bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human dermal allograft augmentation in primary and revision arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: a retrospective controlled study including patient outcomes and ultrasound evaluation of tendon healing
Authors: Merolla Giovanni , Bonfatti Rocco , Marra Francesco , Pellegrini Andrea , Cataldo Giacomo , Saporito Marco , Paladini Paolo , Porcellini Giuseppe
Published: October 2024

Purpose: Rotator cuff (RC) tears are common in older adults, often leading to muscle atrophy. Standard arthroscopic repair has high re-tear rates, prompting the use of biological patches for augmentation. This study assessed differences in range of motion, strength, and tendon healing using ultrasound in primary and revision RC repairs using acellular dermal allograft augmentation.
Methods: Forty-eight patients undergoing arthroscopic RC repair with dermal allograft augmentation were assessed, with 42 completing a median follow-up of 32.4 months. Twenty patients had primary repairs and 22 had revision procedures. A control group of 26 patients, matched for age, sex, BMI, and RC injury type, underwent RC repair without patch augmentation. Active range of motion, Constant-Murley socre (CS), Simple Shoulder Test (SST), Subjective Shoulder value (SSV) and isometric strength were measured. Tendon healing was assessed via dynamic US.
Results: Both primary and revision groups showed significant improvements in clinical scores and shoulder mobility. However, the primary group had significantly higher postoperative CS, SST and SSV scores. Strength tests indicated lower values in the revision group compared to primary and control groups. Ultrasound outcomes showed reduced tendon thickness in 23 patients, with similar repair integrity across groups. Five cases of RC re-tears were noted, with higher but not significantly different re-tear rates in the revision group
Conclusion: Dermal allograft augmentation in RC repair leads to significant clinical improvement in both primary and revision cases, but strength recovery is less pronounced in revision repairs. Long-term follow-up is necessary to validate these findings and assess the durability of tendon healing.
Level of evidence: Level III, Retrospective cohort design, Treatment study
Retrospective comparison of left ventricular systolic dysfunction assessed by left ventricular global longitudinal strain in hemodialysis patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction and patients with hypertensive left ventricular hypertrophy
Authors: Ohno Michiya , Segawa Tomonori , Noda Tetsuo , Yasuda Yoshinari , Yamamoto Junichiro
Published: October 2024

Background
Multiple factors, including hypertension, affect left ventricular remodeling in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Therefore, this retrospective study used left ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS), an excellent method for detecting mild left ventricular systolic dysfunction, to compare left ventricular systolic function in HD patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and patients with hypertensive left ventricular hypertrophy (HLVH).
Methods
Participants were aged 60 years or older and had an LVEF of 60% or higher. We compared 20 HD patients (HD group) with 20 HLVH patients matched for age and sex (HLVH group) and 20 healthy control individuals (C group). GLS decline was defined as a GLS value greater than the GLS reference value, which was the mean value of + 2×standard deviation in the C group.
Results
LVEF was not significantly different between the 3 groups, but GLS was significantly worse in the HD group (-15.8%±1.4%) than in the C group (-19.3%±1.1%, p < 0.01) and HLVH group (-17.0%±1.4%, p < 0.05). Relative wall thickness (RWT) and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) were significantly higher in the HLVH and HD groups than in the C group (p < 0.01), and hemoglobin (Hb) levels were significantly lower in the HD group than in the C and HLVH groups (p < 0.01). The frequency of GLS decline (i.e., GLS>-17.0%) was significantly higher in the HD group than in the HLVH group (p < 0.01). Multiple regression analysis of the 3 groups showed that increased RWT and LVMI and decreased Hb were significantly associated with GLS decline (p < 0.01).
Conclusions
HD patients with preserved LVEF have a significantly greater decline in GLS than HLVH patients. Increased RWT and LVMI with renal anemia may contribute to GLS decline in HD patients with LVEF.
The practice and exploration of integrating medical science popularization skills into the clinical training of pediatric resident doctors in China
Authors: Zhang Jiahui , Fan Sainan , Xie Lingling , Fang Xiaohui , Chen Jiayi , Zhang Jinping
Published: October 2024

