bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Safety of one 8.5-Fr pigtail catheter for postoperative continuous open gravity drainage after uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery pneumonectomy
Authors: Kong Xiang-Long , Zhang Yue , Jia Yu , Ni Bo-Xiong , -Wang Mingyu , Jin Xiang-Yuan , Xu Hai , Xu Shi-Dong 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery pneumonectomy (U-VATS-P) is feasible and safe from a perioperative standpoint in clinical practice. How to choose proper chest tube and drainage method is an important step in enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols. In this study, we aimed to assess the safety of one 8.5-Fr (1Fr = 0.333mm) pigtail catheter for postoperative continuous open gravity drainage after U-VATS-P.
METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed a single surgeon’s experience of U-VATS-P for lung cancer from May 2016 to September 2022. Patients were managed with one 8.5-Fr pigtail catheter for postoperative continuous open gravity drainage after U-VATS-P. The clinical characteristics and perioperative outcomes of the patients were retrospectively analyzed.
RESULTS
In total, 77 patients underwent the placement of one 8.5-Fr pigtail catheter for postoperative continuous open gravity drainage after U-VATS-P for lung cancer. The mean age was 60.9\(\pm\)7.39 (40–76) years old; the median operative time was 191.38\(\pm\)59.32min; the mean operative hemorrhage was 109.46\(\pm\)96.56ml; the mean duration of postoperative chest tube drainage was 6.80\(\pm\)2.33 days; the mean drainage volume in the first three days after operation was 186.31\(\pm\)50.97, 321.97\(\pm\)52.03, 216.44\(\pm\)35.67ml respectively; the mean postoperative hospital stay was 7.90\(\pm\)2.58 days. No patient experienced complications resulting from chest tube malfunction. Ten patients experienced minor complications. One patient with non-life-threatening empyema and bronchopleural fistula required short rehospitalization for anti-inflammatory therapy and re-intubation. Three patients with chylothorax were treated with intravenous nutrition. Four patients had atrial fibrillation that were controlled by antiarrhythmic therapy. Two patients had more thoracic hemorrhagic exudation after operation that could be found in time and were cured effectively and discharged from the hospital uneventfully after early hemostatic therapy and nutritional support.
CONCLUSIONS
Insertion of one 8.5-Fr pigtail catheter for postoperative continuous open gravity drainage after U-VATS-P is a safe and effective procedure in the treatment of lung cancer without a major increase in morbidity or mortality and should be popularized.
Modification and Immune Function of Porcine PD-1 and PD-L1 Interaction Epitope Peptides
Authors: Yue Feng , Shi Yeping , Zhou Juanjuan , Zhu Yanping , Guo Dongguang , Xia Liming , Yang Xueying , Wang Xuannian 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Background The programmed death-1/programmed death-ligand-1 (PD-1/PD-L1) pathway transmits the negative immunoregulatory signals, leading to immunosuppression. Blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway with peptides or antibodies can reverse the function of exhausted T cells, which can be a reference for developing studies on treating viral immunosuppressive diseases. Therefore, this work was developed to analyze the immune function of epitope peptides interacting with porcine PD-1 and PD-L1.Results After optimization, the proliferation percentages of PD-L14QN-GF and PD-L14QN-AF on PBMCS were 45.33%±6.16% and 56.20%±4.94%, respectively, which were increased by 14.7% and 25.8%. The inhibition rates of PD-L14QN-AF on PRRSV and PD-1 were 56.1.8% and 74.8%, which were increased by 35.0% and 29.4% compared with PD-L14, respectively. The inhibition rates of PD-L14QN-GF on PRRSV and PD-1 were 43.8% and 65.3%, which were 22.7% and 20.4% higher than those of PD-L14, respectively. The expression levels of IL-2 and IFN-γ in the PD-L14QN-GF group were 2.1 times and 2.8 times higher than those in the PD-L14 group and 1.2 times and 1.5 times higher than those in the PD-L14QN-AF group, respectively. The protein secretion levels of IL-2 and IFN-γ in the PD-L14QN-GF group were 2.5 times and 1.7 times higher than those in the PD-L14 group and 1.5 times and 1.2 times higher than those in the PD-L14QN-AF group, respectively. Furthermore, the PD-L14QN-GF and PD-L14QN-AF exhibited better immune effects than PD-L14. At 14 days after immunization, the antibody-positive rate in the PD-L14QN-GF group reached 80%, which was 30% and 50% higher than that in the PD-L14 group and normal group, respectively. The antibody titer in the PD-L14QN-GF group was 1.5 and 2 times higher than that in the PD-L14 and the normal groups, respectively.Conclusion PD-L14QN-GF was proved to be of high potential to develop immune-enhancing adjuvant.
