bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automated regional citrate anticoagulation based on online monitoring of ionized calcium concentration: Proof of concept
Authors: Bi Xiao , Zhang Qi , Ding Damin , Zhang Tao , Lu Jianxin , Wu Zhenkai , Li Jiaolun , Ding Feng
Published: June 2022

Background

Regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA), a complex and effective technique, is recommended as the anticoagulation of choice for continuous renal replacement therapy. One of its key objectives is to keep the ionized calcium in the targeted range. In this study, we aimed to develop an automated RCA based on online monitoring of the ionized calcium concentration and closed‐loop feedback.

Methods

We constructed calcium‐selective electrodes with liquid inner contact, which measured a potentiometric signal as the output. We tested the responses, stability, and selectivity of the electrodes in flowing fluid containing calcium chloride. We compared the measurement accuracy between the electrodes and an i‐STAT system in vivo. Moreover, we established closed‐loop feedback using a proportional–integral–derivative controller model. We performed simulated automated RCA both in vivo and in vitro.

Results

The electrode gave a Nernstian response to the variation of ionized calcium concentration. It showed high stability and a relatively short response time. Changes in the fluid flow rate, solution PH, and addition of metal ions including Mg2+ and K+ did not interfere with the measurements of ionized calcium. These measurements in whole blood by the electrode were very close to those assessed by the i‐STAT system. The feedback control system responded quickly to an abnormal ionized calcium concentration and regulated the infusion rates of calcium or citrate to maintain the concentration of ionized calcium within the targeted range.

Conclusions

We successfully trialed automated RCA, which may help simplify the complexities of RCA in the future.
“Kissing” basaloid follicular hamartomas of the eyelid
Authors: Ezemma Ogechi , Ragi Sara D. , Ruiz Renata , Robinson‐Bostom Leslie , Enzer Yoash , DiMarco Christopher
Published: June 2022

Basaloid follicular hamartomas (BFHs) are rare, benign, cutaneous adnexal tumors characterized by branching cords and anastomosing strands of basaloid cells in a loose, fibrous stroma. BFHs exhibit variable clinical presentations although they are commonly observed as skin‐colored papules and are diagnosed based on histopathological features. Common systemic diseases associated with BFH include alopecia, myasthenia gravis, and palmoplantar pitting. BFH of the eyelid is extremely rare with only five cases reported in the literature to date. Congenital “kissing” lesions have only previously been reported with nevi. Here, we present a novel case of congenital “kissing” BFH of the right upper and right lower eyelid, and histopathological examination revealed intradermal nodules of basaloid cells forming reticulated strands, pseudohorn cysts, mucinous stroma, and palisading with CD34 and Bcl‐2 expression in the stromal fibroblasts and periphery, respectively.
Excitability of the radiculo‐medullary circuitry in spastic cerebral palsy: An intraoperative neurophysiological study in children undergoing selective dorsal rhizotomy
Authors: Sindou Marc , Georgoulis George , Joud Anthony , Neromyliotis Eleftherios , Dinopoulos Argyrios
Published: June 2022

Aim

To explore – through intraoperative neurophysiology mapping and recordings – the comparative distribution of the reflexive excitability of the L2 to S2 radiculo‐metameric segments of the spinal cord in a series of children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy (CP) who underwent selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR).

Method

Our series included 46 consecutive children (36 males, 10 females; aged 5–16 years, mean 8 years) who underwent SDR, using keyhole interlaminar dorsal rhizotomy. The procedure allowed access to all L2 to S2 roots independently, while preserving the posterior architecture of the lumbar spine. Dorsal roots were stimulated selectively to test reflexive excitability of the corresponding radiculo‐metameric levels. Stimulation parameters were identical for all roots for optimal comparison between root levels, with an intensity just above threshold to avoid excessive diffusion. The responses in the main muscular groups in each lower limb were clinically observed and electromyograms recorded. Degrees of excitability were quantified according to Fasano's scale.

Results

The difference between root levels was highly significant. Median values of excitability were 1, 2, 3, 3, 3, and 3 for the L2, L3, L4, L5, S1, and S2 levels respectively. Lower root levels exhibited significantly more excitability.

Interpretation

In addition to insight into the spasticity of children with CP, the profile of segmental excitability can be useful in establishing surgical planning when programming SDR.

What this paper adds

Keyhole interlaminar dorsal rhizotomy modality allowed selective stimulation of all L2–S2 dorsal roots for testing excitability.

There were significant differences in reflexive excitability of L2–S2 radiculo‐medullary segments.

Lower segments of L2–S2 medullary levels have higher excitability.

Interindividual variability in excitability of lumbosacral segments justifies intraoperative neurophysiology.

