bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic Utility of Spinal Ultrasounds in Neonates
Authors: Gajagowni Saivaroon , Altes Talissa , Vachharajani Akshaya J.
Published: December 2022

Objective Ultrasound (US) is a common imaging modality used to evaluate spinal anomalies in newborns. However, many indications for the use of spinal US are associated with low diagnostic yield. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the indications and the diagnostic utility of spinal USs performed in newborns at our institution. We also review patient presentations for caudal regression syndrome (CRS) that was identified from the USs performed.

Study Design This study is a retrospective review of spinal USs performed between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2021, in newborns at a single institution. Indications for each US and any associated abnormalities were noted. Infants with abnormal USs showing CRS are described with their long-term medical outcomes.

Results A total of 592 USs were performed during the specified time period of which 72 (12%) were abnormal. The presence of a sacral dimple was the most common indication for performing a spinal US, although only 14 (4%) were identified as abnormal. Of these 14, 6 (43%) were further evaluated by spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at the recommendations of a pediatric radiologist and of these, only 2 (14%) had abnormal MRI findings. The two newborns with abnormal MRI findings had mothers with diabetes mellitus in their pregnancies. Of note, one additional newborn had abnormalities on spinal US that was never confirmed on MRI due to being lost to follow-up. Among the other indications, anorectal anomalies (odds ratio [OR], 7.55; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.01–18.91), spinal mass (OR, 17.99; 95% CI, 7.86–41.2), and meningocele were most associated with abnormal findings.

Conclusion Overall, spinal US has a low diagnostic yield. Sacral dimple was the most common indication for performing a spinal US but had a low yield with few long-term sequelae. Anorectal anomalies had a strong association with abnormal US findings.

Key Points
Racial and Ethnic Disparities among Pregnancies with Chronic Hypertension and Adverse Outcomes
Authors: Fishel Bartal Michal , Chen Han-Yang , Amro Farah , Mendez-Figueroa Hector , Wagner Stephen M. , Sibai Baha M. , Chauhan Suneet P.
Published: December 2022

Objective We aimed to ascertain whether the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in the United States among individuals with chronic hypertension differed by maternal race and ethnicity and to assess the temporal trend.

Study Design Population-based retrospective study using the U.S. Vital Statistics datasets evaluated pregnancies with chronic hypertension, singleton live births that delivered at 24 to 41 weeks. The coprimary outcomes were a composite maternal adverse outcome (preeclampsia, primary cesarean delivery, intensive care unit admission, blood transfusion, uterine rupture, or unplanned hysterectomy) and a composite neonatal adverse outcome (preterm birth, small for gestational age, Apgar's score <5 at 5 minutes, assisted ventilation> 6 hours, seizure, or death). Multivariable Poisson regression models were used to estimate adjusted relative risks (aRRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results Between 2014 and 2019, the rate of chronic hypertension in pregnancy increased from 1.6 to 2.2%. After multivariable adjustment, an increased risk for the composite maternal adverse outcome was found in Black (aRR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.09–1.11), Hispanic (aRR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.02–1.05), and Asian/Pacific Islander (aRR = 1.07, 95% CI = 1.05–1.10), compared with White individuals. Compared with White individuals, the risk of the composite neonatal adverse outcome was higher in Black (aRR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.37–1.41), Hispanic (aRR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.13–1.16), Asian/Pacific Islander (aRR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.31–1.37), and American Indian (aRR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.07–1.17). The racial and ethnic disparity remained unchanged during the study period.

Conclusion We found a racial and ethnic disparity with maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes in pregnancies with chronic hypertension that remained unchanged throughout the study period.

Key Points
Correlation between the Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter Measurement and Intracranial Hypertension Tomographic Findings from a Colombian Hospital
Authors: Caballero-Lozada Andrés Fabricio , Miño-Bernal Jorge Fernando , Espinosa-Marsiglia Rene Alberto , Rojas-Rincón Valentina
Published: December 2022

Objective In the present study, we aimed at determining the correlation between tomographic findings of intracranial hypertension and ultrasound measurement of the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD).

Methods Observational, descriptive, prospective, cross-sectional pilot study. The present research was performed in a tertiary hospital in Cali, Colombia, from March 2019 to October 2019. Twenty-five patients constituted the intracranial hypertension group, and 25 patients without intracranial hypertension constituted the control group. Ultrasound measurements of the ONSD were assessed using a Sonosite Turbo (SonoSite Inc., Bothell, WA, USA) ultrasound. The computed tomography (CT) images obtained from each patient diagnosed with intracranial hypertension were available in the software of the hospital. The primary outcome was the ultrasound measurement of the ONSD.

Results The ONSD values of the right eye of the intracranial hypertension group ranged from 5.2 to 7.6 mm, and the ONSD of the left eye ranged from 5.3 to 7.3 mm. The global ONSD values, obtained from the average between the right and left eye, were recorded between 5.25 and 7.45 mm. Overall, our study indicated that ultrasound measurements of the ONSD were effective in differentiating a group with intracranial hypertension, previously diagnosed by CT scan images, from patients without this condition. According to the ROC curve, the optimal cutoff point for detecting intracranial hypertension was 5.2 mm.

