bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Comorbidities as Risk Factors for Fracture-Related Infection and Periprosthetic Joint Infection in Germany
Authors: Szymski Dominik , Walter Nike , Alt Volker , Rupp Markus
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Fracture-related infections (FRI) and periprosthetic joint infections (PJI) represent a major challenge in orthopedic surgery. Incidence of both entities is annually growing. Comorbidities play an important role as an influencing factor for infection and thus, for prevention and treatment strategies. The aims of this study were (1) to analyze the frequency of comorbidities in FRI and PJI patients and (2) to evaluate comorbidities as causative risk factor for PJI and FRI. Methods: This retrospective cohort study analysed all ICD-10 codes, which were coded as secondary diagnosis in all in hospital-treated FRI and PJI in the year 2019 in Germany provided by the Federal Statistical Office of Germany (Destatis). Prevalence of comorbidities was compared with the prevalence in the general population. Results: In the year 2019, 7158 FRIs and 16,174 PJIs were registered in Germany, with 68,304 comorbidities in FRI (mean: 9.5 per case) and 188,684 in PJI (mean: 11.7 per case). Major localization for FRI were infections in the lower leg (55.4%) and forearm (9.2%), while PJI were located mostly at hip (47.4%) and knee joints (45.5%). Mainly arterial hypertension (FRI: n = 3645; 50.9%—PJI: n = 11360; 70.2%), diabetes mellitus type II (FRI: n = 1483; 20.7%—PJI: n = 3999; 24.7%), obesity (FRI: n = 749; 10.5%—PJI: n = 3434; 21.2%) and chronic kidney failure (FRI: n = 877; 12.3%—PJI: n = 3341; 20.7%) were documented. Compared with the general population, an increased risk for PJI and FRI was reported in patients with diabetes mellitus (PJI: 2.988; FRI: 2.339), arterial hypertension (PJI: 5.059; FRI: 2.116) and heart failure (PJI: 6.513; FRI: 3.801). Conclusion: Patients with endocrinological and cardiovascular diseases, in particular associated with the metabolic syndrome, demonstrate an increased risk for orthopedic implant related infections. Based on the present results, further infection prevention and treatment strategies should be evaluated.
Predictive Factors of Surgical Recurrence in Patients with Crohn’s Disease on Long-Term Follow-Up: A Focus on Histology
Authors: Caviglia Gian Paolo , Mineo Chiara Angela , Rosso Chiara , Armandi Angelo , Astegiano Marco , Canavese Gabriella , Resegotti Andrea , Saracco Giorgio Maria , Ribaldone Davide Giuseppe
Published: August 2022

In patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) that underwent surgery, predictive factors of surgical recurrence have been only partially identified. The aim of our study was to identify potential factors associated with an increased risk of surgical recurrence. A monocentric retrospective observational study was conducted including patients diagnosed with CD, according to ECCO criteria who received their first ileocolic resection. Overall, 162 patients were enrolled in our study; 54 of them were excluded due to a lack of sufficient data. The median follow-up was 136.5 months, IQR 91.5–176.5, and the surgical recurrence rate after the median follow-up was 21.3%. In the multivariate analysis, an age ≤ 28 years at the first surgical resection (aHR = 16.44, p < 0.001), current smoking (aHR = 15.84, p < 0.001), female sex (aHR = 7.58, p < 0.001), presence of granulomas at local lymph nodes (aHR = 12.19, p < 0.001), and treatment with systemic corticosteroids after the first surgical resection (aHR = 7.52, p = 0.002) were factors significantly associated with a risk of surgical recurrence, while cryptitis resulted in a protective factor (aHR = 0.02, p < 0.001). In conclusion, the heterogeneous spectrum of factors associated to the risk of surgical recurrence in patients with CD that underwent ileocolic resection supports the need of a personalized follow-up taking into account different clinical, surgical, and histologic features.
Clinical Factors Contributing to Cognitive Function in the Acute Stage after Treatment of Intracranial Aneurysms: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kim Yeo Jin , Lee Sang-Hwa , Jeon Jin Pyeong , Choi Hui-Chul , Choi Hyuk Jai
Published: August 2022

Background: The factors affecting cognitive function after treatment of subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) can be categorised into aneurysmal factors, procedural factors, and complications. The aim of this study was to investigate which of these factors has greater influence on the cognitive function. Methods: We retrospectively identified 14 patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) and 34 patients with SAH with mild symptoms at disease onset (Hunt and Hess grade: >3). All patients underwent neuropsychological tests within 35 days of discharge from hospitalisation for treatment. The relationship between the clinical factors and each neuropsychological test score was evaluated using multiple linear regression analysis after controlling for age and years of education. Results: Patients with UIA showed greater cognitive impairment in visual memory and the frontal/executive domains. Hypertension was associated with cognitive impairment. Patients with SAH showed greater cognitive impairment in the visuospatial, verbal memory, and frontal/executive domains. The dome-to-neck ratio, aneurysms located in the posterior circulation, microsurgical clipping, procedure time, anaesthesia duration, and complications were associated with cognitive impairment. Conclusions: Underlying diseases, procedural factors, and complications contributed to cognitive impairment after treatment of intracranial aneurysms. Since the effect of each factor on each cognitive domain was slightly different, a more in-depth study of these effects is needed.
The Value of Different Short-Term Risk Scoring Models in Predicting Long-Term Death of Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Yang Bosen , Bai Lin , Zhang Yike , Cheng Yiheng , Zhao Chunyan , Huang Baotao , Chen Mao
Published: August 2022

