Time Research Articles

Investigation of SARS-CoV-2 release in fecal specimens of discharge COVID-19 patients

Abstract Objectives The presence of live SARS-CoV-2 viruses in the fecal specimens and the positive results for SARS-CoV-2 RNA in gastrointestinal samples after respiratory specimens had become negative indicate that there may be a risk of transmission of the disease not only through the respiratory tract but also through the fecal-oral route. The study aim is to determine the time period that the SARS-CoV-2 virus remains in the fecal specimens of discharged COVID-19 patients to reveal the time interval in which the risk of transmission continues. Methods In 65 patients hospitalized with a COVID-19 diagnosis, the viral RNA was isolated from the supernatant of the stool sample using CVXTM viral RNA extraction kit. The extracted RNAs from the stool samples were detected using a commercial RT-PCR method. Results Positive results were obtained in the stool samples in eight of sixty-five patients and the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in these patients was detected for up to three weeks. Conclusions By determining the residence time of SARS-CoV-2 virus in stool samples of discharged COVID-19 patients, the time interval during which the possibility of transmission risk continues has been revealed. The findings of the study could prove beneficial in comprehending the risks of transmission and translating them into preventative measures.

Cooling Uncovered Foods at a Depth of ∼5.1 cm (2 in.) or Less Poses Little Risk of Pathogen Growth

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has guidelines for cooling cooked foods in retail operations. Data on foodborne illness risk factors in restaurants indicate that cooling is often out of compliance with these guidelines. We sought to identify factors under the control of the operator that had a significant effect on the cooling rates of cooked foods. Minneapolis Minnesota Health Inspectors were trained in standardized operating procedures for cooling data collection. Data loggers set to appropriate time intervals and calibrated to ±0.5 °C (∼1°F) were used in data collection. Analysis was performed using the R statistical computing language version 4.2.2. Preexisting pathogen models were used to predict Log CFU increases of Clostridium perfringens or Bacillus cereus. Data from 224 recipes were recorded by inspectors between October 2018 and October 2019. Food depth had a highly significant effect (p = 8.90E−08) on cooling rate. The use of an ice bath or ice wand was also significant (p < 0.005). There was a significant correlation between container material (metal or plastic) and food depth because foods with a greater depth are often being cooled in plastic containers. Foods at a depth greater than 5.1 cm (2 in.) that cooled faster than 0.23 log(°C)/h were often wholly or partially cooled in blast chillers or freezers, cooled using an ice bath or ice wand (or both), or were composed of protein pieces (e.g., chicken wings) that facilitated more rapid cooling due to air gaps in the food. Foods in shallow containers at a food depth of less than or equal to ∼5.1 cm (2 in.) that cooled more slowly than 0.23 log(°C)/h were being cooled at temperatures greater than 5 °C (41°F) or were partially or wholly covered. These foods also showed little evidence of pathogen growth from predictive models. Our analysis shows that cooling foods in shallow containers at a food depth of less than or equal to ∼5.1 cm (2 in.) poses little risk of significant pathogen growth.

