collected. After endodontic treatment, they classified into 4 groups (n = 10) based on the materials used for endocrown fabrication. Group V (Vita-Enamic), Group N (Nacera Hybrid), Group T (Translucent Prettau Zirconia) and Group P (Pekkton ivory). All samples were exposed to artificial aging method simulating one year of clinical service. Silicone replica technique and stereomicroscope (25X) utilized to evaluate the marginal and internal gaps of endocrowns at different areas. Fracture resistance test used for cemented specimens followed by qualitative investigation utilizing Stereomicroscopy. Four models representing four endocrown systems used for restoration of severely-damaged endodontically treated upper first molar were generated for finite element analysis (FEA). Axially and centrally static occlusal compressive load was applied. Modified Von Mises and maximum principal stress values on the remaining tooth structure, cement lines and restorative materials were assessed independently. Resulted data were statistically analyzed at P-value ≤ 0.05.

Results

In the current study, the highest mean values of internal and marginal discrepancies (μm) among studied groups were reported for Zirconia group (100.300 and 102.650) respectively, while the lowest mean value of internal discrepancy (μm) was observed for Nacera group (69.275) and the lowest mean value of marginal discrepancy (μm) was observed for PEKK group (78.4750). Regarding internal discrepancy, Vita-Enamic and PEKK groups did not exhibit any statistically significant differences (P = 0.293), however zirconia and the other tested groups exhibited statistically significant differences in the mean values of the marginal gap region (p 0.05).On the other hand, PEKK group showed the highest mean value of fracture resistance (1845.20 N) and the lowest value was observed for Vita-Enamic group (946.50 N). Regarding to stress distributions through 3D FEA, and according to modified von Mises (mvM) analysis, the greatest possible stress values were noticed in PEKK model in relation to tooth structure, cement line, and flowable composite as the following: (93.1, 64.5, 58.4 MPa) respectively, while Zirconia revealed lower maximum stress values (11.4, 13.6, 11.6 MPa) respectively.

Conclusions

Statistically excellent marginal and internal fit was observed for PEKK in relation to other used endocrown materials. Also, PEKK material explained fracture resistance comparable to zirconia value while the lowest value was detected for Vita Enamic material.
Pain self-management plus activity tracking and nurse-led support in adults with chronic low back pain: feasibility and acceptability of the problem-solving pain to enhance living well (PROPEL) intervention
Authors: Xu Wanli , Zhang Yiming , Wang Zequan , Dorsey Susan G , Starkweather Angela , Kim Kyounghae
Published: June 2023

Background

Chronic low back pain can lead to individual suffering, high medical expenditures, and impaired social well-being. Although the role of physical activity in pain management is well established, the underlying mechanisms of biological and clinical outcomes are unknown. This study aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a pain self-management intervention, Problem-Solving Pain to Enhance Living Well, which employs wearable activity tracking technology and nurse consultations for people with chronic low back pain.

Methods

This one-arm longitudinal study recruited 40 adults aged 18–60 years with chronic low back pain. Over 12 weeks, participants watched 10 short video modules, wore activity trackers, and participated in nurse consultations every 2 weeks. At baseline and the 12-week follow-up, they completed study questionnaires, quantitative sensory testing, and blood sample collection.

Results

Forty participants were recruited, and their mean age was 29.8. Thirty-two participants completed the survey questionnaire, quantitative sensory testing, Fitbit activity tracker, and bi-weekly nurse consultation, and 25 completed the evaluation of biological markers. The overall satisfaction with the Problem-Solving Pain to Enhance Living Well video modules, nurse consultations, and Fitbit in pain management was rated as excellent. No adverse events were reported. Between the baseline and 12-week follow-up, there was a significant decrease in pain intensity and interference and an increase in the warm detection threshold at the pain site.

Conclusions

Despite concerns about the participant burden due to multidimensional assessment and intensive education, the feasibility of the Problem-Solving Pain to Enhance Living Well intervention was favorable. Technology-based self-management interventions can offer personalized strategies by integrating pain phenotypes, genetic markers, and physical activity types affecting pain conditions.

