bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Case report: Diagnosis and surgical treatment of delayed traumatic diaphragmatic hernia with hepatothorax and enterothorax in a small dog
Authors: Shao Bing , Liu Yiding , Tai Tiange , Liu Zhaoyang , Han Tianyu , Yang Yu , Fei Shanshan , Wang Shu , Wang Haibin , Chen Tiezhu , Shi Guangliang
Published: June 2024

An 8-year-old castrated male teddy bear dog presented to our clinic with a persistent cough. The sick dog suffered from vehicular trauma 6 months prior to the visit and had imaging and exploratory laparotomy. Imaging and exploratory laparotomy at the time showed no significant damage. We performed contrast radiography (barium gavage) on the sick dog. Based on the results of a complete contrast radiography (barium gavage), tubular shadows in the thoracic cavity were identified as the small intestine and cecum, and delayed traumatic diaphragmatic hernia with hepatothorax and enterothorax was confirmed with radiographs. Accordingly, the sick dog underwent general anesthesia, manual ventilation and diaphragmatic herniorrhaphy by standard ventral midline abdominal approach. Postoperatively, the dog was given analgesia and antibacterial treatment, and the liver biochemical indexes were monitored to prevent endotoxin. Postoperative radiographs revealed clear contours of thoracic and abdominal organs. The dog moved, ate, and urinated normally within 10 days of the surgery. This case provides a reference for a complete barium meal imaging procedure that clearly shows the position of the organs in the thoracoabdominal cavity after the occurrence of a delayed traumatic diaphragmatic hernia. This paper provides a practical reference for the diagnosis of delayed traumatic diaphragmatic hernia with hepatothorax and enterothorax.
Automation in canine science: enhancing human capabilities and overcoming adoption barriers
Authors: Farhat Nareed , van der Linden Dirk , Zamansky Anna , Assif Tal
Published: June 2024

The emerging field of canine science has been slow in adopting automated approaches for data analysis. However, with the dramatic increase in the volume and complexity of the collected behavioral data, this is now beginning to change. This paper aims to systematize the field of automation in canine science. We provide an examination of current automation processes and pipelines by providing a literature review of state-of-the-art studies applying automation in this field. In addition, via an empirical study with researchers in animal behavior, we explore their perceptions and attitudes toward automated approaches for better understanding barriers for a wider adoption of automation. The insights derived from this research could facilitate more effective and widespread utilization of automation within canine science, addressing current challenges and enhancing the analysis of increasingly complex and voluminous behavioral data. This could potentially revolutionize the field, allowing for more objective and quantifiable assessments of dog behavior, which would ultimately contribute to our understanding of dog-human interactions and canine welfare.
Epidemiological investigation of feline chronic gingivostomatitis and its relationship with oral microbiota in Xi’an, China
Authors: Dai Pengxiu , Yang Mingxia , Du Juanjuan , Wang Keyi , Chen Ruiqi , Feng Xiancheng , Chen Chen , Zhang Xinke
Published: June 2024

Feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS) is an ulcerative and/or proliferative disease that typically affects the palatoglossal folds. Because of its unknown pathogenesis and long disease course, it is difficult to treat and has a high recurrence rate. Most of the bacteria in the oral microbiota exist in the mouth symbiotically and maintain a dynamic balance, and when the balance is disrupted, they may cause disease. Disturbance of the oral microbiota may play an important role in the development of FCGS. In this study, the medical records of 3109 cats in three general pet hospitals in Xi ‘an were collected. Sixty-one cats with FCGS were investigated via questionnaires, routine oral examinations and laboratory examinations. Oral microbiota samples were collected from 16 FCGS-affected cats, and microbial species were identified by 16S rDNA sequencing. The results showed that the incidence of FCGS had no significant correlation with age, sex or breed. However, the incidence of FCGS was associated with immunization, a history of homelessness and multicat rearing environments. The number of neutrophils and the serum amyloid A concentration were increased, and the percentage of cells positive for calicivirus antigen was high in all cases. All the cats had different degrees of dental calculus, and there were problems such as loss of alveolar bone or tooth resorption. Compared with those in healthy cats, the bacterial diversity and the abundance of anaerobic bacteria were significantly increased in cats with FCGS. Porphyromonas, Treponemas and Fusobacterium were abundant in the mouths of the affected cats and may be potential pathogens of FCGS. After tooth extraction, a shift could be seen in the composition of the oral microbiota in cats with FCGS. An isolated bacteria obtained from the mouths of the affected cats was homologous to P. gulae. Both the identified oral microbiota and the isolated strain of the cats with FCGS had high sensitivity to enrofloxacin and low sensitivity to metronidazole. This study provides support to current clinical criteria in diagnosing FCGS and proposes a more suitable antibiotic therapy.
The Impact of Air Pollution Controls on Health and Health Inequity Among Middle-Aged and Older Chinese: Evidence From Panel Data
Authors: Zhao Yaxin , Peng Zixuan , Zhou Zhongliang , Zhai Xiaohui , Gong Shaoqing , Shen Chi , Zhang Tianci , Zhao Dantong , Cao Dan
Published: June 2024

Objectives

We evaluated the long-term effects of air pollution controls on health and health inequity among Chinese >45 years of age.

