bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oral microbiota dysbiosis and increased inflammatory cytokines with different stroke subtypes
Authors: Jing Zhen , Xie Xiaomei , Gao Jiali , Yang Jiajie , Leng Xinyi , Chen Guobing , Liang Dan , Liu Jialin , Zhang Shijun , Huang Li'an
Published: January 2023

Background: The possible correlation between oral microbiota dysbiosisand acute ischemic stroke, regarding different pathogenesis and stroke severity, remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the specific microbiota for different subtypes of stroke to discover the underlying risk factors for ischemic stroke, which is of important clinical research value.
Methods:Oral microbiota communities from 162 stroke patients and 62 stroke-free controls were prospectively assessed by sequencing the V3–V4 region of the 16S DNA gene. Demographic and clinical data were obtained for both groups. Triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, homocysteine, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, SLCO1B1, APOE, CYP2C19, IL6, IL8, IL1β, TNF-α, and sCD40L were measured, and their relationship with oral microbiota was analyzed. Cranial magnetic resonance and carotid artery ultrasound were performed for both groups within seven days of admission.
Results: IL6, IL8, IL1β, TNF-α, and sCD40L were significantly higher in stroke patients than in controls. Although the oral microbiota of the stroke and control groups were similar in diversity and structure, that of the severe stroke (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score > 5) and cardioembolic stroke subgroups differed from those of the control group. Linear discriminant analysis effect size analysis showed that Megasphaera, Prevotella_1, Clostridia, Selenomonas_3, Prevotella_6, and Dialister were mainly enriched in the severe stroke subgroup. Prevotella_6, Staphylococcus, Staphylococcaceae, and Peptostreptococcus were significantly enriched in the cardioembolic stroke subgroup. Spearman correlation analysis revealed that IL6, IL8, IL1β, TNF-α, and sCD40L were significantly correlated with Peptostreptococcus, Staphylococcus, Selenomonas, Megasphaera, and other bacteria (p < 0.01; p < 0.05).
Conclusions: The oral microbiota in stroke patients were not significantly different from that in the stroke-free controls. However, certain stroke subgroups, such as the severe or cardioembolic stroke subgroups, exhibited significant oral microbiota dysbiosis, which was associated with elevated inflammatory cytokines.
Multidisciplinary team meeting in the core of nasopharyngeal cancer management improved quality of care and survival of patients
Authors: Taroeno-Hariadi Kartika W. , Herdini Camelia , Briliant Aulia S. , Kusumo Henry , Dhamiyati Wigati , Indrasari Sagung Rai , Lestari Setiyani P. , Widyastuti Yulestrina , Puspitaningtyas Herindita , Rahmasari Risa , Rachmawati Innayah Nur , Purwanto Ibnu , Setiawan Nurhuda H , Ekaputra Ericko , Hutajulu Susanna H. , Dwidanarti Sri R. , Kurniawan Torana , Meidania Lidya , Yanuarta Seize E. , Hardianti Mardiah S. , Kurnianda Johan
Published: January 2023

Background
Nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) is a common cancer in Asia. In many developing countries, most cases are in advanced stages, compromising the outcome of treatment. The complexity of NPC management for advanced-stage NPC requires thorough communication and shared clinical decisions between medical professionals and allied teams. Incorporating a multidisciplinary team meeting (MDTM) for newly diagnosed NPC patients was chosen to facilitate clinical collaboration and communication between physicians. This recent study aimed to compare quality of care, clinical responses and survival between NPC patients treated inside and outside of MDTM care.
Methods
This was a retrospective study comparing NPC patients treated under the MDTM with NPC patients managed outsidethe MDTM. Clinical responses, assessment visits, date of progression and date of death were collected. Data were analyzed with X2 for discrete variables and t tests for continuous variables. Kaplan‒Meier survival curves with log-rank tests were used to describe the difference in survival estimation between the groups. Cox regression hazard models were calculated to predict the hazard risk for progression and survival. Significance was determined as p < 0.05.
Results
There were 87 patients treated under MDTM and 178 patients treated outside MDTM. Histology type of WHO type 3 was predominant. Stages IVA and B accounted for more than 60% of patients. Revision of diagnosis during MDTM accounted for 5.7%, and revision of stage occurred in 52.9%of cases. More clinical responses were achieved by patients treated under MDTM than by patients outside MDTM (69.0% vs. 32.0%, p < 0.00). The median progression-free survival of NPC patients under MDTM was 59.89 months compared with 12.68 months outside MDTM (log rank p < 0.00). Overall survival was longer in patients treated under MDTM compared with patients outside MDT (not reached vs. 13.44 months; p < 0.00). NPC patients who received treatment recommendations from the MDTM had a lower risk for progression (HR 0.267, 95% CI 0.17-0.40, p < 0.00) and mortality (HR 0.134; 95% CI 0.08 -0.24, p < 0.00).
Conclusion
Incorporating the MDTM approach into NPC management improves the clinical response and survival of patients.
A colorimetric detection of Hg2+ based on gold nanoparticles synthesized oxidized N-methylpyrrolidone as a reducing agent
Authors: Yang Dou , Guan Rentian , Jiang Shuhan , Wang Min , Zhang Shuai , Fan Xiaoyu , Shao Xiaodong , Liu Tao , Wang Shuhao , Yue Qiaoli
Published: January 2023