Wavelength complement coding based a smooth hybrid MDM/C-NGPON evolution employing PS-512QAM modulation
Authors: Kumari Meet , Hayal Mohammed R. , Elsayed Ebrahim E. , Nurhidayat Irfan , Shah Mohd Asif 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
A smooth evolution of 16×100Gbps hybrid mode division multiplexing (MDM)/coherent-next generation passive optical network (C-NGPON) system based on wavelength complement coding is proposed. Probabilistically shaped quadrature amplitude modulation (PS-QAM) modulation established alone as the key solution to embrace advanced coherent transponders. The simulation results show that the proposed hybrid MDM/C-NGPON system can offers a high split ratio of 512 in uplink and 256 in downlink as compared to conventional passive optical networks (PONs). For legacy PON signal coexistence with PON signals as well as complement signal the minimum received power of -19dBm for uplink and − 9dBm for downlink can be obtained effectively. Also, optical to signal noise ratio (OSNR) of 20dB can be achieved forPS-512QAM as compared to uniform-shaped 128QAM at 10KHz laser linewidth and it also offers power penalty of 0.5dBunder normalized generalized mutual information (NGMI) limit of 0.857. In addition, the system offers a long-haul transmission distance of 250km considering a shaping factor of 4.7 in uplink and 4.8 in downlink, at NGMI limit. Besides this, the system throughput upto 800Gbps for uplink and 700Gbps for downlink can also be obtained successfully. Finally, it is shown that proposed work shows superiority over other existing systems.
Factors associated with poor mental health during mandatory home work. A cross-sectional study in university staff
Authors: Kiss Philippe , Meester Marc , Vingerhoets Ilse , Garmyn Bart , Raemdonck Annemie 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Background
During the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, a total lockdown of universities was implemented by the government in Belgium. University staff was required to work at home. The purpose of the study was to identify factors associated with a high need for recovery and burnout symptoms in university staff during mandatory home work.
Methods
Mental well-being of 702 university employees was assessed by need for recovery and presence of burnout symptoms. Following factors were considered: personal factors (gender, age), specific home work environment factors (quiet place to work, taking care of ill or old people, number of children <12yrs. at home, family member at risk for Covid-19), work-private life balance and worries about long- and short-term work situation. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to calculate the odds ratios for the presence a high need for recovery and burnout symptoms.
Results
The presence of a high need for recovery and the presence of burnout symptoms were significantly associated with poor work-private life balance (OR 5.14 and 2.80, respectively), no quiet place to work (OR 3.23 and 2.00, respectively) and being worried about long-term work situation (OR’s increasing with increasing degree of worries). Being able to discuss the worries with the supervisor was only significant with a decreased risk of burnout symptoms for the lowest level of discussability with the supervisor. Following factors were not associated with both mental health outcomes: being worried about short-term work situation, taking care of ill or old people, number of children <12yrs. at home and having a family member at risk for Covid-19.
Conclusions
When working at home special attention should be paid to work-private life balance and the presence of a quiet place to work. Additionally, in the case of mandatory home work in university personnel, specific worries about long-term work situation should be tackled. Universities and/or governments should provide measures to ensure an extension of research deadlines and, if applicable, job security.
Immunomodulatory effects of gestational age on blood cortisol and prolactin levels during pregnancy in malaria endemic area
Authors: Kiemde Francois , Sorgho Hermann , Zango Serge Henri , Some Gnohion Fabrice , Rouamba Toussaint , Traore Ousmane , Kabore Berenger , Natama H. Magloire , Hien Yeri Esther , Valea Innocent , Schallig Henk , Tinto Halidou 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background:
The immunological shift occurring in pregnant women is crucial for the outcome of pregnancy. We conducted a study in pregnant women living in a malaria endemic area to determine the potential effect of gestational age on modulating the immune system by cortisol and prolactin production.
