bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A reservoir induced earthquake swarm in the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka
Authors: Herath Pasan , Attanayake Januka , Gahalaut Kalpna 
Published: October 2022

AbstractAn anomalous seismic sequence of five small (MW < 3) felt earthquakes occurred between 29 August 2020 and 05 December 2020 around the Victoria Reservoir in the central highlands of Sri Lanka that clearly exceeded the established national background seismic rate. Using seismic waveform template-matching and a newly developed single-station earthquake location method based on travel-time back-projection, we detected an additional co-located 23 microseismic events, of which 18 occurred within the same period as the felt events. This hitherto undetected seismic swarm defines a seismogenic zone beneath the western flank of the reservoir between 1.5 and 3 km depths. The reservoir-induced peak stresses, resolved on E-W striking faults, predicted from the poroelastic theory that include both drained and undrained crustal responses are ~ 15 kPa in an area overlapping the seismogenic zone, which, together with the physical and spatio-temporal characteristics of the seismic swarm, establish a causal link between reservoir-induced stresses and the earthquake swarm with implications to seismic hazard. This is the first record of induced seismicity in Sri Lanka. The newly developed efficient computational workflows with minimal operational costs described in our study provide a blueprint for monitoring reservoir-induced seismicity in developing countries with severe resource limitations.
Optimization of the process of seed extraction from the Larix decidua Mill. cones including evaluation of seed quantity and quality
Authors: Tulska Ewa , Aniszewska Monika , Zychowicz Witold 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThe objective of this study was to determine the number of stages of cone drying and immersion that yield the maximum number of high quality seeds. Nine variants of the process were conducted; they differed in terms of dwell time in the drying chamber and water immersion time. Each extraction variant consisted of five drying steps (lasting 10, 8 or 6 h) and four immersion steps (5, 10 or 15 min). Each drying step was followed by cone shaking in a purpose-made laboratory drum. The process variants were evaluated and compared in terms of cone moisture content as well as the dynamics of seed yield and the quality of seeds obtained in the various steps. The seed yield coefficient, α, and the cone mass yield coefficient, β, were calculated. The studied process of seed extraction can be described using the Lewis empirical model for the second stage of drying with the b coefficient ranging from 0.34 to 0.60. Relatively higher initial and final moisture content was found for cones immersed for 15 min (more than 0.45 kgwater·kgd.w.−1), while the lowest moisture content was found for those immersed for 5 min (less than 0.4 kgwater·kgd.w.−1). The highest seed yield at the first and second steps was obtained in the 8 h_10 min variant (53% and 32%, respectively). In all five-step variants, the mean cone yield amounted to 65% of total seeds in the cones; seeds obtained from all variants were classified in quality class I. The procedure recommended for commercial seed extraction facilities consists of three 8 h drying steps and two 10 min immersion steps, with cone shaking in a drum to maximize seed yield. A shorter cone extraction process maintaining an acceptable level of seed extraction may reduce energy consumption by nearly 50%.