Acute kidney injury as a prognostic marker in severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is a tick-borne illness with a notable morality risk that is becoming increasingly prevalent in East Asia (14–36%). Increasing evidence indicates a more direct role of the SFTS virus in renal impairment. However, few studies have explored the risk factors for and clinical outcomes of AKI in patients with SFTS. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate risk factors and outcomes associated with AKI in patients with SFTS. In this retrospective cohort study, we included the data of 53 patients who were diagnosed with SFTS virus infection at Kangwon National University Hospital between 2016 and 2020. We incorporated laboratory data and medical information including comorbidities, complications, and mortality. Baseline characteristics, clinical features, laboratory parameters, and mortality rates of the non-AKI and AKI groups were compared. Patient survival of non-AKI and AKI groups were compared using the Kaplan–Meier method. To identify the population with poor prognosis, Cox regression analysis was used to identify the independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality in patients with SFTS. Of the 53 individuals, 29 (54.7%) were male, with an average age of 66.5 years. Nine patients (15.1%) died of SFTS. Twenty-seven (50.9%) patients exhibited AKI; the average time interval from fever onset to AKI occurrence was 3.6 days. Notably, 24 (88.9%) patients developed AKI within the first week of fever onset. Patients in the AKI group exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of diabetes and were older than those in the non-AKI group. The mortality rate was notably higher (29.6%) in the AKI group than in the non-AKI group (3.8%). Within the AKI cohort, advanced stages (stages 2 and 3) showed a 50% mortality rate, which was significantly higher than the 17.6% mortality rate in patients with stage 1 AKI. Additionally, Kaplan–Meier curves revealed lower survival rates among patients with AKI than among those without AKI (P = 0.017). Cox regression analysis identified leukopenia and elevated serum creatinine levels as significant risk factors for mortality. AKI is a common complication associated with SFTS. Moreover, the mortality rate was significantly higher in the patients who developed AKI than in those who did not. Our findings underscore the pivotal role of AKI as a prognostic marker of disease severity in patients with SFTS.

Association of Time Since Diagnosis of Pediatric Ileocolic Intussusception With Success of Attempted Reduction: Analysis in 1065 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Radiologists generally treat pediatric ileocolic intussusceptions emergently given potential worse outcomes from delayed reduction attempts. However, relevant literature is conflicting. OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with successful image-guided ileocolic intussusception reduction in children, with attention to the time interval since diagnosis. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients <6 years old who underwent attempted image-guided enema reduction of ileocolic intussusception between May 2009 and July 2023. Patients were separated into two groups: those presenting directly to the institution (nontransferred patients, who all underwent attempted reduction <8 hours after ultrasound diagnosis), and those transferred from outside facilities. EHR data were extracted. Each patient's first image-guided reduction attempt was classified as successful or unsuccessful. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed. RESULTS: The study included 1065 patients (649 male, 416 female; mean age, 18.1 months; age range, 2.2-71.0 months; 793 nontransferred and 272 transferred patients). In nontransferred patients, the mean interval between ultrasound diagnosis and reduction attempt was 150.8 minutes; in transferred patients, the mean interval between outside facility advanced imaging and reduction attempt was 460.1 minutes (p<.001). Successful reduction occurred in 84.6% and 81.6% of nontransferred and transferred patients, respectively (p=.25). In nontransferred patients, success occurred in 85.6% of attempts <2 hours after diagnosis versus 84.0% of attempts 2-<8 hours after diagnosis (p=.54); the mean interval from diagnosis to attempted reduction was 149.7 minutes and 156.8 minutes for successful and unsuccessful attempts, respectively (p=.53). In multivariable analysis, factors showing independent associations with success were proximal intussusception location (OR=3.63, p<.001) and absence of high-risk ultrasound findings (OR=2.57, p<.001); success was not independently associated with age, sex, bloody stools, reduction method, or time since diagnosis <2 hours (p>.05). In transferred patients, the mean interval from outside advanced imaging to attempted reduction was 463.1 minutes and 440.2 minutes for successful and unsuccessful attempts, respectively (p=.74). CONCLUSION: Intussusception reduction may not require completion emergently (within 2 hours after diagnosis), but potentially may be safely performed on an urgent basis (within 8 hours). CLINICAL IMPACT: The findings have implications for determining the standard of care, including criteria for oncall activation of radiologic resources, in pediatric intussusception management.

