bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Efficacy of Nutritional Intervention Combined with Muscle Exercise on Sarcopenia Patients with Femoral Fracture: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Nie Na , Yin Zhihua , Zheng Jiao , Lin Xiaoqian , Chen Yu , Xie Xuping , Ding Xinyue , Li Pei , Yang Jian
Published: February 2023

Objective. To study the clinical efficacy of nutritional intervention combined with muscle exercise on sarcopenia patients with femoral fracture. Methods. From January 2019 to January 2021, a total of 100 sarcopenia patients with femoral fracture were included in this study and were divided into a control group (routine postoperative care) and a research group (nutritional intervention and muscle exercise), 50 cases in each group. Primary clinical outcomes included sarcopenia‐related indicators and functional independence assessed by activities of daily living scale (ADL). Secondary clinical outcomes included time of fracture healing and hospital stay, pain score as assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS), and nursing satisfaction. Results. Before the intervention, there was no significant difference in the indicators of sarcopenia and the indicators of functional independence assessed by ADL between the two groups (P > 0.05). After 3 months of intervention, the BMI, grip strength, calf circumference, pace, and body muscle rate of the patients in the research group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05), while body fat rates were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05), and the capability of eating, walking, bathing, and doing housework in research group were all significantly higher than those in control group (P < 0.05). In addition, the time of fracture healing and hospital stay in research group were all significantly lower than those in control group (P < 0.05), and the VAS scores of the control group at each time point after intervention were significantly higher than those of the research group (P < 0.05). The nursing satisfaction of the patients in the research group was significantly higher than that in the control group (94.00% vs. 76.00%, P < 0.05). Conclusion. Nutritional intervention combined with muscle exercise can help improve sarcopenia symptoms and promote fracture recovery in patients with sarcopenic femoral fractures.
Immuno-PET Imaging of Siglec-15 Using the Zirconium-89-Labeled Therapeutic Antibody, NC318
Authors: Jagoda Elaine M. , Basuli Falguni , Olkowski Colleen , Weiss Ido , Phelps Tim E. , Wong Karen , Ton Anita Thien , Lane Kelly C. , Adler Steve , Butcher Donna , Edmondson Elijah F. , Langermann Sol , Choyke Peter L.
Published: February 2023

Objective. Sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectin 15 (Siglec-15) is overexpressed in various cancers which has led to the development of therapeutic anti-Siglec-15 monoconal antibodies (mAbs). In these preclinical studies, the therapeutic mAb, NC318 (antihuman/murine Siglec-15 mAb), was labeled with zirconium-89 and evaluated in human Siglec-15 expressing cancer cells and mouse xenografts for potential use as a clinical diagnostic imaging agent. Methods. Desferrioxamine-conjugated NC318 was radiolabeled with zirconium-89 to synthesize [89Zr]Zr-DFO-NC318. Cancer cell lines expressing variable Siglec-15 levels were used for in vitro cell binding studies and tumor xenograft mouse models for biodistributions. [89Zr]Zr-DFO-NC318 biodistribution and PET imaging studies to determine tissue uptakes (tissue : muscle ratios, T : M) included pharmacokinetic evaluation in Siglec-15+tumor xenografts and immunocompetent mice, blocking with nonradioactive NC318 (20, 100, and 300  μg) and xenografts with low/negligible Siglec-15 expressing tumors. Results. [89Zr]Zr-DFO-NC318 exhibited high affinity ([Formula: see text]~4 nM) for Siglec-15 and distinguished between moderate and negligible Siglec-15 expression levels in cancer cell lines. The highest [89Zr]Zr-DFO-NC318 uptakes occurred in the spleen and lymph nodes of the Siglec-15+tumor xenografts at all time points followed by Siglec-15+tumor uptake which was lower although highly retained. In immunocompetent mice, the spleen and lymph nodes exhibited lower uptakes indicating that the athymic xenografts had increased Siglec-15+ immune cells. Specific [89Zr]Zr-DFO-NC318 binding to Siglec-15 was proven with NC318 blocking studies in which dose-dependent decreases in Siglec-15+tumor T : Ms were observed. Higher than expected, tumor T : Ms were seen in lower expressing tumors likely due to the contribution of murine Siglec-15+ immune cells in the tumor microenvironment as confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Siglec-15+tumors were identified on PET images whereas low/negligible expressing tumors showed lower uptakes. Conclusions. In vitro and in vivo [89Zr]Zr-DFO-NC318 uptakes correlated with Siglec-15 expression levels in target tissues. Despite uptake in immune cell subsets in the tumor microenvironment, these results suggest that clinical [89Zr]Zr-DFO-NC318 PET imaging may have value in selecting patients for Siglec-15-targeted therapies.
Si:HgTe Colloidal Quantum Dots Heterojunction-Based Infrared Photodiode
Authors: Jia Jinmei , Liu Huan , Zhao Jijie , Du Yuxuan , Wen Shuai
Published: February 2023

