bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Citric Acid-Assisted Preparation of Biochar Loaded with Copper/Nickel Bimetallic Nanoparticles
Authors: Omiri Jessim , Snoussi Youssef , Bhakta Arvind , Truong Stéphanie , Ammar Souad , Khalil Ahmed M. , Jouini Mohamed , Chehimi Mohamed C.
Published: February 2022

Biochar is a carbon allotrope obtained by pyrolysis of biomass, usually agro-waste. Owing to the demand for sustainable development, biochar is continuously raising much hope in the scientific community. However, in order to impart it with new properties, its modification is required, either in situ during pyrolysis, or after the carbonization process. Herein, we propose a new direct approach to obtain bimetallic copper/nickel nanoparticle-loaded on olive stone biochar. The bimetallic-coated biochar and the reference materials bare biochar, copper-loaded and nickel-loaded biochar were prepared at 400 °C under a stream of dinitrogen from olive pit powder particles impregnated first with citric acid (CA), and then with copper and nickel nitrates. We have employed citric acid in the process in order to check its effect on the structural and textural properties of biochar supporting the metallic nanoparticles. Surprisingly, citric acid induced the formation of agglomerated or even raspberry-shaped, bimetallic copper/nickel nanoparticles. Large 450-500 nm-sized agglomerates of ~80 nm bimetallic CuNi NPs were noted for B-CA@CuNi. Interestingly, for biochar material prepared with initial Cu/Ni=10 molar ratio (B-CA@CuNi10/1), the bimetallic NPs formed unusual nano-raspberries (1748 nm in size) which are agglomerates of individual 10-20 nm-sized CuNi10/1 nanoparticles. The B-CA@CuNi and reference materials were characterized by Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM)/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and magnetometry. The B-CA@CuNi and B-CA@Ni materials could be attracted efficiently with a magnet, but not B-CA@CuNi10/1 due to a low nickel loading. B-CA@CuNi was tested as a catalyst for the degradation of methyl orange (MO). Discoloration was noted within 10 min, much faster than a similar material prepared in the absence of CA. B-CA@CuNi could be recycled at least 3 times with exhibit as fast discoloration catalysis performance. This paper stresses the important role of citric acid in shaping the bimetallic nanoparticles loaded in situ on biochar during the slow pyrolysis process and to enable faster catalysed discoloration of organic dye solution.
Improving Access to Sexual Health Services in General Practice Using a Hub-and-Spoke Model: A Mixed-Methods Evaluation
Authors: Ong Jason J , Fairley Christopher K , Fortune Ria , Bissessor Melanie , Maloney Chantal , Williams Henrietta , Castro Adrian , Castro Lea , Wu Jason , Lee Pei Sue , Chow Eric PF , Chen Marcus Y
Published: February 2022

Improving access to sexual health services is critical in light of rising sexually transmitted infections (STIs). We evaluated a Hub and Spoke model for improving access to sexual health services in three general practices in Victoria, Australia. The primary outcome was the impact on HIV and STI (chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis) testing. Segmented linear regression analysis was conducted to examine the trends in the total HIV/STI tests before (from January 2019 to June 2020) and post-implementation (from July 2020 to July 2021). We evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of integrating this model into the general practices using semi-structured individual interviews. There was a statistically significant rise in testing for HIV and STIs in all general practices: post-implementation, there was an increase of an average of 11.2 chlamydia tests per month (p=0.026), 10.5 gonorrhoea tests per month (p=0.001), 4.3 syphilis tests per month (p=0.010), and 5.6 HIV tests per month (p=0.010). Participants reported increases in knowledge level and confidence in offering STI testing and managing more variety of sexual health cases. This study demonstrated the feasibility of implementing a hub and spoke model to enable GPs to deliver sexual health care with support from a sexual health specialist service.
Ensemble Machine Learning Outperforms Empirical Equations for the Ground Heat Flux Estimation with Remote Sensing Data
Authors: Bonsoms Josep , Boulet Gilles
Published: February 2022

Estimating evapotranspiration at field scale is a major component of sustainable water management. Due to the difficulty to assess some major unknowns of the water cycle at that scale, including irrigation amounts, evapotranspiration is often computed as the residual of the instantaneous surface energy budget. One of the Surface Energy Bal-ance components with the largest uncertainties in their quantification over bare soils and sparse vegetation areas is the ground heat flux (G). Over the last decades, the es-timation of G with RS data has been mainly achieved with empirical equations, on the basis of the G and net radiation (Rn) ratio, G/Rn. G/Rn empirical equations generally require vegetation data (Type I empirical equations), in combination with surface tem-perature (Ts) and albedo (Type II empirical equations). In this article we aim to evalu-ate the estimation of G with RS. For the first time, we compare eight G/Rn empirical equations against two types of machine learning (ML) methods: an ensemble ML type, the Random Forest (RF), and the Neural Networks (NN). The comparison of each method is evaluated over dense dataset, including a wide range of climate and land covers, with data of Eddy-Covariance towers extended along the mid-latitude area that encompass the European and African continent. Our results have shown evidence that the driver of G in bare soils and sparse vegetation areas (Fraction of Vegetation, Fv <= 0.25) is Ts, instead of vegetation greenness indexes. On the other hand, the estimation of G with Rn, Ts or Fv decreases at dense vegetation areas (Fv >= 0.50). There are not significant differences between the most accurate type I and II empirical equations. For bare soils and sparse vegetation areas the empirical equation that better estimates G is E8, which combines the Leaf Area Index (LAI) and Ts. In dense vegetation areas (Fv >= 0.25), an exponential empirical equation based on Fv (E4), shows the best performance. However, ML better estimates G than the empirical equations, independently of the Fv ranges. A RF model with Rn, LAI and Ts as predictor variables shows the best accuracy and performance metrics, outperforming the NN model.
Prediction of Windthrow Damage in Mixed Conifer-Broadleaf Stands via a Machine Learning Model
Authors: Dimou Vasiliki , Demertzis Konstantinos , Kantartzis Apostolos
Published: February 2022

