bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experimental Study on Water Stability of Leachate Sludge Solidified /Stabilized by Sulfoaluminate Cement Combined with municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI)
Authors: Liang Shihua , Zhou Lirui , Ou Zhisheng , Feng Deluan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The leachate sludge is a by-product of municipal solid waste (MSW) leachate disposed by biochemical treatment. In this study, the leachate sludge was solidified with sulfoaluminate cement (SAC) blended with a certain amount of municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) fly ash. The sludge and cement were mixed well according to a certain ratio, placed in a standard curing box for 28 d and then taken out for water immersion test, with the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and water softening resistance coefficient (Rf) of the sludge-cement solidified body as the evaluation indexes. In order to explore the water stability of sulfoaluminate cement combined with municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) fly ash solidified stabilized leachate sludge, the test of strength properties of fly ash-sulfoaluminate cement solidified sludge under immersion conditions was carried out. Fly ash showed good effect in improving the water stability of leachate sludge, and the test results showed that: MSWI fly ash is an effective auxiliary curing agent for sulfoaluminate cement curing leachate sludge, but fly ash doping is not the higher the better, under the condition of the same cement doping, each group of curing specimens for the strength enhancement at 28d have an optimal fly ash doping, which are 10% (cement doping ≤ 20%) and 15% (cement dosage >20%). It can be concluded from the water stability experiments that, in the case of less total curing agent dosage, replacing 10% of cement with 10% of fly ash can achieve better curing effect of leachate sludge, while in the case of more curing agent dosage, the curing effect is better when only cement is used as the curing agent.
Predictive value of dynamic diffusion tensor imaging for surgical outcomes in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy
Authors: Wang Xiaoyun , Tian Xiaonan , Zhang Yujin , Zhao Baogen , Wang Ning , Gao Ting , Zhang Li 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background： Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is the most common chronic spinal cord injury with poor surgical and neurologic recovery in the advanced stages of the disease. DTI parameters can serve as important biomarkers for CSM prognosis. The study aimed to investigate the predictive value of dynamic diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) for the postoperative outcomes of CSM.
Methods: One hundred and five patients with CSM who underwent surgery were included in this study. Patients were assessed using mJOA before and one year after surgery and then divided into groups with good (≥50%) and poor (<50%) prognoses according to the rate of recovery. All patients underwent preoperative dynamic magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine, including T2WI and DTI in natural（N）, extension （E）, and flexion（F） positions. Cross-sectional area, fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) were measured at the narrowest level in three neck positions. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to identify risk factors for poor postoperative recovery based on clinical characteristics, dynamic T2WI, and DTI parameters. Predictive models were developed for three different neck positions.
Results: Forty-four (41.9%) patients had a good postoperative prognosis, and 61 (58.1%) had a poor prognosis. Univariate analysis showed statistically significant differences in diabetes, number of compression segments, preoperative score, cross-sectional area ((Area-N), (Area-E), (Area-F)), ADC(ADC-N), (ADC-E), (ADC-F)) and FA (natural neck position (FA-N), (FA-E), (FA-F)) (p<0.05). Multivariable logistic regression showed that natural neck position: Area-N ([OR] 0.226; [CI] 0.069-0.732, p=0.013), FA-N ([OR] 3.028; [CI] 1.12-8.19, p=0.029);extension neck position:Area-E ([OR]0.248;[CI]0.076-0.814,p=0.021),FA-E ([OR]4.793;[CI]1.737-13.228,p=0.002); And flextion postion: Area-F([OR] 0.288; [CI] 0.095-0.87, p=0.027), FA-F ([OR] 2.964; [CI] 1.126-7.801, p=0.028) were independent risk factors for poor prognosis.The area under the curve (AUC) of the prediction models in the natural neck position, extension neck position and flexion neck positions models were 0.734, 0.760 and 0.730, respectively.
Conclusion: Dynamic DTI can predict postoperative outcomes in CSM. Reduced FA in the extension position is a valid predictor of poor postoperative neurological recovery in patients with CSM.
