bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Online dynamic container rescheduling for improved application service time
Authors: Bracke Vincent , Werrebrouck Gillis , Santos Jose , Wauters Tim , De Turck Filip , Volckaert Bruno
Published: January 2023

Despite their maturity and robustness, container orchestration platforms still suffer from some limitations. One of those concerns the lack of runtime adaptability of the scheduler to the overall cluster status as i) it instantiates containers with local optimization in mind i.e. it only considers the container-specific predefined requirements which may lead to a sub-optimal overall cluster state and ii) it does not reshuffle the deployed containers at runtime based on container observed behavior and interdependencies. These limitations become even more apparent within volatile load contexts. This work proposes an autonomous and dynamic rescheduling system that aims at improving application service time by co-locating highly interdependent containers for network delay reduction. To this extend, two distinct combinatorial optimization heuristics, Simulated Annealing and Particle Swarm Optimization, are evaluated and compared on their respective effectiveness and efficiency as well as their relative performance towards the optimal solution obtained by Integer Linear Programming. Additionally, the impact of the proposed system on application service time is validated by means of two complementary use-cases, an event-based IoT data-hub platform and a web-based e-commerce app, with an average improvement of the end-to-end service time of 21.6% and 13.1% respectively.
Clinical and Genetic Characteristics of Children with Inborn Errors of Immunity from Egypt: A single Centre Study
Authors: Sobh Ali , Mosa Doaa Mosad , Zeid Mayada S , Salem Omnia , Elnagdy Marwa H , El-Hadidy Nada M , Bahgat Sara A , Rizk Ragheed , Geha Raif S
Published: January 2023

Purpose
Inborn errors of immunity (IEI) comprise a heterogeneous group of monogenic disorders with wide spectrum of clinical manifestations. The aim of this study is to describe epidemiologic, clinical, and genetic features of patients with inborn errors of immunity in Mansoura University Children’s Hospital, a tertiary care center in Egypt.
Methods
We included patients seen during the period between 2014–2022. Data collected included sociodemographic, clinical features, laboratory investigations, management, and outcome.
Results
We enrolled 184 patients. The male/female ratio was 1.8:1. The age of onset of symptoms ranged between 2 and 24 months. The age at diagnosis ranged between 12 and 33.5 months with a diagnostic delay range of 0 to 213 months. One hundred and fifteen patients (62.5%) were born to consanguineous parents and family history was positive in 59 patients (32.1%). The most common category was immunodeficiencies affecting cellular and humoral immunity with Seventy-seven patients (41.8%). A causative mutation was identified in 106 patients (57.6% of all cases) with a diagnostic yield of 82.8%. The overall case fatality rate was 48 patients (26.1%).
Conclusion
Despite a single centre study, this data set may act as a nidus for setting up a national registry of IEIs disorders in Egypt. This study indicates that PIDs are not uncommon in Egypt and that immunodeficiencies affecting cellular and humoral immunity is the most common category. Introduction of wide-scale genetic tests allow early diagnosis and treatment that improve the quality of life.
Dissecting the impact of dietary fiber type on atherosclerosis in mice colonized with different gut microbial communities
Authors: Rey Federico , Hutchison Evan , Kasahara Kazuyuki , Zhang Qijun , Vivas Eugenio , Cross Tzu-Wen
Published: January 2023

Dietary fiber consumption has been linked with improved cardiometabolic health, however human studies have reported large interindividual variations in the observed benefits. We tested whether the effects of dietary fiber on atherosclerosis are influenced by the gut microbiome. We colonized germ-free ApoE-/- mice with fecal samples from three human donors (DonA, DonB, and DonC) and fed them diets supplemented with either a mix of 5 fermentable fibers (FF) or non-fermentable cellulose (CC). We found that DonA-colonized mice had reduced atherosclerosis burden with FF feeding compared to their CC-fed counterparts, whereas the type of fiber did not affect atherosclerosis in mice colonized with microbiota from the other donors. Microbial shifts associated with FF feeding in DonA mice were characterized by higher levels of butyrate-producing taxa, higher butyrate levels, and enrichment of genes involved in synthesis of B vitamins. Our results suggest that atheroprotection in response to FF is not universal and influenced by the gut microbiome.
Natural radiological hazard assessment of 222Rn and 220Rn in high-level radiation background areas, Northern Vietnam
Authors: Hoang Van-Hiep , Tue Nguyen , Nguyen Duy-Muoi , Nguyen Thai-Son , Nguyen Thu-Thuy
Published: January 2023

The outdoor radon (222Rn) and thoron (220Rn) concentrations at 320 dwelling points at 1m above the ground in different locations surrounding rare earth elements (REE) and uranium mines in Northern, Vietnam were measured using the RAD7 equipment. Results showed that the 222Rn was always higher than 220Rn concentration with a range from 25.7 to 573 Bq/m3 and from 18.5 to 385 Bq/m3, respectively. In general, the 222Rn and 220Rn concentration showed a large variation, especially in the study location of the NX-Lai Chau. The highest 222Rn and 220Rn concentration was found in this location as well. The 222Rn and 220Rn activities surrounding the REE mines were found to be higher than those surrounding the uranium mines. The average value of annual committed effective doses originated from the inhalation of 222Rn and 220Rn outdoor dwellings is about five times higher than the worldwide average value as reported in UNSCEAR (2000).
A rare coracobrachialis muscle bilateral variant with supernumerary heads in coexistence with a variant brachial plexus and axillary artery branching pattern
Authors: Filippou Dimitrios , Piagkou Maria , Natsis Konstantinos , Chytas Dimitrios , Kostare Georgia , Triantafyllou George , Kostares Evangelos , Koutserimpas Christos , Totlis Trifon , Salmas Marios , Karampelias Vasilios , Tsakotos George
Published: January 2023

