bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hybrid transvenous and surgical approach for the extraction of coronary sinus leads: A case series
Authors: Ahmed Ashraf , Arabia Gianmarco , Bontempi Luca , Cerini Manuel , Salghetti Francesca , Muneretto Claudio , Mitacchione Gianfranco , Milidoni Antonino , Curnis Antonio
Published: June 2022

Background

Transvenous lead extraction is the standard therapy for cardiac device‐related infection. In some patients, however, a hybrid surgical and transvenous approach may be necessary.

Methods and Results

We present three cases who underwent transvenous lead extraction for an infected CRT‐D system. In all cases the CS lead could not be retrieved transvenously due to extensive fibrosis. The lead was successfully extracted through left minithoracotomy in two patients and midline sternotomy in one patient.

Conclusion

In cases where the coronary sinus lead shows severe fibrosis, a transvenous approach can be used to free the proximal part of the lead, while the distal adhesions can be removed surgically through a limited thoracic incision.
Nonlinearizable solutions in an eigenvalue problem for Maxwell's equations with nonhomogeneous nonlinear permittivity in a layer
Authors: Tikhov Stanislav V. , Valovik Dmitry V.
Published: June 2022

The paper focuses on a problem arising in nonlinear guided wave optics. The problem for Maxwell's equations with nonhomogeneous nonlinear constitutive law is reduced to an eigenvalue problem for a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations with local boundary conditions. We suggest a novel approach to study eigenvalue problems for nonlinear nonautonomous equations based on studying an integral characteristic equation (ICE) of the problem. Using asymptotical analysis of the ICE, we prove existence of infinitely many eigenvalues and find their distribution. It is important that the corresponding linear problem has only a finite number of eigenvalues.
Identification of the novel HLA‐A*74:03:03 allele by sequencing‐based typing
Authors: Aldosari Manar A. , Matyuri Abdullah S. , Alghamdi Mohammed , Alkhaibari Abdulrhman , Hajeer Ali H.
Published: June 2022

HLA‐A*74:03:03 differs from A*74:03:01 by a synonymous mutation at nucleotide 1948 in exon 4.
Mapping the average speed of sound in synthetic aperture ultrasound imaging
Authors: Monjazebi Dena , Xu Yuan
Published: June 2022

A method to map the average speed of sound in a heterogeneous medium was proposed. First, an equation was derived relating the phase aberration to the average speed of sound. Then, this equation was applied to study the average speed in a uniform phantom in simulations. An initial delay on the order of microseconds was found to affect the speed-map close to the surface. Next, a method was proposed to estimate this initial delay. Average speed and initial delay methods were validated in experimental studies in a uniform and two-layered phantoms. This proposed method has improved the image contrast and spatial resolution.
Single-cell analysis of human basal cell carcinoma reveals novel regulators of tumor growth and the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Guerrero-Juarez Christian F. , Lee Gun Ho , Liu Yingzi , Wang Shuxiong , Karikomi Matthew , Sha Yutong , Chow Rachel Y. , Nguyen Tuyen T. L. , Iglesias Venus Sosa , Aasi Sumaira , Drummond Michael L. , Nie Qing , Sarin Kavita , Atwood Scott X.
Published: June 2022

How basal cell carcinoma (BCC) interacts with its tumor microenvironment to promote growth is unclear. We use singe-cell RNA sequencing to define the human BCC ecosystem and discriminate between normal and malignant epithelial cells. We identify spatial biomarkers of tumors and their surrounding stroma that reinforce the heterogeneity of each tissue type. Combining pseudotime, RNA velocity–PAGA, cellular entropy, and regulon analysis in stromal cells reveals a cancer-specific rewiring of fibroblasts, where STAT1, TGF-β, and inflammatory signals induce a noncanonical WNT5A program that maintains the stromal inflammatory state. Cell-cell communication modeling suggests that tumors respond to the sudden burst of fibroblast-specific inflammatory signaling pathways by producing heat shock proteins, whose expression we validated in situ. Last, dose-dependent treatment with an HSP70 inhibitor suppresses in vitro vismodegib-resistant BCC cell growth, Hedgehog signaling, and in vivo tumor growth in a BCC mouse model, validating HSP70’s essential role in tumor growth and reinforcing the critical nature of tumor microenvironment cross-talk in BCC progression.
Management of hepatic haemangioma in pregnancy
Authors: Casabianca Anthony Spartan , Hernandez Caballero Ana Ivette , Thornburg Loralei L , Carpizo Darren
Published: June 2022

Hepatic cavernous haemangioma is a benign tumour of vascular origin found within the liver. Often incidentally diagnosed, the management of these vascular masses is frequently determined by the size of the mass and symptoms associated with its compression of adjacent structures. Tumours >10 cm are known as giant haemangiomas and are associated with increased risks of compression symptoms, coagulopathies and haemorrhage. Known to express hormone receptors for oestrogen, intervention for these masses remains controversial in the setting of pregnancy where concerns for tumour growth and life-threatening complications are increased. Here we present the case of a woman in her 30s recently diagnosed with a giant haemangioma who is found to be pregnant, their management and a review of the literature.
Extramedullary haematopoiesis presenting as an adnexal mass in a patient with β-thalassaemia
Authors: Filippi Valeria , Reina Hubertina , Monod Cecile , Manegold-Brauer Gwendolin
Published: June 2022