In China, with the development of society and the growing public demand for health knowledge, the importance of medical science popularization has become increasingly prominent.An excellent clinician in the new era is not only to treat diseases, but also requires that in addition to the work of disease treatment itself, more people can vividly understand the causes of diseases, clinical manifestations, treatment, and how to prevent diseases through their own science popularization. Therefore,standardized medical science popularization training is particularly important in the training process of medical resident.This study explored the value of integrating medical science popularization skills into the clinical training of pediatric resident trainees, based on the professional characteristics of pediatrics in comprehensive hospitals and the actual situation of pediatric resident trainees' rotational learning in pediatrics.Through questionnaire survey, targeted improvement and design were carried out to analyze the cognition and self-benefit of pediatric resident students' knowledge of popular science, the importance attached to popular science of pediatric residents, how pediatricians in the residential training base should do, as well as the challenges and problems, strategies and suggestions faced by integrating medical science popularization skills into clinical training of pediatric resident students.From these four aspects, this paper summarized how to better integrate medical science skills into clinical training, so as to cultivate residents' awareness and ability of medical science popularization.Pediatric resident trainees not only improve their own medical skills, but also lay a solid foundation for better science popularization work in the future when they go to work in pediatrics.This study provides useful reference and inspiration for further improving the model of combining medical science popularization with clinical training.
Identification of nuclear pore proteins at plasmodesmata
Authors: Frommer Wolf , Schladt Moritz , Miras Manuel , Ejike Jona , Pottier Mathieu , Xi Lin , Restrepo-Escobar Andrea , Nakamura Masayoshi , Puetz Niklas , Haensch Sebastian , chen.gao@hhu.de Chen , Engelhorn Julia , Dickmanns Marcel , Davis Gwendolyn , Dalal Ahan , Gombos Sven , Lange Ronja , Simon Rüdiger , Schulze Waltraud
Published: October 2024

Plasmodesmata (PD) exchange small molecules, RNAs and proteins between plant cells with an exclusion limit for passive, non-specific transport. PD also facilitate the transport of specific cargo that may require chaperones or carriers for transport. The mechanisms underlying PD transport are not understood. PD and nuclear pore complexes (NPC), are nanometer size micropores with similar transport properties. The permeability barrier in NPCs is a phase separation domain formed by FG-nucleoporins (FG-NUP). Here we used bioinformatics, proteomics and fluorescence imaging to identify proteins with similarities to phase separating FG-NUPs at PD. We identified 20 NUPs in PD fractions, and validated dual localization to NPC and PD for 7 NUPs. Structured illumination microscopy detected the transmembrane anchor NUP CPR5 at both orifices of PD. cpr5 mutants showed reduced intercellular transport of SHR from stele to endodermis. The identification of FG-NUPs at PD is consistent with the recruitment of NUPs in the green lineage to form a PD pore gating complex consistent with liquid phase separation domains as diffusion barriers at PD.
MS-275 enhances osseointegration in osteoporotic rats by inhibition of oxidative stress through activating the miR-200a/keap1/Nrf2 axis
Authors: Yan Junjie , Gu Qinsong , Li Jianqiao , Zhou Zhi , Jiang Wenkai , Guan Wengang , Chen Bin , Chen Yuhu , Yang Min
Published: October 2024