Purpose The study-report describes a rare bilateral variant of a six- and five-headed coracobrachialis muscle (CB). The musculocutaneous nerve (MCN) (bilaterally) and the median nerve (MN) lateral root (unilaterally) pierced CB heads, separating superficial from deep heads.
Methods The variant bilateral CB was identified in a 78-year-old formalin-embalmed male cadaver, derived from a body donation program after a signed informed consent.
Results At the right side: The 6-headed CB was pierced by the MCN, while the MN lateral root pierced the one superficial and deep head. CB was supplied by the lateral cord and the MCN. At the left side: A 5-headed CBM was identified with three superficial distinct origins that fused into a common superficial head coursing anterior to MCN. The variant CB bilaterally (with 11 heads in total) coexisted with a MN variant formation, an atypical course of the MN lateral root through CB (right side), a connection of the MN lateral root with the MCN (left side) and a variant axillary artery branching pattern (bilaterally).
Conclusions Course and direction of the accessory CB heads may occasionally entrap the MCN and/or adjacent structures (brachial artery and MN). The MCN compression results in problems in the glenohumeral joint flexion and adduction, and tingling or numbness of the elbow joint, the forearm lateral parts and the hand.
Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index as a Prognostic Marker for Patients with Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma Receiving Radical Nephroureterectomy
Authors: Chang Li-Wen , Hung Sheng-Chun , Chen Chuan-Shu , Li Jian-Ri , Chiu Kun-Yuan , Wang Shian-Shiang , Yang Cheng-Kuang , Lu Kevin , Chen Cheng-Che , Wang Shu-Chi , Lin Chia-Yen , Cheng Chen-Li , Ou Yen-Chuan , Yang Shun-Fa
Published: January 2023

Purpose:
To investigate the prognostic value of the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) in patients with upper tract urothelial cell carcinoma (UTUC) receiving radical nephroureterectomy (RNU).
Methods:
Between January 2001 and December 2015, we enrolled 488 patients with UTUC underwent RNU in Taichung Veterans General Hospital. GNRI before radical surgery was calculated based on serum albumin level and body mass index. The malnutritional status was defined as GNRI < 92.0. Using Kaplan-Meier analyses and Cox proportional hazards models to analyze the risk factors on disease-free survival (DFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS).
Results:
386 patients were categorized as normal nutritional status (GNRI ≥ 92) and 102 patients as malnutritional status (GNRI < 92). We used the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for determined the association between GNRI and OS, with area under the curve (AUC) being 0.69. The 5-year survival rate of DFS, CSS and OS were 48.6%, 80.5% and 80.5% in the normal nutritional group and 28.0%, 53.2% and 40% in the malnutritional group. Using the multivariate analysis, malnutritional status was found as an independent risk factor for OS (Hazard Ratio [HR] = 3.98, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 2.72-5.81), together with age (HR=1.04, 95% CI 1.02-1.06), surgical margin positive (HR=1.91, 95% CI 1.19-3.05) and tumor stage. We also found GNRI index as independent risk factor in DFS (HR=2.04, 95% CI 1.54-2.72) and CSS (HR=5.15, 95% CI 3.1-8.57).
Conclusions:
Preoperative malnutritional status with low GNRI is an independent risk factor of DFS, CSS and OS in UTUC patients underwent RNU.
Virus infection of phytoplankton increases average molar mass and reduces hygroscopicity of aerosolized organic matter
Authors: Bidle Kay , Diaz Ben , Moore Richard , Gallo Francesca
Published: January 2023

Viral infection of phytoplankton is a pervasive mechanism of cell death and bloom termination, which leads to the production of dissolved and colloidal organic matter that can be aerosolized into the atmosphere. Earth-observing satellites can track the growth and death of phytoplankton blooms on weekly time scales but the impact of viral infection on the cloud forming potential of associated aerosols is largely unknown. Here, we determine the influence of viral-derived organic matter, purified viruses, and marine hydrogels on the cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) activity of their aerosolized solutions, compared to organic exudates from healthy phytoplankton. Dissolved organic material derived from exponentially growing and infected cells of well-characterized eukaryotic phytoplankton host-virus systems, including viruses from diatoms, coccolithophores and chlorophytes, was concentrated, desalted, and nebulized to form aerosol particles composed of primarily of organic matter. Aerosols from infected phytoplankton cultures resulted in an increase in critical activation diameter and average molar mass in most combinations evaluated, along with a decrease in organic kappa compared to healthy cultures and seawater controls. The infected samples also displayed evidence of increased surface tension depression at realistic cloud water vapor supersaturations. Amending the samples with xanthan gum to simulate marine hydrogels increased variability in organic kappa and surface tension in aerosols with high organic to salt ratios. Our findings suggest that the pulses of increased dissolved organic matter associated with viral infection in surface waters may increase the molar mass of dissolved organic compounds relative to surface waters occupied by healthy phytoplankton or low phytoplankton biomass.
Study on friction and wear properties of copper-impregnated carbon slide plate under different humidity conditions
Authors: Huang Mian , Yang Bing , Rong Youxin , Zhao Lei , Xiao Shoune
Published: January 2023