Towards various occupants with different thermal comfort requirements: A deep reinforcement learning approach combined with a dynamic PMV model for HVAC control in buildings

Reinforcement learning (RL) has great potential in achieving energy-efficient, comfortable and intelligent control of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Although research on RL-based HVAC control has attracted increasing interest, current studies generally use simple building simulation as the environment to train agents, and the definition of thermal comfort is limited to a wide temperature range, which cannot meet the different thermal comfort requirements of various occupants. This study proposes a deep reinforcement learning (DRL) control framework based on the Dueling Deep Q-network (DQN) algorithm, combined with a self-designed environmental model and reward function, for HVAC control meeting different thermal comfort requirements. Specifically, based on the theory of building thermal dynamics, a nonlinear equation modified by experimental data is used for the environmental model that reflects the actual thermal change of building. Different thermal comfort requirements are considered and analysed through a dynamic predicted mean vote (PMV) model that focuses on the metabolic rate and clothing level of occupants. By systematically exploring different heating modes for occupants and control time intervals, the proposed framework demonstrates that heating energy consumption can be reduced by 4.8%-39.58% under various conditions compared to rule-based control. In addition, the study found that the HVAC control based on DRL has greater potential in saving energy when the heating demand of building is higher. Our study is helpful for researchers to make HVAC control more energy-efficient and user-friendly with the help of artificial intelligence.

Cognitive functional therapy for lower back pain: A meta-analytical assessment of pain and disability outcomes in randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND: Cognitive functional therapy (CFT) aims to address low back pain (LBP) comprehensively by considering physical, psychological, and social factors. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of CFT in reducing pain and disability in individuals with LBP over various time intervals. METHOD: A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effects of CFT on LBP. RESULTS: In this study, 1510 records were initially identified, and 7 studies were included in the analysis. Disability scores were significantly reduced after CFT had been applied for 6 to 8 weeks (SMD =-0.46, 95% CI [-0.74, -0.19]), 12 weeks to 3 months (SMD =-0.54, 95% CI [-0.72, -0.36]), 6 months (MD =-5.82, 95% CI [-9.82, -1.82]), and 12 months (SMD =-0.4, 95% CI [-0.55, -0.26]). There were also significant reductions in pain scores observed after 12 weeks to 3 months (SMD =-0.49, 95% CI [-0.68, -0.3]), 6 months (MD =-0.75, 95% CI [-1.5, -0.0001]), and 12 months (SMD =-0.27, 95% CI [-0.42, -0.12]). CONCLUSION: CFT showed potential for improving disability scores for individuals with LBP across various time intervals. However, its impacts on pain scores varied.

Casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate varnish versus dentin desensitizer in the treatment of non-carious dentin hypersensitivity

Background: Dentin hypersensitivity (DH) is one of the most common conditions clinicians encounter in clinical practice. New techniques are continuously being set forth to treat this condition. In recent times, casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) has garnered attention owing to its ability to improve remineralization and prevent enamel demineralization. Consequently, it has been indicated as an advanced treatment for DH. Purpose: This clinical trial aims to assess the efficacy of a CPP-ACP varnish in the management of non-carious cervical hypersensitivity and compare it with that of a dentin desensitizer. Methods: Patients between the ages of 20 and 65 years who reported to our institute with complaints of DH were selected for this study. Forty teeth were chosen for this study and randomly assigned to two groups. The test group was treated with a CPP-ACP varnish (MI Varnish®, GC Corporation, Japan), while the control group was treated with a dentin desensitizer (Gluma®, Heraeus-Kulzer, Germany). Dentin hypersensitivity assessments were conducted during pre-treatment, immediately following treatment, and 2 and 4 weeks after treatment. Statistical analysis was performed after data collection. Results: An intragroup comparison showed both the CPP-ACP varnish and the dentin desensitizer achieved a maximum decrease in sensitivity in the time interval from baseline to post-op, and these desensitizing effects were sustained through the second and fourth week following treatment. An intergroup comparison revealed no statistically significant difference in sensitivity between the two groups at different time intervals. Conclusion: It could be concluded that CPP-ACP varnish and dentin desensitizer possess similar efficacy in the treatment of DH.

Mechanically Induced Motor Tremors Disrupt the Perception of Time.