This original article is commented on by Young on pages 9–10 of this issue.
Building a nest in a storm: The impact of immigration‐related stress on Latino mothers' parenting
Authors: Fuentes‐Balderrama Jaime , Vanderziel Alyssa , Parra‐Cardona José Rubén
Published: June 2022

Latina/o immigrant mothers in the United States (U.S.) often experience discrimination, which results in deleterious impacts on their parenting practices. Because of the cumulative impact of immigration‐related stress, there is a need for research aimed at identifying specific contextual stressors that have the greatest impact on Latina/o immigrant parenting. Further, given significant barriers to access mental health services, there is an urgency to comprehend how pre‐existing family strengths might counteract these parenting shortcomings in Latina/o families. Accordingly, we examined in these investigation‐specific pathways through which immigration‐related stress affects maternal parenting practices, and how emotional and relational processes within families might act as predecessors to positive parenting practices within a context of adversity. This study is embedded within a larger program of research aimed at culturally adapting evidence‐based parenting programs for low‐income Latina/o immigrants. Our sample consisted of 71 Mexican‐origin Latina/o mothers, residents of an urban setting in the Midwest. According to Bayesian estimated path analysis, immigration‐related stress was associated with parenting stress and emotional support, while emotional support, parenting stress, and the co‐parenting alliance were associated with positive parenting practices. Indirect effects demonstrate that immigration‐related stress is negatively associated with positive parenting practices when mediated by parenting stress and emotional support. Current findings highlight the need to carefully examine the impact of immigration‐related stress on the parenting practices of Latina/o immigrant families and the need to inform parent training interventions accordingly.
Homoarginine treatment of rats improves cardiac function and remodeling in response to pressure overload
Authors: Koch Vitali , Gruenewald Leon D. , Gruber‐Rouh Tatjana , Martin Simon , Eichler Katrin , Booz Christian , Yel Ibrahim , Vogl Thomas J. , Buchner Kristina , Hagenmueller Marco , März Winfried , Frey Norbert , Hardt Stefan E. , Riffel Johannes H.
Published: June 2022

Low serum concentrations of the amino acid homoarginine (HA) are associated with increased cardiovascular mortality by incompletely understood mechanisms. This study sought to assess the influence of HA on cardiac remodeling in rats undergoing either transaortic banding or inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis by Nω‐Nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L‐NAME). Male Wistar rats (n = 136) underwent sham operation (SH) or aortic banding (AB). Both groups were equally divided into 14 subgroups, receiving different doses of HA alone or in combination with lisinopril, spironolactone, or L‐NAME for 4 weeks. HA treatment in AB animals resulted in a dose‐dependent improvement of cardiac function up to a concentration of 800 mg·kg−1·day−1. Combining 800 mg·kg−1·day−1 HA with spironolactone or lisinopril yielded additional effects, showing a positive correlation with LV ejection fraction (+33%, p = 0.0002) and fractional shortening (+41%, p = 0.0014). An inverse association was observed with collagen area fraction (−41%, p < 0.0001), myocyte cross‐sectional area (−22%, p < 0.0001) and the molecular markers atrial natriuretic factor (−74%, p = 0.0091), brain natriuretic peptide (−42%, p = 0.0298), beta‐myosin heavy chain (−46%, p = 0.0411), and collagen type V alpha 1 chain (−73%, p = 0.0257) compared to placebo‐treated AB animals. Co‐administration of HA and L‐NAME was found to attenuate cardiac remodeling and prevent NO‐deficient hypertension following AB. HA treatment has led to a dose‐dependent improvement of myocardial function and marked histological and molecular changes in cardiac remodeling following AB. Combining HA with standard heart failure medication resulted in additional beneficial effects boosting its direct impact on heart failure pathophysiology.
Resist, accept, and direct responses to biological invasions: A social–ecological perspective
Authors: Dunham Jason , Benjamin Joseph R. , Lawrence David J. , Clifford Katherine
Published: June 2022

Biological invasions represent an important and unique case of ecological transformation that can strongly influence species and entire ecosystems. Challenges in managing invasions arise on multiple fronts, ranging from diverse and often divergent values associated with native and introduced species, logistical constraints, and transformation via other change agents (e.g., climate and land‐use change). We address biological invasions considering the Resist‐Accept‐Direct (RAD) framework for addressing ecological transformation. Because RAD is focused on decisions, we address both social and ecological factors that influence preferences for decision alternatives. We address social factors first as these can constrain the range of alternatives considered in an ecological context. Next, we address ecological dynamics by modeling trajectories from RAD alternatives in a two‐species scenario involving impacts of introduced brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) on native bull trout (S. confluentus). Results reveal that decision alternatives aligned with each of the major components of RAD can produce positive outcomes. In a management context, these findings highlight the value of investing in early engagement to fully identify decision alternatives, formalizing models of system dynamics to understand ecological trajectories, and applying this knowledge to set the stage for longer term efforts to address biological invasions.
Bound phenolics in rice bran dietary fibre released by different chemical hydrolysis methods: content, composition and antioxidant activities
Authors: Zhao Guanghe , Zhang Ruifen , Dong Lihong , Liu Lei , Huang Fei , Jia Xuchao , Deng Mei , Chi Jianwei , Ma Yongxuan , Chen Yanxia , Ma Qin , Zhang Mingwei
Published: June 2022