Background and aims: To compare the value of three commonly used cardiovascular short-term risk scoring models, the GRACE score, TIMI score, and HEART score, in predicting the long-term prognosis of patients with acute myocardial infarction. Methods: The hospitalization data of patients who were hospitalized in West China Hospital of Sichuan University from 2011 to 2013 and diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) were collected. The patients were scored by GRACE score, TIMI score, and HEART score. The long-term follow-up of patients was conducted until the end of January 2021. All-cause death and time of death of patients were confirmed by telephone follow-up, electronic medical record query, and household registration information. The predictive ability of different risk scores for long-term prognosis was compared according to the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) area under the curve (AUC), and the ability to distinguish patients with different risk levels was compared according to Kaplan–Meier survival curves. Results: The study ultimately included 2220 patients, with a median follow-up of 8 years and 454 (20.5%) deaths until the end of follow-up. Whether in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients or non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) patients, the AUC value of the GRACE score (both AUC = 0.734) was significantly higher than the TIMI score (AUC = 0.675, p < 0.01; AUC = 0.665, p < 0.01) and HEART score (AUC = 0.632, p < 0.01; AUC = 0.611, p < 0.01) until the end of follow-up. In terms of risk stratification, the Kaplan–Meier survival curve shows that both THE GRACE score and TIMI score can distinguish AMI patients with different risk levels (p < 0.01), but the risk stratification ability of the HEART score in AMI patients was poor (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The GRACE risk score could represent a more accurate model to assess long-term death of acute myocardial infarction, but further studies are required.
DNA Methylation in Offspring Conceived after Assisted Reproductive Techniques: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Cannarella Rossella , Crafa Andrea , Mongioì Laura M. , Leggio Loredana , Iraci Nunzio , La Vignera Sandro , Condorelli Rosita A. , Calogero Aldo E.
Published: August 2022

Background: In the last 40 years, assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs) have emerged as potentially resolving procedures for couple infertility. This study aims to evaluate whether ART is associated with epigenetic dysregulation in the offspring. Methods. To accomplish this, we collected all available data on methylation patterns in offspring conceived after ART and in spontaneously conceived (SC) offspring. Results. We extracted 949 records. Of these, 50 were considered eligible; 12 were included in the quantitative synthesis. Methylation levels of H19 CCCTC-binding factor 3 (CTCF3) were significantly lower in the ART group compared to controls (SMD −0.81 (−1.53; −0.09), I2 = 89%, p = 0.03). In contrast, H19 CCCTC-binding factor 6 (CTCF6), Potassium Voltage-Gated Channel Subfamily Q Member 1 (KCNQ1OT1), Paternally-expressed gene 3 (PEG3), and Small Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein Polypeptide N (SNRPN) were not differently methylated in ART vs. SC offspring. Conclusion: The methylation pattern of the offspring conceived after ART may be different compared to spontaneous conception. Due to the lack of studies and the heterogeneity of the data, further prospective and well-sized population studies are needed to evaluate the impact of ART on the epigenome of the offspring.
Management of Postoperative Seroma: Recommendations Based on a 12-Year Retrospective Study
Authors: Papanikolaou Athanasios , Minger Eliane , Pais Michael-Alexander , Constantinescu Mihai , Olariu Radu , Grobbelaar Adriaan , Lese Ioana
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Seroma formation is a serious postoperative complication. Since the management algorithms available in the literature are scarce, we aimed to analyze our experience with postoperative seroma in order to identify indicators for revisional surgery and propose recommendations for management. Methods: This retrospective study included all patients with postoperative seroma treated in a tertiary university hospital from 2008 to 2020. Patients’ demographics, medical history, and seroma treatment details were recorded and analyzed. Results: Overall, 156 patients were included: 41% were initially treated through needle aspiration, with 61% eventually undergoing surgical treatment for postoperative seroma. Comorbidities, such as heart failure and coronary heart disease, were significantly associated with an increased need for revisional surgery (p < 0.05). Both a duration of >40 days of repeated needle aspirations and drain re-insertions were significantly correlated with an increased risk for revisional surgery (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Patients requiring seroma aspiration should be counseled on surgical treatment sooner rather than later, as prolonged aspiration time (over 40 days) greatly increases the risk of surgical revision. Moreover, the reinsertion of a drain should only be used as a temporizing measure, at most, and patients requiring a drain to control the size of the seroma should promptly be scheduled for a surgical revision.
Long-Term Consequences of COVID-19 Lockdown in Neovascular AMD Patients in Spain: Structural and Functional Outcomes after 1 Year of Standard Follow-Up and Treatment
Authors: Rego-Lorca Daniela , Valverde-Megías Alicia , Fernández-Vigo José Ignacio , Oribio-Quinto Carlos , Murciano-Cespedosa Antonio , Sánchez-Quirós Julia , Donate-López Juan , García-Feijóo Julián
Published: August 2022

Consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on medical care have been extensively analyzed. Specifically, in ophthalmology practice, patients suffering age-related macular degeneration (AMD) represent one of the most affected subgroups. After reporting the acute consequences of treatment suspension in neovascular AMD, we have now evaluated these same 242 patients (270 eyes) to assess if prior functional and anatomical situations can be restored after twelve months of regular follow-up and treatment. We compared data from visits before COVID-19 outbreak and the first visit after lockdown with data obtained in subsequent visits, until one year of follow-up was achieved. For each patient, rate of visual loss per year before COVID-19 pandemic, considered “natural history of treated AMD”, was calculated. This rate of visual loss significantly increased during the lockdown period and now, after twelve months of regular follow-up, is still higher than before COVID outbreak (3.1 vs. 1.6 ETDRS letters/year, p < 0.01). Percentage of OCT images showing active disease is now lower than before the lockdown period (51% vs. 65.3%, p = 0.0017). Although anatomic deterioration, regarding signs of active disease, can be apparently fully restored, our results suggest that functional consequences of temporary anti-VEGF treatment suspension are not entirely reversible after 12 months of treatment, as BCVA remains lower and visual loss rate is still higher than before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Determination of Young Modulus and Stress-Strain Curve for Metal Fe and Interstitial Alloy FeC
Authors: Hoc Nguyen Quang , Trong Dung Nguyen , Cuong Nguyen Chinh , Tinh Bui Duc , Hien Nguyen Duc , Long Van Cao , Saraç Umut , Ţălu Ştefan
Published: August 2022

In this research, the numerical calculation for elastic and nonlinear strains of Fe metal and FeC alloy under different pressures has been performed by the statistical moment method SMM with Mie–-Lennard–Jones potential (MLJ) and Embedded-Jones potential Atom Method (EAM). The analysis reveals that an enhancement in the concentration (cC) from 0 to 5% causes a decrement in the Young’s modulus (E) at room temperature (T = 300 K) for FeC. These calculated results are consistent with the experimental results. In addition, the obtained stress-strain curves for Fe are in perfect agreement with the experimental curves. Besides, increasing the cC for a continuous strain decreases the stress, showing that adding C to Fe to form FeC steel will increase strength and hardness, but decrease elasticity and hardness. The results obtained will be very useful not only for experimental studies but also for theoretical studies of metals and their interstitial alloys.
Bond Strength Evaluation between Different Glass Fiber Post Systems to Restore Weakened Roots
Authors: Alves Paula Barbosa , Jurema Ana Luiza Barbosa , Torres Carlos Rocha Gomes , Borges Alessandra Bühler , Liporoni Priscila Christiane Suzy , Tribst João Paulo Mendes , Zanatta Rayssa Ferreira
Published: August 2022

A new bundled glass fiber-reinforced resin post was developed to be used in post-endodontic restoration. We evaluated the bond strength of a single prefabricated glass fiber post (GFP) and a bundled glass fiber-reinforced resin post (GT), used alone or combined, to restore weakened roots. Fifty bovine incisors roots were weakened with a diamond bur, except for those from the control group. The root canals were endodontically treated (Pro Taper Next system, gutta-percha, and endodontic cement), and the roots were divided into five groups (n = 10): Reb—single prefabricated GFP (Rebilda Post—Voco); GT—bundled glass fiber-reinforced resin post (Rebilda Post GT—Voco); RebGT—association between the prefabricated GFP (Reb) and the bundled one (GT); CP—prefabricated GFP customized with composite resin; and Cont—singular post in a non-weakened root (Control). All posts were cemented using a universal adhesive system (Futurabond U) and dual-cure resin cement (Rebilda DC—Voco). Afterwards, two slices were obtained from each root third (cervical, middle, and apical) and submitted to a push-out bond strength test. Data were analyzed regarding the post system used and the root thirds by two-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey’s test (p < 0.05). There were higher bond strength means for the RebGT and CP groups, presenting values similar to the control. The Reb and GT groups showed lower values. The adhesion to deeper thirds of the root canal remains a challenge for adhesive dentistry and is not related to the design of the post. Additionally, the rehabilitation of teeth with weakened roots requires the customization of the glass fiber post with composite resin or the association between prefabricated options with multiple posts.
The Promotion of Mechanical Properties by Bone Ingrowth in Additive-Manufactured Titanium Scaffolds
Authors: Sun Changning , Dong Enchun , Chen Jiayu , Zheng Jibao , Kang Jianfeng , Jin Zhongmin , Liu Chaozong , Wang Ling , Li Dichen
Published: August 2022

Although the initial mechanical properties of additive-manufactured (AM) metal scaffolds have been thoroughly studied and have become a cornerstone in the design of porous orthopaedic implants, the potential promotion of the mechanical properties of the scaffolds by bone ingrowth has barely been studied. In this study, the promotion of bone ingrowth on the mechanical properties of AM titanium alloy scaffolds was investigated through in vivo experiments and numerical simulation. On one hand, the osseointegration characteristics of scaffolds with architectures of body-centred cubic (BCC) and diamond were compared through animal experiments in which the mechanical properties of both scaffolds were not enhanced by the four-week implantation. On the other hand, the influences of the type and morphology of bone tissue in the BCC scaffolds on its mechanical properties were investigated by the finite element model of osseointegrated scaffolds, which was calibrated by the results of biomechanical testing. Significant promotion of the mechanical properties of AM metal scaffolds was only found when cortical bone filled the pores in the scaffolds. This paper provides a numerical prediction method to investigate the effect of bone ingrowth on the mechanical properties of AM porous implants, which might be valuable for the design of porous implants.
Crystallization and Aging Behavior of Polyetheretherketone PEEK within Rapid Tooling and Rubber Molding
Authors: Abbas Karim , Balc Nicolae , Bremen Sebastian , Skupin Marco
Published: August 2022

