bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A deep learning approach for multi‐stage classification of brain tumor through magnetic resonance images
Authors: Gull Sahar , Akbar Shahzad , Naqi Syed Muhammad
Published: May 2023

Brain tumor is the 10th major cause of death among humans. The detection of brain tumor is a significant process in the medical field. Therefore, the objective of this research work is to propose a fully automated deep learning framework for multistage classification. Besides, this study focuses on to develop an efficient and reliable system using a convolutional neural network (CNN). In this study, the fast bounding box technique is used for segmentation. Moreover, the CNN layers‐based three models are developed for multistage classification through magnetic resonance images on three publicly available datasets. The first dataset is obtained from Kaggle Repository (Dataset‐1), the second dataset is known as Figshare (Dataset‐2), and the third dataset is called REMBRANDT (Dataset‐3) to classify the MR images into different grades. Different augmentation techniques are applied to increase the data size of MR images. In pre‐processing, the proposed models achieved higher Peak Signal‐to‐Noise ratio to remove noise. The first proposed deep CNN framework mentioned as Classification‐1 has obtained 99.40% accuracy, which classified MR images into two classes, that is (i) normal and (ii) abnormal, while the second proposed CNN framework mentioned as Classification‐2 has obtained 97.78% accuracy, which classified brain tumor into three types, which are meningioma, glioma, and pituitary. Similarly, the third developed CNN framework mentioned as Classification‐3 has obtained 98.91% accuracy that further classified MR images of tumors into four different classes as: Grade I, Grade II, Grade III, and Grade IV. The results demonstrate that the proposed models achieved better performance on three large and diverse datasets. The comparison of obtained outcomes shows that the developed models are more efficient and effective than state‐of‐the‐art methods.
Ready Biodegradability study and insights with ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatograph coupled to a quadrupole time of flight of a Metformin‐based drug and of Metarecod, a natural substance‐based medical device
Authors: Proietti Giacomo , Burico Michela , Quintiero Claudio Marzio , Giovagnoni Emiliano , Mercati Valentino , Gianni Mattia , Mattoli Luisa
Published: May 2023

Drugs are indispensable products with incontrovertible benefits to human health and lifestyle. However, due to their overuse and improper disposal, unwanted residues of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) have been found in different compartments of the environment and now are considered as contaminants of emerging concern (CECs). Therefore, they are very likely to have a boomerang effect on human health, because they can enter into the food cycle. In the current legislation framework, one of the tests first used to evaluate biodegradation of APIs as well as chemical compounds is the ready biodegradability test (RBT). This test can be performed according to a series of protocols prepared by Organization for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD) and usually is carried out on pure compounds. RBTs, largely used due to their relatively low cost, perceived standardization, and straightforward implementation and interpretation, are known to have a number of well‐documented limitations. In this work, following a recently reported approach, we propose to improve the evaluation of the RBT results applying advanced analytical techniques based on mass spectrometry, not only to the APIs but also to complex formulated products, as the biodegradability can potentially be affected by the formulation. We evaluated the ready biodegradability of two therapeutic products, Product A—a drug based on Metformin—and Product B—Metarecod a natural substance‐based medical device—through the acquisition of the fingerprint by ultra‐high‐performance chromatograph coupled to a quadrupole time of flight (UHPLC‐qToF) of samples coming from the RBT OECD 301F. Untargeted and targeted evaluation confirmed the different behavior of the two products during the respirometry‐manometric test, which showed a difficulty of the Metformin‐based drug to come back in the life cycle, whereas Metarecod resulted ready biodegradable. The positive results of this research will hopefully be useful in the future for a better evaluation of the risk/benefit ratio of APIs extended to the environment.
The more the merrier or too many cooks spoil the pot? A meta‐analytic examination of team size and team effectiveness
Authors: Bernerth Jeremy B. , Beus Jeremy M. , Helmuth Catherine A. , Boyd Terrance L.
Published: May 2023

Scholars often implicitly assume that team size is associated with team effectiveness, but there is evidence of meaningful variability in this relationship that may correspond with competing theoretical perspectives. In particular, positive effect sizes between team size and team effectiveness correspond with a human capital perspective; negative effect sizes correspond with a process loss perspective. This study tests a series of contextual moderators aimed at evaluating these competing theories. Our team‐level meta‐analysis (k = 208, N = 21 435) confirmed a null, yet extremely variable, relationship (
 = .00) between team size and team task performance. Importantly, we find support for both theoretical perspectives through our moderator analyses, with team size being more strongly associated with performance when tasks are complex, consistent with a human capital perspective, but less strongly associated with performance when high coordination requirements are coupled with low task complexity, consistent with a process loss perspective. Contrary to our expectations, the relationship between team size and team task performance did not vary as a function of national culture. Meta‐analyses of associations between team size and other team‐level effectiveness indicators revealed connections with deviant behaviors (
 = .17) and passive withdrawal behaviors (
 = .13) and a small negative relationship (
 = −.04) with team attitudes. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of these findings.
Analysis of Himalayan summer monsoon rainfall characteristics using Indian High‐Resolution Regional Reanalysis
Authors: Saini Rohtash , Attada Raju
Published: May 2023

