bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Developing an Artificial Hummingbird Algorithm for Probabilistic Energy Management of Microgrids Considering Demand Response
Authors: Alamir Nehmedo , Kamel Salah , Megahed Tamer F. , Hori Maiya , Abdelkader Sobhy M. 
Published: July 2022

This study proposes an artificial hummingbird algorithm (AHA) for energy management (EM) for optimal operation of a microgrid (MG), including conventional sources and renewable energy sources (RES), with an incentive-based demand response (DR). Due to the stochastic nature of solar and wind output power and the uncertainty of prices and load, a probabilistic EM with hybrid AHA and point estimation method (PEM) is proposed to model this uncertainty by utilizing the normal and Weibull distribution functions. The PEM method is considered a good tool for handling stochastic EM problems. It achieves good results using the same procedures used with the deterministic problems while maintaining low computational efforts. The proposed AHA technique is employed to solve a deterministic incentive DR program, with the goal of reducing the overall cost, which includes the cost of conventional generator fuel and the cost of power transaction with the main grid while taking into account the load demand. Two different case studies are tested. The simulation results of the proposed AHA is compared with the results of well-known metaheuristic algorithms to demonstrate its efficacy. According to AHA’s results, a total reduction of energy consumption by 104 KWh for the first case study and 2677 MWh for the second case study is achieved while achieving the lowest overall operating cost. The results demonstrate that the AHA is adequate for tackling the EM problem. Then, to examine the effect of uncertainty on the MG state, a probabilistic EM problem is solved using AHA-PEM.
Evaluating the Cooling Performance of Green Roofs Under Extreme Heat Conditions
Authors: Feng Ye , Wang Jia , Zhou Weiqi , Li Xiaoma , Yu Xiaoying 
Published: July 2022

The local rise in urban temperature is increasingly exacerbated due to the combined effect of urban heat islands and global climate change. Numerous studies have shown that green roofs (GRs) have great potential for facilitating urban heat mitigation. However, little is known about whether such cooling effects can be achieved under extreme heat conditions. With the expected occurrence of more extreme heat events under climate change, such understanding is crucially important for the effective design of heat mitigation. This study aims to fill this gap by investigating the pedestrian-level cooling effect of GR under two weather conditions (i.e., typical summer weather conditions and extreme heat conditions). This research employed a three-dimensional simulation model, ENVI-met, to simulate pedestrian-level air temperature for three typical residential areas with different roof heights in Beijing. We conducted the simulations in two different roof scenarios, conventional roofs versus green roofs. The results showed that green roofs could provide large cooling exceeding 0.2°C on downwind sides and in the daytime, although the average cooling intensity was small. The pedestrian-level cooling intensity of GR decreased significantly under extreme heat conditions compared to typical summer weather conditions. It varied diurnally following an inverted W-shape for both weather conditions. Results also showed that the pedestrian-level cooling intensity of GR decreased with the increase in roof height in a nonlinear way and became 0 when roof height reached ∼50 m for both weather conditions. The results of our research can provide important insights for cooling-oriented urban design in the future, as we are expecting such extreme weather conditions nowadays may be the new normal in the future.
Modulation of Various Phytoconstituents in Tomato Seedling Growth and Meloidogyne incognita–Induced Stress Alleviation By Vermicompost Application
Authors: Tikoria Raman , Kaur Arvinder , Ohri Puja 
Published: July 2022