Conclusions Ultrasound measurements of the ONSD correlated with the measurements obtained from CT scan images, suggesting that the ultrasound technique can be efficient in identifying patients with intracranial hypertension and valuable in cases when CT scan images are not an available option.
Falcotentorial Meningiomas: Optimal Surgical Planning and Intraoperative Challenges - Case Report and a Review
Authors: Bem Junior Luiz Severo , Aquino Pedro Lukas do Rêgo , Lemos Luiz Euripedes Almondes Santana , Aquino Maria Améllia do Rêgo , Valença Marcelo Moraes , Azevedo Filho Hildo Rocha Cirne de
Published: December 2022

Meningiomas arising from the falcotentorial junction are rare, and the selection of the optimal surgical approach is essential. We report a falcotentorial meningioma (FTM) case approached by occipitotranstentorial resection and subtotal tumor resection presenting a satisfactory clinical outcome. The present review sought to reveal the current knowledge regarding the clinical presentation, radiological imaging, and the microsurgical anatomy of FTMs as a form of improving the surgical approach. The selection of the optimal surgical approach is essential for the safe and effective removal of an FTM. Preoperative imaging analysis should identify the anatomical relations of the tumor and guide toward the least disruptive route that preserves the neurovascular structures.
Spontaneous Anal Extrusion of Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Catheter: Case Report
Authors: Macêdo Lívio Pereira de , Netto Arlindo Ugulino , Franke Kauê , Eugenio Pierre Vansant Oliveira , Freitas Lucas Ribeiro de Moraes , Costa Victor Ribeiro Xavier , Carvalho Júnior Eduardo Vieira de , Faquini Igor Vilela , Almeida Nivaldo S. , Azevedo-Filho Hildo Rocha Cirne
Published: December 2022

Background Ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) has become the standard treatment for congenital hydrocephalus. In the neurosurgical practice, it is a common procedure which usually results in low rates of complication. However, some serious complications can occur, including infections, intestinal perforation, and even death.

Case Description A 19-year-old, female, asymptomatic patient, with a history of appendectomy and revision of the VPS 6 years before, presented spontaneous transanal extrusion of the catheter. Abdominal radiographs and tomography scans showed perforation of the descending colon without peritonitis, with expulsion of the distal tip of the catheter through the anus. The patient underwent removal of the proximal part of the VPS and installation of an external ventricular drain (EVD). On the second postoperative day, there was spontaneous elimination of the distal portion of the catheter, dispensing any additional surgical procedures. With antimicrobial prophylaxis and the contralateral VPS performed, the patient evolved without further complications until discharge. Diverging from cases reported in the literature, the patient in question did not present any abdominal manifestations.

Conclusion Intestinal perforation by VPS may be asymptomatic until anal extrusion occurs. However, the early approach should avoid infections, which are associated with increased mortality. Removing only the proximal catheter, together with antimicrobial prophylaxis, can be an effective, safe and less invasive alternative to manage this complication of VPS.
Pilocytic Astrocytoma of the Cerebellopontine Angle with cerebrospinal fluid Spread in an Adult: A Case Report
Authors: Bıyıklı Erhan , Kursun Meltem , Oguzsoy Tuba , Bozkurt Suheyla , Bayraklı Fatih
Published: December 2022

Introduction Pilocytic astrocytoma of the cerebellopontine angle (CPA) is uncommon, and its spread to the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) at the time of diagnosis has not been reported in the literature.

Case Presentation We report the case of a 33-year-old man with multifocal pilocytic astrocytoma diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and confirmed by histopathological examination, and present the radiological and histopathological findings.

Conclusion In the case herein reported, we observed spread of the pilocytic astrocytoma of the CPA to the CSF at the initial diagnosis, and early detection by MRI is very important regarding the treatment modality and prognosis.
Posttraumatic Tension Pneumocephalus Causing Atropine-Resistant Bradycardia
Authors: Gali Yagna M. , Kommula Lakshman K. , Kesavarapu Subba R. , Gurrala Shekhar R.
Published: December 2022

Pneumocephalus is a serious complication following brain trauma. Tension pneumocephalus (TP) is entrapment of a large volume of air in the cranial vault causing mass effect on the brain parenchyma. It is the intracranial counterpart of tension pneumothorax and if neglected, can be life threatening. TP should be timely differentiated from benign pneumocephalus owing to its various nonspecific and lethal complications. Our patient is a 37-year-old male with a history of road traffic accident who presented to our hospital with headache and nasal discharge for the last two days. Computed tomography showed multiple skull fractures and extensive pneumocephalus. His preoperative heart rate was 38 beats per minute that was resistant to pharmacological interventions and required a temporary pacemaker for surgery. He underwent uneventful craniotomy for dura repair and was discharged home with no neurological deficit.
Reconstrucción de ruptura crónica del aparato extensor del dedo con autoinjerto de palmaris longus: Reporte de caso
Authors: Coronel Luis Beraún , del Pozo Jorge Eric Danz
Published: December 2022

Las lesiones crónicas del aparato extensor de los dedos son producto de una lesión inicial que no fue tratada o fue tratada inadecuadamente. Estas lesiones requieren de un adecuado y minucioso manejo para lograr un buen resultado funcional. Presentamos el caso de un paciente de 26 años con lesión traumática del aparato extensor del tercer dedo debido a un accidente de tránsito ocurrido 8 meses antes. Intraoperatoriamente, requirió abordar desde la zona I hasta la V de Verdan y reconstruir con autoinjerto de palmaris longus (PL). El paciente obtuvo un excelente resultado funcional a las 12 semanas, que persistía hasta los 9 meses de seguimiento.
Una causa rara del síndrome del nervio interóseo posterior: Lipoma intraneural
Authors: Nogueira Rúben Malcata , Teixeira Nelson , Ramos Nuno
Published: December 2022