This study assesses the high‐resolution Indian Monsoon Data Assimilation and Analysis (IMDAA) dataset in representing the Indian summer monsoon (ISM) precipitation over the Himalayan region against ground‐based gridded (IMD), satellite‐based (TRMM, GPM‐IMERG and CHIRPS) and ERA5 reanalysis datasets at seasonal mean, trends, interannual and diurnal timescales. We first evaluate the relative performance of IMDAA rainfall using various statistical performance measures against the aforementioned datasets. Analysis suggests that IMDAA successfully captures the spatial distribution of ISM mean precipitation and seasonal cycle of daily rainfall over the Himalayas as in gridded, satellite and ERA5 reanalysis datasets, albeit with some overestimation in magnitude. Furthermore, statistical results show that IMDAA exhibits a wetter tendency, more RMSE, and higher precipitation variations over the foothills of the Himalayas. The results of the skill score determine that IMDAA diligently captured moderate and extreme precipitation events but was unable to detect heavy and low‐precipitation events. Our analysis further reveals that IMDAA shows a positive trend in mean ISM precipitation over the western Himalayan region, in line with CHIRPS, IMERG, IMD, ERA5 and TRMM datasets. Investigation of rainfall trends from station observations over the foothills of the Himalayas revealed mixed trends, with some stations (Tehri, Uttarkashi and Mukhim) showing an increasing trend and others (Dunta and Bhatwari) showing a decreasing trend. However, IMDAA reanalysis agrees well with all gauge station‐based trends. Additionally, the interannual variability of Himalayan precipitation is well represented in IMDAA as its principal component correlates well with its seasonal precipitation anomalies. It is found that the leading empirical orthogonal function mode of IMDAA accounts 24% of the total variance, demonstrating a single mode of variability. Furthermore, it is noticeable that strong convective activity during wet ISM years than in dry years, suggesting that the IMDAA can capture these variations successfully compared to ERA5. The interannual variability of ISM precipitation over the Himalayas is strongly associated with the El Niño–Southern Oscillation, which is well represented by IMDAA. In addition, IMDAA successfully replicated the diurnal cycle of precipitation over the central Himalayas, showing the presence of bimodal precipitation maxima: one in the afternoon and another one in the early morning, which is consistent with satellite observations. Thus, our results suggest that the IMDAA is a valuable dataset to understand the spatial–temporal pattern of summer precipitation over such a complex high mountain Asian region.
Optimum selection criteria for secondary cytoreductive surgery in patients with recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer: A multicenter study from the Gynecologic Oncology Research Investigators coLLaborAtion group (GORILLA‐3001)
Authors: Son Joo‐Hyuk , Kong Tae‐Wook , Park Soo Jin , Lee Eun Ji , Kim Hee Seung , Kim Nam Kyeong , Kim Yeorae , Hwang Woo Yeon , Suh Dong Hoon , Kim Tae Hun , Yang Eun Jung , Shim Seung‐Hyuk , Chang Suk‐Joon
Published: May 2023

Background

To identify those most likely to benefit from secondary cytoreductive surgery (SCS), we evaluated the survival outcomes and factors predictive of prognosis in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with recurrent ovarian cancer treated at five high‐volume Korean hospitals between 2010 and 2021. Recurrence characteristics, treatment methods, and potential predictors of survival were compared between the chemotherapy and surgery groups.

Results

Among all 670 patients, 88.1% had initial stage III/IV disease, and 215 (32.1%) underwent SCS. Among patients who underwent SCS, only those who achieved complete resection exhibited improved survival. Even in patients with residual disease < 1 cm after SCS, we observed no significant survival benefit (p = 0.942). In the multivariate Cox analysis, residual disease at primary surgery, progression‐free interval, recurrence sites (≤3 regions or limited carcinomatosis), ascites, and SCS were significant predictors of survival. Meanwhile, the only factor predictive of complete resection after SCS was recurrence sites (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The benefits of SCS appear to be exclusive to cases of complete resection. We propose limited regional platinum‐sensitive recurrence (≤3 regions or limited carcinomatosis) without ascites as the optimum selection criteria for SCS.
The effects of different photon beam energies in stereotactic radiosurgery with cones
Authors: Ding George X. , Homann Kenneth L.
Published: May 2023

Background

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) relies on small fields to ablate lesions. Currently, linac based treatment is delivered via circular cones using a 6 MV beam. There is interest in both lower energy photon beams, which can offer steeper dose fall off as well as higher energy photon beams, which have higher dose rates, thus reducing radiation delivery times. Of interest in this study is the 2.5 MV beam developed for imaging applications and both the 6 and 10 MV flattening‐filter‐free (FFF) beams, which can achieve dose rates up to 2400 cGy/min.

Purpose

This study aims to assess the benefit and feasibility among different energy beams ranging from 2.5 to 10 MV beams by evaluating the dosimetric effects of each beam and comparing the dose to organs‐at‐risk (OARs) for two separate patient plans. One based on a typical real patient tremor utilizing a 4 mm cone and the other a typical brain metastasis delivered with a 10 mm cone.

Methods

The Monte Carlo codes BEAMnrc/DOSXYZnrc were used to generate beams of 2.5 MV, 6 MV‐FFF, 6 MV‐SRS, 6 MV, 10 MV‐FFF, and 10 MV from a Varian TrueBeam except 6 MV‐SRS, which is taken from a Varian TX model linear accelerator. Each beam's energy spectrum, mean energy, %dd curve, and dose profile were obtained by analyzing the simulated beams. Calculated patient dose distributions were compared among six different energy beam configurations based on a realistic treatment plan for thalamotomy and a conventional brain metastasis plan. Dose to OARs were evaluated using dose–volume histograms for the same target dose coverage.