Solid masses of the ovaries raise the suspicion of malignancy or metastasis and require histological diagnosis. Extramedullary haematopoesis (EMH) is a rare histological finding of a mass of the adnexa. The sonographic pattern of EMH has rarely been described in the literature. Transvaginal biopsy of EMH has not been reported in the literature. We present a case of adnexal EMH in a patient affected with β-thalassaemia, and we performed a narrative review. Only in our case, the sonographic pattern was described, and a transvaginal ultrasound-guided core biopsy was used. Assessing patients’ medical history and correlating it to the findings of diagnostic imaging is of paramount importance when evaluating patients with adnexal masses. The correct interpretation of sonographic images can avoid unnecessarily invasive procedures. A transvaginal biopsy could be a safe, easy and well-tolerated method to gain definite histological diagnosis in cases where a primary ovarian malignancy is not suspected.
Dexamethasone should not be given to people with a chronic subdural haematoma
Authors: Saul Helen , Gursul Deniz , Cassidy Samantha , Hutchinson Peter , Kolias Angelos
Published: June 2022

The study

Hutchinson P, Edlmann E, Bulters D, et al. Trial of dexamethasone for chronic subdural haematoma.N Engl J Med2020;383:2616-27.

To read the full NIHR Alert, go to:https://evidence.nihr.ac.uk/alert/dexamethasone-should-not-be-used-chronic-subdural-haematoma/
Inequalities in demand satisfied with modern methods of family planning among women aged 15–49 years: a secondary data analysis of Demographic and Health Surveys of six South Asian countries
Authors: Sreeramareddy Chandrashekhar T , Acharya Kiran , Tiwari Ishwar
Published: June 2022

Objective

To estimate educational and wealth inequalities in demand satisfied with modern methods of family planning (mDFPS).

Design

A secondary data analyses of Demographic and Health Surveys.

Setting

Six South Asian countries, Afghanistan (2015), Bangladesh (2014), India (2015–2016), Maldives (2016–2017), Nepal (2016) and Pakistan (2017–2018).

Participants

Women aged 15–49 years. Primary and secondary outcome measures mDFPS was defined as married women aged 15–49 years or their partners, who desired no child, no additional children or to postpone the next pregnancy and who are currently using any modern contraceptive method. We estimated weighted and age-standardised estimates of mDFPS. We calculated the slope index of inequality (SII) and relative index of inequality (RII) as the measures of socioeconomic inequalities.

Results

A total of 782 639 women were surveyed. The response rate was 84.0% and above. The prevalence of mDFPS was below 50% in Maldives (22.8%, 95% CI 20.7 to 25.0), Pakistan (42.0%, 95% CI 39.9 to 44.0) and Afghanistan (39.1%, 95% CI 36.9 to 41.3), whereas Bangladesh had achieved 76% (75.8%, 95% CI 74.2 to 77.3). Both wealth and educational inequalities varied in magnitude and direction between the countries. Except in Nepal and Bangladesh, mDFPS wealth inequalities showed a trend of increasing mDFPS as we moved towards richer, and richest wealth quintiles that is, pro-poor (RII (0.5 to 0.9); SII (−4.9 to −23.0)). In India and Nepal, higher versus no education was in favour of no education (higher mDFPS among not educated women) (RII 1.1 and 1.4; SII 4.1 and 15.3, respectively) and reverse in other countries ((RII (0.4 to 0.8); SII (−10.5 to −30.3)). Afghanistan, Maldives and Pakistan fared badly in both educational and wealth inequalities among the countries.

Conclusions

South Asia region still has a long way ahead towards achieving universal access to mDFPS. Diverse patterns of socioeconomic inequalities between the countries call for national governments and international development agencies to target the population subgroups for improving the mDFPS coverage.
Robotic-assisted surgery and kinematic alignment in total knee arthroplasty (RASKAL study): a protocol of a national registry-nested, multicentre, 2×2 factorial randomised trial assessing clinical, intraoperative, functional, radiographic and survivorship outcomes
Authors: MacDessi Samuel J , Wernecke Gregory C , Bastiras Durga , Hooper Tamara , Heath Emma , Lorimer Michelle , Harris Ian
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Robot-assisted surgery (RAS) and kinematic alignment (KA) are being increasingly adopted to improve patient outcomes in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). There is uncertainty around the individual or combined effect of these concepts compared with computer-assisted surgery (CAS) and mechanical alignment (MA), respectively. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of RAS, KA or both to improve clinical outcomes, functional measures, radiographic precision and prosthetic survivorship when compared with current gold standards of surgical care.