El síndrome del nervio interóseo posterior (NIP) es una condición definida por la neuropatía por compresión de esta rama del nervio radial causada por traumatismos, lesiones ocupantes de espacio, neuritis braquial, o compresión espontánea. Su presentación clínica se caracteriza por un inicio insidioso de los síntomas, generalmente un déficit en la extensión de los dedos sin alteración sensitiva. En este artículo, presentamos un caso clínico de una mujer de 72 años con un lipoma intraneural que causó compresión extrínseca por 11 meses y tuvo una recuperación completa después de la extirpación quirúrgica. Además de la escasez de casos clínicos descritos en la literatura (solo tres hasta la fecha), también destacamos la excelente evolución de la paciente, independientemente de su edad y de la duración de los síntomas.
Vascularización arterial de los dedos de la mano: Anatomía y aplicaciones clínicas en cirugía reconstructiva
Authors: Flores Júlia Benitez , Martí Rosa María Morro , García Paula López , Collado Pablo Martínez , Espinel Anton Fornieles , Pérez Manuel Llusa
Published: December 2022

Varios autores han descrito variaciones en el calibre de las arterias palmares y dorsales propias de cada dedo, que podrían condicionar el éxito de la cirugía reconstructiva de los dedos, especialmente en lo que respecta al uso de colgajos. El objetivo de este estudio es comparar cualitativamente el tamaño de dichas arterias en cada dedo de la mano. Para ello, se han inyectado con látex seis manos procedentes de cadáveres frescos criopreservados. Los dedos han sido preparados mediante la técnica de transparentación de Spalteholz y una variante de ésta con glicerina.

Los resultados obtenidos muestran una predominancia de la arteria digital palmar propia del lado cubital en los dedos índice y medio, y en el lado radial en el dedo meñique. Las únicas arterias digitales dorsales propias visibles han sido las del pulgar y la del lado radial del índice. Pese a la regularidad del patrón vascular descrito, se pueden producir variaciones anatómicas en cualquier dedo, lo que obliga al cirujano a explorar al paciente mediante el test de Allen modificado y la ecografía Doppler previamente a cualquier intervención quirúrgica.
Ultrasound-Guided In-Plane Interlaminar Lumbar Endoscopic Approach with Smartphone and Portable Light Source: Description of a New Surgical Technique
Authors: de Castro João Paulo Souza , Brock Roger Schmidt , Teixeira Manoel Jacobsen , Figueiredo Eberval Gadelha
Published: December 2022

Introduction Endoscopic spine surgery enables the minimally invasive treatment of pathologies affecting the spinal cord and roots. Herein we describe an unprecedented technique Ultrasound-Guided in-plane interlaminar lumbar endoscopic approach with a smartphone and portable light source.

Methods The interlaminar approach was performed in a cadaveric specimen at L4 to 5 and L5 to S1 bilaterally. A curvilinear 2 to 5 MHz ultrasound probe was employed, the puncture was performed with the needle, a guide wire was inserted until the flavum ligament, followed by the dilator and working cannula. A 30° spinal endoscope, with an optical adapter of the endoscope camera for smartphone and portable endoscope lighting was inserted, the flavum ligament was visualized, and an opening in this site was performed with the scissors. Open dissection of the specimen was subsequently performed by identifying the puncture site in the interlaminar window.

Results The four interlaminar punctures were successfully guided by ultrasound; the opening of the ligamentum flavum was performed in the most lateral part of the interlaminar space, near the junction of the superior and inferior articular processes of the corresponding vertebrae in all the punctures.

Discussion The ultrasound makes possible to identify facets, foramina, transverse processes, and the interlaminar space. It is possible to minimize the use of radioscopy and its associated risks, both for patients and health professionals.

Conclusions The ultrasound-guided, in-plane, interlaminar, lumbar endoscopic approach with smartphone-adapted endoscope and portable light source is feasible and practical, minimizing radiation risks and making it possible to perform endoscopic spinal surgery.
History of Microsurgery: The Legacy of Harry J. Buncke, MD
Authors: Buncke Gregory M.
Published: December 2022

A historical review of the history of Microsurgery including the important influence and contributions of Harry J. Buncke MD considered by many to be the “Father of Microsurgery”. An chronological list of Historic Replants and “Free Flap” and microvascular transplants is included. Those who lived through the age of the birth of this new surgical specialty were fortunate.
The Learning Curve in Skull Base Surgery Part 1–From Historical-Philosophical Concepts to Microsurgical Lab Training
Authors: Isolan Gustavo Rassier , Monteiro Jander , Vaz Marco Antônio Schlindwein , Lavinsky Joel , de Araújo Ricardo Lopes , Santis Giuseppe , Figueiredo Eberval Gadelha , Buffon Viviane , Ribas Filho Carmem Austrália Paredes , Ribas Filho Jurandir Marcondes , Malafaia Osvaldo
Published: December 2022