Phenolics in whole grains naturally occur in free and bound forms, and are dominated by the latter. Previous study indicated that bound phenolics played an indispensable role in the health benefits of whole grain dietary fibre. However, existing extraction methods can only partly release bound phenolics, which results in an underestimation of their contents and activity. The content, composition and antioxidant activity of bound phenolics released from rice bran dietary fibre (RBDF) by different chemical hydrolysis methods were analysed in this study to explore a method releasing much more bound phenolics. The results showed that alkaline hydrolysis could release 1.54 times more phenolics than acid hydrolysis. The combination of 2 hydrolysis methods, especially alkaline‐acid hydrolysis (the residue after alkaline hydrolysis was then hydrolysed with acid), could more effectively release bound phenolics from RBDF. The 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) antioxidant activity of the RBDF hydrolysates from different hydrolysis methods were generally consistent with their phenolic contents. However, the alkaline hydrolysate had 7.62% less phenolics, but showed 53.03% higher CAA activity than the acid‐alkaline hydrolysate. The RBDF residues after different chemical hydrolysis, furthermore, exhibited considerable DPPH and FRAP activity by QUENCHER method, indicating their possible local antioxidant activity in the colonic microenviroment.
Process of developing models of maternal nutrition interventions integrated into antenatal care services in Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia and India
Authors: Sanghvi Tina , Nguyen Phuong Hong , Ghosh Sebanti , Zafimanjaka Maurice , Walissa Tamirat , Karama Robert , Mahmud Zeba , Tharaney Manisha , Escobar‐Alegria Jessica , Dhuse Elana Landes , Kim Sunny S.
Published: June 2022

Integrating nutrition interventions into antenatal care (ANC) requires adapting global recommendations to fit existing health systems and local contexts, but the evidence is limited on the process of tailoring nutrition interventions for health programmes. We developed and integrated maternal nutrition interventions into ANC programmes in Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia and India by conducting studies and assessments, developing new tools and processes and field testing integrated programme models. This paper elucidates how we used information and data to contextualize a package of globally recommended maternal nutrition interventions (micronutrient supplementation, weight gain monitoring, dietary counselling and counselling on breastfeeding) and describes four country‐specific health service delivery models. We developed a Theory of Change to illustrate common barriers and strategies for strengthening nutrition interventions during ANC. We used multiple information sources including situational assessments, formative research, piloting and pretesting results, supply assessments, stakeholder meetings, household and service provider surveys and monitoring data to design models of maternal nutrition interventions. We developed detailed protocols for implementing maternal nutrition interventions; reinforced staff capacity, nutrition counselling, monitoring systems and community engagement processes; and addressed micronutrient supplement supply bottlenecks. Community‐level activities were essential for complementing facility‐based services. Routine monitoring data, rapid assessments and information from intensified supervision were important during the early stages of implementation to improve the feasibility and scalability of models. The lessons from addressing maternal nutrition in ANC may serve as a guide for tackling missed opportunities for nutrition within health services in other contexts.
What do student experiences of programmatic assessment tell us about scoring programmatic assessment data?
Authors: Pearce Jacob
Published: June 2022

Pearce suggests that explicitly showing students programmatic assessment scoring practices may enhance feelings of empowerment, agency and trust, thereby encouraging a true learning culture.
How does forest restoration affect the recovery of soil quality? A global meta‐analysis for tropical and temperate regions
Authors: Allek Adriana , Viany Prieto Pablo , Korys Katarzyna A. , Rodrigues Aline F. , Latawiec Agnieszka E. , Crouzeilles Renato
Published: June 2022

Restoring forest ecosystems to reverse soil degradation is critical to maintain environmental quality, forest and agricultural productivity, biodiversity conservation, and to provide valuable ecosystem services. Yet the impacts of forest restoration on soil quality remain under‐investigated. Here we aim to address a key knowledge gap: how does forest ecosystem restoration affect the recovery of soil quality in tropical and temperate regions? We conducted a global meta‐analysis to compare soil physical, chemical, and biological properties between restoring forests and reference old‐growth/less‐disturbed forests. We revealed for the first time that differences between restoring and reference forests are lower for physical (12–25%; based on median values of effect size) and chemical (10–74%) properties than for biological (32–90%) properties. More specifically, bulk density (12% of difference), pH (10%), and enzyme activity (32%) had mean values in restoring forests closer to those observed in reference forests. Overall, our results suggest that the restoration of soil properties was greater in tropical regions, after longer periods (>30 years), through passive restoration, and over pasturelands. Our global meta‐analysis helps to fill the soil information gap in forest restoration and increase our understanding of how to improve soil quality through forest restoration and soil monitoring processes in tropical and temperate regions.
Paracostal versus ventral midline approach for caudate liver lobectomy in the rabbit
Authors: Leonard Katherine C. , Zhao Qianqian , Taber Rachel H. , Colopy Sara A.
Published: June 2022

Objective

To describe the paracostal approach to caudate liver lobectomy in rabbits and compare the outcome of paracostal versus ventral midline approach for caudate liver lobectomy in rabbits with caudate liver lobe torsion (LLT).

Study design

Cadaveric and retrospective study.

Animals

Normal rabbit cadavers (n = 5) and rabbits with caudate LLT (n = 22).

Methods

Cadavers – a right paracostal or ventral midline approach was made. Accessibility of the caudate liver lobe and relationship to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract were assessed. Clinical LLT cases – 9 cases were treated via the paracostal approach and 13 were treated via the ventral midline approach. Medical records (January, 2018 to October, 2021) were reviewed. Anesthesia and surgical times, mortality rate, and relevant clinical data were compared between groups.