In times of short product life cycles, additive manufacturing and rapid tooling are important methods to make tool development and manufacturing more efficient. High-performance polymers are the key to mold production for prototypes and small series. However, the high temperatures during vulcanization injection molding cause thermal aging and can impair service life. The extent to which the thermal stress over the entire process chain stresses the material and whether it leads to irreversible material aging is evaluated. To this end, a mold made of PEEK is fabricated using fused filament fabrication and examined for its potential application. The mold is heated to 200 °C, filled with rubber, and cured. A differential scanning calorimetry analysis of each process step illustrates the crystallization behavior and first indicates the material resistance. It shows distinct cold crystallization regions at a build chamber temperature of 90 °C. At an ambient temperature above Tg, crystallization of 30% is achieved, and cold crystallization no longer occurs. Additional tensile tests show a decrease in tensile strength after ten days of thermal aging. The steady decrease in recrystallization temperature indicates degradation of the additives. However, the tensile tests reveal steady embrittlement of the material due to increasing crosslinking.
Fretting Fatigue as a Limiting Factor on the Durability of Friction Stir Welded Lap Joints Using AA2099-T83 and AA2060-T8E30 Aluminium Alloys
Authors: Aldanondo Egoitz , Zubiri Oier , Vivas Javier , Álvarez Pedro , Hurtado Iñaki
Published: August 2022

Friction stir welding (FSW) has been proposed as an alternative modern joining technology and demonstrated important benefits for the manufacturing of efficient and lightweight aircraft structures using high-strength aluminium alloys. These structures are required to be corrosion- resistant and thus, it is necessary to use technologies such as surface treatments and sealants in their manufacturing and assembly. In this work, the feasibility of combining innovative Cr-free surface treatments, sealants and FSW technology was investigated with the focus on the durability of the joints in fatigue. FSW lap joints were produced using AA2099-T83 extrusions and AA2060-T8E30 sheets in the as-received or surface-treated condition. A sealant was also applied in some cases at the overlapping interface before the FSW process. Static tensile tests and fatigue tests were carried out applying hoop-stress loading conditions. Different fracture modes were identified depending on the stress levels applied in the fatigue tests: High stress levels resulted in fractures in the HAZ of the FSW joints, while the specimens tested at low stress levels showed fractures out of the FSW joint. In general, FSW joints produced using surface-treated aluminium components and sealant presented improved fatigue life and extended durability in comparison with non-treated aluminium joints. The surface treatments and sealant at the interface of AA2099-T83 extrusions and AA2060-T8E30 sheets reduced the friction and local damage produced due to the sliding movement during the fatigue tests, minimizing the fretting fatigue effect, which was found to be the main limiting factor on the durability and fatigue life of the FSW joints.
Combined Influences of Light and Nitrogen Enrichment on the Physiological Performance of a Golden Tide Alga (Sargassum horneri)
Authors: Yan Fang , Jiang Huichao , Ma Yuanqing , Cui Cuiju , Qin Huawei , Liu Lijuan , Zang Shasha , Xing Hongyan , Xu Zhiguang , Wu Hongyan
Published: August 2022

Sargassum golden tides (GT) are common in numerous coastal areas all over the world, and it adversely affects local marine life. Eutrophication is critical for Sargassum GT development. However, its physiological and ecological mechanism remains unclear. To investigate the responses of drifting Sargassum horneri, the species causing GT in the western Pacific, to light and enriched nitrogen, we set three light conditions (Low-light (LL), 10 μmol photons m−2 s−1; Middle-light (ML), 60 μmol photons m−2 s−1; and High-light (HL), 300 μmol photons m−2 s−1) and three nitrogen conditions (Natural seawater, the final concentration of N was 31.8 μmol L−1, including 30.5 μmol L−1 of NO3− and 1.3 μmol L−1 of NH4+; Enrichment of NO3−, final concentration of N was 200 μmol L−1; and Enrichment of NH4+, the final concentration of N was 200 μmol L−1), and grew the thalli under varying conditions for 10 days before determining the growth and utilization of carbon and nitrogen. Based on the accumulated data, the elevated light level led to a higher growth rate of alga. In the LL culture, the higher capacity for carbon utilization, which was reflected by the higher maximum photosynthetic carbon fixation rate (Vmax), resulted in the elevated growth rates of thalli in the nitrogen-enriched media as compared with the natural seawater. Furthermore, a higher growth rate was found in the enrichment of NH4+ despite a low affinity for inorganic carbon indicated by a higher value of the half-saturation constant (K0.5). In the ML treatment, an insignificant difference in growth rate was found in three nitrogen cultures, except for a slight increase in the enrichment of NH4+ than the enrichment of NO3−. In the HL treatment, compared with natural seawater culture, enrichment of NO3− or NH4+ accelerated the growth of alga, with no significant difference between the two nitrogen sources. Such enhancement in growth was related to the more photosynthetic carbon fixation, indicated by the higher value of Vmax and soluble carbohydrates content of alga cultured with NO3− and NH4+ enrichments. Additionally, the uptake and assimilation products of nitrogen, such as pigments and soluble proteins, remained unaffected by nitrogen source enrichment of NO3− or NH4+ at all three light levels. In conclusion, enrichment of NO3− and NH4+ exhibited different influences on the growth of S. horneri at different light levels, which was mainly associated with the capacity and efficiency of photosynthetic carbon utilization. At the HL level, both the enrichment of NO3− and NH4+ dramatically accelerate the growth of alga by stimulating the photosynthetic carbon fixation. Accordingly, we speculated that drifting S. horneri, exposed to HL level on the surface of the sea, were likely to develop rapidly to form GT in eutrophic oceanic areas with upwelled and river plume NO3− or NH4+ nutrients.
An Analytical Solution of Transient Wave Generation in the Wave Channel
Authors: Chen Cheng-Tsung , Lee Jaw-Fang , Lin Kuei-Ting , Hu Pi-Sheng
Published: August 2022