In this study, a gold nanoparticles colorimetric probe (AuNPs) with direct response to mercury ions (Hg2+) were developed using treated N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP) and chloroauric acid (HAuCl4) as precursors. NMP showed good reducibility after high temperature hydrolysis and could be used as reducing and stabilizing agent to synthesize AuNPs. The prepared AuNPs have obvious characteristic absorption peaks and appear wine-red. At the same time, it was found that the presence of Hg2+ can cause the aggregation of AuNPs, increased the absorbance at 700 nm, and changed the color of the solution into blue-gray. This method is capable of sensitive and specific determination of Hg2+ ranging from 1 to 30 µM, with the limit of detection (LOD) at 0.3 µM. The method showed good specificity for the determination of Hg2+ and has the potential to be applied to Hg2+ detection in sewage samples in the environment.
Association between cardiopulmonary bypass time and clinical outcomes among patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome after cardiac surgery
Authors: Hu Jiaxin , liu Yan , Huang Lixue , Song Man , Zhu Guangfa
Published: January 2023

Background:Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) can lead to lung injury and even acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) through triggering systemic inflammatory response. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of CPB time on clinical outcomes in patients with ARDS after cardiac surgery.
Methods:Totally, patients with ARDS after cardiac surgery in Beijing Anzhen Hospital from January 2005 to December 2015 were retrospectively included and were further divided into three categories according to CPB time during operation. The primary endpoints were the ICU mortality and in-hospital mortality, and ICU and hospital stay. Restricted cubic spline (RCS), logistic regression, cox regression model, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were adopted to explore the relationship between CPB time and clinical endpoints.
Results: Of the 54217 patients who underwent cardiac surgery during the above period, 210 patients developed ARDS after surgery and were finally included. The ICU mortality and in-hospital mortality were 21.0% and 41.9% in all ARDS patients after cardiac surgery respectively. Patients in category3 (CPB time ≥ 173 minutes) had longer ICU stay (P=0.011), higher ICU (P<0.001) mortality and in-hospital(P=0.002) mortality compared with those in category1 (CPB=0). For each ten minutes increment in CPB time, the hazards of a worse outcome increased by 13.3% for ICU mortality and 9.3% for in-hospital mortality after adjusting for potential factors.ROC curves showed CPB time presented more satisfactory power to predict mortality compared with APCHEII score. The optimal cut-off value of CPB time were 160.5 minutes for ICU mortality and in-hospital mortality.
Conclusion: Our findings firstly revealed the quantitative relationship between CPB time and clinical outcomes in patients with ARDS after cardiac surgery. Longer time of CPB was associated with poorer clinical outcomes, and could be served as an indicator to predict short-term mortality in patients with ARDS after cardiac surgery.
Longitudinal relationships between non-motor symptoms and biomarkers as a function of motor symptom asymmetry in early Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Voruz Philippe , Constantin Ioana , Peron Julie
Published: January 2023

Motor symptom asymmetry, a key feature of Parkinson’s disease, has been associated with differences in non-motor symptoms, such as cognitive and neuropsychiatric impairments, and in biomarker profiles. However, the longitudinal relationship between biomarkers and non-motor symptoms as a function of motor symptom asymmetry remains to be fully explored in early-stage patients. Clinical data from the Parkinson’s Progression Marker Initiative was extracted from 179 patients showing predominantly left-sided motor symptoms and 234 patients showing predominantly right-sided motor symptoms during a 3-year follow-up. General estimating equations revealed differential relationships over time between biospecimen and cognitive-neuropsychiatric scores based on motor symptom asymmetry. A more important implication of uric acid and beta-amyloid was noted in patients with predominantly left-sided motor symptoms, whereas patients with predominantly right-sided motor symptoms showed associations with alpha-synuclein and phosphorylated-tau levels. In summary, asymmetry of motor symptoms influences clinical trajectories in early-stage patients, holding important implications for symptom management in this clinical population.
Intramolecular Interactions (O-H•••O, C-H•••N, N-H•••π) in Isomers of Neutral, Cation, and Anion Dopamine Molecules - A DFT Study on the Influence of Solvents (Water and Ethanol)
Authors: Sangeetha Thekkayil , Lakshmipathi Senthilkumar
Published: January 2023

The investigation reports the intramolecular interactions present in the isomers of neutral (DA0), anionic (DA-), and cationic (DA+) dopamine isomers in gas, water, and ethanol mediums. Isomers of Cation dopamine show no intramolecular interactions in the solvent. Neutral and anion isomers have O-H∙∙∙O, C-H∙∙∙N hydrogen bonds and N-H⸳⸳⸳π interactions. All the interactions are electrostatic in nature. In solvents, intramolecular interactions are elongated and thereby weakened. Natural charges from NBO analysis show that O-H∙∙∙O bonds and the N- H∙∙∙π interactions are the most and least polar, respectively, among all the three interactions. 1H NMR study reveals the inverse linear correlation between shielding constant and electron density in a solvent medium. Homo-Lumo energy gap indicates higher stability for neutral and cationic forms of dopamine isomers in water and ethanol medium.
Exploring the impact of temperature and oxygen partial pressure on the spent nuclear fuel oxidation during its dry management
Authors: Milena-Perez Abel , Bonales Laura ,   Nieves Rodríguez-Villagra1, Galan Hitos
Published: January 2023