The pantograph–catenary system is one of the most commonly used power-receiving modes of metro trains. Its friction and wear performances are related to the safety and stability of train operation. In this study, a copper-impregnated carbon slide plate material, widely used in numerous metro lines in China, is considered as the research object. The problem of abnormal wear of pantograph slide plates caused by the decrease in relative humidity in the autumn and winter in tunnels is studied. Current-carrying friction and wear tests under humidity conditions of 20%, 30%, and 40% relative humidity(RH) are performed to reveal the mechanism of seasonal abnormal wear of slide plates and provide a reference for the service of pantograph slide plates under low-humidity conditions. The results reveal that relative humidity significantly influences the wear process of slide plates; further, the wear rate and friction coefficient decrease with an increase in relative humidity. As observed by electron microscopy and laser scanning confocal microscopy, with an increase in the relative humidity, the mechanical wear of the slide surface is weakened, arc erosion is enhanced, and surface roughness is increased. Scanning electron microscopy(SEM) and energy dispersive spectrometry(EDS) analysis reveal that under high humidity conditions, a relatively complete oxide film forms on the slide plate and plays a role in lubrication and protection. Under low humidity conditions, a large number of fine abrasive particles are distributed on the surface, and an insufficient oxide film is formed; consequently, the wear rate and friction coefficient are maintained at a high level.
Experimental study on dynamic characteristics of tailings under different consolidation conditions
Authors: Du Changbo , Jiang Xinqi , Wang Laigui , Yi Fu , Niu Ben
Published: January 2023

The objective of this study is to investigate the dynamic characteristics of tailings sand under different consolidation conditions. Through consolidated undrained triaxial tests under different dry densities, consolidation ratios and containing pressures, the dynamic shear stress, liquefaction stress ratio, dynamic strength index, dynamic pore water pressure, dynamic modulus and damping ratio of tailings sand under different consolidation conditions were analyzed. The test results show that: The dynamic shear stress of tailings sand is linear with the number of failure vibration. The influence of consolidation ratio on liquefaction stress ratio is obvious. The two correspond to a quadratic polynomial passing through the origin. The influence of consolidation ratio on dynamic internal friction angle is greater than that of dry density. The change of dynamic shear modulus ratio and damping ratio with dynamic strain is obviously influenced by consolidation ratio. The variation law of reference shear stress under different conditions is basically in accordance with normal distribution. The research results can serve as a theoretical reference for seismic liquefaction of a tailings dam in areas of high intensity seismic activity.
Salt induced modulations in morphological, physiological, and metabolic attributes in in-vitro grown shoots of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal
Authors: Sharma Lakee , Maurya Bipin , Pandey-Rai Shashi
Published: January 2023

Due to increasing dependency of global population on herbal-based medicines, enhanced production of secondary metabolites has become utmost necessary. Several scientists have revealed the role of NaCl as abiotic elicitor for in-planta enhancement of phytochemical compounds. Thus, we have micropropagated Withania somnifera from callus tissues in varying concentrations of BAP hormone and found that MS medial supplemented with 2 mg L− 1 to be best suited for maximum yield. Further, the microshoots were treated with varying concentration (50–250 mM) of NaCl to assess morphological, physico-biochemical, and molecular characteristic. Higher concentrations of NaCl significantly hampered the morphological and photosynthetic attributes of microshoots. A significant enhancement in the proline, phenol, and sugar contents were recorded and highest accumulation was observed by 136.7%, 60%, and 135.9% respectively with 250 mM treated shoots. Free radical scavenging activity and malondialdehyde level was also up-regulated by 1.24 and 1.92-fold respectively. Similarly, anti-oxidants enzymatic activities were increased linearly. Contrary to this, highest production of flavonoid (49.5%) and withaferin-A (192.9%) was limited only upto 150 mM NaCl. Higher accumulation of withanolide was further attested by the Real-time PCR analysis off related genes which revealed their maximum expression by 150 mM salt treatment. Conversely, expression of photosynthetic-related genes was significantly declined after increasing doses of NaCl. These outcomes depicted that moderate dose of NaCl can act as elicitor for enhanced secondary metabolites of W. somnifera without compromising its growth significantly.
Feasibility and advantage of pre-operative radiotherapy in retroperitoneal sarcoma
Authors: Park Sean SW , Jo Sung Jun , Yoo Gyu Sang , Kim Kyeong Deok , Lim So Hee , Kim Jinseob , Kim Min Jung , You Jeong Il , Park Jae Berm , Lee Kyo Won
Published: January 2023

