bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solving Fully Neutrosophic Incompatible Multi-Item Fixed Charge Four-Dimensional Transportation Problem with Volume Constraints
Authors: Kar Chaitali , Aktar Md. Samim , Maiti Manoranjan , Das Pritha
Published: January 2023

Transportation problem (TP) describes the goods distribution process from production centers to retailers. The transportation-related parameters like demands, availabilities, and unit transportation costs become uncertain due to insufficient data, etc. With the carried items total weight restriction, each vehicle has a volume capacity that restricts the total articles volume. So far, volume restriction has been ignored in TP. Nowadays, with worldwide infrastructural developments, different connecting routes and conveyances are available for transportation. Therefore, conveyances capacities and fixed charges are also uncertain, and hence the decision variables are expected to be uncertain. When both parameters and decision variables are neutrosophic, TP is named fully neutrosophic. Considering these facts, fully neutrosophic multi-item four-dimensional TPs with fixed charges are formulated for cost minimization. Here, items are pairwise incompatible and vehicles volume capacities are imposed. In particular, proposed TP for compatible items is solved. (i) Score and accuracy function and (ii) weighted value function methods are used for deneutrosophication. Converted crisp problems are solved using the generalized reduced gradient method via LINGO 11.0. The methods and solutions are illustrated by a real-life experiment. Significances of several routes and vehicle types are presented. One proposed method gives better results for some existing problems.
Chenggang Wu Speaks Out on his ACM SIGMOD Jim Gray Dissertation Award, Rejection, Believing in Your Work, and More
Authors: Wu Chenggang
Published: January 2023

Welcome to this installment of ACM SIGMOD Record's series of interviews with distinguished members of the database community. I'm Marianne Winslett, and today we are on Zoom with Chenggang Wu, co-founder and CTO of Aqueduct. Chenggang received the 2022 ACM SIGMOD Jim Gray Dissertation Award for his thesis entitled The Design of Any-scale Serverless Infrastructure with Rich Consistency Guarantees. His PhD is from UC Berkeley. So, Chenggang, welcome!
Prevention of Bleomycin‐Induced Pulmonary Inflammation and Fibrosis in Mice by Bilobalide
Authors: Zhang Xingcai , Zhang Wei , Chen Xianhai , Cai Yuli
Published: January 2023

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal interstitial lung disease. Bilobalide (BB) is a sesquiterpene isolated from Ginkgo biloba, and its role in IPF is poorly understood. Mice were intratracheally instilled with 2.5 mg/kg bleomycin (BLM) to induce IPF and then treated with 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg BB daily for 21 days. Treatment with BB ameliorated pathological injury and fibrosis of lung tissues in BLM‐induced mice. BB suppressed BLM‐induced inflammatory response in mice as demonstrated by reduced inflammatory cells counts (leukocytes, neutrophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes) and pro‐inflammatory factors (CCL2 and TNF‐α), as well as increased CXCL10 levels in BALF. The expression of BLM‐induced hydroxyproline, LDH, and pro‐fibrotic mediators including fibronectin, collagen I, α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐2, and MMP‐9 in lung tissue was inhibited by BB treatment, and the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1 (TIMP‐1) expression was increased. BB blocked the phosphorylation of JNK and NF‐κB, and the nuclear translocation of NF‐κB in the lung tissue of mice induced by BLM. Additionally, it abated the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in lung tissue induced by BLM, which led to the downregulation of IL‐18 and IL‐1β in BALF. Our present study suggested that BB might ameliorate BLM‐induced pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting the early inflammatory response, which is probably via the inhibition of the JNK/NF‐κB/NLRP3 signal pathway. Thus, BB might serve as a therapeutic potential agent for pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis.
A Practical Method for Calculating Soil Mixing Wall Retaining Structure by Means of a “Simple Beam Method”
Authors: Shi Huwei , Wang Zhongkai , Huang Chang , Shi Huxiong , Wang Cuiying
Published: January 2023

SMW is the abbreviation of soil mixing wall. H‐type steel, also known as the new cement mixing pile wall, is inserted into the cement pile, which combines the bearing load with the impervious water retaining, and has the two functions of stress and impervious retaining wall of the supporting structure. In the design of conventional foundation pit engineering, the active Earth pressure calculated by Rankine’s theory is not consistent with the engineering practice because the soil behind the retaining structure has not reached the limit equilibrium state. The embedded depth and the horizontal supporting force of the retaining structure are usually calculated with the equivalent beam method, but the method is complicated. Taking the supporting structure of a foundation pit called “soil mixing wall retaining wall and bolt” as a case, in this paper, the lateral pressure is used to calculate the active Earth pressure at any depth, and the “simple beam method” is used to calculate the embedded depth, the horizontal supporting force, and the internal force of the SMW continuous wall, which intends to find out the first and second supporting points as the pivots of the “simple beam method” under the most unfavorable conditions. When the first pivot is used as the supporting point of the “simple beam method,” the soil pressure is ignored because it is within the critical depth of the Rankine active Earth pressure; while the second pivot is used as the supporting point of the “simple beam method,” the forces on it are balanced to the torque of the second pivot, only considering the moment balance of the active and passive Earth pressure on the isolation body under the second pivot point. The results are in good agreement with the results of the equivalent beam method and the measured values, and they are much closer to the measured values, which provides a practical method for designing SMW retaining structures.
Utilization of Organic Fertilizer in Ghana: Implications for Crop Performance and Commercialization
Authors: Bidzakin John K. , Graves Anil , Awunyo-Vitor Dadson , Yeboah Osei , Yahaya Iddrisu , Wahaga Esther
Published: January 2023

