bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Location of Femoral and Tibial Tunnels after Arthroscopic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Sharma Madhusudan , Jain Hemant , Raichandani Kishore , Agarwal Shubham
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is the most commonly injured ligament when knees are injured. The position of the bone tunnels, and therefore the graft, is an important factor for successful reconstruction and clinical results. An incorrect positioning may result in impingement of neoligament at roof of intercondylar notch, or impaction against Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) or may cause abnormal tension on the graft and may cause clinical problems such as loss of range of motion and recurrent instability. Aim: To evaluate the location of tunnels and its impact on functional outcome in patients who underwent arthroscopic ACL reconstruction. Materials and Methods: In this prospective longitudinal cohort study at a tertiary healthcare centre, from December 2017 to November 2019. A total of 50 patients who had isolated ACL injury and had undergone arthroscopic ACL reconstruction with minimum one year follow up were included. Their postoperative radiographs were evaluated for femoral and tibial tunnels. International Knee Documentation Committee questionnaire (IKDC), Lysholm scoring, pivot shift and Lachman test were used for evaluating the functional outcome. Findings were summarised and t-test was used for evaluation of results. Results: There were 48 male and two female patients, 64% patients involving right side. Mean position of tibial tunnel in coronal plane was 45.48±2.55 mm from medial edge. Average tibial tunnel angle in coronal plane was 69.46±7.57 degrees with only one patient having tibial tunnel >80 degrees. Position of tibial tunnel in sagittal plane was 41.35±7.3 mm, eight patients with >50% posterior location of tibial tunnel from anterior edge. Average Coronal angle of femoral tunnel was 42.52±6.34 degree. Position of femoral tunnel along Blumensaat’s line from posterior edge of femoral cortex was 35.19±6.09 mm. Graft impingement was not found in any of the case intraoperatively nor postoperatively, as analysed on x-rays. Conclusion: The position of femoral and tibial tunnels is a very important indicator for good functional outcome postoperatively. Thus, there needs to be further research to exactly quantify the limits for tunnel position beyond which the outcome of ACL reconstruction will be definitely poor.
Medial Malleolus Fracture Fixation in Weber Type B and C Ankle Injuries
Authors: Wani Mohd Rafeeq , Sonum Stanzin , Ringshawl Zubair Younis
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Medial malleolus fractures are commonly encountered by orthopaedic surgeons in their daily practice. Medial malleolus fractures are articular fractures and hence need anatomical reduction to prevent the potential complications. Many methods of fixation are in practice for fixing medial malleolus with the aim to achieve stable fixation and union of the fracture site. Aim: To evaluate the outcome of medial malleolus fracture fixation by three different methods- two partially threaded screws, one partially threaded screw and one k-wire and tension band wiring, in Weber type B and C ankle injuries. Materials and Methods: This prospective interventional study was conducted from August 2017 to September 2020 in a tertiary care orthopaedics hospital in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India. A total of 40 patients (aged 18 years or greater) of Weber B and C types medial malleolus fracture, were included in the present study. The medial malleolus was fixed with two partially threaded screws in 16 patients (Group A), one partially threaded screw and one Kirschner wire (K)-wire in 14 patients (Group B) and tension band wiring was done in 10 patients (Group C). The fixation was decided on intraoperative finding of fragment size and comminution as well as quality of bone. The parameters assessed were time of union, delayed union, non union, ankle range of motion and symptomatic hardware. One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test was used to compare parametric data of the three groups. The p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of the patients was 40.20 years with range 18-65 years. 22 patients were females and 18 were males and the male to female ratio was 0.81. The mean time of healing of fracture was 10.25 weeks in group A, 11.14 weeks in group B and 10.80 weeks in group C. There were two cases of delayed union, one each in group B and C. Symptomatic hardware was mostly seen in group C. There was no case of non union in the present study. Conclusion: It can be concluded that all the three fixation methods used in this study achieved the union in comparable time duration with no case of non union. A particular method of fixation should be used by taking into consideration the type of fracture, size of the fragment, comminution and quality of the bone.
Pathophysiological Determinants of Cardiac Remodelling- A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Bhaskaran AP , Jujjavarapu R , Bhaskaran P
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Cardiac remodeling is a physiological and pathological condition followed by Myocardial Infarction (MI), valvular dysfunctions and cardiomyopathy. It is associated with cardiac function and structural characteristics. Hence, the remodeling is a therapeutic target following cardiac events. Aim: This review was conducted to determine the risk of morbidity, mortality and structural characteristics related cardiac remodeling. Materials and Methods: PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and ProQuest, were searched electronically, by using {(“Morbidity” and “Mortality” and “LV parameters” and “Structural Characteristics”) and Cardiac (“Remodeling” and “Regeneration”)}. “Mantel-Haenszel Odds Ratio”, “mean differences”, and “95% Confidence Interval (CI)” were computed for meta-analysis. Results: Overall, 425 titles or abstracts were identified from the initial search, of which full manuscripts of 103 studies were retrieved. Out of the 103 studies, 22 were subjected to data extraction and analysis. The risk of mortality was higher among patients with myocardial fibrosis. Metoprolol treated group had a lesser incidence of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation (PAF). Ejection fraction, end systolic and diastolic volumes were consistent between the medical treatments and Percutaneous Coronary Interventions (PCI) groups. Conclusion: The PCIs are associated with long term survival among the patients with cardiac remodeling.
Bouveret’s Syndrome- An Uncommon Variant of Gallstone Ileus: Case Series and Review of Literature
Authors: Jaiswal Akash , Singh Amit , Jain Kavita
Published: January 2022