Methods:
Primigravidae and multigravidae with a gestational age between 16-20 weeks were included in the study and followed up to delivery and 6-7 weeks thereafter. Venous blood was collected at scheduled visit: Visit1 (V1; 16-20 weeks of amenorrhea), Visit2 (V2; 28 ±1 weeks of pregnancy), Visit3 (V3; 32 ±1 weeks of pregnancy), Visit4 (V4; delivery) and Visit5 (V5; 6-7 weeks after delivery). In addition, a cord blood sample was also collected at delivery. Nulliparous and primiparous/multiparous non-pregnant women were enrolled in the control group. Cortisol and prolactin plasma concentrations were measured using ichroma II and i-chamber apparatus. Light microscopy was used to detect Plasmodium falciparum infections. A linear mixed-effects regression (LMER) model was used to assess the association between the variation of cortisol titters and prolactin levels during the pregnancy and the post-partum.
Results:
Results showed that cortisol and prolactin levels in the peripheral blood were up-regulated during pregnancy. Concentrations of cortisol during follow-up was significantly higher in primigravidae than in multigravidae during the whole pregnancy (p<0.024). Moreover, the level of prolactin which was higher before delivery in primigravidae reversed at delivery and postpartum visit, but the difference was not statistically significant during the follow-up (V1 to V5) (p=0.60). The cortisol level in peripheral blood at delivery was higher than that of the cord blood, and conversely for prolactin. Cortisol and prolactin levels decreased after delivery, thought the level of prolactin was still higher than that at enrolment. An increase of one unit of prolactin was associated with the decrease of the average concentration of cortisol by 0.04 ng/ml (p=0.009). However, when cortisol increases with one unit, the average concentration of prolactin decreases by 1.16 ng/ml (p=0.013). Asymptomatic malaria infection in general leads to a non-statistically significant increase or decrease of the average concentration of prolactin (32.39 ng/ml; 95% CI: -45.82 to 110.59; p=0.414) and cortisol (-3.15 ng/ml; 95% CI: -17 .94 to 11.65; p=0.675), respectively.
Conclusion:
These results showed that the potential effects of cortisol and prolactin are related to gestational age. This could affect the susceptibility of pregnant women to infectious diseases such as malaria in endemic areas.
Identifying cognitive challenges for safe ship overtaking in restricted waterways
Authors: Parisi Stella , Nathanael Dimitris 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Navigation in constrained waters is a cognitively challenging task for seafarers requiring the combined assessment of various elements to perform it with safety. This paper presents our approach to make sense of the dynamic, uncertain, and complex work domain of sea pilotage. We aimed to obtain a detailed description of the overtaking manoeuvre and to understand the cognitive processes of mariners when they perform this task in confined waters. To achieve this, we performed a qualitative study using an adaptation of Applied Cognitive Task Analysis with five highly experienced sea pilots in northern Germany. Based on the content analysis of the interviews and the other data collection activities, we have identified six phases of the overtaking task and twelve high level cognitive challenges that significantly affect pilots’ decision making and situation awareness during overtaking. The main output is a Cognitive Demands Table where the findings on the cognitive challenges, common errors, strategies, and cues are organized. The analysis of our results captured pilots’ insights on decision-making and expertise, the role of communication, planning and foresight and how the cognitive challenges correspond to situation awareness. Finally, practical implications for the design of the workplace and operating procedures, the training of pilots and the limitations of the study are discussed.