Management approaches inspired by the variability of natural disturbances are expected to produce forests in the future that will be significantly more resilient and better adapted to local environmental conditions. Due to climate change, windstorms are becoming increasingly common resulting in the destruction not only of extensive forest areas but, quite often, of small-sized and scattered forest lands that can ultimately become home to insects and disease dissemination sites. In the present study, an attempt is made to identify and record areas in the northeastern forests of Greece covered by mixed stands of conifers and broadleaves that experienced massive windthrow following local storms. Based on tree-level data, local topographic features, forest characteristics and the mechanical properties of green wood, a reliable model, to be used for the prediction of similar disturbances in the future, has been created after a thorough comparative study of the most well-known intelligent machine learning algorithms.
A New Look at the Concept of Ecosystem
Authors: Gomez-Marquez Jaime
Published: February 2022

The ecosystem is an essential biological concept linking the living and the inanimate and represents the main structural and functional unit of nature. The biodiversity that exists on our planet can be organized into closely interconnected living worlds: acellular (viruses and capsidless genetic elements), prokaryotic (bacteria and archaea), and eukaryotic (all nucleated organisms). I want to highlight the presence of viruses as components of biodiversity because they are often overlooked in many studies despite their essential ecological and evolutionary role. Furthermore, I propose seven distinctive hallmarks that are inherent to any ecosystem: biodiversity, physical environment, hierarchy, interactivity, openness, “homecostasis”, and evolutionary. From the interaction and coupling of these living worlds with the environment (the environmental world), I define the ecosystem as a specific and dynamic ensemble of living and non-living worlds that functions as an open, hierarchical, and evolving system. This complex web of interactions that we call ecosystem can be graphically represented as a triangle reflecting the dynamic equilibrium between all the worlds. Finally, I propose a new way of graphically relating the ecosystem to biodiversity by taking the ecosystem as the nucleus from which all living worlds emerge.
Development of Explicit and Conservative Schemes for Lattice Boltzmann Equations with Adaptive Streaming
Authors: Zipunova Elizaveta Vyacheslavovna , Perepelkina Anastasia Yurievna
Published: February 2022

The Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM) has several limitations for velocity and temperature. One can consider distribution function in moving frame to overcome these limitations as in PonD. In PonD, values of distribution functions are streamed from off-lattice points, so value estimation is needed. It leads to the implicit and non-conservative numerical scheme. Earlier, for the one-dimensional case, the approach of moments prediction was found, which leads to an explicit and conservative numerical scheme. We apply this approach to the two-dimensional and three-dimensional cases in this work. Requirements to interpolation stencil, quadrature, and Hermite polynomial expansion which guarantee moment matching, conservation, and exact calculation, were studied. The resulting schemes were implemented and tested on several tasks.
The Effect of Perioperative Biologic Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs on the Risk of Postoperative Complications
Authors: van Duren Bernard H. , Wignall Alice , Goodman Susan , Hewitt Catherine , Mankia Kulveer , Pandit Hemant
Published: February 2022

Background:

Biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) are effective in treating inflammatory diseases and have been increasingly utilized over the past decade. Patients who receive bDMARDs have been shown to be at an increased risk for surgical site infection following surgical procedures. The severe consequences of infection following orthopaedic surgery have led to the practice of withholding bDMARDs perioperatively; however, there has been no definitive evidence showing a clear benefit of withholding the use of bDMARDs, and in doing so, patients may be at an increased risk for higher disease activity. As such, the purpose of the present study was to compare the risk of infection, delayed wound healing, and disease flares associated with the use of bDMARDs in patients undergoing orthopaedic surgical procedures.

Methods:

We performed a systematic literature search of MEDLINE, Embase, and PubMed CENTRAL databases for studies comparing continuing and withholding the use of bDMARDs in patients undergoing orthopaedic procedures. Inclusion criteria were established following the PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcomes) approach: Population = patients who underwent orthopaedic surgical procedures and who were taking bDMARDs. Intervention = withholding the use of bDMARDs. Comparator = continuing the use of bDMARDs. Outcomes = surgical site infection, delayed wound healing, and disease flares. Article titles and abstracts were screened prior to review of the full text. Overall odds ratios (ORs) and associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for pooled effects were calculated.

Results:

Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria, providing data for 7,344 patients, including 2,385 patients who continued and 4,959 who withheld their bDMARDs perioperatively. Continuing bDMARDs was associated with a significantly lower risk of disease flares (OR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.05 to 0.95; p = 0.04) and nonsignificant increases in surgical site infections (OR, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.82 to 1.49; p = 0.49) and wound complications (OR, 2.16; 95% CI, 0.48 to 9.85; p = 0.32).