The learning curve reflects surgeons' experience in managing several patients with the same disease. In skull base surgery, the professional's place on the curve could be related to the number of times the same procedure was performed. Where does curve begin? What amount of training is necessary prior to its application in surgical settings? What were the results of the first few skull base tumor surgeries performed by a surgeon who goes on to produce excellent results, and how is reflected in the start of their learning curve? The only way for neurosurgeons to improve their results from the start is with prior training in the microsurgery laboratory. This learning technique is essential to maximize the chance of success of a neurosurgical procedures, minimizing the morbidity rate to which patients are subjected by less experienced neurosurgeons. This article is divided in two parts, and its purpose is to show how training in the microsurgical laboratory fits into the construction of knowledge about skull base surgery, based on authors' experience and reflections. This first part discusses the technical, psychological, and philosophical aspects of medical knowledge, primarily addressing those training in skull base surgery, the principles of some selected philosophical currents, and their influence on the development of current medical knowledge.
La artroplastia de muñeca como solución a la artrosis postraumática o fracaso de artrodesis parcial: Una serie de casos
Authors: Vega Pablo Nicolás López-Osornio de , Guedes Giovanni Vilardo Cerqueira
Published: December 2022

Introducción Diferentemente de la artrodesis, la artroplastia total de muñeca permite mantener um rango de movimiento funcional en pacientes operados por artrosis de diferentes causas. La evolución de los implantes pemitió llegar a una mayor tasa de éxito, con disminución de las complicaciones como el aflojamiento de componentes. Este estudio tiene como objetivo demostrar los resultados funcionales y las tasas de complicaciones en una serie de casos operados con el implante Motec (Swemac Orthopaedics AB, Linköping, Suecia) por un único cirujano.

Materiales y Métodos Se trata de un estudio retrospectivo con 14 pacientes intervenidos de artroplastia total de muñeca con el sistema Motec entre 2017 y 2022 y evaluados pre y posoperatoriamente por la Escala de Muñeca de la Clínica Mayo (Mayo Wrist Score, en inglés) y la Escala Visual Analógica (EVA). Se realizó revisión de historias clínicas en junio de 2022 y análisis estadístico con prueba t pareada considerando significativos valores de p < 0,05.

Resultados Fueron operados 13 hombres y 1 mujer, con una edad media de 64,8 (desviación estándar [DE] = 7,5) años, y el tiempo medio de seguimiento fue de 25,1 (DE = 10,9) meses. La puntuación en la Escala de Mayo presentó media preoperatoria de 23,2 (DE = 8,9) y posoperatoria de 82,8 (DE = 7), mientras la EVA preoperatoria tuvo una media de 7,6 (DE = 1,1), y la posoperatoria fue de 1 (DE = 1,2). Las diferencias en los resultados pre y posoperatorios de la Escala de Mayo y la EVA fueron estadísticamente significativas (p < 0,001).

Conclusión Como se demuestra en esta serie, las mejoras funcionales y en el dolor fueron importantes, no hubo complicaciones mayores en el período de tiempo evaluado, y la prótesis fue capaz de reemplazar las artrodesis parciales que fallaron. Los pacientes deben ser seguidos durante más tiempo, pero con la certeza de que, en caso de fracaso, aún se puede realizar una artrodesis total de muñeca.
Artrodesis de articulación interfalángica proximal en enfermedad de Dupuytren: Una revisión sistemática cualitativa
Authors: García Javier Francisco García , González María Segovia , González Alicia González , Baro Alejandro Mendieta , Duque Pablo Benito
Published: December 2022

Introducción La enfermedad de Dupuytren (ED) se caracteriza por una alta tendencia a la recidiva. Las reintervenciones asocian elevado riesgo de complicaciones, incrementado tras cada cirugía. En contracturas graves y recidivantes, con insuficiencia vascular o mala calidad tisular, nuevas fasciectomías pueden estar contraindicadas por el riesgo de comprometer gravemente la viabilidad cutánea. En estos casos, artrodesar la articulación interfalángica proximal (IFP) es una alternativa a la amputación. La artrodesis también es una alternativa en aquellas contracturas que asocien artrosis o artrofibrosis de la articulación IFP. El limitado conocimiento sobre esta intervención se justifica por su escasa frecuencia. Realizamos una revisión sistemática cualitativa de resultados y complicaciones de artrodesis de la articulación IFP del segundo al quinto dedos en adultos con ED.

Materiales y Métodos Según la declaración de los Ítems Preferidos de Reporte para Revisiones Sistemáticas y Metanálisis (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, PRISMA, en inglés), desarrollamos una búsqueda en las bases de datos PubMed, Embase y Cochrane Library. Evaluamos el riesgo de sesgo mediante la Escala de Newcastle-Ottawa modificada. Junto a variables intra y preoperatorias y complicaciones, se registró las mejorías funcional y del dolor, y el grado de satisfacción.

Resultados Para esta revisión sistemática, se seleccionaron 4 series de casos, con 65 pacientes y 71 artrodesis. No evidenciamos mejorías significativas en términos de dolor o funcionalidad, pero sí un alto grado de satisfacción en todos los estudios. El 11,3% de las complicaciones incluyó una necrosis cutánea, pero ninguna lesión vascular o nerviosa.

Conclusión Pese a no demostrar mejoría en dolor o funcionalidad, este procedimiento asocia alto grado de satisfacción y muy baja tasa de afectación cutánea o de lesiones vasculares o nerviosas. El nivel de evidencia sobre resultados y complicaciones es bajo.
The hot spots and frontiers of research on the Grand Canal Culture Belt in China: Literature and academic trends
Authors: Chen Ying
Published: December 2022