Results

In cadavers, caudate liver lobectomy was feasible through a paracostal approach without retraction of the GI tract. In clinical cases, there was no difference in anesthesia time (P = 0.1397) or surgical time (P = 0.9462) between groups. All rabbits that underwent paracostal approach survived to discharge. Mortality was lower (P = .053) and postoperative time until eating was shorter (P = .0238) for patients undergoing paracostal approach.

Conclusion

Rabbits experienced lower mortality and shorter time until eating when treated through a right paracostal approach compared to the ventral midline approach. The paracostal approach resulted in minimal to no manipulation of the GI tract.

Clinical significance

A right paracostal approach for caudate liver lobectomy in rabbits provides good exposure while avoiding GI tract manipulation. This approach may result in improved survival and earlier eating in rabbits with caudate LLT.
Swirl Ratio Prediction Model in Rotor-Stator Cavity With Superposed Outward Radial Throughflow Based on Region Partition
Authors: Du Qiang , Xie Lei , Liu Guang , Lian Zengyan , Liu Jun , Ren Ran
Published: June 2022

The Rotor-Stator cavity (R-S cavity) is a prototype model in many engineering applications such as gas turbine secondary air systems. The flow characteristics of the R-S cavity are relatively complex considering the rotation effect. A radial through flow is usually superposed in the R-S cavity, further complicating the fluid motion. The flow inside an R-S cavity with a superposed radial throughflow can be divided into four regions based on flow characteristics: a source region, a rotor entrainment layer, a rotating core, and a mixing region. In the present work, a one-dimensional (1-D) radial swirl ratio predictive model is built and verified based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) results in the rotor entrainment layer and rotating core region. A swirl ratio gradient governing equation is deduced at first. The equation involves two scale factors CS and CR which are related to the stator and rotor friction correspondingly. The governing equation in the rotor entrainment layer is further simplified by neglecting the stator friction factor CS where the rotor friction prevails. Then, based on the discretized governing equation, CR and CS are determined via approximation with CFD results. Correlations between CR, CS, and nondimensional radial through flowrate cw are determined and verified. The obtained correlations and the discretized governing equation together form the complete swirl ratio, predictive model. The model accuracy is described by cross-correlation coefficients, which show a good agreement. The 1-D model is then implemented to different rotating speed cases, based on which the model portability is discussed.
Get up and sweat to treat cancer
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: June 2022

By mobilizing certain T cells, exercise joins forces with chemo- and immunotherapy to fight cancer.
Improvement of Fusel Alcohol Production by Engineering of the Yeast Branched-Chain Amino Acid Aminotransaminase
Authors: Koonthongkaew Jirasin , Ploysongsri Nontawat , Toyokawa Yoichi , Ruangpornvisuti Vithaya , Takagi Hiroshi
Published: June 2022

Recently, several studies have attempted to increase the production of branched-chain higher alcohols (BCHAs) in the yeastSaccharomyces cerevisiae. The key enzymes for BCHA biosynthesis inS. cerevisiaeare the branched-chain amino acid aminotransaminases (BCATs) Bat1 and Bat2.
Trampoline centre injuries in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Nunez Carlos , Eslick Guy D , Elliott Elizabeth J
Published: June 2022

Context

No evidence-based review has compared injury risks sustained on trampolines at home and in trampoline centres.

Objective

To present pooled results for injury type, site and treatment from studies reporting injuries that occurred on trampolines at home and in trampoline centres.

Data sources

MEDLINE, Scopus, Google Scholar and Embase databases were searched to 31 December 2021.

Study selection

Inclusion criteria: (1) assessment of trampoline injuries (home and trampoline centres); (2) children and adolescents; (3) the point estimate was reported as an odds ratio (OR); and (4) an internal comparison was used.

Data extraction

Data were reported according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A random-effects model was used to estimate effect.

Results

There were 1 386 843 injuries (n=11 studies). There was an increased likelihood of musculoskeletal and/or orthopaedic injuries (OR 2.45, 95% CI 1.66 to 3.61, p<0.001), lower extremity injury (OR 2.81, 95% CI 1.99 to 3.97, p<0.001), sprains (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.36 to 1.97, p<0.001) and a need for surgery (OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.37 to 2.60, p<0.001) at trampoline centres compared with home trampolines. Conversely, upper extremity injury (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.95, p=0.03), concussion (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.35 to 0.65, p<0.001) and lacerations (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.35 to 0.59, p<0.001) were less likely to occur at trampoline centres than at home.

Conclusions

Children using trampoline centres are more likely to suffer severe trauma and require surgical intervention than children using home trampolines. Development and implementation of preventative strategies, public awareness, and mandatory safety standards are urgently required for trampoline centres.
Postconcussion discharge advice does not improve concussion knowledge in a community sample
Authors: Sullivan Karen , Kinmond Sally , Singaravelu Jaganathan Kannan
Published: June 2022

Objective

Poor concussion knowledge in the community has been linked to reduced injury identification. This study investigated if concussion knowledge could be improved by providing standard postinjury advice (written brochure).