Conclusions:

The present systematic review highlights the limited evidence supporting the current practice of stopping bDMARDs perioperatively. These findings suggest that patients may not be at an increased risk for developing infection or wound complications if bDMARDs are continued but are at an increased risk for disease flare if bDMARDs are withheld. However, our conclusions are limited by the retrospective and heterogenous nature of the data, and possibly by a lack of study power.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Strain Partitioning along Terrane Bounding and Intraterrane Shear Zones: Constraints from a Long-Lived Transpressional System in West Gondwana (Ribeira Belt, Brazil)
Authors: Faleiros F. M. , Ribeiro B. V. , Campanha G. A. C. , Cawood P. A. , Cabrita D. I. G. , Yogi M. T. A. G. , Milani L. A. , Lemos-Santos D. V. , Almeida V. V. , Rodrigues S. W. O. , Malta I. S. , Forero-Ortega A. J.
Published: February 2022

Shear zones are zones of localized high strain accommodating differential motion in the lithosphere and impacting the crustal rheology and deformational history of orogenic belts. Although terrane bounding shear zones are widely studied, intraterrane shear zones and their tectonic significance, especially in association with supercontinent assembly, is a largely unexplored topic. The Ribeira Belt (SE Brazil), a Neoproterozoic-Cambrian orogenic belt from West Gondwana, is dissected by a crustal-scale NE-trending transcurrent shear zone system that juxtaposes composite terranes. Despite its extensive coverage and complexity, this shear zone system remains poorly investigated. In this paper, we explore the thermal and deformational regimes, and timing of ductile shearing using a multiscale approach combining structural analysis derived from remote sensing and field-based structural data, microstructures, quantitative structural analysis, and multimineral U–Pb geochronology (zircon, titanite, monazite, and xenotime). Our data, combined with previously published data, indicate a transitional northeastward increase in metamorphic conditions from lower greenschist to granulite facies conditions (from 250–300 to 750–800°C), reflecting the different crustal levels that are exposed. Vorticity and finite strain data indicate a complex strain regime with varied contributions of pure and simple shear and oblate-shape ellipsoids in strike-slip shear zones and prolate-shaped ellipsoids in dip-slip reverse shear zones. The strain set suggests that all shear zones were developed under subsimple shear deformational regimes involving thrusting and folding followed by wrench tectonics. The pure shear component of deformation was accommodated in folded domains between shear zones. Geochronological data suggest intermittent ductile shear zone activations from ca. 900–830 to 530 Ma, partially coeval with at least two major episodes of terrane accretion at 850–760 Ma and 610–585 Ma. The spatial and temporal record of shear zones within the Ribeira Belt indicates that some relate to assembly of the belt and represent either terrane bounding structures (e.g., Itapirapuã shear zone) or intraterrane structures (e.g., Ribeira, Figueira, and Agudos Grandes shear zones), whereas others are terrane bounding, postcollisional shear zones (e.g., Taxaquara shear zone) reactivated in an intracontinental setting (560–535 Ma).
Isytiqâq Dalam Bingkai Ilmu Fiqhul Lughah dan Pendapat Para Ulama
Authors: Fatoni Ahmad Sirfi
Published: February 2022

This article examines isytiqâq within the framework of Fiqhul lughah and the opinion of scholars. Isytiqâq is important to be studied more deeply because it is one of characteristic of Arabic language and within it we can produce new vocabulary words that have never been found before. The impact is that Arabic language is getting richer and more dynamic. The research method used is descriptive-critical analysis. The data collection technique uses the observation method with the note. The findings obtained are: (1) there are three kinds of isytiqâq: a) Al-isytiqâq al-shaghir, b) Al-isytiqâq al-Kabir, c) Al-isytiqâq al-Akbar, (2) Arab scholars differed on the issue of the origin of isytiqâq and its scope. Some scholars argue that some words are musytaq and some aren’t musytaq. Meanwhile, other scholars argue that all words are musytaq. While some others suspect that all words are authentic, there are no words that are musytaq from other words; (3) The scholars who think that some words are musytaq and some aren’t musytaq are the opinions of scholars of Bashrah and Kufah. The scholars of Bashrah argue that mashdar is the origin of isytiqâq. Meanwhile, scholars  of Kufah argue that fi’il is the origin of isytiqâq; (4) The relationship between language and isytiqâq has a reciprocal relationship.
Pengembangan Buku Ajar Bahasa Arab Berbasis pada Nilai-Nilai Islam-Indonesia di IAIN Salatiga
Authors: Habibi Burhan Yusuf , Putri Wakhidati Nurrohmah
Published: February 2022

This study aims to develop Arabic language teaching materials 1 based on Islamic-Indonesian values ​​at the State Islamic Institute of Slaatiga. This research is motivated by the lack of specific teaching materials for this course after transferring status from STAIN to IAIN and learning Arabic was returned to the faculty. This research is a type of research and development with the Borg & Gall development model. The analysis technique in this study uses quantitative descriptive techniques. The results showed that the results of student responses to the Arabic Textbook 1 Based on Islamic-Indonesian Values ​​at the Salatiga State Islamic Institute which was developed viewed from the learning aspect obtained an average score of 4.025, the content or material aspect with an average score average 4.095, aspects of the display with an average score of 4.098 and aspects of the presentation with an average score of 4.08, then the overall average score is 4.075. Thus, Arabic textbook  based on Islamic-Indonesian values ​​is worthy of being used as teaching material in the Arabic language course 1 at the Salatiga State Islamic Institute.
Kalimat Kondisional dalam Bahasa Arab dan Bahasa Inggris (Analisis Kontrastif Bentuk dan Fungsi)
Authors: Yusuf Muhammad , Bahraen Muhammad Jauzil
Published: February 2022

