bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revision for Cage Migration After Transforaminal/Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion; How to Perform Revision Surgery?
Authors: Tanaka Masato , Wei Zhang , Kanamaru Akihiro , Masuda Shin , Uotani Koji , Oda Yoshiaki , Fujiwara Yoshihiro , Arataki Shinya , Yamauchi Taro
Published: December 2021

BackgroundSymptomatic pseudarthrosis and cage migration/protrusion are difficult complications of transforaminal or posterior lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF/PLIF). If the patient experiences severe radicular symptoms due to cage protrusion, removal of the migrated cage is necessary. However, this procedure is sometimes very challenging because epidural adhesions and fibrous union can be present between the cage and vertebrae. We describe a novel classification and technique utilizing a navigated osteotome and the oblique lumbar interbody fusion at L5/S1 (OLIF51) technique to address this problem.MethodsThis retrospective study investigated consecutive patients with degenerative lumbar diseases who underwent TLIF/PLIF. Symptomatic cage migration was evaluated by direct examination, radiography, and/or computed tomography (CT) at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months of follow-up. Cage migration/protrusion was defined as symptomatic cage protrusion >5 mm from the posterior border of the over and underlying vertebral body compared with initial CT. We evaluated patient characteristics including body mass index, smoking history, fusion level, and cage type. A total of 113 patients underwent PLIF/TLIF (PLIF n=30, TLIF n=83), with a mean age of 71.1 years (range, 28–87 years). Mean duration of follow-up was 25 months (range, 12-47 months). ResultsCage migration was identified in 5 of 113 patients (4.4%). All cases of symptomatic cage migration involved the L5/S1 level and the TLIF procedure. Risk factors for cage protrusion were age (younger), sex (male), and level (L5/S1). The mean duration to onset of cage protrusion was 3.2 months (range, 2–6 months). We applied a new classification for cage protrusion: type 1, only low back pain without new radicular symptoms; type 2, low back pain with minor radicular symptoms; or type 3, cauda equina syndrome and/or severe radicular symptoms. According to our classification, one patient was in type 1, three patients were in type 2, and one patient was in type 3. For all cases of cage migration, revision surgery was performed using a navigated high-speed burr and osteotome, and the patient in group 1 underwent additional PLIF without removal of the protruding cage. Three revision surgeries (group 2) involved removal of the protruding cage and PLIF, and one revision surgery (group 3) involved anterior removal of the cage and OLIF51 fusion.ConclusionsThe navigated high-speed burr, navigated osteotome, and OLIF51 technique appear very useful for removing a cage with fibrous union from the disc in patients with pseudarthrosis. This new technique makes revision surgery after cage migration much safer, and more effective. This technique also reduces the need for fluoroscopy.
Association of Depressive Symptoms with Cancer Risk in Middle-Aged and Older Chinese Adults: A Longitudinal Cohort Study
Authors: Sheng Chao , Liu Luyang , Song Fengju , Dai Hongji , Chen Kexin
Published: December 2021

Aims. Although, the association between depression and cancer has already been very well studied, but studies about depressive symptoms and cancer development are scarce and inconclusive among Chinese adults. We aimed to investigate whether the severity of depressive symptoms is associated with total and site-specific cancer risk in a nationally representative sample of middle-aged and older Chinese adults. Methods. This study was based on the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), which was initiated in 2011 and followed up to 2018. We included 11,974 individuals aged 45 years or older with complete information about depressive symptoms and no history of cancer at baseline. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the validated 10-item of Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Incident cancer cases were documented in the biennial self-reported questionnaires. The multivariable Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results. Of 11,794 individuals included in the analysis, 51.72% were women. After a median follow-up of 7.0 years, 265 incident cancer cases were identified. Overall, there was a significant positive association between CES-D score and cancer risk (HR 1.02, 95%CI 1.00-1.05, P=0.03). Severe depressive symptoms were associated with a 75% increased cancer risk (HR 1.75, 95%CI 1.10-2.78). Such associations were evident among women rather than men. In the cancer-specific analysis, the association of severe depressive symptoms and cancer risk was more pronounced for female hormone-related cancers (HR 5.58; 95% CI 2.70-11.54). Conclusions. The findings imply that individuals with severe depressive symptoms could be considered as high-risk population in cancer screening programs.
Multi-Step Crystallization and Chemical Evolution of Sodium Yttrium Fluoride
Authors: Pauzauskie Peter , Bard Alexander , Felsted R. Greg , Ganas Abbie , Pant Anupum , Gupta Chaman , Chen Ying , Nakouzi Elias , Jin Biao , Washton Nancy , De Yoreo James , Chun Jaehun , Brush Lucien
Published: December 2021