The construction of the grand canal cultural belt is the first zonal development strategy in China starting from the Spring and Autumn Periods. In recent years, it performs the link between the oceangoing Maritime Silk Road and the land-based Silk Road to promote a national policy of “One Belt and One Road”. In order to fully understand global academic hot spots and the corresponding trajectory in the research of the grand canal culture belt from 1976 to 2022, the literature review is based on 256 publications from ISI Web of Science, 4944 bibliographic records retrieved from China Academic Journals Full-Text Database, 472 articles under the theme of the cultural economy from Chinese Social Sciences Citation Index, and visualized by the scientometric software of CiteSpace. Meanwhile, comparisons of research areas with canal studies in both China and other global famous canals are implemented, including the Grand Canal of China, the Venice Canal of Italy, the Panama Canal of Panama, the Colorado River of the USA, the Nile Delta of Egypt, Nicaragua Canal of USA, Welland Canal of Canada, especially four canal studies cases on keywords and knowledge clusters: Grand Canal of China, Venice Canal of Italy, Nile Delta of Egypt, Rhine-Marne Canal of France. The study identifies major intellectual cooperation networks, cooccurrence keywords, research clusters, and landmark articles, including: (1) International grand canal research tendencies gradually extend the discussions from water conservancy to the cultural economy since Chinese scholars publish more articles on grand canal cultural belt, especially from the year of 2016; (2) Government-issued culture development planning and high diversity of grand canal culture belt are two crucial driven factors affecting the changes in the theme of Chinese studies. Finally, this study summarizes the future research directions that could be expanded in two ways: (1) Increase the multidisciplinary perspective of research and strengthen the cooperation of researchers and (2) Transfer the theoretical research results into canal heritage protection and development practice to fully develop the value of canal.
Finite-wing-analogy formula for compressibility correction to pressure coefficient of an underwater vehicle model at low Mach number
Authors: Wang Yu , Liu Yi , Zhou Zhiteng , Wang Shizhao
Published: December 2022

Wind tunnels are usually used to investigate the flows and forces associated with underwater vehicles when free-surface effects can be ignored. However, because of the large differences between air and water in density and viscosity, the freestream Mach number in a wind tunnel is much higher than that in a water tunnel or towing tank at the same Reynolds number. Therefore, compressibility correction is required for accurate measurement compatibility between wind tunnels and water tunnels or towing tanks. In the study reported here, the flows and forces associated with an underwater vehicle model at different Mach numbers were investigated by solving the Navier–Stokes equations for compressible flow numerically as virtual-wind tunnel experiments. The freestream Mach number Ma varies from 0.004 to 0.5. The distribution of the pressure coefficient on the hull and the effects of Ma on the peaks of the pressure coefficient are discussed in detail. The performances of the Prandtl–Glauert rule, the Karman–Tsien rule, and the Laitone rule for compressibility correction to the pressure coefficient of underwater vehicles are assessed. Defining the average correction factor with larger values for better correction effect, the values for these three compressibility correction formulas are 0.51, 0.38, and 0.23, respectively. A finite-wing-analogy formula to improve the compressibility correction to the pressure coefficient at low Ma is proposed. Inspired by the finite-wing correction to the lift slope of airfoils, the proposed formula offers good convergence of the pressure coefficient and highly accurate compressibility correction with an average correction factor of 0.84.
Scaling transition of thermal dissipation in turbulent convection
Authors: He Jian-Chao , Bao Yun , Chen Xi
Published: December 2022

Direct numerical simulation (DNS) of non-slip two dimensional (2D) Rayleigh–Benard convection (RBC) is conducted for a wide range of Rayleigh number (Ra up to 1013) at Prandtl number Pr = 0.7 and aspect ratio Γ = 1. The thermal dissipation rate is shown to display an evident scaling transition through the compensated plot, i.e., ⟨εθ⟩∝Raγ with γ≈−0.17 for 106≤Ra≤109, while γ≈−0.19 for Ra=109≤Ra≤1013. To track the transition, separate contributions from the thermal boundary layer (BL) and the bulk flow region are examined, incorporated also with the mean and fluctuation decomposition. It turns out that the mean temperature gradient in the BL is the dominant contribution, and together with other parts (i.e., fluctuations in the BL and bulk, and the mean gradient in the bulk), they all exhibit an obvious transition at Ra≈109. We have further checked the Nusselt number (Nu), which also shows the transition at Ra≈109. Interestingly, Nu∝Ra0.33 is observed for small Ra, while Nu∝Ra2/7 is absent in 2D RBC cases. To understand the physical origin of transition, spatial distributions and probability density functions of thermal dissipation rate are finally discussed, with notable statistical features changed at Ra≈109.
Pattern selection and heat transfer in the Rayleigh–Bénard convection near the vicinity of the convection onset with viscoelastic fluids
Authors: Wang Yue , Cheng Jian-Ping , Zhang Hong-Na , Zheng Xin , Cai Wei-Hua , Siginer Dennis A.
Published: December 2022

The effect of viscoelasticity on the flow and heat transport in the Rayleigh–Bénard convection (RBC), a frequently encountered phenomenon in nature and industry, in a rectangular enclosure with horizontal periodic boundary is investigated via direct numerical simulation. The working fluid is described by a finitely extensible nonlinear elastic-Peterlin constitutive model almost all important features of viscoelastic fluid flow. Numerical simulations are conducted at a low concentration β=0.9, where β=μs/μ0, μs is the solvent viscosity, and μ0=μs+μp is the sum of μs and the polymer viscosity μp. A parametric analysis is performed to understand the influence of the Weissenberg number Wi, the viscosity ratio β, and the extension length L on the oscillating mode of the viscoelastic RBC. The results indicate that both Wi and β weakly inhibit the convection onset and the transition from steady to oscillatory convection. The amplitude and frequency of the oscillations in the oscillatory flow regime are both suppressed. However, the strongly elastic nonlinearity makes the flow transition irregular and even brings about the relaminarization or lead to the convection cells traveling in the horizontal direction. The increasing extension length L induces multiple pairs of roll flow patterns at a specific setting of (Ra, Wi). Heat transport is reduced (up to 8.5%) by elasticity but still obeys the power law with Ra if the flow pattern has one pair of rolls. However, heat transfer enhancement occurs if multiple pairs of rolls are induced.
Why drop size distributions in sprays fit the lognormal
Authors: Panão M. R. O.
Published: December 2022