Integrated circuits and optoelectronics are currently dominated by silicon technology. However, silicon’s response wavelength is typically less than 1,100 nm, limiting the application of silicon in machine vision, autonomous vehicles, and night vision. For infrared photodetectors, HgTe colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) are promising materials. Because of the adjustable bandgap, it responds over a wide spectral range. However, the construction of a high-quality junction between Si and HgTe CQDs continues to be difficult, thus restricting the scope of its application. In this article, we describe the synthesis, characterization, and correlation of HgTe CQDs with reaction temperature and nanocrystal size. We then fabricated HgTe-CQDs/silicon infrared photodiodes and discussed how the silicon resistivity affected their performance. We found that the devices prepared from 9.1 nm HgTe quantum dots synthesized at 80°C and a silicon substrate with a resistivity of 20–50 Ω·cm has optimal performance parameters. This results in a responsivity of 0.2 mA/W for 1,550 nm incident light at room temperature. These results provide a direction for future silicon-compatible HgTe quantum dot infrared optoelectronics.
Efficacy and Safety of the Intraoperative Application of Mitomycin in Glaucoma Patients with Trabeculectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Song Zhi-Hui , Xu Shan-Shan , Li Guang-Yao , Wang En-Te , Li Yi-man , Zhang Chao
Published: February 2023

What Is Known and Objective. The primary cause of trabeculectomy failure in glaucoma surgery is the imperfect formation of the filter bubble, which blocks the filtration effect. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the effects and safety of mitomycin C (MMC) or no antimetabolite in trabeculectomies cases that require needling revision. Methods. We searched PubMed, Cochrane, and EMBASE to identify randomized trials published between the time the databases were built and May 31, 2022. To compare the effectiveness and safety of mitomycin with or without mitomycin in trabeculectomy, intraocular pressure (IOP), the surgical failure rate, and functional follicle formation were used as efficacy indicators, and the occurrence of postoperative complications was used as a safety indicator. Meta-analyses were performed for comparisons. Results and Discussion. After trabeculectomy, MMC was significantly better than a placebo at lowering postoperative IOP (MD = −11.31 mmHg, 95% CI −19.73 to −2.88 mmHg). MMC outperformed the control group in terms of filtering blebs formation (relative risk (RR) = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.09 to 1.27). The surgical failure rate was significantly lower with MMC compared to placebo (RR = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.22 to 0.58). No significant difference was observed between MMC and placebo in terms of hypotony, anterior chamber bleeding, filter bubble leakage, and endophthalmitis, apart from the shallow anterior chamber (RR: 1.51, 95% CI: 1.02 to 2.25). What Is New and Conclusion. The use of MMC in glaucoma trabeculectomy can increase the success rate of the procedure and provide significant patient benefits. However, it is important to be extremely careful and aware of complications such as shallow anterior chambers.
Calomyscid Rodents (Rodentia: Calomyscidae) as a Potential Reservoir of Zoonotic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in a Mountainous Residential Area in the Plateau of Iran: Inferring from Molecular Data of kDNA and ITS2 Genes of Leishmania Major
Authors: Shahabi Saeed , Azizi Kourosh , Asgari Qasem , Sarkari Bahador
Published: February 2023

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), a neglected tropical disease, is an important health problem in Fars Province, southern Iran. Fars, the fourth most populous Province in Iran, is the center of both anthroponotic and zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL). Rodents, the reservoir of Leishmania major, play an important role in transmitting ZCL. In the present study, we report Leishmania infection in calomyscid rodents for the first time in mountainous residential areas of Shiraz, the capital of Fars Province, in southern Iran. Rodents were trapped in urban mountainous areas. The skin, liver, and spleen of rodents were examined microscopically for Leishmania infection. In addition, DNA was extracted from the tissues and they were evaluated for Leishmania infection by targeting the kDNA and subsequent sequencing of the nuclear rDNA internal transcribed spacer two (ITS2) region. DNA of L. major was detected in the spleen and liver of calomyscid rodents. Molecular evolution based on DNA-sequencing of the ITS2 gene confirmed the taxonomic situation of the parasite as L. major. Our findings suggest the eco-epidemiological importance of calomyscid rodents in the foci of leishmaniasis in the mountainous residential area on the plateau of Iran. These rodents may play a role in the transmission of leishmaniasis in a residential area and could be considered a potential reservoir for CL.
Development and Training Strategies of College Teachers Based on Data Mining Technology
Authors: Zhou Yan
Published: February 2023

With the increasing investment in education in China, higher education institutions have higher requirements for the introduction of teachers. This research mainly discusses the development and training strategies of college teachers based on data mining technology. Data mining technology is dedicated to data analysis and understanding, and the technology of revealing the information contained in the data. It is a frontier research topic in the field of information and database technology. Therefore, the system of monitoring and evaluation of college teaching quality based on data mining is designed for the management of educational affairs in colleges provided convenience. This paper selects an unsupervised classification method: a cluster analysis. This method can not only obtain reasonable classification results but also give consideration to the comprehensiveness of employee development and give reasonable development suggestions for each employee through classification results. For a series of introduced teacher’s information, personnel management module should provide the following functions: teacher information management, contract information management, resignation information management, and query teacher personnel information. The recruitment management module often collects the candidate information, registers and stores it, and then conducts a series of personnel screening for these candidates according to the recruitment criteria, and finally determines the possible candidates. Afterwards, a series of comprehensive evaluations are carried out on these selected candidates, and finally the candidates are selected for admission based on the comprehensive performance of the candidates. The K-means clustering algorithm in the cluster analysis method is adopted. This algorithm has the excellent characteristics of high computational efficiency and is suitable for the operation of large amount of data. Through the clustering algorithm, a reasonable assessment method is established, and it is effectively used in the human resources assessment management system. Among the introduced teachers, the number of teachers whose professional title is high, the highest degree is doctorate, and the number of teachers whose papers are published at SCI level accounts for 16%. The data tested by the data mining tool contains 1,400 rows of data. The minimum support is 5%, and the minimum confidence is 90%. This study is helpful for the rational planning of human resources and the promotion of comprehensive competitiveness of colleges and universities.
Numerical Simulations for Lithium-Ion Battery Pack Cooled by Different Minichannel Cold Plate Arrangements
Authors: Li Yulong , Bai Minli , Zhou Zhifu , Wu Wei-Tao , Gao Linsong , Li Yang , Yang Yunjie , Li Yubai , Song Yongchen
Published: February 2023