Results

The mean energies of photons within the primary beam projected area were insensitive to cone sizes and the values of percentage depth–dose curves (%dd) at d = 5 cm and SSD = 95 cm for a 4 mm (10 mm) cone ranges from 62.6 (64.4) to 82.2 (85.7) for beam energy ranging from 2.5 to 10 MV beams, respectively. Doses to OARs were evaluated among these beams based on real treatment plans delivering 15 000 and 2200 cGy to the target with a 4 and 10 mm cone, respectively. The maximum doses to the brainstem, which is 10 mm away from the isocenter, was found to be 434 (300), 632 (352), 691 (362), 733 (375), 822 (403), and 975 (441) cGy for 2.5 MV, 6 MV‐FFF, 6 MV‐SRS, 6 MV, 10 MV‐FFF, and 10 MV beams delivering 15 000 (2200) cGy target dose, respectively.

Conclusion

Using the 6 MV‐SRS as reference, changes of the maximum dose (691 cGy) to the brain stem are −37%, −9%, +6%, +19%, and 41% for 2.5 MV, 6 MV‐FFF, 6 MV, 10 MV‐FFF, and 10 MV beams, respectively, based on the thalamotomy plan, where the “‐” or “+” signs indicate the percentage decrease or increase. Changes of the maximum dose (362 cGy) to brain stem, based on the brain metastasis plan are much less for respective beam energies. The sum of 21 arcs beam‐on time was 39 min on our 6 MV‐SRS beam with 1000 cGy/min for thalamotomy. The beam‐on time can be reduced to 16 min with 10 MV‐FFF.
Naringin protects against inflammation and apoptosis induced by intestinal ischemia–reperfusion injury through deactivation of cGAS‐STING signaling pathway
Authors: Gu Lidan , Wang Fei , Wang Yilin , Sun Deen , Sun Yiming , Tian Tingting , Meng Qiang , Yin Lianhong , Xu Lina , Lu Xiaolong , Peng Jinyong , Lin Yuan , Sun Pengyuan
Published: May 2023

Effective amelioration of ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)‐induced intestinal injury and revealing its mechanisms remain the challenges in both preclinic and clinic. Potential mechanisms of naringin in ameliorating I/R‐induced intestinal injury remain unknown. Based on pre‐experiments, I/R‐injured rat intestine in vivo and hypoxia–reoxygenation (H/R)‐injured IEC‐6 cells in vitro were used to verify that naringin‐alleviated I/R‐induced intestinal injury was mediated via deactivating cGAS‐STING signaling pathway. Naringin improved intestinal damage using hematoxylin and eosin staining and decreased alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase contents in plasma. Naringin decreased inflammation characterized by reducing IL‐6, IL‐1β, TNF‐α, and IFN‐β contents in both plasma and IEC‐6 cells. Naringin mitigated oxidative stress via recovering superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and malondialdehyde levels in the I/R‐injured intestine. Naringin reduced the expression of apoptotic proteins, including Bax, caspase‐3, and Bcl‐2, and reduced terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP‐biotin nick‐end labeling‐positive cells both in vivo and in vitro, and decreased Hoechst 33342 signals in vitro. cGAS, STING, p‐TBK1, p‐IRF3, and NF‐κB expressions were up‐regulated both in vivo and in vitro respectively and the up‐regulated indexes were reversed by naringin. Transfection of cGAS‐siRNA and cGAS‐cDNA significantly down‐regulated and up‐regulated cGAS‐STING signaling‐related protein expressions, respectively, and partially weakened naringin‐induced amelioration on these indexes, suggesting that deactivation of cGAS‐STING signaling is the crucial target for naringin‐induced amelioration on I/R‐injured intestine.
Interaction effects of multiple input parameters on the integrity of safety instrumented systems with the k‐out‐of‐n redundancy arrangement under uncertainties
Authors: Xia Yanjun , Ding Linfei , Tang Zhang‐Chun
Published: May 2023

A safety instrumented system (SIS) is extensively used to prevent or reduce risk. The Probability of Failure to perform its intended functions on Demand (PFD) of a practical SIS may vary within multiple safety integrity levels (SIL) due to uncertainties relevant to input parameters. An SIS will be considered to be unsafe when its PFD is greater than a prescribed value, and unsafety probability (UP) is employed to measure the unsafety degree of the investigated SIS in this work. Redundancy architecture is commonly employed to improve the reliability of an SIS. This paper investigates the effects of multiple uncertain input parameters on the UP of an SIS with the k‐out‐of‐n redundancy arrangement. We derive the detailed formulations of the sensitivity for such effects and we also discuss the physical meaning of the proposed sensitivity. An example is employed to demonstrate the proposed sensitivity and the results show that the estimated sensitivity values will be kept to be unchanged with respect to the redundancy when the redundancy is high, whereas the results will vary with the redundancy when the redundancy is low. Meanwhile, we provide a comparison of the results for the truncated uncertain parameters and the non‐truncated uncertain parameters. The results for truncated uncertain parameters and non‐truncated uncertain parameters will approach the same values as the truncated region of the uncertain parameter reduces to zero. The results show that we can approximate the sensitivities of the truncated parameters by the ones of the non‐truncated parameters with less computation time when the truncated region is less than 10−3.
Effects of the learning curve on operative time and lymph node harvesting during robotic gastrectomy
Authors: Staderini Fabio , Barbato Giuseppe , Bottari Andrea , Russo Edda , Fortuna Laura , Giudici Francesco , Coratti Francesco , Stacchini Lorenzo , Indennitate Giampiero , Cianchi Fabio
Published: May 2023

Background

Gastric cancer is the fifth most frequent cancer globally. The introduction of minimally invasive surgery for gastric cancer aimed at reducing post‐operative morbidity and hospital length of stay. Although the role of laparoscopic gastrectomy has been established, robotic gastric surgery has only recently gained popularity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate, with a multidimensional analysis, the learning curve of a single surgeon with extensive experience in laparoscopic gastrectomy.