Contemporary research has begun to show a strong relationship between movements and the perception of time. More specifically, concurrent movements serve to both bias and enhance time estimates. To explain these effects, we recently proposed a mechanism by which movements provide a secondary channel for estimating duration that is combined optimally with sensory estimates. However, a critical test of this framework is that by introducing "noise" into movements, sensory estimates of time should similarly become noisier. To accomplish this, we had human participants move a robotic arm while estimating intervals of time in either auditory or visual modalities (n = 24, ea.). Crucially, we introduced an artificial "tremor" in the arm while subjects were moving, that varied across three levels of amplitude (1-3 N) or frequency (4-12 Hz). The results of both experiments revealed that increasing the frequency of the tremor led to noisier estimates of duration. Further, the effect of noise varied with the base precision of the interval, such that a naturally less precise timing (i.e., visual) was more influenced by the tremor than a naturally more precise modality (i.e., auditory). To explain these findings, we fit the data with a recently developed drift-diffusion model of perceptual decision-making, in which the momentary, within-trial variance was allowed to vary across conditions. Here, we found that the model could recapitulate the observed findings, further supporting the theory that movements influence perception directly. Overall, our findings support the proposed framework, and demonstrate the utility of inducing motor noise via artificial tremors.

Wavelet optical flow velocimetry of a scramjet combustor using high-speed frame-straddling focusing schlieren images

Scramjet combustors feature ultra-high-speed turbulent reacting flows with high temperatures and intense luminescence. Measurement of velocity fields under such extreme conditions presents great challenges. The present work demonstrated a seedless velocimetry approach using focusing schlieren images (FSIs) of high spatiotemporal resolution in a scramjet engine. Two fuel mass flow rates (Case1 and Case2) were investigated with corresponding global equivalence ratios of 0.27 and 0.13, respectively. The FSIs enabled by the employment of a high-speed pulsed LED light source are characterized by an effective exposure of 100 ns, and a 500-ns frame-straddling time interval with full resolution of 1280 × 800 pixels recorded at 76 kHz. The 100-ns exposure allows for capturing of transient high-speed flow motion without blurring, and the 500-ns time interval ensures an appropriate spatiotemporal correlation between subsequent schlieren images for high-speed reacting flows. A wavelet-based optical flow velocimetry (wOFV) algorithm was developed and applied to the FSIs. In contrast to the correlation-based algorithms widely employed in PIV for distinct particles, the wOFV algorithm suits better FSIs with continuous variation in brightness. The maximal velocities in the main duct of the scramjet combustor were measured to be approximately 550 m/s and 1100 m/s for Case 1 and Case2, suggestively corresponding to subsonic and supersonic combustion modes, respectively. The measured velocity inside the cavity is generally below 200 m/s for both cases. Recirculation regions and their dynamic motions inside the cavity were well resolved. In summary, the development of the novel velocimetry approach holds great potential for applications in extreme flow conditions.

Impact of an Etoposide Chemotherapy Shortage on Patients With Extensive-Stage Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Results of a Natural Experiment.

A shortage of essential intravenous (IV) etoposide lasted from 2018 until 2020 in Ontario, Canada, allowing for a natural experiment in which external factors (IV etoposide availability) dictated patients' treatment assignment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of this IV etoposide shortage (IVES) on patient care outcomes. Individuals with extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) treated during a pre-IVES (November 2017-October 2018) and IVES (November 2018-October 2019) time intervals were retrospectively reviewed at the Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre. We investigated the association of the shortage on health care utilization and survival using a time-to-event analysis, Cox proportional hazards and logistic regression modeling. A total of 119 patients with ES-SCLC were assessed, 49 in the pre-IVES interval and 70 in the IVES interval. The median age was 68 (IQR, 62-74) years, 48% (n = 57) were male, 33% (n = 39) had CNS metastases, and 69% (n = 82) received first-line systemic therapy. Alternate regimens used for IVES cohort included IV platinum-oral (PO) etoposide, IV platinum-IV irinotecan, and PO etoposide monotherapy. An adjusted multivariable model demonstrated a significant increase in hospitalization (odds ratio, 2.30 [95% CI, 1.01 to 5.24]; P = .047) and shorter progression-free survival (PFS; hazard ratio, 1.79 [95% CI, 1.19 to 2.68]; P = .005) during the IVES. This study demonstrated increased hospitalization, and decreased PFS, among patients with ES-SCLC treated with alternate chemotherapy regimens during an IVES. The impact of cancer drug shortages can be harmful, and optimizing a more secure drug supply with mitigation strategies is warranted.