Comparison of two different antiseptics regarding intracutaneous microbial load after preoperative skin cleansing in total knee and hip arthroplasties
Authors: Böhle Sabrina , Vogel Anna-Maria , Matziolis Georg , Strube Patrick , Rohe Sebastian , Brodt Steffen , Mastrocola Mario , Eijer Henk , Rödel Jürgen , Lindemann Chris 
Published: October 2022

AbstractPeriprosthetic infections (PPIs) are a serious concern in total knee and hip arthroplasty, and they have an increasing incidence. To prevent PPI, preoperative skin disinfection, as a key element of antisepsis, represents an important part of infection prevention. However, no specific antiseptic agent is endorsed by the relevant guidelines. The purpose of this retrospective, not randomized study was to investigate the difference in the residual bacteria load between an approved antiseptic with an alcohol-based solution with additional benzalkonium chloride (BAC) and an alcohol-based solution with additional octenidine dihydrochloride (OCT) at two different time periods. In 200 consecutive patients with total knee or hip arthroplasty, skin samples from the surgical sites were collected after skin disinfection with BAC (100 g solution contain: propan-2-ol 63.0 g, benzalkonium chloride 0.025 g) or OCT (100 g solution contain: octenidine dihydrochloride 0.1 g, propan-1-ol, 30.0 g, propan-2-ol 45.0 g) (100 patients per group). Following the separation of cutis and subcutis and its processing, culture was performed on different agar plates in aerobic and anaerobic environments. In the case of bacteria detection, the microbial identification was determined by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), and the number of contaminated samples was compared between the groups. Additionally, multiple regression analysis was performed to examine the effect of the type of disinfectant, BMI, age, sex, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus, skin disorders, smoking status, and localization of skin samples on positive bacteria detection. A total of 34 samples were positive for bacteria in the BAC group, while only 17 samples were positive in the OCT group (p = 0.005). Disinfectant type was the only significant parameter in the multiple regression analysis (p = 0.006). A significantly higher contamination rate of the subcutis was shown in the BAC group compared to the OCT group (19 vs. 9, p = 0,003). After the change from BAC to OCT in preoperative skin cleansing in the hip and knee areas, the number of positive cultures decreased by 50%, which might have been caused by a higher microbicidal activity of OCT. Therefore, the use of OCT in preoperative cleansing may reduce the risk of PPI in hip and knee surgery. Randomized controlled trials are required to confirm the effect and to evaluate if it reduces the risk of PPI.
Exploration of oxygen-mediated disinfection of medical devices reveals a high sensitivity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to elevated oxygen levels
Authors: Cavallo Francis M. , Kommers Richard , Friedrich Alexander W. , Glasner Corinna , van Dijl Jan Maarten 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThe microbiological safety of medical devices is of paramount importance for patients and manufacturers alike. However, during usage medical devices will inevitably become contaminated with microorganisms, including opportunistic pathogens. This is a particular problem if these devices come in contact with body sites that carry high bacterial loads, such as the oral cavity. In the present study, we investigated whether high oxygen concentrations can be applied to disinfect surfaces contaminated with different Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. We show that some opportunistic pathogens, exemplified by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, are particularly sensitive to oxygen concentrations above the atmospheric oxygen concentration of 21%. Our observations also show that high oxygen concentrations can be applied to reduce the load of P. aeruginosa on nebulizers that are used by cystic fibrosis patients, who are particularly susceptible to colonization and infection by this bacterium. We conclude that the efficacy of oxygen-mediated disinfection depends on the bacterial species, duration of oxygen exposure and the oxygen concentration. We consider these observations relevant, because gas mixtures with high oxygen content can be readily applied for microbial decontamination. However, the main challenge for oxygen-based disinfection approaches resides in a potentially incomplete elimination of microbial contaminants, which makes combined usage with other disinfectants like ethanol or hydrogen peroxide recommendable.
Patient's perspective in clinical practice to assess and predict disability in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Gil-Perotin S. , Bernad L. , Reddam S. , Ferrer-Pardo C. , Navarro-Quevedo S. , Solís-Tarazona L. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThe information provided by a person with multiple sclerosis (MS) may anticipate changes in the course of the disease. To explore the role of a set of standardized patient-reported outcomes (PRO) in predicting disability progression in MS an observational study was conducted in two cohorts of 30 and 86 persons with progressive MS (pwPMS) and relapsing MS (pwRMS), respectively. The associations between baseline clinical, biochemical variables and results on MS quality of life scale (MusiQol), Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) and Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II) were analyzed. The progression of disability after 2 years of follow-up in pwRMS was investigated. We show that PRO differentiated pwRMS and pwPMS cohorts with lower MusiQoL and higher MFIS and BDI-II scores in the latter. Only MFIS was correlated with disability in pwRMS and high scores in the physical MFIS domain associated with worse performance in 9HPT, and a trend in T25FW and SDMT. Instead, the cognitive MFIS domain was correlated with CHI3L1 in cerebrospinal fluid, a biomarker of progression. At the end of the study, global MFIS and BDI-II were found to be independent risk factors for disability independent of relapse. Although all PRO measures explored were altered in pwPMS, baseline MFIS discriminated current and prospective disability in pwRMS, identifying patients at risk of progression.