In real electric vehicles, the arrangement of liquid-cooled plates not only influences the thermal performance of the battery pack but also relates to the energy consumption of the BTMS and the compactness of the whole battery pack. In this study, design A, design B, design C, and design D, a total of four different arrangement designs of battery thermal management based on liquid-cooled plates with microchannels, are proposed for a 35 V battery pack composed of 12 LiFePO4 pouch battery cells connected in series, and the corresponding three-dimensional electrical-thermal-fluid model is established for numerical study. The cooling effects of the four designs are discussed and compared in terms of discharge rate, contact thermal resistance, and external short circuit. For design D, cold plates are placed in front of each battery cell. The results show that design D achieves the best cooling effect with the lowest power consumption compared to the other three designs under 0.5C, 1.0C, and 2.0C discharge rate. Its maximum temperature is about 30°C, and maximum temperature difference is under 5°C. The reduction in contact thermal resistance has different effects and magnitudes for different designs with different cold plate arrangements, but the overall effect is small. In the extreme condition of external short circuit, for design D, increasing the mass flow rate can reduce the maximum temperature of design D from 76.6°C by 27.5% to 55.5°C and the temperature difference from 35.0°C by 23.4% to 26.8°C. Selecting the proper coolant flow rate can keep the maximum temperature and temperature gradient on the battery pack of design D within tolerable level, and increasing the flow rate helps to enhance the cooling effect. For the other three designs, the maximum temperatures and temperature gradients exceeded 90°C and 40°C under the external short circuit condition, and increasing the flow rate has very little effect on the performance enhancement.
LncRNA CASC2 Regulate Cell Proliferation and Invasion by Targeting miR-155/SOCS1 Axis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Yuan Ye , Ye Jiaxin , Zhang Xujing , Liu Zhisu
Published: February 2023

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to be involved in the development and progression of various human malignancies. However, the role of lncRNA CASC2 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains mostly unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential roles and underlying mechanisms of CASC2 in HCC progression. We found that CASC2 expressions were downregulated in HCC tissue samples and cell lines. The clinical assays revealed that lower levels of CASC2 were associated with the TNM stage, lymph node metastasis, and a poorer prognosis specific to HCC patients. Overexpression of CASC2 inhibited the proliferating, migratory, and invasion capacity of HCC cells. Bioinformatics analysis and the luciferase reporter assay revealed that CASC2 worked as a molecular sponge for miR-155. And CASC2 could upregulate SOCS1 expression by inhibiting miR-155 expression in HCC cells. Furthermore, SOCS1 inhibition partially inverses the suppression effect of cell proliferation, migration, and invasion regulated by CASC2 in Huh7 and HepG2 cells. Taken together, our findings identified CASC2 as a tumor suppressor to inhibit HCC development by regulating the miR-155/SOCS1 axis, and CASC2 might be a potential therapeutic target of HCC for future clinical treatment.
NNMT Is an Immune-Related Prognostic Biomarker That Modulates the Tumor Microenvironment in Pan-Cancer
Authors: Liu Wenxiu , Zhu Meng , Li Xiaoming , Er Limian , Li Shengmian
Published: February 2023

Emerging evidence has revealed the significant roles of nicotinamide n-methyltransferase (NNMT) in cancer initiation, development, and progression; however, a pan-cancer analysis of NNMT has not been conducted. In this study, we first thoroughly investigated the expression and prognostic significance of NNMT and the relationship between NNMT and the tumor microenvironment using bioinformatic analysis. NNMT was significantly increased and associated with poor prognosis in many common cancers. NNMT expression correlated with the infiltration levels of cancer-associated fibroblasts and macrophages in pan-cancer. Function enrichment analysis discovered that NNMT related to cancer-promoting and immune pathways in various common cancers, such as colon adenocarcinoma, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma, and stomach adenocarcinoma. NNMT expression was positively correlated with tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), especially M2-like TAMs. The results suggest that NNMT might be a new biomarker for immune infiltration and poor prognosis in cancers, providing new direction on therapeutics of cancers.
Macrocytosis in Mitochondrial DNA Deletion Syndromes
Authors: Almarzooqi Farida , Vallance Hilary , Mezei Michelle , Lehman Anna , Horvath Gabriella , Rakic Bojana , Zypchen Leslie , Mattman Andre
Published: February 2023