Numerous drop size distributions in sprays fit the lognormal. This Letter explains the physical origin of this fitting as the exponential growth of drop size diversity. Consequently, the standard deviation of the natural logarithm of drop size acquires physical meaning. Insights retrieved from this explanation include a demonstration that drop size histograms fitted by a lognormal should use variable size classes, and the interpretation of the stochastic nature of spray characteristics acquires greater physical meaning.
Hydrodynamic simulations of directed flow for light hadrons in Au+Au and isobar collisions at

200 GeV*
Authors: Jing Jing , Jiang Ze-Fang , Yang C. B. , Zhang Ben-Wei
Published: December 2022

Using a (3+1)-D hydrodynamic model, CLVisc, we study the directed flow (

) of light hadrons produced in Au+Au, Ru+Ru, and Zr+Zr collisions at

200 GeV. The evolution of tilted energy density, pressure gradient, and radial flow along the x-direction is systematically investigated. The counter-clockwise tilt of the initial fireball is shown to be a vital source of directed flow for final light hadrons. A good description of directed flow is provided for light hadrons in central and mid-central Au+Au and isobar collisions at the RHIC. Our numerical results show a clear system size dependence for light hadron

across different collision systems. We further study the effect of nuclear structure on the directed flow and find that

for light hadrons is insensitive to nuclei with quadrupole deformation.
Hybrid normal-superconducting Aharonov-Bohm quantum thermal device
Authors: Blasi Gianmichele , Giazotto Francesco , Haack Géraldine
Published: December 2022

We propose and theoretically investigate the behavior of a ballistic Aharonov-Bohm (AB) ring when embedded in a N-S two-terminal setup, consisting of a normal metal (N) and superconducting (S) leads. This device is based on available current technologies and we show in this work that it constitutes a promising hybrid quantum thermal device, as a quantum heat engine and quantum thermal rectifier. Remarkably, we evidence the interplay of single-particle quantum interferences in the AB ring and of the superconducting properties of the structure to achieve the hybrid operating mode for this quantum device. Its efficiency as a quantum heat engine reaches

55
%

of the Carnot efficiency, and we predict a thermal rectification factor attaining 350%. These results make this device highly promising for future phase-coherent caloritronic nanodevices.
Ecological Analogy for Generative Adversarial Networks and Diversity Control
Authors: Nakazato Kenichi
Published: December 2022

Generative adversarial networks are popular deep neural networks for generative modeling in the field of artificial intelligence. In the generative modeling, we want to output a sample with some random numbers as an input. We train the artificial neural network with a training data set for the purpose. The network is known with astonishingly fruitful demonstrations, but we know the difficulty in the training because of the complex training dynamics. Here, we introduce an ecological analogy for the training dynamics. With the simple ecological model, we can understand the dynamics. Furthermore, a controller for the training can be designed based on the understanding. We then demonstrate how the network and the controller work with an ideal case, MNIST.
Cyclic Depsipeptides and Linear Peptides With Cytotoxic and Antiphytopathogenic Activities From Symbiotic Bacteria ofXenorhabdus(Enterobacteriales: Morganellaceae) Genus
Authors: Zolfaghariyan Sahar , Shakeri Abolfazl , Asili Javad , Tarighi Saeed , Grün Peter , Shi ­Yi-Ming , Bode Helge B , Karimi Javad
Published: December 2022

On the basis of biological activities of the ethyl acetate extracts of four Xenorhabdus sp., including Xenorhabdus nematophila FUM 220, Xenorhabdus nematophila FUM 221, Xenorhabdus bovienii FUM 222, and Xenorhabdus bovienii FUM 223, X. nematophila FUM 220 was preferentially selected to track the isolation of responsible compounds. Chemical study on the ethyl acetate extract of X. nematophila isolate FUM220 which is derived from the native nematode Steinernema carpocapsae (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae), was evaluated, and eleven compounds, including xenocoumacin II (1), xenortide-396 (2), xenortide A (3), xenortide-410 (4), xenortide-449 (5), xenematide A 663 (6), rhabdopeptide-574 (7), rhabdopeptide-588 (8), rhabdopeptide-687 (9), rhabdopeptide-701 (10), and nematophin-273 (11) were characterized. In this experimental study, we surveyed the antitumoral potential of bacterial extract and bacterial metabolites to treat human breast cancer (MCF-7), human lung cancer (A549), and murine Tumor (B16) cell lines. We observed that all samples were cytotoxic, but bacterial extracts of X. nematophila FUM 220 and X. bovienii FUM 223 showed higher toxicity on mentioned cell lines. Potent cytotoxic activity was found for compounds 6 and 11 with IC50 of 6.2 μg/ml against human lung cancer A549 cell lines, too. These compounds showed moderated antibacterial activity against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae strain Xoo-IR42 (Xanthomonadales: Xanthomonadaceae) (MIC of 62.5 μg/ml) and Staphylococcus aureus strain 1112 (Bacillales: Staphylococcaceae) (MIC of 100 μg/ml). The bacterial extracts from X. bovienii FUM 222 showed strong inhibition of the growth of S. aureus strain 1112, by a minimal inhibitory concentration assay (MIC of 53.5 μg/ml). Xenorhabdus genera produce metabolites with potent cytotoxic and antibacterial activity. Single compounds can be isolated, identified, and commercialized, but various species or strains may change their anticancer or antimicrobial potential. The present study brings new clues regarding the qualified of Xenorhabdus as future peptide sources for supplying natural bioactive compounds and challenge multidrug-resistant bacteria, treat cancer, and plant diseases.
Baclofen Combined With Psychosocial Care is Useful and Safe in Alcohol-Related Cirrhosis Patients: A Real-Life Multicenter Study
Authors: Barrault Camille , Alqallaf Shuaib , Lison Hortensia , Lamote-Chaouche Isabelle , Bourcier Valérie , Laugier Joëlle , Thevenot Thierry , Labarriere Damien , Ripault Marie-Pierre , Le Gruyer Antonia , Costentin Charlotte , Behar Véronique , Hagege Hervé , Jung Camille , Cadranel Jean-François ,   The ANGH OBADE Group
Published: December 2022