Bouveret’s syndrome is a rare form of gallstone ileus. It refers to gastric outlet or small bowel obstruction caused by the formation of a biliary enteric fistula with subsequent migration and impaction of a large gallstone into stomach or small intestine. Its diagnosis is often delayed or overlooked. Diagnosis is based on the clinical manifestations, presence of pneumobilia, visualisation of stone and demonstration of small bowel obstruction on imaging. Enterotomy or gastrotomy with or without cholecystectomy and fistula repair is the most common surgical therapy. The aim of this case series was to analyse the presentation of Bouveret’s syndrome and strategise the optimum surgical approach based on the available literature and authors experience. Authors hereby report three cases of Bouveret’s syndrome encountered within last two years with clinical presentation, surgical approaches and operative findings. Computed Tomography (CT) scan is most commonly used to diagnose this rare entity. Early detection and optimum timing of surgery plays crucial role in outcome. It has high success rate, with acceptable surgical morbidity and mortality. Heightened awareness of this syndrome may lead to decreased morbidity and mortality.
Indian Commodity Market Price Comparative Study of Forecasting Methods - A Case Study on Onion, Potato and Tomato
Authors: Suresha H. P. , Uppaladinni Mutturaj , Tiwari Krishna Kumar
Published: January 2022

In this study several characteristics are taken into account so that the crop price forecast is accurate. Forecasting the price of agriculture commodities based on Volume, diesel price helps the agriculturist and also the agriculture mandi’s in India. We look at onion, tomato, and potato trading in India and present the evaluation of a price forecasting model, and anomaly detection and compared differently Supervised, Unsupervised and Forecasting prediction models. We prefer to use wholesale prices, retail prices, arrival volumes of the agricultural commodities and Diesel prices in India. We also provide an in-depth forecasting analysis of the effect on these retail prices. Our results are encouraging and point towards the likelihood of building pricing models for agricultural commodities and to detect anomalies. These data can then be stored and analyzed. The empirical comparison of the chosen methods on the various data showed that some methods are more suitable than others for this type of problem. In this research, we did a comparative study of Auto ARIMA (Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average), RNN (Recurrent Neural Network), LSTM, VAR (vector autoregressive model), and Random Forest Regression, XGBoost in their ability to predict Retail prices of potatoes, onions and tomatoes.
Noble Metal Based Electrocatalysts for Alcohol Oxidation Reactions in Alkaline Media
Authors: Fu Xiaoyang , Wan Chengzhang , Huang Yu , Duan Xiangfeng
Published: January 2022

Alkaline direct alcohol fuel cells (ADAFCs) represent an attractive alternative to hydrogen fuel cells for the more convenient storage, transportation, and lower cost of alcohols (e.g., methanol and ethanol) when compared with compressed hydrogen. However, the anode alcohol oxidation reaction (AOR) is generally plagued with high overpotential and sluggish kinetics, and often requires noble metal‐based electrocatalysts to accelerate the reaction kinetics. To this end, the development of efficient AOR electrocatalysts with high mass activity (MA), high durability, high Faradaic efficiency (FE), and low overpotential is central for realizing practical ADAFCs. Here, in this minireview, a brief introduction of the fundamental challenges associated with AOR in alkaline electrolyte, the key performance metrics, and the evaluation protocols for benchmarking AOR electrocatalysts are presented, followed by a summary of the recent advances in the noble‐metal based AOR electrocatalysts (e.g., Pt, Pd, and Rh) with an emphasis on the design criteria for improving the specific activity and electrochemical surface area to ultimately deliver high MA while at the same time ensuring long term durability. The strategies to enhance FE and lower overpotential will also be discussed. Last, it is concluded with a brief perspective on the key challenges and future opportunities.
Harvesting of Infrared Part of Sunlight to Enhance Polaron Transport and Solar Water Splitting
Authors: Tang Songtao , Qiu Weitao , Xu Xiuwen , Xiao Shuang , Tong Yexiang , Wang Xinwei , Yang Shihe
Published: January 2022

There is increasing evidence that defects such as oxygen vacancies are a double‐edged sword for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. Although surface oxygen vacancies can largely improve the catalytic activity, their bulk counterparts may bind polarons, drag down the carrier transport, and thus degrade the PEC performance. However, it is very challenging to precisely control the spatial and energy distributions of defects. Instead, the infrared part of sunlight, normally discarded in PEC water splitting, is harvested to thermally activate the polarons. With the prototypical BiVO4 photoanode (absorbs blue–ultraviolet light), even when is undoped, a high solar‐to‐hydrogen efficiency of 5.3% is achieved in conjunction with a photothermal substrate (absorbs infrared light) and in tandem with a perovskite solar cell (absorbs red–green). Detailed characterizations reveal that the temperature increase of the system can not only accelerate the polaron hopping, but also activate the polarons bound by defects. This study, by demonstrating the use of the PEC‐inactive infrared part of sunlight to enhance transport kinetics at the device level, allows for panchromatic sunlight harvesting to improve the overall PEC performance.
Stimuli‐Responsive Liquid Crystal Printheads for Spatial and Temporal Control of Polymerization
Authors: Wang Xin , Sun Hao , Kim Young‐Ki , Wright Daniel B. , Tsuei Michael , Gianneschi Nathan C. , Abbott Nicholas L.
Published: January 2022