Organic fertilizer commercialization may present a great opportunity to help deal with the issue of solid waste management and help improve the declining soil problems in many developing countries. Ghana’s solid waste is predominantly organic, which is suitable for organic fertilizer production. This paper seeks to establish relationship between organic fertilizer usage and crop farm performance and assess its commercialization potential. The study employed a farmer-survey and key informant interviews to generate data from 300 farmers randomly selected across three regions in Ghana. The computed organic fertilizer use rate is 42% among farmers surveyed, and organic fertilizer is primarily used in vegetable and maize production. The estimated current demand for organic fertilizer is about 0.7 million t/annum with a potential to rise to about 2.7 million t/annum in the long term. This will however require sensitization on its importance, availability, and affordability. The study has established a strong relationship between organic fertilizer adoption and farm performance increasing yield by 57%, income by 53%, and gross margins by 63%. There is obviously a cost reduction when organic fertilizer is adopted. Organic fertilizer adoption was found to be mainly related to farmer base organization membership status, access to extension services, access to organic fertilizer, and transport cost. Organic fertilizer commercialization has the potential to make Ghana a net exporter of fertilizer and create sustainable jobs for the youth. We recommend the use of organic fertilizer by farmers and highly recommend the commercial production of organic fertilizer.
Treatment of EGJ Cancer within or outside Clinical Trials: Does the Setting Matter? A Monocentric Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Giacopuzzi Simone , Torroni Lorena , Bencivenga Maria , Weindelmayer Jacopo , Gervasi Maria Clelia , Verlato Giuseppe , Pavarana Michele , Rossi Gabriella , de Manzoni Giovanni
Published: January 2023

Introduction: RCTs support neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) followed by surgery in locally advanced esophago-gastric junction (LA-EGJ) adenocarcinoma. However, RCTs are performed in highly controlled settings with limited representativeness of real-life patients (RLS). The aim of the study was to compare the outcomes in RLS and clinical trial settings. Methods: The outcomes of RLS, which comprised 125 patients consequently treated for LA-EGJ adenocarcinoma between 2012 and 2017, were compared with the phase II trial (PIIS), performed on 65 patients from 2003 to 2011. Results: About half of RLS (51.2%) were treated with nCRT according to VR protocol, 20.8% with standard CRT according to CROSS/Al-Sarraf, 20% with chemotherapy (CT) alone. pCR was 36.8%, 28.6%, and 9.1% after VR protocol, standard CRT, and CT, respectively (p = 0.082), while 3-year overall survival (OS) was 58.6% (95% CI 43.2–71.1%), 32.8% (14.6–52.4%), and 44.8% (21.3–65.9%), respectively (p = 0.030). With respect to PIIS, RLS had a higher proportion of cN+ (94% vs. 54%; p < 0.001) and a lower proportion of pCR after CT/CRT (23% vs. 39%; p = 0.041). Three-year OS was slightly higher, although not significantly, in PIIS (58.9%, 45.1–70.2%) than RLS (47.9%, 37.4–57.7%) and nearly identical to 3-year OS in RLS treated with VR protocol. Conclusion: Real-life patients with EGJ adenocarcinoma have more advanced cancer at baseline, lower pathologic response to neoadjuvant treatment than patients enrolled in clinical trials, but similar survival.
Twenty-Four Weeks of L-Carnitine Combined with Leucine Supplementation Does Not Increase the Muscle Carnitine Content in Healthy Active Subjects
Authors: Samborowska Emilia , Olek Robert A.
Published: January 2023

Introduction: To increase the total carnitine (TC) content in muscles, L-carnitine (LC) should be co-ingested with carbohydrates to induce an insulin response. Leucine has an insulin secretagogue effect. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to examine the effects of 24 weeks of LC and leucine supplementation on the skeletal muscle TC content, muscle mass, and strength in active college-aged subjects. The secondary aim was to determine the activation of the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in skeletal muscles after supplementation. Methods: Over the 24 weeks, the participants were supplemented with either 1 g of LC-L-tartrate and 3 g of leucine per day (LC + L group; n = 7) or 4 g of leucine per day (L group; n = 7) as a placebo. Before and 24 weeks after the initiation of the study protocol, the free carnitine (FC) and TC content in plasma and muscle samples, as well as body composition and muscle strength, were measured. In addition, the phosphorylation of the Akt/mTOR pathway proteins in muscles was evaluated. Results: Plasma FC and TC content increased in LC + L group after 24 weeks of supplementation (p = 0.003 and 0.010, respectively). However, the skeletal muscle FC and TC contents were not affected by the supplementation protocol. No changes were noted in the body mass and composition; serum insulin-like growth factor-1 concentration; and phosphorylation of the signaling pathway proteins Akt, mTOR, and p70S6K. Conclusion: LC supplementation may have the potential to exert beneficial effects in muscle atrophy. Therefore, additional research is necessary to investigate the effect of various LC supplementation protocols.
Self-organization of a wheeled robotic swarm using virtual spring-damper mesh
Authors: Wiech Jakub
Published: January 2023