The management of Spent Nuclear Fuel (SNF) comprises different stages in which security is demonstrated. Nevertheless, fundamental research can lead to other design options that must be considered. Currently, one of the focuses is the dry interim storage option, as the shortest-term solution until final repositories are available. During this stage, one concern is the oxidation of the fuel. If UO2 (SNF matrix) is exposed to air at high-enough temperature, formation of U3O8 takes place. The larger volume of this phase could entail stresses on the SNF clad, which is the first barrier to prevent radioactive material release. It is known that this oxidation is a temperature-dependent reaction and ensuring an inert atmosphere discards any effect during SNF dry management. However, at what extent temperature and oxygen concentration would have an impact on the U3O8 formation is not established, being the available experimental data very scarce. We follow this oxidation in representative ranges of temperature and oxygen concentration of dry storage facilities by using in-situ Raman spectroscopy. The results show that temperature is a more-affecting factor than the oxygen concentration at the studied conditions. Therefore, efforts to limit temperatures would yield more benefits in preserving fuel matrix integrity.
Equilibrium behavior in tandem Markovian queues with heterogeneous delay-sensitive customers
Authors: Yiannis Dimitrakopoulos
Published: January 2023

We consider a system of two unobservable Markovian queues in tandem with strategic customers, who are heterogeneous regarding their delay sensitivity. The customers decide upon arrival whether to balk or join the system and receive service in the first queue, or in both queues. We analyze their equilibrium strategic behavior which is specified by double threshold strategies regarding their delay sensitivity parameter (one threshold for each queue). Moreover, we compare the strategic behavior of the heterogeneous customer population with its homogeneous counterpart. We complement our theoretical results with numerical experiments and provide managerial insight into the optimal control of the system parameters.
Vegetation Change in Katsina State, Nigeria: Influence of Local Perceptions and Land Use Land Cover Dynamics
Authors: Ahmad Mohammad Hadi , Jibrin Abdullahi , Ahmed Abubakar , Ishak Mohd Yusoff , Alatalo Juha M. , Danhassan Samir Shehu , Jiahua Zhang
Published: January 2023

Changing vegetation affects microclimates, groundwater tables, desertification, and biodiversity at the landscape level. The objective of this study is to assess the land cover dynamics and local perception of the influence of land use on vegetation change in Katsina State, Nigeria. Remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS)-based analysis, key informant interviews, and a semi-structured questionnaire covering 400 households were used to examine the driving forces behind vegetation change across Katsina State. As a result of the household survey, 86.5% (n = 400) of respondents reported a decline in vegetation in the study area, aligning with the Land Use Land Cover analysis phase of the study. The key drivers behind the observed vegetation depletion in the study area include firewood collection, charcoal production, and population growth. There has been an increasing awareness that education has emerged as one of the most significant socioeconomic factors influencing respondents' perceptions of these drivers. In spite of this, the unsustainable vegetation changes observed in this study have a negative impact on rural livelihoods and the management of natural resources in rural areas. This study recommends the implementation of sustainable land use policies that promote land-use practises that support economic growth and development.
Molecular typing and antimicrobial sensitivity of MDR-Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from Coronavirus disease-2019 patients
Authors: Shiralizadeh Somaye , Keramat Fariba , Hashemi Seyyed Hamid , Majzoobi Mohammad Mehdi , Azimzadeh Masoud , Alikhani Mohammad Sina , Karami Pezhman , Rahimi Zahra , Alikhani Mohammad Yousef
Published: January 2023

Background
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common co-infecting pathogen recognized among COVID-19 patients, leading to worsening illness and a high mortality rate. We aimed to demonstrate molecular typing and antimicrobial sensitivity of MDR-Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from COVID-19 patients.
Methods
Between December 2020 and July 2021, 15 P. aeruginosa were isolated from COVID-19 patients in the ICU ward at Sina Hospital in Hamadan, west of Iran. The Antimicrobial resistance of the isolates were determined operating the disk diffusion (DDT) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) tests. The double-disk synergy method, Modified Hodge test, and PCR were utilized to detect P. aeruginosa extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBLs) and carbapenemase producers. Microtitre plate assay was operated to evaluate the biofilm formation ability of the isolates. The isolates' phylogenetic relatedness was revealed using the multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis (MLVA) method.
Results
The results showed P. aeruginosa isolates had the most elevated resistance to imipenem (93.33%), levofloxacin (93.33%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (93.33%), ceftriaxone (80%), ceftazidime (80%), gentamicin (60%), ciprofloxacin (60%), and cefepime (60%). In the broth microdilution method, 100%, 100%, 13.33%, and 20% of isolates showed resistance to imipenem, meropenem, colistin, and polymyxin B, respectively. Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases and carbapenemase enzymes were detected in 20% and 66.66% of the isolates, respectively. Biofilm formation was seen in 100% of isolates. On the basis of the PCR results, blaOXA−48, blaTEM, blaIMP, blaSPM, blaPER, blaVEB, blaNDM, blaSHV, and blaCTX−M were detected in 100%, 86.67%, 86.67%, 40%, 20%, 20%, 13.33%, 6.67%, and 6.67%, of the isolates, respectively. The MLVA typing technique showed 11 types and seven main clusters. Most isolates belonged to clusters VII, I, and V.
Conclusions
As to observe high genetic diversity among P. aeruginosa isolates from COVID-19 patients in the ICU, it is indispensable to regularly monitor the epidemiology and genetical relatedness of the isolates to trace any insignificant alteration in the epidemiology of P. aeruginosa isolates in the COVID-19 epidemic.
The "ViaHole" technique for recanalization of a major side branch occluded by a Viabahn stent-graft
Authors: Haraguchi Takuya , Tsujimoto Masanaga , Otake Ryo , Kashima Yoshifumi , Sato Katsuhiko , Fujita Tsutomu
Published: January 2023