Polymerization reactions triggered by stimuli play a pivotal role in materials science, with applications ranging from lithography to biomedicine to adaptive materials. However, the development of chemically triggered, stimuli‐responsive systems that can confer spatial and temporal control on polymerization remains a challenge. Herein, chemical‐stimuli‐induced polymerization based on a liquid crystal (LC) printhead is presented. The LC responds to a local chemical stimulus at its aqueous interface, resulting in the ejection of initiator into the solution to trigger polymerization. Various LC printhead geometries are designed, allowing programming of: i) bulk solution polymerization, ii) synthesis of a thin surface‐confined polymeric coating, iii) polymerization‐induced self‐assembly of block copolymers to form various nanostructures (sphere, worm‐like, and vesicles), and iv) 3D polymeric structures printed according to local solution conditions. The approach is demonstrated using amphiphiles, multivalent ions, and biomolecules as stimuli.
Electrical Tuning of Plasmonic Conducting Polymer Nanoantennas
Authors: Karki Akchheta , Cincotti Giancarlo , Chen Shangzhi , Stanishev Vallery , Darakchieva Vanya , Wang Chuanfei , Fahlman Mats , Jonsson Magnus P.
Published: January 2022

Nanostructures of conventional metals offer manipulation of light at the nanoscale but are largely limited to static behavior due to fixed material properties. To develop the next frontier of dynamic nano‐optics and metasurfaces, this study utilizes the redox‐tunable optical properties of conducting polymers, as recently shown to be capable of sustaining plasmons in their most conducting oxidized state. Electrically tunable conducting polymer nano‐optical antennas are presented, using nanodisks of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene:sulfate) (PEDOT:Sulf) as a model system. In addition to repeated on/off switching of the polymeric nanoantennas, the concept enables gradual electrical tuning of the nano‐optical response, which was found to be related to the modulation of both density and mobility of the mobile polaronic charge carriers in the polymer. The resonance position of the PEDOT:Sulf nanoantennas can be conveniently controlled by disk size, here reported down to a wavelength of around 1270 nm. The presented concept may be used for electrically tunable metasurfaces, with tunable farfield as well as nearfield. The work thereby opens for applications ranging from tunable flat meta‐optics to adaptable smart windows.
Nonreciprocal Control of Electromagnetic Polarizations Applying Active Metasurfaces
Authors: Li Yun Bo , Wang Shi Yu , Wang Hai Peng , Li He , Shen Jia Lin , Cui Tie Jun
Published: January 2022

The electromagnetic (EM) controls of spatial nonreciprocal performance have gained much attention due to the extreme attraction of the unusual physical phenomenon. Especially, the emergence of metasurfaces, has enormously promoted the design of manipulating the spatial wave and field to achieve various EM functions. Herein is proposed a method to realize the spatial nonreciprocal manipulation for the EM polarizations using an active metasurface which elaborately integrates the elements of power amplifiers. The proposed nonreciprocal metasurface can have the distinct transmission appearance of EM polarizations. When the spatial wave impinges on metasurface with vertical polarization from one side, the transmitted wave has the same polarization; however, when the spatial wave with vertical polarization is incident from the opposite side, the polarization of the transmitted wave will be converted to horizontal. This novel performance is realized by using the meta‐atoms composed of three cascaded components: receiving component, nonreciprocal guiding system, and transmitting component. A prototype of the active metasurface is fabricated and measured, and good agreement is observed between the simulation and measurement results.
Low‐Energy‐Consumption and Electret‐Free Photosynaptic Transistor Utilizing Poly(3‐hexylthiophene)‐Based Conjugated Block Copolymers
Authors: Yang Wei‐Chen , Lin Yan‐Cheng , Inagaki Shin , Shimizu Hiroya , Ercan Ender , Hsu Li‐Che , Chueh Chu‐Chen , Higashihara Tomoya , Chen Wen‐Chang
Published: January 2022

Neuromorphic computation possesses the advantages of self‐learning, highly parallel computation, and low energy consumption, and is of great promise to overcome the bottleneck of von Neumann computation. In this work, a series of poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT)‐based block copolymers (BCPs) with different coil segments, including polystyrene, poly(2‐vinylpyridine) (P2VP), poly(2‐vinylnaphthalene), and poly(butyl acrylate), are utilized in photosynaptic transistor to emulate paired‐pulse facilitation, spike time/rate‐dependent plasticity, short/long‐term neuroplasticity, and learning−forgetting−relearning processes. P3HT serves as a carrier transport channel and a photogate, while the insulating coils with electrophilic groups are for charge trapping and preservation. Three main factors are unveiled to govern the properties of these P3HT‐based BCPs: i) rigidity of the insulating coil, ii) energy levels between the constituent polymers, and iii) electrophilicity of the insulating coil. Accordingly, P3HT‐b‐P2VP‐based photosynaptic transistor with a sought‐after BCP combination demonstrates long‐term memory behavior with current contrast up to 105, short‐term memory behavior with high paired‐pulse facilitation ratio of 1.38, and an ultralow energy consumption of 0.56 fJ at an operating voltage of −0.0003 V. As far as it is known, this is the first work to utilize conjugated BCPs in an electret‐free photosynaptic transistor showing great potential to the artificial intelligence technology.
Plant growth, soil properties, and microbial community four years after thermal desorption
Authors: Bartsch Zachary J. , DeSutter Thomas M. , Gasch Caley K. , Casey Francis X. M.
Published: January 2022