Impact of Simulated Acid Rain on Seed Germination: A Predictive Study of Solanum melongena Linn and Vigna unguiculata ssp cylendrica (L.) Walpers by using ML-based CART Algorithm
Authors: Arora Vasundhara , Singh Bikram Jit , Bithel Navneet , Mukherjee Tapan Kumar , Singh Raj , Upadhyay Sushil , Rippin * 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
The present study was design to assess the effect of simulated acid rain (SAR) on seed germination of crop plants Brinjal (Solanum melongena Linn.) and Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata ssp. cylindrica (L.) Walpers. The experiments were conducted using 8 plastic trays of approximately 25 cm. x 30 cm, dimensions. Four trays were used for experiments with Brinjal seeds (Set I) while the other four were used for Cowpea seeds (Set II). One tray of each set used as control and treated with distilled water while the rest four trays of each set were provided treatments as: one each for pH 5.6, 4.5, 3.5 and 2.5 SAR solutions. The germination percentage and seed vigour of Brinjal seeds were quite poorer as compared to Cowpea seeds. The treatment of seeds treated with SAR (pH 4.5, 3.5 and 2.5) inhibited seed germination; the inhibitory effect increased with decrease in pH. Mean germination percentage of seeds was highest in normal SAR (pH 5.6) in case of Brinjal seeds but was lowest in the case of Cowpea seeds. It can be concluded that all the plants do not respond to SAR uniformly. This study strategically regressed the simulated acid rain data for necessary behavioral investigation and utilized corresponding Machine Learning based Decision Tree Algorithm to identify and optimize the conditions for the proper germination of these plants. Findings can further help in developing predictive models to predict germination under different environmental conditions to improving crop yield and productivity.
A Method to Control the Instabilities of the Mixed-Mode Bending Test of Wood
Authors: Perez Cédric , Morel Stéphane , Chaplain Myriam , Coureau Jean-Luc , Sorin Edouard 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
The present study focuses on the characterization of the quasi-brittle fracture properties of wood under mixed mode I+II. Mixed-Mode Bending(MMB) tests are carried out on Maritime pine for three mixed mode ratios and completed by pure Mode I and pure Mode II fracture tests. An External Displacement Control Technique (EDCT) is set up to obtain load-displacement curves without instabilities. The control of instabilities is essential to ensure a quasi-static failure leading to the proper development of the Fracture Process Zone (FPZ) and the self-similar propagation of the main crack with its FPZ. Three criteria are used to test the reliability of the EDCT and its capacity to increase the yield of valid tests. Loading -displacement responses are analysed within the framework of the equivalent Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics (eq LEFM). The resistance curves (R-curves) are calculated and the fracture behaviour of wood is discussed according to the specimen geometries, the wood nature and the fracture modes.
LIGHT regulated gene expression in rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts
Authors: Fukuda Koji , Miura Yasushi , Maeda Toshihisa , Hayashi Shinya , Kikuchi Kenichi , Takashima Yoshinori , Matsumoto Tomoyuki , Kuroda Ryosuke 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background: Synovial hyperplasia caused by rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune inflammatory disease, leads to the destruction of the articular cartilage and bone. A member of the tumor necrosis factor superfamily, Lymphotoxin-related inducible ligand that competes for glycoprotein D binding to herpes virus entry mediator on T cells (LIGHT) has been shown to correlate with the pathogenesis of RA.
Methods: We used cDNA microarray analysis to compare the expression of genes in RA rheumatoid fibroblast-like synoviocytes with and without LIGHT stimulation.
Results: Significant changes in gene expression (P-values < 0.05 and fold change ≥ 2.0) were associated mainly with biological function categories of glycoprotein, glycosylation site as N-linked, plasma membrane part, integral to plasma membrane, intrinsic to plasma membrane, signal, plasma membrane, signal peptide, alternative splicing, and topological domain as extracellular.
Conclusions: Our results indicate that these gene expression in RA-FLS regulated by LIGHT may be important in the differentiation of several cell types and in cellular functions.
A Novel Converter using MPPT Algorithm and Acceleration Factor for Stand-alone PV System
Authors: Agrawal Shubham , Umanand Loganathan , B Subba Reddy 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Solar power is an excellent alternative to existing power sources. A stand-alone PV system highlights the necessity of solar energy, where PV panels act as a source to the connected loads. The intermittent nature of solar insolation necessitates a storage system or a battery to store the energy. A DC-DC converter is required to operate the PV panel at MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking). The converter also maintains the DC link voltage, a common link between the PV panels, battery system, and the load. An additional bidirectional DC-DC converter is required to charge and discharge the battery at a constant current and voltage profile according to its changing profile. In the present investigation, a novel high-efficiency DC-DC converter is used to perform the MPPT. This converter enables the connection of solar panels in series or parallel because it can step up or step down the PV voltage according to the DC link voltage. Another bidirectional DC-DC converter is used at the load side to maintain DC link voltage and charge/discharge the batteries. Further, the second part of the paper discusses a novel MPPT algorithm, which is vital in tapping the maximum power from PV panels. A fast solar MPPT is desired to track the operating point, which can be served by adding an acceleration factor to the existing perturb and observe (hill climbing) solar MPPT algorithm. A detailed analysis with hardware results obtained for various conditions and acceleration factors is presented.