Trial registration

This pilot study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov [NCT03637998, August 20, 2018]. The first participant was enrolled on September 21, 2018.
Applying multidimensional computerized adaptive testing to the MSQOL-54: a simulation study
Authors: Giordano Andrea , Testa Silvia , Bassi Marta , Cilia Sabina , Bertolotto Antonio , Quartuccio Maria Esmeralda , Pietrolongo Erika , Falautano Monica , Grobberio Monica , Niccolai Claudia , Allegri Beatrice , Viterbo Rosa Gemma , Confalonieri Paolo , Giovannetti Ambra Mara , Cocco Eleonora , Grasso Maria Grazia , Lugaresi Alessandra , Ferriani Elisa , Nocentini Ugo , Zaffaroni Mauro , De Livera Alysha , Jelinek George , Solari Alessandra , Rosato Rosalba
Published: June 2023

Background

The Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54 (MSQOL-54) is one of the most commonly-used MS-specific health-related quality of life (HRQOL) measures. It is a multidimensional, MS-specific HRQOL inventory, which includes the generic SF-36 core items, supplemented with 18 MS-targeted items. Availability of an adaptive short version providing immediate item scoring may improve instrument usability and validity. However, multidimensional computerized adaptive testing (MCAT) has not been previously applied to MSQOL-54 items. We thus aimed to apply MCAT to the MSQOL-54 and assess its performance.

Methods

Responses from a large international sample of 3669 MS patients were assessed. We calibrated 52 (of the 54) items using bifactor graded response model (10 group factors and one general HRQOL factor). Then, eight simulations were run with different termination criteria: standard errors (SE) for the general factor and group factors set to different values, and change in factor estimates from one item to the next set at < 0.01 for both the general and the group factors. Performance of the MCAT was assessed by the number of administered items, root mean square difference (RMSD), and correlation.

Results

Eight items were removed due to local dependency. The simulation with SE set to 0.32 (general factor), and no SE thresholds (group factors) provided satisfactory performance: the median number of administered items was 24, RMSD was 0.32, and correlation was 0.94.

Conclusions

Compared to the full-length MSQOL-54, the simulated MCAT required fewer items without losing precision for the general HRQOL factor. Further work is needed to add/integrate/revise MSQOL-54 items in order to make the calibration and MCAT performance efficient also on group factors, so that the MCAT version may be used in clinical practice and research.
Adipose tissue-derived human mesenchymal stromal cells can better suppress complement lysis, engraft and inhibit acute graft-versus-host disease in mice
Authors: Wu Stanley Chun Ming , Zhu Manyu , Chik Stanley C. C. , Kwok Maxwell , Javed Asif , Law Laalaa , Chan Shing , Boheler Kenneth R. , Liu Yin Ping , Chan Godfrey Chi Fung , Poon Ellen Ngar-Yun
Published: June 2023

Background

Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGvHD) is a life-threatening complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Transplantation of immunosuppressive human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) can protect against aGvHD post-HSCT; however, their efficacy is limited by poor engraftment and survival. Moreover, infused MSCs can be damaged by activated complement, yet strategies to minimise complement injury of hMSCs and improve their survival are limited.

Methods

Human MSCs were derived from bone marrow (BM), adipose tissue (AT) and umbilical cord (UC). In vitro immunomodulatory potential was determined by co-culture experiments between hMSCs and immune cells implicated in aGvHD disease progression. BM-, AT- and UC-hMSCs were tested for their abilities to protect aGvHD in a mouse model of this disease. Survival and clinical symptoms were monitored, and target tissues of aGvHD were examined by histopathology and qPCR. Transplanted cell survival was evaluated by cell tracing and by qPCR. The transcriptome of BM-, AT- and UC-hMSCs was profiled by RNA-sequencing. Focused experiments were performed to compare the expression of complement inhibitors and the abilities of hMSCs to resist complement lysis.