Osteoporosis is a common bone disease worldwide, and oxidative stress has been shown to play an important role in this process. Therefore, reducing the excessive oxidative stress of osteoblasts is a potential strategy for the treatment of osteoporosis. Although, MS-275 has been reported to inhibit oxidative stress, whether it can protect osteoblasts against oxidative stress damage remains to be clarified. This study investigated whether MS-275 can inhibit oxidative stress and promote osteogenesis by activating the miRNA-200a/Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway. In vitro, MC3T3-E1 cells were induced by carbonyl cyanide 3 chlorophenylhydrazone, and the oxidative stress model was established. In vitro, MS-275 treatment of oxidation-induced MC3T3-E1 cells resulted in up-regulation of osteoblast protein, increased expression of miRNA-200a, increased binding of miRNA-200a to Keap1 mRNA, decreased expression of Keap1 protein, and dissociation of Nrf2 from Keap1. The expressions of total Nrf2, nuclear Nrf2 and HO-1 were increased, mitochondrial function was enhanced, and oxidative damage was reduced. However, these effects were reversed after interference with miRNA-200a. In vivo, using a rat model of ovariectomized osteoporosis, MS-275 effectively enhanced the microstructural features of distal femoral trabecular bone, increased the mineralization capacity of osteoblasts, and promoted bone formation. Finally, our findings suggest that MS-275 can reverse oxidative stress-induced cell damage, promote bone healing, and improve osteoporosis by activating the miRNA-200a/Keap1/Nrf2 pathway.
Bayesian Dynamic Borrowing in Group-Sequential Design for Medical Device Studies
Authors: Chiaruttini Maria Vittoria , Lorenzoni Giulia , Gregori Dario
Published: October 2024

Background
Medical device technology evolves rapidly, with shorter lifecycles compared to pharmaceuticals. This acceleration necessitates swift safety and efficacy assessments to keep pace with technological advancements. In this context, leveraging clinical data from previous device versions is crucial to reducing enrollment periods and accelerating development, particularly because medical devices often share similar mechanisms. Bayesian Dynamic Borrowing has emerged as an approach that adjusts the weight of historical information based on the congruence between past and new data, enabling unbiased data augmentation.
Methods
This study explores the efficiency of a new study design algorithm that combines Bayesian Dynamic Borrowing with Group-Sequential Design theory. A phase 4 clinical trial on a new medical device for the patent foramen ovale closure has been used as motivating example, and 4 past studies on the control device have been used for the prior elicitation. Simulations were conducted under both the assumption of exchangeability (congruent scenarios) and non-exchangeability (incongruent scenarios) between historical and current control data to evaluate the design's operating characteristics.
Results
The proposed algorithm, when tested under the congruent scenarios, demonstrated its ability to reduce the expected new enrolled patients (2,790 vs. 4,848 under H0, and 3,846 vs. 4,848 under H1) while maintaining both Type I error and Power at their nominal values. Additionally, the asymmetric early stopping boundaries allow a high percentage of trials to be stopped under the null hypothesis (71% at the first interim). The simulations under incongruence scenarios demonstrate how the proposed algorithm discounts the prior information and reduces the expected borrowed sample size dropping from 395 to 13 and from 575 to 68 in scenarios with the higher degrees of incongruence, under Null and Alternative hypotheses, respectively.
Conclusions
In summary, this paper underscores the potential advantages of incorporating Bayesian Dynamic Borrowing with Group-Sequential Design within clinical trial design for medical device studies. The proposed method effectively discounts historical data, maintains control over Type I error and Power, and ensures ethical considerations through early stopping boundaries. In addition, this approach offers considerable flexibility through parameter customization, facilitating more effective collaboration between statistical and clinical specialists.
Acute Kidney Injury After Double-J Stent Placement in a Diabetic Patient with Multiple Comorbidities: A Case Report
Authors: Aljaghoub Ansam , Alassali Anhar , Quraish Areeb
Published: October 2024

Background:
Acute kidney injury is considered a potential rare complication of Ureteral stent placement, but it can happen, especially in patients with multiple comorbidities.
Case Presentation:
We report a case of a 71-year-old male patient with a history of diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HTN), and dyslipidemia, who was also suffering from ischemic heart disease treated by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and stenting two months ago. The patient presented with obstructive pyelonephritis, experiencing stabbing flank pain and hematuria for 4 days. Initial investigations revealed obstructive uropathy due to a left ureteric stone, and laboratory results indicated a creatinine level of 3.1 mg/dL. Despite ongoing prasugrel (antiplatelet) medication, an urgent double-J (DJ) stent placement was attempted but failed due to severe obstruction. Hence, the plan was to discontinue prasugrel and start enoxaparin for 5 days, during which time he received intravenous antibiotics and fluids, showing progressive improvement in creatinine levels. Following the second DJ stent placement surgery, the patient experienced worsening bilateral flank pain, nausea, vomiting, and a significant increase in creatinine, peaking at 4.31 mg/dL. The patient had full management inclusive of volume and electrolyte assessment. A gradual improvement in kidney function was observed over the following weeks.
Conclusion:
This case highlights the interplay between stent placement, antiplatelet management, and AKI risk in a diabetic elderly patient, by which we hope to underscore the need for careful perioperative planning and monitoring.
Symptoms burden of long COVID on the individual with pre-existing depression: A longitudinal cohort study
Authors: He Xiaona , Gao Wei
Published: October 2024