Methods

Data were derived from the China Health Aging and Retirement Longitudinal Survey and the China National Environmental Monitoring Centre. Decreases in PM2.5 and PM10 were scaled to measure air quality controls. We used a quasi-experimental design to estimate the impact of air quality controls on self-reported health and health inequity. Health disparities were estimated using the concentration index and the horizontal index.

Results

Air pollution controls significantly improved self-reported health by 20% (OR 1.20, 95% CI, 1.02–1.42). The poorest group had a 40% (OR 1.41, 95% CI, 0.96–2.08) higher probability of having excellent self-reported health after air pollution controls. A pro-rich health inequity was observed, and the horizontal index decreased after air pollution controls.

Conclusion

Air pollution controls have a long-term positive effect on health and health equity. The poorest population are the main beneficiaries of air pollution controls, which suggests policymakers should make efforts to reduce health inequity in air pollution controls.
EAND-LPRM: Enhanced Attention Network and Decoding for Efficient License Plate Recognition under Complex Conditions
Authors: Chen Shijuan , Li Zongmei , Du Xiaofeng , Nie Qin
Published: June 2024

With the rapid advancement of urban intelligence, there is an increasingly urgent demand for technological innovation in traffic management. License plate recognition technology can achieve high accuracy under ideal conditions but faces significant challenges in complex traffic environments and adverse weather conditions. To address these challenges, we propose the enhanced attention network and decoding for license plate recognition model (EAND-LPRM). This model leverages an encoder to extract features from image sequences and employs a self-attention mechanism to focus on critical feature information, enhancing its capability to handle complex traffic scenarios such as rainy weather and license plate distortion. We have curated and utilized publicly available datasets that closely reflect real-world scenarios, ensuring transparency and reproducibility. Experimental evaluations conducted on these datasets, which include various complex scenarios, demonstrate that the EAND-LPRM model achieves an accuracy of 94%, representing a 6% improvement over traditional license plate recognition algorithms. The main contributions of this research include the development of a novel attention-mechanism-based architecture, comprehensive evaluation on multiple datasets, and substantial performance improvements under diverse and challenging conditions. This study provides a practical solution for automatic license plate recognition systems in dynamic and unpredictable environments.
Light-FC-YOLO: A Lightweight Method for Flower Counting Based on Enhanced Feature Fusion with a New Efficient Detection Head
Authors: Yi Xiaomei , Chen Hanyu , Wu Peng , Wang Guoying , Mo Lufeng , Wu Bowei , Yi Yutong , Fu Xinyun , Qian Pengxiang
Published: June 2024

Fast and accurate counting and positioning of flowers is the foundation of automated flower cultivation production. However, it remains a challenge to complete the counting and positioning of high-density flowers against a complex background. Therefore, this paper proposes a lightweight flower counting and positioning model, Light-FC-YOLO, based on YOLOv8s. By integrating lightweight convolution, the model is more portable and deployable. At the same time, a new efficient detection head, Efficient head, and the integration of the LSKA large kernel attention mechanism are proposed to enhance the model’s feature detail extraction capability and change the weight ratio of the shallow edge and key point information in the network. Finally, the SIoU loss function with target angle deviation calculation is introduced to improve the model’s detection accuracy and target positioning ability. Experimental results show that Light-FC-YOLO, with a model size reduction of 27.2% and a parameter reduction of 39.0%, has a Mean Average Precision (mAP) and recall that are 0.8% and 1.4% higher than YOLOv8s, respectively. In the counting comparison experiment, the coefficient of determination (R2) and Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) of Light-FC-YOLO reached 0.9577 and 8.69, respectively, both superior to lightweight models such as YOLOv8s. The lightweight flower detection method proposed in this paper can efficiently complete flower positioning and counting tasks, providing technical support and reference solutions for automated flower production management.
Effects of Combination of Water-Retaining Agent and Nitrogen Fertilizer on Soil Characteristics and Growth of Winter Wheat under Subsoiling Tillage in South Loess Plateau of China
Authors: Wang Hanbo , Huo Qiuyan , Wang Tieqiang , Lv Guohua , Li Weidong , Ren Jiameng , Zhang Shuantang , Li Jiusheng
Published: June 2024

This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of the combined application of water-retaining agents and nitrogen fertilizers on soil physicochemical properties, bacterial communities, and root growth under winter wheat planting mode in the Guanzhong area of Shaanxi Province. Based on the positioning experiment of dry farming in the loessal soil area of Shaanxi Province, four treatments were set up by using the tillage method of subsoiling + rotary tillage and straw returning: only fertilization (U), only water retention agent sodium polyacrylate (C3H3NaO2)n (S), combined use of water-retaining agent sodium polyacrylate (C3H3NaO2)n and fertilizer (US), and control group CK (no treatment). The ultra-high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA genes of soil bacteria was performed by the Illumina Hiseq platform, and the effects of different tillage measures on soil bacterial diversity and community structure were analyzed. In addition, the effects of these tillage measures on soil physicochemical properties and winter wheat root length density at booting and flowering stages were evaluated. The results indicated that the combination of the water-retaining agent and fertilizer markedly enhanced the contents of ammonium nitrogen, available phosphorus, and available potassium in the 0~20 cm soil layer, significantly increased the soil moisture content, and promoted the deep growth of roots. The root length density was 4.70 times higher than that of the control group at the booting stage. In addition, the combined application alleviated the decrease in soil microbial diversity caused by individual fertilization, especially significantly increasing the abundance of Gemmatimonadetes, Acidobacteria, and Planctomycetes in the 0~10 cm soil layer. This study reveals the potential of the combined use of water retention agents and fertilizers to optimize the soil environment and enhance winter wheat yield, which provides a scientific basis for improving local agricultural practices.
Dependence of Metolachlor Adsorption by Biochar on Soil Properties in South China
Authors: Wei Lan , Huang Lianxi , Li Xiang , Huang Yufen , Chen Weisheng , Ma Rui , Liu Zhongzhen
Published: June 2024

