bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Numerical study of perforated obstacles effects on the performance of solar parabolic trough collector
Authors: Fahim Tayeb , Laouedj Samir , Abderrahmane Aissa , Driss Zied , Tag-ElDin El Sayed Mohamed , Guedri Kamel , Younis Obai 
Published: January 2023

The current work presents and discusses a numerical analysis of improving heat transmission in the receiver of a parabolic trough solar collector by introducing perforated barriers. While the proposed approach to enhance the collector’s performance is promising, the use of obstacles results in increased pressure loss. The Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model analysis is conducted based on the renormalization-group (RNG) k-ɛ turbulent model associated with standard wall function using thermal oil D12 as working fluid The thermo-hydraulic analysis of the receiver tube with perforated obstacles is taken for various configurations and Reynolds number ranging from 18,860 to 81,728. The results are compared with that of the receiver without perforated obstacles. The receiver tube with three holes (PO3) showed better heat transfer characteristics. In addition, the Nusselt number (Nu) increases about 115% with the increase of friction factor 5–6.5 times and the performance evaluation criteria (PEC) changes from 1.22 to 1.24. The temperature of thermal oil fluid attains its maximum value at the exit, and higher temperatures (462.1 K) are found in the absorber tube with perforated obstacles with three holes (PO3). Accordingly, using perforated obstacles receiver for parabolic trough concentrator is highly recommended where significant enhancement of system’s performance is achieved.
A novel prognostic model for predicting the risk of first variceal hemorrhage in patients with HBV-related cirrhosis
Authors: Zhang Qun , Niu Shuaishuai , Yang Li , Zhu Bingbing , Shi Ke , Zhang Xiaohua , Zhang Yi , Bi Yufei , Mu Yongping , Wang Xianbo 
Published: January 2023

BackgroundVariceal hemorrhage (VH) is a life-threatening complication of cirrhosis. An accurate VH risk evaluation is critical to determine appropriate prevention strategies. We aimed to develop an individualized prediction model to predict the risk of first VH in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related cirrhotic patients.MethodsA nomogram was developed based on a retrospective analysis of 527 consecutive HBV-related cirrhotic patients with gastroesophageal varices (GEVs). The nomogram evaluation was performed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), concordance index (C-index), calibration plot, and decision curve analysis (DCA). The results were verified using an external cohort (n = 187).ResultsWe developed a nomogram based on clinical and endoscopic features, including the size of varices, red wale marks, ascites, spleen thickness, γ‐glutamyltransferase, and hematocrit. The C-index of the nomogram in the derivation and validation cohort was 0.806 and 0.820, respectively, and the calibration plot fitted well. Compared with those of the North Italian Endoscopic Club (NIEC) and revised NIEC indexes, the AUC (derivation cohort: 0.822 vs. 0.653 vs. 0.713; validation cohort: 0.846 vs. 0.685 vs. 0.747) and DCA curves of this nomogram were better. Further, based on the risk scores, patients were classified into low-, medium-, and high-risk groups, and significant differences were noted in VH incidence among the three risk groups (P &lt;0.001 for each cohort).ConclusionsAn effective individualized nomogram to predict the risk of first VH in HBV-related GEV patients was established, which can assist clinicians in developing more appropriate prevention strategies.
The prognostic role of the echocardiographic tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion/systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (TAPSE/sPAP) ratio and its relationship with NT-proANP plasma level in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Grimaldi Maria Chiara , Rosato Edoardo , D’Angelo Adriano , Cristiano Ernesto , Marchitti Simona , Volpe Massimo , Rubattu Speranza , Romaniello Antonella 
Published: January 2023