Singular limit of a chemotaxis model with indirect signal production and phenotype switching

Abstract Convergence of solutions to a partially diffusive chemotaxis system with indirect signal production and phenotype switching is shown in a two-dimensional setting when the switching rate increases to infinity, thereby providing a rigorous justification of formal computations performed in the literature. The expected limit system being the classical parabolic–parabolic Keller–Segel system, the obtained convergence is restricted to a finite time interval for general initial conditions but valid for arbitrary bounded time intervals when the mass of the initial condition is appropriately small. Furthermore, if the solution to the limit system blows up in finite time, then neither of the two phenotypes in the partially diffusive system can be uniformly bounded with respect to the L 2-norm beyond that time.

Early clearance of BK polyomavirus-DNAemia among kidney transplant recipients may lead to better graft survival.

BK polyomavirus (BKPyV)-DNAemia is a common complication in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). The significance of achieving viral clearance at different time intervals is not well understood. All adult KTRs transplanted between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2017 who developed BKPyV-DNAemia were included. Outcomes were analyzed based on persistent clearance of BKPyV-DNAemia at 3-month intervals up to 2 years after initial detection, and for recipients with persistent BKPyV-DNAemia at last follow-up. Uncensored graft failure, death-censored graft failure (DCGF), and a composite outcome of DCGF or fall in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) by ≥50% from the time of initial BKPyV-DNAemia were outcomes of interest. Of 224 KTRs with BKPyV-DNAemia, 58 recipients (26%) achieved viral clearance by 3 months after initial detection, 105 (47%) by 6 months, 120 (54%) by 9 months, 141 (63%) by 12 months, 155 (69%) by 15 months, 167 (75%) by 18 months, 180 (80%) by 21 months, and 193 (86%) by 24 months. Nine recipients (4%) had persistent BKPyV-DNAemia at last follow-up. Compared to recipients who achieved viral clearance by 3 months, those who achieved clearance by 6 months (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 3.15; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.22-8.12; p=.02) and 9 months (aOR: 3.69; 95% CI: 1.02-13.43; p=.04) had significantly increased risk for uncensored graft failure. There was no significant association between time to viral clearance and DCGF or composite outcomes. We found a trend of increased risk for uncensored graft failure among those who cleared BKPyV-DNAemia more slowly. Aiming to clear viremia early, without risking rejection, may be beneficial for allograft function and patient morbidity and mortality.

Persistent Lymph Node Metastases After Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy for Rectal Cancer