Sorption is the most important process influencing the amount of herbicide retained in soils. The special properties of biochar could influence the soil retention of pollutants through adsorption. However, the detailed sorption mechanisms as influenced before and after applying biochar to soils with different properties are unclear. This study examined the sorption characteristics of metolachlor using soil samples collected from South China. Sorption experiments were conducted using a batch equilibration method. After comparing the metolachlor sorption constants observed for all soil samples, our results showed that the application of biochar significantly increased the capacity of metolachlor adsorption. Without biochar, sorption capacity (Kf) was positively related to soil organic matter and to a soil particle size of 0.002–0.02 mm in soils developed from granite, of 0.002–0.02 mm in soils developed from delta shockwaves, and of 0.002–0.02 mm, together with complex iron oxide and total iron content, in soils developed from arenaceous shale. Moreover, sorption capacity (Kf) with biochar was positively related to peroxidase in soils developed from granite and to dissociative iron oxide and total iron content in soils developed from arenaceous shale. Our results show that biochar greatly affects metolachlor sorption behavior, probably because of qualitative differences in the structural characteristics of soils with different developmental parent materials and properties.
Application of Statistical Learning Algorithms in Thermal Stress Assessment in Comparison with the Expert Judgment Inherent to the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI)
Authors: Bröde Peter , Fiala Dusan , Kampmann Bernhard
Published: June 2024

This study concerns the application of statistical learning (SL) in thermal stress assessment compared to the results accomplished by an international expert group when developing the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI). The performance of diverse SL algorithms in predicting UTCI equivalent temperatures and in thermal stress assessment was assessed by root mean squared errors (RMSE) and Cohen’s kappa. A total of 48 predictors formed by 12 variables at four consecutive 30 min intervals were obtained as the output of an advanced human thermoregulation model, calculated for 105,642 conditions from extreme cold to extreme heat. Random forests and k-nearest neighbors closely predicted UTCI equivalent temperatures with an RMSE about 3 °C. However, clustering applied after dimension reduction (principal component analysis and t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding) was inadequate for thermal stress assessment, showing low to fair agreement with the UTCI stress categories (Cohen’s kappa < 0.4). The findings of this study will inform the purposeful application of SL in thermal stress assessment, where they will support the biometeorological expert.
Analysis of Particle Number Emissions in a Retrofitted Heavy-Duty Spark Ignition Engine Powered by LPG
Authors: Bermúdez Vicente , Piqueras Pedro , Sanchis Enrique José , Conde Brayan
Published: June 2024

This study aims to examine the particle number (PN) emissions of a retrofitted heavy-duty spark ignition (HD-SI) engine powered by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) under both steady-state and transient conditions. The engine was tested under seven steady-state operating points to investigate the PN behavior and particle size distribution (PSD) upstream and downstream of the three-way catalyst (TWC). This analysis intends to assess the impact of including particles with diameters ranging from 10 nm to 23 nm on the total particle count, a consideration for future regulations. The study employed the World Harmonized Transient Cycle (WHTC) for transient conditions to encompass the same engine working region as is used in the steady-state analysis. A Dekati FPS-4000 diluted the exhaust sample to measure the PSD and PN for particle diameters between 5.6 nm and 560 nm using the TSI-Engine Exhaust Particle Sizer (EEPS) 3090. The findings indicate that PN levels tend to increase downstream of the TWC under steady-state conditions in operating points with low exhaust gas temperatures and flows (equal to or less than 500 °C and 120 kg/h). Furthermore, the inclusion of particles with diameters between 10 nm and 23 nm leads to an increase in PN emissions by 17.70% to 40.84% under steady conditions and by an average of 40.06% under transient conditions, compared to measurements that only consider particles larger than 23 nm. Notably, in transient conditions, most PN emissions occur during the final 600 s of the cycle, linked to the most intense phase of the WHTC.
Machine Learning Approach for the Estimation of Henry’s Law Constant Based on Molecular Descriptors
Authors: Ullah Atta , Shaheryar Muhammad , Lim Ho-Jin
Published: June 2024