The article analyzes the problem of self-organization of randomly placed wheeled robots around a stationary reference point, into a given shape of a regular polygon. The paper gives an answer to the question how virtual forces from virtual spring-damper connections between robots allow self-organization of the swarm into the desired shape. The presented method of control is described in detail with the description of i-th robot dynamics and tested numerically and experimentally. The swarm's self-organization is aimed at moving randomly spaced robots with a random frame orientation to a given distance to a reference point, reaching and maintaining a given distance between neighboring robots. The paper presents the results of numerical tests and experimental research and ends with discussion and conclusions. The paper's results could be expanded for applications related to spacial distribution of mobile robots.
Design of a fuzzy logic proportional integral derivative controller of direct current motor speed control
Authors: Ab Rahman Nur Naajihah , Mat Yahya Nafrizuan , Mohd Sabari Nurul Umiza
Published: January 2023

Direct current (DC) motor speed control is useful. Speed can be modified based on needs and operations. DC motors cannot control their speed. To control the DC motor’s speed, a dependable controller is needed. The DC motor speed will be controlled by a fuzzy logic proportional integral derivative controller (FLC-PID). The DC motor circuit’s electrical and mechanical components have been modeled mathematically. Ziegler-Nichols is used to tune the PID controller’s gain parameters. The FLC controller employs 3×3 membership function rules in conjunction with the MATLAB/Fuzzy Simulink toolbox. Real hardware was attached to the simulation to evaluate the DC motor speed control using the fuzzy logic PID controller. DC motors with FLC PID controllers, FLC controllers, and DC motors alone will be compared for the transient response. The DC motor with an FLC PID controller performed better in this study.
Interleukin-33 Mediates Cardiomyopathy After Acute Kidney Injury by Signaling to Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Florens Nans , Kasam Rajesh K. , Rudman-Melnick Valeria , Lin Suh-Chin , Prasad Vikram , Molkentin Jeffery D.
Published: January 2023

Background:

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a short-term life-threatening condition that, if survived, can lead to renal insufficiency and development of chronic kidney disease. The pathogenesis of AKI and chronic kidney disease involves direct effects on the heart and the development of hypertrophy and cardiomyopathy.

Methods:

We used mouse models of ischemia/reperfusion AKI and unilateral ureteral obstruction to investigate the role of IL-33 (interleukin-33) and its receptor-encoding gene
Il1rl1
(also called ST2L [suppression of tumorigenicity 2]) in cardiac remodeling after AKI. Mice with cell type–specific genetic disruption of the IL-33/ST2L axis were used, and IL-33 monoclonal antibody, adeno-associated virus encoding IL-33 or ST2L, and recombinant IL-33, as well.

Results:

Mice deficient in
Il33
were refractory to cardiomyopathy associated with 2 models of kidney injury. Treatment of mice with monoclonal IL-33 antibody also protected the heart after AKI. Moreover, overexpression of IL-33 or injection of recombinant IL-33 induced cardiac hypertrophy or cardiomyopathy, but not in mice lacking
Il1rl1
. AKI-induced cardiomyopathy was also reduced in mice with cardiac myocyte–specific deletion of
Il1rl1
but not in endothelial cell- or fibroblast-specific deletion of
Il1rl1
. Last, overexpression of the ST2L receptor in cardiac myocytes recapitulated induction of cardiac hypertrophy.

Conclusions:

These results indicate that IL-33 released from the kidney during AKI underlies cardiorenal syndrome by directly signaling to cardiac myocytes, suggesting that antagonism of IL-33/ST2 axis would be cardioprotective in patients with kidney disease.
Redescriptions of five of Takahashi’s soft scale species (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Coccidae) with comments on their status and relationships
Authors: HODGSON CHRIS J.
Published: January 2023

This paper redescribes and illustrates five currently poorly known species of soft scale insect (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Coccidae) originally described by Ryoichi Takahashi, namely Coccus lumpurensis Takahashi, Maacoccus scolopiae (Takahashi), Membranaria sacchari (Takahashi), Platylecanium cyperi Takahashi and P. mesuae Takahashi. Lectotypes are designated for C. lumpurensis, P. cyperi and P. mesuae. Two of these species are known only from Taiwan, and three from Malaysia. Their status and relationships are discussed. A key to the species of Maacoccus is included.
Estimating the Impact of Assimilating Cirrus Cloud–Contaminated Hyperspectral Infrared Radiances for Numerical Weather Prediction
Authors: Marquis Jared W. , Dolinar Erica K. , Garnier Anne , Campbell James R. , Ruston Benjamin C. , Yang Ping , Zhang Jianglong
Published: January 2023