In addition to chemical pesticides and fertilizers, the use of vermicompost can help in the management of root-knot nematodes (RKN) while also augmenting plant growth. The present study is carried out to determine the role of neem-based vermicompost on plant growth during stress produced by Meloidogyne incognita. Vermicompost (Vcom) and soil were mixed in various proportions (0, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100%) and used to treat tomato plants against nematode infestation. After 10 days of inoculation of second-stage juveniles of M. incognita, several morphological parameters such as root length, shoot length, root weight, shoot weight, number of galls, and number of leaves were evaluated to investigate the plant growth. Various photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a and b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoid content) and gaseous exchange parameters (photosynthesis rate, intercellular carbon dioxide intensity, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate) were also investigated in order to better understand plant respiration and response to nematode stress. In biochemical studies, the protein content and unit activity of antioxidative enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, guaiacol peroxidase, glutathione-s-transferase, ascorbate peroxidase, and polyphenol oxidase were investigated. The analyses of malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) contents were also performed to examine the stress caused by nematodes and the effect of vermicompost in overcoming that stress. Aside from that, the influence of vermicompost on several bioactive components of plants was investigated by quantifying non-antioxidative enzymes (ascorbic acid, glutathione, and tocopherol levels) and secondary metabolites (total phenolic, total flavonoid, and anthocyanin contents). The results of the foregoing experiments reveal a significant increase in all morphological, biochemical, and photosynthetic parameters except MDA and H2O2, which tend to decrease with increasing vermicompost concentration as compared to untreated and nematode-infected plants. The current study reveals that vermicompost has a high potential for lowering the nematode stress and enhancing plant growth and development through the augmentation of different bioactive components in plants.
Conversion Surgery Following Immunochemotherapy in Initially Unresectable Locally Advanced Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma—A Real-World Multicenter Study (RICE-Retro)
Authors: Huang Shujie , Wu Hansheng , Cheng Chao , Zhou Ming , Xu Enwu , Lin Wanli , Wang Guangsuo , Tang Jiming , Ben Xiaosong , Zhang Dongkun , Xie Liang , Zhou Haiyu , Chen Gang , Zhuang Weitao , Tang Yong , Xu Fangping , Du Zesen , Xie Zefeng , Wang Feixiang , He Zhe , Zhang Hai , Sun Xuefeng , Li Zijun , Sun Taotao , Liu Jianhua , Yang Shuhan , Xie Songxi , Fu Junhui , Qiao Guibin 
Published: July 2022

PurposeThe present study sets out to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of conversion surgery following induction immunochemotherapy for patients with initially unresectable locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in a real-world scenario.Materials and MethodsIn this multi-center, real-world study (NCT04822103), patients who had unresectable ESCC disease were enrolled across eight medical centers in China. All patients received programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) inhibitor plus chemotherapy every 3 weeks for at least two cycles. Patients with significant relief of cancer-related clinical symptoms and radiological responsive disease were deemed surgical candidates. Feasibility and safety profile of immunochemotherapy plus conversion surgery, radiological and pathological tumor responses, as well as short-term survival outcomes were evaluated. Moreover, data of an independent ESCC cohort receiving induction chemotherapy (iC) were compared.ResultsOne hundred and fifty-five patients were enrolled in the final analysis. Esophagectomy was offered to 116 patients, yielding a conversion rate of 74.8%. R0 resection rate was 94%. Among the 155 patients, 107 (69.0%) patients experienced at least one treatment-related adverse event (TRAE) and 45 (29.0%) patients reported grade 3 and above TRAEs. Significant differences in responsive disease rate were observed between iC cohort and induction immunochemotherapy (iIC) cohort [objective response rate: iIC: 63.2% vs. iC: 47.7%, p = 0.004; pathological complete response: iIC: 22.4% vs. iC: 6.7%, p = 0.001). Higher anastomosis fistula rate was observed in the iC group (19.2%) compared with the iIC group (4%). Furthermore, Significantly higher event-free survival was observed in those who underwent conversion surgery.ConclusionOur results supported that conversion surgery following immunochemotherapy is feasible and safe for patients with initially unresectable locally advanced ESCC. Both radiological and pathological response rates were significantly higher in the iIC cohort compared with those in the traditional iC cohort.
Safety and Efficacy of Programmed Cell Death 1 and Programmed Death Ligand-1 Inhibitors in the Treatment of Cancer: An Overview of Systematic Reviews
Authors: Ou Shun-Long , Luo Jing , Wei Hua , Qin Xiao-Li , Du Su-Ya , Wang Song , Jiang Qian 
Published: July 2022