Non-Communicating Rudimentary Horn Pregnancy Presenting as a Second Trimester Missed Abortion: A Case Report
Authors: TEKLU HANNA , FESSEHAYE ABRAHAM , GODIE YOHANNES 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Non-communing rudimentary horn pregnancy can present as missed abortion and medication abortion should be avoided in such cases as it may precipitate uterine rupture. The definitive diagnosis is made by laparoscopy or laparotomy especially in those cases complicated with uterine rupture. Second trimester missed abortion cases should undergo a meticulous ultrasound evaluation before proceeding with abortion care and a diagnosis of unicornate uterus with a rudimentary horn pregnancy should be considered.
TikTok and Pediatric Nephrology: Content Quality Assessment of Videos Related to Pediatric Kidney Disease and Kidney Transplant
Authors: Sturm Hannah , Abdullah Mahie , Anand Arshia , Sethna Jonah , Frank Rachel , Castellanos Laura , Singer Pamela , Basalely Abby 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Social media platforms such as TikTok™ are key sources of health information for young patients and caregivers. Misinformation is prevalent on TikTok™ across healthcare fields, which can perpetuate false beliefs about medical care. Limited data exists on the reliability of pediatric nephrology TikTok™ content. This study aimed to describe the quality of medical content of TikTok™ Videos (TTVs), related to pediatric kidney disease and transplant.
Methods
TTVs were selected using specific search terms and categorized into pediatric kidney disease and kidney transplant, excluding duplicate and adult-related content. The top 100 TTVs in each category, based on views, were analyzed. TTV characteristics were stratified by account type [physician, non-physician healthcare professional (HCP), non-HCP] and video aim (personal story, education, entertainment). DISCERN scoring, a validated questionnaire evaluating health information reliability, was conducted by 4 independent raters. Inter-rater reliability was assessed using a 2-way random effects model and differences between content creator types were evaluated using one-way ANOVA and post-Hoc Tukey test.
Results
TTVs had a total of 12.5 million likes and 113.1 million views. Over 70% of videos were created by non-HCPs (n = 147/200). DISCERN scoring revealed low reliability of medical information across content creator types. TTVs created by physicians and non-physician HCPs about kidney disease had significantly higher mean DISCERN scores compared to those created by non-HCPs (2.85, p < 0.001 and 2.48, p = 0.005 respectively).
Conclusions
Educators within the pediatric nephrology community must keep in mind the lack of reliability of medical information available on TikTok™ and coordinate collective efforts to consider utilizing TikTok™ for patient education.
Impact of adjuvant interstitial brachytherapy on lengths of stay, discharge disposition, and 30-/90-day readmission for malignant brain tumor patients: a National Readmission Database analysis
Authors: Sun Kevin W. , Zhu Ping , Do Truong H. , Chen Clark C. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose: Advances in interstitial brachytherapy for brain cancers have revived interest in this treatment platform. However, the impact of this therapy on hospital quality measures remains poorly characterized. Here we utilized the National Readmission Database (NRD) to address this gap in knowledge.
Methods: We identified patients with malignant brain tumors who had undergone either craniotomies (C) for tumor resection or craniotomies augmented with adjuvant interstitial brachytherapy (C+IB) in the National Readmission Database (NRD, 2010-2018). Propensity-score weighting and survey regression techniques were used for analysis.
Results: Over the study period, the number of craniotomies with adjuvant interstitial brachytherapy (C+IB) steadily decreased. For brain metastasis (BM) patients, C+IB and C patients exhibited comparable length of hospital stay (aIRR:1.01, CI95:0.86-1.18, p=0.918) and routine discharge to home or self-care (aOR:0.95, CI95:0.61-1.50, p=0.838). However, primary brain tumor (PBT) patients who underwent C+IB showed longer hospital stay (aIRR:1.43, CI95:1.03-1.99, p=0.032) and are less likely to undergo routine discharge (aOR: 0.38, CI95:0.20-0.74, p=0.005) relative to the C cohort. Despite these differences, C+IB and C patients showed comparable 30- or 90- day readmission risk. The profile of readmission diagnoses was also similar. Cost-analysis suggests that IB increased the median total charge by $19,184 (p=0.003).
Conclusions: Our NRD analysis suggests that adjuvant interstitial brachytherapy did not alter hospital course/readmission risk for brain metastasis patients. However, primary brain tumor patients who underwent this therapy showed longer hospitalization and increased likelihood for non-routine discharge.