Methods

We prospectively collected data from 104 gastric cancer patients who underwent surgery with a robotic approach from June 2015 to June 2019 by a single surgeon. We performed 21 total gastrectomies (TGs) and 83 subtotal gastrectomies (STGs). A D2 lymphadenectomy was performed in all the patients. Proximal and distal resection margins were tumoour‐free in all patients. There were no intraoperative complications, and no conversions occurred.

Results

The plateau of the learning curve based on harvesting lymph nodes and operative time was not reached for TG. The learning curve of operative time for STG could be divided into three different phases: an early or learning phase from 1 to 27 cases, an intermediate or proficiency phase from 28 to 48 cases, and a late or mastery phase from 49 to 83 cases. The learning curve for harvesting lymph nodes was achieved after 41 cases in the STG group.

Conclusion

This study shows that robotic gastrectomy is a complex procedure with a significant multiphasic learning curve. Nevertheless, the robotic learning curve seems to be more rapid than that of conventional laparoscopy. Most importantly, our results suggest that the robotic technique can provide oncological adequacy in terms of lymph node harvesting even in the very first phase of the learning curve.
Selenium nanoparticles improve nickel‐induced testosterone synthesis disturbance by down‐regulating miR‐708‐5p/p38 MAPK pathway in Leydig cells
Authors: Wang Shuang , Gu Xueyan , Ma Jianhua , Gu Zhangyu , Zhang Rui , Li Ruifen , Bai Jun , Li Peng , Wei Linyu , Ye Yixing , Wang Yan , Zhang Li , Su Li , Liang Changhao
Published: May 2023

The present study was designed to investigate the role of miR‐708‐5p/p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway during the mechanism of selenium nanoparticles (Nano‐Se) against nickel (Ni)‐induced testosterone synthesis disorder in rat Leydig cells. We conducted all procedures based on in vitro culture of rat primary Leydig cells. After treating Leydig cells with Nano‐Se and NiSO4 alone or in combination for 24 h, we determined the cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, testosterone production, and the protein expression of key enzymes involved in testosterone biosynthesis: steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) and cytochrome P450 cholesterol side chain cleavage enzyme (CYP11A1). The results indicated that Nano‐Se antagonized cytotoxicity and eliminated ROS generation induced by NiSO4, suppressed p38 MAPK protein phosphorylation and reduced miR‐708‐5p expression. Importantly, we found that Nano‐Se upregulated the expression of testosterone synthase and increased testosterone production in Leydig cells. Furthermore, we investigated the effects of p38 MAPK and miR‐708‐5p using their specific inhibitor during Nano‐Se against Ni‐induced testosterone synthesis disorder. The results showed that Ni‐inhibited testosterone secretion was alleviated by Nano‐Se co‐treatment with p38 MAPK specific inhibitor SB203580 and miR‐708‐5p inhibitor, respectively. In conclusion, these findings suggested Nano‐Se could inhibit miR‐708‐5p/p38 MAPK pathway, and up‐regulate the key enzymes protein expression for testosterone synthesis, thereby antagonizing Ni‐induced disorder of testosterone synthesis in Leydig cells.
Whole genome resequencing and phenotyping of MAGIC population for high resolution mapping of drought tolerance in chickpea
Authors: Thudi Mahendar , Samineni Srinivasan , Li Wenhao , Boer Martin P. , Roorkiwal Manish , Yang Zuoquan , Ladejobi Funmi , Zheng Chaozhi , Chitikineni Annapurna , Nayak Sourav , He Zhang , Valluri Vinod , Bajaj Prasad , Khan Aamir W. , Gaur Pooran M. , van Eeuwijk Fred , Mott Richard , Xin Liu , Varshney Rajeev K.
Published: May 2023

Terminal drought is one of the major constraints to crop production in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). In order to map drought tolerance related traits at high resolution, we sequenced multi‐parent advanced generation intercross (MAGIC) population using whole genome resequencing approach and phenotyped it under drought stress environments for two consecutive years (2013–14 and 2014–15). A total of 52.02 billion clean reads containing 4.67 TB clean data were generated on the 1136 MAGIC lines and eight parental lines. Alignment of clean data on to the reference genome enabled identification of a total, 932,172 of SNPs, 35,973 insertions, and 35,726 deletions among the parental lines. A high‐density genetic map was constructed using 57,180 SNPs spanning a map distance of 1606.69 cM. Using compressed mixed linear model, genome‐wide association study (GWAS) enabled us to identify 737 markers significantly associated with days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height, 100 seed weight, biomass, and harvest index. In addition to the GWAS approach, an identity‐by‐descent (IBD)‐based mixed model approach was used to map quantitative trait loci (QTLs). The IBD‐based mixed model approach detected major QTLs that were comparable to those from the GWAS analysis as well as some exclusive QTLs with smaller effects. The candidate genes like FRIGIDA and CaTIFY4b can be used for enhancing drought tolerance in chickpea. The genomic resources, genetic map, marker‐trait associations, and QTLs identified in the study are valuable resources for the chickpea community for developing climate resilient chickpeas.
Evaluating the accuracy of a six‐lead smartphone‐based electrocardiographic device compared with standard electrocardiography in brachymorphic dogs
Authors: Romito Giovanni , Castagna Prisca , Sabetti Maria Chiara , Ablondi Michela , Cipone Mario
Published: May 2023

Background

No previous study has evaluated the accuracy of a six‐lead smartphone‐based electrocardiographic (s‐ECG) device in dogs.