The assimilation of hyperspectral infrared sounders (HIS) observations aboard Earth-observing satellites has become vital to numerical weather prediction, yet this assimilation is predicated on the assumption of clear-sky observations. Using collocated assimilated observations from the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) and the Cloud–Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP), it is found that nearly 7.7% of HIS observations assimilated by the Naval Research Laboratory Variational Data Assimilation System–Accelerated Representer (NAVDAS-AR) are contaminated by cirrus clouds. These contaminating clouds primarily exhibit visible cloud optical depths at 532 nm (COD532nm) below 0.10 and cloud-top temperatures between 240 and 185 K as expected for cirrus clouds. These contamination statistics are consistent with simulations from the Radiative Transfer for TOVS (RTTOV) model showing a cirrus cloud with a COD532nm of 0.10 imparts brightness temperature differences below typical innovation thresholds used by NAVDAS-AR. Using a one-dimensional variational (1DVar) assimilation system coupled with RTTOV for forward and gradient radiative transfer, the analysis temperature and moisture impact of assimilating cirrus-contaminated HIS observations is estimated. Large differences of 2.5 K in temperature and 11 K in dewpoint are possible for a cloud with COD532nm of 0.10 and cloud-top temperature of 210 K. When normalized by the contamination statistics, global differences of nearly 0.11 K in temperature and 0.34 K in dewpoint are possible, with temperature and dewpoint tropospheric root-mean-squared errors (RMSDs) as large as 0.06 and 0.11 K, respectively. While in isolation these global estimates are not particularly concerning, differences are likely much larger in regions with high cirrus frequency.
Determinations and performance investigations of hybrid composite properties for hydrokinetic turbine blades
Authors: Ebissa Dawit T , Tesfaye Tamrat , Worku Delele , Wood David
Published: January 2023

In this experimental study, hybrid composite properties for hydrokinetic turbine blades were determined, and its performance was examined. The reinforcements included glass fiber, treated and untreated highland bamboo fiber, reinforced polyester-based composites and their hybrid composites, as well as row bamboo (bamboo culm). The row bamboo was prepared on the bamboo culm’s outer surface to get rid of any leftovers, before cutting in accordance with the specimen test standards. In order to make hybrid composite materials, polyester resin was mixed with fibers in the proportions of bamboo fiber/glass fiber (50%/50%), and fiber/matrix (30%/70%). The composite containing glass fiber has a flexural strength that is 12% and 21% higher than materials reinforced with alkali-treated and untreated highland bamboo fiber reinforced composites respectively. The alkali treatment of highland bamboo fiber improved its physical-mechanical properties, making it suitable for use different application. Alkaline treatment boosts the composite’s tensile and compressive strength by 37% and 3.4% for composite reinforced with untreated bamboo fiber, and 10.2% and 23.8% for composite reinforced with glass fiber, respectively. The fiber density of highland bamboo was increased by removing less dense non-cellulosic components (hemicellulose and lignin). However, the fiber’s moisture absorption is the main issue in using it in a composite that works submerged in water. This study investigated whether incorporating glass fiber in highland bamboo-glass fiber polyester hybrid composite reduces the composite material’s water uptake. A reduction was found, however, the density was increased. It is challenging to employ row bamboo for the construction of hydrokinetic turbine blades as water ingress of the composite must be avoided even in the presence of erosion caused by cavitation and impact with foreign bodies in the water.
Progress in Dental Adhesive Materials
Authors: Cadenaro M. , Josic U. , Maravić T. , Mazzitelli C. , Marchesi G. , Mancuso E. , Breschi L. , Mazzoni A.
Published: January 2023

There have been significant advances in adhesive dentistry in recent decades, with efforts being made to improve the mechanical and bonding properties of resin-based dental adhesive materials. Various attempts have been made to achieve versatility, introducing functional monomers and silanes into the materials’ composition to enable the chemical reaction with tooth structure and restorative materials and a multimode use. The novel adhesive materials also tend to be simpler in terms of clinical use, requiring reduced number of steps, making them less technique sensitive. However, these materials must also be reliable and have a long-lasting bond with different substrates. In order to fulfill these arduous tasks, different chemical constituents and different techniques are continuously being developed and introduced into dental adhesive materials. This critical review aims to discuss the concepts behind novel monomers, bioactive molecules, and alternative techniques recently implemented in adhesive dentistry. Incorporating monomers that are more resistant to hydrolytic degradation and functional monomers that enhance the micromechanical retention and improve chemical interactions between adhesive resin materials and various substrates improved the performance of adhesive materials. The current trend is to blend bioactive molecules into adhesive materials to enhance the mechanical properties and prevent endogenous enzymatic degradation of the dental substrate, thus ensuring the longevity of resin–dentin bonds. Moreover, alternative etching materials and techniques have been developed to address the drawbacks of phosphoric acid dentin etching. Altogether, we are witnessing a dynamic era in adhesive dentistry, with advancements aiming to bring us closer to simple and reliable bonding. However, simplification and novelty should not be achieved at the expense of material properties.
Diagnostic outcome and safety of plugged liver biopsy in high-risk patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Giri Suprabhat , Agrawal Dhiraj , Gopan Amrit , Varghese Jijo , Tripathy Taraprasad
Published: January 2023

Background

Percutaneous liver biopsy is the gold standard test for the assessment of liver disease. In patients with coagulopathy, ascites, post-transplantation, and hypervascular tumors, biopsy is associated with increased risk of adverse events (AEs). Transjugular liver biopsy (TJLB) is recommended in these conditions but is expensive and unavailable at many centers. Plugged liver biopsy (PLB) provides an alternate diagnostic modality in these high-risk cases.