Pigmented adrenocortical adenoma: a case report
Authors: ye hongzhi , Feng Run-lin , Wen Dai-yan , Wei Hai-rong , Li Xiang-meng , Xi Liang , Yuan Shun-hui 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Pigmentary adrenal cortical adenoma is a special type of adrenal adenoma. The adenoma cells contain a large amount of lipofuscin or neuromelanin, which is brown-black in visual appearance. According to the reports of many cases, the incidence probability is not clear at present. Therefore, it is a topic worth exploring in terms of preferred treatment, pathological diagnosis and differentiation from other types of adrenal adenomas. Here we report a case of a nonfunctional pigmentary adrenocortical adenoma with a specific pathological pattern, the diagnosis of which depends on postoperative pathological examination and immunohistochemical examination. Surgical resection is the main treatment for this disease, most of the benign tumors have a good prognosis, and long-term postoperative follow-up should be carried out for potential malignant adrenal cortical adenomas.
A Rare Case of Ventricular Tachycardia Caused by an Intramyocardial Fibroma with Successful Surgical Resection in an Adult
Authors: Binder M. Scott , Roby Matthew , Chancellor Zach , Yarboro Leora , Arnold Scott , Kern John , Sane David 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Cardiac fibromas are extremely rare in adults. The preferred treatment is surgical resection, but antiarrhythmic medications or heart transplantation have also been used previously. The cardiac imaging, particularly MRI, can be useful to help delineate between primary cardiac tumors, and surgical factors such as the extent/size of the fibroma, involvement of the coronary arteries or mitral apparatus and amount of residual myocardium influence whether surgical resection is feasible.
Case Presentation
A 42-year-old male presented with a wide-complex tachycardia, unresponsive to amiodarone. An echocardiogram was performed which showed a possible posterior wall mass. A cardiac MRI showed a well circumscribed lateral wall intracardiac fibroma, measuring 5.2x5.1x3.8cm with preserved function. Surgical resection was successful, and he was discharged without a defibrillator.
Conclusions
Cardiac fibromas are encapsulated tumors which do not infiltrate myocardium and should be surgically resected if possible.
Proteomic and Phosphoproteomic Landscapes of Azole Resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus Biofilm Exposed to Voriconazole
Authors: Hong Pianpian , Zheng Nan , Wei Tianqi , Zhang Yuhan , Zhu Feilan , Chen Yuping , She Xiaodong , Liu Weida , Liu Musang 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Aspergillus fumigatus, an opportunistic and allergenic pathogenic fungus, is responsible for a range of clinical disorders in humans, including invasive aspergillosis (IA), which can lead to severe infections in immunocompromised individuals. Unfortunately, the emergence of azole resistance has become a significant challenge in combating IA, necessitating further investigations into the underlying mechanisms of resistance. In this study, we conducted an integrated proteomic and phosphoproteomic analysis of biofilm proteins from both azole-resistant and wildtype strains of A. fumigatus under voriconazole pressure. Our proteomic analysis identified 148 upregulated and 146 downregulated proteins in the azole-resistant strains, while phosphoproteomic analysis revealed 316 upregulated phosphopeptides and 109 downregulated phosphopeptides, suggesting extensive phosphorylation modifications associated with azole resistance. Upon excluding the impact of protein changes, we identified 133 proteins with differential expression solely at the phosphorylation level, comprising 104 upregulated and 29 downregulated proteins. Functional annotation and analysis highlighted the significance of these differentially expressed phosphoproteins in cell wall integrity, filamentous growth, and high-osmolarity stress response, with 33 MAPK pathway-associated proteins displaying phosphopeptide level regulation. These findings provide valuable insights into the mechanisms behind azole resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus and offer potential new drug targets for combating this pathogenic fungus in humans.