Methods and analysis

A national registry-nested, multicentre, double-blinded, 2×2 factorial, randomised trial will be undertaken with 300 patients undergoing primary unilateral TKA performed by 15 surgeons. The primary outcome will be the between-group differences in postoperative change over 2 years in the mean Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS-12), comparing first, RAS to CAS as its control, and second, KA to MA as its control. Secondary outcomes will include other knee-specific and general health patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), intraoperative pressure loads as a measure of soft tissue balance, 6-month postoperative functional outcomes, radiological precision using CT imaging, complications and long-term prosthetic survivorship. The contribution of each patient’s unique coronal plane alignment of the knee phenotype to primary and secondary PROMs will be investigated. OMERACT-OARSI criteria and Patient Acceptable Symptom State outcome score thresholds for the KOOS-12 and Oxford Knee Score will be used in secondary analyses. Primary intention-to-treat and secondary per-protocol analyses will be performed. Statistical analysis will include a generalised linear mixed model for repeated measures for continuous KOOS-12 scores. Kaplan-Meier estimates with adjusted HRs of implant survivorship will be calculated.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval was obtained from Sydney Local Health District-Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (Approval X20-0494 and 2020/ETH02896 10.24/DEC20). Results will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal and presented in national, state and international meetings.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12621000205831.
Examining the intersection of child protection and public housing: development, health and justice outcomes using linked administrative data
Authors: Malvaso Catia , Montgomerie Alicia , Pilkington Rhiannon Megan , Baker Emma , Lynch John W
Published: June 2022

Objective

We described development, health and justice system outcomes for children in contact with child protection and public housing.

Design

Descriptive analysis of outcomes for children known to child protection who also had contact with public housing drawn from the South Australian (SA) Better Evidence Better Outcomes Linked Data (BEBOLD) platform.

Setting

The BEBOLD platform holds linked administrative records collected by government agencies for whole-population successive birth cohorts in SA beginning in 1999.

Participants

This study included data from birth registrations, perinatal, child protection, public housing, hospital, emergency department, early education and youth justice for all SA children born 1999–2013 and followed until 2016. The base population notified at least once to child protection was n=67 454.

Primary outcome measure

Contact with the public housing system.

Secondary outcome measures

Hospitalisations and emergency department presentations before age 5, and early education at age 5, and youth justice contact before age 17.

Results

More than 60% of children with at least one notification to child protection had contact with public housing, and 60.2% of those known to both systems were known to housing first. Children known to both systems experienced more emergency department and hospitalisation contacts, greater developmental vulnerability and were about six times more likely to have youth justice system contact.

Conclusions

There is substantial overlap between involvement with child protection and public housing in SA. Those children are more likely to face a life trajectory characterised by greater contact with the health system, greater early life developmental vulnerability and greater contact with the criminal justice system. Ensuring the highest quality of supportive early life infrastructure for families in public housing may contribute to prevention of contact with child protection and better life trajectories for children.
Presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in human corneal tissues donated in Italy during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Ferrari Stefano , Franco Elena , Del Vecchio Claudia , Zorzi Ilaria , Fasolo Elisa , Crisanti Andrea , Ponzin Diego
Published: June 2022

Objective

To analyse corneal tissues from asymptomatic donors with a postmortem nasopharyngeal swab tested positive for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA, and therefore, understand the role that corneal transplantation may have in viral transmission.

Methods and analysis

Between March 2020 and October 2021, 101 corneas (out of 8154 collected in Italy) from 51 donors (out of a total of 4155 Italian donors) positive for SARS-CoV-2 after postmortem nasopharyngeal swab tests were analysed for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA through real-time RT-PCR. When available, the corneal tissue storage media were also assessed. Corneas and/or storage media with confirmed presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA were further investigated by isolating SARS-CoV-2 virions, which were used to infect VeroE6 target cells.

Results

Only N=4 corneas and/or storage media out of 101 showed presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. No VeroE6 cell infection was detected with viral isolates, thus suggesting no presence of SARS-CoV-2 virions in corneal specimens and storage media.

Conclusions

The presence of SARS-CoV-2 in cornea specimens would seem to be more likely due to prolonged detection of RNA rather than to active viral replication, with very low risk of infectivity and transmission through keratoplasty.
Targeting of GSDMD sensitizes HCC to anti-PD-1 by activating cGAS pathway and downregulating PD-L1 expression
Authors: Lv Tingting , Xiong Xiaofeng , Yan Wei , Liu Mei , Xu Hongwei , He Qin
Published: June 2022

Background

Gasdermin D (GSDMD) is well known as a downstream of inflammasomes. However, the roles of GSDMD itself in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unclear.

Methods

Two independent cohorts of patients with HCC were analyzed to evaluate the pathological relevance of GSDMD/pTBK1/PD-L1. GSDMD knockout (GSDMD-/-) mice, Alb-Cre mice administered with an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector that expressed the gasdermin-N domain (AAV9-FLEX-GSDMD-N) and their wild-type littermates were used to induce hepatocarcinogenesis or metastatic HCC. Combination of anti-programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) and GSDMD inhibitor dimethyl fumarate (DMF) was used to test for improved therapeutic efficacy. RNA sequencing was used to explore the mechanisms how GSDMD promoted HCC progression.