BackgroundAn influx of systematic reviews (SRs) of programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) and programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) checkpoint inhibitors in cancer treatment with or without meta-analysis and with different methodological quality and inconsistent results have been published, confusing clinical decision making. The aim of this study was to comprehensively evaluate and summarize the current evidence of PD-(L)1 inhibitors in the treatment of cancer.MethodsA comprehensive search of SRs, which included meta-analyses of PD-(L)1 inhibitors on cancer, was performed on eight databases with a cutoff date of 1 January 2022. Two authors independently identified SRs, extracted data, assessed the report quality according to the guidance of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement, evaluated the methodological quality by the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR 2), and appraised the quality of evidence by the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE).ResultsA total of 172 SRs with meta-analysis met the inclusion criteria. The report quality of included SRs was quite good, with 128 (74.42%) SRs of high quality and 44 (25.58%) of moderate quality. The methodological quality was alarming, as only one (0.58%) SR had high quality, five (2.91%) SRs had low quality, and the other 166 (96.51%) SRs had critically low quality. For GRADE, 38 (3.77%) outcomes had high-quality evidence, 288 (28.57%) moderate, 545 (54.07%) low, and 137 (13.59%) critically low-quality evidence. Current evidence indicated that treatment with PD-(L)1 inhibitors were significantly effective in non-small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, malignant melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, and urothelial carcinoma, breast cancer, and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma with PD-L1 expression level≥1%, whereas the evidence in gastroesophageal and colorectal tumors is still controversial. Monotherapy with PD-(L)1 inhibitors was associated with a lower frequency of any grade and high-grade adverse events (AEs). The incidence of any grade and high-grade AEs caused by PD-(L)1 inhibitors in combination with other therapies was no lower than the controls. However, PD-(L)1 inhibitors were associated with a higher frequency of any grade and high-grade immune-related AEs.ConclusionsPD-(L)1 inhibitors appeared to be effective and safe for cancer treatment, except for gastrointestinal tumors; however, the quality of the evidence is not convincing. Future studies should improve methodological quality and focus on the sequential trial analysis of subgroups and safety.Systematic Review Registrationhttp://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero, identifier CRD42020194260.
Perioperative Hemodynamic Optimization in Patients at Risk for Delirium – A Randomized-Controlled Trial
Authors: Fuest Kristina E. , Servatius Ariane , Ulm Bernhard , Schaller Stefan J. , Jungwirth Bettina , Blobner Manfred , Schmid Sebastian 
Published: July 2022

BackgroundPost-operative delirium is common in elderly patients and associated with increased morbidity and mortality. We evaluated in this pilot study whether a perioperative goal-directed hemodynamic optimization algorithm improves cerebral oxygenation and can reduce the incidence of delirium.Materials and MethodsPatients older than 70 years with high risk for post-operative delirium undergoing elective non-cardiac surgery were randomized to an intervention or control group. Patients in the intervention group received a perioperative hemodynamic optimization protocol based on uncalibrated pulse-contour analysis. Patients in the control group were managed according to usual standard of care. Incidence of delirium until day seven was assessed with confusion assessment method (CAM) and chart review. Cerebral oxygenation was measured with near-infrared spectroscopy.ResultsDelirium was present in 13 of 85 (15%) patients in the intervention group and 18 of 87 (21%) in the control group [risk difference −5.4%; 95% confidence interval, −16.8 to 6.1%; P = 0.47]. Intervention did not influence length of stay in hospital or in-hospital mortality. Amounts of fluids and vasopressors applied, mean arterial pressure, cardiac index, and near-infrared spectroscopy values were comparable between groups.ConclusionThe hemodynamic algorithm applied in high-risk non-cardiac surgery patients did not change hemodynamic interventions, did not improve patient hemodynamics, and failed to increase cerebral oxygenation. An effect on the incidence of post-operative delirium could not be observed.Clinical Trial Registration[Clinicaltrials.gov], identifier [NCT01827501].
Case Report: Spontaneous Rupture of Hepatic Hemangioma
Authors: Pan Bing , Lyu Shao-Cheng , He Qiang 
Published: July 2022

BackgroundHepatic hemangioma (HH) is a congenital vasal malformation that seemed like the most probable benign liver neoplasm, composed of masses of blood vessels, which are anomalous in arrangement and size. In most cases, HH is asymptomatic, and patients have an excellent prognosis. According to research, the location and size of the mass are correlated with the symptoms and complications. Reports of spontaneous rupture of HH have been less reported in the literature. In this emergency condition, dynamic contrast-enhanced CT scanning, especially triple-phase computed tomography (CT) with delayed imaging, is preferred.Case PresentationHere, we presented two middle-aged female patients with spontaneous rupture of HH in our hospital. Following an accurate diagnosis of enhanced CT and emergency surgery, patients recovered well and were discharged from the hospital.ConclusionAppropriate imaging studies, especially enhanced CT, and emergency surgery are indispensable for patients with spontaneous rupture of HH. As a surgeon, we need to pay attention to the asymptomatic patient with HH.
Neurocognitive Impairment and Associated Factors Among Elderly in the Bahir Dar City Administration, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Fekadu Betelhem , Tareke Minale , Tadesse Meseret , Anbesaw Tamrat 
Published: July 2022