Comparative Analysis of PI and Fuzzy Logic Controller for Grid Connected Wind Turbine
Authors: Bahgat Mohamed , Ezzat Mohamed , Attia Mahmoud A. , Mekhamer S. F. , Elbehairy Nourhan M. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

This research is dedicated to improving the control system of wind turbines (WT) to ensure optimal efficiency and rapid responsiveness. To achieve this, the fuzzy logic control (FLC) method is implemented to control the converter in the rotor side (RSC) of a doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) and its performance is compared with an optimized proportional integral (PI) controller. The optimization process is implemented for the controllers of both the grid side converter (GSC) and RSC. Through simulated analyses conducted using MATLAB/Simulink software, comprehensive assessments are carried out. The robustness of the FLC is evaluated in contrast to the optimized controllers across various wind profiles and challenging operational scenarios. The results demonstrate satisfactory performance of the FLC in terms of steady-state time, stability, and precision under diverse wind speed profiles.
Person Re-identification Network Based on Multi-Level Feature Fusion
Authors: Li Junchen , Li Yinbei , Yang Jiaqiang , Ma Yuliang 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The challenge of person re-identification (Re-ID) in intelligent security and smart city applications is compounded by pedestrian occlusion, which significantly reduces recognition accuracy due to the loss of feature information and the introduction of occlusion noise. To address this challenge, we propose a person Re-ID network based on multi-level feature fusion, enhancing recognition accuracy. Our network incorporates a feature extraction method that extracts both high level semantic and low level fine detail information from the pedestrian images, thereby improving the network's robustness against interference and variation. Furthermore, our network includes a feature fusion module that integrates global and local fine-grained features to enhance the model's generalization capability for Re-ID tasks. By incorporating a hard sample triplet loss, the proposed network effectively addresses inter-class similarity and intra-class differences. Our model achieves an mAP of 89.5% and Rank-1 accuracy of 95.8% on the Market-1501 dataset, outperforming all the existing methods.
Analysis of Vibration Signal Modulation Mechanism of Planetary Gear Set Under the Influence of Nonlinear Factors
Authors: Jing Hongxiang , Zhen Dong , Feng Guojin , Liang Xiaoxia , Zhang Hao , Gu Fengshou 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The vibration signals of a planetary gear set exhibit rich spectra that can reflect its operating states. In previous phenomenological models, the sidebands are mostly explored under the condition of constant speed. However, the vibration signal is not only affected by internal nonlinear factors such as velocity fluctuations, fault excitation and manufacturing errors, but also by transmission path effects that cause the vibration signal to be further modulated, making it difficult to recognize fault characteristics. To solve this problem, this paper characterizes the actual rotational speed fluctuation through Fourier series, deduces the excitation force model by comprehensively considering the manufacturing error and fault excitation, and establishes a vibration signal model of the planetary gear set by considering the influence of the transmission path effect. Simulation results show that manufacturing errors and sun gear faults cause the meshing frequency to be modulated by the sun gear rotational frequency. Moreover, the vibration signal model considering speed fluctuation reflects the fault characteristic frequency, and the harmonics of the fault characteristic frequency are modulated by the planetary carrier rotational frequency. The spectral distribution pattern is consistent with the frequency distribution of the experimental signal, verifying the accuracy of the model.
Preparation and Preliminary Application of Fluorescent Microsphere Test Strips for Feline Parvovirus Antibodies
Authors: Shang Jinyuan , Yan Manping , Zhang Xiaohao , Liu Wei , Wu Shun , Wang Zhenjun , Yi Li , Wang Chunxia , Feng Erkai , Cheng Yuening , Luo Guoliang 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

This study introduces a novel diagnostic modality for the detection of feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) antibodies in feline serum by using fluorescent microsphere immunochromatographic test strips (FM-ICTS). Leveraging the inherent specificity of antigen-antibody interactions, the FM-ICTS approach demonstrates considerable potential for efficient and accurate FPV antibody detection within a short timeframe. Through rigorous sensitivity and specificity assessments, the method exhibits commendable diagnostic performance, exhibiting favourable accuracy and stability characteristics over an extended period. The clinical validation involving 84 samples underscores the reliability of the test by corroborating its outcomes with established haemagglutination inhibition (HI) assays. This innovative FM-ICTS framework emerges as a promising avenue for expedient and dependable disease diagnosis within the realm of veterinary science, offering implications for timely disease management and surveillance.