Two-step crystallization mechanisms based on spinodal decomposition followed by nucleation are commonly observed both in the laboratory and in nature. While this pathway may require chemical reactions, subsequent nucleation and growth are often considered as separate, discrete events from the reaction itself. Recent work has also shown a distinct intermediate step involving the formation of an amorphous aggregate. Here we report a novel four-step mechanism in the aqueous synthesis of sodium yttrium fluoride involving 1) the segregation of aqueous ions into a dense liquid phase, 2) the formation of an amorphous aggregate, 3) nucleation of a cubic YF3 phase, and 4) subsequent solid-state diffusion of sodium and fluoride ions to form a final NaYF4 phase. The final step involves a continuous, gradual change of the solid phase’s chemical stoichiometry from YF3 toward NaYF4. Unlike previously studied nucleation and growth mechanisms, the stoichiometry of the final solid phase evolves throughout the crystallization process rather than being determined at nucleation. This novel four-step mechanism provides a new perspective into the nucleation and growth of many other crystalline materials given the ubiquity of nonstoichiometric compounds in nature.
Cloning and Functional Analysis of Expansin TaEXPA9 Homologs in Winter Wheat in Frigid Regions
Authors: Zhao Ziyi , Hu Baozhong , Feng Xu , li Fenglan , He Fumeng , Wu Jiawen , Xu Chongjing , li Li , Xu Yongqing
Published: December 2021

BackgroundLow temperature is an important factor that influences the ability of winter wheat to safely overwinter. Excessive low temperatures restrict the regrowth of winter wheat, thus decreasing agricultural output. Non-enzymatic expansins, which are related to plant growth, have been reported to respond to drought, salinity, and low temperature stress. We obtained an expansin gene, TaEXPA9, that is induced by low temperature from a transcriptome analysis of ‘Dongnong winter wheat no. 2’—a winter wheat with high cold hardiness—but the expression pattern and function of this gene were unknown. We therefore analyzed the expression patterns of TaEXPA9-A/B/D in D2 in response to different abiotic stresses and exogenous phytohormone treatments in different organs. The entire length of TaEXPA9-A/B/D was obtained, and green fluorescent labeling was used for subcellular localization analysis of TaEXPA9-A/B/D on onion epidermis. The 35S::TaEXPA9-A/B/D expression vector was constructed, and an overexpression transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana line was obtained to examine the effects of the homologs of this expansin on plant growth and low temperature stress resistance. ResultsThe results showed that TaEXPA9-A/B/D transcription significantly increased at 4°C low temperature stress, its expression level was higher in the roots, and TaEXPA9-A/B/D was localized to the cell wall. The roots were well-developed in the overexpression A. thaliana, and the growth-related markers and setting rate were better than in the wild-type. Recovery was stronger in the overexpression plants after frost stress. At 4°C low temperature stress, the antioxidant enzyme activity and osmoregulatory substance content in the TaEXPA9-A/B/D-overexpressing A. thaliana plants were significantly higher than in the wild-type plants, and the degree of membrane lipid peroxidation was lower. ConclusionsIn summary, TaEXPA9-A/B/D participates in the low-temperature stress response and may increase the scavenging of reactive oxygen species caused by low temperature stress through the protective enzyme system. Additionally, TaEXPA9-A/B/D can increase the levels of small molecular organic substances to resist osmotic stress caused by low temperature.
Increased Behavioral Problems in Children with Sleep-Disordered Breathing
Authors: Csabi Eszter , Gaál Veronika , Hallgató Emese , Schulcz Rebeka Anna , Katona Gábor , Benedek Pálma
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Healthy sleep is essential for children’s cognitive, behavioral, and emotional development. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess the behavioral consequences of sleep disturbances examining children with sleep-disordered breathing compared to control participants. Methods: 78 children with SDB (average age: 6.7 years (SD = 1.83); 61 had OSA and 17 had primary snoring) and 156 control subjects (average age: 6.57 years (SD = 1.46) participated in the study. We matched the groups in age (t(232) = 0.578, p = 0.564) and gender (χ2(1) = 2.192, p = 0.139). In the SDB group, the average Apnea-Hypopnea Index was 3.44 event/h (SD = 4.00), the average desaturation level was 87.3 % (SD = 6.91). Parent-report rating scales were used to measure the children’s daytime behavior including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scale, Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, and Child Behavior Checklist. Results: Our results showed that children with SDB exhibited a higher level of inattentiveness and hyperactive behavior. Furthermore, the SDB group demonstrated more internalizing (anxiety, depression, somatic complaints, social problems) (p < 0.001) and externalizing (aggressive and rule-breaking behavior) problems compare to children without SDB, irrespective of severity. Conclusion: Based on our findings we supposed that even snoring and mild OSA had a risk for developing behavioral and emotional dysfunctions as much as moderate-severe OSA. Therefore, clinical research and practice need to focus more on the accurate assessment and treatment of sleep disturbances in childhood, particularly primary snoring, and mild obstructive sleep apnea.
Fluorescent Indicators for Live-Cell and in Vitro Detection of Inorganic Cadmium Dynamics
Authors: Hu Shulin , Yang Jun , Liao Anqi , Lin Ying , Liang Shuli
Published: December 2021

Cadmium contamination is a severe threat to the environment and food safety. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop highly sensitive and selective cadmium detection tools. The engineered fluorescent indicator is a powerful tool for the rapid detection of inorganic cadmium in the environment. In this study, the development of yellow fluorescent indicators of cadmium chloride by inserting a fluorescent protein at different positions of the high cadmium-specific repressor and optimizing the flexible linker between the connection points is reported. These indicators provide a fast, sensitive, specific, high dynamic range, and real-time readout of cadmium ion dynamics in solution. Under optimal conditions, the fluorescent indicators N0C0/N1C1 showed a linear response to cadmium concentration within the range from 10/30 to 50/100 nM and with a detection limit of 10/33 nM. Escherichia coli cells containing the indicator were used to further study the response of cadmium ion concentration in living cells. E. coli N1C1 could respond to different concentrations of cadmium ions. This study provides a rapid and straightforward method for cadmium ion detection in vitro and the potential for biological imaging.
Engineering Nonlinear Epileptic Biomarkers Using Deep Learning and Benford’s Law
Authors: Caffarini Joseph , Gjini Klevest , Sevak Brinda , Waleffe Roger , Kalkach-Aparicio Mariel , Boly Melanie , Struck Aaron F
Published: December 2021