Background
Mental health is receiving increasing attention in the field of long COVID. This study aims to compare the differences in long COVID symptoms between individuals with pre-existing depression and those without and assess the impact of pre-existing depression on the risk of long COVID and on the number of symptoms.
Methods
Data were from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), participants aged 50 and older. Pre-existing depression was assessed by the EURO-D scale (October 2019-March 2020). Long COVID symptoms were reported by participants (June/August 2020 - June/August 2021). We compared the differences in long COVID symptoms among individuals with pre-existing depression and those without pre-existing depression with the Chi-squared test. P values from all tests were corrected using the Holm-Bonferroni correction. A multilevel (random intercept) hurdle negative binomial model was employed to assess the impact of pre-existing depression on the risk of long COVID and the number of symptoms and to explore effect modification by age, gender, and physical diseases.
Results
Of the 2063 participants who contracted COVID-19 (mean [SD] age, 68.0[8.5] years; 1259(61%) women. A higher number of individuals with pre-existing depression reported headache (32.2% vs 25.9%; P value = 0.027), body aches/joint pain (38.5% vs 29.4%; P value < 0.001), and confusion(10.6% vs 7.6%;P value < 0.01) than those without pre-existing depression. Pre-existing depression did not have a statistically significant impact on the risk of long COVID (adjusted OR = 1.00; 95% CI = 0.78–1.26). Among individuals reporting long COVID symptoms, Pre-existing depression was significantly related to the number of symptoms associated with long COVID (adjusted RR = 1.16; 95% CI = 1.07–1.25). The effect of pre-existing depression on the number of symptoms is moderated by the comorbid physical conditions.
Conclusions
This suggests a complex interplay between pre-existing depression and physical health, highlighting the importance of considering mental health factors in the management of long COVID patients.
Rice bran ameliorated DSS-induced colitis by suppressing inflammation and modulating gut microbiota
Authors: Lv Chenglong , Li Xin , Li Xiangfei , Pang Xinyi , Lu Yingjian
Published: October 2024

Globally, the incidence of colitis is on the rise. Rice bran (RB) is a promising natural dietary supplement. The research aimed to explore how RB impacts colitis in mice caused by dextran sulfate sodium. Notably, administering RB led to better weight control, better colon lengths, and a decreased disease activity index. Furthermore, it was discovered that RB boosts antioxidant abilities, elevates short-chain fatty acids concentrations, fortifies the intestinal mucosal barrier, lowers histopathology scores, and suppresses inflammation. The Ileibacterium vane's relative abundance was greater in colitis mice. Administering RB led to a reduction in the comparative abundance of Ileibacterium vans and exhibited an increased abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila. These findings provide a scientific basis for the development of RB as a natural dietary supplement to improve gut microbiota dysbiosis and enhance the comprehensive utilization value of RB.
Advanced COVID-19 Severity Prediction with Differential Weibull Polar Lights Optimizer and Case Study Insights
Authors: Shang Caibing , Huang Meifang , Yu Sudan
Published: October 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has led to a global health crisis, creating an urgent need for accurate predictive models to forecast disease severity and assist in clinical decision-making. This study presents an innovative machine learning approach, the bDWPLO-FKNN model, to predict the severity of COVID-19 pneumonia in patients. The model integrates the differential Weibull polar lights optimizer (DWPLO), an enhancement of the polar lights optimizer (PLO) with the differential evolution operator and the Weibull flight operator, to perform effective feature selection. The DWPLO's performance was rigorously tested against IEEE CEC 2017 benchmark functions, proving its robust optimization capabilities. The binary version of DWPLO (bDWPLO) was then combined with the fuzzy K-nearest neighbors (FKNN) algorithm to form the predictive model. Utilizing a dataset from the People's Hospital Affiliated with Ningbo University, the model was trained to identify patients at risk of developing severe pneumonia due to COVID-19. The bDWPLO-FKNN model demonstrated exceptional predictive accuracy, with an accuracy of 84.036%, and specificity of 88.564%. The analysis highlighted key predictors, including albumin, albumin to globulin ratio, lactate dehydrogenase, urea nitrogen, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and inorganic phosphorus, which were significantly associated with disease severity. The integration of DWPLO with FKNN not only enhances feature selection but also improves the model's predictive power, offering a valuable tool for clinicians to assess patient risk and allocate healthcare resources effectively during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Diagnosis and treatment of lateral to medial diagonal injury of the elbow in children: Concomitant lateral condyle and olecranon fractures
Authors: Lu Yunan , Xue Chentao , Canavese Federico , Xia Yongjie , Yan An , Pan Yuchen , Chen Shunyou
Published: October 2024