Results

The expression of GSDMD and GSDMD-N was upregulated in HCC tissues or metastatic HCC tissues and positive GSDMD expression indicated grim prognosis. Diethylnitrosamine/carbon tetrachloride or thioacetamide-treated GSDMD-/- mice exhibited decreased liver tumors. In contrast, AAV9-FLEX-GSDMD-N promoted hepatocarcinogenesis. RNA sequencing manifested that knockout of GSDMD impacted the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) pathway and immune-associated pathway. GSDMD damped cGAS activation by promoting autophagy via outputting potassium (K+) and promoted programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) expression by histone deacetylases/signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1)-induced transactivation of PD-L1 via importing calcium (Ca2+). High Mobility Group Box 1/toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/caspase-1 pathway contributed to the overexpression and cleavage of GSDMD. Anti-PD-1 combining with DMF largely impaired HCC progression and metastasis.

Conclusions

Targeting GSDMD could promote expression of interferons through inactivation of cGAS pathway and downregulated the PD-L1 expression. Therefore, combined anti-PD-1 and GSDMD inhibitor might serve as an effective treatment option for patients with HCC with GSDMD upregulation.
Evaluation of aneurysm rupture risk based upon flowrate-independent hemodynamic parameters: a multi-center pilot study
Authors: Zhang Mingzi , Hou Xiaoxi , Qian Yi , Chong Winston , Zhang Xin , Duan Chuan-Zhi , Ou Chubin
Published: June 2022

Background

Specifying generic flow boundary conditions in aneurysm hemodynamic simulations yields a great degree of uncertainty for the evaluation of aneurysm rupture risk. Herein, we proposed the use of flowrate-independent parameters in discriminating unstable aneurysms and compared their prognostic performance against that of conventional absolute parameters.

Methods

This retrospective study included 186 aneurysms collected from three international centers, with the stable aneurysms having a minimum follow-up period of 24 months. The flowrate-independent aneurysmal wall shear stress (WSS) and energy loss (EL) were defined as the coefficients of the second-order polynomials characterizing the relationships between the respective parameters and the parent-artery flows. Performance of the flowrate-independent parameters in discriminating unstable aneurysms with the logistic regression, Adaboost, and support-vector machine (SVM) methods was quantified and compared against that of the conventional parameters, in terms of sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC).

Results

In discriminating unstable aneurysms, the proposed flowrate-independent EL achieved the highest sensitivity (0.833, 95% CI 0.586 to 0.964) and specificity (0.833, 95% CI 0.672 to 0.936) on the SVM, with the AUC outperforming the conventional EL by 0.133 (95% CI 0.039 to 0.226, p=0.006). Likewise, the flowrate-independent WSS outperformed the conventional WSS in terms of the AUC (difference: 0.137, 95% CI 0.033 to 0.241, p=0.010).

Conclusion

The flowrate-independent hemodynamic parameters surpassed their conventional counterparts in predicting the stability of aneurysms, which may serve as a promising set of hemodynamic metrics to be used for the prediction of aneurysm rupture risk when physiologically real vascular boundary conditions are unavailable.
Impact of PD1 and PDL1 immunotherapy on non-small cell lung cancer outcomes: a systematic review
Authors: Kanabar Shivani Setur , Tiwari Abhinav , Soran Vina , Balendran Prashanthan , Price Malcolm , Turner Alice Margaret
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Despite comprising many cancer diagnoses, few treatments are suitable for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (aNSCLC). Trials suggest blockade of programmed death 1 (PD1) or its ligand (PDL1) may be effective for these patients. However, this therapy’s impact on outcomes other than survival, and outcomes of patients not in trials, remains largely unknown. Therefore, we compared the effectiveness of PD1 and PDL1 immunotherapy to chemotherapy and placebo across multiple clinical outcomes.

Methods

Six databases were searched on 12–13 October 2019 for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies investigating nivolumab, pembrolizumab, atezolizumab or durvalumab. Study selection was performed independently by two reviewers. Data for overall survival, progression-free survival, adverse effects (AEs) and quality of life (QoL) were descriptively and meta-analysed. Factors impacting treatment outcomes, including PDL1 expression, were explored. The similarity between RCT and observational data was assessed.

Results

From 5423 search results, 139 full texts and abstracts were included. Immunotherapy was associated with a lower risk of death than both comparators. In RCTs, the incidence of treatment-related AEs was approximately 20% lower among patients using immunotherapy compared with chemotherapy. However, no other consistent benefits were observed. Progression-free survival results were inconsistent. Improvements to QoL varied according to the instrument used; however, QoL was not recorded widely. Survival results were similar between study designs; however, AEs incidence was lower in observational studies.

Discussion

Among patients with aNSCLC, immunotherapy improved overall survival and incidence of treatment-related AEs compared with chemotherapy. Benefits to progression-free survival and QoL were less consistent.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42019153345.
Transport of Ligand Coordinated Iron and Chromium through Cation-Exchange Membranes
Authors: Saraidaridis James D. , Darling Robert M. , Yang Zhiwei , Shovlin Christopher , Fortin Michael , Robb Brian H. , Waters Scott E. , Marshak Michael P.
Published: June 2022

Fluxes of negatively charged ligand-coordinated iron, Fe(CN)6
3/4-, and chromium, CrPDTA1/2−, through two promising commercial cation-exchange membranes, Aquivion E87–05S and Fumasep E-620(K), were measured as functions of current density. The magnitude of the partial current density reached a maximum of