Background
A high rate of locoregional recurrence is one of the major difficulties in successful treatment of retroperitoneal sarcoma (RPS). Although pre-operative radiotherapy (preRTx) is considered a potential way to improve local recurrence, concerns about the associated treatment toxicity and risk of peri-operative complications need to be addressed. Hence, this study investigates the safety of pre-operative radiotherapy for RPS.
Methods
A cohort of 198 patients with RPS who had undergone both surgery and radiotherapy was analyzed for peri-operative complications. They were divided into three groups according to the radiotherapy scheme: 1) preRTx group, 2) post-operative radiotherapy without tissue expander, and 3) post-operative radiotherapy with tissue expander.
Results
The preRTx was overall well tolerated and did not affect the R2 resection rate, operative time, and severe post-operative complications. However, the preRTx group was associated with higher incidence of post-operative transfusion and admission to intensive care unit (p = 0.013 and p = 0.036, respectively), where preRTx was an independent risk factor only for the post-operative transfusion (p = 0.009) in multivariate analysis. The median radiation dose was the highest in preRTx group, although no significant difference was demonstrated in overall survival and local recurrence rate.
Conclusion
This study suggests that the preRTx does not add significant post-operative morbidity to the patients with RPS. In addition, radiation dose elevation is achievable with the pre-operative radiotherapy. However, a meticulous intra-operative bleeding control is recommended in those patients, and further high-quality trials are warranted to evaluate the long-term oncological outcomes.
Intermodel relation between present-day warm pool intensity and future precipitation changes
Authors: Kug Jong-Seong , Pathirana Gayan , Wu Yi-Kai , Kwon Minho
Published: January 2023

Tropical convection plays an important role in regional and global climate variability, and future changes in tropical precipitation under anthropogenic global warming are critical for projecting future changes in regional climate. In this study, by analyzing Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP) phase 6 models, we show that changes in projected tropical precipitation in CMIP6 models vary among models, but they are largely associated with the model’s warm pool intensity in the present-day (PD) climate. Models with stronger warm pools in the PD simulation tend to simulate an increase in precipitation in the central Pacific (CP) and a decrease in Maritime Continent (MC) under greenhouse warming. Significant differences in precipitation between the CP and MC regions induce low-level westerly anomalies over the western-central Pacific, favoring sea surface temperature warming in the CP region, suggesting that the associated air–sea interactions yield a particular tropical pattern in response to anthropogenic forcing.
Quantitative study on transient visual effect of non-lethal laser radiation under different ambient light levels
Authors: Niu Jin , Xu Xiping
Published: January 2023

This study examines the extent to which ambient light levels affect the transient visual effectiveness of a non-lethal laser radiation on human eyes. A typical 532-nm laser dazzler was selected to simulate the scenario in a military-specific mission. A transient visual effect detection and evaluation system was used as a visualisation tool to perform a series of laser dazzle simulation tests that involved varying the laser radiation distances and target contrasts under ambient light levels that ranged from 10−3 lx to 103 lx. In the experiments, we captured images showing the effect of a laser dazzle on human eyes and calculated parameters that can determine the transient visual effect. After theoretical verification and analysis, the results show that different levels of ambient light significantly affect the transient visual effect of non-lethal laser radiation and that the laser radiation distance and target specificity also affect the transient visual effect to varying degrees. In particular, the laser sample demonstrates optimal levels of dazzling when the ambient illumination ranges from 0.1 lx to 10 lx, the radiation distance is close to 100 m and the target contrast is 40%. We argue that the influence pattern of the ambient light level on the pupil diameter of the human eye and the degree of dazzling perception are the main reasons for the results. The conclusions serve as a reference for the application of a non-lethal laser radiation in military-specific missions.
Model Averaging for Support Vector Machine by Cross-Validation
Authors: Zou Jiahui , Yuan Chaoxia , Zhang Xinyu , Zou Guohua , Wan Alan T. K.
Published: January 2023

Support vector machine (SVM) is a well-known statistical technique for classification problems in machine learning and other fields.An important question for SVM is the selection of covariates (or features) for the model.Many studies have considered model selection methods. As is well-known, selecting one winning model over others can entail considerable instability in predictive performance due to model selection uncertainties. This paper advocates model averaging as an alternative approach, where estimates obtained from different models are combined in a weighted average. We propose a model weighting scheme and provide the theoretical underpinning for the proposed method. In particular, we prove that our proposed method yields a model average estimator that achieves the smallest hinge risk among all feasible combinations asymptotically. To remedy the computational burden due to a large number of feasible models, we propose a screening step to eliminate the uninformative features before combining the models. Results from real data applications and a simulation study show that the proposed method generally yields more accurate estimates than existing methods.
Accuracy of gallbladder polyp size in predicting and detecting gallbladder cancer-a single-center study on gallbladder polyps
Authors: Liu Shuwang , Wang Yan , Zhang Lifen , Xu Jing , Wu Tianchong , Deng Lingna , An Tailai
Published: January 2023