Purpose
Lateral condylar (LC) and olecranon (OC) fractures occurring concurrently on one side are rare phenomena with limited scientific literature. Our study aims to evaluate the radiologic, clinical and functional consequences of lateral to medial injury of the elbow (LAMEINE) in pediatric patients, simultaneously comparing with medial to lateral injury of the elbow (MELAINE).
Methods
Eighteen males and 10 females were diagnosed with LAMEINE. The average age at the time of injury was 3.8 ± 2.3 years (range, 1–9). Out of the 28 fractures, 19 (67.9%) occurred on the left side and nine (32.1%) on the right side. The OC fractures were classified according to the Weiss system, 2 being type I, 17 type II, and 9 type III fractures. Based on the specific case characteristics, the OC fractures were further subdivided into five types corresponding to 2 types of AO classification: 24 (85.7%) cases of AO 21u-M/2. 1 incomplete fractures [(3 type I (10.7%), 16 type II (57.1%), and 5 type III fractures (17.9%)], and 4 (14.3%) cases of AO 21u-M/3.1 complete simple fractures [(2 type IV (7.1%), and 2 type V fractures (7.1%)]. All patients underwent surgical intervention. Their clinical and functional outcomes were evaluated using the carrying angle (CA) and EPS. These results were then compared with those of our MELAINE patients.
Results
All patients were followed up for 42.9 ± 23.5 months (range, 15–88). Radiographs indicated that all fractures healed in 5.9 ± 1.4 weeks (range, 4–10). At the last follow-up, the CA and EPS of the injured side were 11.3° ± 2.8° and 97.7 ± 3.7, respectively. All patients had favorable outcomes: 27 patients (96.4%) had excellent EPS, and only 1 patient (3.6%) had good EPS. The LAMEINE group displayed lower age, displacement, incidence of elbow dislocation, and CA than the MELAINE group (P < 0.05).
Conclusions
Although relatively rare, LAMEINE should not be neglected. Surgical treatment aims to stabilize the elbow and avoid varus deformity. With appropriate diagnosis and treatment, good clinical and radiographic outcomes can be achieved for both patterns of "diagonal lesions" of the pediatric elbow.
Level of evidence: III
A Comparative Study on the Efficacy of Kirschner Wire Tension Band Combined with Anchor Cross-Suture Internal Fixation versus Partial Patellectomy in the Treatment of Comminuted Inferior Pole Patellar Fractures
Authors: Duan Siyu , Xu Rongda , Liu Hanfei , Sun Ming , Liang HaiRui , Cai Zhencun
Published: October 2024