The effects of thermal desorption (TD) on soil physical and chemical properties after crude oil contamination are recently well studied. However, there are limited field‐scale studies on long‐term soil biological property recovery such as microbial communities and plant growth, which are vital for meeting global agrosystem demands and restoring ecosystem health. This study describes the status of soil biological properties after 4 yr of crop production on oil‐contaminated cropland remediated via TD and a modified land farming technique. Plots were constructed in 2015 with native, uncontaminated topsoil (A); TD‐treated subsoil (TDU); untreated land‐farmed subsoil (SP); TDU + A (TDA), and SP + A (SPA) where soil ratios were 1:1 by volume, and composted manure (CM) was applied at 40 Mg ha‐1. After 3 yr of crop production (2019) grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] was planted. Soil microbial community characteristics were assessed through phospholipid fatty acid analysis and by estimating mycorrhizal root colonization. Notably, inherent soil chemical and physical properties influenced the recovery of microbial communities in remediated soils. However, sorghum biomass production in TDU was 50 ± 9% greater than SP while the microbial abundance in these treatments remained similar. Mycorrhizal colonization variation likely reflected rhizosphere nutrient scarcity and not the interactions of either remediation strategy. Based on these results after 4 yr of cropping, TDU does not diminish soil microbial recovery, and when possible, blending TDU materials with topsoil provides the greatest level of recovery relative to topsoil only.
Deficient Rnf43 potentiates hyperactive Kras‐mediated pancreatic preneoplasia initiation and malignant transformation
Authors: Zhou Xian , Sun Zhichao , Zhang Mengdi , Qu Xiaoyu , Yang Shuhui , Wang Lianmei , Jing Yanling , Li Li , Deng Weiwei , Liu Fangming , Di Jin , Chen Jie , Wu Jian , Zhang Hongbing
Published: January 2022

Background

Largely due to incidental detection, asymptomatic pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) have become prevalent in recent years. Among them, intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) infrequently advances to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Conservative surveillance versus surgical intervention is a difficult clinical decision for both caregivers and PCL patients. Because RNF43 loss‐of‐function mutations and KRAS gain‐of‐function mutations concur in a subset of IPMN and PDAC, their biological significance and therapeutic potential should be elucidated.

Methods

Pancreatic Rnf43 knockout and Kras activated mice (Rnf43−/−; KrasG12D) were generated to evaluate their clinical significance in pancreatic pre‐neoplastic initiation and malignant transformation.

Results

Loss of Rnf43 potentiated the occurrence and severity of IPMN and PDAC in oncogenic Kras mice. The Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway was activated in pancreatic KrasG12D and Rnf43 knockout mice and the PORCN inhibitor LGK974 blocked pancreatic IPMN initiation and progression to PDAC accordingly.

Conclusions

Rnf43 is a tumor suppressor in the prevention of pancreatic malignant transformation. This genetically reconstituted autochthonous pancreatic Rnf43−/−; KrasG12D preclinical cancer model recapitulates the pathological process from pancreatic cyst to cancer in humans and can be treated with inhibitors of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling. Since the presence of RNF43 and KRAS mutations in IPMNs predicts future development of advanced neoplasia from PCLs, patients with these genetic anomalies warrant surveillance, surgery, and/or targeted therapeutics such as Wnt/β‐catenin inhibitors.
Establishment of Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue seeded after herbicide application
Authors: McFadden Dani , Fry Jack , Keeley Steve , Hoyle Jared , Raudenbush Zane
Published: January 2022

Weed control before seeding is often required for successful turfgrass establishment, since weed interference prior to turfgrass tillering causes a reduction of cover and density. However, herbicides differ widely in the delay required after herbicide application before seeding can occur without injury to seedlings. The objective of this research was to determine the influence of three selective postemergence grass, broadleaf, and sedge herbicides on the cover and density of Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) and tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus Schreb.) seeded 0, 3, 7 or 14 d after herbicide application. Herbicide treatments included: an untreated control, 2,4‐D + 2‐(2‐methyl‐4‐chlorophenoxy)propionic acid (MCPP) + dicamba (1.64 lb acid equivalent acre–1), quinclorac (0.75 lb a.i. acre–1), halosulfuron‐methyl (0.06 lb a.i. acre–1), and dithiopyr (0.50 lb a.i. acre–1), which was included for comparison. Seeding between 0 to 14 d after an application of 2,4‐D + MCPP + dicamba or quinclorac had little or no effect on Kentucky bluegrass or tall fescue cover in Manhattan, KS, and Wooster, OH. Halosulfuron‐methyl reduced the cover of both turfgrass species when seeded 0 or 7 d after application. This research demonstrates that turfgrass managers who unknowingly seed into areas treated with 2,4‐D + MCPP + dicamba or quinclorac within 0 to 14 d after treatment are likely to observe successful establishment of Kentucky bluegrass or tall fescue under the conditions evaluated in these experiments.
Efficient and selective oxidation of furfural into high‐value chemicals by cobalt and nitrogen co‐doped carbon
Authors: Liu Yun , Jiao Xiaopan , Zhang Fuli , Cheng Daojian , Qin Wensheng
Published: January 2022