Exposure to low levels of photocatalytic TiO2 nanoparticles enhances seed germination and seedling growth of amaranth and cruciferous vegetables
Authors: Li Chi-Cheng , Jhou Sian-Ming , Li Yi-Chen , Ciou Jhih-Wei , Lin You-Yen , Hung Shih-Che , Chang Jen-Hsiang , Chang Jen-Che , Sun Der-Shan , Chou Ming-Lun , Chang Hsin-Hou 
Published: October 2022

AbstractTitanium dioxide (TiO2) is one of the most common compounds on Earth, and it is used in natural forms or engineered bulks or nanoparticles (NPs) with increasing rates. However, the effect of TiO2 NPs on plants remains controversial. Previous studies demonstrated that TiO2 NPs are toxic to plants, because the photocatalytic property of TiO2 produces biohazardous reactive oxygen species. In contrast, another line of evidence suggested that TiO2 NPs are beneficial to plant growth. To verify this argument, in this study, we used seed germination of amaranth and cruciferous vegetables as a model system. Intriguingly, our data suggested that the controversy was due to the dosage effect. The photocatalytic activity of TiO2 NPs positively affected seed germination and growth through gibberellins in a plant-tolerable range (0.1 and 0.2 mg/cm2), whereas overdosing (1 mg/cm2) induced tissue damage. Given that plants are the foundations of the ecosystem; these findings are useful for agricultural application, sustainable development and maintenance of healthy environments.
Small bowel cleanliness in capsule endoscopy: a case–control study using validated artificial intelligence algorithm
Authors: Oh Dong Jun , Hwang Youngbae , Nam Ji Hyung , Lim Yun Jeong 
Published: October 2022

AbstractSmall bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) may need to be performed immediately after colonoscopy without additional bowel preparation if active small bowel diseases are suspected. However, it is unclear whether the small bowel cleanliness is adequately maintained even after SBCE is performed immediately after colonoscopy. We compared the small bowel cleanliness scores of the study group (SBCE immediately after colonoscopy) and control group (SBCE alone) using a validated artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm (cut-off score > 3.25 for adequate). Cases of SBCE in which polyethylene glycol was used were included retrospectively. Among 85 enrolled cases, 50 cases (58.8%) were the study group. The mean time from the last dose of purgative administration to SBCE was 6.86 ± 0.94 h in the study group and 3.00 ± 0.18 h in the control group. Seventy-five cases (88.2%) were adequate small bowel cleanliness, which was not different between the two groups. The mean small bowel cleanliness score for the study group was 3.970 ± 0.603, and for the control group was 3.937 ± 0.428. In the study group, better colon preparation resulted in a higher small bowel cleanliness score (p = 0.015). Small bowel cleanliness was also adequately maintained in SBCE immediately after colonoscopy. There was no difference between the time and volume of purgative administration and small bowel cleanliness.
Real‐time dwell scheduling algorithm for phased array radar based on a backtracking strategy
Authors: Li Zhongzhu , Cheng Ting , Heng Siyu 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThe effective dwell scheduling algorithm must be studied to make full use of the radar system's limited resources. In this study, a real‐time dwell scheduling in phased array radar is investigated, where the optimisation problem model that takes the importance, urgency and desired execution time criteria into consideration is built. A real‐time dwell scheduling algorithm for phased array radar based on a backtracking strategy is proposed to solve this problem. Based on the scheduled task pointed by the time pointer, when it is not interleaved with the previously scheduled tasks, two previously interleaved blocks are backtracked, and the actual execution time of tasks in these two blocks are adjusted. In order to guarantee real‐time scheduling, the concept of the virtual dwell task is introduced to reduce the dimension of the original execution time optimisation problem first, then it is converted into two convex optimisation problems and their analytical solutions are deduced. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm can realise real‐time dwell scheduling, and it has the lowest Task Drop Ratio, the highest Hit Value Ratio, Time Utilisation Ratio and low Average Time Shifting Ration compared with conventional and up‐to‐date algorithms.