In this study we designed two deep neural networks to encode 16 feature latent spaces for early seizure detection in intracranial EEG and compared them to 16 widely used engineered metrics: Epileptogenicity Index (EI), Phase Locked High Gamma (PLHG), Time and Frequency Domain Cho Gaines Distance (TDCG, FDCG), relative band powers, and log absolute band powers (from alpha, beta, theta, delta, gamma, and high gamma bands. The deep learning models were pretrained for seizure identification on the time and frequency domains of one second single channel clips of 127 seizures (from 25 different subjects) using “leave-one-out” (LOO) cross validation. Each neural network extracted unique feature spaces that were used to train a Random Forest Classifier (RFC) for seizure identification and latency tasks. The Gini Importance of each feature was calculated from the pretrained RFC, enabling the most significant features (MSFs) for each task to be identified. The MSFs were extracted from the UPenn and Mayo Clinic's Seizure Detection Challenge to train another RFC for the contest. They obtained an AUC score of 0.93, demonstrating a transferable method to identify interpretable biomarkers for seizure detection.
Role of N6-methyladenosine Regulated lncRNAs in Prognosis, Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Checkpoints of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Qu Guangzhen , Wang Dong , Xu Weiyu , Guo Wei
Published: December 2021

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to explore the correlation between N6-methyladenosine (m6A)-regulated lncRNAs and tumor prognosis, immune infiltration, immune checkpoints (ICPs) expression in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).MethodsWe downloaded the raw RNA-sequence data and clinical data of PDAC from https://xenabrowser.net/ (cohort: TCGA Pancreatic Cancer) and Genotype-Tissue Expression project (GTEx). The m6A-regulated lncRNA was obtained by co-expression analysis. After that, lncRNA profiles and PDAC survival information were merged, and m6A-regulated multi-lncRNA prognostic model was constructed through least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analysis. Through consensus clustering algorithm analysis, PDAC samples were divided into C1 and C2 groups. The downstream pathway signals of the two groups were constructed by Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) analysis. Finally, we detect the links between m6A regulated lncRNAs, immune infiltration, immune checkpoint gene expression.ResultsA total of 28 differential expressed m6A-regulated lncRNAs were identiﬁed, and based on this, a total of two subtypes of PDAC were obtained. A risk score nomogram consist of 11 m6A-regulated lncRNAs was constructed based on LASSO regression analysis. PDAC patients were divided into low-risk and high-risk groups based on risk scores. In addition to that, we identified IDO1 as a potential novel ICPs in PDAC.ConclusionThis study demonstrates an indispensable role for m6A-regulated lncRNAs in the tumor microenvironment and immune infiltration. We could screen patients suitable for immunotherapy. Long term survival of PDAC patients can be predicted by 11 m6A regulated lncRNAs superiorly. The immune infiltration and ICPs expression were further explored in both groups.
Identification and Area Calculation of the Egg Mass of Spodoptera Frugiperda Based on Faster-RCNN
Authors: Liang Zhishang , Peng Yinqiao , Sheikh Muhammad Sameer , Wu Zhengwei , Wang Ji
Published: December 2021

Spodoptera frugiperda is a migratory and destructive crop pest. The number of eggs is an important method to evaluate the pest situation, which can be estimated by the area of egg mass. The traditional manual method is inefficient, but the new method of egg mass image recognition improves the efficiency of eggs number estimation. In this paper, the optimized Faster-RCNN target detection algorithm was used to recognize the egg mass image of Spodoptera frugiperda. The Maximum Between-Class Variance method (Otsu) was used for threshold segmentation to obtain the position, shape and size of the egg mass and calculate the area of the egg mass. The mean value of the relative error of the egg mass area in the test samples was -0.02032, and the minimum value was -0.00047. The experimental results show that the egg area calculation method proposed in this paper is fast and accurate, which can meet the requirements of egg area measurement.
BSA‑Seq and Genetic Mapping Reveals AhRt2 as a Candidate Gene Responsible for Red Testa of Peanut
Authors: Zhang Kun , Yuan Mei , Xia Han , He Liangqiong , Ma Jing , Wang Mingxiao , Zhao Huiling , Hou Lei , Zhao Shuzhen , Li Pengcheng , Tian Ruizheng , Pan Jiaowen , Li Guanghui , Thudi Mahendar , Ma Changle , Wang Xingjun , Zhao Chuanzhi
Published: December 2021