Transient characteristics of wave generation in the wave channel can provide unique and important information in contrast to the steady and periodic motion of propagation waves. In this paper, a new analytical solution is proposed for a transient wavemaker problem in the wave channel. The mathematical model of the wavemaker problem is established based on the linear potential wave theory, and a new analytical solution for the corresponding initial and boundary-value problem is presented. The present solution methodology is motivated and developed from old methods shown in literature. The present solution can be mathematically reformulated and shown to be identical to the previous solution using different solution methodology. The present analytical solution is further compared with numerical results and experiments to validate the mathematical model. The present solution is used to calculate the steady state generated wave forms that compare very well with the steady wave theory both in wave length and wave period. The present solution is also used to study unsteady characteristics of wave heights and wave lengths of the leading waves. The present analytical solution methodology can provide an easier approach to obtain the analytical solution for transient wave generation problem in the wave channel.
CO2 Emission Efficiency Analysis of Rail-Water Intermodal Transport: A Novel Network DEA Model
Authors: Zhang Weipan , Wu Xianhua , Guo Ji
Published: August 2022

How to evaluate the carbon emission efficiency of multimodal transport is an important issue of public concern, and this article attempts to solve it with a network data envelopment analysis (DEA) model. DEA is a method to evaluate the efficiency of homogeneous decision-making units (DMUs). First, this article studies the efficiency decomposition and efficiency aggregation of the general network structure for DEA model. In efficiency decomposition, the relationship between system efficiency and division efficiency is discussed; whereas in efficiency aggregation, the division tendency brought about by the definition of weights is analyzed. Then, a reasonable and single compromise solution to division efficiency scores is investigated while the system efficiency remains optimal. Finally, a two-stage network DEA model of rail-water intermodal transport is established with carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions as an undesirable output. Based on this model, the rail-water intermodal transport efficiencies of 14 ports in China in 2015 are evaluated by the methods of efficiency decomposition, efficiency aggregation, and non-cooperation. The results show that Rizhao Port, Tangshan Port, Nanjing Port, and Zhuhai Port have set an example to other ports. Qinhuangdao Port, Ningbo-Zhoushan Port, Guangzhou Port, and Beiliang Port need to improve the efficiency of railway transportation. Beibu Gulf port, Zhanjiang Port, Dalian Port, Lianyungang Port, Yantai Port, and Yichang Port should optimize their intermodal system. In addition, Yantai Port and Yichang Port urgently need to improve the port efficiency in low-carbon operation. The network DEA model constructed in this article can be further applied to the efficiency evaluation of multi-link supply chains, and the empirical results can provide a reference for the efficiency evaluation of ports in China.
ALOS-Based USV Path-Following Control with Obstacle Avoidance Strategy
Authors: Liu Zhilin , Song Simeng , Yuan Shouzheng , Ma Yingkai , Yao Zongxun
Published: August 2022

Path following and obstacle avoidances are used in heading control and path replanning for unmanned surface vessels (USVs), which have attracted the interest of many researchers over the years. This paper investigates the path-following and obstacle avoidance problems for USVs. First, on the basis of the current position and desired path, an adaptive line-of-sight (ALOS) algorithm is used to obtain the desired heading angle, and the sideslip angle compensation is considered. Then, to ensure that the USV follows the desired path. Model predictive control (MPC) is used to reduce the lateral error. The event-triggered mechanism (ETM) strategy is utilized to reduce the computational cost of MPC. Moreover, to obtain accurate state quantities in real time, a linear extended state observer (LESO) is used to counteract the effects of external disturbances and the nonlinear term of the model. Furthermore, an improved obstacle avoidance algorithm based on the geometric relationship is proposed. This method can better ensure USV navigation safety and reduce consumption and computation. Lastly, multiple simulation experiments illustrate that the algorithm improves the path-following capability and security and ensures smooth input changes by setting input constraints. Therefore, the designed controller has better feasibility and robustness.
A Novel Underwater Image Enhancement Algorithm and an Improved Underwater Biological Detection Pipeline
Authors: Liu Zheng , Zhuang Yaoming , Jia Pengrun , Wu Chengdong , Xu Hongli , Liu Zhanlin
Published: August 2022