−
43

μA cm−2 at the maximum applied current density magnitude of

−
43

mA cm−2 for Fe(CN)6
3/4− transport through Aquivion, or 0.1% of the total current density. Fumasep E-620(K) blocks practically all crossover of both compounds. Both membranes sorb more Fe(CN)6
3/4− and CrPDTA1/2− than predicted by Donnan equilibrium, and low crossover rates can be attributed mainly to slow diffusion, not charge-based rejection of co-ions. The magnitude of the diffusion coefficient appears to correlate with hydraulic permeability. Although Aquivion E87–05S and Fumasep E-620(K) have significant and observable differences in membrane crossover rates, cells built with the DI-soaked membranes offer similarly high coulombic efficiency, indicating the relatively small contribution that crossover makes to inefficiency over a single cycle.
Species Distribution Modelling of Two Sympatric Hornbills: The Great Hornbill and Rufous-Necked Hornbill in Bhutan
Authors: Puri NirKumar , Verma AmitKumar , Chhetri Ramesh , Chand Harish Bahadur , Rijal Sandip
Published: June 2022

The great hornbill (Buceros bicornis) and rufous-necked hornbill (Aceros nepalensis) are listed as vulnerable under the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of threatened species due to the rapid decline of their population in the world. This research focuses on analyzing the habitat suitability of these two important bird species across Bhutan. A total of 51 presence locations were recorded from the field survey. The models were simulated using three topographic variables and 19 bioclimatic variables. The MaxEnt modelling technique was used for delineating the distribution potential habitat suitability map. The habitat suitability analysis for great hornbill and rufous-necked hornbill shows that 2% and 3% of Bhutan’s total geographical area were highly suitable, respectively. The approach of this study will be beneficial in identifying suitable areas and aid decision-makers in management and conservation of these vulnerable bird species.
Application of New Media in Student Management from the Perspective of Deep Learning and Evaluation and Analysis of Practical Effects
Authors: Ji Danjun , Wang Xuejiao , Zhang Tianyu
Published: June 2022

New media has become incorporated into people’s lives as a result of its advent and great popularity. Students make substantial use of new media, and using it for student management necessitates social attention and assistance. It has to do with the management effect of colleges and universities, as well as the development of college students and societal harmony and advancement. Under the new media environment, student management workers should apply new media to daily student management work on the basis of traditional student management work methods, carry out new extensions and expansions, and use various forms of new media platforms as working methods and means. To carry out student work to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of student management work, in this context, this paper uses deep learning to carry out the application and practical effect evaluation of new media in student management and completes the following work: (1) This paper examines and discusses the development history, concept, connotation, and characteristics of new media using the literature analysis approach. The literature is used to synthesize the study findings of contemporary academic circles on the management of student issues in the new media environment. (2) The related technologies of BPNN are introduced, the evaluation index of the application effect of new media on student management work is constructed, and then, the appropriate BPNN structure is designed. (3) Experiments are carried out with the self-designed data set. The results of the experiments reveal that the model proposed in this research has a low error and good performance.
Interventions of Advanced Lung Cancer Patient Receiving Chemotherapy by Computed Tomography Image Information Data Analysis-Based Soothing Care Plans
Authors: Wang Juan , Lu Shuangping , Zhang Qundan
Published: June 2022

The objective of this study was to investigate the intervention effect of computed tomography (CT) image information data on patients with advanced lung cancer treated with chemotherapy under palliative care program. The research subjects were 60 patients with advanced lung cancer who received palliative care in our hospital from January 1, 2019, to January 1, 2021. All patients were grouped according to the evaluation criteria of solid tumor efficacy, including 28 patients in the remission group and 32 patients in the nonremission group. Texture analysis was performed on the CT images of the two groups of patients. The gray-scale cooccurrence matrix parameters, the maximum diameter of the lesion, and the CT value of the CT images of the two groups of patients before and after palliative care were compared. The results showed that after the palliative care, the combined mean, combined energy, and inverse moment of the three gray cooccurrence matrix parameters of the two groups of patients were decreased, and the combined entropy and contrast were increased. The absolute value of the gray-scale cooccurrence matrix

Δ

parameter of the patients in the remission group was greater than that in the nonremission group. The

Δ

combined entropy,

Δ

contrast, and

Δ

correlation of the two groups of patients were significantly different, and the difference in

Δ

contrast was the largest. It suggested that the gray-scale cooccurrence matrix parameter can evaluate the effect of soothing care, and the contrast was the best evaluation parameter. The maximum diameter of the lesions in the remission group before and after palliative care was reduced by 1.23 cm, and the degree of reduction was significantly better. The CT value was reduced by 6.22 HU, and the degree of reduction was significantly higher than that in the nonremission group. There was a significant difference in the data between the two groups (

P
<
0.05

). Therefore, the CT image information data had a better evaluation effect on patients with advanced lung cancer under the palliative care program and can be applied to the clinical evaluation of the palliative care effect, which had good clinical value.
Characterization of Circular RNA Expression Profiles in Colon Specimens of Patients with Slow Transit Constipation
Authors: Xi Changlei , Hong Yuntian , Chen Baoxiang , Xie Xiaoyu , Liu Weicheng , Qian Qun , Jiang Congqing , Ren Xianghai
Published: June 2022