Background: Heparin-bonded endoluminal stent grafts covered with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) are used for iatrogenic arterial injuries. Where the stent-graft is implanted across a major side branch for hemostasis, the branch can become occluded. We propose the ViaHole technique as a novel recanalization method for major side branches covered by a stent-graft.
Case presentation: A 72-year-old male with a right popliteal aneurysm was treated using an 8.0 mm × 250 mm stent-graft from the distal superficial femoral artery (SFA) to the popliteal artery. He later presented with acute limb ischemia (ALI), and during treatment, perforation occurred and was repaired using 5.0 × 50 mm and 100 mm stentgrafts from the tibio-peroneal trunk across the peroneal artery (PA) to the posterior tibial artery (PTA). Unfortunately, ALI reoccurred 3-months later, and the initial angiography showed thrombotic occlusion from the distal SFA to the below-the-knee arteries. After successful thrombo-aspiration of the above-the-knee arteries, revascularization of the tibial arteries failed because of a massive thrombus.
We attempted to recanalize the PA, whose orifice had been covered by stent-graft placement. First, we advanced a 0.014-inch guidewire with a microcatheter from the distal PTA through the communicating branch to the ostium of the PA. Second, a 20-gauge needle was used to puncture the proximal lower thigh, through the stent-graft to the tip of the retrograde guidewire in the PA orifice. Third, after the needle touched the guidewire tip, the guidewire was advanced out of the body through the hole of the needle to externalize the guidewire. Fourth, the retrograde microcatheter was forcibly advanced over the externalized guidewire across the ePTFE into PTA. Fifth, the antegrade guidewire was passed through the retrograde microcatheter, and the antegrade microcatheter was advanced into the PA through the hole of the stent-graft. After the antegrade guidewire crossed the lesion, a 3.0 mm semi-compliant balloon dilated the lesion and the stent-graft hole. Finally, the angiogram showed sufficient blood flow. A 6-month computed tomography angiogram showed no restenosis of the treated lesion.
Conclusions: The ViaHole technique is an effective recanalization procedure for major branches occluded by Viabahn implantation for iatrogenic complications.
Prophylactic antibiotic for preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia: a pairwise and Bayesian network meta-analysis
Authors: He Zhengfeng , Niu Jianyi , Zha Shanshan , Fu Wei , Huang Qiaoyun , Guan Lili , Zhou Luqian , Chen Rongchang
Published: January 2023

Background
The role of prophylactic antibiotics in preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) for patients undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) remains unclear. This network meta-analysis aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of antibiotic prophylaxis in preventing VAP for IMV population in intensive care unit (ICU).
Methods
We searched the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane Library databases from inception to December 2021, to identify relevant studies assessing the impact of prophylactic antibiotics on the incidence of VAP, mortality, the duration of ICU stays and hospitalization to perform a meta-analysis.
Results
Thirteen studies (2144 patients) were included, twelve of which selected for primary analysis revealed that prophylactic antibiotics resulted in a lower VAP rate compared with control groups (risk ratio [RR] = 0.62). Bayesian network meta-analysis found that aerosolized tobramycin and intravenous ampicillin-sulbactam presented the greatest likelihood to be most efficient regimen for reducing VAP.
Conclusions
Antibiotic prophylaxis may reduce the incidence of VAP, but not mortality, for adult patients undergoing IMV in ICUs. Tobramycin via nebulization and ampicillin-sulbactam via intravenous administration presented the greatest likelihood to be most efficient regimen for preventing VAP. However, well-designed randomized studies are warranted to make definite recommendations.
Distribution of uterocervical angles of pregnant women at 16+0 to 23+6 weeks gestation with low risk for preterm delivery: First Vietnamese cohort of women with singleton pregnancies
Authors: Hoang Trang Nguyen Thi , Van Tam Vu , Quoc Huy Nguyen Vu
Published: January 2023