Patients with locally advanced rectal cancer and persistent lymph node metastases (PLNM) after neoadjuvant treatment are at high risk of developing locoregional and distant metastasis, yet optimal postsurgical treatment of these patients is limited. To analyze the association of PLNM with pretreatment clinical parameters, intensity of neoadjuvant treatment, and long-term oncological outcomes. This cohort study is a post-hoc analysis of 3 randomized clinical trials (Surgical Oncology Working Group of Germany [CAO], Radiological Oncology Working Group of Germany [ARO], and Working Group for Internal Oncology in the German Cancer Society [AIO]) conducted in Germany in 1994, 2004, and 2012 that included 1948 patients with locally advanced rectal cancer recruited between February 1995 and January 2018. Statistical analysis was conducted between September 2023 and February 2024. Receiving preoperative fluorouracil-based chemoradiotherapy (CRT, comprising the preoperative group of CAO/ARO/AIO-94 and the control group of CAO/ARO/AIO-04), fluorouracil-based CRT plus oxaliplatin (experimental group of CAO/ARO/AIO-04), or total neoadjuvant treatment (TNT) with fluorouracil-based CRT plus oxaliplatin with induction or consolidation leucovorin calcium (folinic acid), fluorouracil, and oxaliplatin chemotherapy within the CAO/ARO/AIO-12 trial. The associations of PLNM with clinical parameters, intensity of neoadjuvant treatment, and cumulative incidences of LR, DM, and overall survival were assessed. A total of 1888 patients (1333 male participants [70.6%]; median [range] age, 62 [19-84] years) with locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma (clinical tumor stage 3 to 4 and/or clinically node-positive) treated within 3 consecutive clinical trials were analyzed. A total of 522 (29%) experienced PLNM; 378 had lymph node stage (ypN) 1 (20%) after neoadjuvant treatment (ypN) 1 (20%), and 174 had ypN2 (9%). Age, clinical T-stage, N-stage, grading, carcinoembryonic antigen levels, and time interval from completion of CRT to surgery were significantly associated with PLNM, whereas sex and tumor location were not. The percentage of patients with ypN2 stage was almost halved after TNT (18 of 293 patients [6%]) compared with patients treated with fluorouracil-based CRT (114 of 1009 patients [11.3%]; χ26 = 16.693; P = .01). After a median (IQR) follow-up of 54 (37-62) months, 5-year overall survival was 86.1% (95% CI, 83.9%-88.4%) for ypN0, 74.0% (95% CI, 83.9%-88.4%) for ypN1, and 43% for ypN2 (95% CI, 35.4%-52.2%) (P < .001). The 5-year cumulative incidences of locoregional and distant metastases were, respectively, 3% (95% CI, 2.1%-4.2%) and 20% (95% CI, 18%-23%) for ypN0, 6% (95% CI, 3.4%-8.8%) and 40% (95% CI, 34%-46%) for ypN1, and 19% (95% CI, 13%-26%) and 72% (95% CI, 63%-79%) for ypN2 (both P < .001). In this cohort study, PLNM unmasked an unfavorable phenotype of rectal cancer at high risk for treatment failure. More aggressive adjuvant treatment might be considered; however, risk-adapted surveillance strategies and early recurrence-directed surgery, if feasible, are important strategies in this group of patients with CRT- and/or chemotherapy-resistant disease.

Outcomes of Femoral Popliteal Bypass in Octogenarians.

Femoral-popliteal bypass (FPB) surgery is a common lower extremity revascularization procedure. As the population continues to age, this procedure is being performed increasingly on older patients. This study investigated whether outcomes differ in this population. Patients over and less than 80 years old who underwent FPB between 2009-2013 were queried using an existing hospital registry. Demographics, comorbidities, intraoperative complications, perioperative outcomes, and two-year patencies were compared. Twenty-four patients in the octogenarian cohort (OC) and 72 patients in the non-octogenarian cohort (NOC) were identified. There was a lower prevalence of smoking (p=0.018) and higher prevalence of hypertension (p=0.021) among octogenarians. Other medical characteristics were similar (p<0.05). There were no differences in use of vein versus PTFE (p=0.002) as a conduit, or above (OC 20.0% vs. NOC 36.7%), versus below knee (OC 80.0% vs. NOC 63.3%) distal anastomosis (p>0.05) between the groups. There was a difference (p<0.01) in indication for procedure (OC/NOC): claudication (0%/44%), limb salvage (71%/31%), and rest pain (29%/25%). There were no differences in 30-day readmissions (17% vs. 21%; p=0.59) or incidence of postoperative (25% vs. 19%; p=0.56) or intraoperative complications (8.3% vs. 4.2%; p=0.52). Length of stay (LOS) was longer and statistically significant in octogenarians (12 days vs. 7 days; p=0.032) and remained significant after multivariate linear regression (p=0.015). Patencies in OC were lower and dropped faster after six months; however, there were no statistically significant differences in patencies at any time interval (p>0.05). The position of the distal anastomosis relative to the knee, conduit type, and indication were not independently predictive of patency outcomes (p>0.05). The safety and efficacy of FPB in octogenarians is similar to the general population despite LOS in octogenarians being 5.98 days longer. While the difference in indication suggests that vascular surgeons are more conservative in treating octogenarians, our analysis did not reveal significant differences between populations and suggests that lower extremity bypass can be performed safely with comparable results in this cohort. A larger cohort is needed to validate these results.