Background. Slow transit constipation (STC) is a clinical syndrome characterized by a decreased urge to defecate and delayed colonic transit. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a recently discovered class of regulatory RNAs that have emerged as critical biomarkers and regulators of various diseases. However, the expression profiles and mechanisms underlying circRNA regulation in human STC tissues have not been explored. Methods. High-throughput RNA sequencing technology was used to compare the differences in circRNA expression profiles in colon samples taken from patients with STC or controls. Bioinformatics analyses were performed on the host genes of the differentially expressed circRNAs (DE-circRNAs), a competing endogenous RNA network was constructed, and the expression levels of some DE-circRNAs were verified using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reactions (qRT-PCR). Results. There were 190 DE-circRNAs identified in the STC group. Bioinformatics analysis predicted that the DE-circRNAs were enriched in the relaxation of smooth muscle, actin binding, actin cytoskeleton organization, dilated cardiomyopathy, and cardiac muscle contraction. These results suggest that muscle diseases may be related to the pathogenesis of STC. The expression levels of the 12 most differentially expressed circRNAs were verified using qRT-PCR. In addition, circRNA–microRNA–mRNA regulatory networks were constructed using the 8 most significant circRNAs. Some mRNAs predicted to be closely related to smooth muscle function were found in these networks. Conclusions. This study provides a helpful blueprint for researchers to select candidate circRNAs for further study of the pathogenesis of STC and screen potential biomarkers or targets for use in the diagnosis and treatment of STC.
Self-Attention-Based Edge Computing Model for Synthesis Image to Text through Next-Generation AI Mechanism
Authors: Alshehri Hamdan Ali , Junath N. , Panwar Poonam , Shukla Kirti , Rahin Saima Ahmed , Martin R. John
Published: June 2022

Image synthesis based on natural language description has become a research hotspot in edge computing in artificial intelligence. With the help of generative adversarial edge computing networks, the field has made great strides in high-resolution image synthesis. However, there are still some defects in the authenticity of synthetic single-target images. For example, there will be abnormal situations such as “multiple heads” and “multiple mouths” when synthesizing bird graphics. Aiming at such problems, a text generation single-target model SA-AttnGAN based on a self-attention mechanism is proposed. SA-AttnGAN (Attentional Generative Adversarial Network) refines text features into word features and sentence features to improve the semantic alignment of text and images; in the initialization stage of AttnGAN, the self-attention mechanism is used to improve the stability of the text-generated image model; the multistage GAN network is used to superimpose, finally synthesizing high-resolution images. Experimental data show that SA-AttnGAN outperforms other comparable models in terms of Inception Score and Frechet Inception Distance; synthetic image analysis shows that this model can learn background and colour information and correctly capture bird heads and mouths. The structural information of other components is improved, and the AttnGAN model generates incorrect images such as “multiple heads” and “multiple mouths.” Furthermore, SA-AttnGAN is successfully applied to description-based clothing image synthesis with good generalization ability.
Phillyrin Prevents Ovariectomy-Induced Osteolysis by Inhibiting Osteoclast Differentiation
Authors: Zhang Geng , Zhang Ying , Wang Cong , Zhou Chenhe , Yan Shigui
Published: June 2022

Postmenopausal osteoporosis is a metabolic disease caused by an imbalance between osteoclasts and osteoblasts. At present, the drug strategy for treating postmenopausal osteoporosis has some limitations and is unable to satisfy the demands of patients. Phillyrin (Phil) is an herbal extract from Forsythiae Fructus, with an inhibitory effect on osteolysis. In this study, we described the role of Phil in ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis and its effect on osteoclast differentiation in vitro. Eighteen female C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into three groups: sham group (sham surgery and injection with 0.9% normal saline), ovariectomized group (ovariectomy and injection with 0.9% normal saline), and Phil group (ovariectomy and injecting Phil with 100 mg/kg for 2 days). Mice were sacrificed after 6-week Phil administration and femurs were harvested for microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) and histomorphology analyses. In vitro, we used different concentrations of Phil to study its effect on osteoclastogenesis. The results showed that the BV/TV, Tb.Th, and Tb.N in trabecular bone were increased in the Phil group compared with the OVX group, and the trabecular bone mass was remarkably decreased in the OVX group compared with the sham group. The number of osteoclasts was increased in the OVX group compared to the sham group, and the number and area of osteoclasts were decreased in the Phil group compared to the control group. Compared with the OVX group, the number and area of osteoclasts were reduced in the Phil group. In conclusion, Phil could inhibit the formation of osteoclasts, promote the growth of bone trabecular, and relieve osteoporosis caused by ovariectomy, with a certain clinical adoption value.
Dynamic Routing Strategy for Directed Transmissions of High-Valued Contents in NGSO Satellite-Based Internet
Authors: Hu Zeyu , Li Wei , Wang Tianjia , Li Yong
Published: June 2022

Nongeostationary orbit (NGSO) satellite-based Internet is an important part of the future network. One single NGSO satellite has the characteristics of high-speed movement, small coverage area, and short connection time; therefore, the method of multisatellite collaboration is adopted in NGSO satellite-based Internet. Caching is an effective technique to reduce the transmission load and delay, especially for high-value content. However, the traditional caching cannot be applied to the NGSO satellite network directly due to the frequent switching of service satellites. As a result, some high-valued cached data need to be transmitted among satellites, such that an effective routing between the source and destination node needs to be established orderly in the satellite network. This paper proposes a dynamic routing strategy based on multilayer satellite architecture for unicast and multicast scenarios, respectively. For the unicast, a routing strategy based on