Conditional sentences are part of the syntactic system that exists in Arabic and English. In general, the provisions relating to conditional sentences in the two languages ​​have similarities and differences. This study seeks to identify more deeply related to this matter by way of contrasting it. The subject matter relates to the similarities and differences in the form and function of conditional sentences in Arabic and English. This study is a literary style that optimizes related literature to discuss the object of research. This study formulates that the similarity in the form and function of conditional sentences in Arabic and English, namely: it can be stated implicitly, has two-sentence forms, has clear rules, has the same primary components, can be used to convey open and conjectural conditions. The differences are: Arabic markers are more varied, the characteristics of conditional sentences in Arabic focus on the markers while in English it is more on tenses, the construction of conditional sentences in Arabic is more varied than in English

Abstrak

Kalimat kondisional merupakan bagian dari sistem sintaksis yang ada dalam bahasa Arab dan bahasa Inggris. Lazimnya, ketentuan yang berkaitan dengan kalimat kondisional dalam kedua bahasa tersebut terdapat persamaan dan perbedaan. Penelitian ini berupaya untuk mengidentifikasi lebih dalam berkaitan dengan hal tersebut dengan cara mengkontraskannya. Adapun pokok masalah berkaitan dengan persamaan dan perbedaan bentuk dan fungsi kalimat kondisional dalam bahasa Arab dan bahasa Inggris. Kajian ini bercorak kepustakaan yang mengoptimalkan literatur terkait untuk membahas objek penelitian. Kajian ini merumuskan bahwa persamaan bentuk dan fungsi kalimat kondisional dalam bahasa Arab dan bahasa Inggris yaitu: dapat dinyatakan secara implisit, mempunyai dua bentuk kalimat, mempunyai aturan yang jelas, mempunyai komponen primer yang sama dan dapat digunakan untuk menyampaikan kondisi yang bersifat terbuka dan dugaan. Adapun perbedaannya adalah: penanda bahasa Arab lebih variatif, karakteristik kalimat kondisional dalam bahasa Arab menitikberatkan pada penanda sementara dalam bahasa Inggris lebih kepada tenses, kontruksi kalimat kondisional dalam bahasa Arab lebih variatif dari bahasa Inggris
Tren Sastra Eropa dan Keterpengaruhannya Terhadap Sastra Arab (Kajian Sastra Banding)
Authors: J.P Angga Mustaka
Published: February 2022

ABSTRACTTrends in European Literature and its influence on Arabic Literature, comparative literary studies. The background of this article departs from the many literary schools in Europe that have an influence on Arabic literature. The research method used is a qualitative method. The data collection technique used is the collection of documents or documentation. The data analysis technique in this article uses the Creswell model of qualitative data analysis. The approach used in this research is the historical approach. The results of this research are; 1) The literature that pioneered the birth of comparative literary studies, namely is French literature. 2) American literature emerged as a response to French literature. 3) The influence of European literature on Arabic literature can be seen from the characteristics of European poets who are very oriented to the rules and styles of Arabic literature. 4) The influence between European literature and Arabic literature was also caused by the many Arab writers who migrated to Europe for various reasons.

Abstrak

Artikel ini bertujuan untuk membahas tren Sastra Eropa serta keterpengaruhannya terhadap Sastra Arab, kajian sastra banding. Adapun latar belakang dari artikel ini berangkat dari banyaknya madzhab-madzhab sastra di Eropa yang mempunyai keterpengaruhan terhadap Sastra Arab. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode kualitatif dengan pendekatan historis. Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan adalah pengumpulan dokumen atau dokumentasi. Teknik analisa data pada artikel ini menggunakan analisa data kualitatif model Creswell. Hasil penelitian ini adalah; 1) Sastra yang mempelopori lahirnya kajian sastra banding yaitu adalah sastra Perancis.2) Sastra Amerika muncul sebagai respon dari Sastra Perancis. 3) Keterpengaruhan Sastra Eropa terhadap Sastra Arab terlihat dari ciri khas para penyair Eropa yang sangat berorientasi pada kaidah-kaidah dan gaya Sastra Arab. 4) Keterpengaruhan antara Sastra Eropa dan Sastra Arab juga disebabkan akibat banyaknya sastrawan Arab yang hijrah ke Eropa dengan berbagai alasan
Heavy Oil Recovery by Alkaline-Cosolvent-Polymer Flood: A Multiscale Research Using Micromodels and Computed Tomography Imaging
Authors: Su Hang , Zhou Fujian , Zheng Ao , Wang Lida , Wang Chuan , Yu Fuwei , Kang Lixia , Li Junjian
Published: February 2022