Methods

This study was a prospective, controlled study, with random allocation of 199 Australian adults to receive either a concussion information (CI, n=101), or non-CI (n=98). All participants completed the Rosenbaum Concussion Knowledge and Attitudes Survey on three occasions: pre-education and posteducation, and 1 week later.

Results

A 2 (condition) × 3 (occasion) mixed analysis of variance with concussion knowledge as the dependent variable did not find a statistically significant interaction (p>0.05). This result was unchanged: (1) with the covariate addition of background education and; (2) in a subgroup analysis (individuals with initially ‘low’ self-rated knowledge). Some key misconceptions about concussion were identified.

Conclusion

The community knowledge of concussion was not significantly improved by the concussion advice. Since injury recognition relies ton an extent on community knowledge, the identified misconceptions should be addressed. This could occur via public health messaging. In clinical settings and for future research, the next steps should also include regular updating of concussion information to keep pace with advances in the field.
Innovations in suicide prevention research (INSPIRE): a protocol for a population-based case–control study
Authors: Ranapurwala Shabbar I , Miller Vanessa E , Carey Timothy S , Gaynes Bradley N , Keil Alexander P , Fitch Kate Vinita , Swilley-Martinez Monica E , Kavee Andrew L , Cooper Toska , Dorris Samantha , Goldston David B , Peiper Lewis J , Pence Brian W
Published: June 2022

Background

Suicide deaths have been increasing for the past 20 years in the USA resulting in 45 979 deaths in 2020, a 29% increase since 1999. Lack of data linkage between entities with potential to implement large suicide prevention initiatives (health insurers, health institutions and corrections) is a barrier to developing an integrated framework for suicide prevention.

Objectives

Data linkage between death records and several large administrative datasets to (1) estimate associations between risk factors and suicide outcomes, (2) develop predictive algorithms and (3) establish long-term data linkage workflow to ensure ongoing suicide surveillance.

Methods

We will combine six data sources from North Carolina, the 10th most populous state in the USA, from 2006 onward, including death certificate records, violent deaths reporting system, large private health insurance claims data, Medicaid claims data, University of North Carolina electronic health records and data on justice involved individuals released from incarceration. We will determine the incidence of death from suicide, suicide attempts and ideation in the four subpopulations to establish benchmarks. We will use a nested case–control design with incidence density-matched population-based controls to (1) identify short-term and long-term risk factors associated with suicide attempts and mortality and (2) develop machine learning-based predictive algorithms to identify individuals at risk of suicide deaths.

Discussion

We will address gaps from prior studies by establishing an in-depth linked suicide surveillance system integrating multiple large, comprehensive databases that permit establishment of benchmarks, identification of predictors, evaluation of prevention efforts and establishment of long-term surveillance workflow protocols.
Update regarding the role of PD-L1 in oncocytic thyroid lesions on cytological samples
Authors: Dell'Aquila Marco , Tralongo Pietro , Granitto Alessia , Martini Maurizio , Capodimonti Sara , Curatolo Mariangela , Fiorentino Vincenzo , Pontecorvi Alfredo , Fadda Guido , Lombardi Celestino Pio , Raffaelli Maco , Pantanowitz Liron , Larocca Luigi Maria , Rossi Esther Diana
Published: June 2022

Aims

Several papers have shown that programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression is a relevant predictive biomarker in anti-PD-L1 cancer immunotherapy. While its role in several human cancers is correlated with poor prognosis and resistance to anticancer therapies, in thyroid cancers the role of PD-L1 remains questionable. Few articles have studied PD-L1 in thyroid fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), demonstrating a possible correlation with papillary thyroid carcinoma. However, its role in oncocytic thyroid lesions remains controversial. We accordingly examine the performance of PD-L1 immunostaining in liquid based cytology (LBC) from oncocytic lesions.

Methods

From January 2019 to March 2021, 114 thyroid lesions diagnosed by FNAC from lesions with a predominant oncocytic component, were enrolled for evaluation by PD-L1 immunostaining on both LBC and corresponding histology samples.

Results

The FNAC cohort included 51 benign (B, negative controls), 4 atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesions of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS), 57 follicular lesions (follicular neoplasm/suspicious for FN, FN/SFN) and 2 suspicious for malignancy (SFM) cases. Fifty-four cases (11B, 2 AUS/FLUS, 39 FN/SFN and 2 SFM) had histological follow-up including: 1B case resulted as a hyperplastic oxyphilic nodule in Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT), 10B as goitre, 2 AUS/FLUS cases as oncocytic adenomas (OAs); 39 FN/SFN included 27 OAs, 4 FA and 8 oncocytic follicular carcinoma (OFC). The two SFM cases were diagnosed on histopathology as OAs. Increased plasma membrane and cytoplasmic PD-L1 expression were found in 47 cases of the LBC cases (41.2%). Among the histological series, 67.3% of OAs and 75% of OFC had PD-L1 expression, while negative PD-L1 was found in hyperplastic oncocytic cells in HT. A positivity in more than 30% of the neoplastic cells was found in 72.9% of the cases including six OFC.