Methods

This was a prospective multicentre study. Patients referred for cardiologic consultation were selected. In each patient, a 30‐second electrocardiogram was simultaneously acquired with a novel six‐lead s‐ECG and a standard six‐lead ECG machine (st‐ECG). A board‐certified cardiologist evaluated each recording. Nineteen ECG variables, including heart rate and rhythm, as well as quantitative and qualitative features of waves, segments and intervals, were analysed. Agreement between s‐ECG and st‐ECG was evaluated using Cohen's kappa coefficient and the Bland–Altman test.

Results

Seventy‐five dogs were enrolled, and 140 ECG tracings were analysed. There was perfect agreement between the two methodologies for heart rate and rhythm classification, both in dogs with sinus rhythm and those with pathological rhythms. Although some disagreement was found when comparing measurements of quantitative variables obtained with the s‐ECG and the st‐ECG, none of the differences was of clinical relevance.

Limitations

The sample size was limited, and the interobserver variability was not analysed.

Conclusion

The six‐lead s‐ECG studied herein is comparable to the st‐ECG for heart rate and rhythm assessment, and seems clinically acceptable for the interpretation of waves, segments and intervals in dogs.
Time‐dependent coupled‐cluster theory
Authors: Sverdrup Ofstad Benedicte , Aurbakken Einar , Sigmundson Schøyen Øyvind , Kristiansen Håkon Emil , Kvaal Simen , Pedersen Thomas Bondo
Published: May 2023

Recent years have witnessed an increasing interest in time‐dependent coupled‐cluster (TDCC) theory for simulating laser‐driven electronic dynamics in atoms and molecules, and for simulating molecular vibrational dynamics. Starting from the time‐dependent bivariational principle, we review different flavors of single‐reference TDCC theory with either orthonormal static, orthonormal time‐dependent, or biorthonormal time‐dependent spin orbitals. The time‐dependent extension of equation‐of‐motion coupled‐cluster theory is also discussed, along with the applications of TDCC methods to the calculation of linear absorption spectra, linear and low‐order nonlinear response functions, highly nonlinear high harmonic generation spectra and ionization dynamics. In addition, the role of TDCC theory in finite‐temperature many‐body quantum mechanics is briefly described along with a few other application areas.

This article is categorized under:

Electronic Structure Theory > Ab Initio Electronic Structure Methods

Theoretical and Physical Chemistry > Spectroscopy

Software > Simulation Methods
Motion through a viscous liquid sphere enclosed by a solid core embedded into a Brinkman medium
Authors: Sakthivel Shyamala , Shukla Pankaj
Published: May 2023

The flow around a solid spherical particle encased in a Newtonian liquid sphere and immersed in a couple stress fluid medium is studied. The problem is expressed by using the Brinkman and Stokes equations, which describe both the flow outside and inside the liquid sphere, respectively. The Gegenbauer polynomials and modified Bessel function are used to express the stream function solution for the internal and external regions. An analytical determination for the flow field in terms of stream function is examined by wielding the method of separation of variables. The drag force on a solid spherical particle placed in a permeable region is calculated. On the drag coefficient, the effects of the permeability κ, the viscosity ratio γ2, and the couple stress parameter λ are investigated. Corresponding dependencies (such as the permeability parameter, couple stress parameter, viscosity ratio, and separation parameter) are graphically represented and discussed. The findings shows when the separation parameter is increased the drag coefficient gradually increases, it refers to a sphere surface with a high level of flow resistance. Passages to the limits are used to describe known specific cases. The present study is essentially significant in the course through a layer developed by penetrable particles and has very important and persuasive applications both in nature and innovation, with various potential outcomes. Thus, the discoveries of this article are comprehensively pertinent to the investigation of the flow of permeable liquids past spherical permeable rocks, aloxite materials, sand beds, earthen soil, petrol supply rocks, and so forth. The present application will support in planning a productive bearing framework.
Postoperative thyroglobulin as a yard-stick for radioiodine therapy: decision tree analysis in a European multicenter series of 1317 patients with differentiated thyroid cancer
Authors: Giovanella Luca , Milan Lisa , Roll Wolfgang , Weber Manuel , Schenke Simone , Kreissl Michael , Vrachimis Alexis , Pabst Kim , Murat Tuncel , Petranovic Ovcaricek Petra , Riemann Burkhard , Ceriani Luca , Campenni Alfredo , Görges Rainer
Published: May 2023

Purpose

An accurate postoperative assessment is pivotal to inform postoperative131I treatment in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). We developed a predictive model for post-treatment whole-body scintigraphy (PT-WBS) results (as a proxy for persistent disease) by adopting a decision tree model.