Supported non‐noble metal catalysts for the selective oxidation of furfural into high‐value chemicals have attracted considerable attention. Herein, an atom‐level‐isolated, cobalt‐catalyst‐supported N‐doped carbon (Co SAs‐N@C) was synthesized through a metal cobalt–tannic acid coordination assembly strategy. The obtained Co SAs‐N@C with 7.68 wt% of Co content was qualitatively and quantitatively characterized by X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy, high‐angle annular dark‐field scanning transmission electron microscopy, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer, and X‐ray absorption fine structure techniques. From the structural properties, potassium thiocyanate poisoning, and acid leaching, it was found that the atomic‐dispersed CoNx species of the catalyst acts as the active site and plays a vital role in its highly effective oxidative esterification activity. The catalytic mechanism of this reaction is involved in radical oxidation, as confirmed by electron paramagnetic resonance spectra. The density functional theory calculations revealed that the reaction pathway proceeds as a hemiacetal pathway. Interestingly, the Co SAs‐N@C catalyst also showed satisfactory catalytic activity for the aerobic oxidation of furfural. Unexpectedly, the Co SAs‐N@C catalyst still possessed excellent stability and recyclability without loss of activity after five reuses.
The climate science for service partnership Brazil
Authors: Jones Chris D.
Published: January 2022

Human activities continue to warm our climate in ways unprecedented in thousands of years. The latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report confirms our role in this, and that more frequent and extreme events and impacts are being felt right now in all areas of the world. It is clear that we must adapt to some level of changes already occurring whilst also reducing our emissions to limit further damage and unmanageable impacts. What this means for society requires understanding at local levels to aide decision‐making. The Climate Science for Service Partnership Brazil (CSSP Brazil) supports collaborative research between Brazil and U.K. partners to improve climate resilience and sustainability with particular focus on Brazil but with underpinning capability applicable more widely.
Characterization of abnormalities in breast cancer images using nature‐inspired metaheuristic optimized convolutional neural networks model
Authors: Oyelade Olaide N. , Ezugwu Absalom E.
Published: January 2022

Convolutional neural networks (CNN) are deep learning models widely reported as performing well in several image classification tasks. Training the networks for optimal performance is considered an NP‐hard problem. The combination of a metaheuristic algorithm with CNN has been proposed to address this problem because the metaheuristic algorithms have efficient performance, parameter tuning, and stagnation prevention methods. Moreover, there is now an increasing need to apply the best performing metaheuristic algorithm to optimize the parameters, training and learning rate of the CNN models. This study aims to investigate the best performing metaheuristic algorithm for fine‐tuning the weights, biases, and hyperparameters of CNN networks for solving the problem of characterization of abnormalities in breast images. Furthermore, hybrid models consisting of a CNN architecture and five representative metaheuristic algorithms to efficiently detect breast cancer abnormalities are presented. The adopted approach involves training a CNN network using genetic algorithm (GA), whale optimization algorithm (WOA), multiverse optimizer (MVO), satin bower optimization (SBO), and life choice‐based optimization (LCBO) algorithms to optimize only weights and bias of the model. Two categories of experiments were carried out: the first involved training of the CNN model, while the second involved optimizing the training of CNN model with metaheuristic algorithms. A comparative analysis of the impact of the proposed GA, WOA, MVO, SBO, and LCBO metaheuristic algorithms on the performance of the CNN architecture was carried out. Empirical and statistical analyses are presented to validate further the findings obtained in the study. Results obtained showed that MVO, SBO and LCBO outperformed GA, WOA. The classification accuracy obtained for CNN‐GA, CNN‐WOA, CNN‐MVO, CNN‐SBO, and CNN‐LCBO at the fifth epoch was 0.76, 0.75, 0.84, 0.80, and 0.86, respectively. At the same time, the traditional CNN achieved an accuracy of 0.66. The outcome of this study showed that contrary to widespread practice, physics‐based, biology‐based, and human‐based optimization algorithms promise better performance parameter tuning for CNN as compared with evolutionary‐based and swarm‐based metaheuristic algorithms.
A fine‐grained medical data sharing scheme based on federated learning
Authors: Liu Wei , Zhang Ying‐Hui , Li Yi‐Fei , Zheng Dong
Published: January 2022

With the rapid development of smart health, the privacy problem of medical data has become more prominent. Aiming at the problem of mining the potential value of medical data and realizing secure sharing, a fine‐grained medical data sharing scheme based on federated learning is proposed. The scheme uses collaboration‐oriented attribute‐based encryption technologies to formulate fine‐grained access strategies, allowing medical institutions or doctors to decrypt individually or collaboratively with certain conditions to achieve the purpose of accurately screening the required medical data. In the proposed scheme, the model parameters are shared such that the screened medical data is modeled and analyzed based on federated learning, which allows more people to enjoy top medical resources. In addition, a blockchain‐based incentive mechanism is used to reward medical institutions which are either honest with high‐quality or helpful in decryption. Hence, the enthusiasm of various medical institutions to screen data and participate in federal learning is improved. Finally, security analysis shows that the scheme is secure, and theoretical analysis and simulation test show the practicability of the scheme.
Hemostasis Components as Therapeutic Targets in Autoimmune Demyelination
Authors: Abbadessa Gianmarco , Mainero Caterina , Bonavita Simona
Published: January 2022