In atmospheric chemistry, the Henry’s law constant (HLC) is crucial for understanding the distribution of organic compounds across gas, particle, and aqueous phases. Quantitative structure–property relationship (QSPR) models described in scientific research are generally tailored to specific groups or categories of substances and are often developed using a limited set of experimental data. This study developed a machine learning model using an extensive dataset of experimental HLCs for approximately 1100 organic compounds. Molecular descriptors calculated using alvaDesc software (v 2.0) were used to train the models. A hybrid approach was adopted for feature selection, ensuring alignment with the domain knowledge. Based on the root mean squared error (RMSE) of the training and test data after cross-validation, Gradient Boosting (GB) was selected as a model for predicting HLC. The hyperparameters of the selected model were optimized using the automated hyperparameter optimization framework Optuna. The impact of features on the target variable was assessed using the SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP). The optimized model demonstrated strong performance across the training, evaluation, and test datasets, achieving coefficients of determination (R2) of 0.96, 0.78, and 0.74, respectively. The developed model was used to estimate the HLC of compounds associated with carbon capture and storage (CCS) emissions and secondary organic aerosols.
Rainy Season Migration across the Northeast Coast of Brazil Related to Sea Surface Temperature Patterns
Authors: Pereira Marcos Paulo Santos , Couto Fabiana , Schumacher Vanúcia , Silva Fabrício Daniel dos Santos , Barros Gomes Helber , da Silva Djane Fonseca , Gomes Heliofábio Barros , Costa Rafaela Lisboa , Justino Flávio B. , Herdies Dirceu Luís
Published: June 2024

Accurate regional seasonal forecasts of the rainy season are essential for the implementation of effective socioeconomic activities and policy. However, current characteristics of the period of occurrence of the rainy season in the Eastern Northeast Brazil (ENEB) region demonstrated that maximum precipitation varies substantially depending on the period analyzed. From 1972 to 2002, the rainy season occurred during the June–July–August (JJA) quarter, while from 1981 to 2011, it occurred in the April–May–June (AMJ) quarter. To access how these differences may be due to different patterns of sea surface temperature (SST), using observed precipitation and SST data from NOAA for the period from 1982 to 2018, this study identified the spatial patterns of inter-annual changes in Pacific and Atlantic SST related to the occurrence of the ENEB rainy seasons. We focus on the statistical method of symmetric mean absolute percentage error (sMAPE) for forecasting these periods based on SST information. Our results revealed five different quarterly periods (FMA, MAM, AMJ, MJJ, JJA) to the rainy season, in which MJJ is more prevalent. The sMAPE values of the SST patterns are inversely proportional to precipitation in the ENEB. Hence, it may be concluded that our climate analysis demonstrates that seasonal SST patterns can be used for forecasting the period of the rainy season.
Paradoxes: Cholesterol and Hypoxia in Preeclampsia
Authors: Hart Nancy R.
Published: June 2024

Preeclampsia, a hypertensive disease of pregnancy of unknown etiology, is intensely studied as a model of cardiovascular disease (CVD) not only due to multiple shared pathologic elements but also because changes that develop over decades in CVD appear and resolve within days in preeclampsia. Those affected by preeclampsia and their offspring experience increased lifetime risks of CVD. At the systemic level, preeclampsia is characterized by increased cellular, membrane, and blood levels of cholesterol; however, cholesterol-dependent signaling, such as canonical Wnt/βcatenin, Hedgehog, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase, is downregulated indicating a cholesterol deficit with the upregulation of cholesterol synthesis and efflux. Hypoxia-related signaling in preeclampsia also appears to be paradoxical with increased Hypoxia-Inducible Factors in the placenta but measurably increased oxygen in maternal blood in placental villous spaces. This review addresses the molecular mechanisms by which excessive systemic cholesterol and deficient cholesterol-dependent signaling may arise from the effects of dietary lipid variance and environmental membrane modifiers causing the cellular hypoxia that characterizes preeclampsia.
Neutrophil–Lymphocyte Ratio Values in Schizophrenia: A Comparison between Oral and Long-Acting Antipsychotic Therapies
Authors: Messina Antonino , Bella Fabrizio , Maccarone Giuliana , Rodolico Alessandro , Signorelli Maria Salvina
Published: June 2024

Background: Schizophrenia is a mental disorder affecting approximately 0.32% of the global population, according to the World Health Organization. Antipsychotic medications are used to treat this condition by inhibiting D2 dopamine and 5HT2 serotonin receptors. The selection of the appropriate mode of delivery for these drugs is based on factors such as patient adherence, clinical presentation, and patient preferences. However, additional drivers of treatment selection are required in clinical practice. Mounting evidence suggests that neuroinflammation plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. NLR, a cost-effective biomarker of inflammation, has increased in several psychiatric conditions and may represent a valid method for studying the inflammatory stage in schizophrenia, relapse, and the first episode of psychosis. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether there are any variations in NLR values between patients given oral antipsychotics and those given long-acting antipsychotics. Methods: The study included 50 individuals with schizophrenia, either acute or in the follow-up phase. NLR was obtained by calculating the ratio of absolute neutrophil count (cells/μL) and absolute lymphocyte count (cells/μL). Results: Patients on long-acting antipsychotics exhibited significantly lower mean NLR scores (1.5 ± 0.7) compared to those on oral antipsychotics (2.2 ± 1.3) (p < 0.05). Conclusions: NLR appears promising as a neuroinflammatory biomarker. This study reveals significantly lower NLR values in patients on long-acting antipsychotics, which may signify reduced systemic inflammation and improved adherence.
Mechanical Performance Analysis and Parametric Study of the Transition Section of a Hybrid Cable-Stayed Suspension Bridge
Authors: Jia Lijun , Xu Jiawei , Luo Kedian , Li Weihui , Liu Yangqing , Pei Huiteng
Published: June 2024