Large single mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) deletion syndrome is a rare inborn error of metabolism with variable heteroplasmy levels and clinical phenotype among affected individuals. Chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia (CPEO) is the most common phenotype in adults with this form of mitochondrial disease [J Intern Med. 2020;287(6):592–608 and Biomed Rep. 2016;4(3):259–62]. The common CPEO clinical manifestations are ptosis and ophthalmoplegia. More variable phenotypic manifestations of CPEO (CPEO plus) include involvement of the peripheral nervous system and myopathy. Here, we describe a 62-year-old female with CPEO and the major mtDNA deletion present at 40% heteroplasmy, who had a coexistent previously undescribed CPEO phenotypic feature of persistent unexplained macrocytosis without anemia. Building on this case, we reviewed other major mtDNA deletion cases seen in our Adult Metabolic Diseases Clinic (AMDC) at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada, from 2016 to 2022. The major mtDNA deletion cases (n = 26) were compared with mtDNA missense variants identified in the clinic over the same period who acted as the comparison group (n = 16). Of these, the most frequent diagnosis was maternally inherited diabetes and deafness and mitochondrial encephalomyopathy with lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes. Ten out of 26 (38%) of mtDNA deletion patients had macrocytosis with elevated mean corpuscular volume (MCV), median (interquartile range) of 108 fL (102–114 fL). Seven of the patients with macrocytosis had no pertinent etiology. None of the comparison group had macrocytosis. There was a significant difference (p = 0.000) between the MCV and MCH in the mtDNA deletion group compared to the comparison group. This communication sheds light on the association of macrocytosis with the mtDNA deletion syndrome. It would be of great interest to determine if the association is found in other mitochondrial disease clinic populations.
Catheter-Based Renal Denervation: 9-Year Follow-Up Data on Safety and Blood Pressure Reduction in Patients With Resistant Hypertension
Authors: Sesa-Ashton Gianni , Nolde Janis M. , Muente Ida , Carnagarin Revathy , Lee Rebecca , Macefield Vaughan G. , Dawood Tye , Sata Yusuke , Lambert Elisabeth A. , Lambert Gavin W. , Walton Antony , Kiuchi Marcio G. , Esler Murray D. , Schlaich Markus P.
Published: February 2023

Background:

Recent sham-controlled randomized clinical trials have confirmed the safety and efficacy of catheter-based renal denervation (RDN). Long-term safety and efficacy data beyond 3 years are scarce. Here, we report on outcomes after RDN in a cohort of patients with resistant hypertension with an average of ≈9-year follow-up (FU).

Methods:

We recruited patients with resistant hypertension who were previously enrolled in various RDN trials applying radiofrequency energy for blood pressure (BP) lowering. All participants had baseline assessments before RDN and repeat assessment at long-term FU including medical history, automated office and ambulatory BP measurement, and routine blood and urine tests. We analyzed changes between baseline and long-term FU.

Results:

A total of 66 participants (mean±SD, 70.0±10.3 years; 76.3% men) completed long-term FU investigations with a mean of 8.8±1.2 years post-procedure. Compared with baseline, ambulatory systolic BP was reduced by −12.1±21.6 (from 145.2 to 133.1) mm Hg (
P
<0.0001) and diastolic BP by −8.8±12.8 (from 81.2 to 72.7) mm Hg (
P
<0.0001). Mean heart rate remained unchanged. At long-term FU, participants were on one less antihypertensive medication compared with baseline (
P
=0.0052). Renal function assessed by estimated glomerular filtration rate fell within the expected age-associated rate of decline from 71.1 to 61.2 mL/min per 1.73 m
2
. Time above target was reduced significantly from 75.0±25.9% at baseline to 47.3±30.3% at long-term FU (
P
<0.0001).

Conclusions:

RDN results in a significant and robust reduction in both office and ambulatory systolic and diastolic BP at ≈9-year FU after catheter-based RDN on less medication and without evidence of adverse consequences on renal function.
China’s State-Business Relationship with Nigeria: Neocolonialism or Strategic Cooperation
Authors: Lu Fangzhu
Published: February 2023

By comparing the colonial era under the British colonization and Chinese presence in Nigeria, this study challenges the so-called “neo-colonialism” regarding Chinese activities in Nigeria and argues that China and Nigeria have a strategic cooperation which pursues each political and economic benefits through analyzing China’s state-business relationship with Nigeria. Regarding studying China–Africa relationship, this study emphasizes to focus on specific African countries’ domestic history, social development, and political and economic institutions. The paper contributes to the existing literature by involving the study on Nigeria’s domestic political situations and social institutions and how these link with Chinese engagement in Nigeria.
Exploring the Impacts of Rurality on Service Access and Harm Among Image and Performance Enhancing Drug (IPED) Users in a Remote English Region
Authors: Turnock Luke A. , Mulrooney Kyle J. D.
Published: February 2023