Conclusions

These data suggest that PD-L1 expression is expressed in oncocytic thyroid lesions. While weak PD-L1 expression failed to discriminate benign from malignant lesions, OFC demonstrated more intense cytoplasmic and membranous expression.
One-step genotyping of α-thalassaemia by multiplex symmetric PCR melting curve
Authors: Qin Jiachun , He Jun , Li Yang , Liu Nansong , Tao Fangchao , Zhang Pengyi , Guo Weilin , Qin Qiongzhen , Zhou Wanjun
Published: June 2022

Aims

Alpha-thalassaemia is one of the most common monogenic disorders worldwide. Due to high guanine-cytosine (GC) content and high mutation diversity in α-globin gene cluster, deletional and non-deletional mutations were usually separately detected with different methods. The aim of this study was to develop a novel one-step method for α-thalassaemia genotyping.

Methods

A multiplex symmetric PCR melting curve strategy was designed for one-step α-thalassaemia genotyping. Based on this strategy, a novel method was developed to simultaneously detect four common deletional (-α3.7,-α4.2,_ _SEA,--THAI) and five common non-deletional (αCD30(-GAG)α,αCD31(G>A)α,αWSα, αQSα, αCSα) α-thalassaemia mutations in a closed-tube reaction. This method was also evaluated by double-blind detection of 235 genotype-known samples and 1630 clinical samples.

Results

All nine α-thalassaemia mutations could be accurately identified by this novel method within 3 hours. The evaluation results also showed a 100% concordance with comparison methods.

Conclusions

This method is rapid, accurate, low-cost and easy to operate, which can be used for molecular screening and genetic diagnosis of α-thalassaemia in clinical practice. The multiplex symmetric PCR melting curve strategy designed in this study can also provide an effective approach to the method development for high GC content templates and multiple mutations.
Adenyl nitrourea in molecular recognition of fluoride and pyruvate
Authors: Sen Tanushree , Baildya Nabajyoti , Ghosh Kumaresh
Published: June 2022

Adenyl urea derivative 1, which exhibits anion interaction, has been synthesized and characterized. With reference to the earlier reported compounds 2 and 3, compound 1 shows interaction to basic anions F− and pyruvate in CHCl3. The binding interaction has been illustrated by fluorescence, UV–vis, and 1H NMR spectroscopic methods. The conformational behavior and the binding features of 1 with F− and pyruvate in CHCl3 are explained by theoretical study.
Traversable Casimir wormholes inDdimensions
Authors: Oliveira P. H. F. , Alencar G. , Jardim I. C. , Landim R. R.
Published: June 2022

Wormholes (WHs) require negative energy, and therefore an exotic matter source. Since Casimir energy is negative, it has been speculated as a good candidate to source those objects a long time ago. However, only very recently, a full solution for [Formula: see text] has been found by [R. Garattini, Eur. Phys. J. C 79, 951 (2019), doi:10.1140/epjc/s10052-019-7468-y] thus the Casimir energy can be a source of traversable WHs. Soon later [G. Alencar, V. B. Bezerra and C. R. Muniz, arXiv:2104.13952 [gr-qc]] have shown, that this is not true in [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we show that Casimir energy can be a source of the Morris–Thorne WH for all spacetime with [Formula: see text]. Finally, we add the cosmological constant and find that for [Formula: see text] Casimir WHs are possible, however, the space must always be AdS. For [Formula: see text], we show that the cosmological constant invert the signal with increasing throat size.
Constructing a 3D Exponential Hyperchaotic Map with Application to PRNG
Authors: Si Yuanyuan , Liu Hongjun , Chen Yuehui
Published: June 2022

Some weaknesses of 1D chaotic maps, such as lacking of ergodicity, multiple bifurcations, dense periodic windows, and short iteration period, limit their practical applications in cryptography. A higher-dimensional chaotic map with ergodicity can solve these problems. Based on 1D quadratic map, a 3D exponential hyperchaotic map (3D-EHCM) is constructed, and its dynamic behaviors, such as phase diagram, Lyapunov exponent spectrum, Kolmogorov entropy (KE), correlation dimension, approximate entropy and randomness, are analyzed and tested. The results demonstrate that the 3D-EHCM has ergodicity in a larger range of control parameter, and its state points have a longer period. To counteract dynamical degradation and make it suitable for a PRNG, the periodic point detection and random impulsive perturbation are applied to lengthen the aperiodic time sequence, and statistical results demonstrate that a full-period sequence can be obtained.
Lightweight Memristive Neural Network for Gas Classification Based on Heterogeneous Strategy
Authors: Sun Fan , Li Jie , Xiao He , Duan Shukai , Hu Xiaofang
Published: June 2022