Objective
The treatment of comminuted inferior pole patellar fractures has long posed a challenge for orthopedic surgeons. This study aims to compare the biomechanical stability and clinical efficacy of Kirschner wire tension band combined with anchor cross-suture fixation versus traditional partial patellectomy in the treatment of comminuted inferior pole patellar fractures.
Methods
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 14 patients who underwent Kirschner wire tension band combined with anchor cross-suture fixation (Group A) in our department of orthopedics from September 2020 to April 2022. Additionally, we matched 14 patients with similar baseline characteristics who received inferior pole patellectomy combined with patellar ligament repair (Group B). The two groups were compared in terms of operative time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative complications, and at the final follow-up, knee range of motion (ROM), visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Bostman knee function score, peak knee torque, and Insall-Salvati (IS) ratio.
Results
All patients were followed up for more than 12 months. At the final follow-up, Group A showed significantly better outcomes than Group B in terms of knee range of motion (ROM), Bostman knee function score, knee VAS score, and average peak knee torque, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.05), indicating faster postoperative recovery and better clinical results in Group A. The IS ratio of the injured knee in Group B was 0.71 ± 0.66, less than 0.8, suggesting a decrease in patellar height. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of operative time, intraoperative blood loss, or incision length (P > 0.05). In Group A, one patient experienced complications from hardware irritation, while in Group B, one patient had postoperative knee pain, and two patients experienced knee extension weakness after cast removal and rehabilitation.
Conclusion
Kirschner wire tension band combined with anchor cross-suture fixation for the treatment of inferior pole patellar fractures yields satisfactory results. This technique provides reliable fixation, restores the original extensor mechanism, promotes early postoperative rehabilitation, and reduces the incidence of complications, making it suitable for clinical application and widespread use.
Metagenomics: A New Frontier in Pathology Testing for Gastrointestinal Pathogens
Authors: Angel Nicola Z. , Sullivan Mitchell J. , Alsheikh-Hussain Areej , Fang Liang , MacDonald Samantha , Pribyl Alena , Wills Blake , Tyson Gene , Hugenholtz Philip , Parks Donovan H. , Griffin Paul , Wood David L.A.
Published: October 2024

Background
Accurate and comprehensive identification of enteropathogens, causing infectious gastroenteritis, is essential for optimal patient treatment and effective isolation processes in health care systems. Traditional diagnostic techniques are well established and optimised in low-cost formats. However, thorough testing for a wider range of causal agents is time consuming and remains limited to a subset of pathogenic organisms. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) allows the identification of all pathogens in a sample in a single test, without a reliance on culture or introduction of target selection bias. This study aims to determine the ability to routinely apply mNGS testing, in comparison to traditional culture or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based tests, for the identification of causal pathogens for gastrointestinal infections.
Results
The performance of mNGS, PCR and microscopy, culture and sensitivity (MCS) assays was established using 2,619 prospectively collected faecal samples from patients with symptomology indicative of infectious gastroenteritis. Commonly experienced pathogens including Aeromonasspp, Campylobacter spp, Salmonella spp and Giardia spp, in single and co-infected patients, were used to establish test outcomes. When testing for these organisms, using the combined result from both PCR and MCS testing as the comparator, the mNGS assay had clinically acceptable sensitivity (89.2-100%). Further, the mNGS assay detected 14 additional enteropathogens, that were either not detected or not tested, by initial PCR/MCS testing.
Conclusions
The advantage of mNGS compared to other syndromic testing systems is the broad range of detectable targets and the ability to interrogate samples without clinician informed or assay specific bias. With the development of newer sequencing assays, it is now feasible to test for a wide range of target organisms in a sample using a single mNGS test. Overall, the mNGS based approach enabled pathogen detection that was comparable to conventional diagnostics and was shown to have the potential to be extended for the detection of many pathogens and genes of clinical interest. In conclusion, the mNGS assay offers an easy, sample to answer workflow with rapid detection of enteropathogens and has the potential to improve diagnosis, therapy and infection control precautions.
Upper Urinary Tract Carcinoma with Primary Small Cell Neuroendocrine Cancer – Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Kumar Siddhant , Bhaskara Sunil Pillai , AVB Krishnakanth , Shah Abhijit , Doddamani Siddalingeshwara Chandragouda
Published: October 2024