Image and performance enhancing drugs (IPEDs) have been highlighted in recent years as posing a potential risk to public health, with much research dedicated to exploring the use of these drugs and associated harms. While recent work has considered harm reduction for IPED users, the geographic and cultural impacts of rurality on IPED use and harms, particularly in relation to harm reduction service access, remains comparatively under-explored. Features of rurality relating to levels of economic distress, the inheritance and decline of manual labor, and rural conceptions of masculinity are important in shaping drug harms. Consequently, the “rural risk environment” for IPED users is in need of exploration. This research examines the experiences of IPED users in a remote two-county region of rural England, drawn from a multi-year ethnography and 18 qualitative interviews with IPED users, to explore the impacts of rurality and the “rural risk environment” on service access and harm (reduction) within this population. Findings highlight a number of ways in which rurality impacted on IPED users’ access to harm reduction services such as needle and syringe programs (NSP), as well as engagement with healthcare practitioners (HCP). Issues included the distances required to access services and lack of public transport between towns; the impacts of stigma in a small town context where there is little anonymity; Distrust of HCP relating to cultural mindsets and regionally derived fears regarding impacts on employment prospects, particularly military; and the impacts of rural masculinities and perceptions of the self-sufficient “real man” on help-seeking when experiencing harm. The research highlights the need to incorporate cultural geographic understandings into harm reduction policy for IPED users, and the significance of rurality on experiences of harm.
Wheel-rail contact and friction models: A review of recent advances
Authors: Fang Congcong , Jaafar Sulaiman A , Zhou Wei , Yan Hongkai , Chen Jun , Meng Xianghui
Published: February 2023

Rail transportation is regarded as a reliable, quick, and secure mode of transportation. The wheel-rail contact interaction is crucial to the railway operation since it is responsible for supporting, traction, braking, and steering of railway vehicles. Improper wheel-rail interactions may produce or exacerbate wheel-rail interface issues such as rolling contact fatigue (RCF) and wear, which can threaten the vehicle’s running safety and stability. A review of the evolution and recent literature on wheel-rail contact mechanics and tribology is presented here. Topics covered include the basics of wheel-rail contact problem and methodologies for modeling both the normal contact (Hertzian and non-Hertzian) and tangential contact (Kalker’s theories including CONTACT and FASTSIM algorithms, Polach’s theory, USETAB program, etc.). The paper also reviewed various effects of contaminants and environmental conditions (water, leaves, sand, temperature, humidity, etc.) in wheel-rail contact. Various wheel-rail empirical adhesion models like the Water-induced low adhesion creep force model (WILAC) model and adhesion models based on elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) theory (Greenwood-Tripp [GT] and Greenwood-Williamson [GW] models) are also reviewed. Lastly, the paper discusses the need and challenges for developing and integrating the wheel-rail non-Hertz contact model and adhesion model, as well as open areas for further research.
Testing the Assumptions in the Process of Cultural Competence in the Delivery of Healthcare Services Using Empirical Data, Focusing on Cultural Awareness
Authors: Sahamkhadam Nasrin , Andersson Anna Karin , Golsäter Marie , Harder Maria , Granlund Mats , Wahlström Emmie
Published: February 2023

Introduction:

Encounters with children of foreign origin call for school nurses’ cultural competence during the health visits. This study aimed to investigate the statistical associations between the cultural constructs described by the Process of Cultural Competence in the Delivery of Healthcare Services (PCCDHS) model and whether school nurses’ cultural encounters, cultural knowledge, and cultural skill could statistically predict their cultural awareness.

Methodology:

Spearman correlation and hierarchical regression analyses were conducted using cross-sectional secondary data from 816 Swedish school nurses. The cultural constructs in the theoretical description of the PCCDHS model guided the selection and sorting of the items on cultural competence.

Results:

The constructs of cultural knowledge, cultural skill, cultural encounters, and cultural awareness were positively correlated with each other. However, becoming culturally aware was not statistically predicted by included cultural constructs ( R2 = 13.4, p = .06).

Discussion:

Despite the interrelations between the investigated cultural constructs of the PCCDHS model, understanding cultural awareness development requires further empirical testing.
Research on the Integration Model of Moral Education in Group Schools: A Case Study of H Education Group in China
Authors: Wang Huiling
Published: February 2023

Group schools are increasingly emerging as a school-running model that balances and improves school quality. The integrated model can promote the connection within the group school, and is an ideal way to promote the improvement of the school's moral education effect. The research adopts qualitative research, collects data information such as documents through observation method and interview method, and conducts data processing through text analysis method. The study selected four representative affiliated schools in the H Education Group, observed their open classes and teaching and research; meanwhile, conducted open talk with a total of eight front-line teachers in four schools to understand the current status of the integration of moral education in the group school. The study found that the integration of moral education in group schools mainly involves three main bodies, namely universities, member schools and local teaching and research offices. The interaction of the three main bodies forms three elements: content, resources, and culture. Group schools should strive to form a unique school-based moral education curriculum, and at the same time build a long-term interoperable teaching and research platform, and generate a harmonious and diverse group culture, thereby achieving integration.
Inhibition of NKCC1 in spinal dorsal horn and dorsal root ganglion results in alleviation of neuropathic pain in rats with spinal cord contusion
Authors: Wu Yao , Wang Fangyong
Published: February 2023