Purpose

To analyze the pooled diagnostic outcome and safety of PLB in high-risk cases.

Material and Methods

A literature search of various databases from January 1990 to July 2022 was conducted for studies evaluating the outcome of PLB in high-risk cases. The primary outcomes were pooled sample adequacy and AEs. Pooled event rates across studies were expressed with summative statistics.

Results

A total of 17 studies (2329 patients) were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled proportion of sample adequacy was 98.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]=98.2–99.6). Severe AEs, major bleeding, and minor AEs were seen in 0.7% (95% CI=0.1–1.3), 0.4% (95% CI=0.1–0.8), and 11.5% (95% CI=2.4–20.6) of the patients. There was only one reported mortality, giving a pooled incidence of 0.0002% (95% CI=0.0–0.0038). Compared to TJLB (5 studies, n = 336), there was no difference in either sample adequacy (odds ratio [OR]=2.34, 95% CI=0.83–6.58) or risk of serious AEs (OR=0.47, 95% CI=0.173–1.31).

Conclusion

PLB can be safely performed on patients with coagulopathy and/or ascites with high sample adequacy rates and low incidence of AEs and mortality.
Quantifying the Impact of Light Rail Transit on Commercial Property Values: New Evidence From Greater Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Authors: Dziauddin Mohd Faris
Published: January 2023

Evidence shows that improving accessibility through investment in public transport, such as urban rail transit, can have a positive impact on land values and subsequently on property values. This paper, therefore, presents empirical results on the impact of proximity to the nearest Kelana Jaya light rail transit (LRT) station on commercial property values in Greater Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Using the hedonic pricing model, the paper attempts to quantify these effects. The sample consists of 399 office transaction data for the years 2014 and 2018, marking more than a decade of Kelana Jaya LRT line operation in the region. The results show that an office unit located within a 400 m radius of the nearest Kelana Jaya LRT station enjoys the highest premium, reaching about 0.637%, which, at the mean, is MYR802,620 (USD200,655). However, the premium appears to decrease rapidly for an office unit located within a radius of 401–800 m from the nearest Kelana Jaya LRT station, reaching 0.232% (MYR292,320 or USD73,080 of the mean office price). From the results of this study, it can be concluded that this paper contributes to the growing literature on the positive relationship between urban rail transit and commercial property values. More importantly, this paper provides the necessary evidence for the potential implementation of a land value capture policy as an alternative source of revenue to fund or partially fund urban rail transit in Greater Kuala Lumpur, which is presently absent.
The Need for Technology-Aided Instruction and Intervention Policy for Autistic Youth
Authors: Sherwood Kari L. , Smith Matthew J. , Eldredge Mary A.
Published: January 2023

This article examines current technology-aided instruction and intervention (TAII) available for autistic transition-age youth (TAY) in the United States and existing policies that may support or hinder the delivery of these interventions. Specifically, we focus on policies that might influence the delivery of TAII to autistic TAY. After a careful review of the literature, we observed that postsecondary policy guiding the delivery of TAII designed to support autistic TAY is lacking. TAII has demonstrated effectiveness, usability, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness, particularly with this population. We suggest possibilities for future policies to support the development, implementation, and evaluation of TAII for autistic TAY.
Sliding Spine Relocation Surgery with Anterior Septal Reconstruction
Authors: Fleury Curado Thomaz , El Abany Ahmed , Most Sam P.
Published: January 2023

Study Design: Technical note.

Objective: The lower nasal architecture is dependent on caudal septal integrity. Deviations of the caudal septum can compromise nasal airflow. The presence of anterior nasal spine deviations contributes to septal and medial crural shifting with ipsilateral encroachment. It is essential to identify nasal spine deviation during surgery in order to reconstruct the septum in a midline position at its base. This allows an appropriate management plan that creates a better functional and aesthetically pleasing outcome. A stable midline anterior nasal spine is warranted to support the newly reconstructed straight caudal strut, which can be effectively corrected by anterior septal reconstruction.

Methods: The proposed method intends to combine anterior nasal spine centralization with correcting caudal septal deviation and nasal obstruction through a modified extracorporeal septoplasty technique. We describe a novel technique to centralize the deviated anterior nasal spine using the piezoelectric device by performing a contralateral adjacent ostectomy and en-bloc relocation and fixation of the anterior nasal spine with microplates and screws.

Results: This surgical approach creates a stable caudal septum and a centrally positioned anterior nasal spine, which improves nasal airflow and ensures a stable repair.