BackgroundThe tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion/systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (TAPSE/sPAP) ratio is an echocardiographic estimation of the right ventricle to pulmonary artery (RV/PA) coupling, with a validated prognostic role in different clinical settings. Systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients without evident cardiovascular involvement frequently display subtle RV impairment. The amino-terminal atrial natriuretic peptide (NT-proANP) plasma level relates to SSc disease progression and mortality. We aimed to assess the prognostic value of the TAPSE/sPAP ratio and its relationship with NT-proANP plasma level in SSc patients without overt cardiovascular involvement.MethodsWe retrospectively analysed 70 SSc consecutive patients, with no clinical evidence of cardiovascular involvement or pulmonary hypertension (PH), and 30 healthy controls (HC) in a retrospective, single-centre study. All SSc patients underwent recurrent clinical and echocardiographic assessments and NT-proANP plasma level was assessed at baseline. SSc-related cardiovascular events and deaths were extracted during a 6-year follow-up. The complete work-up for the diagnosis, treatment and management of PH performed along the 6 years of follow-up referred to the 2015 European Society of Cardiology guidelines.ResultsSystemic sclerosis patients showed lower TAPSE/sPAP ratio at baseline compared to HC [SSc median value = 0.71 mm/mmHg, (IQR 0.62–0.88) vs. HC median value = 1.00 mm/mmHg, (IQR 0.96–1.05); p &lt; 0.001]. Multivariable Cox analysis revealed TAPSE/sPAP ratio as an independent predictor for SSc-related cardiovascular events [HR = 3.436 (95% CI 1.577–7.448); p = 0.002] and mortality [HR = 3.653 (95% CI 1.712–8.892); p = 0.014]. The value of TAPSE/sPAP ratio &lt; 0.7 mm/mmHg was identified as an optimal cut-off for predicting adverse outcomes (p &lt; 0.001) by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses. NT-proANP level significantly related to TAPSE/sPAP ratio (r = 0.52, p &lt; 0.001). TAPSE/sPAP ratio combined with NT-proANP showed an overall significant prognostic role in this SSc population, confirmed by Kaplan–Meier analysis (Log rank p &lt; 0.001).ConclusionThe TAPSE/sPAP ratio, as an index of RV/PA coupling, is an affordable predictor of cardiovascular events and mortality in SSc and, combined with NT-proANP level, may improve the clinical phenotyping and prognostic stratification of SSc patients.
Vegetation history and its links to climate change during the last 36 ka in arid Central Asia: Evidence from a loess-paleosol sequence in the Eastern Ili Valley
Authors: Liu Peilun , Zhang Shanjia , Qiu Menghan , Ruan Qiurong , Luo Jiaming , Miao Yunfa , Ling Zhiyong 
Published: January 2023

Detailed vegetation history response to complex influencing factors of arid Central Asia (ACA) is crucial to understanding ecological sustainability. Here, we present the first pollen record in the Ili Valley during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) using the Jirentai (JRT) loess-paleosol sequence. Combining the results of multi-climate proxies and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating, we aim to reconstruct the vegetative response to climate change during the last 36 ka. Our results show that rapid loess accumulation in the JRT section began in the Late MIS3 (Marine isotope stage 3), and a thin paleosol layer developed in the Late LGM and Post Glacial. The pollen concentrations in the loess are significantly lower than in the paleosol, but the pollen assemblages are richer. Artemisia and Asteraceae are the dominant non-arboreal types in the loess, and abundant arboreal species are present (e.g., Pinus, Picea, Quercus, Betulaceae). The percentage of Artemisia remains high in the paleosol, and typical drought-tolerant plants are an important component (e.g., Orthomorphic, Ephedra). We suggest that the rich variety of pollen in loess is transported by frequent and intense dust activities, and these pollen may come from regional vegetation. Less diverse pollen assemblages in paleosol respond to the vegetation surrounding the JRT section. The vegetation history obtained from the JRT section shows that the lowlands of the Ili Valley were typical desert or desert-steppe vegetation for the past 36 ka. The surrounding mountains are dominated by Pinus and Picea forests. During the Early LGM, vegetation conditions deteriorated in both of mountainous and lowland. The above phenomena coincide with the pollen records from lakes in the ACA. Our results further suggest that mountain forests reappear and the lowland environment improves in response to increased insolation in the Northern Hemisphere at high latitudes in the Late LGM. This point in time is earlier by about 5–10 ka compared to previous records. We attribute it to the fact that pollen assemblages from the loess-paleosol sequence are more sensitive to vegetation and climate change during the transition from the glacial to interglacial and propose a simple model to characterize them.
Study on the construction deformation of a slotted shield in loess tunnels with different buried depths and large sections
Authors: Jiang Han , Fang Xiaolong , Yu Ming , Li Lin , Han Bing , Gao Song , Zhai Chengxian , Gao Renxin , Zhao Jianxiong , Liu Liu 
Published: January 2023