Hybrid cable-stayed suspension (HCSS) bridges enjoy broad application prospects due to their excellent stability and economic benefits. The mechanical response of the transition section between the two subsystems of this novel bridge type is a common concern in the design and use stages. This paper took the design scheme of an HCSS bridge with a main span of 1440 m as the research object. A global finite element model (FEM) of the example bridge and local finite element models of the transition section were established, and the mechanical performance of the subsystem and components of the transition section was investigated. Moreover, parametric studies were conducted to investigate the influences of varies structural parameters on the mechanical performance of the transition sections of HCSS bridges. The results show that the mechanical behavior suddenly changes significantly at the transition between the cable-stayed section and the suspension section. Performance mutations in the transition section of a HCSS bridge can be improved by changing structural parameters, such as the transition section length, the number of cross cables, the area of the outermost cables, and the distance between the outermost cables and adjacent cables. The present findings may provide a reference for the better understandings and design of HCSS bridges.
Analysis of Progressive Collapse Resistance in Precast Concrete Frame with a Novel Connection Method
Authors: Xu Qinghu , Qian Junjie , Zhang Yu , Tang Liping , Man Dawei , Zhen Xuezhi , Han Tingting
Published: June 2024

The configuration of beam–column joints in precast concrete (PC) building structures varies widely, and different connection methods significantly affect the progressive collapse resistance of the structure. This study investigates the progressive collapse resistance of an innovative beam–column connection node frame. Finite element models of four-story, two-span space frame structures made of reinforced concrete (RC) and PC were developed using ANSYS 14.0/LS-DYNA R5.x software, employing nonlinear dynamic and static analysis to examine structural collapse behavior under bottom middle or corner column damage. Numerical results indicate that following the failure of the middle or corner column due to explosion loading, the vertical displacement and collapse rate of the PC structure with the novel connection method are less than those of the RC structure during collapse progression. Furthermore, upon removal of the middle or corner column, the residual load-carrying capacity of the PC structure with the innovative connection increased by 7% and 3.7%, respectively, compared to the RC structure. This suggests that PC structures with this type of connection demonstrate superior performance in resisting progressive collapse, offering valuable insights for future engineering applications.
The Multifaceted Functionality of Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells in Gastrointestinal Cancers: A Potential Therapeutic Target?
Authors: Hansen Frederik J. , David Paul , Weber Georg F.
Published: June 2024

Gastrointestinal (GI) tumors pose a significant global health burden, necessitating the exploration of novel therapeutic approaches. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) play a crucial role in tumor immunity, exhibiting both anti-tumor and pro-tumor effects. This review aims to summarize the role of pDCs in different types of GI tumors and assess their potential as therapeutic targets. In gastric cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, increased infiltration of pDCs was associated with a worse outcome, whereas in esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer, and colorectal cancer, pDC infiltration improved the outcome. Initial animal studies of gastric cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma showed that pDCs could be a successful therapeutic target. In conclusion, pDCs play a multifaceted role in GI tumors, influencing both anti-tumor immunity and tumor progression. Further research is needed to optimize their clinical application and explore combinatorial approaches.
Clinical Importance of Grading Tumor Spread through Air Spaces in Early-Stage Small-Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Lee Jeong Hyeon , Kang Younggjn , Kim Seojin , Jung Youggi , Chung Jae Ho , Lee Sungho , Yi Eunjue
Published: June 2024

This study aimed to identify the clinical manifestation and implications according to the grading of tumor spread through air spaces in early-stage small (≤2 cm) pathological stage I non-mucinous lung adenocarcinomas. Medical records of patients with pathological stage I tumors sized ≤2 cm were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. The furthest distance of the spread through air spaces from the tumor margin was measured on a standard-length scale (mm). Enrolled patients were categorized into spread through air spaces (STAS) (−) and STAS (+), and STAS (+) was subdivided according to its furthest distance as follows: STAS (+)-L (<2 mm) and STAS (+)-H (≥2 mm). Risk factors for STAS (+) included papillary predominant subtype (p = 0.027), presence of micropapillary patterns (p < 0.001), and EGFR (p = 0.039). The overall survival of the three groups did not differ significantly (p = 0.565). The recurrence-free survival of STAS (+)-H groups was significantly lower than those of STAS (−) and STAS (+)-L (p < 0.001 and p = 0.039, respectively). A number of alveolar spaces were definite risk factors for STAS (+)-H groups (p < 0.001), and male gender could be one (p = 0.054). In the patient group with small (≤2 cm) pathological stage I lung adenocarcinomas, the presence of STAS ≥ 2 mm was related to significantly lower recurrence-free survival. For identifying definite risk factors for the presence of farther STAS, more precise analysis from a larger study population should be undertaken.
Shifting from Immunohistochemistry to Screen for ALK Rearrangements: Real-World Experience in a Large Single-Center Cohort of Patients with Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Ilié Marius , Goffinet Samantha , Rignol Guylène , Lespinet-Fabre Virginie , Lalvée Salomé , Bordone Olivier , Zahaf Katia , Bonnetaud Christelle , Washetine Kevin , Lassalle Sandra , Long-Mira Elodie , Heeke Simon , Hofman Véronique , Hofman Paul
Published: June 2024