For reservoirs containing oil with a high total acid number, the alkali-cosolvent-polymer (ACP) flood can promote the formation of microemulsion rather than viscous macroemulsion and achieve good mobility control. The enhanced oil recovery (EOR) performance of ACP flood has been studied at core and reservoir scale in detail; however, the effect of ACP flood on residual oil still lacks enough research. In this paper, a micromodel with a single channel is used to clarify the dynamic effects of alkali-cosolvent (AC) and ACP solutions on the residual oil after waterflood. Based on this, medical computed tomography (Medical-CT) scan and microcomputed tomography (Micro-CT) scan are used in combination to visualize microscale flow and reveal the mechanisms of residual oil reduction during ACP flood. The heterogeneous core plugs containing two layers of different permeabilities are used for coreflood experiments to clarify the EOR performance of ACP flood in heterogeneous reservoirs. The oil saturation is monitored by Medical-CT. Then, two core samples are drilled in each core plug that is used in the coreflood experiment. The decrease of residual oil saturation caused by ACP flood is further quantified by Micro-CT imaging. Results show that ACP flood is 14.5% oil recovery higher than AC flood (68.9%) in relative high permeability layers (HPLs) and 17.9% higher than AC flood (26.3%) in relative low permeability layers (LPLs). Compared with AC flood, ACP flood shows a more uniform displacement front, which implies that the injected polymer effectively weakened the viscosity fingering. This is similar to the experimental results demonstrated visually in the micromodel experiments. ACP solution first generates an oil bank by the mobility ratio improvement to mobilize residual oil and then dissolve and emulsify residual oil under ultralow interfacial tension (IFT) conditions. Moreover, a method that can calculate the ratio of oil/water distribution in each pore is developed to establish the relationship between the residual oil saturation of each pore and its pore size, and concluded that they follow the power-law correlation.
Safety and Efficacy of a Cardiovascular Polypill in People at High and Very High Risk without a Previous Cardiovascular Event The International VULCANO Randomised Clinical Trial
Authors: Mostaza Jose María , Suárez-Fernández Carmen , Cosín-Sales Juan , Gómez-Huelgas Ricardo , Brotons Carlos , Araujo Francisco Pestana , Borrayo Gabriela , Ruiz Emilio
Published: February 2022

BackgroundCardiovascular (CV) polypills are a useful baseline treatment to prevent CV diseases by combining different drug classes in a single pill to simultaneously target more than one risk factor. The aim of the present was to determine whether the treatment with the CNIC-polypill was at least non-inferior to usual care in terms of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) and systolic BP (SBP) values in subjects at high or very high risk without a previous CV event. MethodsThe VULCANO was an open-label trial involving 492 participants randomised to the CNIC-polypill or usual care. The primary outcome was the mean change in LDL-c and SBP values after 16 weeks of treatment. ResultsThe upper confidence limit of the mean change in LDL-c between treatments was below the prespecified margin of 10 mg/dL and above zero, and non-inferiority and superiority of the CNIC-polypill (p =0.0001) was reached. There were no significant differences in SBP between groups. However, the upper confidence limit crossed the prespecified non-inferiority margin of 3 mm Hg. Significant differences favoured the CNIC-polypill in reducing total cholesterol (p =0.0004) and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (p =0.0017). There were no reports of major bleeding episodes. The frequency of non-serious gastrointestinal disorders was more frequent in the CNIC-polypill arm.ConclusionThe switch from conventional treatment to the CNIC-polypill approach in patients at high CV risk without a previous event was safe and appears a reasonable strategy to control risk factors and prevent CVD.
The Epidemiological Trend of Esophageal Cancer in Mumbai, India, Over the Past Fifteen Years
Authors: Sekar Anbarasan , Noronha Vanita , Rajendra Akhil , Mokal Smruti , Patil Vijay , Menon Nandini , Chopade Sunil , Singh Ajay Kumar , Kaushal Rajiv kumar , Mahajan Abhishek , Janu Amit , Purandare Nilendu , Dikshit Rajesh , Banavali Shripad , Prabhash Kumar , Badwe Rajendra
Published: February 2022

Background:
There has been a definite change in the histopathological spectrum of esophageal cancer towards adenocarcinoma seen in developed countries. In India such studies were limited.
Materials and Methods:
We retrospectively evaluated patients with histologically proven esophageal cancer who were registered at the Tata Memorial Hospital (Mumbai, India) between 2003 and 2018. The primary aim was to analyze the time-trend of the histological pattern of esophageal cancer. Our secondary objectives included evaluating whether there was any correlation between age, sex, demographics, socioeconomic status, the presence of comorbidities and substance abuse and the histological type of esophageal cancer.
Results:
Among 7874 patients with esophageal cancer, 5092 (64.7%) were men, with M:F of 2.5:1. The median age was 57 years (IQR, 50-65); Of the 4912 patients in whom a history of tobacco or alcohol use had been elicited, 1360 (27.7%) patients denied substance abuse. Majority of tumor was in middle-third 2942 (41.5%). Squamous cell carcinoma was the histological type in 6413 (81.4%) patients. Multivariate analysis showed that female sex and substance abuse were positively associated with squamous cell carcinoma, while the presence of comorbidities and location of the primary in lower esophagus/GEJ were positively associated with adenocarcinoma.
Conclusions:
There is no evidence of an epidemiologic shift in the histopathologic spectrum of esophageal cancer in India over last two decades. Four out of five Indian patients with esophageal cancer have squamous cell histology. This is important to recognize, given the varying molecular spectrum and efficacy of therapeutic modalities based on histopathology.
Femoral Rollback at High-Flexion During Squatting is Related to the Improvement of Sports Activities After Bicruciate-Stabilized Total Knee Arthroplasty: An Observational Study
Authors: Kono Kenichi , Inui Hiroshi , Kage Tomofumi , Tomita Tetsuya , Yamazaki Takaharu , Taketomi Shuji , Yamagami Ryota , Kawaguchi Kohei , Tanaka Sakae
Published: February 2022