Previous studies have confirmed the relationship between chloride homeostasis and pain. However, the role of sodium potassium chloride co-transporter isoform 1 (NKCC1) in dorsal horn and dorsal root ganglion neurons (DRGs) in spinal cord injury (SCI)-induced neuropathic pain (NP) remains inconclusive. Therefore, we aimed to explore whether suppression of NKCC1 in the spinal cord and DRGs alleviate the NP of adult rats with thoracic spinal cord contusion. Thirty adult female Sprague-Dawley rats (8 week-old, weighing 250–280 g) were randomly divided into three groups with ten animals in each group (sham, SCI, and bumetanide groups). The paw withdrawal mechanical threshold and paw withdrawal thermal latency were recorded before injury (baseline) and on post-injury days 14, 21, 28, and 35. At the end of experiment, western blotting (WB) analysis, quantitative real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and immunofluorescence were performed to quantify NKCC1 expression. Our results revealed that NKCC1 protein expression in the spinal cord and DRGs was significantly up-regulated in rats with SCI. Intraperitoneal treatment of bumetanide (an NKCC1 inhibitor) reversed the expression of NKCC1 in the dorsal horn and DRGs and ameliorated mechanical ectopic pain and thermal hypersensitivities in the SCI rats. Our study demonstrated the occurrence of NKCC1 overexpression in the spinal cord and DRGs in a rodent model of NP and indicated that changes in the peripheral nervous system also play a major role in promoting pain sensitization after SCI.
Botuobinskite and mirnyite, two new minerals of the crichtonite group included in Cr-pyrope xenocrysts from the Internatsionalnaya kimberlite
Authors: Rezvukhin Dmitriy I. , Rashchenko Sergey V. , Sharygin Igor S. , Malkovets Vladimir G. , Alifirova Taisia A. , Pautov Leonid. A. , Nigmatulina Elena N. , Seryotkin Yurii V.
Published: February 2023

Two new mineral species of the crichtonite group: botuobinskite, ideally SrFe2+(Ti4+12Cr3+6)Mg2[O36(OH)2] and mirnyite, ideally SrZr(Ti4+12Cr3+6)Mg2O38, occur as inclusions in mantle-derived Cr-pyrope xenocrysts from the Internatsionalnaya kimberlite pipe, Mirny field, Siberian craton. Botuobinskite forms needle- and blade-like acicular crystals up to 1 mm in length and up to 30 μm in diameter, a large platy inclusion (700 × 700 × 80 μm) and roughly isometric grains (up to 80 μm). Mirnyite occurs as needle-and blade-like elongated inclusions (up to 1 mm). Both minerals are jet-black, opaque and exhibit a metallic lustre. In plane-polarised reflected light, botuobinskite and mirnyite are greyish-white with a weak brownish tint. Between crossed polars, the new species show distinct anisotropy in shades of bluish grey to greenish-brown. Neither bireflectance nor pleochroism is observed. Calculated densities for botuobinskite and mirnyite are 4.3582(5) and 4.3867(3) gm/cm3, respectively. The crystal structures of botuobinskite and mirnyite have been refined (R = 0.0316 and 0.0285, respectively) from single crystal X-ray diffraction data. The minerals are trigonal, crystallise in the space group R$\bar{3}$ (No. 148) and are isostructural with other members of the crichtonite group. The unit cell parameters are a = 10.3644(8) Å, c = 20.6588(11) Å and V = 1921.9(2) Å3 for botuobinskite and a = 10.3734(8) Å, c = 20.6910 (12) Å and V = 1928.2(2) Å3 for mirnyite, with Z = 3 for both. The Raman spectra of the minerals show strong peaks at 133, 313 and 711 cm–1. Infrared spectroscopy data for botuobinskite indicates H–O stretching of the hydroxyl groups. Botuobinskite and mirnyite have been approved by the IMA–CNMNC under the numbers 2018-143a and 2018-144a, respectively. Botuobinskite and mirnyite are named after the Botuobinskaya exploration expedition and Mirny town, respectively. The minerals may be considered as crystal-chemical analogues of other crichtonite-group species occurring in the lithospheric mantle (i.e. loveringite, lindsleyite and mathiasite). Both species commonly occur in intimate association with Cr-pyrope as well as other peridotitic minerals and exert an important control on the partitioning of incompatible elements during mantle metasomatism.
Local Buckling-Induced Forming Method to Produce Metal Bellows
Authors: Zhang Tianyin , Li Dongqing , Xu Tianjiao , Sui Yongfeng , Han Xianhong
Published: February 2023

A novel buckling-induced forming method is proposed to produce metal bellows. The tube billet is firstly treated by local heating and cooling, and the axial loading is applied on both ends of the tube, then the buckling occurs at the designated position and forms a convolution. In this paper, a forming apparatus is designed and developed to produce both discontinuous and continuous bellows of 304 stainless steel, and their characteristics are discussed respectively. Furthermore, the influences of process parameters and geometric parameters on the final convolution profile are deeply studied based on FEM analysis. The results suggest that the steel bellows fabricated by the presented buckling-induced forming method have a uniform shape and no obvious reduction of wall thickness. Meanwhile, the forming force required in the process is quite small.
Is an anteromedial minimally invasive approach for middle and distal third humeral fractures feasible? A cadaveric study and clinical case series
Authors: Yang Jing , Yang Zhenxing , Liu Dapeng , Lu Zhanxin , Tao Cheng , Liu Tang
Published: February 2023

Background

Iatrogenic injury to the radial nerve is a risk in surgical treatment for extraarticular fractures of the middle and distal third of the humerus. We aimed to investigate the safety, feasibility and advantages of minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPPO) via an anteromedial approach in the treatment of middle and middle-distal humeral fractures and to evaluate proximity to neurovascular structures.