Several studies in both multiple sclerosis (MS) and experimental autoimmune encephalitis (EAE) have shed light on the vascular mechanisms contributing to MS pathogenesis. The dysregulation of the hemostatic pathways revealed to play a pivotal role. Here, we review the numerous findings providing evidence on the involvement of hemostasis components in MS pathogenesis to highlight why they might be considered potential therapeutic targets in the disease. A literature search for articles from January 1950 to September 2021 was conducted in PubMed and Scopus. A consistent body of evidence supports the pro‐inflammatory activity of activated platelets in MS pathogenesis and the beneficial effect of aspirin administration on the EAE clinical course. Further, neuropathological findings in subjects with MS and experimental studies in EAE have revealed dysregulation of coagulation/fibrinolysis system in autoimmune demyelination. Fibrin deposition in the central nervous system and its interaction with the CD11b receptor on microglia cells seems to drive neuroinflammation and autoimmune demyelination. However, at present, few and controversial clinical data are available on the implementation of drugs targeting fibrin deposition in MS therapy. In conclusion, targeting platelet activation and receptors for fibrin(ogen) deserve further research to hopefully purpose new drugs in the pharmacologic paraphernalia of MS neurologists.
An efficient self‐healing network through quadratic probing optimization mechanism
Authors: A.D.C. Navin Dhinnesh , T Sabapathi , N Sundareswaran
Published: January 2022

In recent years, mobile networks have been widely used in wide range of applications. Complexity is one of the major issues in mobile networks. The best way to administer the complexity of recent mobile networks is self‐organizing networks. Whenever a fault occurs in the network or in a node, it must be identified and at the same time, healed from within for smooth operation. In this paper, self‐healing is achieved by using a quadratic probing optimization algorithm. This algorithm has a time complexity using O (log n). A self‐healing algorithm is proposed here that uses self‐healing mechanisms to detect, identify, and respond to node breaks.
Regional differences in precipitating factors of hospitalization for acute heart failure: insights from the REPORT‐HF registry
Authors: Tromp Jasper , Beusekamp Joost C. , Ouwerkerk Wouter , van der Meer Peter , Cleland John G.F. , Angermann Christiane E. , Dahlstrom Ulf , Ertl Georg , Hassanein Mahmoud , Perrone Sergio V. , Ghadanfar Mathieu , Schweizer Anja , Obergfell Achim , Filippatos Gerasimos , Dickstein Kenneth , Collins Sean P , Lam Carolyn S.P.
Published: January 2022

Aims

Few prior studies have investigated differences in precipitants leading to hospitalizations for acute heart failure (AHF) in a cohort with global representation.

Methods and results

We analysed the prevalence of precipitants and their association with outcomes in 18 553 patients hospitalized for AHF in REPORT‐HF (prospective international REgistry to assess medical Practice with lOngitudinal obseRvation for Treatment of Heart Failure) according to left ventricular ejection fraction subtype (reduced [HFrEF] and preserved ejection fraction [HFpEF]) and presentation (new‐onset vs. decompensated chronic heart failure [DCHF]). Patients were enrolled from 358 centres in 44 countries stratified according to Latin America, North America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Eastern Mediterranean and Africa, Southeast Asia, and Western Pacific. Precipitants were pre‐with mutually exclusive categories and selected according to the local investigator's discretion. Outcomes included in‐hospital and 1‐year mortality. The median age was 67 (interquartile range 57–77) years, and 39% were women. Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) was the most common precipitant in patients with new‐onset heart failure in all regions except for North America and Western Europe, where uncontrolled hypertension and arrhythmia, respectively, were the most common precipitants, independent of confounders. In patients with DCHF, non‐adherence to diet/medication was the most common precipitant regardless of region. Uncontrolled hypertension was a more likely precipitant in HFpEF, non‐adherence to diet/medication, and ACS were more likely precipitants in HFrEF. Patients admitted due to worsening renal function had the worst in‐hospital (5%) and 1‐year post‐discharge (30%) mortality rates, regardless of region, heart failure subtype and admission type (pinteraction >0.05 for all).

Conclusion

Data on global differences in precipitants for AHF highlight potential regional differences in targets for preventing hospitalization for AHF and identifying those at highest risk for early mortality.
Markov‐based analysis for cooperative HARQ‐aided NOMA transmission scheme in 5G and beyond
Authors: Al‐Zubi Raed T. , Darabkh Khalid A. , Khattabi Yazid M. , Abu Issa Mohannad T.
Published: January 2022