The effect of antibacterial peptide ε-Polylysine against Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm in marine environment
Authors: Jiang Quantong , Wu Siwei , Lu Dongzhu , Zhai Xiaofan , Duan Jizhou , Hou Baorong 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Natural agents with antimicrobial properties have a broad potential to resist biofilm adhesion in marine environments. ε-Polylysine (E-PL) is a natural cationic, homomeric polymer with 25–30 lysine residues that can resist microbial biofilm adhesion due to its stability, nontoxicity, and biodegradability. The current study investigated the action of E-PL against Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm isolated from a marine environment. Crystal violet staining was used to examine the effects of E-PL on the formation and destruction of mature biofilms. Scanning Electron and fluorescence microscopy revealed that E-PL treatment damaged the biofilm structure and affected the secretion of extracellular polymers. The CCK8 colorimetric assay showed that E-PL also decreased the metabolic activity and motility of biofilm bacteria. QPCR and transcriptome analysis revealed that E-PL affected biofilm formation and transcriptional regulation by downregulating genes involved in flagellar synthesis (flgE, PA4651, pilW), chemotaxis transduction (PA1251, PA4951, PA4788), biofilm biosynthesis (pelC, pelD, pslK, plsM), transcriptional regulation (PA3973, PA3508, PA0268), phenazine biosynthesis (phzM, phzH, phzS), and electron transfer (PA5401, PA5400, PA3492). This study used multiple methods to identify the mechanism of E-PL action against biofilm, informing the design of novel biofilm treatment methods.
Characterization and fine mapping of Double-grain (Dgs) mutant in sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]
Authors: Liang Shanshan , Zhou Shichen , Yi Zhiben , Tian Yanbao , Qin Mao , Wang Jiahan , Hu Youchuan , Liang Dan , Zhang Siju , Ma Xuan , Yunhai Li , Luan Weijiang 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The sorghum inflorescence is consisted of sessile (SS) and pedicellate spikelets (PS). Commonly, only SS could produce seeds and each spikelet produces one single seed. Here, we identified a sorghum mutant, named Double-grain (Dgs), which can produce twin seeds in each pair of glumes. We characterized the developmental process of inflorescence in Dgs and Jinliang 5 (Jin5, a single-seeded variety) using scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results showed that at the stamen and pistil differentiation stage, Dgs could develop two sets of stamens and carpel in one sessile floret, which resulted in twin-seeded phenotype in Dgs. Two F2 mapping populations derived the cross between Jin5 and Dgs, and BTx622B and Dgs, were constructed, respectively. The genetic analysis showed that Dgs trait was controlled by a single dominant gene. Through bulk segregation analysis with whole-genome sequencing (BSA-seq) and linkage analysis, Dgs locus was delimited into a region of around 210-kb on chromosome 6, between the markers SmoSR24 and SSR47, which contained 32 putative genes. Further analysis indicates that Sobic.006G249000 or Sobic.006G249100 may be responsible for the twin-seeded phenotype. This result will be useful for map-based cloning of the Dgs gene and for marker-assisted breeding for increased grain number per panicle in sorghum.
Septum of the Penis – dissection, anatomical description and functional relevance
Authors: Filipoiu Florin-Mihail , Ion Radu-Tudor , Filipoiu Zoran Florin , Tulin Adrian-Daniel , Enciu Octavian , Enyedi Mihaly 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background. The septum of the penis or the pectiniform septum (from Latina pecten) is a connective structure that separates the two corpora cavernosa of the penis. It is formed through the joining of the circular fibers of the tunica albuginea, which envelops the corpora cavernosa. The septum neither completely separates, nor entirely joins the two corpora cavernosa.
Results. We dissected the penile septum in 10 formalized bodies. We identified the penile septum as a structure consisting of clusters of tendinous cords incompletely separating the two cavernous structures. The septum completely separates the two corpora cavernosa in its posterior segment. As we progress forward, the septum starts resembling the tendinous cords that attach on the papillary muscles of the heart. These cords are differentiated from the internal layer of the albuginea of each corpus cavernosum. We evaluated the opportunity of considering the anterior and posterior intercavernous ligaments as septal structures.
Conclusion. In this type of construction, the septum maintains both the hemodynamic and mechanical coherence of the cavernous structures and allows penile movement more efficiently than a continuous septal structure. The septum enables the lengthening of the penis and simultaneous filling with blood of both its corpora cavernosa through the transseptal vascular anastomosis. This allows for penile deformation during erection to be avoided.