For aquaculture resource evaluation and ecological environment monitoring, the automatic detection and identification of marine organisms is critical; however, due to the low quality of underwater images and the characteristics of underwater biological detection, the lack of abundant features can impede traditional hand-designed feature extraction approaches or CNN-based object detection algorithms, particularly in complex underwater environments. Therefore, the goal of this study was to perform object detection in underwater environments. This study developed a novel method for capturing feature information by adding the convolutional block attention module (CBAM) to the YOLOv5 backbone network. The interference of underwater organism characteristics in object characteristics decreased and the output object information of the backbone network was enhanced. In addition, a self-adaptive global histogram stretching algorithm (SAGHS) was designed to eliminate degradation problems, such as low contrast and color loss, that are caused by underwater environmental features in order to restore image quality. Extensive experiments and comprehensive evaluations using the URPC2021 benchmark dataset demonstrated the effectiveness and adaptivity of the proposed methods. Additionally, this study conducted an exhaustive analysis of the impacts of training data on performance.
Evaluation of Ship Pollutant Emissions in the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach
Authors: Xiao Guangnian , Wang Tian , Chen Xinqiang , Zhou Lizhen
Published: August 2022

The role of the shipping industry in international logistics has been highlighted with the development of the global economy and the increase in international trade. Simultaneously, some of the environmental problems caused by shipping activities have gradually surfaced. The development of modern communication technology and marine communication equipment increased the feasibility of real-time ship dynamic data, as an information source for monitoring ship sailing states, and provided a data basis for the control of ship pollutant emissions. Based on the Automatic Identification System (AIS) data and ship-related data obtained from the waters of the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach in 2020, the dynamic method is combined with the ship traffic emissions model STEAM2 to calculate the ship pollutant emissions in the two ports, and the relevant analysis work is conducted to evaluate the control effect of the Emission Control Area (ECA) policies on pollutant emissions. Results show that the ship pollutant emissions for CO, CXHX, NOX, SO2, PM10, and PM2.5 were 1230, 510, 11,700, 6670, 248, and 232 tons, respectively. These results also indicate the possible presence of a large gap in the distribution trend of ship pollutant emissions, according to different ship types and sailing states. Moreover, the control effect of various ECA policies on pollutant emissions is not the same, that is, the impact of ECA policies on SO2 and particulate matter is the largest, and that on NOX is minimal.
Diversity of Ascomycota in Jilin: Introducing Novel Woody Litter Taxa in Cucurbitariaceae
Authors: Su Wenxin , Xu Rong , Bhunjun Chitrabhanu S. , Tian Shangqing , Dai Yueting , Li Yu , Phukhamsakda Chayanard
Published: August 2022

Cucurbitariaceae has a high biodiversity worldwide on various hosts and is distributed in tropical and temperate regions. Woody litters collected in Changchun, Jilin Province, China, revealed a distinct collection of fungi in the family Cucurbitariaceae based on morphological and molecular data. Phylogenetic analyses of the concatenated matrix of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, the large subunit (LSU) of ribosomal DNA, the RNA polymerase II subunit (rpb2), the translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1-α) and β-tubulin (β-tub) genes indicated that the isolates represent Allocucurbitaria and Parafenestella species based on maximum likelihood (ML), maximum parsimony (MP) and Bayesian analysis (BPP). We report four novel species: Allocucurbitaria mori, Parafenestella changchunensis, P. ulmi and P. ulmicola. The importance of five DNA markers for species-level identification in Cucurbitariaceae was determined by Assemble Species by Automatic Partitioning (ASAP) analyses. The protein-coding gene β-tub is determined to be the best marker for species level identification in Cucurbitariaceae.
Deep Learning Assisted Diagnosis of Onychomycosis on Whole-Slide Images
Authors: Jansen Philipp , Creosteanu Adelaida , Matyas Viktor , Dilling Amrei , Pina Ana , Saggini Andrea , Schimming Tobias , Landsberg Jennifer , Burgdorf Birte , Giaquinta Sylvia , Müller Hansgeorg , Emberger Michael , Rose Christian , Schmitz Lutz , Geraud Cyrill , Schadendorf Dirk , Schaller Jörg , Alber Maximilian , Klauschen Frederick , Griewank Klaus G.
Published: August 2022

Background: Onychomycosis numbers among the most common fungal infections in humans affecting finger- or toenails. Histology remains a frequently applied screening technique to diagnose onychomycosis. Screening slides for fungal elements can be time-consuming for pathologists, and sensitivity in cases with low amounts of fungi remains a concern. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have revolutionized image classification in recent years. The goal of our project was to evaluate if a U-NET-based segmentation approach as a subcategory of CNNs can be applied to detect fungal elements on digitized histologic sections of human nail specimens and to compare it with the performance of 11 board-certified dermatopathologists. Methods: In total, 664 corresponding H&E- and PAS-stained histologic whole-slide images (WSIs) of human nail plates from four different laboratories were digitized. Histologic structures were manually annotated. A U-NET image segmentation model was trained for binary segmentation on the dataset generated by annotated slides. Results: The U-NET algorithm detected 90.5% of WSIs with fungi, demonstrating a comparable sensitivity with that of the 11 board-certified dermatopathologists (sensitivity of 89.2%). Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that machine-learning-based algorithms applied to real-world clinical cases can produce comparable sensitivities to human pathologists. Our established U-NET may be used as a supportive diagnostic tool to preselect possible slides with fungal elements. Slides where fungal elements are indicated by our U-NET should be reevaluated by the pathologist to confirm or refute the diagnosis of onychomycosis.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Three Advanced Wound Dressings in Split-Thickness Skin Grafting Donor Sites—A Personalized Approach?
Authors: Hecker Andrzej , Lumenta David Benjamin , Brinskelle Petra , Sawetz Isabelle , Steiner Andreas , Michelitsch Birgit , Friedl Herwig , Gmainer Daniel , Kamolz Lars-Peter , Winter Raimund
Published: August 2022