The identification of ALK fusions in advanced non-small-cell lung carcinoma (aNSCLC) is mandatory for targeted therapy. The current diagnostic approach employs an algorithm using ALK immunohistochemistry (IHC) screening, followed by confirmation through ALK FISH and/or next-generation sequencing (NGS). Challenges arise due to the infrequency of ALK fusions (3–7% of aNSCLC), the suboptimal specificity of ALK IHC and ALK FISH, and the growing molecular demands placed on small tissue samples, leading to interpretative, tissue availability, and time-related issues. This study investigates the effectiveness of RNA NGS as a reflex test for identifying ALK fusions in NSCLC, with the goal of replacing ALK IHC in the systematic screening process. The evaluation included 1246 NSCLC cases using paired techniques: ALK IHC, ALK FISH, and ALK NGS. ALK IHC identified 51 positive cases (4%), while RNA NGS detected ALK alterations in 59 cases (4.8%). Of the 59 ALK-positive cases identified via NGS, 53 (89.8%) were confirmed to be positive. This included 51 cases detected via both FISH and IHC, and 2 cases detected only via FISH, as they were completely negative according to IHC. The combined reporting time for ALK IHC and ALK FISH averaged 13 days, whereas ALK IHC and RNA NGS reports were obtained in an average of 4 days. These results emphasize the advantage of replacing systematic ALK IHC screening with RNA NGS reflex testing for a more comprehensive and accurate assessment of ALK status.
Ensemble Deep Learning-Based Image Classification for Breast Cancer Subtype and Invasiveness Diagnosis from Whole Slide Image Histopathology
Authors: Balasubramanian Aadhi Aadhavan , Al-Heejawi Salah Mohammed Awad , Singh Akarsh , Breggia Anne , Ahmad Bilal , Christman Robert , Ryan Stephen T. , Amal Saeed
Published: June 2024

Cancer diagnosis and classification are pivotal for effective patient management and treatment planning. In this study, a comprehensive approach is presented utilizing ensemble deep learning techniques to analyze breast cancer histopathology images. Our datasets were based on two widely employed datasets from different centers for two different tasks: BACH and BreakHis. Within the BACH dataset, a proposed ensemble strategy was employed, incorporating VGG16 and ResNet50 architectures to achieve precise classification of breast cancer histopathology images. Introducing a novel image patching technique to preprocess a high-resolution image facilitated a focused analysis of localized regions of interest. The annotated BACH dataset encompassed 400 WSIs across four distinct classes: Normal, Benign, In Situ Carcinoma, and Invasive Carcinoma. In addition, the proposed ensemble was used on the BreakHis dataset, utilizing VGG16, ResNet34, and ResNet50 models to classify microscopic images into eight distinct categories (four benign and four malignant). For both datasets, a five-fold cross-validation approach was employed for rigorous training and testing. Preliminary experimental results indicated a patch classification accuracy of 95.31% (for the BACH dataset) and WSI image classification accuracy of 98.43% (BreakHis). This research significantly contributes to ongoing endeavors in harnessing artificial intelligence to advance breast cancer diagnosis, potentially fostering improved patient outcomes and alleviating healthcare burdens.
Mechanisms Underlying the Development of Murine T-Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma/Leukemia Induced by Total-Body Irradiation
Authors: Sado Toshihiko , Cart John B. , Lee Chang-Lung
Published: June 2024

Exposure to ionizing radiation is associated with an increased risk of hematologic malignancies in myeloid and lymphoid lineages in humans and experimental mice. Given that substantial evidence links radiation exposure with the risk of hematologic malignancies, it is imperative to deeply understand the mechanisms underlying cellular and molecular changes during the latency period between radiation exposure and the emergence of fully transformed malignant cells. One experimental model widely used in the field of radiation and cancer biology to study hematologic malignancies induced by radiation exposure is mouse models of radiation-induced thymic lymphoma. Murine radiation-induced thymic lymphoma is primarily driven by aberrant activation of Notch signaling, which occurs frequently in human precursor T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LBL) and T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). Here, we summarize the literature elucidating cell-autonomous and non-cell-autonomous mechanisms underlying cancer initiation, progression, and malignant transformation in the thymus following total-body irradiation (TBI) in mice.
Plasmatic Inactive IL-18 Predicts a Worse Overall Survival for Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer with Early Metabolic Progression after Immunotherapy Initiation
Authors: Janho dit Hreich Serena , Humbert Olivier , Pacé-Loscos Tanguy , Schiappa Renaud , Juhel Thierry , Ilié Marius , Ferrari Victoria , Benzaquen Jonathan , Hofman Paul , Vouret-Craviari Valérie
Published: June 2024