Materials and methods

In 2016, 13 adult cadaver arms were used to simulate a minimally invasive surgical approach to the anteromedial humerus followed by fixation with a locking compression plate (LCP), and several sets of anatomical data were measured to clarify the possible risk of iatrogenic vascular and nerve injury in this surgical approach. Then, a case series study of 12 patients with humeral fractures who were treated with this surgical approach was conducted between 2017 and 2020.

Results

The average humeral length was 29.22 ± 1.62 cm, the average width of the medial epicondyle of the humerus was 1.31 ± 0.17 cm, and the average distance from the vertex of the medial epicondyle to the median nerve was 2.96 ± 1.62 cm. Furthermore, the safe area for distal humeral screw placement was 6.28 ± 0.39 cm, and the average distance from the tip of the distal end of the screw in the medial epicondyle to the ulnar nerve was 1.7 ± 1.25 mm. None of the 12 patients had nerve damage or an incisional infection after the operation.

Conclusions

The new approach was performed as described, and no cases of iatrogenic nerve palsy occurred. This approach can be used as an alternative for the treatment of extraarticular fractures of the middle and distal thirds of the humerus.

Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study.
Treatment of scaphoid fractures and pseudarthroses with the human allogeneic cortical bone screw. A multicentric retrospective study
Authors: Sailer Simon , Lechner Simon , Floßmann Andreas , Wanzel Michael , Habeler Kerstin , Krasny Christian , Borchert Gudrun H.
Published: February 2023

Background

Allograft bone screws are rarely described for the fixation of the scaphoid. When fresh fractures are treated, metal screws are mainly used; when pseudarthrosis is the indication, plates in combination with vascularized or non-vascularized bone grafts are mainly used. The necessity of metallic screw removal is under debate, but it is mandatory for plates because of movement restrictions due to the plate. The use of biomaterials in scaphoid fracture fixation was described as leading to union rates of between 64 and 100%. Brcic showed the incorporation of an allogeneic cortical bone screw at 10 weeks postoperative, along with revascularization and stable osteosynthesis with primary bone healing, without any signs of immunological rejection. The purpose of this retrospective study was to explore the results obtained using an allogenic cortical bone screw (Shark Screw®) in patients with fresh scaphoid fracture fixation and pseudarthroses with respect to union rates and time to union.

Patients and methods

We retrospectively analyzed 75 patients: 31 with fresh fractures and 44 pseudarthrosis patients. The Shark Screw® was used for the fixation of the scaphoid in the fresh-fracture and pseudarthrosis patients. We evaluated the union rate, complication rate and time to union.

Results

Using the human allogeneic cortical bone screw for scaphoid fracture fixation led to a high union rate (94–96%). There were two nonunions in the fresh fracture group and two nonunions in the pseudarthrosis group. The complication rate was 1.3% (1 patient). Median time to union was 16, 18 and 29 weeks for the fresh-fracture, pseudarthrosis and delayed-union patients, respectively. The treatment of fresh scaphoid fractures and pseudarthroses showed similar union rates to those described in the literature, uses a shorter and less invasive surgical method with no need for hardware removal, and has a low complication rate.

Conclusion

Using the human allogenic cortical bone screw (Shark Screw®) led to similar union rates in fresh fractures—but better union rates in pseudarthrosis patients—compared to those presented in the literature for other scaphoid fracture fixation techniques, and it enabled a short and low-invasive procedure without any donor site morbidity and without the necessity to remove the hardware in a second surgery. The pseudarthrosis patient group showed a particularly strong benefit from this new procedure. The physiological bone metabolism remodels the cortical bone screw without scars.

Level of evidence: III: retrospective cohort study, therapeutic investigation of a treatment.
Genome sequences of BCG Pasteur ATCC 35734 and its derivative, the vaccine candidate BCGΔBCG1419c
Authors: D’Auria Giuseppe , Hodzhev Yordan , Aceves-Sánchez Michel de Jesús , Moya Andrés , Panaiotov Stefan , Flores-Valdez Mario Alberto
Published: February 2023

Background:

Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) remains the only vaccine to prevent tuberculosis (TB) during childhood, with relatively low to no efficacy against pulmonary TB in adolescents and adults. BCG consists of close to 15 different substrains, where genetic variations among them might contribute to the variable protective efficacy afforded against pulmonary TB. We have shown that the vaccine candidate, BCGΔBCG1419c, which is based on BCG Pasteur, improved protection against chronic TB in murine models, as well as against pulmonary and extrapulmonary TB in guinea pigs. Here, to confirm deletion of the BCG1419c gene and to detect possible genetic variations occurring as a consequence of the spontaneous mutations that may arise during in vitro culture of mycobacteria, the genomes of BCG Pasteur ATCC 35734 and its isogenic derivative, BCGΔBCG1419c, were sequenced and subjected to a comparative analysis between them and against BCG Pasteur 1173P2.