Testa color is an important trait of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.). Peanuts with red testa are rich in anthocyanin, are very popular with consumers. However, genes responsible for the red testa trait in peanut are rarely reported. In order to fine map red testa gene, two F4 populations were constructed through the cross of YZ9102 (pink testa) with ZH12 (red testa) and Zhanhong2 (red testa). Genetic analysis indicated that red testa was controlled by a single recessive gene, and named as AhRt2 (Red testa gene 2). Using BSA-seq approach, AhRt2 was preliminary identified in chromosome 12, and further mapped to a 530-kb interval using 220 recombinant lines through linkage mapping. Functional annotation, expression profiling, and sequence variation analyses confirmed that the anthocyanin reductase (ANR), Arahy.IK60LM, was the most likely candidate gene for AhRt2. A SNP in the third exon of AhRt2 changed the encoding amino acids, was associated with red testa of peanut. In addition, a closely linkaged molecular marker to red testa trait was developed. Our result provide insight into the molecular mechanism underlying peanut testa color and provide valuable diagnostic marker for marker-assisted selected (MAS) breeding in peanut.
Novel Method for Evaluation of Sagittal Spinal Alignment Using Cluster Analysis of Slope of Each Vertebra.
Authors: Matsubayashi Yoshitaka , Oshima Yasushi , Taniguchi Yuki , Doi Toru , Kato So , Nakamoto Hideki , Tanaka Sakae
Published: December 2021

Background: The parameters of sagittal spinal alignment proposed to date measure only the specific sectional angle or the specific sectional distance of the entire spine. To evaluate the alignment of the entire spine without segmentation, we sought to measure and analyze the slope of each vertebral body from skull to pelvis. The purpose of this study was to confirm the effectiveness of this novel analytic method for the evaluation of spinal alignment that considers the slope of each spinal vertebra using graph and cluster analysis.Methods: Every spinal slope from McGregor’s slope to the sacral slope of 88 patients who underwent standing whole spine radiography was measured. Subsequently, we conducted cluster analysis of each spinal slope to understand the characteristics of sagittal alignment.Results: Cluster analysis of whole spinal slopes did not provide useful results in this study because the number of cases per cluster was small due to the large number of parameters. Therefore, we focused the cluster analysis on only the cervical spine slopes. Then, we categorized cervical alignment into four groups (named Normal, Mismatch, Straight, and Sigmoid) based on the results of the cluster analysis. Patients in the Normal and Mismatch groups were older and had lower lumbar apex (L4), apparent lordo-kyphosis around the thoracolumbar junction, and high thoracic kyphosis (TK). Patients in the straight and sigmoid groups were younger, had a higher lumbar apex (L3), flat thoracolumbar junction, and low TK. There was no significant difference between the four groups with respect to pelvic incidence (PI) or pelvic tilt (PT).Conclusion: We proposed a novel method for visually understanding sagittal alignment. Using this analysis method, differences and similarities of sagittal alignment between each group can be easily identified. More detailed analysis of the whole spine may be possible by increasing the number of cases.
Community Confounding In Joint Species Distribution Models
Authors: Ee Justin J. Van , Ivan Jacob S. , Hooten Mevin B.
Published: December 2021

Joint species distribution models have become ubiquitous for studying species-habitat relationships and dependence among species. Accounting for community structure often improves predictive power, but can also alter inference on species-habitat relationships. Modulated species-habitat relationships are indicative of community confounding: The situation in which interspecies dependence and habitat effects compete to explain species distributions. We discuss community confounding in a case study of mammalian responses to the Colorado bark beetle epidemic in the subalpine forest by comparing the inference from independent single species distribution models and a joint species distribution model. We present a method for measuring community confounding and develop a restricted version of our hierarchical model that orthogonalizes the habitat and species random effects. Our results indicate that variables associated with the severity and duration of the bark beetle epidemic suffer from community confounding. This implies that mammalian responses to the bark beetle epidemic are governed by interconnected habitat and community effects. Disentangling habitat and community effects can improve our understanding of the ecological system and possible management strategies. We evaluate restricted regression as a method for alleviating community confounding and distinguish it from other inferential methods for confounded models.
Geriatric Patients With Breast Cancer: G8 as a Frailty Screening Tool
Authors: Rocio Grajales-Alvarez , Gutierrez-Mata Alicia , Martinez-Hernandez Enrique , Zavala-Calderon Alejandro
Published: December 2021

Purpose The highest incidence of breast cancer is in senile patients. Treatment decisions are often based on their age and ECOG. The implementation of the G8 in the oncology consultation is useful for timely referral of vulnerable patients to specialized care, in order to generate an improvement on their treatment and prognosis.The aim of this work is to determine, using the G8, the proportion of patients aged >65 years with breast cancer, which requires a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA).Material and methodsThe G8 questionnaire was applied to patients >65 years with breast cancer. The baseline characteristics were prospectively collected. Descriptive statistics were used for the characteristics of the patients and the assessment tools. The difference between groups was assessed using Pearson's chi square with Yates correction. Additional scores were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared between groups using the log rank test. The hazard ratio (HR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was estimated using a Cox proportional hazard analysis, considering an abnormal G8 score as an exposure variable. A Spearman correlation was made between age and G8 score. SPSS v22 software (IBM, USA) was used for all analyzes.ResultsFrom December 2019 to May 2020, 357 patients were recruited. The mean age was 73.57 years. Seventy-four percent had an ECOG 1; 44.3% required a CGA (n = 158), but only 55.1% (n = 87) were performed. The G8 most affected domains were polypharmacy (51%) and ingestion (28.3%). We found significant association between the requirement for CGA and ECOG, p <0.0001. ConclusionThe G8 is a tool that allows us to discern which patients require a CGA in order to carry out interventions to improve cancer treatment, so it should be implemented routinely in the oncology consultation.*ECOG: Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group
Analysis of the Treatment Costs of Malignant Tumor Diseases in China’s Hunan Province Based on“System of Health Account 2011”
Authors: Li Jiale , Wang Zhaojie , Zhang Yu , Du Ying , Cai Donghua
Published: December 2021