Results

Human MSCs derived from three tissues divergently protected against aGvHD in vivo. AT-hMSCs preferentially suppressed complement in vitro and in vivo, resisted complement lysis and survived better after transplantation when compared to BM- and UC-hMSCs. AT-hMSCs also prolonged survival and improved the symptoms and pathological features of aGvHD. We found that complement-decay accelerating factor (CD55), an inhibitor of complement, is elevated in AT-hMSCs and contributed to reduced complement activation. We further report that atorvastatin and erlotinib could upregulate CD55 and suppress complement in all three types of hMSCs.

Conclusion

CD55, by suppressing complement, contributes to the improved protection of AT-hMSCs against aGvHD. The use of AT-hMSCs or the upregulation of CD55 by small molecules thus represents promising new strategies to promote hMSC survival to improve the efficacy of transplantation therapy. As complement injury is a barrier to all types of hMSC therapy, our findings are of broad significance to enhance the use of hMSCs for the treatment of a wide range of disorders.
Production of ginsenoside compound K from American ginseng extract by fed-batch culture of Aspergillus tubingensis
Authors: Song Woo-Seok , Shin Kyung-Chul , Oh Deok-Kun
Published: June 2023

Compound K (C-K), one of the most bioactive ginsenoside, is produced by hydrolyzing the glycoside moieties of protopanaxadiol (PPD)-type glycosylated ginsenosides in the ginseng extract. To enhance the biotransformation of PPD-type ginsenosides in American ginseng extract (AGE) into C-K, the optimization of the feed type, concentration, and period for the carbon source sucrose and the reactant AGE was performed in fed-batch fermentation of Aspergillus tubingensis using a fermenter. The concentration (3.94 g/L) and productivity (27.4 mg/L/h) of C-K after feed optimization in fed-batch fermentation increased 3.1-fold compared to those (1.29 g/L and 8.96 mg/L/h) in batch fermentation, and a molar conversion of 100% was achieved. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first trial of fed-batch fermentation to convert ginseng extract into deglycosylated ginsenoside and the highest reported C-K concentration and productivity using ginseng extract via fermentation. After ethanol and resin treatments, C-K solids with purities of 59% and 96% were obtained from the fermentation broth as food- and pharmaceutical-grade products, respectively.

Graphical Abstract
High-resolution shape models of Phobos and Deimos from stereophotoclinometry
Authors: Ernst Carolyn M. , Daly R. Terik , Gaskell Robert W. , Barnouin Olivier S. , Nair Hari , Hyatt Benjamin A. , Al Asad Manar M. , Hoch Kielan K. W.
Published: June 2023

We created high-resolution shape models of Phobos and Deimos using stereophotoclinometry and united images from Viking Orbiter, Phobos 2, Mars Global Surveyor, Mars Express, and Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter into a single coregistered collection. The best-fit ellipsoid to the Phobos model has radii of (12.95 ± 0.04) km × (11.30 ± 0.04) km × (9.16 ± 0.03) km, with an average radius of (11.08 ± 0.04) km. The best-fit ellipsoid to the Deimos model has radii of (8.04 ± 0.08) km × (5.89 ± 0.06) km × (5.11 ± 0.05) km with an average radius of (6.27 ± 0.07) km. The new shape models offer substantial improvements in resolution over existing shape models, while remaining globally consistent with them. The Phobos model resolves grooves, craters, and other surface features ~ 100 m in size across the entire surface. The Deimos model is the first to resolve geological surface features. These models, associated data products, and a searchable, coregistered collection of images across six spacecraft are publicly available in the Small Body Mapping Tool, and will be archived with the NASA Planetary Data System. These products enable an array of future studies to advance the understanding of Phobos and Deimos, facilitate coregistration of other past and future datasets, and set the stage for planning and operating future missions to the moons, including the upcoming Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) mission.