Methods

Age, sex, histology, T stage, N stage, risk classes, remnant estimation, TSH, and Tg were identified as potential predictors and were put into regression algorithm (conditional inference tree, ctree) to develop a risk stratification model for predicting the presence of metastases in PT-WBS.

Results

The lymph node (N) stage identified a partition of the population into two subgroups (N-positive vs N-negative). Among N-positive patients, a Tg value  > 23.3 ng/mL conferred a 83% probability to have metastatic disease compared to those with lower Tg values. Additionally, N-negative patients were further substratified in three subgroups with different risk rates according to their Tg values. The model remained stable and reproducible in the iterative process of cross validation.

Conclusions

We developed a simple and robust decision tree model able to provide reliable informations on the probability of persistent/metastatic DTC after surgery. These information may guide post-surgery131I administration and select patients requiring curative rather than adjuvant131I therapy schedules.
Study of the wavelength dependence of the absorption function of diesel soot by LII modeling integrating the effect of multiple scattering within aggregates
Authors: Lemaire Romain , Menanteau Sébastien
Published: May 2023

This work represents a first attempt at proposing a refined LII model suitable for simulating signals collected with excitation wavelengths (EWs) of 266, 355, 532 and 1064 nm. In this context, we implemented a comprehensive version of laser-irradiated soot heat and mass balance equations integrating terms representing the saturation of linear, single- and multi-photon absorption processes, cooling by sublimation, conduction, radiation and thermionic emission, as well as mechanisms depicting soot oxidation and annealing, non-thermal photodesorption of carbon clusters and corrective factors accounting for the shielding effect and multiple scattering (MS) within aggregates. This simulation tool was fully parameterized, by coupling design of experiments with a genetic algorithm-based solver, against data collected at different heights above the burner (HAB) in a diesel spray flame. This allowed to assess values of different model parameters involved in absorption and sublimation terms, which, to date, have never been reported in LII modeling studies for UV EWs (e.g., multi-photon absorption cross sections for C2 photodesorption and saturation coefficients for linear- and multi-photon absorption). The simulation work proposed herein then enabled to infer information regarding the evolution of the absorption function of soot ($$E\left(m,\lambda \right)$$

E

m
,
λ

). $$E\left(m,266\right)$$

E

m
,
266

, $$E(m,355)$$

E
(
m
,
355
)

and $$E(m,532)$$

E
(
m
,
532
)

ranging from 0.25 to 0.51, 0.20 to 0.38 and 0.18 to 0.30, respectively, were notably estimated as a function of the HAB. Alternatively, values ranging from 0.31 to 0.53, 0.26 to 0.44 and 0.22 to 0.38 were assessed while neglecting the effect of MS and provided constant $$E(m,266)$$

E
(
m
,
266
)

/$$E(m,1064)$$

E
(
m
,
1064
)

, $$E(m,355)$$

E
(
m
,
355
)

/$$E(m,1064)$$

E
(
m
,
1064
)

and $$E(m,532)$$

E
(
m
,
532
)

/$$E(m,1064)$$

E
(
m
,
1064
)

ratios of 1.4, 1.2 and 1.0, regardless of the HAB. In addition, the obtained results showed that the wavelength dependence of the soot absorption function was quite negligible for EWs higher than 532 nm, irrespective of whether the effect of MS was considered or neglected. On the other hand, aggregate properties were proven to substantially influence the $$E(m,\lambda )$$

E
(
m
,
λ
)

/$$E(m,1064)$$

E
(
m
,
1064
)

ratios for decreasing $$\lambda$$
λ
and increasing HAB, thus illustrating the significant effect of aggregation on the optical properties of soot. Finally, the results issued from the different analyses we conducted on the diesel flame investigated in this paper led to the conclusion that values of $$E\left(m,\lambda \right),$$

E

m
,
λ

,

falling within the 0.38 ± 0.15 and 0.29 ± 0.11 range at 266 and 355 nm, versus 0.25 ± 0.09 at 532 and 1064 nm could be considered as suitable for simulating LII signals of progressively aging aggregated particles.
Dietary supplements increase the risk of excessive micronutrient intakes in Danish children
Authors: Christensen Camilla , Matthiessen Jeppe , Fagt Sisse , Biltoft-Jensen Anja
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Dietary supplement use is common in Northern Europe. Many dietary supplements contain 100% of nutrient reference values (NRV) of micronutrients. This study investigates the contribution of dietary supplements to micronutrient intake, the prevalence of excess intake of micronutrients, and parental characteristics of dietary supplement use in Danish children.

Methods

Data on 499 4–10-year-old children from the Danish National Survey of Diet and Physical Activity 2011–2013 were analysed using non-parametric statistics to compare micronutrient intake from the diet and dietary supplements to the reference intake (RI), and to the tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for users and non-users of dietary supplements. Furthermore, characteristics of the parents of users and non-users of dietary supplements were examined by logistic regression analysis.

Results

Sixty-four percent of the children were dietary supplement users. Multivitamin-mineral supplements were the most frequently used type of supplement (60%). Children of never-smokers were more likely to use supplements than children of smokers. Users had significantly higher total intakes of 15 micronutrients compared to non-users. Intakes of vitamin A, zinc, and iodine from the diet alone exceeded ULs in 12–30% of the children. Use of dietary supplements gave rise to 21–73% of children in exceedance of the aforementioned three ULs as well as the UL for iron (6–45%).