Background :
Upper Urinary Tract Small Cell Neuroendocrine Ca are extremely rare carcinomas with less than forty reported cases in literature.
Case Presentation:
92 years old male with left flank pain and diagnosed to have an enhancing renal pelvic mass; which on histopathological examination was noted to have a predominant small cell carcinoma component.
Conclusion :
This case report attempts to shed a light on the patients with small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of upper tract with it’s silent and aggressive nature.
Robotics in the Travel, Tourism, and Hospitality Sector: A Bibliometric Analysis of Publications from 2014 to 2023
Authors: Pop Corina Monica
Published: October 2024

This study aims to conduct a bibliometric analysis of research publications (Virkus et al. 2023) on the application of robotics in the hospitality and tourism industry (Sharma 2024). Robotics is transforming various industries, including tourism, where technologies such as service robots, social robots, intelligent robots, and mobile robots are increasingly adopted (Ladeira 2023). Publications from 2014 to 2023 were collected from the Scopus database and analyzed (Carè and Cumming 2024) based on several criteria, including document type, language, publication year, country of origin, authorship, affiliations, sources, citations, keywords, and research areas. VOSviewer was used to visualize research trends related to the application of robots in hospitality and tourism. An analysis of 110 documents revealed a consistent increase in publications over the past decade, with China leading in publication output, followed by the United Kingdom and the United States. The International Journal of Hospitality Management emerged as the most prolific journal in this field, and the University of Surrey, Guildford, was identified as the leading institution in terms of publication volume. Keyword analysis underscored the primary research areas associated with service robots in tourism. This bibliometric study highlights the expanding literature on robotics applications within the tourism sector and serves as a valuable resource for researchers and industry stakeholders seeking to understand the current state and trends in the field (Valeri and Albattat 2024).
TiO 2 Nanoparticles with Mixed Anatase-Rutile Phase Structure Doped with Different Concentrations of Iron for Photocatalytic Activity in Degrading Methylene Blue
Authors: Gareso P. L. , Heryanto H. , Suryani Sri , Tahir D. , Taba Paulina , Aryanto Didik , Alomari Ali
Published: October 2024

Methylene blue as dye waste test was used to facilitate the photodegradation of iron-doped anatase-rutile mixed phase TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) under visible light, which were synthesized using the co-precipitation method. These nanoparticles were characterized using X-Ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis, FTIR, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and energy-dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy (EDX). The XRD analysis revealed that the diffraction patterns exhibited two-phase structures, namely anatase and rutile phase structures, where the intensity of the rutile phase structures was greater than that of the anatase phase structures. The Ultraviolet-Visible Spectroscopy (UV-Vis) measurements indicated that there is a reduction of the bandgap energy of the Fe-TiO2 NPs. FESEM micrographs revealed that agglomerations formed clusters, and SEM results showed that the nanoparticles aggregate to create structures on the surface that resemble edelweiss flowers. Based on Kramers-Kronig analysis, the reduction in optical phonon (Δ(𝐿𝑂−𝑇𝑂)) cm-1 difference with a decrease in the rutile fraction as a function of Fe increased. The reduction in the rutile phase fraction correlated with a decrease in photocatalytic activity, indicating that the rutile phase has a crucial role in the photodegradation process (1wt% achieve 𝑘ads rate: 0.00273 min-1). These results suggest that iron-doped anatase-rutile mixed-phase TiO2 nanoparticles are suitable as photocatalysts.
A study on optimizing the location selection problem for urban UAV distribution while accounting for obstacles
Authors: Menghan Sun , Yuance Yu , Luyao He , Yong Yang , Zailin Yang
Published: October 2024