Since there is no precedent for the use of slotted shield tunneling in the large section of high-speed railways in China, the relevant technological accumulation and systematic research achievements are few. Therefore, this paper provides theoretical support for loess tunnel construction decision-making through the study of slotted shields and is expected to promote the mechanization and even intelligent construction of a high-speed iron-loess tunnel. Taking the Luochuan tunnel of the Xiyan high-speed railway as the engineering background, this paper uses the numerical simulation software packages of ANSYS and FLAC3D to study the tunnel deformation (surface settlement, vault settlement, tunnel bottom uplift, and horizontal convergence) caused by the slotted shield construction in three different buried depths of 30, 40, and 50 m surrounding rock. The deformation law and mechanical characteristics of a cutter shield construction of large cross-section loess tunnels under the influence of different buried depths are put forward. Results showed that 1) the mutual interference between the working procedures can be significantly reduced by inserting the cutting tool into the soil instead of the advanced tubule before excavation; 2) the settlement in the upper part of the longitudinal axis of the tunnel is the largest; the greater the depth of the tunnel is, the smaller the surface settlement is; and 3) the horizontal deformation of the arch waist and foot of the tunnel under different buried depths is symmetrically distributed into the tunnel during the whole process of slotted shield tunneling.
Changes in and the association of retinal blood perfusion and retinal nerves in diabetic patients without retinopathy
Authors: Hao Jianchen , Du Jiantong , Gu Xiaopeng , Zhang Yadi , Yang Liu , Zhang Shijie 
Published: January 2023

ObjectiveTo explore intraretinal blood flow perfusion and nerve changes, as well as the correlation between them, in diabetic patients without diabetic retinopathy (NDR).MethodEighty-six NDR patients (86 eyes) who attended the ophthalmology clinic between December 2019 and December 2021 were included. Sixty-four eyes of 64 healthy examined controls in the same period were selected as the control group. The patients underwent routine ophthalmological examination, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography.ResultsThe average thickness, minimum thickness and thickness of each quadrant except for the superior temporal quadrant of the ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) in the macular area of the affected eyes in the NDR group were lower than that of the tested eyes in the control group (P&lt; 0.05). The average retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness of the NDR group and the superior, inferior and nasal quadrants around the optic disc of the affected eyes in the NDR group were lower compared with the tested eyes in the control group (P&lt; 0.001,P =0.003,P= 0.001,P= 0.009). The mean vessel length density in the parafoveal and perifoveal areas in the NDR group was positively associated with the mean GCIPL thickness in the macular area (ρ= 0.265,ρ= 0.257 andP&lt; 0.001). No blood flow perfusion parameters in the NDR group were correlated with the RNFL thickness of the corresponding quadrant around the optic disc (P&gt; 0.05).ConclusionIn diabetic patients without diabetic retinopathy, the superficial retinal vessel density in the macular area positively correlated with GCIPL thickness, and the superficial retinal vessel density around the optic disc was not correlated with RNFL thickness.
Maternal thyroid function in multiple pregnancies – a systematic review
Authors: Zgliczynska Magdalena , Ostrowska Magdalena , Szymusik Iwona , Ciebiera Michal , Kosinska-Kaczynska Katarzyna 
Published: January 2023