Impact of lung adenocarcinoma subtypes on survival and timing of brain metastases.

Lung cancer is a devastating disease, with brain metastasis being one of the most common distant metastases of lung adenocarcinoma. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic characteristics of individuals with brain metastases originating from invasive lung adenocarcinoma of distinct pathological subtypes, providing a reference for the management of these patients. Clinical data from 156 patients with lung adenocarcinoma-derived brain metastases were collected, including age, sex, smoking status, Karnofsky Performance Status scores, pathological subtype, lymph node metastasis, tumor site, treatment mode, T stage, and N stage. Patients were classified into two groups (highly differentiated and poorly differentiated) based on their pathological subtypes. Propensity score matching was used to control for confounding factors. The prognostic value of pathological subtypes was assessed using Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression modeling. Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that patients in the moderately to highly differentiated group had better prognoses. Multivariate analysis revealed that being in the poorly differentiated group was a risk factor for poorer prognosis. Thoracic tumor radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery positively influenced the time interval between lung cancer diagnosis and brain metastasis. The pathological subtypes of lung adenocarcinoma-derived brain metastases are associated with patient prognosis. Patients in the poorly differentiated group have worse prognoses compared to those in the moderately to highly differentiated group. Therefore, patients in the poorly differentiated group may require more frequent follow-ups and aggressive treatment.

Neuroinflammatory Biomarkers and Their Associations With Cognitive, Affective, and Functional Outcomes 3 to 12 Months After a Traumatic Brain Injury: A Pilot Study.

Neuroinflammation is an important feature of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that remains poorly understood in the 3- to 12-month period post-TBI. The purpose of our pilot study was to examine the relationships between biomarkers of neuroinflammation and functional outcomes in TBI patients 3 to 12months postinjury. TBI patients (n =36) 3 to 12months post-TBI were recruited from a South Florida TBI clinic from May 2022 to June 2023. The Disability Rating Scale, Satisfaction with Life Scale, NIH Toolbox Sorting Working Memory, Neuro-Quality of Life Cognitive Function, Anxiety, Depression, and Sleep assessments were performed. Multiple plasma biomarkers were assayed. Analysis of variance was used to compare between-group results. Linear regression was performed to analyze relationships between biomarkers and outcomes. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor concentrations were higher as postinjury time interval increased and were associated with cognitive battery outcomes. S-100β and glial fibrillary acidic protein were associated with anxiety score and hospital length of stay; S-100β was also associated with depression. Interleukin 6 was associated with cognitive function score and time since injury. We found S-100β, glial fibrillary acidic protein, Interleukin 6, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor to play a larger role in the TBI recovery period than other biomarkers examined. Clinicians should continue to monitor for symptoms post-TBI, as the neuroinflammatory process continues to persist even into the later rehabilitation stage.

Enhancement of W Nanoparticles Synthesis by Injecting H2 in a Magnetron Sputtering Gas Aggregation Cluster Source Operated in Ar

AbstractSynthesis of W nanoparticles by magnetron sputtering combined with gas aggregation operated in Ar suffers from a continuous decrease of the synthesis rate, ceasing in a finite time interval, in the range of minutes to tens of minutes. Experimentally, we noticed that adding small amounts of H2 to Ar (5–20%) increases the synthesis rate, which remains constant over time, at a value dependent on the amount of injected hydrogen. Mass spectrometry investigations revealed, in the hydrogen presence, a dominance of the ArH+ ions over the Ar+ ones, associated also with an increased number of W+ and WH+ species in plasma, sustaining a substantial increase in the nucleation rate.