Conclusion: Sliding spine relocation surgery with anterior septal reconstruction repositions a deviated anterior nasal spine and corrects caudal septum deviation, that can impair the nasal airway.
Association Between Early Surgery and Postoperative Opioid Use in Patients With Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Propensity Score-Matching Analysis Using an Administrative Claims Database in Japan
Authors: Honda Akira , Iizuka Yoichi , Tokue Mieda , Takasawa Eiji , Ishiwata Sho , Tomomatsu Yusuke , Ito Shunsuke , Inomata Kazuhiro , Okada Akira , Matsui Hiroki , Yasunaga Hideo , Chikuda Hirotaka
Published: January 2023

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate whether early surgery shortens the duration of opioid use in patients who underwent surgery with lumbar disc herniation.

Methods

We extracted patients who underwent surgery at least 2 weeks after they were diagnosed with lumbar disc herniation between April 2014 and May 2021. Opioid use after surgery was compared between patients who underwent surgery within 90 days (early surgery group) and 90 days or later (late surgery group). Propensity-score-matching analysis and multivariable Cox hazard regression analysis with a restricted cubic spline model were conducted to evaluate the association between the timing of surgery and termination of opioid use after surgery.

Results

A total of 1597 eligible patients were identified, with 807 (51%) in the early surgery group. In the propensity-score-matched cohort, the early surgery group had a significantly lower proportion of opioid use than the control group (28% vs 48%, percent difference −20%, P < .001). Multivariable Cox hazard regression analysis showed that early surgery was significantly associated with the earlier termination of opioid use (HR, 3.13; 95% CI, 1.97-4.97; P < .001). Restricted cubic spline model showed a monotonically decreased hazard ratio and decreased hazard ratio of .50 in patients who underwent surgery 111 days or later after the diagnosis.

Conclusions

Early surgery, especially within 90 days, was associated with earlier opioid use termination after surgery. Regarding the duration of opioid use following surgery, surgical treatment may be preferable to perform within around 4 months after the diagnosis.
Donor motivation in the era of the COVID-19 crisis: Focusing on South Korean health diplomacy and response aid to COVID-19
Authors: Kim Youngwan , Lee Sang-Hwan , Cho Young Jun
Published: January 2023

COVID-19 has brought an unprecedented global economic burden. The widely held view is that, during times of economic crisis, there are reduced flows of foreign aid due to budgetary constraints. Although some countries’ actions seem aligned with this perspective, others, including South Korea, have acted counter-intuitively. South Korea has implemented health-related diplomacy, initiating the Agenda for Building Resilience against COVID-19 through the Development Cooperation (ABC) program. This program provides countries with COVID-19 diagnosis kits, personal protective equipment, such as masks, and health-related capacity for building and development projects. We attempt to understand the behavior of donors in the crisis context and, thus, examine South Korea as a representative case. Using South Korean health-related diplomacy as our case study, we show that South Korea has considered both its interests and recipients’ needs. Furthermore, a quantitative study with newly constructed data from the ABC program reveals that South Korea provides higher amounts of Official Development Assistance (ODA) via its ABC program to recipients with whom it enjoys close economic ties and with whom it has given higher amounts of ODA. The latter finding suggests a path-dependent act in foreign aid allocation.
Comparison of Trunk and Pelvic Kinematics in Youth Baseball Pitchers With and Without Upper Extremity Pain: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Fava Anthony W. , Giordano Kevin A. , Friesen Kenzie B. , Nguyen Adam , Oliver Gretchen D.
Published: January 2023

Background:

Motion of the pelvis and trunk during baseball pitching is associated with increased upper extremity (UE) kinetics. Increased kinetics on the UE may lead to throwing-arm pain in youth pitchers. Limited biomechanical comparisons have been conducted on youth pitchers with and without throwing-arm pain to identify mechanical risk factors associated with pain.

Purpose:

To examine trunk and pelvic kinematics in youth baseball pitchers with and without UE pain.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A total of 26 male youth baseball pitchers (mean age, 12.7 ± 1.5 years; mean height, 162.2 ± 12.9 cm; mean weight, 52.6 ± 13.1 kg) were recruited to participate. An electromagnetic tracking system was used to obtain kinematic data during the fastball pitch. Data from a health history questionnaire was examined. Participants who answered “yes” to experiencing pain and who selected a region on their UE as the pain location were placed into the UE pain group. Participants who responded “no” to experiencing pain were placed into the pain-free group. We compared between-group differences in trunk rotation, flexion, and lateral flexion; pelvic rotation, anteroposterior tilt, and lateral tilt; and hip-shoulder separation from peak knee height to ball release of the baseball pitch using 1-dimensional statistical parametric mapping with an alpha level set at .05.

Results:

No statistically significant differences were observed between the UE pain and pain-free groups in the 7 trunk and pelvic kinematics analyzed from peak knee height to ball release ( P > .05).