Background: Cervical length (CL) measured by ultrasound in the second trimester is a predictor of spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB). The uterocervical angle (UCA) has recently been investigated as a parameter to identify women at risk of sPTB. This study aimed to investigate the UCAs’ distribution in singleton pregnant women at 16+0-23+6 weeks of gestation with low risk for sPTB.
Methods: This was a prospective cohort study of 1,051 pregnant women with singleton pregnancies at low risk for preterm delivery. Pregnant women with a viable singleton fetus at 16+0-23+6 weeks of gestation were enrolled in the study conducted at the Haiphong Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vietnam, from 09/2019 to 09/2020.
CL and the UCA were assessed using transvaginal ultrasonography (TVS) by a single sonographer. Subjects were followed-up until the end of pregnancy, and maternal and neonatal outcomes were recorded. The UCAs’ range and their relationship with gestational age were evaluated using regression analysis. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: The normal range of the UCA (5th-95th percentiles) was 46.47° (95% CI, 40.27°-51.81°) to 127.06° (95% CI, 123.02°-130.71°). The UCAs in the preterm birth (<37 weeks) and full-term groups were 117.86°±20.25° and 83.80°±24.18°, respectively (p<0.001). Linear regression analysis showed a significant change in the UCA range from 16+0 to 23+6 weeks of gestation (2.51 degrees per week, p<0.001). The quadratic function yielded the highest correlation coefficient in the variation rule of the UCA values (r2=0.051). A total of 42/63 (66.7%) patients with preterm birth <37 weeks had a UCA above the 75th percentile. The rate of UCA values ≥95° was significantly higher in the sPTB group than in full-term delivery group (88.9% vs. 31.3%, p<0.001).
Conclusions: The UCA values in the preterm birth <37 weeks group were significantly wider in the full-term delivery group (p<0.001), and the majority of women with preterm birth had an UCA ≥ 95° compared with those with full-term delivery (p<0.001). It is advisable to monitor the UCA, especially in pregnant women with a UCA value ≥ 95° at 16+0-23+6 weeks of gestation.
Changes in condylar position during orthodontic treatment depending on the amount of incisor retraction: a cone-beam computed tomography study
Authors: Cho Sang Ah , Chang Pi-En , Koh Bumyeon , Park Younjung , Park Jung Jin , Choi Yoon Jeong
Published: January 2023

Objectives
Orthodontic treatment may be related to temporomandibular disorders through changes in condylar position. This study aimed to evaluate changes in the condylar position during orthodontic treatment and compare those changes depending on the amount of incisal retraction using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images.
Materials and Methods
Fifty-four participants were enrolled and divided into minimal (n = 14), moderate (n = 20), and maximal (n = 20) retraction groups according to the amount of incisor retraction (< 1, 1–6, and > 6 mm, respectively). Changes in the condylar position before (T0) and after (T1) orthodontic treatment were assessed for the superior, anterior, posterior, and medial joint spaces (SJS, AJS, PJS, and MJS, respectively). Changes in joint spaces were compared between T0 and T1 in each group using paired t-tests and among the three groups using analysis of variance.
Results
Anterior movement of the condyle was observed in the maximal retraction group with 0.2 mm decrease in ΔAJS and 0.2 mm increase in ΔPJS, which were significantly greater than those in the minimal retraction group. AJS and PJS showed statistically significant differences between T0 and T1 (P < 0.05) in the maximal retraction group.
Conclusions
The condyle may show a statistically significant but clinically insignificant forward movement in the maximal retraction group. However, it remained in an optimal position in the fossa throughout the orthodontic treatment.
Clinical Relevance
More attention should be paid while examining the signs and symptoms related to the condyle in patients with excessive incisal retraction during orthodontic treatment.
Supply Chain Model for Management of Materials for Construction Projects
Authors: El-Madany Mohamed Eslam , Kotb Mostafa Hassan , Rahim Abdul Rady Abdul , Nagy Alsayed Mohamed
Published: January 2023

The construction industry is the primary economic sector, playing an essential role in the country's economic growth. Construction is famous for exceeding the specified cost and duration of the project compared to other industries due to its high fragmentation. Material costs represent most of the direct costs of a construction project. As an innovative management model, supply chain management provides a new solution for resolving material handling in construction projects. However, the construction supply chain faces many challenges due to changing orders. This study developed a model to track changes in project stages to establish a flexible supply chain. The developed model (KOTB) is divided into three stages (the planning stage, the suppliers stage, and the inventory stage).These stages have input and output data representing the main factors of the construction supply chain. KOTB represents the project cycle of the construction supply chain, in which the user can have a master plan for any project element. The output data are: planning for project and material, supplier selection, inventory levels during the project, and material order (time and quantities). KOTB has been validated through the insertion of three different construction projects (constructing a governmental building, a residential building, and a playground). The result was compared using a manual calculation.
Identification and Validation of Necroptosis-Related Gene Signatures to Predict Clinical Outcomes and Therapeutic Responses in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Wen Xiang-mei , Xu Zi-jun , Ma Ji-chun , Xia Pei-hui , Jin Ye , Chen Xin-yi , Qian Wei , Lin Jiang , Qian Jun
Published: January 2023

Necroptosis is a tightly regulated form of necrotic cell death that promotes inflammation and contributes to disease development. However, the potential roles of necroptosis-related genes (NRGs) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have not been elucidated fully. We conducted a study to identify a robust biomarker signature for predicting the prognosis and immunotherapy efficacy based on NRGs in AML. We analyzed the genetic and transcriptional alterations of NRGs in 151 patients with AML. Then, we identified three necroptosis clusters. Moreover, a necroptosis score was constructed and assessed based on the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the three necroptosis clusters. Three necroptosis clusters were correlated with clinical characteristics, prognosis, the tumor microenvironment, and infiltration of immune cells. A high necroptosis score was positively associated with a diverse prognosis, immune-cell infiltration, expression of programmed cell death 1/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1), immune score, stromal score, interferon-gamma (IFNG), merck18, T-cell dysfunction-score signatures, and cluster of differentiation-86, but negatively correlated with tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion (TIDE) score, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and M2-type tumor-associated macrophages. Our observations indicated that a high necroptosis score might contribute to immune evasion. More interestingly, AML patients with a high necroptosis score may benefit from treatment based on immune checkpoint blockade. Consequently, our findings may contribute to deeper understanding of NRGs in AML, and facilitate assessment of the prognosis and treatment strategies.
In-Silico analysis of HAND subclass bHLH transcription factor in Cardiogenesis
Authors: Choudhury Shouhartha
Published: January 2023