Background
In bicruciate-stabilized total knee arthroplasty (BCS-TKA), the relationship between the postoperative kinematics and sports subscales in patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between kinematics and sports subscales using the PROMs after BCS-TKA.
Methods
Sixty-one patients with severe knee osteoarthritis were examined at 13.5 ± 7.8 months after BCS-TKA. The patients performed squattings under single fluoroscopic surveillance in the sagittal plane. Range of motion of the knee, axial rotation of the femur relative to the tibial component, and anteroposterior (AP) translation of the medial and lateral femorotibial contact points were measured using a 2D-to-3D registration technique. In addition, the relationship between the kinematics and improvement of the sports subscales in the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) was evaluated.
Results
In rotation angle, the femoral external rotation was observed from 0–50° of flexion. The amount of femoral external rotation did not correlate with PROMs-SP. In medial AP translation, posterior translation was observed from 0–20° and 80–110° of flexion. The mild anterior translation was observed from 20–80° of flexion. Beyond 80° of flexion, posterior translation was positively correlated with squatting. In lateral AP translation, posterior translation was observed from 0–20° and 80–110° of flexion. Beyond 80° of flexion, posterior translation was positively correlated with running, jumping, twisting/pivoting, and kneeling.
Conclusion
Femoral rollback at high flexion during squatting is related to the improvement in sports activities after BCS-TKA.
Individualized Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: a retrospective study
Authors: Zhang Yu , Cheng Xin , Zhang Lei , Xu Zhongling , Feng Zihan , Chen Zeyin , Chen Zhong
Published: February 2022

Background:Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients often undergo curative liver resection to treat this form of cancer. Hepatectomy is, however, a form of major surgery associated with many significant risks including prolonged hospitalization, high costs, impaired physiological function, and high postoperative complication rates. Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) is a multidisciplinary approach that seeks to expedite postoperative recovery in patients undergoing major surgeries in order to lower postoperative complication rates. Prior studies have successfully employed ERAS approaches in the context of gynecological, urological, and cardiovascular surgeries. However, HCC is a complex disease and affected patients may also suffer from pre-existing liver disease, making it essential that they be administered appropriate individually tailored treatments. This study was thus designed to assess the efficacy and safety of individualized ERAS approaches in patients undergoing hepatectomy. Methods:In total, we retrospectively analyzed data from 90 HCC patients that underwent hepatectomy between October 2018 and August 2019. All patients met the study enrollment criteria and provided written informed consent to participate. All studies were approved by the Hospital Research Ethics Committee and were consistent with the Declaration of Helsinki. Patients were randomly divided into two groups (n=45 each) based on the employed perioperative treatment strategies: a conventional treatment group and an ERAS treatment group. Key outcomes were then compared between groups, including postoperative pain scores, duration of postoperative hospitalization, medical costs, and rates of readmission. Quantitative data are given as `x±s and were compared via Student’s t-tests, whereas categorical data were compared via chi-squared tests and Fisher's exact test.Results:ERAS treatment was associated with lower postoperative pain scores at 24, 48, and 72 h post-treatment (P<0.05), with a shorter postoperative hospitalization duration (8.16 days vs.10.49 days; P<0.004), and with lower medical costs (P<0.004) as compared to traditional treatment. No significant differences in complication rates (P>0.05) or readmission rates (P>0.557) were observed between these groups. Conclusions:Individualized ERAS improves patient postoperative recovery more effectively than traditional treatment in patients undergoing hepatectomy.
Thermal and Chemical Exhaust Gas Recirculation Potential of Punnai Oil Biodiesel Fuelled Diesel Engine For Environmental Sustainability
Authors: Bibin Chidambaranathan , Devan Ponnusamy Kumarasami , Sheeja Raghavan , Madhu Sundaram
Published: February 2022

Pollution from diesel engines affects negatively the environment. As a result, there is a worldwide concern about reducing the pollutants emitted by diesel engines. In comparison to diesel fuel, biodiesel combustion produces reduced carbon monoxide (CO2) and unburned hydrocarbon (UHC) emissions, but higher nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions. The current study is to investigate the thermal and chemical effect of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) on features of a diesel engine for environmental sustainability. The punnai oil was produced from kernels of punnai seeds and transesterified in two phases using alcohol with the existence of a catalyst. The higher viscosity of punnai oil biodiesel is diluted by mixing it with diesel fuel. Our previous investigation indicated that neat punnai oil biodiesel is a potential fuel; however, the findings showed that the addition of diesel is necessary to obtain acceptable engine performance. In this study, punnai oil biodiesel was mixed at a rate of 20% with diesel (B20) and run in a diesel engine with varied EGR rates under five different engine loads. This combined impact enhanced the maximum heat release rate (HRR) and maximum combustion pressure, according to the findings. The premixed burning fractions were commonly higher at all engine loads, whereas the diffusion combustion fractions were lower. When the centre of the HRR changed toward the top dead centre (TDC), combustion durations remained rather constant. The experimental results revealed B20 blend at 10% EGR flow rate produced 6.57% lower BTE, 37.04% higher BSEC, 2.47% higher EGT, 5.13% lower CO, 31.11% higher CO2, 3.13% higher UHC, 8.36% lower NOx and 4% higher smoke opacity when compared with diesel in a standard diesel engine.
Does the experience of the first assistant affect organ injuries in laparoscopic hysterectomy for benign diseases?
Authors: TSUZUKI YOKO , Hirata Takumi , Tsuzuki Shinya , Wada Shinichiro , Tamakoshi Akiko
Published: February 2022