BackgroundNeurocognitive impairment is a widely common problem in the elderly. It encompasses mild and major cognitive impairment, which will lead to disability and increase the risk of death. It also compromises the quality of life of the patient and poses a burden on the family and society as a whole. However, there is a paucity of information concerning neurocognitive impairment among the elderly in Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of neurocognitive impairment and associated factors among the elderly in Bahir Dar city, Ethiopia 2020.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 423 respondents using a simple random sampling technique from 1 June to 30 June 2020. Neurocognitive impairment was measured using the Mini-Mental State Exam adjusted cutoff point (presence or absence) by the level of education of the participants. Data were entered into EpiData version 4.62 and exported to SPSS version 23 for analysis: descriptive statistics were used for summarization and presentation and binary logistic regression for a measure of association between exposures and outcome variable.ResultsThe prevalence of neurocognitive impairment was 42.1%. Factors such as having no spouse [AOR = 1.76, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08–2.86], having depression (AOR = 3.04, 95% CI: 1.80–5.14), lifetime alcohol use (AOR = 2.90, 95% CI: 1.19–7.07), and having low family support (AOR = 3.07, 95% CI: 1.35–6.96) and moderate family support (AOR = 1.83; 95% CI: 1.10–3.06) were significantly associated with neurocognitive impairment.Conclusion and RecommendationThe prevalence of neurocognitive impairment was high in Bahir Dar city administration. Neurocognitive impairment has shown significant association with no spouse, depression, alcohol use, and low and moderate family social support. It is important to pay attention to old age with comorbid mental illness and also to strengthen social support systems to prevent and manage neurocognitive impairment.
MRI Markers of Small Vessel Disease and the APOE Allele in Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Shams Mana , Shams Sara , Martola Juha , Cavallin Lena , Granberg Tobias , Kaijser Magnus , Wintermark Max , Westman Eric , Aspelin Peter , Kristoffersen Wiberg Maria , Wahlund Lars-Olof 
Published: July 2022

ObjectiveThe apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele is the main genetic risk factor for dementia and Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the underlying mechanism for the increased risk is not well understood. Cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) is prevalent among patients with cognitive impairment and is thought to play an important role in the pathophysiology of dementia. We aimed to investigate the association between the APOE ε genotype and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) markers of SVD in a memory clinic population.Material and MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study with a total of 520 patients undergoing dementia investigation, including an MRI brain scan and APOE genotyping in all patients enrolled, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis for routine AD biomarkers in 399 patients. MR images were assessed for markers of SVD: cerebral microbleeds (CMBs), cortical superficial siderosis, intracerebral hemorrhage, white matter hyperintensities, lacunar infarcts, and enlarged perivascular spaces.ResultsApolipoprotein E carriers with AD had a higher number of CMBs when looking at all brain regions and lobar brain regions (p &lt; 0.001). A lower number of CMBs were seen in APOE ε2 (p &lt; 0.05), ε3 and ε3/3 carriers (p &lt; 0.001) when looking at all brain regions. A higher number of CMBs in deep and infratentorial regions were seen in APOE ε2 and ε3 (p &lt; 0.05). In APOE ε4/4 carriers, CMBs, cortical superficial siderosis, white matter hyperintensities, and enlarged perivascular spaces were associated with lower levels of CSF amyloid β (Aβ) 42 in the whole cohort, and in individuals with AD and mild cognitive impairment (p &lt; 0.05).ConclusionApolipoprotein E ε4 is associated with MRI markers of SVD related to amyloid pathology, specifically CMBs and Aβ42 plaque formation in the brain, as reflected by decreased CSF Aβ42 levels, whereas APOE ε3 and ε2 are associated with the markers of hypertensive arteriopathy, as reflected by the association with CMBs in deep and infratentorial brain regions.
Comparing the Conventional and Balloon-Guided Catheter-Assisted SWIM Technology for the Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Chen Zhengwen , Liu Yizhi , Li Bo , Yuan Chen , Hou Kaiwen , Chen Long , Li Peicheng 
Published: July 2022