Objective: To calculate and analyze the treatment costs of malignant tumors in Hunan Province in 2019, and to provide data support for the formulation and implementation of policies by the health department. Methods: Refer to the "2019 Hunan Province Health Finance Annual Report" and "2019 Hunan Province Health Statistics Summary", based on the “System of Health Account 2011”, calculate and analyze the disease types, beneficiaries, institutional distribution and financing status of malignant tumors diseases. Results: In 2019, the total cost of malignant tumor treatment in Hunan Province was 440,596,800 yuan. The top five were malignant tumors of digestive organs (40.10%), malignant tumors of respiratory and intrathoracic organs (17.62%), and malignant tumors of breast (12.24%), female genital organ malignant tumors (9.88%) and lip, oral cavity and pharynx malignant tumors (6.87%). The 35 to 79-year-old age group has higher treatment costs. The costs are concentrated in general hospitals. Funding sources mainly come from government financing and family health expenditure. The main influencing factors of malignant tumor hospitalization expenses are gender, length of stay, age, drug proportion, institution level and medical institution type.Conclusions: The disease burden of malignant tumors is relatively serious; primary medical and health institutions lack health resources; and household health expenditure accounts for a relatively high proportion. Therefore, hierarchical diagnosis and treatment should be promoted reasonably, focused on key diseases and populations, and medical security policies should be improved to ensure that patients with malignant tumors and their families’ economic burden of disease can be reduced.
Prednisolone Therapy Accelerated Recovery of Severe Drug-Induced Liver Injury: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Zhu Bing , Song Fangjiao , Liu Honglin , Sun Yin , Xu Tianjiao , Li Dongze , Wang Haibo , Xin Shaojie , Wang Yudong , Cheng Gregory , Lau George , Lv Sa , You Shaoli
Published: December 2021

Background Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is one of the most serious adverse drug reactions and the incidence has been increasing rapidly. Accumulating evidence suggested that the immune activation and systemic inflammatory responses play a significant role in the progression of DILI. Corticosteroids are often used in DILI, but clinical usefulness remain controversial. We therefore conducted a prospective randomized controlled study to investigate whether corticosteroid therapy can accelerate recovery and reduce mortality in severe DILI (SDILI).Methods SDILI patients with total bilirubin (TBIL) ≥171 μmol/L presented to Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing from 1/1/2015 to 31/12/2019 were randomized into prednisolone group and control group. The primary endpoints were proportion of subjects with resolution of SDILI defined as decrease in TBIL by at least 35 μmol/L to below 171 μmol/L and overall survival at 6 months. Patients in prednisolone group received prednisolone 60 mg/day therapy for the first 7 days. Patients reaching the primary endpoint or achieved decrease in TBIL by more than 35 umol/L on day 8 would continue on tapering doses of prednisolone, otherwise prednisolone would be discontinued.Results On day 8, 50.7% (34/67) and 26.5% (18/68) of the subjects in the prednisolone group and control group achieved the primary endpoint respectively, p=0.002. However, there was no significant difference in overall survival at 6 months, 95.52% (64/67) vs 91.2% (62/68), p= 0.2. All deaths in both groups occurred in patients who failed to achieve SDILI resolution on day 8.Conclusions Prednisolone therapy may accelerate recovery of SDILI and shorten hospitalization.
Assessment of Quality of Life Following Radiotherapy in Patients With Rectum Cancer
Authors: Yavuz Berrin Benli , Aktan Meryem , Kanyilmaz Gul , Demir Lutfi Saltuk
Published: December 2021

PurposeThe aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of radiotherapy (RT) on quality of life (QoL) and influencing factors.MethodsData of 106 patients who completely filled out the three questionnaires were evaluated in this prospective study. Quality of life was evaluated with cancer-specific QLQ-C30 and colorectal cancer module QLQ-CR29 created by European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC). All statistical analyses were done with SPSS version 22 software. A p level of <0.05 was accepted as statistically significant.ResultsMedian age was 61 (27-86). Of the patients, 77 (72.6%) were male and 29 (27.4%) were female. When QLQ-C30 questionnaires were evaluated, it was observed that physical, role, cognitive and emotional function scores were impaired following RT however returned to pre-RT levels on control. According to the results of QLQ-CR29 questionnaire, after RT, impairment was observed in urination frequency, urinary incontinence, stool frequency, dysuria, fecal incontinence, embarrassment, sexual interest in males scales however they returned to pre-RT values on control. When evaluated with regard to age, financial difficulty, global health score, mucus in stool, dysuria, dyspareunia and abdominal pain were observed to be poorer in the young; urination frequency and urinary incontinence were observed to be poorer in the elderly. ConclusionAlthough both functional and symptom scales were shown to impair, most of them were detected to be temporal and patients could well tolerate radiotherapy. Additional assessment is required for evaluating the late effects of treatments on QoL.
Transhiatal Chest Drainage Reduces The Frequency of Postoperative Thoracentesis In Transmediastinal Esophagectomy For Esophageal Cancer: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Hisakura Katsuji , Ogawa Koichi , Akashi Yoshimasa , Kim Jaejeong , Moue Shoko , Ohara Yusuke , Owada Yohei , Hashimoto Shinji , Enomoto Tsuyoshi , Oda Tatsuya
Published: December 2021