Conclusion:

Trunk and pelvic kinematics during the pitching motion did not differ between pain and pain-free groups of youth baseball pitchers.
On the matildite–bohdanowiczite solid-solution series
Authors: Alexandre Paul , Aisida Moses
Published: January 2023

A high-grade ore sample from the Cu–Zn–Au Photo Lake volcanogenic massive sulfide deposit (Flin Flon–Snow Lake greenstone belt, Manitoba, Canada) contains a Bi–Ag sulfo-selenide with a composition situated approximately in the middle of the S–Se substitution range (Se ≈ 0.86 apfu and S ≈ 1.05 apfu). These new data, combined with a literature compilation of all publicly available matildite and bohdanowiczite compositional data, reveal a nearly complete range of S–Se substitution between these two minerals, with only the section between BiAgSe0.78S1.18 and BiAgSe0.25S1.75 – about a quarter of the complete S–Se range – not yet documented. These observations suggest that a complete solid-solution series between matildite and bohdanowiczite, as previously suspected, might exist and in a manner similar to the galena–clausthalite complete solid-solution series.
Prognostic significance of frailty status in patients with primary lung cancer
Authors: Wang Kai , She Quan , Li Min , Zhao Hongye , Zhao Weihong , Chen Bo , Wu Jianqing
Published: January 2023

Lung cancer has one of the highest morbidity and mortality rates in the world. Frailty is common in many countries and is a major cause of premature functional decline and premature death in older adults, and may affect the treatment and prognosis of lung cancer patients. To investigate the predictive value of frailty at diagnosis on all-cause mortality in lung cancer patients, this study retrospectively collected and analysed clinical information on lung cancer patients from 2015–2018. A total of 1667 patients with primary lung cancer were finally included in this study. The median follow-up time of patients was 650 (493, 1001.5) days. A total of 297(17.8%) patients had FI-LAB(the frailty index based on laboratory test) status of frail at the moment of diagnosis and the all-cause mortality rate for all patients was 61.1% (1018/1667). In a univariate model, we found a higher total all-cause mortality risk in frail patients (frail vs. robust, HR(hazard ratio) = 1.616, 95% CI(confidence interval) = 1.349,1.936), after balancing other variables combined into model 1 to model 6. The results were analyzed visually using ROC(Receiver operating characteristic) curves with nomogram and the AUC values ranged from 0.866–0.874. The final inclusion of age, TNM stage, CCI(Charlson comorbidity index) score, surgery history and chemotherapy into a multifactorial model balanced the predictive power of frailty grading on all-cause mortality. The study showed that for lung cancer patients, the higher the level of frailty at diagnosis, the higher the risk of all-cause mortality. In the context of widespread electronic medical records in hospitals, it is convenient and feasible to use FI-LAB to assess the prognosis of lung cancer patients.
The effect of large follicle puncture and aspiration on the outcomes of IVF-ET in patients with asynchronized follicles under the long GnRH-a protocol: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wang Yixuan , Pang Conghui , Wu Haicui , Wei Chaofeng , Yu Yi , Xin Xin , Lian Fang
Published: January 2023

Objective

This retrospective study aimed to explore whether puncturing and aspirating asynchronized large follicles during long GnRH-a protocol COH impacted IVF-ET outcomes.

Methods

A total of 180 patients with asynchronized follicles during long GnRH-a protocol COH were retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into a puncture group, Group 1 (n = 81), and a non-puncture group, Group 2 (n = 99), according to whether puncture and aspiration were performed on the prematurely developing large follicles. The data of the selected patients were statistically analyzed to assess the effect of large follicle puncture and aspiration during ovulation induction on the final pregnancy results. In addition, we tentatively divided these 180 patients into either Group A (DF ≤ 14 mm) or Group B (DF > 14 mm) according to whether the diameter of the dominant large follicles (DF) exceeded 14 mm at the time of appearance. These two groups were then further divided into four subgroups: Subgroup A1 (DF ≤ 14 mm, patients underwent large follicle puncture), Subgroup A2 (DF ≤ 14 mm, patients did not undergo large follicle puncture), Subgroup B1 (DF > 14 mm, patients underwent large follicle puncture), and Subgroup B2 (DF > 14 mm, patients did not undergo large follicle puncture) based on whether large follicle puncture and aspiration were performed or not, aiming to compare the effects of large follicle puncture and aspiration on the clinical outcomes of patients with dominant large follicles at different time points.

Results

Group 1 exhibited significantly higher oocyte maturation rate (92.3% vs. 88.9%, P = 0.009) and high-quality embryo rate (75.2% vs. 65.7%, P = 0.007) compared with Group 2. No differences were observed in the number of oocytes retrieved, 2PN fertilization rate, clinical pregnancy rate, abortion rate, and live birth rate between the two groups (P > 0.05). When the dominant large follicles' diameter was ≤ 14 mm, the final oocyte maturation rate (92.7% vs. 88.1%, P = 0.023), high-quality embryo rate (72.9% vs. 61.8%, P = 0.047) and live birth rate (54.5% vs. 31.9%, P = 0.043) of Subgroup A1 were significantly higher than those of Subgroup A2. In contrast, when the dominant large follicles' diameter was > 14 mm, no statistical difference was observed in all data.