ObjectiveAcute ischemic stroke is common in elder patients. This study investigates whether using the balloon-guided catheter (BGC) would improve the effect of stent thrombectomy (Solitaire FR With Intracranial Support Catheter for Mechanical Thrombectomy, SWIM) for patients with acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion (AIS-LVO).MethodThe data of 209 patients with AIS-LVO underwent SWIM were collected retrospectively from January 2017 to June 2021. These patients were divided into two groups based on whether they used of BGC or not. The propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was used to compare the differences in the first pass effect (FPE), successful recanalization, embolus escape rate, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), 90-day clinical favorable outcome, 90-day all-cause mortality, and complications in the patients treated with SWIM combined with balloon-guided catheter or conventional catheter.ResultsAmong the 209 patients, 44 patients were treated with BGC and 165 patients were not. After matching, a total of 111 patients were included. The results showed that there was no statistical difference in FPE (35.1% in non-BGC group compared to 24.3% in BGC group, matched RR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.24–1.44), successful recanalization (89.2 vs. 91.9%, matched RR, 1.37; 95%CI, 0.34–5.51), embolus escape (6.8 vs. 8.1%, matched RR, 1.22; 95%CI, 0.28–5.40), sICH (8.1 vs. 13.5%; matched RR, 1.77; 95%CI 0.50–6.24), 90-day clinical favorable outcome (48.7 vs. 54.1%, matched RR, 1.11; 95%CI 0.51–2.46), 90-day all-cause mortality (17.6 vs. 21.6%, matched RR, 1.29; 95%CI 0.48–3.47), and the incidence of complications (6.8 vs. 5.4%, matched RR, 0.79 95%CI 0.15–4.27). These results indicate that using SWIM as the first-line treatment for patients with AIS-LVO, there is no statistical significance in FPE, final successful recanalization, distal emboli, sICH, procedural time, 90-day favorable outcome, 90-day mortality, and complications with or without BGC.ConclusionBalloon-guided catheter does not affect the result of using SWIM as the first-line treatment for patients with AIS-LVO. Our results will guide daily practice, with the adoption of the use of a guided catheter without a balloon.
Detection of Abnormal Spontaneous Brain Activity Patterns in Patients With Orbital Fractures Using Fractional Amplitude of Low Frequency Fluctuation
Authors: Kang Min , Gao YuXuan , Zhang LiJuan , Liang RongBin , Li QiuYu , Shu HuiYe , Pan YiCong , Ying Ping , Xu SanHua , Yi Shao 
Published: July 2022

BackgroundTo date, no in-depth study has been conducted on the intrinsic pathological relationship between altered brain activity and related behavioral changes in patients with orbital fracture (OF).PurposeThe present research aimed to explore the potential functional network cerebrum activities in patients with OF using resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging–fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (rsfMRI-fALFF). This technique can reveal dynamic functional changes in specific cerebrum areas.MethodsTwenty patients with OF and 20 healthy controls (HCs) were included, closely matched in terms of gender, age, weight, and education level. To record spontaneous cerebral activity changes, the rsfMRI-fALFF tool was applied. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and Pearson's correlation analysis were used to analyze mean fALFF values in specific cerebrum regions and to explore changes of behavioral changes in patients with OF. The Hospital Depression and Anxiety scale was applied to reveal the relationship between emotional states and fALFF values of the right superior temporal gyrus in patients with OF.ResultsIn comparison with HCs, significantly lower fALFF values were detected in the left anterior cingulate gyrus (LACG) and right superior temporal gyrus (RSTG) in patients with OF. ROC curve analysis showed excellent accuracy. The mean fALFF values of the RSTG negatively correlated with the depression score as well as the anxiety score.ConclusionThe finding of abnormal spontaneous activities in cerebral regions may contribute to more comprehensive understanding of the potential neural network changes in patients with OF. The changes of fALFF value in patients with OF may help to gauge their emotional changes and clinical recovery levels.