Background: Split-thickness skin grafting (STSG) is a frequently used reconstructive technique, and its donor site represents a standardized clinical model to evaluate wound dressings. We compared hydroactive nanocellulose-based, silver-impregnated and ibuprofen-containing foam wound dressings. Methods: A total of 46 patients scheduled for elective surgery were evaluated on the STSG donor site for wound healing (time-to-healing, Hollander Wound Evaluation Scale), pain level (Visual Analogue Scale), and handling (ease of use), as well as scar quality (Patient Scar Assessment Scale, Vancouver Scar Scale) after 3, 6 and 12 months. Results: Almost all dressings compared equally well. We observed statistically relevant differences for pain level favoring the ibuprofen-containing dressing (p = 0.002, ΔAIC = 8.1), and user friendliness in favor of nanocellulose (dressing removal: p = 0.037, ΔAIC = 2.59; application on patient: p = 0.042, ΔAIC = 2.33; wound adhesion: p = 0.017, ΔAIC = 4.16; sensation on skin: p = 0.027, ΔAIC = 3.21). We did not observe any differences for wound healing across all groups. Treatment with hydroactive nanocellulose and the ibuprofen-containing foam revealed statistically relevant better scar appearances as compared to the silver wound dressing (p < 0.001, ΔAIC = 14.77). Conclusion: All wound dressings performed equally well, with the detected statistical differences hinting future directions of clinical relevance. These include the reserved use of silver containing dressings for contaminated or close to contaminated wounds, and the facilitated clinical application of the nanocellulose dressing, which was the only suitable candidate in this series to be impregnated with a range of additional therapeutic agents (e.g., disinfectants and pain-modulating drugs). Personalized donor site management with the tested dressings can meet individual clinical requirements after STSG and improve management strategies and ultimately patient outcomes.
Blood Biomarkers and Metabolomic Profiling for the Early Diagnosis of Vancomycin-Associated Acute Kidney Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Experimental Studies
Authors: Laou Eleni , Mavridis Theodoros , Papagiannakis Nikolaos , Pais Gwendolyn , Chighine Alberto , Chang Jack , Locci Emanuela , D’Aloja Ernesto , Scheetz Marc , Chalkias Athanasios , Xanthos Theodoros
Published: August 2022

Background: several blood-based biomarkers have been proposed for predicting vancomycin-associated kidney injury (VIKI). However, no systematic analysis has compared their prognostic value. Objective: this systematic review and meta-analysis was designed to investigate the role of blood biomarkers and metabolomic profiling as diagnostic and prognostic predictors in pre-clinical studies of VIKI. Methods: a systematic search of PubMed was conducted for relevant articles from January 2000 to May 2022. Animal studies that administered vancomycin and studied VIKI were eligible for inclusion. Clinical studies, reviews, and non-English literature were excluded. The primary outcome was to investigate the relationship between the extent of VIKI as measured by blood biomarkers and metabolomic profiling. Risk of bias was assessed with the CAMARADES checklist the SYRCLE’s risk of bias tool. Standard meta-analysis methods (random-effects models) were used. Results: there were four studies for the same species, dosage, duration of vancomycin administration and measurement only for serum creatine and blood urea nitrogen in rats. A statistically significant increase was observed between serum creatinine in the vancomycin group compared to controls (pooled p = 0.037; Standardized Mean Difference: 2.93; 95% CI: 0.17 to 5.69; I2 = 92.11%). Serum BUN levels were not significantly different between control and vancomycin groups (pooled p = 0.11; SMD: 3.05; 95% CI: 0.69 to 6.8; I2 = 94.84%). We did not identify experimental studies using metabolomic analyses in animals with VIKI. Conclusions: a total of four studies in rodents only described outcomes of kidney injury as defined by blood biomarkers. Blood biomarkers represented included serum creatinine and BUN. Novel blood biomarkers have not been explored.
Development and Validation of the Minnesota Assessment of Pharmacogenomic Literacy (MAPL)
Authors: Allen Josiah D. , Zhang Lusi , Johnson Alyssa N. K. , Jacobson Pamala A. , McCarty Catherine A. , Pittenger Amy L. , Bishop Jeffrey R.
Published: August 2022