Results:

The complete catalog of variants in genes relative to the reference genome BCG Pasteur 1173P2 (GenBank NC008769) showed that the parental strain BCG Pasteur ATCC 35734, from which the mutant BCGΔBCG1419c originated, showed five synonymous mutations, three missense mutations, and five codon insertions, whereas the BCGΔBCG1419c mutant reported the same changes. When BCG Pasteur ATCC 35734 and BCGΔBCG1419c were compared, we confirmed that the latter was devoid of the BCG1419c gene, with only one unanticipated SNP at position 2, 828, 791  which we consider has no role in vaccine properties reported thus far.

Conclusion:

We provide evidence that the mutagenesis performed to remove BCG1419c from BCG Pasteur ATCC 35734 solely deleted this gene, and that compared with the reference strain BCG Pasteur 1173P2, few changes were present confirming that they are BCG Pasteur strains, and that changes in immunogenicity or efficacy observed thus far in BCGΔBCG1419c are most likely derived solely from the elimination of the BCG1419c gene.
Computed tomography values of pericardial effusion may predict chylopericardium: a case report
Authors: Nakata Marohito , Yokota Naoko , Kenzaka Tsuneaki
Published: February 2023

Background

Idiopathic chylopericardium is a rare disease characterized by filling of the pericardial cavity with chylous fluid and has no evident cause. Secondary chylopericardium usually results from injury or damage to the thoracic duct. The most common causes of secondary chylopericardium are trauma, thoracic or cardiac surgery, and congenital lymphangiomatosis. Conservative or surgical treatment can be pursued; however, surgical treatment is required if conservative treatment is unsuccessful. Pericardiocentesis plays a crucial role in the definitive diagnosis of chylopericardium. However, although a serious complication, its occurrence is infrequent. Non-invasive methods, such as computed tomography (CT), could be useful in predicting the color or characteristics of pericardial effusion.

Case presentation

A 37-year-old Japanese woman presented to our hospital with a cough that persisted for 1 week. Echocardiography revealed pericardial effusion, which was diagnosed as acute pericarditis and treated with loxoprofen. However, pericardial effusion increased, and the patient presented to the emergency room with cardiac tamponade 1 month later. Pericardiocentesis was performed, which confirmed that the pericardial effusion was chylopericardium. Lymphatic scintigraphy did not show any connection between the thoracic duct and pericardial cavity, and the patient was diagnosed with idiopathic chylopericardium. The patient underwent continuous drainage for 11 days. After completion of cardiac drainage, the patient was discharged from the hospital without any exacerbation. The CT attenuation value of the pericardial fluid was 11.00 Hounsfield units (HU). Compared with the other causes of pericardial effusions encountered at our hospital, the HU on CT scan of pericardial effusion was low in our study and similar to the values on CT scan of chylous ascites reported in previous studies.

Conclusions

Although idiopathic chylopericardium is rare, it should be considered an important cause of pericardial effusion. Pericardiocentesis is necessary for definitive diagnosis; however, the CT findings of pericardial effusion may help predict the presence of chylous fluid.
The value of preoperative positron emission tomography/computed tomography in differentiating the invasive degree of hypometabolic lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Su Yuling , Zhou Hui , Huang Wenshan , Li Lei , Wang Jinyu
Published: February 2023

Objectives

To investigate the value of preoperative positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in differentiating the invasive degree of hypometabolic lung adenocarcinoma.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients who underwent PET/CT examination, high-resolution computed tomography, and surgical resection for low-metabolism lung adenocarcinoma in our hospital between June 2016 and December 2021. We also investigated the relationship between the preoperative PET/CT findings and the pathological subtype of hypometabolic lung adenocarcinoma.

Results

A total of 128 lesions were found in 113 patients who underwent resection for lung adenocarcinoma, including 20 minimally invasive adenocarcinomas (MIA) and 108 invasive adenocarcinomas (IAC), whose preoperative PET/CT showed low metabolism. There were significant differences in the largest diameter (Dmax), lesion type, maximum standard uptake value (SUVmax), SUVindex (the ratio of SUVmax of lesion to SUVmax of contralateral normal lung paranchyma), fasting blood glucose, lobulation, spiculation, and pleura indentation between the MIA and IAC groups (p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the Dmax (odds ratio (OR) = 1.413, 95% confidence interval (CI: 1.155–1.729, p = 0.001)) and SUVmax (OR = 12.137, 95% CI: 1.068–137.900, p = 0.044) were independent risk factors for predicting the hypometabolic IAC (p < 0.05). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that the Dmax ≥ 10.5 mm and SUVmax ≥ 0.85 were the cut-off values for differentiating MIA from IAC, with high sensitivity (84.3% and 75.9%, respectively) and specificity (84.5% and 85.0%, respectively), the Combined Diagnosis showed higher sensitivity (91.7%) and specificity (85.0%).

Conclusions

The PET/CT findings correlated with the subtype of hypometabolic lung adenocarcinoma. The parameters Dmax and SUVmax were independent risk factors for predicting IAC, and the sensitivity of Combined Diagnosis prediction is better.