Background

Alcohol-related cirrhosis is a frequent and difficult-to-treat disease. Despite the low hepatic metabolism of baclofen, data on its use in this subgroup are scarce. The French multicenter Observatory of patients treated with Baclofen for Alcohol DEpendence real-life cohort assessed: (a) prescription modalities of baclofen in liver units; (b) safety profile of baclofen; and (c) declared alcohol intake, biological markers of excessive alcohol intake and hepatic function at 12 months.

Methods

All consecutive patients with cirrhosis who received baclofen to reduce alcohol consumption or maintain abstinence were prospectively included. Psychosocial management was always associated. Clinical and biological data were collected every 3 months for 1 year.

Results

Between November 2013 and December 2016, 71 in- or outpatients were included from 10 liver units. Of the patients, 25% had ascites. After 12 months, 52 patients (73%) were still being followed, and 41 (57.7%) were still receiving baclofen at a mean dosage of 75 mg/day (r30-210). The overall declared consumption decreased from 100.2 to 14.7 g/day (P < 0.0001), and 29 patients (40.8%) reached abstinence. Significant improvement in the usual biomarkers of excessive alcohol intake (AST, GGT and MCV) and liver function (Prothrombin ratio (PTr), albumin levels) were observed. The usual side effects such as drowsiness were frequent (22%) but no serious adverse events (AEs) or overt encephalopathy related to baclofen was reported.

Conclusion

In this 1-year follow-up series, baclofen was combined with psychosocial treatment in patients with cirrhosis and was well tolerated. This treatment was associated with a significant decrease in declared alcohol consumption as well as improvement in hepatic function.
Volumetric Comparison Between CT Scans and Smartphone-Based Photogrammetry in Patients Undergoing Chin Augmentation With Autologous Fat Graft
Authors: Lobato Rodolfo Costa , Camargo Cristina Pires , Buelvas Bustillo Adriana Margarita , Ishida Luiz Carlos , Gemperli Rolf
Published: December 2022

Background

The most accurate methods for assessing fat grafted volume, such as computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging, use 3-dimensional (3D) evaluation of the recipient area. Currently, other measurement techniques such as photogrammetry (compilation of photos) are employed.

Objectives

The aim of the present study was to compare 3D images obtained by CT scan with those obtained by photogrammetry in patients undergoing autogenous fat grafting to the chin.

Methods

A prospective longitudinal study was undertaken to assess patients undergoing autologous fat grafting to the chin, capturing preoperative and postoperative (6 months) images with CT scan and photogrammetry. Captured images were submitted to 3D reconstruction with Blender image software.

Results

A total of 40 patients were submitted to surgery. Seventy-five percent were female. Median age and BMI were 26.5 years and 23.6 kg/m2, respectively. Median volume of fat grafted was 10 mL (interquartile range 8-12.25 mL). Results showed that the median preoperative volume measured by CT scan was larger than the photogrammetry measurement (12.48 mL vs 12.01 mL, respectively, P < .001). Likewise, a larger volume was measured by CT scan than by photogrammetry (15.54 mL vs 14.94 mL respectively, P < .001) 6 months postoperatively. However, there was no difference between CT scan and photogrammetry measurements of the change in volume from preoperatively to postoperatively (P = .89).

Conclusions

There was no agreement between fat graft volume measurements obtained by 3D photogrammetry and CT scan techniques with regard to absolute values of fat graft volume measurements, however no difference was found between the 2 methods when comparing preoperative with postoperative fat graft volume variation.
A Comprehensive Ultrasound Evaluation Approach of Lower Facial Structure Before Masseter Muscle Botulinum Toxin Injection
Authors: Li Zhujun , Chi Yarong , Chen Cheng , Jin Lin , Huang Jiuzuo , Long Xiao , Yu Nanze
Published: December 2022

Background

Masseter reduction by botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT-A) injection is a popular procedure in East Asia. Inappropriate injection can result in various complications.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to develop an approach for comprehensively evaluating the lower facial structure based on the shape of the mandible angle, the thickness of the masseter, and the thickness of subcutaneous fat.