Graphical Abstract
Estimation of weak and strong ground motions based on diffuse field concept for earthquake for steps 2 and 3 of blind prediction exercise
Authors: Nagashima Fumiaki , Kawase Hiroshi , Nakano Kenichi , Ito Eri
Published: June 2023

For the accurate prediction of earthquake ground motions, the investigation of three elements in its process, namely the source, path, and site effects, is crucial, and their accuracy and reliability should be evaluated. The Committee of the 6th Effect of Surface Geology on Seismic Motion Symposium conducted a blind prediction exercise to investigate the accuracy and reliability of estimating the subsurface velocity structure related to the site effect and for predicting weak and strong ground motions. We participated in a blind prediction exercise and estimated the weak and strong ground motions that occurred during the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake sequence. First, the velocity structures at a target site KUMA and our reference site EEB were identified based on the diffuse field concept for earthquake (DFCe). The identified velocity structures at KUMA and EEB reproduced the observed horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratios of earthquakes well and were considered to be able to reproduce the horizontal and vertical site amplification factors based on DFCe. Second, the incident waves at the seismic bedrock of EEB were estimated. For weak and strong ground motions, the spectral amplitudes of the three components of the incident waves were estimated from the vertical motions observed on the surface at EEB assuming the generation of a diffuse field for a single earthquake record and the linearity of the vertical amplification factor, even during strong shaking. Finally, the ground motions on the surface at KUMA were estimated using the incident waves estimated at the seismic bedrock, the inverted velocity structure, and the dynamic deformation characteristics distributed by the organizer of the blind prediction exercise for shallow soil sediments. The spectral amplitudes of the estimated strong ground motions were smaller at around 1 Hz and larger at around 10 Hz than the observed ones. However, the estimated overall spectral levels of all components corresponded to the observed ones. Although several parameters require further research, such as the damping factor of soil sediments, we have shown that the proposed method can estimate the overall seismic ground motions at a target site in the blind.

Graphical Abstract
Colonic oxygen microbubbles augment systemic oxygenation and CO2 removal in a porcine smoke inhalation model of severe hypoxia
Authors: Mountford Paul A. , Leiphrakpam Premila D. , Weber Hannah R. , McCain Andrea , Scribner Robert M. , Scribner Robert T. , Duarte Ernesto M. , Chen Jie , Noe Dragana , Borden Mark A. , Buesing Keely L.
Published: June 2023

Inhalation injury can lead to pulmonary complications resulting in the development of respiratory distress and severe hypoxia. Respiratory distress is one of the major causes of death in critically ill patients with a reported mortality rate of up to 45%. The present study focuses on the effect of oxygen microbubble (OMB) infusion via the colon in a porcine model of smoke inhalation-induced lung injury. Juvenile female Duroc pigs (n = 6 colonic OMB, n = 6 no treatment) ranging from 39 to 51 kg in weight were exposed to smoke under general anesthesia for 2 h. Animals developed severe hypoxia 48 h after smoke inhalation as reflected by reduction in SpO2 to 66.3 ± 13.1% and PaO2 to 45.3 ± 7.6 mmHg, as well as bilateral diffuse infiltrates demonstrated on chest X-ray. Colonic OMB infusion (75–100 mL/kg dose) resulted in significant improvements in systemic oxygenation as demonstrated by an increase in PaO2 of 13.2 ± 4.7 mmHg and SpO2 of 15.2 ± 10.0% out to 2.5 h, compared to no-treatment control animals that experienced a decline in PaO2 of 8.2 ± 7.9 mmHg and SpO2 of 12.9 ± 18.7% over the same timeframe. Likewise, colonic OMB decreased PaCO2 and PmvCO2 by 19.7 ± 7.6 mmHg and 7.6 ± 6.7 mmHg, respectively, compared to controls that experienced increases in PaCO2 and PmvCO2 of 17.9 ± 11.7 mmHg and 18.3 ± 11.2 mmHg. We conclude that colonic delivery of OMB therapy has potential to treat patients experiencing severe hypoxemic respiratory failure.
Acquired diaphragmatic hernia following a peritoneal biopsy for gastric cancer dissemination in the diaphragm: a case report
Authors: Endo Kazuya , Hara Kentaro , Nemoto Koichi , Goto Nozomi , Nishina Kazuhisa , Funatsu Nozomi , Takagi Maki , Ueno Kohdai , Onodera Atsushi , Cho Haruhiko
Published: June 2023

Background

Acute diaphragmatic hernia is a life-threatening condition caused by prolapse of an abdominal organ into the thoracic cavity through a defect in the diaphragm. We present herein a case of acquired diaphragmatic hernia following a peritoneal biopsy for gastric cancer dissemination in the diaphragm.