Purpose: This study sought to explore whether the experience level of the first assistant surgeon influences perioperative organ injuries (ureteral, bladder, and intestinal injuries) in patients undergoing total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) for benign diseases. We defined an experienced surgeon as a surgeon certified by the Skill Qualification Committee of the Japan Society of Gynecologic and Obstetric Endoscopy and Minimally Invasive Therapy or a surgeon with equivalent surgical skills.Methods. We reviewed our surgical registry database of TLH for benign indications between 2014 and 2020 and only selected cases performed by an experienced primary surgeon. Patients were divided into two groups based on the experience level of the first assistant. Inverse probability of treatment weighting by propensity score, which was adjusted for patient and procedure characteristics, was used to examine differences in perioperative organ injuries according to the experience level of the first assistant.Results. Among 1,682 patients who underwent TLH, 18 organ injuries were found (0.83%). In the propensity score inverse probability of treatment weighting models, less experience of the first assistant had no significant impact on the occurrence of perioperative organ injuries (p = 0.348).Conclusion. In TLH for benign indications at our hospital, given an experienced primary surgeon, the inclusion of a less experienced first assistant does not negatively affect the occurrence of perioperative organ injuries.
A Novel Nonsense Mutation(c.1499C>G) in CRB1 Caused Leber Congenital Amaurosis-8 in a Chinese Family and Literature Review
Authors: Duan Wenhua , Zhou Taicheng , Jiang Huawei , Zhang Minhui , Hu Min , Zhang Liwei
Published: February 2022

Background:Leber’s congenital amaurosis (LCA) is a severe hereditary retinopathy disease that is characterized by early and severe reduction of vision,nystagmus,sluggish or absent pupillary responses. To date, the pathogenesis of LCA remains unclear,and the majority cases are caused by autosomal recessive inheritance. In this study, we explored the mutation in the Crumbs homologue 1(CRB1) gene in a Chinese family with LCA. Methods:We conducted comprehensive ocular examinations and collected 5 ml of blood samples from members of a Chinese family with LCA. The pathogenic gene was identified by capturing and sequencing the related genes of ocular diseases.Results: We found a nonsense mutation(c.1499C>G) in the 6th exon of CRB1 in a Chinese family with LCA,which predicted a change of the protein p.S500X,may lead to loss of gene function.Conclusions: This study reported a novel mutation(c.1499C>G,p.S500X) of the CRB1 gene occurred in a Chinese family with LCA, thus expanding the spectrum of CRB1 mutations causing LCA. And we summarize the 76 mutations reported so far in CRB1 that caused LCA8.
Environmental coastal management for groundwater resources using different aquifer bed slopes considering sea level rise risk
Authors: Abd-Elaty Ismail , Polemio Maurizio
Published: February 2022

Todays, coastal groundwater management is a challenging research topic due the relevance of these water resources and the huge suffered risks due to the global change in the coastal areas. The geometrical features of coastal aquifers play a control role on salt water intrusion (SWI). Seawater level rise (SLR), groundwater over pumping and aquifer recharge reduction promoting SWI. All these key factors are considered are considered with two different numerical approaches defining schematic management criteria. The former approach adopts the well-known Henry's problem; the latter is based on the real study case of the Gaza aquifer (Palestine). Different aquifer bed slopes, hydraulic and physical methods, including physical subsurface barriers, earth fill, check dam, abstraction, and natural or artificial recharge are considered together with SLR, recharge reduction, and over pumping. The different scenarios are compared in terms of position of saltwater intrusion interface, measured as distance from the coastline at the aquifer bottom using the numerical code SEAWAT. Useful comparing tables and considerations are defined with the purpose to guide the preliminary selections of new management solutions for reducing the effect of the global change on coastal groundwater resources around the coastal world. The land side bed slope cases show more SWI than sea side and horizontal bed slopes. Cut-off walls and check dams are effective technique to manage SWI in horizontal bed aquifers slopes more than other slopes, also the subsurface dams, earth fill and recharge of freshwater are good methods to control the SWI in land bed slopes while abstraction of brackish water and combine of freshwater recharge with brackish water abstraction are better to mitigate of SWI in sea side slopes.
The genetic consequences of captive breeding, environmental change and human exploitation in the endangered peninsular pronghorn
Authors: Klimova Anastasia , Sánchez-Sotomayor Victor , Rivera Jesus Gutiérrez , Hoffman Joseph Ivan
Published: February 2022

Endangered species with small population sizes are susceptible to genetic erosion, which can be detrimental to long-term persistence. Consequently, monitoring and mitigating the loss of genetic diversity are key to successful conservation. The peninsular pronghorn (Antilocapra americana peninsularis) is an endangered pronghorn subspecies that is almost entirely held in captivity. Captive breeding has increased the number of pronghorns from 25 founders in 1997 to around 700 individuals today, but it is unclear how the genetic diversity of the captive herd may have changed over time. We therefore generated and analysed microsatellite data spanning 2009–2021. We found a decline in heterozygosity and an increase in the proportion of inbred individuals over time. However, these trends appear to have abated in response to a genetically informed selective breeding attempt undertaken in 2018. We also reconstructed the recent demographic history of the peninsular pronghorn, revealing two sequential population declines putatively linked to the desertification of the Baja California peninsula around 6,000 years ago, and hunting and habitat loss around 500 years ago. Our results provide insights into the genetic diversity of an endangered antelope and highlight the potential for selective breeding to have positive conservation outcomes.
Recurrent Torsion of Otherwise Normal Adnexa: Oophoropexy Does Not Prevent Recurrence
Authors: Smorgick Noam , Mor Matan , Eisenberg Neta , Dovev Maya Naor , Vaknin Zvi
Published: February 2022