Q

-learning is proposed to optimize bandwidth and delay simultaneously, and the effectiveness is verified by the comparison against the traditional routing strategy. For the multicast, an advanced

Q

-learning multicast routing algorithm based on spatial directionality is proposed to optimize the overall transmission success rate and resource cost, and the superiority of the proposed routing strategy is verified by simulation results.
Study on Deformation Characteristics of Segment Joints of the Immersed Tunnel in Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge
Authors: Niu Yapeng , Xie Yongli , Zhang Hongguang , Yue Xiabing , Han Yingguang , Hu Zhinan
Published: June 2022

The segmental joints are the weak parts of the immersed tunnel structure, and their deformation characteristics are closely correlated with the waterproof behavior and structural safety of the whole tunnel. In order to study the deformation characteristics of the segmental joints of immersed structure, in this paper, the E13 pipe section in the natural foundation section of an immersed tunnel in the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge is taken as the research object, and the model test of the immersed tunnel is carried out. The similarity ratio of the model to the prototype is determined according to the actual engineering scale and the capability of the model test system, and the plexiglass is selected as the model material of the immersed tunnel according to the similarity of elastic modulus and density. In the test, various working conditions, including back-silting load and different prestress control values, are analyzed, and the influence of settlement and opening of the immersed tunnel is obtained, along with the stress-strain characteristics of the segment joints. Results show that the increase of the back-silting load will increase the element settlement and the expansion of the segment joints, but the application of prestress increases the overall stiffness of the element, which can effectively restrain the settlement of element and the expansion of joints. Furthermore, based on the model test conditions, a finite element model is established to simulate the mechanical behavior of the immersed tunnel. The settlement curve and stress-strain curve of the numerical analysis are found to be similar to those obtained from the model test, which verifies the reliability of the model test.
Study on the Dispersion of Radionuclides under Different Hydrological Conditions of Spent Fuel Shipping in Daya Bay
Authors: Chen Liwei , Chen Weihua , Lin Jiazhen , Chen Chunhua , Luo Yalin , Tao Longlong
Published: June 2022

The radionuclide dispersion in coastal water is mainly controlled by the water flow and tidal effect. Tracing and analysis of radioactive pollutant dispersion in coastal water can predict distribution of radionuclide under marine transportation accident of spent fuel. In this work, factors such as continuous emission, radioactive decay, and water depth are considered, and a hydrodynamic model of radionuclide dispersion based on shallow water equations is established to simulate the dispersion of the radioactive pollutant in coastal waters under different hydrological conditions. As far as the characteristics of the radionuclide dispersion in coastal water are concerned, the simulation of pollutants by the hydrodynamic model is in good agreement with the work of Bailly du Bois et al., which validated the correctness of this model. The model has been applied to simulate the distribution of radionuclides in coastal water following a marine transport accident of spent fuel near Daya Bay Nuclear Power Plant in China. The simulation reveals that the distribution features are significantly affected by different hydrological conditions. In addition to limiting the diffusion range, the vortex effect can also cause the accumulation of radionuclides near the vortex, which helps to provide more practical information for nuclear emergency decision makers.
Persistent Diarrhoea after Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) in Paediatric Patient: Lessons from a Complication
Authors: Silvaroli Sara , Paradiso Filomena Valentina , Giorgio Valentina , Nanni Lorenzo
Published: June 2022

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is increasingly used in paediatric population. We report a case of a 4-year-old boy who, two weeks after PEG placement, presented persistent diarrhoea interpreted as intolerance to enteral feeding. His CT scan confirmed the correct placement of gastrostomy, but during gastroscopy, gastrostomy could not be found in the stomach, and the following colonoscopy revealed migration of gastrostomy to the transverse colon. The patient required removal of the misplaced PEG and conservative management of the fistula with surgical replacement of gastrostomy. We faced an unusual presentation of PEG placement complication due to colon interposition during blind gastric puncture. In children with anatomical deformities, previous surgery, or low weight or malnutrition (<10 kg), we suggest laparoscopic-assisted gastrostomy to avoid the risk of a major complication.
DEFORM 3D Simulations and Taguchi Analysis in Dry Turning of 35CND16 Steel
Authors: Mathivanan A. , Swaminathan G. , Sivaprakasam P. , Suthan R. , Jayaseelan V. , Nagaraj M.
Published: June 2022

Steel (35CND16) has excellent strength with good hardenability and dimensional stability, and it could be widely used in engineering, mining, and tooling. The present study focused on minimizing cutting forces, flank wear, and temperature generation in the machining zone. The machining process factors include cutting speed, feed rate, and depth of cut. DEFORM 3D simulation outputs closely agreed with the experimental results. The predictive model developed by DEFORM 3D can predict the cutting force and temperature before the actual experiment; therefore, the machining cost can be avoided, which would incur due to improper selection of machining factors. Further, the machining factors were optimized based on ANOVA and regression analysis. Flank wear was increased at high level factors of speed and feed; however, flank wear tends to reduce at the middle level of depth of cut. The average percentage error for cutting force and temperature generation between experimental values and simulated values for force and temperature at machining zone was found to be 2.21% and 1.22%, respectively.
On Geraghty Contractive Mappings and an Application
Authors: Batul S. , Mehmood F. , Sagheer D-e-Shehwar , Ashraf M. Sohail , Aydi H. , Gaba Y. U.
Published: June 2022