Case presentation

A 72-year-old, female patient presented with a complaint of acute abdomen 10 months after receiving a diagnosis of stage IV gastric cancer with peritoneal dissemination based on peritoneal biopsy findings during staging laparoscopy. Computed tomography demonstrated herniation of the small intestine into the thoracic cavity. Emergency surgery was performed, and a full-thickness diaphragmatic defect was found intraoperatively at the same location as the previous, peritoneal biopsy. The incarcerated small intestine was atraumatically repositioned into the abdominal cavity, and the defect was closed laparoscopically using an absorbable barbed suture.

Conclusions

Although complications of staging laparoscopy are extremely rare, excising disseminated nodules from the diaphragm carries the risk of diaphragmatic hernia. For this reason, avoiding excision is desirable unless a diaphragmatic biopsy is needed.
Total pancreatectomy with remnant stomach preservation in a patient with a history of proximal gastrectomy and interposed jejunal reconstruction with right gastroepiploic conduit preservation: a case report
Authors: Matsumura Masaru , Kobayashi Masahiro , Okubo Satoshi , Haruta Shusuke , Koyama Rikako , Uruga Hironori , Shindoh Junichi , Imamura Tsunao , Takazawa Yutaka , Hashimoto Masaji
Published: June 2023

Background

Pancreatic head resection following proximal gastrectomy jeopardizes the blood flow of the remnant stomach owing to right gastroepiploic conduit sacrifice, thereby necessitating total gastrectomy. However, owing to its high invasiveness, concomitant remnant total gastrectomy with pancreatectomy should be avoided as much as possible. Herein, we describe our experience of total pancreatectomy with right gastroepiploic conduit preservation in a patient with a history of proximal gastrectomy and reconstruction by jejunum interposition.

Case presentation

A 78-year-old woman with a history of gastric cancer was followed up at our institute for multiple intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm, and main pancreatic duct stricture in the pancreatic head was newly detected. The cystic lesion was extended to the pancreatic body. Proximal gastrectomy and reconstruction by jejunal interposition were previously performed, and the mesenteric stalk of the interposed jejunum was approached through the retrocolic route. We planned total pancreatectomy with right gastroepiploic conduit preservation. Following adhesiolysis, the interposed jejunum and its mesentery lying in front of the pancreas were isolated. The arterial arcade from the common hepatic artery to the right gastroepiploic artery was detached from the pancreas. Furthermore, the right gastroepiploic vein was isolated from the pancreas. The pancreatic body and tail were pulled up in front of the remnant stomach, and the splenic artery and vein were resected. The pancreatic body and tail were pulled out to the right side, and the pancreatic head was divided from the pancreatic nerve plexus to the portal vein. The jejunal limb for entero-biliary anastomosis was passed through the hole behind the superior mesenteric artery and vein, and gastrointestinal anastomosis using the antecolic route and Braun anastomosis were performed.

Conclusions

To avoid remnant total gastrectomy, right gastroepiploic conduit preservation is an optional procedure for pancreatic head resection in patients who have undergone proximal gastrectomy with reconstruction by jejunal interposition.
Stressful life events and passive behavioral patterns in women with major depressive disorder: a mixed method analysis nested in a clinical trial
Authors: Hemanny Curt , Moura Isabela , Pimenta Mello Martha Amaral , Figueiredo André Macedo , Demarzo Marcelo , De-Oliveira Irismar Reis
Published: June 2023

Background

Women are more vulnerable to presenting with major depressive disorder (MDD) as they seem more sensitive to stressful life events (SLE). Few studies describe the effect of SLE on the development of avoidant/passive behavioral patterns (PBP) of MDD. Understanding the relationship between SLE and PBP is essential for the clinical management of MDD. Here, we aim (1) to describe and categorize the perceptions about SLE, emotional experience, and PBP in women with MDD and (2) to discuss the PBP according to evolutionary and behavioral processes. This mixed-method study, including qualitative and quantitative analyses, was nested in a clinical trial with 76 patients. We selected a sample of 18 female patients, randomized to behavioral activation therapy (BAT). In the first sessions, we interviewed the patients about SLE, emotional experience, and PBP perceived during their current depressive episode. The reports were submitted to content analysis and categorized under similar themes. We performed bivariate Spearman correlations to test the strenghts of associations  between depressive symptoms (HAM-D), anxiety symptoms (BAI), disability (SDS), and cognitive distortions (CD-Quest).