BackgroundThe function of the thyroid gland during pregnancy undergoes physiological changes to ensure the proper amount of thyroid hormones for both the pregnant woman and the fetus. Multiple pregnancies (MP) are characterized by specific differences compared to single pregnancies, e.g., higher concentrations of human chorionic gonadotropin, which also affect thyroid function. The aim was to collect available knowledge on maternal thyroid function in MP.MethodsWe have systematically searched three databases: the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus and the Cochrane Library. The last search was run on the 4th of August 2022. We included full-text original observational and experimental studies written in English. Case reports, editorials, letters, conference abstracts, reviews and meta-analyses were excluded. No time criterion was established. Studies were considered eligible if at least one maternal thyroid function test was performed and reported. Studies on MP with a co-existing mole were excluded. The risk of bias was assessed with the use of the AXIS tool. The qualitative synthesis of evidence was applied.ResultsThe search strategy resulted in the identification of 821 manuscripts. After removing duplicates, we screened the titles and abstracts of 552 articles, out of which 57 were selected for full-text analysis. Finally, 12 articles were included in the review. They were conducted in 6 different countries and published between the years 1997 and 2022. The number of examined women with MP ranged from 9 to 1 626.Discussion and conclusionsThyroid function differs between women with MP and SP. Scarce data are available on the topic, but MPs are most likely characterized by higher HCG levels, which influences thyroid-stimulating hormone and free thyroid hormone levels. These differences are mainly expressed in the 1st trimester of pregnancy. Separate population-based reference ranges are needed to correctly diagnose thyroid diseases in MP and to avoid unnecessary treatment. Further research is needed to fill the knowledge gaps.
Differences in gonadal tissue cryopreservation practices for differences of sex development across regions in the United States
Authors: Siebert Aisha L. , Gomez-Lobo Veronica , Johnson Emilie K. , Nahata Leena , Orwig Kyle E. , Pyle Louise C. , Witchel Selma F. , Finlayson Courtney , Laronda Monica M. 
Published: January 2023

ObjectiveSome individuals with differences of sex development (DSD) conditions undergo medically indicated prophylactic gonadectomy. Gonads of individuals with DSD can contain germ cells and precursors and patients interested in future fertility preservation and hormonal restoration can participate in DSD-specific research protocols to cryopreserve this tissue. However, it is unclear how many providers or institutions offer gonadal tissue cryopreservation (GTC) and how widespread GTC for DSD is across the United States (US). The Pediatric Initiative Network (PIN) and Non-Oncologic Conditions committees of the Oncofertility Consortium sought to assess the current state of GTC for patients with DSD.MethodsAn electronic survey was sent to providers caring for patients with DSD via special interest groups of professional societies and research networks.ResultsThe survey was administered between November 15, 2021 and March 14, 2022. A total of 155 providers responded to the survey, of which 132 respondents care for patients with DSD, and 78 work at facilities that offer medically indicated gonadectomy to patients with DSD diagnoses. They represented 55 US institutions including 47 pediatric hospitals, and 5 international sites (Canada, Denmark, Germany, Qatar). Of individual providers, 41% offer cryopreservation after prophylactic gonadectomy for patients with DSD (32/78). At an institutional level, GTC after medically indicated gonadectomy is available at 54.4% (24/46) of institutions. GTC is offered for a variety of DSD diagnoses, most commonly 45,X/46,XY DSD (i.e., Turner Syndrome with Y-chromosome material and mixed gonadal dysgenesis), ovotesticular DSD, complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS), and complete gonadal dysgenesis. Responses demonstrate regional trends in GTC practices with 83.3% of institutions in the Midwest, 66.7% in the Northeast, 54.6% in the West, and 35.3% in the South providing GTC. All represented institutions (100%) send gonadal tissue for pathological evaluation, and 22.7% preserve tissue for research purposes.ConclusionsGTC after gonadectomy is offered at half of the US institutions represented in our survey, though a minority are currently preserving tissue for research purposes. GTC is offered for several DSD conditions. Future research will focus on examining presence and quality of germ cells to support clinical decision making related to fertility preservation for patients with DSD.
Enhanced glaucomatous damage accompanied by glial response in a new multifactorial mouse model
Authors: Reinehr Sabrina , Girbig Renée M. , Schulte Kim K. , Theile Janine , Asaad M. Ali , Fuchshofer Rudolf , Dick H. Burkhard , Joachim Stephanie C. 
Published: January 2023