Conclusion

Dietary supplement use was common among 4–10-year-old Danish children and resulted in a considerable proportion of users exceeding the ULs for vitamin A, zinc, iodine, and iron. The long-term health consequences of exceeding these ULs for children are unknown.
Termination of amnesiac flooding
Authors: Hussak Walter , Trehan Amitabh
Published: May 2023

We consider a stateless ‘amnesiac’ variant of the stateful distributed network flooding algorithm, expanding on our conference papers [PODC’19, STACS’20]. Flooding begins with a set of source ‘initial’ nodesIseeking to broadcast a messageMin rounds, in a network represented by an undirected graph (G, E) with set of nodesGand edgesE. In every round, nodes withMsendMto all neighbours from which they did not receiveMin the previous round. Nodes do not remember earlier rounds, raising the possibility thatMcirculates indefinitely. Stateful flooding overcomes this by nodes recording every message circulated and ignoringMif received again. This overhead was assumed to be necessary. We show that almost optimal broadcast can still be achieved without this overhead. We prove that amnesiac flooding terminates on every finite graph and derive sharp bounds for termination times. Define (G, E) to beI-bipartiteif the quotient graph, contracting all nodes inIto a single node, is bipartite. We prove that, ifdis the diameter ande(I) the eccentricity of the setI, flooding terminates ine(I) rounds if (G, E) is I-bipartite andjrounds withe(I) <j$$\le $$≤$$e(I)+d+1 \le 2d +1$$e(I)+d+1≤2d+1if (G, E) is non I-bipartite. The separation in the termination times can be used for distributed discovery of topologies/distances in graphs. Termination is guaranteed if edges are lost during flooding but not, in general, if there is a delay at an edge. However, the cases of single-edge fixed delays of duration$$\tau $$τrounds in single-source bipartite graphs terminate by round$$2d+\tau -1$$2d+τ-1, and all cases of multiple-edge fixed delays in multiple-source cycles terminate.
Fluid management and vasopressor use during colorectal surgery: the search for the optimal balance
Authors: Huisman Daitlin E. , Bootsma Boukje T. , Ingwersen Erik W. , Reudink Muriël , Slooter Gerrit D. , Stens Jurre , Daams Freek ,   the LekCheck Study group, Roumen Rudi M. H. M. H. , van Rooijen Stefanus J. , Bleeker Wim , Stassen Laurents P. S. , Jongen Audrey , Feo Carlo V. , Targa Simone , Komen Niels , Kroon Hidde M. , Sammour Tarik , Lagae Emmanuel A. G. L. , Talsma Aalbert K. , Wegdam Johannes A. , de Vries Reilingh Tammo S. , van Wely Bob , van Hoogstraten Marie J. , Sonneveld Dirk J. A. , Verdaasdonk Emiel G. G.
Published: May 2023

Background

Although it is known that excessive intraoperative fluid and vasopressor agents are detrimental for anastomotic healing, optimal anesthesiology protocols for colorectal surgery are currently lacking.

Objective

To scrutinize the current hemodynamic practice and vasopressor use and their relation to colorectal anastomotic leakage.

Design

A secondary analysis of a previously published prospective observational study: the LekCheck study.

Study setting

Adult patients undergoing a colorectal resection with the creation of a primary anastomosis.

Outcome measures

Colorectal anastomotic leakage (CAL) within 30 days postoperatively, hospital length of stay and 30-day mortality.

Results

Of the 1548 patients, 579 (37%) received vasopressor agents during surgery. Of these, 201 were treated with solely noradrenaline, 349 were treated with phenylephrine, and 29 received ephedrine. CAL rate significantly differed between the patients receiving vasopressor agents during surgery compared to patients without (11.8% vs 6.3%, p < 0.001). CAL was significantly higher in the group receiving phenylephrine compared to noradrenaline (14.3% vs 6%, p < 0.001). Vasopressor agents were used more often in patients treated with Goal Directed Therapy (47% vs 34.6%, p < 0.001). There was a higher mortality rate in patients with vasopressors compared to the group without (2.8% vs 0.4%, p = 0.01, OR 3.8). Mortality was higher in the noradrenaline group compared to the phenylephrine and those without vasopressors (5% vs. 0.4% and 1.7%, respectively, p < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, patients with intraoperative vasopressor agents had an increased risk to develop CAL (OR 2.1, CI 1.3–3.2, p = 0.001).

Conclusion

The present study contributes to the evidence that intraoperative use of vasopressor agents is associated with a higher rate of CAL. This study helps to create awareness on the (necessity to) use of vasopressor agents in colorectal surgery patients in striving for successful anastomotic wound healing. Future research will be required to balance vasopressor agent dosage in view of colorectal anastomotic leakage.
Non-oral continuous drug delivery based therapies and sleep dysfunction in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Tall P. , Qamar M. A. , Batzu L. , Leta V. , Falup-Pecurariu C. , Ray Chaudhuri K.
Published: May 2023

Continuous drug delivery (CDD) has emerged as a feasible and pragmatic therapeutic option for dopamine replacement therapy in advanced Parkinson’s disease (PD). CDD aims to mimic the physiological tonic dopamine release from striatal dopaminergic neurons and thus reduces the severity and duration of motor and non-motor fluctuations partly related to pulsatile levodopa stimulation. Non-motor symptoms and fluctuations are ubiquitous in PD and include sleep dysfunction, a problem that occurs in over 90% of PD patients across all stages, from prodromal to palliative. In this review, we discuss the currently available and in development non-oral dopaminergic CDD strategies with a focus on their efficacy in the treatment of the burdensome sleep dysfunction in PD.
Biological properties of Ceraputty as a retrograde filling material: an in vitro study on hPDLSCs
Authors: López-García Sergio , Rodríguez-Lozano Francisco J. , Sanz José Luis , Forner Leopoldo , Pecci-Lloret María Pilar , Lozano Adrián , Murcia Laura , Sánchez-Bautista Sonia , Oñate-Sánchez Ricardo E.
Published: May 2023

Objectives

To assess the cytocompatibility and bioactive potential of the new calcium silicate-based cement Ceraputty on human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) compared to Biodentine and Endosequence BC root repair material (ERRM).