Results

In our sample, the most frequent SLE were romantic relationship problems and family problems. The patients most reported emotional experiences were sadness, discouragement, and anxiety. The most common PBP categories were getting isolated, stopping doing activities, and ruminating.

Conclusions

Women frequently perceive interpersonal, family, and affective problems as triggers of depressive episodes. The most common passive patterns include isolation, stopping doing activities, and ruminations. The evolutionary functions of PBP are to keep the organism passive, avoiding energy expenditure, and risk exposure in the face of a chronically stressful environment with few opportunities for reward.
Serum hydrogen sulphide levels in acute asthmatic children: a case control study
Authors: Abdallah Abd El Megied Mohamed , Motey Mohammad Abdel Fattah Abdel , Amen Ahmed Salama
Published: June 2023

Background

It’s thought that respiratory epithelium-produced reduced hydrogen sulphide (H2S) plays a role in the pathophysiology of acute asthma. In this case–control research, blood H2S levels were examined between matched acutely asthmatic children and non-asthmatic controls. The grade of acute asthma, vital signs and absolute eosinophilic count in the asthmatic children were likewise associated with the blood H2S level.

Methods

Forty Egyptian asthmatic children had visited the emergency room and forty age- and sex-matched non-asthmatic controls had their blood H2S levels measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

The serum H2S in the two groups did not differ statistically significantly. Serum H2S and respiratory rate showed a moderately significant inverse connection (r = -0.325, p = 0.041). However, serum H2S and other clinical or laboratory variables exhibited no meaningful relationships. Patients' absolute and percentage eosinophil counts were considerably higher than healthy controls. Serum H2S exhibited a sensitivity of 50% and a specificity of 32.5% for identifying children with acute asthma from non-asthmatic children.

Conclusion

Children with asthma and those without asthma had similar serum H2S levels. It has a lousy relationship with respiratory rate. It is indicated that it is an inadequate screening and diagnostic tool since it has low sensitivity (50%) and specificity (32.5%) in differentiating acute asthmatic children.
EGFR Mutation is a Prognostic Factor in Lung Cancer Patients with Pleural Dissemination Detected During or After Surgery
Authors: Fujiwara Toshiya , Shien Kazuhiko , Matsuura Motoki , Soh Junichi , Yamamoto Hiromasa , Takao Soshi , Maki Yuho , Ueno Tsuyoshi , Sugimoto Ryujiro , Suzawa Ken , Okazaki Mikio , Tao Hiroyuki , Hayama Makio , Kataoka Masafumi , Sano Yoshifumi , Inokawa Hidetoshi , Yamashita Motohiro , Kawamata Osamu , Kataoka Kazuhiko , Toyooka Shinichi
Published: June 2023

Background

Primary lung tumors are sometimes resected when either pleural dissemination (PD) or malignant pleural effusion (MPE) exists. This study clarified the prognostic factors for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with either PD and MPE, or both, detected during or after surgery.

Patients and Methods

We examined patients with NSCLC from a multicenter database who had either PD, MPE, or both, detected during or after surgery between 2005 and 2015. Hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated using the Cox proportional hazards model adjusted for potential confounding factors.