Methods

Clinical profiles and standard ultrasound images were collected from patients seeking masseter BoNT-A injections. Lower facial structures were evaluated based on 3 aspects: mandible, masseter, and subcutaneous fat and skin. The mandibular angle was classified as extroverted, straight, or introverted. The starting point of the middle part of the masseter was recorded. The thickness of the deep inferior tendon, the superficial and deep belly of the superficial part of the masseter, and their contractility were measured. Overall thickness and the thickness of subcutaneous fat and skin were also measured.

Results

Eighty-four masseters from 42 patients were included. Straight mandibular angles were the most common type of angle (48.81%), followed by introverted (26.19%) and extroverted angles (25.00%). The middle part of the masseter starts from 2.33 [0.36] cm (mean [standard deviation]) above the mandible edge, which is above the usual injection points. The superficial belly was thicker than the deep belly in both static and clenching states (P = .048, P = .001) and had greater contractility. The average overall thickness was 1.87 [0.29] cm.

Conclusions

Comprehensive evaluation of the lower facial contour and structure based on ultrasound examination could be a reliable and replicable assessment approach.

Level of Evidence: 4
AdaPPI: identification of novel protein functional modules via adaptive graph convolution networks in a protein–protein interaction network
Authors: Chen Hongwei , Cai Yunpeng , Ji Chaojie , Selvaraj Gurudeeban , Wei Dongqing , Wu Hongyan
Published: December 2022

Identifying unknown protein functional modules, such as protein complexes and biological pathways, from protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks, provides biologists with an opportunity to efficiently understand cellular function and organization. Finding complex nonlinear relationships in underlying functional modules may involve a long-chain of PPI and pose great challenges in a PPI network with an unevenly sparse and dense node distribution. To overcome these challenges, we propose AdaPPI, an adaptive convolution graph network in PPI networks to predict protein functional modules. We first suggest an attributed graph node presentation algorithm. It can effectively integrate protein gene ontology attributes and network topology, and adaptively aggregates low- or high-order graph structural information according to the node distribution by considering graph node smoothness. Based on the obtained node representations, core cliques and expansion algorithms are applied to find functional modules in PPI networks. Comprehensive performance evaluations and case studies indicate that the framework significantly outperforms state-of-the-art methods. We also presented potential functional modules based on their confidence.
Predicting molecular properties based on the interpretable graph neural network with multistep focus mechanism
Authors: Tian Yanan , Wang Xiaorui , Yao Xiaojun , Liu Huanxiang , Yang Ying
Published: December 2022

Graph neural networks based on deep learning methods have been extensively applied to the molecular property prediction because of its powerful feature learning ability and good performance. However, most of them are black boxes and cannot give the reasonable explanation about the underlying prediction mechanisms, which seriously reduce people’s trust on the neural network-based prediction models. Here we proposed a novel graph neural network named iteratively focused graph network (IFGN), which can gradually identify the key atoms/groups in the molecule that are closely related to the predicted properties by the multistep focus mechanism. At the same time, the combination of the multistep focus mechanism with visualization can also generate multistep interpretations, thus allowing us to gain a deep understanding of the predictive behaviors of the model. For all studied eight datasets, the IFGN model achieved good prediction performance, indicating that the proposed multistep focus mechanism also can improve the performance of the model obviously besides increasing the interpretability of built model. For researchers to use conveniently, the corresponding website (http://graphadmet.cn/works/IFGN) was also developed and can be used free of charge.
Neuroanatomical mapping of the lumbosacral spinal cord in individuals with chronic spinal cord injury
Authors: Mesbah Samineh , Herrity April , Ugiliweneza Beatrice , Angeli Claudia , Gerasimenko Yury , Boakye Maxwell , Harkema Susan
Published: December 2022

With emerging applications of spinal cord electrical stimulation in restoring autonomic and motor function after spinal cord injury, understanding the neuroanatomical substrates of the human spinal cord after spinal cord injury using neuroimaging techniques can play a critical role in optimizing the outcomes of these stimulation-based interventions. In this study, we have introduced a neuroimaging acquisition and analysis protocol of the spinal cord in order to identify: (i) spinal cord levels at the lumbosacral enlargement using nerve root tracing; (ii) variability in the neuroanatomical characteristics of the spinal cord among individuals; (iii) location of the epidural stimulation paddle electrode and contacts with respect to the spinal cord levels at lumbosacral enlargement; and (iv) the links between the anatomical levels of stimulation and the corresponding neurophysiological motor responses. Twelve individuals with chronic, motor complete spinal cord injury implanted with a spinal cord epidural stimulator were included in the study (age: 34 ± 10.9 years, sex: 10 males, 2 females, time since injury: 8.2 ± 9.9 years, American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale: 6 A, 6 B). High-resolution MRI scans of the spinal cord were recorded pre-implant. An analysis of neuroanatomical substrates indicates that the length of the spinal column and spinal cord, location of the conus tip and the relationship between the spinal cord levels and vertebral levels, particularly at the lumbosacral enlargement, are variable across individuals. There is no statistically significant correlation between the length of the spinal column and the length of the spinal cord. The percentage of volumetric coverage of the lumbosacral spinal cord by the epidural stimulation paddle electrode ranges from 33.4 to 90.4% across participants. The location of the spinal cord levels with respect to the electrode contacts varies across individuals and impacts the recruitment patterns of neurophysiological responses. Finally, MRI-based spinal cord modelling can be used as a guide for the prediction and preplanning of optimum epidural stimulation paddle placement prior to the implant surgery to ensure maximizing functional outcomes. These findings highlight the crucial role that the neuroanatomical characteristics of the spinal cord specific to each individual play in achieving maximum functional benefits with spinal cord electrical stimulation.