Ensuring that patients have an adequate understanding of pharmacogenomic (PGx) test results is a critical component of implementing precision medicine into clinical care. However, no PGx-specific validated literacy assessment has yet been developed. To address this need, we developed and validated the Minnesota Assessment of Pharmacogenomic Literacy (MAPLTM). Foundational work included a scoping review of patient and general public attitudes and experiences with pharmacogenomic testing, three focus groups, readability assessments, and review by experts and members of the general public. This resulted in a 15-item assessment designed to assess knowledge in four domains: underlying concepts, limitations, benefits, and privacy. For validation, 646 participants completed the MAPL as a part of a larger survey about pharmacogenomic research and statewide PGx implementation. Two items were deemed to be “too easy” and dropped. The remaining 13 items were retained in the final MAPL with good internal reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.75). Confirmatory factor analysis validated the four-domain construct of MAPL and suggested good model performance and high internal validity. The estimated coefficient loadings across 13 questions on the corresponding domains are all positive and statistically significant (p < 0.05). The MAPL covers multiple knowledge domains of specific relevance to PGx and is a useful tool for clinical and research settings where quantitative assessment of PGx literacy is of value.
Thiopurine S-Methyltransferase Polymorphisms Predict Hepatotoxicity in Azathioprine-Treated Patients with Autoimmune Diseases
Authors: Sheu Heh-Shiang , Chen Yi-Ming , Liao Yi-Ju , Wei Chia-Yi , Chen Jun-Peng , Lin Hsueh-Ju , Hung Wei-Ting , Huang Wen-Nan , Chen Yi-Hsing
Published: August 2022

Thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) is the rate-limiting enzyme in Azathioprine (AZA) metabolization. Although studies have discussed the association between the TPMT polymorphisms and myelosuppression, the data about the relationship between TPMT genotypes and hepatoxicity in Asian patients remain limited. This study investigated the correlation between TPMT polymorphisms and AZA-related hepatotoxicity. This study enrolled the patients who had prior exposure to AZA from the Taichung Veterans General Hospital (TCVGH)-Taiwan Precision Medicine Initiative (TPMI) cohort. Genetic variants were determined using a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array. Participants were accordingly categorized into normal metabolizer (NM) and non-normal metabolizer (non-NM) groups. From the TCVGH-TPMI cohort, we included 50 TPMT non-NM patients, including 1 poor metabolizer (PM), 49 intermediate metabolizers (IMs), and 1000 NM patients. The non-NM genotype was associated with hepatotoxicity compared with the NM genotype (hazard ratio (HR): 3.85, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.83–8.10). In the non-NM group, the 3-year cumulative incidence of hepatotoxicity was higher than that in the NM group at 8.5% in the first year and 18.6% in the second and third years (p < 0.001). A TPMT non-NM genotype was associated with the occurrence of hepatotoxicity following AZA therapy. Preemptive testing helps individualize AZA therapy by minimizing the risk of hepatotoxicity.
Developing Novel Technique for Investigating Guidelines and Frameworks: A Text Mining Comparison between International and Japanese Green Bonds
Authors: Aruga Kentaka , Islam Md. Monirul , Zenno Yoshihiro , Jannat Arifa
Published: August 2022

In most cases, the official documents related to guidelines and frameworks are complicated, long, and hard to understand for general readers, regardless of whether the government and financial companies follow international standards or not. In this context, the current study examines how the green bond (GB) guidelines created by the Japanese government are aligned with the Green Bond Principles (GBP) and Climate Bonds Standard (CBS) through a text mining technique. It also investigates whether the GB frameworks for the Japanese public and private companies follow the GB guidelines of the Japanese government. While the CBS is the guideline that focuses on climate bonds, the GBP specializes in GB whose scope is broader. The word frequency and word cloud analyses identify that the documents created by the Japanese government and companies have more similarities with the GBP, indicating that the Japanese GB guidelines and frameworks are more aligned with the GBP than the CBS. A pairwise word network matrix analysis also reveals that the Japanese GB guidelines and frameworks are more focused on broader environmental issues and sustainability than the CBS, which had more similarities with the GBP than the CBS.
Function Evolution of Oasis Cultivated Land and Its Trade-Off and Synergy Relationship in Xinjiang, China
Authors: Cai Tianyi , Zhang Xinhuan , Xia Fuqiang , Lu Danni
Published: August 2022

Cultivated land (CL) performs irreplaceable manifold functions in social stability, economic development, and ecological security, which is also essential for the accomplishment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030 Agenda. China is the world’s most populous country, and it has important reference significance for the realization of the multi-function synergistic management of CL in China by revealing the evolution characteristics of cultivated land functions (CLFs) and the interaction between CLFs. However, the research to date has tended to focus on the eastern coastal areas and the central traditional agricultural areas of China. This study focuses specifically on Xinjiang, the main area of the arid region of northwest China. The connotations of social, economic, and ecological functions of oasis cultivated land (OCL) in Xinjiang were first discussed from a system theory perspective. Then, an evaluation index system of CLFs was constructed. On this basis, the evolution characteristics of CLFs and the interaction between CLFs in Xinjiang from 1990 to 2018 were quantitatively evaluated. Findings suggest that: (1) the economic function of the OCL in Xinjiang is strengthening, while the ecological function is degrading and the social function remains stable. Overall, the evolution of CLFs in Xinjiang was first dominated by ecological and social functions and then became economic-function-oriented; (2) the synergistic relationship between CLFs is weakening and the trade-off relationship is increasing over time. The trade-off effect between the economic function and other functions of OCL is strengthened gradually due to the OCL-use activities dominated by the economic function. This study not only enriches the regional content of CL multi-function research but can also provide reference for decision-making for the sustainable utilization and multi-function synergistic management of OCL in Xinjiang, China.