Deflated Domain Decomposition Method for Structural Problems
Authors: Akiba Hiroshi 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
A fast and stable solver algorithm for structural problems is presented. The distance between the eigenvector of the constrained stiffness matrix and the unconstrained matrix is discussed. The coarse motions are close to the kernel of the unconstrained matrix. This relates to using lower-frequency deformation modes to construct an iterative solver algorithm through domain decomposition expressing near-rigid-body motions, deflation algorithms, and two-level algorithms. We remove the coarse space from the solution space, and the iteration space is handed over to the fine space. Our solver is parallelized, and the solver thus has two sets of domain decomposition. One decomposition is for generating the coarse space, and the other is for parallelization. The basic framework of the solver is the parallel conjugate gradient (CG) method on the fine space. The CG method and the simplest domain decomposition method are compared to explain the adoption of the CG method as the basic framework. Benchmark tests are conducted using elastic static analysis for thin plate models. A comparison with the standard CG solver results shows the high-speed performance and remarkable stability of the new solver.
Fabrication and Evaluation of Carbopol Hydrogel, Okra Mucilage, and Gum Acacia hydrogel for delivery of herbal excipient in excision wound- In vitro and In vivo experiment
Authors: SAHA ISHITA , Das Dipak , Karmakar Parimal 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
The prevention of infection is the most important part of wound healing, in this article mentions the fabrication process of calendula extract encapsulated gum acacia hydrogel (GA@Cal) are more facile and cost-effective than okra mucilage and carbopol hydrogel wound dressing materials. We observed that gum acacia (GA) hydrogel is a porous structure so its water absorbance capacity is higher than other agents. In vitro study, we used MTT assay, Scratch assay and western blot analysis, the result suggested that, GA@Cal enhanced the cell proliferation, PI3K pathway. In an in-vivo study, GA@Cal showed excellent results compared to the untreated and GA groups.
United States Biostimulant Industry Recommendations to Assess the Efficacy, Composition, and Safety of Plant Biostimulant Products
Authors: Biological Products Industry Alliance  
Published: April 2023

Plant biostimulant products are gaining significant traction as valuable tools in the agricultural and horticultural sectors, facilitating sustainable crop production and environmentally conscious operations while bettering plant growth, quality, and yield. These unique products cannot be classified as fertilizers, nor do they work directly on pests like pesticides. Working to enhance plant nutritional processes, they offer invaluable aid to producers, sustainably improving the efficiency of inputs and natural resources. Unlike widely used agrochemicals, plant biostimulant products lack consistent regulatory oversight in the United States, thus limiting their use.
In this article, members of the Biostimulant Industry Workgroup (BIW) recommend guiding criteria when verifying plant biostimulant product claims. It is anticipated these principles will strengthen the credibility of developed and emerging plant biostimulant products and help prepare technology developers for the foreseeable measures enacted as governmental regulations come about in the United States.
Rapid-field-deployable DART-MS screening technique for 87 opioids and drugs of abuse, including fentanyl and fentanyl analogs
Authors: Sara Kern  , Toomey Valerie , Lorenz Lisa 
Published: April 2023

Fentanyl and fentanyl analogs are playing an increasing role in the opioid health crisis that is sweeping America. These synthetic opioids are much more potent and lethal than morphine or heroin and must be treated with extreme caution. Many of these substances are entering the country through International Mail Facilities (IMFs) and Express Courier Hubs (ECHs) in the form of counterfeit prescription drugs and bulk powders, resulting in a critical need for field-deployable techniques that can safely provide rapid screening to prevent these products from reaching the public. Here we describe a direct analysis in real time thermal desorption mass spectrometer (DART-MS) with database searching capabilities that allows quick detection of numerous target compounds. Minimum detectable levels for 87 opioids and drugs of abuse have been determined. This technique was applied to eight samples sent to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Forensic Chemistry Center for analysis and the results are compared to those collected using gas chromatography with mass spectral detection (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography with mass spectral detection (LC-MS).