Background: Despite the fact that most gallbladder polyps are benign, malignant lesions are not so rare as thought. We performed this study to evaluate size distribution of gallbladder polyps and assess efficiency of reported risk factors in predicting malignancy.
Methods: In this study, medical records of patients having undergone laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallbladder polyps at Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Shenzhen People,s Hospital were reviewed. Chi-square test and binary logistic regression analysis were adopted to determine risk factors for malignant lesions. Additionally, receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis was accomplished to identify the optimal cutoff size.
Results: A total of 1012 patients were included in this study. Of the 1012 patients, 977 ones were diagnosed with benign gallbladder polyps while 35 ones with malignant polyps. Diameters of the 977 benign gallbladder polyps were between 1 and 50 mm while the 35 malignant polyps were between 4 and 54 mm. Incidence of gallbladder cancer among lesions ≥10mm was 15.5%, 31.5% for lesions ≥15mm and 49.0% for lesions ≥20mm. Among polyps in the following four size ranges (≤5mm, 6-9mm, 10-14mm, and 15-19mm), cholesterol polyps were the most common. While among polyps between 20 and 24mm, adenomas were the most common and among polyps ≥25mm, malignant tumors were the most common. Sessile morphology was significantly more common in malignant lesions (91.4%) than in benign lesions (3.7%, P<0.001). Multiple polyps were frequently diagnosed not only as cholesterol polyps (82%) but also as adenomas (4.3%) and gallbladder cancer (0.3%). We demonstrated that sessile morphology, blood flow signal on ultrasonography and single polyps were independent predictive factors for gallbladder malignancy.
Conclusions: Detection rate of malignant lesions increased significantly with the increase in diameter. Risk factors such as sessile morphology, blood flow signal on ultrasonography and single polyps were effective factors predicting malignant lesions. It was difficult for us to accurately confirm the pathological diagnoses of gallbladder polyps solely based on preoperative examinations given the fact that cholesterol polyps and adenomas were quite common, even among large gallbladder polyps.
An investigation of the fluid-holding cavities in a lignocellulose-based bamboo matrix via a combined X-ray microtomography and proton time-domain NMR approach
Authors: Rodrigues Elton Jorge da Rocha , Neto Roberto Pinto Cucinelli , Alves Haimon Diniz Lopes , Paciornick Sidnei , de Sá Druval Santos , Ghavami Khosrow , Pandoli Omar Ginoble
Published: January 2023

Bamboo (Dendrocalamus giganteus) is a functionally graded material with well-organized hierarchical structures. Its micrometer-sized vascular bundles and parenchymatic living cells allow an efficient upward flow of water and nutrients, endowing the organism with remarkably fast growth. As demonstrated recently, the hollow microstructure channels can be explored as a natural template for microfluidics applications in chemical synthesis, analytical detection, solar steam generation, and electrochemical devices. Thus, the knowledge of the kinetics of the imbibition and spatial distribution of fluid through the microcavities of the bamboo vegetal tissue became of interest. Here, we employed a combination of X-ray microtomography (µCT) and proton time-domain NMR (TD-NMR) to identify, measure, and investigate empty volumes embedded in the bamboo's tissue as experienced by different organic and inorganic fluids, namely dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and distilled water (H2O). Results have shown that the extensive communication between the voids (parenchymal cells and vascular channels) does not prevent the individuation of fluid reservoirs with different behaviors, as evidenced by the H2O desorption profile. Bamboo parenchyma was the tissue that retained more residual H2O after desorption. The difference in wettability of bamboo tissues by DMSO and H2O was detected.
Long term trends do not indicate a recovery of salmonids despite signs of natural reproduction
Authors: Soto Ismael , Dietrich Jana S. , Monteoliva Agustín P. , Haubrock Phillip J.
Published: January 2023

Healthy populations of salmonids are integral for the functioning of ecosystems and valuable for the socio-cultural well-being of humans. Past declines were attributed to anthropogenic stressors, raising concern about the sustainability of populations. Accordingly, many salmonids are listed on red lists and protected by national legislation. One region where salmonid populations are threatened is Northern Spain, the most southern distribution of both the Atlantic salmon (protected under the EU Habitat Directive) and the brown trout. Here, we collated ~ 700 biomonitoring samples of both species collected across 177 sites over a 10-year period (2010–2019) to describe ongoing trends in these species and to relate them to site characteristics and potential drivers. We showed that both species have declined substantially, with stocked individuals constituting the majority of both populations. Natural reproduction was almost entirely absent for the brown trout (< 1%), but present in the Atlantic salmon (~ 20%). Both species expressed distinct spatial patterns, likely related to their stocking. As such, the observed trends for both species illustrate that reproduction is almost entirely lacking, underlined by a lack of adult salmonids. As a result, we not only underline alarming conditions of both species, but also question the effectiveness of currently employed stocking. Given that both species are of increasing conservation concern, targeted restoration measures like dam removal and pollution reduction must be applied to generate self-sustaining populations. River basin specific analyses of constraints are required to detect limiting factors on which conservation actions can be taken to ultimately make stocking dispensable.
Enterotypes of the human gut mycobiome
Authors: Lai Senying , Yan Yan , Pu Yanni , Lin Shuchun , Qiu Jian-Ge , Jiang Bing-Hua , Keller Marisa , Wang Mingyu , Bork Peer , Chen Wei-Hua , Zheng Yan , Zhao Xing-Ming
Published: January 2023