In this article, certain fixed point results for Geraghty‐type contractions in the setting of Gr‐Complete extended fuzzy b‐metric spaces are established. An example is elaborated, and a supporting application is also established. Many known existing results are special cases of our obtained results.
Relationship between Content and Activity of Cytochrome P450 and Induction of Heterocyclic Amine DNA Adducts in Human Liver Samples In vivo and In vitro
Authors: Baranczewski Pawel , Möller Lennart
Published: June 2022

This study was designed to estimate a correlation between metabolic activation phenotypes and formation of DNA adducts by heterocyclic amines (HCA) in 15 liver samples from healthy donors. The correlation between the amount of endogenous DNA adducts and the content of cytochrome P450 in human liver samples in vivo was statistically significant at r2 = 0.71 and P < 0.005. Furthermore, the isolated human liver microsomes were treated in vitro with two HCAs, 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) and 2-amino-9H-pyrido[2,3-b]indole (AαC), which have been recognized to induce two DNA adducts: 3′,5′-diphosphate-N-(2′-deoxyguanosin-8-yl)-PhIP (3′,5′-pdGp-C8-PhIP) and 3′,5′-diphosphate-N-(2′-deoxyguanosin-8-yl)-AαC (3′,5′-pdGp-C8-AαC). The correlations between the amount of DNA adducts induced by both compounds in vitro and the content of cytochrome P450 in human microsomes are statistically significant at r2 = 0.69 and r2 = 0.62 (P < 0.001), respectively. Furthermore, the level of DNA adducts after treatment with PhIP and AαC correlated with the activities of three isozymes of cytochrome P450: CYP1A1, CYP1A2, and CYP3A4. Therefore, three chemical inhibitors were used in the experiments: ellipticine against CYP1A1, furafylline against CYP1A2, and troleandomycin against CYP3A4. The highest inhibition levels in the formation of 3′,5′-pdGp-C8-PhIP and 3′,5′-pdGp-C8-AαC adducts were estimated to occur in the presence of furafylline at 56% and 69%, respectively. Ellipticine was involved in the inhibition of 40% of 3′,5′-pdG-C8-PhIP adducts and in only 18% of the inhibition of 3′,5′-pdGp-C8-AαC adducts. Troleandomycin did not significantly inhibit the formation of 3′,5′-pdGp-C8-PhIP adducts under these conditions, but it inhibited the formation of 31% of the 3′,5′-pdGpC8-AαC adducts. We conclude that the formation of DNA adducts can be used as a relevant marker of interindividual variability in the metabolic activation of HCAs in humans.
Associations among IRS1, IRS2, IGF1, and IGFBP3 Genetic Polymorphisms and Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Slattery Martha L. , Samowitz Wade , Curtin Karen , Ma Khe Ni , Hoffman Michael , Caan Bette , Neuhausen Susan
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Insulin, insulin-like growth factor (IGF), and IGF binding protein (IGFBP) are involved in cell growth and proliferation and are thought to be important in the etiology of colorectal cancer. We hypothesize that genetic polymorphisms of insulin receptor substrates (IRS-1 and IRS-2), IGF-I, and IGFBP-3 alter colorectal cancer risk because of their roles in the insulin-related signaling pathway. Methods: Data from a population-based incident case-control study of 1,346 colon cancer cases and 1,544 population-based controls and 952 rectal cancer cases and 1,205 controls were used to evaluate associations. Genetic polymorphisms of four genes were investigated: an IGF1 CA repeat, the IGFBP3 −202 A > C, the IRS1 G972R, and the IRS2 G1057D. Results: Having at least one R allele (GR or RR) for IRS1 G972R was associated with an increased risk of colon cancer [odds ratio 1.4, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.1-1.9]. The IRS2 G972R heterozygote GD genotype significantly reduced risk of colon cancer (odds ratio 0.8, 95% CI 0.6-0.9). Neither the IGF1 nor the IGFBP3 variants was associated independently with colon cancer, but there was an association when examined with IRS1. Individuals with an IRS1 R allele and IGF1 non-192 allele were at a 2-fold increased risk of colon cancer (95% CI 1.2-4.4). There was a 70% (95% CI 1.02-2.8) increased risk of colon cancer with an IRS1 R allele and the IGFBP3 AC or CC genotype. The IRS2 GD genotype reduced risk of colon cancer, except among those with an IRS1 R allele. No significant associations were seen in analyses of main effects or interactions of these variants and rectal cancer risk. Conclusions: Both IRS1 and IRS2 variants were associated with colon cancer risk independently. Associations were slightly stronger when polymorphisms in multiple genes were evaluated in conjunction with other genes rather than individually. These data suggest that the insulin-related pathway may be important in the etiology of colon cancer but not rectal cancer.