Results

Among 9463 registered patients, PD, MPE, or both, were found in 114 patients with NSCLC during or after surgery. Primary tumor resection and exploratory thoracotomy were performed in 65 and 49 patients, respectively. In univariate analysis, adenocarcinoma, clinically undetected lymph node metastasis (c-N0 or unknown), EGFR mutation, and combination of chemotherapy or tyrosine kinase inhibitors after surgery were better prognostic factors for overall survival (OS), whereas in the multivariate analysis, adenocarcinoma, clinically undetected lymph node metastasis, and EGFR mutation were favorable independent prognostic factors in OS. Additionally, limited to patients with EGFR mutation, patients with primary lung tumor resection showed a significantly better 5-year OS than those with exploratory thoracotomy (86.4 vs. 44.8%; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our findings show that surgical resection of primary tumors could improve the prognosis of patients with PD, MPE, or both, detected during or after surgery when the tumors harbor an EGFR mutation.
CPR-induced consciousness (CPR-IC) out-of-hospital care: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Silvestri Lucymarie , Soh Rachel , Newton Alexander , Pearce James
Published: June 2023

Introduction:

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation-induced consciousness (CPR-IC) is an increasing phenomenon where patients in cardiac arrest receive sufficient brain perfusion to display signs of awareness during resuscitation. This is likely due to improvements in CPR, such as high-performance resuscitation and mechanical devices. CPR-IC has been shown to interfere with rescue efforts and may lead to psychological trauma in both patients and clinicians. It is often witnessed in the out-of-hospital environment, so is significant for practitioners working in this setting. While the phenomenon of CPR-IC has been recognised for several decades, there are many gaps in the literature and no consensus has been reached over its definition or management.

Methods:

The JBI scoping review methodology will be used to map the existing literature and identify the extent of clinical knowledge and any gaps regarding the management of CPR-IC in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest globally. A comprehensive electronic search strategy will be employed to source works that meet to the study's inclusion criteria. Relevant data will then be extracted and presented in tabular form with narrative descriptions.

Discussion:

CPR-IC is being seen more frequently and, because of its effects on resuscitation, more knowledge is required about appropriate management. This protocol provides the framework for a scoping review which will outline the extent of knowledge and identify areas requiring more research regarding out-of-hospital care of the patient with CPR-IC.
Cognitive biases and their effects on practice: a case study reflection
Authors: Patenotte Philip , Darby Iain
Published: June 2023

Clinical decision-making is a key aspect of the student paramedic journey. In particular, it is vital that students can understand the theories that underpin this vital facet of their practice. This article considers a case encountered in practice and the evidence that informs the decision process which was undertaken. The influence of biases, systems of thinking and an appreciation of probability are all considered in this call to a 55-year-old patient with chest pain. In addition, an appreciation of robust history taking is considered as part of this process. As ambulance clinicians can be limited in the tests and scoring systems appropriate to them, consideration is given to the value of traditional ‘in-hospital’ scoring systems and the advantages and limitations they present to the paramedic. These limitations can ultimately result in hospital attendance in many acute presentations such as chest pain incidents, and it may be that our practice is overdue a review of what can be done to address such limitations.
Jesus’s Confession of Ignorance and Consubstantiality
Authors: Nemes Steven
Published: June 2023

This essay argues that Jesus’s confession of ignorance about the day and hour of his return (Matt. 24:36; Mark 13:32) is logically inconsistent with the Nicene-Constantinopolitan doctrine of his “consubstantiality” (homoousia) with God the Father. The essay first defines “consubstantiality”, then presents three formulations of the argument, and finally rebuts a number of possible responses: from the textual originality of the phrase “nor the Son”; from the reinterpretation of “knows” as “makes known”; from the ideas of partitive exegesis and communicatio idiomatum; and from the question of the Holy Spirit’s knowledge of the things of God.
PENINGKATKAN KESEJAHTERAAN RUMAH TANGGA PENERIMA MANFAAT DI PERKOTAAN MELALUI PROGRAM KELUARGA HARAPAN PASCA COVID 19
Authors: ISMAIL Topik , Dwiputrianti Septiana , Nurliawati Nita
Published: June 2023