The memristive neuromorphic computing system (MNCS) can complete related calculations with lower power consumption and higher speed, which has attracted widespread attention. However, due to the limitations of memristor and circuit, the realization of MNCS faces many challenges. In this paper, we propose a heterogeneous deployment strategy for the MNCS and construct a lightweight heterogeneous memristive gas classification neural network (LHM-GSNN) based on the electronic nose (e-nose) application. In addition, the model parameters are quantified by clustering strategy to adapt to the nonideal characteristics of memristor. The experimental results show that the complex structure in the model is visibly simplified, and the number of parameters is correspondingly reduced using the heterogeneous deployment strategy. Furthermore, we also analyze the power consumption of the LHM-GSNN model deployed to the MNCS. This work may provide new solutions for constructing and implementing the MNCS.
ULTRA-PRECISION DIAMOND PROCESSING OF BIODEGRADABLE AZ31 ALLOY FOR ORTHOPEDIC APPLICATION
Authors: PRAKASH CHANDER , SINGH SUNPREET , MISHRA VINOD , SHARMA ROHIT , PRASAD K. K. , KARAR VINOD , PRAMANIK ALOKESH , SHANKAR S. , BUDDHI DHARAM
Published: June 2022

The biodegradable magnesium (Mg) alloys have been acknowledged amongst the top potential biomedical materials for developing different orthopedic devices. Indeed, the processed Mg alloys’ surface integrity shows a substantial contribution to the resulting biomedical applications’ performance. In this paper, the effect of various influential process parameters of an ultra-precision diamond turning (UPDT), such as rotational frequency of spindle, tool overhanging (TOH), feed rate (FR), and depth-of-cut (DOC) on the chip formation, shearing mechanism, and surface finish of the biodegradable Mg AZ31 alloy have been studied. The resulting chips’ analysis of the different processing parameters has been studied to investigate the involved shearing mechanism. Besides, a relationship between the resulting surface topography and the consequences of UPDT-parameters on skewness ([Formula: see text]) and kurtosis ([Formula: see text]) was studied. The statistical analysis highlighted that the FR and TOH significantly influenced the surface roughness of the Mg AZ31 alloys at a 95% confidence level. Therefore, being statistically dominating, the morphology of the formed chip has also been influenced by FR and TOH’s parametric levels. The UPDT-processed Mg-alloy possessed a nano-finished surface that acted as hydrophobic and could prevent the surface from corrosion. In the light of experimental findings, the UPDT-processed Mg-alloy can be used for orthopedic screws and plates applications.
A Comprehensive Survey on Electronic Design Automation and Graph Neural Networks: Theory and Applications
Authors: Sánchez Daniela , Servadei Lorenzo , Kiprit Gamze Naz , Wille Robert , Ecker Wolfgang
Published: June 2022

Driven by Moore’s law, the chip design complexity is steadily increasing. Electronic Design Automation (EDA) has been able to cope with the challenging very large-scale integration process, assuring scalability, reliability, and proper time-to-market. However, EDA approaches are time and resource demanding, and they often do not guarantee optimal solutions. To alleviate these, Machine Learning (ML) has been incorporated into many stages of the design flow, such as in placement and routing. Many solutions employ Euclidean data and ML techniques without considering that many EDA objects are represented naturally as graphs. The trending Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) are an opportunity to solve EDA problems directly using graph structures for circuits, intermediate Register Transfer Levels, and netlists. In this article, we present a comprehensive review of the existing works linking the EDA flow for chip design and GNNs. We map those works to a design pipeline by defining graphs, tasks, and model types. Furthermore, we analyze their practical implications and outcomes. We conclude by summarizing challenges faced when applying GNNs within the EDA design flow.
Assessment of Jiangsu Regional Logistics Space Nonequilibrium Situation by Boosting and Bagging Algorithms
Authors: Wang Zhifeng
Published: June 2022

This study aims to solve the problem of unbalanced regional economic development in Jiangsu and deeply excavates the relevant theories of regional logistics and the unbalanced spatial situation. The classification of regional logistics and spatial disequilibrium and the dimensions involved are studied. At present, the development status of Jiangsu logistics has locked the main reason for the unbalanced situation of the regional logistics space in Jiangsu. The basic principles, application scope, and methods of Bagging and Boosting algorithms are deeply studied. Then, the Jiangsu logistics space nonequilibrium situation assessment model is established based on the Bagging and Boosting algorithms, and the input data is sorted and summarized. Finally, the results are obtained through experiments evaluating the model and analyzed and summarized. The core issues, the factors affecting development, and the uneven development situation have been comprehensively assessed. The conclusion drawn is as follows: the imbalance of the logistics productivity of various regions in Jiangsu will inevitably lead to the imbalance of the regional logistics space in Jiangsu, which affects the coordinated and healthy development of the regional logistics in Jiangsu. These conclusions are significant to the inherent causes and effects of regional logistics spatial disequilibrium and can promote the coordination, synergy, and common development of Jiangsu logistics regions.
Mesoscopic Fracture Model of Coarse Aggregate Interlocking Concrete
Authors: Li Ben , Yu Ying , Zhang Chen , Zhang Yu
Published: June 2022

The skeleton formed by coarse aggregate has an important influence on the macroscopic mechanical properties of concrete, especially the fracture properties. Based on mesomechanics and fracture mechanics, this paper conducts theoretical simulations and experimental studies on the mechanical and fracture properties of coarse aggregate interlocking concrete through the theory of mesomechanics homogenization as well as compressive strength tests, flexural strength tests, axial compressive strength tests, elastic modulus tests, and fracture toughness tests. The results show that when the coarse aggregate is within a certain volume increase, the fracture energy and ultimate strength of concrete are significantly improved. At the same time, the proposed mesomechanics calculation model has high accuracy for calculating the fracture characteristics of concrete when the coarse aggregate increment is less than 20%.
An Optimization Model and Computer Simulation for Allocation Planning of Hospital Bed Resources
Authors: Xue Qingyuan , Fan Yancun , Wang Junjie , Kuang Yuanyuan , Chen Yingsong
Published: June 2022