In the fifth generation (5G) wireless communication system, the non‐orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) scheme has recently been proposed as a possible candidate for improving spectral efficiency. We look at power‐domain NOMA in this study, in which, multiple simultaneous transmissions are allowed at the same channel with different transmission powers. To achieve reliable transmissions in NOMA, the hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) scheme can be integrated into NOMA. The performance of a downlink NOMA system using the Type I HARQ method is investigated in this research. This type of HARQ does not entail expensive device which is considered one of the requirements for a massive 5G‐based Internet of Things network. Unfortunately, in the literature, it has been shown that deriving closed‐form expressions for the outage probabilities of HARQ‐aided NOMA systems is intractable due to the incorporation of multiple fractional random variables. Consequently, in this article, we follow a simple yet efficient methodology to study our considered HARQ‐aided NOMA system. The HARQ‐assisted NOMA system on the downlink is modeled as an absorbing discrete‐time Markov chain (DTMC). Thereafter, under perfect and imperfect channel estimation, we use this model to examine system performance in terms of outage probability and estimated number of retransmissions. Interestingly, we demonstrate that our DTMC‐based analysis is straightforward, repeatable, and accurate. Moreover, in this article, we propose a cooperative HARQ (CHARQ) scheme for the downlink NOMA system. According to CHARQ, the users cooperate with the base station in the retransmission process that will result in improving the performance of NOMA. Monte Carlo simulations have been conducted to not only verify the accuracy of our DTMC‐based analysis, but also manifest the superiority of CHARQ over HARQ.
Immunomodulatory potential of phytochemicals and other bioactive compounds of fruits: A review
Authors: Maheshwari Shruti , Kumar Vivek , Bhadauria Geeta , Mishra Abhinandan
Published: January 2022

Our immune system depends on leucocytes or white blood cells which possess the power to produce antibodies to fight various disease‐causing pathogens. People have now realized the crucial role played by the immune system in keeping them healthy. Therefore, recent scenario has witnessed an upsurge in the demand of immunity boosting foods. The use of naturally available fruits as immunomodulators is so ubiquitous and just needs concrete scientific proofs for claiming its efficacy. Many studies have shown that fruits are abundant in bioactive compounds like vitamins (vitamin A, C, E, etc.), minerals, and phytochemicals (like β‐ carotene, flavonoids, tannins, and phenolics, etc.). These components have the potential to enhance our immunity by supporting the proliferation of lymphocytes, scavenging free radical species, reducing oxidative stress, improving anti‐inflammatory as well as immunomodulatory mechanism, and supporting aggregation of platelets. Thus, supplementation of diet with an appropriate amount of fruits daily could support body's natural defense by strengthening our immune response. In this preface, we attempt to summarize the significant role played by various phytochemicals and bioactive compounds of fruits in boosting our immune system.
Comparison of physicochemical properties of different tissues from China climbing perch Anabas testudineus and crucian carp Carassius auratus
Authors: Luo Qiulan , Zha Guangcai , Lin Liyun , Huang Yongping , Zou Xianghui
Published: January 2022

This study aimed to investigate nutrition in climbing perch Anabas testudineus which is an important nutritious economic freshwater fish in Asia and compare with Carassius auratus (crucian carp). Three kinds of tissues, including muscle, livers, and eggs, were isolated, respectively. Physicochemical properties including moisture, ash, protein, amino acids, fat, vitamins, and calcium contents in those tissues were determined. The results showed climbing perch muscle and liver contained less moisture, but more protein, amino acids, and vitamins than crucian carp muscle and liver. While moisture, ash, protein, and total amino acids contents of climbing perch egg were lower than those of crucian carp egg. Climbing perch egg had more fat, vitamins, and calcium than crucian carp egg. The amino acid profile was also performed, and 16 amino acids were identified and quantified in muscle, liver, and egg. Among tissues, the highest and lowest concentration of total amino acid content was found in crucian carp eggs and livers, respectively. Glutamic acid (Glu) and histidine (His) were the most and least amino acids in climbing perch and crucian carp tissues, respectively. Sixteen amino acids in climbing perch egg were less than those in crucian carp egg while it is an opposite case in muscle and liver, which amino acids of climbing perch tissues were more than those of crucian carp muscle and liver. Vitamin A of climbing perch was more than crucian carp in all three tissues, but vitamin E content in climbing perch liver was lower than that of crucian carp liver. Calcium content of muscle had no difference between two species. The abovementioned comparison of physicochemical properties of different tissues from China climbing perch and crucian carp will provide a necessary supplementary of freshwater muscle nutrition research, also was helpful for application of climbing perch.
Cuneiform (cuniculatum) variant of oral squamous cell carcinoma revisited: Presentation of two cases and literature review of a rare entity
Authors: Beute John E. , Seo Gabriella T. , Greenberg Lily A. , Mundi Neil , Dowling Eric M. , Matloob Ammar , Khorsandi Azita S. , Brandwein‐Weber Margaret , Urken Mark L.
Published: January 2022

Background

Oral carcinoma cuniculatum (OCC) is a rare, locally aggressive tumor, which tends to invade underlying bone. We present two cases of OCC, one demonstrating invasion of the mandible and the other limited to the tongue.

Methods

An 87‐year‐old male presented with a right‐sided buccogingival lesion. Biopsy results led to a diagnosis of verrucous hyperplasia, which was later revised to OCC. Additionally, a 94‐year‐old female presented with a left lateral tongue lesion. A biopsy showed in‐situ and invasive keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma that was later defined as a soft tissue OCC.

Results

Following surgical resection, the diagnosis of OCC was established in both patients. We provide a comprehensive literature review of OCC in the context of both case presentations.