Background: The HANDs are muscle-specific bHLH TFs crucial for proper cardiac and extra-embryonic development. The eHAND and dHAND functioned in developing ventricular chambers (right and left ventricle), aortic arch arteries, cardiac neural crest, endocardium and epicardium. The down-regulated response of the eHAND and dHAND genes reflects permissiveness. A recent report suggested that cardiac hypertrophy intimate eHAND corresponds to cardiomyopathy and dHAND in the atrium. Those reports supported the cardiac muscles may re-initiate a fetal gene result and initiate physiological changes, which allow the heart to recompense.
Objective: In this study, the objective is an investigation of the HAND subclass bHLH transcription factors in mammals. I like to classify the bHLH TFs and discuss the genetic evidence of both eHAND and dHAND genes in cardiogenesis. So, perform bioinformatics and computational tools and techniques to the current knowledge of the HAND subclass bHLH transcription factor in the mammalian genome. This application may be valuable for future functional analysis of particular TFs in different organisms.
Results: The observation data demonstrated that the heart and neural crest derivative transcription factors are present in mammals. The two mammalian genomes' likelihood of Homo sapiens and Mus musculus perform for comparative analysis. Analysis data suggested the eHAND and dHAND genes and a total number of bHLH domains in Homo sapiens and Mus musculus. Also, the conserved domain, motifs, phylogeny, gene expression and chromosome location analysis demonstrated the heart and neural crest derivative factors associated with cardiogenesis.
Conclusion: Over the last decades, a wealth of new reports has been composed of unique genetic and phenotypic characteristics of cardiac morphogenesis. The mutational analysis of the eHAND and dHAND transcription factors enabled precise resolution of specialized function during the developing myocardium. Also, analysis data concluded the muscle-specific transcription factors eHAND and dHAND are associated with cardiac disease and development. In contrast, the tissue-specific bHLH and other TFs lead to the development of myogenesis and vasculogenesis.
Development of negative soil feedback by an invasive plant near the northern limit of its invaded range
Authors: Zhang Vicki M. , Kotanen Peter M.
Published: January 2023

In the Canadian subarctic, the non-native plantLinaria vulgarishas invaded human-disturbed soils in and around the town of Churchill, Manitoba (58.8ºN), but for decades has failed to spread into nearby tundra and taiga communities. One possible explanation for this stasis might be greater resistance by soil communities in uninvaded areas relative to areas where this plant has been long established; however, no local evidence for such plant-soil feedbacks yet exists. In one of the first studies to investigate the role of plant-soil feedbacks in an invasion at high latitudes, we plantedL. vulgarisin soil serially inoculated with live and sterilized field-collected soil that was sampled either from invaded or uninvaded plots within anthropogenically-disturbed areas, and measured plant performance (biomass) over three greenhouse iterations. We also conducted basic soil chemical analyses to determine whether pH, and carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorous contents differ between invaded and uninvaded areas. There was no initial difference in plant biomass between soil inoculation treatments in the first two iterations. However, by iteration 3, we found that sterilization significantly increasedL. vulgarisbiomass in invaded soils, indicating feedback gradually becomes more negative in invaded soils compared to uninvaded soils. Soil chemistry did not differ significantly between invaded and uninvaded soils, though there was a tendency for invaded soils to contain slightly more carbon and nitrogen. These results reject the possibility thanL. vulgarisis absent from uncolonized sites because their soil communities resist invasion. Instead, they provide evidence thatL. vulgarisis inhibited by plant-soil feedbacks in invaded soils, while feedbacks in native-dominated soils do not represent a barrier to further local spread. Thus, explanations for the restriction of this species to anthropogenically modified areas must lie elsewhere.
Working after cancer: Psychological Flexibility and the quality of working life
Authors: Proctor Cecile J. , Reiman Anthony , Best Lisa A.
Published: January 2023

Purpose: Our purpose was to examine associations between the pillars of psychological flexibility (Valued Action, Behavioural Awareness, Openness to Experience) and aspects of quality of working life after a cancer. We examined how the pillars of psychological flexibility mediated relationships between quality of working life and anxiety, depression, and overall life satisfaction. Examining psychological flexibility allows interventions to be targeted for cancer survivors and account for unique, individual needs.
Methods In this cross-sectional study, 230 cancer survivors who were currently employed completed a questionnaire package that included demographic information and measures of Physical Health Problems, Satisfaction with Life, Quality of Working Life in Cancer Survivors, Psychological Flexibility, Anxiety, and Depression.
Results The mediational analyses illustrated how specific pillars of psychological flexibility mediated the relationships between quality of working life and anxiety, depression, and overall satisfaction with life. Overall, psychological flexibility mediated the relationships between physical health and health-related work problems, quality of working life, and satisfaction with life. Further, the Valued Action pillar of psychological flexibility fully mediated the relationship between Quality of Working Life and reported symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Conclusions:Higher psychological flexibility was related to higher satisfaction with working life. Physical and psychological challenges during employment may be improved through interventions that improve psychological flexibility. Actively engagement with activities aligned with personal values is related to more positive outcomes.
Implications for Cancer Survivors: The value of examining the pillars of psychological flexibility is that interventions can be targeted for this population, considering this population's unique needs.
The Impact of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure on Controlling Hypertension in Patients Diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea: An Observational Prospective Cohort study
Authors: Hamdan Alaa Ali Mohammed , Babiker Anas Bedawi , Alhag Omer Ali Mohammed , Ahmed Khabab Abbasher Hussien Mohamed
Published: January 2023