Background The fungal component of the human gut microbiome, also known as the mycobiome, plays a vital role in intestinal ecology and human health. However, the overall structure of the gut mycobiome as well as the inter-individual variations in fungal composition remains largely unknown. In this study, we collected a total of 3,363 fungal sequencing samples from 16 cohorts across three continents, including 572 newly profiled samples from China. Results We identify and characterize four mycobiome enterotypes using ITS profiling of 3,363 samples from 16 cohorts. These enterotypes exhibit stability across populations and geographical locations and significant correlation with bacterial enterotypes. Particularly, we notice that fungal enterotype have a strong age preference, where the enterotype dominated by Candida (i.e., fun_C_E enterotype) is enriched in the elderly populations and confers an increased risk of multiple diseases associated with compromised intestinal barrier. In addition, bidirectional mediation analysis reveals that the fungi-contributed aerobic respiration pathway associated with fun_C_E enterotype might mediate the association between the compromised intestinal barrier and aging. Conclusions We show that the human gut mycobiome is highly structured, and significantly correlates with prokaryotic community and multiple host factors such as diseases and host age.
Factors related to T1 slope: spinopelvic balance and thoracic compensation
Authors: Liu Chengxin , Li Xiangyu , Shi Bin , Lu Shibao
Published: January 2023

Objective.
To identify factors associated with T1 slope (T1S).
Methods.
A total of 215 patients over 18 years old who underwent whole-spine X-rays to evaluate lower back pain were enrolled in this study. T1S, pelvic tilt (PT), sacral slope (SS), pelvic incidence (PI), thoracic kyphosis (TK), lumbar lordosis (LL), cervical lordosis (CL), thoracolumbar kyphosis (TLK), and sagittal vertical axis (SVA) were measured. Patients were divided into balance, compensatory balance, thoracic compensation, and thoracic decompensation groups.
Results.
TK (p < 0.001), SVA (p < 0.001), and CL (p = 0.020) were significantly related to high T1S. The balance group had the smallest PT, largest SS and largest LL of the four groups (p < 0.001). The thoracic compensation group had the smallest TK of all groups (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in T1S between the balance and thoracic compensation groups (p = 0.099). The thoracic decompensation group had a larger T1S than the balance group (p = 0.023).
Conclusions.
Caudal spine segments had a sequential effect on cranial spine segments. T1S reflected the compensation ability of the spine. The absence of balance tended to increase the T1S. Pelvic posterior rotation and thoracic compensation were two crucial factors protecting against increased T1S in patients with ASD.
Predictors for surgical site infection after fasciotomy in patients with acute leg compartment syndrome
Authors: Yang Shuo , Long Yubin , Wang Tao , Hou Zhiyong , Guo Junfei
Published: January 2023

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common complications of orthopedic surgery, which can result in fever, pain, and even life-threatening sepsis. This study aimed to determine the predictors of SSI after fasciotomy in patients with acute leg compartment syndrome (ALCS).
Methods: We collected information on ALCS patients who underwent fasciotomy in two hospitals between November 2013 and January 2021. Patients with SSI were considered as the SSI group and those without SSI as the non-SSI group. Univariate analysis, logistic regression analysis, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were used to evaluate patient demographics, comorbidities, and admission laboratory examinations.
Results: In our research, the rate of SSI (26 of 125) was 20.8%. Several predictors of SSI were found using univariate analysis, including body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.001), patients with open fractures (p = 0.003), and patients with a history of smoking (p = 0.004). Besides, the levels of neutrophil (NEU) (p = 0.022), glucose (p = 0.041), globulin (GLOB) (p = 0.010), and total carbon dioxide (TCO2) were higher in the SSI group than in the non-SSI group. According to the results of the logistic regression analysis, patients with open fractures (p = 0.023, OR = 3.714), patients with a history of smoking (p = 0.010, OR = 4.185), and patients with a higher BMI (p = 0.014, OR = 1.209) were related predictors of SSI. ROC curve analysis indicated 24.69 kg/m2 as the cut-off value of BMI to predict SSI. Furthermore, the combination of BMI, smoking history, and open fractures had the greatest diagnostic accuracy.
Conclusions: Our results revealed open fractures, BMI, and smoking history as independent risk factors for SSI following fasciotomy in patients with ALCS and determined the cut-off value of BMI, enabling us to individualize the evaluation of the risk for SSI to implement early targeted treatments.
Overcoming Insecticide Resistance in Anopheles Mosquitoes by Using Faster-acting Solid Forms of Deltamethrin
Authors: Carson Jessica , Erriah Bryan , Herodotou Stephanie , Shtukenberg Alexander , Smith Leilani , Ryazanskaya Svetlana , Ward Michael D. , Kahr Bart , Lees Rosemary
Published: January 2023