Endoscopic submucosal dissection using an ultrathin endoscope for superficial pharyngeal cancer: a prospective feasibility study (with video)
Authors: Muramoto Takashi , Ohata Ken , Sakai Eiji , Sawada Rikimaru , Takeuchi Nao , Inamoto Rin , Kurebayashi Marie , Takayanagi Syunya , Kimoto Yoshiaki , Ishii Rindo , Nohara Mako , Liu Bo , Ono Kohei , Negishi Ryoju , Minato Yohei , Chiba Hideyuki , Matsuhashi Nobuyuki 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background and study aims Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) of pharyngeal cancers with conventional endoscopes often is difficult, not only because of the narrow working space, but also because endoscope maneuverability in the pharynx is poor due to interference from the endotracheal tube and/or hyoid bone. However, we hypothesized that those problems could possibly be resolved by use of an ultrathin endoscope for ESD of superficial pharyngeal cancer. The aim of this prospective interventional study was to investigate the feasibility of ESD for superficial pharyngeal cancer using an ultrathin endoscope.
Patients and methods This feasibility study was conducted at NTT Medical Center Tokyo between June 2020 and September 2021, and data from a total of 20 consecutively superficial pharyngeal cancers were analyzed. The primary outcome measure was the R0 resection rate. The ESD completion rate, en bloc resection rate, procedure time, and frequency of intraoperative and postoperative adverse events (AEs) were also evaluated as secondary outcome measures.
Results Data from 16 patients with 20 lesions were included in the analysis. All of the lesions were successfully resected by ultrathin endoscope ESD, and the en bloc and R0 resection rates were 100 % and 85.0 % (17/20), respectively; the procedure time was 37.8 ± 28.2 minutes. No intraoperative or postoperative AEs were encountered in any cases.
Conclusions ESD using an ultrathin endoscope is feasible for superficial pharyngeal cancers and has potential to be a safe and effective treatment option for these cancers.
Agreement of the Newly Developed Moyers' Equations and Moyers' Tables
Authors: Thiradilok Sasipa , Witayabusarakhum Praeopailin , Manopatanakul Somchai , Ho Christopher 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Objective This study aimed to develop the Moyers' prediction equation to be used with tooth widths predicting app on smartphone.
Materials and Methods Four equations were developed separately for sex and dental arches. Internal validation with Moyers' table was finished. External validation on 37 subjects with agreement test of both Moyers' prediction equations and Moyers' prediction tables was performed.
Statistical Analysis A general linear model procedure was used to create four prediction equations. Internal validation was evaluated using the coefficient of determination. External validation was performed using Bland and Altman (BA) test.
Results Four equations were developed for OrthoAnalysis app on smartphone. The overall coefficient of determination of all equations and prediction table was 0.998 (p < 0.05) indicating good agreement of the two methods. The agreement test on the 37 subjects was that the BA test revealed the BA limits of agreement between the residuals of two predictions was −0.001 mm and ranged from -0.143 to 0.140 mm with almost all plots lying inside this difference interval.
Conclusions In summary, four novel estimation equations were developed and showed very low difference to the well accepted original Moyers' prediction tables. Therefore, the equations used in the orthodontic app for predicting unerupted tooth width were verified and valid for clinical use.
Imaging of Lung Disease Associated with Connective Tissue Disease
Authors: Bartlett Emily C. , Renzoni Elizabeth A. , Sivarasan Nishanth , Desai Sujal R. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThere is a well-known association between the connective tissue disorders (CTDs) and lung disease. In addition to interstitial lung disease, the CTDs may affect the air spaces and pulmonary vasculature. Imaging tests are important not only in diagnosis but also in management of these complex disorders. In the present review, key aspects of the imaging of CTD-reated diseases are discussed.