Background
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common type of sleep apnea and is caused by complete or partial obstructions of the upper airway. Evidence has consistently supported the association of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome with an increased prevalence of hypertension. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) has a positive impact in the control of hypertension and so on, decreasing the cardiovascular risk and improving the quality of a patient's life. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of CPAP on controlling hypertension in patients with OAS.
Objectives
To study the impact of continuous positive airway pressure on controlling hypertension in patients having obstructive sleep apnea.
Methods
This was an observational comparative prospective cohort hospital-based study, covering 85 patients of OSA and hypertension presented to the cardiopulmonary department at Royal Care International Hospital; from December 2018 to December 2019. 40 of them received CPAP therapy while 45 did not.
Results
Of all participants 54.0% between 40–60 years, 59.8% were male, 60.3% had university level of education, and 49.1% were employee, 31.7% smoker, 5.8% tobacco snuffing, and 1.1% alcohol consumer. The mean body mass index (BMI) of the CPAP group was 37.3 ± 4.9, non-CPAP group 36.2 ± 3.9. The mean Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) score of the CPAP group was 12.9, non-CPAP group 13.6.At the first visit; the mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) was 155.9 ± 12.4 mmHg, mean diastolic blood pressure(DBP) 95.3 ± 8.7 mmHg in CPAP group; while mean SBP 159.4 ± 11.6 mmHg; mean DBP 96.2 ± 7.1 mmHg in non-CPAP group. After one month, in CPAP group the mean SBP was 137 mmHg (-22 mmHg), mean DBP 83.8 mmHg (-11.5 mmHg), while in non-CPAP group the mean SBP was 148 mmHg (-11 mmHg), mean DBP 90.6 mmHg (-5.6 mmHg). After three months, in CPAP group the mean SBP was 131.6 mmHg (-5.4 mmHg), mean DBP was 79.5 mmHg (-4.3 mmHg), while in non-CPAP group the mean SBP 144.9 mmHg (-3.1 mmHg), mean DBP 85.1 mmHg (-5.5 mmHg). There is significant SBP reduction in the patients with severe OSA (P value 0.046) more than that in moderate OSA.
Conclusion
There was a significant reduction in both SBP & DBP in the CPAP group after one and three months. The difference of SBP reduction was higher in the patients with severe OSA (AHI > 30/h) more than those with moderate OSA (AHI 15–30/h). However, the difference of DBP reduction was not significantly correlated with AHI. Further research is required to know more about OSA and CPAP in our country.
A new taper off treatment of opium dependents can lead to cure the addiction as well as improvement of cognitive functions
Authors: Dezhakam Hossein , Dezhakam Amin , Dezhakam Shani , Haghighatfard Arvin
Published: January 2023

Opium is the dried latex obtained from the opium poppy. Opium addiction is the most prevalent addiction in Iranian society. During the last two decades "congress 60" a nongovernmental organization, has been performed a taper off treatment of opium associated with a package of psychological treatment group classes. Present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of taper off method in opium addiction in Iran, during more than 20 years as well as the effects of the treatment method on addiction associated cognitive dysfunctions.
In present study the taper off treatment method of opium addiction called Dezhakam step time (DST) were assessed. We used data collected via the congress 60 non-governmental organization in Iran dedicated to addiction treatment with DST method, since Jan 2018 until December 2020. In addition, executive functions including memory and decision making were analyzed in a large sample size from addicted subjects which were successfully treated with DST method in Congress 60.
Results showed high number of successful treatment of opium addiction and very low number of substance abuse relapse. Also, significant improvements in memory and decision making were determined in addicts after therapy and these improvements were correlated with duration of individuals' membership in congress 60.
Findings revealed the effectiveness of taper off method in treatment of opium addiction as well as improvement in cognitive functions in opium dependent persons. Findings of the study may help to a better understanding from a novel method of opium addiction treatment called DST and its effects on neuropsychological mechanisms and brain functions of opium dependents.
Laparoscopic Proximal Gastrectomy with Right-Sided Overlap and Single-Flap Valvuloplasty (ROSF): A Case-Series Study
Authors: Peng Wei , Yan Shangcheng , Huang Yikai , Cheng Ming , Liu Tianhua , Ren Rui , Chen Qiang , Zhang Jingyu , Gong Wei , Xing Chungen , Wu Yongyou
Published: January 2023