Background: Controlling malaria-transmitting Anopheles mosquitoes with pyrethroid insecticides is becoming increasingly challenging because of widespread resistance amongst vector populations. The development of new insecticides and insecticidal formulations is time consuming and costly, however. A more active crystalline form of deltamethrin, prepared by heating the commercial crystalline form, previously was reported to be 12-times faster acting against susceptible North American Anopheles quadrimaculatusmosquitoes. Herein we investigate whether heat-activated deltamethrin dispersed on chalk can overcome various resistance mechanisms amongst five West African Anophelesstrains and evaluate its long-term sustained lethality.
Methods: The more active deltamethrin form was generated in a commercial dust containing deltamethrin by heating the material as purchased. Tarsal contact bioassays were conducted to investigate its efficacy, potency, and speed of action against resistant Anophelespopulations compared to the commercially available form of deltamethrin dust.
Results: In all cases, D-Fense Dust heated to generate the more active form of deltamethrin was substantially more effective than the commercially available formulation. 100% of both Banfora and Kisumu populations were knocked down 10 minutes post-exposure with no recovery afterwards. Gaoua-ara and Tiefora strains exhibited 100% knockdown within 15 minutes, and the VK7 2014 strain exhibited 100% knockdown within 20 minutes. In all cases, 100% mortality was observed 24 hours post-exposure. Conversely, the commercial formulation (unheated) resulted in less than 4% mortality amongst VK7, Banfora, and Gaoua-ara populations by 24 hours, and Tiefora and Kisumu mosquitoes experienced 14 and 47% mortality by 24 hours, respectively. The heat-activated dust maintained comparable efficacy 6 months after heating.
Conclusions: The heat-activated form of commercial deltamethrin D-Fense Dust outperformed the material as purchased, dramatically increasing efficacy against all tested pyrethroid-resistant strains. This increase in lethality was retained for six months of storage under ambient conditions in the laboratory. Higher energy forms of commonly used insecticides may be employed to overcome various resistance mechanisms seen in African Anopheles mosquitoes through more rapid uptake of insecticide molecules from their respective solid surfaces. That is, resistant mosquitoes can be killed with an insecticide to which they are resistant without altering the molecular composition of the insecticide.
Advancements in rock block volume calculation by analytical method for geological engineering applications
Authors: Koulibaly Aboubacar Sidiki , Shahbazi Alireza , Saeidi Ali , Rouleau Alain , Quirion Marco , Chesnaux Romain
Published: January 2023

The shape, the volume, and the distribution of the rock blocks represent important geomechanical factors of a rock mass behavior in engineering works. Several methods have been developed for estimating these parameters, including numerical models, as well as analytical and empirical methods. However, their determination in actual in-situ conditions can be quite challenging. The existing analytical methods show limitations in determining the in-situ rock blocks volume. Numerical models provide more reliable estimates of these parameters, but they are not accessible to all, and they require a good working knowledge. Increasing the accuracy of existing analytical methods, or developing more reliable and accessible methods, are more realistic approaches to obtain better estimates of rock block volumes. This paper presents a new method to obtain more accurate estimates of in-situ rock block volume. The method is developed for rock a mass consisting of three persistent joint sets, each set having constant spacing and orientation values. It is based on vector products to obtain exact block volumes, an improvement as compared to previous methods. The volumes of the rock blocks are calculated through the multiplication of the blocks’ edge vector. The results of the developed equation are validated with the output of numerical simulations using 3DEC version 7.0 software, and the results indicate that the developed method makes it possible to determine in-situ rock block volume more reliably than the existing methods.
Real Wave Quantum Mechanics
Authors: Ewins Ron
Published: January 2023

Real Wave Quantum Mechanics (RWQM) shows that quantum wave functions can arise naturally from the interaction of acoustic waves in an underlying medium, provided these exhibit a small degree of nonlinearity characterized by a dimensionless number, α. Small vortices called Field Rotators (FRs) containing angular momentum can form where there is a correlation between the phase of incoming waves and their direction of arrival. Interaction between FRs arranged in grids in a stochastic wave field can lead to self-sustaining structures which can be interpreted as charged leptons. FRs within the structures are described by their phase, amplitude and spin, thus mapping onto the wave functions of quantum mechanics. Calculations of small stationary state models in 1, 2 and 3 dimensions agree well with Schrödinger wave functions, except that the phases of neighbouring FRs alternate by π radians, a fact which is shown to be essential to the agreement and leads to the Pauli Exclusion Principle. Stable structures have internal phase variation not predicted by the Schrödinger equation, which is associated with internal energy flow and is lost when taking ψ∗ψ. It is hypothesized that orbital ’motion’ is a similar energy flow. Motion of whole structures through the medium leads directly to Special Relativity. The theory illuminates many ’difficult’ features of Quantum Mechanics. Quantitative confirmation of the theory is computationally difficult because of the huge number of interactions involved.
Help! I need somebody: Help-seeking among workers with work-related mental disorders
Authors: Rutherford Kara , Hiseler Lara , O’Hagan Fergal
Published: January 2023