Effect of solvothermal reaction time on adsorption and photocatalytic activity of spinel ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles

The present investigation explored the impact of solvothermal reaction time on the adsorption properties of synthesized spinel ZnFe2O4 Nanoparticles (ZF NPs) and their photocatalytic activity for the degradation of congo red (CR) dye. The structure, morphology and chemical composition is identified for the synthesized ZF NPs. The reaction times for the solvothermal synthesis of ZF NPs were investigated at time intervals of 6 hrs and 18 hrs which are denoted as ZF-6 h and ZF-18 h respectively. The XRD confirms the formation of spinel-type ZF-6 h and ZF-18 h with crystallite size of 5.50 nm and 8.36 nm for ZF-6 h and ZF-18 h respectively. The FESEM image of ZF-6 h exhibits microspheres, whereas in ZF-18 h NPs, the microspheres undergoes deformation. TEM analysis of ZF-6 h revealed that the microspheres were consists of 8–10 nm size ZF-NPs. Raman spectroscopy and XPS studies indicates, the reaction time influence the occupancy with 64 % and 32 % of inversion of Zn2+ cations from tetrahedral to octahedral sites in ZF-6 h and ZF-18 h, respectively. The surface area of mesoporous ZF-6 h and ZF-18 h are 138.29 m2/g and 128.41 m2/g respectively as confirmed using BET and BJH techniques. The CR dye adsorption capacity of 123.73 mg/g for ZF-6 h is higher compared to ZF-18 h (99.93 mg/g). The maximum dye removal efficiency evaluated for ZF-6 h NPs and ZF-18 h NPs was 87.33 % and 73.09 % respectively upon exposure of natural sunlight. The recyclability study identifies that ZF-6 h NPs remain stable for three degradation cycles. These results indicate that reaction time in solvothermal synthesis is sensitive to the morphology and physicochemical properties of ZF NPs. The enhanced performance of such ZF NPs is attributed to the synergistic effect of adsorption followed by photocatalytic (photo-Fenton) degradation of dyes.

Temperature Field Measurements in Swirl Spray Flames Using Two-Line Planar Laser Induced Fluorescence Thermometry

Abstract This paper investigates the temperature fields in a centrally staged swirl spray combustor using two-line OH planar laser induced fluorescence (PLIF) thermometry at elevated inlet pressures and temperatures up to 0.62 MPa and 650 K. The pilot and main stages of the combustor were supplied with RP-3 kerosene. OH radicals were excited using the Q1(5) and Q1(14) transitions within the A2Σ←X2Π (1,0) band. Two laser excitation systems were operated simultaneously, where the two beams were spatially combined and separated by a small interval in time. The PLIF signals excited at the two wavelengths were captured by two identical sets of imaging system. The calibration coefficient needed for quantitative conversion from fluorescence ratio to temperature was determined based on results from independent coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) measurements. A joint threshold mask was developed to remove the noise and weak signals in the raw PLIF images. The high temperature zones in the temperature field were then obtained, and the pilot and main stage flames were identified. In addition, the radial position of the pilot flame showed marked variations at a nominally fixed condition. By extracting the radial profiles, a consistency between the peaks of PLIF intensity and temperature was found, suggesting that PLIF images could be a qualitative substitute for the high temperature zones in the temperature fields of these swirl spray flames. This study demonstrates the feasibility of temperature field measurements using two-line OH PLIF in aero-engine model combustors.

On the lifespan of solutions and control of high Sobolev norms for the completely resonant NLS on tori

We consider a completely resonant nonlinear Schrödinger equation on the d-dimensional torus, for any d≥1, with polynomial nonlinearity of any degree 2p+1, p≥1, which is gauge and translation invariant. We study the behaviour of high Sobolev Hs-norms of solutions, s≥s1+1>d/2+2, whose initial datum u0∈Hs satisfies an appropriate smallness condition on its lowHs1 and L2-norms respectively. We prove a polynomial upper bound on the possible growth of the Sobolev norm Hs over finite but long time scale that is exponential in the regularity parameter s1. As a byproduct we get stability of the low Hs1-norm over such time interval. A key ingredient in the proof is the introduction of a suitable “modified energy” that provides an a priori upper bound on the growth. This is obtained by combining para-differential techniques and suitable tame estimates.