Background: Transmediastinal esophagectomy for esophageal cancer occasionally results in the postoperative accumulation of pleural effusion despite the preservation of the mediastinal pleura. Transhiatal chest drainage has reported utility in thoracic esophagectomy; however, its use in transmediastinal esophagectomy remains unelucidated. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of transhiatal chest drainage in transmediastinal esophagectomy.Methods: This retrospective study included patients who underwent transmediastinal esophagectomy for esophageal cancer from 2018 to 2020. The transhiatal chest drainage involved the insertion of a 19-Fr Blake® drain from the inferior hepatic space to the left thoracic cavity through the hiatus. The drainage group comprising 13 patients was compared with the non-drainage group comprising 13 patients in whom a transhiatal chest drainage tube was not placed during transmediastinal esophagectomy.Results: The frequency of thoracentesis in the drainage group was significantly lower than that in the non-drainage group (p = 0.03). There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of the occurrence of other postoperative complications, duration of oxygen administration, and postoperative hospital stay.Conclusions: Transhiatal chest drainage could evacuate pleural effusion effectively and safely after transmediastinal esophagectomy. Therefore, this procedure is clinically useful in transmediastinal esophagectomy for esophageal cancer.
Patient’S Knowledge of Cardiovascular Diseases Risk Factors and Associated Factors Among Adult Cardiac Patients in Selected Health Institutions; A Cross Sectional Study, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 2021 G.C.
Authors: Damtew Bezina , Tsige Yoseph , Bizuwork Ketema , Workineh Sosina
Published: December 2021

Background
cardiovascular related disorders are a major public health challenge in globally as well as in Ethiopia. It is crucial to improve the life style of the community at the same time it is a key for health care policy to give emphasis for prevention by educating the community by different ways. Therefore, the current study patient’s knowledge about risk factors related to those diseases.
Method
A facility-based descriptive cross-sectional study design was conducted. 420 Participants selected by systematic random sampling technique from April 01, 2021 until Jun 28, 2021 and met the criteria were included. Data was collected by interviewer-administered questionnaire. Level of knowledge was assessed by the Heart Disease Fact Questions. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression was done to identify factors associated with identified class of knowledge. P-value less than 0.05 was considered as to indicate statistical significances.
Result
The result showed that most of the study subjects were in the age range of >54. The mean age was 48.7 ± 13 years. 255(62.7%) were females. 300(71.6%) of participants have sufficient knowledge toward cardiovascular diseases risk factors. Age, Sex, Place of residence, Status of education and Marital status was significantly associated with Participant’s knowledge (p<0.05, 95% C. I).
Conclusion
The majority of participants had sufficient knowledge regarding cardiovascular diseases risk factors. Maintaining good status, implementation of innovative interventions and structured, nurse-led lifestyle counseling would be required to effectively guide patients.
Mapping the Intensity Function of a Non-stationary Point Process in Unobserved Areas
Authors: Gabriel Edith , Rodriguez-Cortes Francisco , Coville Jérôme , Mateu Jorge , Chadoeuf Joël
Published: December 2021

Seismic networks provide data that are used as basis both for public safety decisions and for scientific research. Their configuration affects the data completeness, which in turn, critically affects several seismological scientific targets (e.g., earthquake prediction, seismic hazard...). In this context, a key aspect is how to map earthquakes density in seismogenic areas from censored data or even in areas that are not covered by the network. We propose to predict the spatial distribution of earthquakes from the knowledge of presence locations and geological relationships, taking into account any interactions between records. Namely, in a more general setting, we aim to estimate the intensity function of a point process, conditional to its censored realization, as in geostatistics for continuous processes. We define a predictor as the best linear unbiased combination of the observed point pattern. We show that the weight function associated to the predictor is the solution of a Fredholm equation of second kind. Both the kernel and the source term of the Fredholm equation are related to the first- and second-order characteristics of the point process through the intensity and the pair correlation function. Results are presented and illustrated on simulated non-stationary point processes and real data for mapping Greek Hellenic seismicity in a region with unreliable and incomplete records.
Psychoeducational Group Intervention for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Their Close Relations (Prisma) – An Open Feasibility Study
Authors: Hidalgo Nathaniel , Sjöwall Douglas , Agius Hanna , Byström Caroline , Brar Annika , Borg Jacqueline , Hirvikoski Tatja
Published: December 2021

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in adulthood is associated with severe impairments in functioning and poor health, while ASD is also affecting close relations. Accessible first-line interventions addressing the complex clinical needs and care coordination are lacking. Methods: This study investigated the feasibility and preliminary effects of a new psychoeducational group intervention (Prisma) developed for intellectually able adults with ASD and their close relations in an outpatient setting. Results: Completion rate was 77% (n=71) of the 92 adults with ASD and 73% (n=69) of the 94 close relations. Participants considered Prisma to be an acceptable intervention and their feedback will be used to further improve the Prisma for an upcoming RCT. Preliminary analyses of effects showed promising results with an increase in knowledge of ASD. Conclusions: Overall, results indicate that the Prisma is a feasible first-line intervention in a stepped-care process in outpatient services. Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.org (NCT04460976).
Sertoli cell tumor of the testis causing intracranial metastasis two years after orchiectomy. Report of a rare case and review of the literature
Authors: Colamaria Antonio , Sacco Matteo , Parbonetti Giovanni , Fochi Nicola Pio , Carbone Francesco , de Notaris Matteo
Published: December 2021