IntroductionGlaucoma is a complex, multifactorial neurodegenerative disease, which can lead to blindness if left untreated. It seems that, among others, immune processes, elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), or a combination of these factors are responsible for glaucomatous damage. Here, we combined two glaucoma models to examine if a combination of risk factors (IOP and immune response) results in a more severe damage of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and the optic nerves as well as an additional glia activation.MethodsSix-week-old wildtype (WT+ONA) and βB1-Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF) mice (CTGF+ONA) were immunized with 1 mg ONA (optic nerve antigen). A WT and a CTGF control group (CTGF) received sodium chloride instead. IOP was measured before and every two weeks after immunization. After six weeks, electroretinogram (ERG) measurements were performed. Then, retinae and optic nerves were processed for (immuno-) histology. Further, mRNA levels of corresponding genes in optic nerve and retina were analyzed via RT-qPCR.ResultsSix weeks after immunization, the IOP in CTGF and CTGF+ONA mice was increased. The optic nerve of CTGF+ONA animals displayed the most severe cell inflammation, demyelination, and macroglia activation. Fewer numbers of oligodendrocytes were only observed in WT+ONA optic nerves, while more apoptotic cells triggered by the extrinsic pathway could be revealed in all three glaucoma groups. The number of microglia/macrophages was not altered within the optic nerves of all groups. The loss of neuronal cells, especially RGCs was most pronounced in CTGF+ONA retinae in the central part and this was accompanied by an enhanced activation of microglia/macrophages. Also, Müller cell activation could be noted in CTGF and CTGF+ONA retinae.DiscussionIn this new model, an additive degeneration could be noted in optic nerves as well as in the number of RGCs. These results suggest a potential additive role of high IOP and immune factors in glaucoma development, which will aid for understanding this multifactorial disease more precisely in the future.
PFKFB3 overexpression in monocytes of patients with colon but not rectal cancer programs pro-tumor macrophages and is indicative for higher risk of tumor relapse
Authors: Larionova Irina , Patysheva Marina , Iamshchikov Pavel , Kazakova Elena , Kazakova Anna , Rakina Militsa , Grigoryeva Evgeniya , Tarasova Anna , Afanasiev Sergei , Bezgodova Natalia , Kiselev Artem , Dobrodeev Alexey , Kostromitskiy Dmitriy , Cherdyntseva Nadezhda , Kzhyshkowska Julia 
Published: January 2023

IntroductionCirculating monocytes are main source for tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) that control tumor growth, angiogenesis, metastasis and therapy resistance. We raised the questions how monocyte programming is affected by growing tumors localized in colon and rectal sections, and how treatment onsets affect monocyte programming in the circulation.MethodsPatients with rectal cancer and colon cancer were enrolled in the study. Peripheral blood monocytes were characterized by phenotypic analysis using flow cytometry, by transcriptomic analysis using RNA sequencing and by gene expression analysis using real-time RT-PCR. Phenotypic analysis was performed with IF/confocal microscopy. Spatial transcriptomic analysis was applied using GeoMX DSP-NGS.ResultsIn patients with rectal cancer, increased amount of CCR2+ monocytes was indicative for the absence of both lymphatic and hematogenous metastasis. In contrast, in patients with colon cancer CD163+ monocytes were indicative for LN metastasis. NGS analysis identified tumor-specific transcriptional programming of monocytes in all CRC patients compared to healthy individuals. The key transcriptional difference between monocytes of patients with colon and rectal cancer was increased expression of PFKFB3, activator of glycolysis that is currently considered as therapy target for major solid cancers. PFKFB3-expressing monocyte-derived macrophages massively infiltrated tumor in colon. Nanostring technology identified correlation of PFKFB3 with amount and tumor-promoting properties of TAMs in colon but not in rectal cancer. PFKFB3 was indicative for tumor relapse specifically in colon cancer.DiscussionOur findings provide essential argument towards CRC definition to cover two clinically distinct cancers – colon cancer and rectal cancer, that differentially interact with innate immunity.