Background
There is no standard reconstruction method following proximal gastrectomy, of which gastroesophageal reflux and anastomotic complications are of great concern. Though several techniques have been devised to overcome these postoperative complications, such as double tract reconstruction, double-flap technique and side overlap fundoplication by Yamashita, none of them is considered a perfect solution. Herein, we designed a novel method of esophagogastrostomy after laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy (LPG), named right-sided overlap and single-flap valvuloplasty (ROSF).
Methods
Between March 2021 and December 2021, 20 consecutive patients underwent LPG-ROSF at Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University. Surgical outcomes and postoperative complications were recorded. Endoscopy and assessment of gastrointestinal symptoms were performed 1 year after surgery. Nutrition-related parameters including total body weight, hemoglobin, lymphocyte count, serum total protein, serum albumin and serum prealbumin were evaluated 1 year after surgery and compared with those before surgery.
Results
The mean surgery time and anastomosis time was 285.3 ± 71.3 and 61.3 ± 11.2 min respectively. None of the patients had gastrointestinal early postoperative complications. Symptomatic reflux was observed in one patient (5%) while reflux esophagitis (Los Angeles Grade A) was observed in another patient (5%). Four patients (20%) had mild dysphagia (Visick score = II) but none of them had anastomotic stenosis. There were no significant changes in nutritional status postoperatively.
Conclusions
ROSF can be safely performed after LPG and has satisfactory outcomes in preventing reflux and stenosis, and maintaining nutritional status. This technique requires further validation.
Mechanism of action of Rougan Huaxian granules in the regulation of mitochondrial autophagy and inhibition of hepatic stellate cell activation
Authors: Wenfu Zhang , Lei Yang , Ming Dai , Jianlin Lv , Jingjing Huang , Xiaolong Li , Shanshan Wu , Zhenchang Wang
Published: January 2023

Rougan Huaxian granules (RH-gs) can reverse liver fibrosis. However, their mechanism of action remains unknown. We aimed to explore the mechanism of action and effects of RH-gs on the inhibition of activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) by regulation of mitochondrial autophagy. Using real-time PCR, western blot, and ELISA assays, we measured the mRNA and protein levels of TGF-β1, NF-κB p65, p-NF-κB p65, α-SMA, type I collagen, type III collagen, TNF-α, FOXO1, PINK1, Parkin, LC3Ⅱ, Smad2, and p-Smad2 in the HSC-T6 cells post RH-gs-treatment. Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and ROS production were detected using flow cytometry. Our H2O2-induced cellular oxidative stress HSC-T6 model showed that the miR-135a, α-SMA, type Ⅰ collagen, type Ⅲ collagen, TNF-α, p-NF-κB p65, p-Smad2, and TGF-β1 expression and ROS generation was significantly increased, which causes liver fibrosis and inflammation. The FOXO1, PINK1, Parkin, MMP decline rate and LC3 II expression was downregulated, indicating that oxidative stress can inhibit mitochondrial autophagy. The treatment with RH-gs showed significant inhibition of the effects of H2O2. RH-gs can inhibit the activation of HSCs, and its mechanism is associated with the inhibition of miR-135a expression and activation of the FOXO1/PINK1 pathway, which promotes mitochondrial autophagy. So, this study can provide theoretical basis for the treatment of liver fibrosis with RH-gs.
Diagnostic value of qualitative and quantitative parameters of contrast-enhanced ultrasound for differentiating thyroid carcinoma nodules from benign thyroid nodules
Authors: Fan Jinfang , Zhou Wei , Tao Lingling , Zhan Weiwei , Li Weiwei , Kuang Lijun , Zhao Yingyan
Published: January 2023

Objective To explore the diagnostic value of qualitative and quantitative parameters of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) for differentiating thyroid carcinoma nodules and benign thyroid nodules. Method The qualitative and quantitative CEUS parameters of 290 thyroid nodules confirmed by pathology were analyzed retrospectively. The evaluation indexes included wash in, wash out, enhancement degree, enhancement homogeneity, morphology after angiography, and ring enhancement. Results Malignant nodules had an unclear margin, uneven perfusion, and low perfusion (all p < 0.05). The internal peak of malignant nodules was lower than that of benign nodules, the TP at the outer edge of malignant nodules was higher than that of benign nodules, the sharpness at the outer edge of malignant nodules was lower than that of benign nodules, and the AUC at the outer edge of malignant nodules was lower than that of benign nodules (all p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that internal peak and external sharpness were independent risk factors for the diagnosis of differentiated thyroid carcinoma and benign thyroid nodules. Conclusion The qualitative and quantitative analysis of CEUS can provide valuable information for the differential diagnosis of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) and benign thyroid nodules.
The theoretical model of the effective strain establishment for the plate during the snake rolling
Authors: Yang Ruowen , Jiang Lian-yun , Yang Ruo-wen , Xue Zhi-wei , Ma Qi-qi , Huang Zhi-quan
Published: January 2023

The snake rolling for the heavy plate rolling has been verified that it can refine the grain and solve the problem of insufficient deformation in the center of the plate to some extent. The effective strain along the thickness is mainly obtained by the finite element method and the experiments which cost a long time and great material resources. A theoretical model of the effective strain is required to solve the problem. The metal flow model including the shear deformation is established according to the actual asymmetric distribution of stress and strain in the deformation zone. The parabolic roll gap inlet boundary equation is proposed according to the kinematic characteristics of plate rolling. The plastic deformation power, shear power and friction power models are established according to the first variational principle of the rigid plasticity and the principle of virtual velocity. The analytic model to calculate the effective strain of the snake rolling has been established by the principle of minimum energy and the theory of continuum mechanics. The model accuracy has also been verified by the finite element method and the experiments. The minimum and the maximum relative error is 1.33% and 13.44% which is acceptable for industrial applications. This research will provide an important guidance for the process and process parameters setup.