“Stocking Pattern Metabolic Captivity” of Legs on 18F-FDG PET-CT in Necrotizing Fasciitis: Potential Complimentary Role in Differential Diagnosis and Assessment of Disease Extent in a Life-Threatening Condition
Authors: Sonavane Sunita Nitin , Basu Sandip 
Published: October 2022

AbstractA rare and fatal life-threatening case of necrotizing fasciitis (initially presenting with skin-deep superficial lesions and clinical suspicion of paraneoplastic syndrome) is described, who was finally diagnosed with the help of fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET)/computed tomography (CT) as more extensive infectious process. A 36-year-old male presented with bilaterally symmetrical cutaneous lesions involving lower limbs that rapidly progressed to ulcerative lesions and pancytopenia. In view of suspicion of paraneoplastic manifestation, the patient underwent 18F-FDG-PET/CT to rule out any underlying malignancy. The FDG-PET/CT findings confirmed hypermetabolism circumferentially along the fasciae of bilateral lower extremities while sparing muscles and subcutaneous fat from below the knee till toe with diffused hypermetabolic marrow, and no evidence of focal disease suggesting malignancy. Biopsy turned out to be superficial necrolytic fasciitis. The patient's condition deteriorated and, 20 days following the scan, the patient succumbed secondary to severe pancytopenia and hypotension. The case raises the importance of high degree of suspicion and prompt diagnosis of this condition, where FDG-PET/CT imaging can play a valuable complimentary role. Such awareness could be lifesaving due to early optimal treatment in the disease course.
A Case of Suspected Radiation-Induced Meningioma That Developed 36 Years after Radiotherapy for a Suprasellar Tumor
Authors: Onoda Keisuke , Takaya Yoshinori , Sashida Ryohei , Fujiwara Ren , Wakamiya Tomihiro , Michiwaki Yuhei , Tanaka Tatsuya , Shimoji Kazuaki , Suehiro Eiichi , Yamane Fumitaka , Kawashima Masatou , Matsuno Akira 
Published: October 2022

AbstractRecently, the improvements in the prognosis of childhood brain tumors have made it necessary to consider the risk of radiation-induced brain tumor development in long-term survivors. In this report, we describe a case of radiation-induced meningioma (RIM) treated surgically 36 years after radiotherapy. A 46-year-old woman, who underwent craniotomy for suprasellar germ cell tumor at 10 years of age with additional postoperative radiotherapy, was admitted to the emergency room with consciousness disturbance and right hemiplegia. One year earlier, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a 1-cm diameter tumor in the left middle cranial fossa. This MRI showed an enlarged brain tumor in same lesion with clearly enhanced by gadolinium. A RIM located on a left sphenoid ridge with a fast growth rate was diagnosed, and the gross total removal was achieved by a left frontotemporal craniotomy. Histological diagnosis of atypical meningioma (World Health Organization grade II) was made. RIMs are frequently atypical, anaplastic meningiomas that have already been treated with radiotherapy, making additional postoperative radiotherapy difficult; the removal rate must be increased to achieve a good prognosis. In the case of long-term survivors after childhood radiotherapy, a strict follow-up with the occurrence of RIM in mind is necessary.
Posterior Fossa Intra-Axial Lesion: There Are Pathologies Beyond Metastases
Authors: Fotakopoulos George , Brotis Alexandros G. , Paterakis Konstantinos , Kapsalaki Eftychia , Fountas Kostas N. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractCerebellar metastases represent the most common lesion requiring surgical treatment in the daily neurosurgical praxis. We report a rare case with Lhermitte–Duclos disease presenting to the neurosurgical outpatient department and describe our diagnostic and treatment challenges. A 57-year-old man presented with transient cerebellar manifestations, including walking difficulties, dizziness, and a persistent occipital headache. The magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a high-intensity lesion in the right cerebellar hemisphere on T2-weighted images. We initially considered surgery to establish a histopathological diagnosis. However, the magnetic resonance spectroscopy was compatible with a dysplastic gangliocytoma of the cerebellum. Therefore, we preferred a more conservative approach. Posterior fossa contrast-enhancing lesions are much more than metastases. The role of advanced magnetic resonance in avoiding unnecessary surgical interventions is priceless.
Hemisensory Loss after Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Insertion
Authors: Algethami Rafaa , Moshref Rana H. , Sabbagh Abdulrahman J. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractIdiopathic intracranial hypertension includes ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) insertion, with a reported complication of shunt revision in 25% of the cases 1 year after insertion. We report a case of a 28-year-old female with pituitary adenoma who developed sensory loss after VPS placement that could be explained by disruption in thalamic pathways. A lesson learned from this case is that although VPS is a simple procedure, complications can occur. Modalities can be used to detect the complications, and further revisions might be needed.