The aim of this study was to assess the potential value of circulating active and inactive IL-18 levels in distinguishing pseudo and true tumor progression among NSCLC patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor treatments (ICIs). Methods: This ancillary study includes 195 patients with metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with ICI in monotherapy, either pembrolizumab or nivolumab. Plasmatic levels of IL-18-related compounds, comprising the inhibitor IL-18 binding protein (IL-18BP), the inactive IL-18 (corresponding to IL-18/IL-18BP complex), and the active free IL-18, were assayed by ELISA. Objective tumoral response was analyzed by 18FDG PET-CT at baseline, 7 weeks, and 3 months post treatment induction, using PERCIST criteria. Results: Plasmatic IL-18BP and total IL-18 levels are increased at baseline in NSCLC patients compared with healthy controls, whereas IL-18/IL-18BP complexes are decreased, and free IL-18 levels remain unchanged. Neither of the IL-18-related compounds allowed to discriminate ICI responding to nonresponding patients. However, inactive IL-18 levels allowed to discriminate patients with a first tumor progression, assessed after 7 weeks of treatment, with worse overall survival. In addition, we showed that neutrophil concentration is also a predictive indicator of patients’ outcomes with OS (HR = 2.6, p = 0.0001) and PFS (HR = 2.2, p = 0.001). Conclusions: Plasmatic levels of inactive IL-18, combined with circulating neutrophil concentrations, can effectively distinguish ICI nonresponding patients with better overall survival (OS), potentially guiding rapid decisions for therapeutic intensification.
Effect of Casting Temperature Control on Microstructure and Properties of Continuously Cast Zr-Based Bulk Metallic Glass Slabs
Authors: Yang Erxu , Ding Tao , Ren Tingzhi
Published: June 2024

In this study, a novel crawler-type continuous casting (CC) technology was designed to efficiently and cost-effectively produce bulk metallic glass (BMG) slabs. As a crucial process parameter, casting temperature has a significant impact on the operation of CC devices and the quality of slabs. CC experiments of the Zr41.2Ti13.8Cu12.5Ni10.0Be22.5 (Vit1) BMG slab were carried out at the casting temperatures of 1073 K, 1123 K, and 1173 K, and the microstructure and properties of slab samples were analyzed and studied. The experimental results indicate that the BMG slabs can be prepared by CC at 1173 K and 1123 K. When the temperature is reduced to 1073 K, the Be12Ti crystal phase precipitates inside the CC slab, which has a certain impact on the thermal stability and compressive performance of the slab. The control of casting temperature does not affect the glass-forming ability (GFA) of the slab in the CC process.
Microstructure and Tribological Properties of HVOF-Sprayed Nanostructured WC-12Co/Fe3O4 Coatings
Authors: Żórawski Wojciech , Góral Anna , Bokuvka Otakar , Makrenek Medard , Vicen Martin
Published: June 2024

Due to wear and improper operation, many machine parts become useless, which is why issues of friction and wear remain constantly relevant across all industrial sectors. This paper presents the results of research on the microstructure and properties of a nanostructural composite coating containing solid lubricant. The coating was deposited from a mixture of nanostructural WC-12Co powder and nanostructural Fe3O4 powder using HVOF spraying. Despite significant differences in grain size and density of both powders, the deposited coating consisted of WC-12Co matrix containing evenly distributed Fe3O4. The XRD analysis of the coating confirmed the presence of both components and the presence of W2C, which resulted from the decarburization of WC due to the high temperature during the spraying process. Furthermore, the microstructure analysis of the coatings confirmed that they contained both nanostructural WC and Fe3O4 grains that were present in the feedstock. The coefficients of friction, microhardness, and wear of the nanostructured composite coatings were determined using an experimental binomial program. Based on the ANOVA conducted, it was determined that the most significant impact on the friction coefficient is the Fe3O4 content in the sprayed mixture, while the oxygen to propane ratio affects the microhardness. For the wear of nanostructural composite coatings, the most important parameter is the spraying distance.
Microstructure and Properties of Ti6Al4V Surface Processed by Continuous Wave Laser in Different Atmospheres
Authors: Huang Lei , Li Lei , Zhao Yanfei , Liu Yaoyao , Zheng Hongyu , Du Zhongchen , Liu Jian
Published: June 2024

Titanium alloys are considered lightweight alloys and are widely applied across various industries. However, titanium alloys are prone to wearing out or galvanic corrosion. In this paper, Ti6Al4V alloy was scanned by using a continuous laser in different atmospheres to prepare composite hardening coatings. The scanning speed was varied to adjust the heat input. When the alloy was irradiated in air, a whole coating composed of TiO2 and TiN was fabricated. With the increase in scanning speed from 10 mm/s to 20 mm/s, the melting area of the surface decreased from about 1.8 mm to 0 mm, but the thickness of the coatings underwent no significant change. When prepared under compressed oxygen with a speed of 10 mm/s, a coating with a thickness of about 60 μm was prepared. In addition, the layered phenomenon occurred, and an N-enriched layer was formed at the bottom of the coating. The coatings were composed of TiO2, TiN and Ti. With the increase in the scanning speed, the thickness of the coatings decreased obviously. The testing results show that the hardness of samples Ti-A10 and Ti-O10 increased by around 160% and 140% over that of untreated samples, respectively. The anti-corrosion performance of the samples treated via laser scanning was also improved.
Delayed Traumatic Rupture of the Spleen in a Patient with Mantle Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma after an In-Hospital Fall: A Fatal Case
Authors: Albano Giuseppe Davide , Zerbo Stefania , Spanò Mario , Grassi Nello , Maresi Emiliano , Florena Ada Maria , Argo Antonina
Published: June 2024