Program pengentasan kemiskinan terus menjadi salah satu program prioritas pemerintah, terutama sejak pandemic Covid-19. Data menunjukkan masih tingginya rumah tangga atau masyarakat mengalami kesulitan untuk memenuhi kebutuhan dasar, sementara lingkup pendukungnya kurang memberikan peluang dalam meningkatkan kesejahteraan secara kesinambungan atau untuk keluar dari kerentanan. Penelitian bertujuan menganalisis kondisi kesejahteraan rumah tangga miskin di perkotaan dengan mendekatkan kepada kebutuhan dasar dan lingkup kesejahteraan. dibutuhkan informasi lingkungan pendukung baik dari internal atau eksternal dalam upaya penanggulangan kemiskinan. Studi ini sangat dibutuhkan pemerintah daerah untuk mendukung program pengentasan kemiskinan.  Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan survey dari data kelompok rumah tangga penerima bantuan Program Keluarga Harapan di Kecamatan Babakan Ciparay yang diperoleh dari data e-pkh sejak adanya pandemic Covid 19. Data ini sangat mendukung untuk melakukan analisis tingkat kemiskinan secara multidimensi di wilayah perkotaan melalui Nested Spheres of Poverty (NESP). Studi ini menunjukkan bahwa rata-rata keluarga penerima manfaat yang tinggal di perkotaan menunjukan adanya optimisme untuk menjadi sejahtera, meskipun mereka mengalami krisis kebutuhan dasar dan lingkup kesejahteraan. Rekomendasi diberikan perlunya peningkatan evaluasi kesejahteraan rumah tangga penerima bantuan, agar lebih efektif dan berkelanjutan dengan mendekatkan multidimensi untuk melihat berbagai aspek subjektivitas dan objektivitas (kebutuhan dasar, seperti: pendidikan; kesehatan; standar hidup; dan lingkup kesejahteraan dengan pendekatan Sustainable Livelihoods).
Kebijakan Adaptif Terhadap Penanganan Pandemi Covid-19
Authors: Annas Aswar
Published: June 2023

Penyebaran covid-19 tiga tahun terakhir di Kota Makassar telah menimbulkan berbagai perubahan kondisi aktivitas kota. Hilangnya mata pencaharian masyarakat, anggaran pendapatan daerah menurun, tingginya angka kematian secara tiba-tiba, dan lumpuhnya ekonomi masyarakat menengah. Berbagai upaya dilakukan mulai dari pemberlakukan Pembatasan Sosial Berskala Besar atau (PSBB) beberapa kali mengalami perpanjangan waktu, pemberlakuan Work From Home (WFH) bagi seluruh aktivitas masyarakat dan pemerintah, pelaksanaan protokol kesehatan secara ketat, hingga pelaksanaan kebijakan Makassar Recover. Oleh karenanya, penelitian ini bertujuan mengidentifikasi dan menganalisa dampak pelaksanaan program Makassar Recover terhadap penanggulangan covid-19 bagi masyarakat. Metode penelitian digunakan kualitatif deskriptif, dengan pendekatan wawancara dan telaah dokumen. Penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa dampak program Makassar Recover dari: Dimensi Imunitas Kesehatan sebanyak 1.259.049 masyarakat telah merasakan peningkatan imunitas melalui vaksinasi. Pemerintah juga membentuk satuan tugas khusus Detektor, Raika, dan Covid Hunter sebanyak 15.306 orang. Memberikan bantuan 12.000 pack alat PCR, 4.000 pack jamu tradisional, 100.000 lembar masker medis, dan menyediakan 1.166 posko recover. Pemerintah juga senantiasa memastikan pelaksanaan penanganan triase, testing, tracing, dan treatment dilakukan oleh Satgas Recover. Dimensi Adaptasi Sosial pemerintah kota telah melakukan sterilisasi dengan penyemprotan disinfektan sebanyak 509 fasilitas sosial dan fasilitas umum, menyiapkan 1.500 tempat cuci tangan gratis, alat pengukur suhu tubuh, scan QR Code Card, dan scan QR Card Handphone, dan menyediakan media edukasi dan call center siaga covid-19 bagi warga. Dimensi Pemulihan Ekonomi membentuk 5.000 strart up lorong sebagai pelaku usaha baru, sebanyak 13.277 pelaku UMKM, dan 1.604 unit koperasi diaktifasi dan pemberian pemodalan.