Conclusions

OCC is a rare entity, which has a tendency to be misdiagnosed. We emphasize the importance of recognizing the common features of OCC in order to aid in accurate diagnosis.
Energy balance‐related factors in childhood and adolescence and risk of colorectal cancer expressing different levels of proteins involved in the Warburg‐effect
Authors: Jenniskens Josien C. A. , Offermans Kelly , Simons Colinda C. J. M. , Samarska Iryna , Fazzi Gregorio E. , Smits Kim M. , Schouten Leo J. , Weijenberg Matty P. , Grabsch Heike I. , van den Brandt Piet A.
Published: January 2022

Early‐life (childhood to adolescence) energy balance‐related factors (height, energy restriction, BMI) have been associated with adult colorectal cancer (CRC) risk. Warburg‐effect activation via PI3K/Akt‐signaling might explain this link. We investigated whether early‐life energy balance‐related factors were associated with risk of Warburg‐subtypes in CRC. We used immunohistochemistry for six proteins involved in the Warburg‐effect (LDHA, GLUT1, MCT4, PKM2, P53, and PTEN) on tissue microarrays of 2399 incident CRC cases from the prospective Netherlands Cohort Study (NLCS). Expression levels of all proteins were combined into a pathway‐based sum score and categorized into three Warburg‐subtypes (Warburg‐low/‐moderate/‐high). Multivariable Cox‐regression analyses were used to estimate associations of height, energy restriction proxies (exposure to Dutch Hunger Winter; Second World War [WWII]; Economic Depression) and adolescent BMI with Warburg‐subtypes in CRC. Height was positively associated with colon cancer in men, regardless of Warburg‐subtypes, and with Warburg‐low colon and Warburg‐moderate rectal cancer in women. Energy restriction during the Dutch Hunger Winter was inversely associated with colon cancer in men, regardless of Warburg‐subtypes. In women, energy restriction during the Hunger Winter and WWII was inversely associated with Warburg‐low colon cancer, whereas energy restriction during the Economic Depression was positively associated with Warburg‐high colon cancer. Adolescent BMI was positively associated with Warburg‐high colon cancer in men, and Warburg‐moderate rectal cancer in women. In conclusion, the Warburg‐effect seems to be involved in associations of adolescent BMI with colon cancer in men, and of energy restriction during the Economic Depression with colon cancer in women. Further research is needed to validate these results.
Appropriateness of hysterectomies at the time of surgical removal of presumed benign adnexal masses
Authors: Barake Carole , Atwani Rula , Jaafar Narjes , Tamim Hani , Hobeika Elie , Chamsy Dina
Published: January 2022

Objective

To evaluate factors that affect a gynecologist’s decision to remove an asymptomatic uterus at the time of removal of a presumed benign adnexal mass.

Methods

Retrospective chart review of hysterectomies conducted when removing presumed benign adnexal masses at a tertiary‐care academic center. Primary outcome was the final pathology of the adnexal mass to determine whether the hysterectomy was medically indicated. Secondary outcomes included the rate of postoperative complications.

Results

We included 185 out of 1415 charts. Most hysterectomies were performed by gynecologic oncologists (68.8%); 113 (61%) had a frozen section and of those, 76 (67.3%) were benign. Final adnexal pathology was benign in 135 (73%) cases. Using a bivariate analysis, menopausal status (P = 0.019), parity (P = 0.047), sonographic appearance of the mass (P = 0.049), and the physician’s preoperative suspicion for malignancy (P < 0.001) were significantly associated with the final adnexal pathology. At the multivariate level, only the physician’s suspicion for malignancy was significantly associated with the final adnexal pathology (P < 0.0001) with an odds ratio of 7.28 (95% confidence interval 3.11–17.02).

Conclusion

Despite gynecologists' capacity to predict the malignant nature of an adnexal mass, 135 of 185 (73%) hysterectomies were performed without a clear medical indication, at the time of removal of benign adnexal masses.
Severe maternal outcome in Afghan immigrant women: A study in Tehran, Iran
Authors: Yaghoubi Fatemeh , Akbari Nahid , Kashanian Maryam , Moradi Lakeh Maziar , Sheikhansari Narges
Published: January 2022

Objective

To evaluate the risk factors for severe maternal outcome (SMO) in Afghan immigrant women.

Methods

Women with potentially life‐threatening conditions (PLTC) were selected. Then risk factors for those PLTC which led to SMO (maternal near‐miss or maternal death) were evaluated. In addition, risk factors for those SMOs occurring on hospital admission or during the first 12 hours after admission to the hospital (SMO12) were evaluated.

Results

Parity ≥3 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.24, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.62–6.50, P = 0.03), low literacy level in mother (aOR 2.99, 95% CI 1.16–5.01, P = 0.03), inadequate prenatal care (aOR 2.74, 95% CI 1.2–3.87, P = 0.01), multigravidity (gravidity ≥5: aOR 2.62, 95% CI 1.31–4.53, P = 0.03), lack of health insurance (aOR 2.52, 95% CI 1.25–4.02, P = 0.01), and low literacy level in husband (aOR = 1.49, 95% CI 1.15–2.9, P = 0.02) were the risk factors for SMO in women with PLTC. Inadequate prenatal care (aOR 4.2, 95% CI 2.05–8.25, P = 0.04), low literacy level in mother (aOR 3.38, 95% CI 1.32–6.65, P = 0.04), parity ≥3 (aOR 2.69, 95% CI 1.16–4.7, P = 0.04), and lack of health insurance (aOR 2.13, 95% CI 1.25–3.67, P = 0.03) were risk factors for SMO12.

Conclusion

There was a higher rate of SMO and SMO12 cases among Afghan immigrant women.