Splenic rupture and hematoma are significant complications that can occur in patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Understanding these associated complications is essential for optimal patient management and enhanced patient outcomes. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses are crucial in diagnosing NHL and assessing splenic involvement. In this study, a judicial autopsy had been requested by the Prosecutor’s Office for a malpractice claim due to a fall in the hospital. In the Emergency Department, a 72-year-old man fell from a gurney and reported sustaining a wound to his forehead. No other symptoms were reported. A face and brain CT scan showed no abnormalities. Nine days after discharge, the patient presented with abdominal pain. An abdominal CT revealed splenic rupture and hemoperitoneum. The patient underwent open splenectomy but showed signs of hemodynamic shock and subsequently died. The evidence from the autopsy allowed us to diagnose mantle cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma with spleen involvement, previously unknown. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses were performed to assess the diagnosis of splenic rupture and estimate its timing. The findings strongly suggest that the splenic rupture was associated with the patient’s fall and the pre-existing malignancy. This case highlights the importance of considering an underlying hematological malignancy when investigating delayed splenic rupture. An immunohistochemical study of spleen samples allowed the timing of splenic hematoma and rupture to be assessed, leading to the establishment of a causal relationship with trauma.
Surgical Therapy of Infective Prosthesis Endocarditis following TAVI: A Single Center’s Experience
Authors: Weymann Alexander , Merzah Ali Saad , Arjomandi Rad Arian , Amanov Lukman , Athanasiou Thanos , Schmack Bastian , Popov Aron-Frederik , Ruhparwar Arjang , Zubarevich Alina
Published: June 2024

Background/Objectives: Infective prosthesis endocarditis (IE) following transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) presents significant management challenges, marked by high mortality rates. This study reviews our center’s experience with surgical interventions for IE in patients post-TAVI, focusing on outcomes, challenges, and procedural complexities, and providing an overview of the limited literature surrounding this subject. Methods: This study was executed as a comprehensive retrospective analysis, targeting the clinical outcomes of surgical treatment in patients presenting with PVE following TAVI procedures at our institution. From July 2017 to July 2022, we identified five patients who had previously undergone transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation and were later diagnosed with PVE needing surgery, strictly adhering to the modified Duke criteria. Results: All surgical procedures were reported successful with no intra- or postoperative mortality. Patients were predominantly male (80%), with an average age of 76 ± 8.6 years, presenting mostly with dyspnea (NYHA Class II). The mean follow-up was between 121 and 1973 days, with outcomes showing no occurrences of stroke, myocardial infarction, or major bleeding. One patient expired from unrelated causes 3.7 years post-surgery. The operative and postoperative protocols demonstrated effective disease management with enhanced survival and minimal complications. Conclusions: The surgical treatment of IE following TAVI, though challenging, can be successfully achieved with careful patient selection and a multidisciplinary approach. The favorable outcomes suggest that surgical intervention remains a viable option for managing this high-risk patient group. Our study also highlights the scarce literature available on this topic, suggesting an urgent need for more comprehensive research to enhance understanding and improve treatment strategies. Future studies with larger cohorts are needed to further validate these findings and refine surgical strategies for this growing patient population.
A Symmetric Form of the Clausius Statement of the Second Law of Thermodynamics
Authors: Xue Ti-Wei , Zhao Tian , Guo Zeng-Yuan
Published: June 2024

Bridgman once reflected on thermodynamics that the laws of thermodynamics were formulated in their present form by the great founders of thermodynamics, Kelvin and Clausius, before all the essential physical facts were in, and there has been no adequate reexamination of the fundamentals since. Thermodynamics still has unknown possibilities waiting to be explored. This paper begins with a brief review of Clausius’s work on the second law of thermodynamics and a reassessment of the content of Clausius’s statement. The review tells that what Clausius originally referred to as the second law of thermodynamics was, in fact, the theorem of equivalence of transformations (TET) in a reversible cycle. On this basis, a new symmetric form of Clausius’s TET is proposed. This theorem says that the two transformations, i.e., the transformation of heat to work and the transformation of work from high pressure to low pressure, should be equivalent in a reversible work-to-heat cycle. New thermodynamic cyclic laws are developed on the basis of the cycle with two work reservoirs (two pressures), which enriches the fundamental of the second law of thermodynamics.
Bibliometric Analysis of Renewable Natural Gas (Biomethane) and Overview of Application in Brazil
Authors: Machado Mônica Valéria dos Santos , Ávila Ivonete , de Carvalho João Andrade
Published: June 2024

In view of the increasing demand for clean energy and the growing awareness of environmental sustainability, a bibliometric study examines the various facets of renewable natural gas (biomethane). Sustainable fuels are gaining importance as an alternative to fossil fuels because they are renewable and can reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, an overview of the use of biomethane was compiled for Brazil. The country was chosen because it is the authors’ home country. These emerging energy sources have the potential to play a critical role in the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable and cost-effective energy landscape, thereby reducing environmental impact and strengthening the resilience of our energy future.