Aim. This study intends to improve the arrangement of hospital beds, make rational use of limited beds to minimize the time for patients to seek medical care, improve service quality, and reduce hospital operating costs. Methods. This study determines the reasonable evaluation indices, established a reasonable evaluation index system, and assesses the merits and demerits of the bed arrangement model for this problem. After observing and dealing with various types of patients’ conditions in the ophthalmology outpatient department of the hospital, some effective hospitalization rules are proposed. The coefficients of each evaluation index under the FCFS (first-come first-service) and hospitalization rules are obtained, and a mathematical model of evaluation indices is constructed. The merits and demerits of the evaluation index system under each rule are found with MATLAB programming. At the same time, considering that the five types of patients are in a certain serial sequence during the queuing process for medical treatments, a random planning model with the least average stay time of patient is established via introducing the corresponding joint probability density function for the stay time of each patient. The proportional allocation of beds is obtained by genetic algorithms with the speed and convenience of computer calculations. Results. The proportions of beds allocated to the five categories of patients with trauma, cataract in one eye, cataract in both the eyes, glaucoma, and retina are 15%, 16%, 28%, 11%, and 29%, respectively. Conclusion. The results are in good agreement with the actual situation, and the optimization model has a certain degree of reference significance for the reasonable allocation of beds.
Japanese Translation Based on Bilingual Bases from Intercultural Communication
Authors: Sulun Gaowa
Published: June 2022

Japanese, as a global language, can aid cultural exchanges and improve mutual understanding. When translating news, the translator should focus on the sentence from the standpoint of cross-cultural communication, so that the translation is more accurate and natural. Only the relationship between Japanese and Chinese can help translate more news reports, spread foreign information, and allow them to learn more about foreign events. This paper analyzes corpus using corpus means, fully exploiting the technical advantages of corpus in terms of words, vocabulary, text correspondence, semantic rhyme characteristics, and so on, breaking through traditional translation research with a large number of corpus statistics data. The frequency and richness of vocabulary selection are not as good as in the original text due to the language of language and translation language, but the numerical difference is not large, and the high-frequency vocabulary is essentially consistent, ensuring the core content of the original text. The original sentence will be resolved according to the text content in the sentence and discourse. The Chinese translation day’s original vocabulary is 358 times, and the table’s high-frequency modal words are 1274 times. As a result, the statement with the highest frequency “should” account for 33% of the high-frequency voices used. 332 Japanese original text, the highest frequency verb, a total of 247 times. Make the original text’s and translation’s language characteristics more convincing, as well as the translation and translation strategy selection.
Model Comparison of the Transverse Momentum Spectra of Charged Hadrons Produced in
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Collision at

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Authors: Gupta Rohit , Jena Satyajit
Published: June 2022

Transverse momentum,

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, spectra are of prime importance in order to extract crucial information about the evolution dynamics of the system of particles produced in the collider experiments. In this work, the transverse momentum spectra of charged hadrons produced in

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b
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collision at

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 TeV have been analyzed using different distribution functions in order to gain strong insight into the information that can be extracted from the spectra. We have also discussed the applicability of the unified statistical framework on the spectra of charged hadron at

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 TeV
Integrated Classification Algorithm for Unbalanced Data Streams Based on Joint Nonnegative Matrix Factorization
Authors: Li Jin , Zhao Ruibo
Published: June 2022

The purpose of this paper is to study the unbalanced data flow integration classification algorithm based on joint nonnegative matrix factorization, in order to solve the problem that the basic clustering results obtained from the original data set have some information loss, thereby reducing the effective information in the integration stage. In this paper, the accuracy of the unbalanced data and the detection time consumption are selected as the research object. Six data sets with imbalanced proportions of minority and majority samples are selected for experiments. Mathematical statistical analysis is first used to observe text classification, disease diagnosis, and network intrusion detection and the classification accuracy of majority class and minority class; the commonly used algorithm for unbalanced data is statistical analysis method. Comparing the univariate method for comprehensive classification of unbalanced data flow based on nonnegative matrix factorization with the unbalanced data algorithm, the observation has accurate rate and detects time-consuming changes. Among them, the comprehensive classification algorithm of unbalanced data flow is based on the classification of data, classifying the data, judging whether two data points belong to the same category, and determining their degree of balance. The research data shows that the unbalanced data flow integrated classification algorithm based on joint nonnegative matrix decomposition can reasonably evaluate the classification performance of the classifier for a few classes, and the detection speed is faster and saves more time. The experimental research shows that the algorithm combines the relationship matrix and information matrix from the original data set into a consensus function, uses NMF technology to obtain the membership matrix, effectively uses potential information, improves the accuracy rate of 69.73%, and shortens 71.65% of the time consumed.