Purpose: Worker mental health has emerged as one of the most significant challenges in contemporary workplaces. Knowing what intervention is effective is important to help workers adapt to mental health problems but connecting workers to helpful resources is just as important and perhaps more of a challenge. With the multiple stakeholders involved, mental health problems arising in the workplace poses specific challenges to help-seeking. The present study sought to understand the personal and contextual influences on help-seeking among workers with work-related mental health problems.
Methods: A qualitative methodology was employed utilizing purposive sampling to conduct semi-structured interviews with individuals (n=12) from various occupational backgrounds who had experienced a work-related (self-declared) mental health injury. Interpretative phenomenological analysis and thematic content analysis were combined to analyze the data.
Results: Three main themes emerged including: 1) self-preservation through injury concealment and distancing themselves from workplace stressors to minimize/avoid internal and external stigma, 2) fatigue relating to complex help-seeking pathways, accumulation of stressors, eroding the worker’s ability to make decisions regarding supports, and 3) (mis)trust in the people and processes involving dual relationships with help providers and the workplace and trust in peer referrals and networks for help.
Conclusions: Findings suggest the need to educate workplace parties such as supervisors on mental health and pathways to help, simplifying pathways to service and removing barriers to help seeking including stigmatizing behaviours. Future quantitative and intervention research on workplace mental health should integrate pathways to help into models and frameworks.
SpO2/FIO2 ratio 3 days after treatment with tocilizumab is a prognostic factor in patients with COVID-19: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kurosawa Yusuke , Kozu Yutaka , Soda Kaori , Itoda Yasunori , Furusho Naho , Ozoe Ryosuke , Jinno Yusuke , Nomoto Masayuki , Hirata Akifumi , Hoshi Mamiko , Yamada Shiho , Nishizawa Tsukasa , Sugaya Kenichi , Shikano Sotaro , Hayashi Kentaro , Hiranuma Hisato , Shimizu Tetsuo , Takayama Tadateru , Chin Kazuo , Gon Yasuhiro
Published: January 2023

Background:
Tocilizumab is considered a critical treatment for severe COVID-19. Thus far, there are no established means of predicting outcomes of administering tocilizumab. Our goal was to determine the factors that predict the prognosis of patients with COVID-19 receiving tocilizumab.
Methods:
All patients admitted to our hospital from March 2020 to July 2021 who had received tocilizumab for COVID-19 were retrospectively identified from hospital charts. We identified 92 patients who were eligible for this observational cohort study. We assessed age, dyspnoea, number of comorbidities, history of cancer, neutrophil and lymphocyte counts, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, lactate dehydrogenase, and total bilirubin. We also analysed the relationship between mortality and oxygen saturation/fraction of inspired oxygen (SpO2/FIO2) and ratio of oxygen concentration to respiratory rate (ROX index). We assessed these data using the Cox proportional hazard and ROC curve models.
Results:
Survivors (n = 56; mean age 65 years) were younger than those who died (n = 36; mean age 78 years). According to multivariable analysis, multiple comorbidities, history of cancer, CURB-65 score, neutrophil and lymphocyte counts, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, and lactate dehydrogenase were all greater in those who died than in those who survived. There were no significant differences in dyspnoea and total bilirubin. The SpO2/FIO2 ratio 3 days after treatment with tocilizumab was strongly associated with subsequent mortality. According to multivariate analysis, of the variables analysed, only the SpO2/FIO2 ratio 3 days after treatment with tocilizumab was significantly associated with mortality rate (p = 0.029; hazard ratio = 0.987, 95% confidence interval 0.977–0.997).
Conclusions:
The SpO2/FIO2 ratio 3 days after treatment with tocilizumab is a useful prognostic indicator in patients with COVID-19. Our findings indicate that aggressive respiratory therapy and/or additional treatment should be instigated when the SpO2/FIO2 ratio has not improved 3 days after treatment with tocilizumab.
Surgical Apgar Score can Accurately Predict Post-Operative Complication Following Emergency Laparotomy
Authors: Kyaruzi Victor
Published: January 2023

Background
The Surgical Apgar Score (SAS) describes a feasible and objective tool for predicting surgical outcomes. However, the accuracy and applicability of the score has not been widely tested in majority of low resource settings.
Objective
To determine the accuracy of Surgical Apgar Score in predicting post-operative complications among patients undergoing emergency laparotomy at Muhimbili National Hospital.
Methods
A prospective cohort study was conducted for a period of 12 months; SAS and CCI outcomes were recorded and analyzed according to the risk level and degree of severity. Spearman correlation and simple linear regression were employed to establish the relationship between SAS and CCI, the Accuracy of SAS was evaluated by determining its discriminatory capacity on ROC, data normality was tested by Shapiro-Wilk statistic 0.929 (p < 0.001) .Analysis was done using IBM –SPSS.
Results
Among 111 patients who underwent emergency laparotomy, 71 (64%) were male, the mean age was 49 (± 17). The mean SAS was 4.86 (± 1.29) and mean CCI 44.46 (± 25.77), patients in high-risk group SAS (0–4) were more likely to develop severe and life threatening complications with mean CCI 53.3 (47. 2- 63.4, 95% CI) than the low risk group SAS (7–10) mean CCI of 21.0 (5.3–36.2, 95% CI). There was a negative correlation between SAS and CCI, spearman r -0.575 (p < 0.001) and regression coefficient b − 11.5 (p < 0.001). SAS revealed a good accuracy for prediction of post-operative complication on ROC, Area under Curve 0.712 (0.523–0.902, 95% CI, p < 0.001).
Conclusion
We have demonstrated that SAS can accurately predict the occurrence of complications following emergency laparotomy at Muhimbili National Hospital.