Conclusions

Large follicle puncture and aspiration in long GnRH-a protocol COH could improve the oocyte maturation rate and high-quality embryo rate in patients with asynchronized follicles. However, clinical pregnancy and live birth rates were not significantly improved. In addition, when the dominant follicles' diameter did not exceed 14 mm, large follicles puncture and aspiration significantly improved the patient's oocyte maturation rate, high-quality embryo rate and live birth rate.
Predictive factors for microvascular recovery after treatments for diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Lee Junyeop , Kim Yoon-Jeon , Lee Joo-Yong , Yoon Young Hee , Kim June-Gone
Published: January 2023

Background

To identify factors associated with microvascular recovery after intravitreal bevacizumab or panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) in diabetic retinopathy (DR).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 320 eyes/patients with DR treated with intravitreal bevacizumab and/or PRP. Two consecutive fluorescein angiographies (FAs) of each eye were compared. The number of microaneurysms and the area of capillary non-perfusion were calculated automatically using ImageJ software. Microvascular recovery was defined as a marked reduction in the numbers of microaneurysms (< 20%) or a marked reduction in the area of capillary non-perfusion (< 50%) in 45-degree fields or a complete regression of new vessels in ETDRS 7 standard fields. Baseline FA findings and changes in the ocular and systemic factors were analyzed.

Results

Twenty-eight (8.8%) of the 320 total eyes were found to meet the criteria of microvascular recovery after the treatments. Multivariate analysis revealed the presence of diffuse capillary telangiectasis (P = .003) and late disc leaking (P = .007) on baseline FA and a reduction of glycated hemoglobin (P = .005) during the follow-up period were predictive factors of microvascular recovery after the treatments. Although the microvascular recovery group presented with a significant improvement of BCVA after the treatments, the baseline BCVA could not predict the microvascular recovery after the treatments.

Conclusions

Diffuse capillary telangiectasis or late disc leaking on baseline FA and improved glycemic control positively predicted the microvascular recovery after treatments for DR.
Determinants of trust in healthcare facilities among community-based health insurance members in the Manna district of Ethiopia
Authors: Akafu Wakuma , Daba Teferi , Tesfaye Edosa , Teshome Firanbon , Akafu Tesfaye
Published: January 2023

Background

Low-income countries, including Ethiopia, face substantial challenges in financing healthcare services to achieve universal health coverage. Consequently, millions of people suffer and die from health-related conditions. These can be efficiently managed in areas where community-based health insurance (CBHI) is properly implemented and communities have strong trust in healthcare facilities. However, the determinants of community trust in healthcare facilities have been under-researched in Ethiopia.

Objective

To assess the determinants of trust in healthcare facilities among community-based health insurance members in the Manna District of Ethiopia.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 01 to 30, 2020 among 634 household heads. A multistage sampling technique was used to recruit the study participants. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. Descriptive statistics were computed as necessary. Multivariable linear regression analyses were performed, and variables with a p-value < 0.05 were considered to have a significant association with households’ trust in healthcare facilities.

Results

In total, 617 households were included in the study, with a response rate of 97.0%. Household age (ß=0.01, 95% CI:0.001, 0.0013), satisfaction with past health services (ß=0.13, 95% CI:0.05, 0.22), perceived quality of services (ß= -0.47, 95% CI: -0.64, -0.29), perceived provider’s attitude towards CBHI members (ß = -0.68, 95% CI: -0.88, -0.49), and waiting time (ß= -0.002, 95% CI:- 0.003, -0.001) were determinants of trust in healthcare facilities.

Conclusion

This study showed that respondents’ satisfaction with past experiences, older household age, long waiting time, perceived poor quality of services, and perceived unfavorable attitudes of providers towards CBHI members were found to be determinants of trust in healthcare facilities. Thus, there is a need to improve the quality of health services, care providers’ attitudes, and clients’ satisfaction by reducing waiting time in order to increase clients’ trust in healthcare facilities.
Practitioners’ views on community implementation of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in the UK: a qualitative interview study
Authors: Akanuwe Joseph N.A , Siriwardena Aloysius Niroshan , Bidaut Luc , Mitchell Pauline , Bird Paul , Lasserson Daniel , Apenteng Patricia , Lilford Richard
Published: January 2023

Background

Implementing Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in community practice could help to decide upon and prioritise initial treatment, procedures and appropriate specialist referral or conveyance to hospital. A recent literature review suggests that image quality, portability and cost of ultrasound devices are all improving with widening indications for community POCUS, but evidence about community POCUS use is needed in the UK. We aimed to explore views of clinical practitioners, actively using ultrasound, on their experiences of using POCUS and potential facilitators and barriers to its wider implementation in community settings in the UK.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative interview study with practitioners from community and secondary care settings actively using POCUS in practice. A convenience sample of eligible participants from different clinical specialties and settings was recruited using social media adverts, through websites of relevant research groups and snowball sampling. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted online using Microsoft Teams. These were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using a Framework approach supported by NVivo 12.

Results

We interviewed 16 practitioners aged between 40 and 62 years from different professional backgrounds, including paramedics, emergency physicians, general practitioners, and allied health professionals.

Participants identified key considerations and facilitators for wider implementation of POCUS in community settings in the UK: resource requirements for deployment and support of working devices; sufficient time and a skilled workforce; attention to training, education and support needs; ensuring proper governance, guidelines and quality assurance; workforce considerations; enabling ease of use in assisting decision making with consideration of unintended consequences; and more robust evidence to support perceptions of improved patient outcomes and experience.

Conclusions

POCUS could be useful for improving patient journey and health outcomes in community care, but this requires further research to evaluate outcomes. The facilitators identified could help make community POCUS a reality.