Sertoli cell tumor of the testis (SCTT) accounts for less than 1% of all testicular tumors with only 10% of cases exhibiting malignant behavior. In the present report, a case of malignant SCTT causing multiple metastases in a 32-year-old man is described. After being diagnosed and treated for bone and lymph nodes metastases, the patient presented with a brief history of worsening headaches and visual impairment. A head MRI demonstrated an extra-axial tumor located in the right fronto-parietal junction exhibiting avid contrast enhancement and leptomeningeal involvement. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this represents the second case of intracranial metastasis from SCTT described to date.
High Throughput Metagenomic Analysis Exposes Mobile Phones as Potentially Hazardous Microbial Platforms Warranting Robust Public Health and Biosecurity Protocols
Authors: Olsen Matthew , Nassar Rania , Senok Abiola , Moloney Susan , Lohning Anna , Jones Peter , Grant Gary , Morgan Mark , Palipana Dinesh , McKirdy Simon , Alghafri Rashed , Tajouri Lotti
Published: December 2021

Introduction. Advancements in technology and communication have revolutionised the 21st century with the introduction of mobile phones and smartphones. These phones are known to be platforms harbouring microbes with recent research shedding light on the abundance and broad spectrum of organisms they harbour. Mobile phone use in the community and in professional sectors including health care settings is a potential source of microbial dissemination.Aim. To identify the diversity of microbial genetic signature present on mobile phones owned by hospital medical staff.Methods. Twenty-six mobile phones of health care staff were swabbed. DNA extraction for downstream next generation sequencing shotgun metagenomic microbial profiling was performed. Survey questionnaires were handed to the staff to collect information on mobile phone usage and users’ behaviours.Results. A total of 11259 organisms derived from 26 phones were found with 2096 genes coding for antibiotic resistance and virulent factors. These organisms corresponded to 5717 bacteria, 675 fungi, 93 protists, 320 viruses, 4456 bacteriophages. The survey of medical staff showed that 46% (12/26) of the participants used their mobile phones in the bathroom.Discussion/conclusion. Mobile phones are vectors of microbes and can contribute to microbial dissemination and nosocomial diseases worldwide. As fomites, mobile phones that are not decontaminated may pose serious risks for public health and biosecurity.
Pyrroloquinoline based Styryl Dyes Doped PMMA, PS, and PS/TiO2 Polymer for Fluorescent Applications
Authors: SHANKARLING GANAPATI , Jachak Mahesh , Bhise Rupali , Chaturvedi Ankur , Kamble Vidula
Published: December 2021

This article presents two highly fluorescent donor- π -acceptor (D-π-A) moiety containing an electron-donating carbazole and phenothiazine donors fused with electron-withdrawing pyrrolo-quinoline acceptor dyes, PQC and PQPT. We also discussed the polymerization and film-forming process of dye PQC and PQPT doped in poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and polystyrene (PS) polymer to find their optical applications in polymer-based technology. We investigated the fluorescent properties of dyes PQC and PQPT from 0.01 – 1 wt. % in poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). We also investigated the changes in the spectrum shape and shift in wavelength with changes in poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polystyrene (PS), and TiO2 doped in polystyrene (PS/TiO2). The analysis of surface morphology of prepared polymer samples was done with the help of a scanning electron microscope. The thermal and photostability of synthesized dyes in poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polystyrene (PS), and TiO2 doped in polystyrene (PS/TiO2) were investigated to get detailed information owing to the application of fluorescent polymers in the field of optoelectronic, nanohybrid coatings in solar concentrators, etc.
In-Vitro Cytotoxicity and Anticancer Drug Release Behavior of Methionine - Coated Magnetite Nanoparticles As Carriers.
Authors: Yeganeh Faten Eshrati , Yeganeh Amir Eshrati , Far Bahareh Farasati , Akbarzadeh Iman , Quazi Sameer , Safdar Muhammad
Published: December 2021