Materials and methods

hPDLSCs were isolated from extracted third molars from healthy donors. Standardized sample discs and 1:1, 1:2, and 1:4 eluates of the tested materials were prepared. The following assays were performed: surface element distribution via SEM–EDX, cell attachment and morphology via SEM, cell viability via a MTT assay, osteo/cemento/odontogenic marker expression via RT-qPCR, and cell calcified nodule formation via Alizarin Red S staining. hPDLSCs cultured in unconditioned or osteogenic media were used as negative and positive control groups, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA or two-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test. Statistical significance was established at p < 0.05.

Results

The highest Ca2+ peak was detected from Biodentine samples, followed by ERRM and Ceraputty. hPDLSC viability was significantly reduced in Ceraputty samples (p < 0.001), while 1:2 and 1:4 Biodentine and ERRM samples similar results to that of the negative control (p > 0.05). Biodentine and ERRM exhibited an upregulation of at least one cemento/odonto/osteogenic marker compared to the negative and positive control groups. Cells cultured with Biodentine produced a significantly higher calcified nodule formation than ERRM and Ceraputty (p < 0.001), which were also higher than the control groups (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Ceraputty evidenced a reduced cytocompatibility towards hPDLSCs on its lowest dilutions compared to the other tested cements and the control group. Biodentine and ERRM promoted a significantly higher mineralization and osteo/cementogenic marker expression on hPDLSCs compared with Ceraputty. Further studies are necessary to verify the biological properties of this new material and its adequacy as a retrograde filling material.

Clinical relevance

This is the first study to elucidate the adequate biological properties of Ceraputty for its use as a retrograde filling material.
Antenatal pyelonephritis: a three-year retrospective cohort study of two Irish maternity centres
Authors: Barry Rachel , Houlihan Elaine , Knowles Susan J. , Eogan Maeve , Drew Richard J.
Published: May 2023

Pyelonephritis affects 1–2% of pregnant women, and is associated with significant maternal and fetal morbidity. Antenatal pyelonephritis has been associated with PPROM (preterm premature rupture of membranes), preterm labour, low birth weight (LBW) and prematurity. A three-year retrospective dual-centre cohort study of antenatal pyelonephritis cases was conducted in two neighbouring Irish maternity hospitals – the Rotunda Hospital (RH) and the National Maternity Hospital (NMH). Patient demographics, clinical presentation, investigations, management and maternal/neonatal outcomes were recorded. A total of 47,676 deliveries (24,768 RH; 22,908 NMH) were assessed. 158 cases of antenatal pyelonephritis were identified (n = 88 RH, n = 70 NMH), with an incidence of 0.33%. The median age was 28 years. The median gestation was 27 + 6 weeks, with 51% presenting before 28 weeks’ gestation. Risk factors included; obesity (18.4%), diabetes mellitus (13.3%) and self-reported clinical history of recurrent urinary tract infection (28.5%). Rate of relapse with UTI in the same pregnancy was 8.2%. Renal ultrasound was performed in 30.4%. Predominant uropathogens were Escherichia coli (60%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (11%) and Proteus mirabilis (5%). 7.5% of cases had a concurrent bloodstream infection, 13.3% of cases were complicated by sepsis and 1.9% with septic shock. Complications including PPROM (6.3%), preterm delivery < 37 weeks’ gestation (11%), LBW < 2,500 g (8.2%) were comparable between sites. Delivery within 72 hours of diagnosis was noted in 7% (n = 11) of patients, of which three were preterm and one had LBW. Appropriate and prompt investigation and management of antenatal pyelonephritis is essential given the associated maternal and neonatal morbidity.
Antibiotic responsibility and agricultural publics: diverse stakeholder perceptions of antibiotic use in animal agriculture
Authors: Lansing David M. , Barrett Jaime
Published: May 2023

This paper examines diverse perspectives around the concept of responsibility concerning antibiotic use in animal agriculture. Antibiotic use in agriculture has been identified as a source of antimicrobial resistance, one of the largest public health threats today. In the United States, efforts to curb antibiotic use in farming draws on a diverse range of actors—including farmers, veterinarians, consumers, and public health advocates—and relies on a mix of industry standards and federal guidelines around responsible use. The paper selects a similarly diverse range of people and employs Q methodology to query the points of disagreement and consensus around the practices that constitute responsible antibiotic use in animal agriculture, and who is responsible for antimicrobial resistance. We find a diverse mix of actor types across three discourses, but with clear differences between farmers and public health advocates. We also argue that, in some cases, points of disagreement and agreement are often based on different interpretations of ideas, indicating points of common ground where there might appear to be disagreement, and areas of difference where there appears to be agreement. We argue that these flexible interpretations of some of the key issues around antibiotic use are nevertheless grounded in durable differences in views of what agriculture is and what it should be.