Purpose
Recurrence of adnexal torsion involving otherwise normal adnexa is not rare. Various oophoropexy (ovarian fixation) procedures have been suggested to prevent recurrence, however, long-term information of their efficacy is lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate the recurrence rate of adnexal torsion following oophoropexy.
Methods
Retrospective cohort study, including all consecutive patients who underwent an oophoropexy procedure for the prevention of recurrent torsion of “normal adnexa” in our department from 2008 to 2021. Oophoropexy techniques included shortening of the utero-ovarian ligament (between 2008 to 2019) or combined utero-ovarian and round ligament fixation (from 2020).
Results
Twenty-one patients (age range 7-35 years) with a mean follow-up of 82.7 ± 60.6 months were identified. Fifteen of them (71.4%) were re-operated for recurrent torsion following an oophoropexy procedure, while six (28.6%) did not experience recurrence. Twelve (57.1%) torsion recurrences following an oophoropexy occurred within the first 2 postoperative years. There were no differences in mean age and menarchal status )pre- or post-menarchal) at the time of the first torsion event, age at the time of oophoropexy, oophoropexy side, number of adnexal torsion events before oophoropexy, and follow-up duration between those with and those without post-oophoropexy recurrences.
Conclusion
Oophoropexy procedures may not prevent recurrent torsion of otherwise normal adnexa. Further studies to determine whether combined fixation (utero-ovarian plication and round ligament) is more efficacious than isolated utero-ovarian plication for the prevention of recurrent torsion are warranted.
Potential Predictive Factors for Clinical Outcomes Following Progressive Pain Reduction Associated With Conservative Treatment for Recently Diagnosed Osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures: A Case Control Study
Authors: Shibao Yosuke , Koda Masao , Takeuchi Yosuke , Asada Tomoyuki , Sato Kosuke , Kono Mamoru , Eto Fumihiko , Miura Kousei , Noguchi Hiroshi , Takahashi Hiroshi , Funayama Toru , Tatsumura Masaki , Yamazaki Masashi
Published: February 2022

IntroductionThe purpose of the present study was to elucidate a potential predictive factor for poor clinical outcomes in the conservative treatment of osteoporotic vertebral fractures.Materials and MethodsThis is a study of the vertebrae of 41 patients selected from 63 patients with recent osteoporotic fractures admitted to our hospital from April 2013 to March 2015. Patients with dementia were excluded. We analyzed visual analog scale (VAS: 0‒100 mm) scores and dynamic radiographic images over time for up to 12 weeks after admission. Our statistical analyses were designed to identify factors that were significantly associated with pain prolongation.ResultsLogistic regression analysis using a stepwise method revealed that the independent factor significantly associated with failure for 50% pain reduction at the final follow-up visit was VAS reduction rate at week 3 (OR = 9.0, 95% CI 0.5–17.6, p = 0.04).ConclusionsPatients who responded well to treatment reported a reduction in pain during the first 3 weeks of treatment versus nonresponders who did not. It may be possible to predict the prognosis of osteoporotic vertebral fractures early during the first 3 weeks after hospital admission.
Evaluation of therapeutic effects of KC7F2, temozolomide, and its combination on genes involved in the Wnt signal pathway in the U87MG glioma cell line
Authors: Korkmaz Hakan , Korkmaz Bulent , Bagca Bakiye Goker , Takanlou Leila Sabour , Takanlou Maryam Sabour , shademan behrouz , Abbaszade Zaka , Özateş Neslihan Pınar , Avci Cıgır Biray
Published: February 2022

Glioma is the most common malignant primary brain tumor that survives less than 12 months after diagnosis. The Wnt signaling pathway creates a complex network of proteins that have different effects on cells, so they can be involved in many cancers, including gliomas. Drug resistance is seen in many cancer treatments. Therefore, we investigated the combined effect of Temozolomide (TMZ) and KC7F2 on cell survival and changes in gene expression in the Wnt signal pathway. The effects of TMZ and KC7F2 on cancer cell viability and proliferation were investigated by WST-1 method. Isobologram analysis was performed to evaluate the combined effects of TMZ and KC7F on U87MG glioma cell line. Also, Quantitative RT-PCR was used to evaluate the mRNA expression level of genes related to the Wnt signal pathway in treated cancer cells and control groups. IC50 TMZ and KC7F2 values in U87MG cell lines were determined to be 461µM and 19µM in 48 hours, respectively. Combined effects of TMZ and KC7F2 on the U87MG cell line show the CI values for TMZ and KC7F2 were found as 0.746. It was found that KC7F2+TMZ increased APC, CCND1, CXXC4, DAAM1, FBXW11, FRZB, FZD3, FZD8, LEF1, LRP5, LRP6, PYGO1, RHOA, RHOU, RUVBL1, VANGL2, WIF1, WNT10A, WNT16, WNT3A, and WNT6 while decreasing NKD1, PRICKLE1, DKK1, WNT1 expressions in U87MG cell lines. The results show that the combination of TMZ and KC7F2 can be a promising anti-cancer agent for the treatment of glioblastoma through the Wnt / β-catenin signaling pathway. However, further studies are needed to understand all angles.