An innovative and customized drug delivery system for in vitro cancer treatment has been developed successfully by a simple one-step method. A CoFe2O4@Methionine core-shell nanoparticle was prepared by the reflux assay, in which amino acid on the surface makes the ferrite biocompatible, enhances the chemical stability of the compound, and increases the drug loading capacity. The synthesized nanoparticles were evaluated using SEM, TEM, FTIR, and VSM, while XRD and TGA analysis verified the presence of a coating amino acid on the surface of CoFe2O4. The appearance of a new peak for C≡N in the FTIR spectrum validates the synthesis of a letrozole-loaded carrier. Both uncoated CoFe2O4 and methionine-coated CoFe2O4 nanoparticles behave super-paramagnetically at room temperature, with saturation values of 46 emu/g and 16.8 emu/g, respectively. SEM and TEM were used to characterize the morphology and size of samples, revealing that the average particle size was around 28–29 nm. The loading of Letrozole and the effect of pH (5, 7.4) on the release behavior of the carrier were studied. The result of the drug release in pH (5) was about 88% higher than pH (7.4). Also, the preparation has been evaluated for determining its cytotoxicity using MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, and MCF10A cell lines as an in vitro model, and the results of in vitro experiments showed that CoFe2O4@Methionine could significantly reduce cancer in the cell model. These results demonstrate that core-shell nanoparticles were prepared that are biocompatible and have potential use as drug delivery.
Standardised 3D-CT Lung Volumes for Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Tanaka Yuko , Suzuki Yuzo , Hasegawa Hirotsugu , Yokomura Koshi , Fukada Atsuki , Inoue Yusuke , Hozumi Hironao , Karayama Masato , Furuhashi Kazuki , Enomoto Noriyuki , Fujisawa Tomoyuki , Nakamura Yutaro , Inui Naoki , Suda Takafumi
Published: December 2021

Background: The assessment of lung physiology via pulmonary function tests (PFTs) is essential for patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). However, PFTs require active participation, which can be challenging for patients with severe respiratory failure, such as during acute exacerbations (AE) of IPF. Recently advances enabled to re-construct of 3-dimensional computed-tomography (3D-CT) images. Methods: This is a retrospective multi-center cohort study. This study established a standardisation method and quantitative analysis of lung volume (LV) based on anthropometry using three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) images. The standardised 3D-CT LV in patients with IPF at diagnosis (n=140) and during AE (cohort1; n=61 and cohort2; n=50) and those of controls (n=53) were measured. Results: The standardised 3D-CT LVs at IPF diagnosis were less than those of control patients, especially in the lower lung lobes. The standardised 3D-CT LVs were correlated with forced vital capacity (FVC) and validated using the modified Gender-Age-Physiology (GAP) index. The standardised 3D-CT LVs at IPF diagnosis were independently associated with prognosis. During AE, PFTs were difficult to perform, 3D-CT analyses revealed reduced lung capacity in both the upper and lower lobes compared to those obtained at diagnosis. Lower standardised 3D-CT LVs during AE were independently associated with worse outcomes in independent two cohorts. Particularly, volume loss in the upper lobe at AE had prognostic values.Conclusion: A novel image quantification method for assessing pulmonary physiology using standardised 3D-CT-derived LVs was developed. This method successfully predicts mortality in patients with IPF and AE of IPF, and may be a useful alternative to PFTs when PFTs cannot be performed.
Successful Remedy With Osimertinib in a Patient of Thr790Met-positive Non-small Cell Lung Cancer With Leptomeningeal Carcinomatosis and Resistant to Gefitinib
Authors: Xu Liqing , Shen Shengli , Duan Hongzhou
Published: December 2021

Patients of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with activated EGFR mutations is more apt to develop leptomeningeal metastasis (LM) than the other types of lung cancers [1]. Examination of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in cell-free cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has been shown to be useful in detecting the genomic mutations of tumors in central nervous system (CNS) and has also been used to monitor tumor progression and evaluate the response to treatments [2]. Osimertinib, a third-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is considered to be a recent standardized treatment for EGFR Thr790Met-mutant NSCLC because of its good efficacy in both systemic and CNS metastasis [3].
TDCA: Improved Optimization Algorithm with Degree Distribution and Communication Traffic for the Deployment of Software Components Base on AUTOSAR Architecture
Authors: Zhang Kunpeng , Liu Yanheng , Zhang Jindong , Zhang Guanhua , Jin Jingyi , Li Yunhao , Tang Fengmin
Published: December 2021

AUTOSAR (Automotive Open System Architecture), as an open, standardized framework for automotive electronic software development, has gradually become the standard followed by major automotive manufacturers and automotive electronic device suppliers. The electronic software system problem improves the development efficiency and portability of the system by reducing the development cost of automotive electronic software while ensuring the quality of products and services, which is beneficial for subsequent upgrades and updates of the system. In order to improve the reliability of the software component deployment algorithm based on AUTOSAR architecture, we proposed the TDCA algorithm. During the execution of the algorithm, communication volume and communication degree are introduced to improve the accuracy of the deployment plan by optimizing the bus load and ECU balancing. Algorithm comparison experiments show that comparing heuristic and linear optimization algorithms, the TDCA algorithm proposed in this paper has significant advantages in reducing bus load and balancing ECU utilization. The algorithm can reduce the communication between cores and balance ECU load according to the constraints of AUTOSAR architecture.
Dual-fusion Active Contour Model with Semantic Information for Saliency Target Extraction of Underwater Images
Authors: Yang Shudi , Chen Zhehan , Wu Jiaxiong , Feng Zhipeng
Published: December 2021

Underwater vision research is the foundation of marine-related disciplines. The target contour extraction is of great significance to target tracking and visual information mining. Aiming at the problem that conventional active contour models cannot effectively extract the contours of salient targets in underwater images, we propose a dual-fusion active contour model with semantic information. First, the saliency images are introduced as semantic information, and extract salient target contours by fusing Chan–Vese and local binary ﬁtting models. Then, the original underwater images are used to supplement the missing contour information by using the local image ﬁtting. Compared with state-of-the-art contour extraction methods, our dual-fusion active contour model can effectively filter out background information and accurately extract salient target contours.