This study addresses the location problem of UAV distribution centers for urban logistics services by establishing a mathematical model aimed at minimizing the total cost of UAV operations. The model incorporates various constraints, including the number of supply points, maximum distribution capacity, task-specific limitations, starting point restrictions, maximum flight distance for UAVs, altitude constraints, and obstacle avoidance requirements. This paper presents a UAV delivery flight path obstacle avoidance algorithm designed to effectively navigate obstacles in urban environments. Additionally, a genetic annealing fusion algorithm is developed to address the distribution center location model. Comparative analysis reveals that incorporating obstacle avoidance significantly enhances performance compared to scenarios without it, and the genetic annealing algorithm outperforms the traditional genetic algorithm. Finally, a sensitivity analysis is conducted on the number of distribution centers and obstacles.
Oxygen modulates cobalamin requirement but not riboflavin in Propionibacterium freudenreichii growth
Authors: Zhang Ruoxi , Sha Yuandong , Chamlagain Bhawani , Edelmann Minnamari , Savijoki Kirsi , Piironen Vieno , Deptula Paulina , Varmanen Pekka
Published: October 2024

Background
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin, hereafter B12) is essential for human health, particularly for neural function and DNA synthesis. It is synthesized exclusively by bacteria and archaea, with animal-derived foods serving as the primary sources for humans. Propionibacterium freudenreichii is notable for its long history of safe use in food production, its efficient B12 synthesis, and its minimal production of inactive, pseudovitamin B12. This efficiency is attributed to its oxygen-dependent biosynthesis of 5,6-dimethylbenzimidazole (DMBI), the lower ligand of vitamin B12, via the BluB enzyme. Additionally, the synthesis of another B-group vitamin, riboflavin (hereafter B2), may influence DMBI production by providing precursor molecules.
Results
Despite recent research on the metabolic pathways and gene expression of P. freudenreichii, the roles of B12 and B2 in growth under different conditions are not fully understood. In this study, we created mutants of P. freudenreichii DSM 4902 that are defective in B12 or B2 production by inactivating key biosynthesis genes, specifically bluB and ribA. Findings revealed that the growth defects of the mutants could be complemented by external provision of vitamins, demonstrating the presence of active uptake systems for both riboflavin and cobalamin. B2 was essential for growth under all atmospheric conditions tested, particularly during aerobic growth, while B12 availability affected colony-forming ability under anaerobic conditions, but not under aerobic (pO2 ~ 20%) conditions. Analysis of spent culture media indicated that P. freudenreichii produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) at a reduced rate in the absence of B12. Growth experiments of mutant strains in gradually increasing concentrations of vitamins demonstrated that 0.1 µg/mL of B12 and 0.05 µg/mL of B2 are likely the minimal concentrations required to support maximal growth. Our results suggest that de novo B2 synthesis does not affect B12 synthesis when B2 is externally supplied and that oxygen availability diminishes B12 requirements during growth.
Conclusions
This study enhances our understanding of the metabolic mechanisms of P. freudenreichii, particularly the interplay between B2 and B12 under varying oxygen conditions. These insights have practical implications for optimizing B12 production in the food and supplement industries, potentially leading to more efficient and sustainable methods.
RETRACTED: Ruminococcus bromii-generated acetate alleviated Clonorchis sinensis-induced liver fibrosis in mice
Authors: Li Chun , Cheng Changsheng , Jiang Liping , Zhong Xin , Huang Guoyang , Mo Gang , Cao Deping , Peng Xiaohong
Published: October 2024

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Effects of differences in perioperative mouthwash on oral bacteria and postoperative complications: Sub-analysis of a mouthwash intervention study
Authors: Kamijo Junpei , Otagiri Hiroki , Yanai Kota , Tobata Haruko , Sakai Hironori , Kurita Hiroshi
Published: October 2024

Background
Perioperative oral management (POM) reduces the risk of postoperative complications. We previously conducted a randomized controlled feasibility study of POM using povidone iodine (PVP-I) or 0.05% cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) and found that perioperative self-care with CPC mouthwash may support antibiotic-induced changes in the oral flora. In this sub-analysis, we investigated how use of PVP-I and CPC products in the perioperative period affects postoperative systemic inflammation.
Methods
The subjects were 78 patients scheduled to undergo surgery under general anesthesia who received POM with random assignment of mouthwash containing PVP-I (n = 38) or CPC (n = 40). White blood cell (WBC) count, serum CRP level, and fever were used as postoperative inflammatory markers for comparison between the groups. Bacteria were collected from the dorsal surface of the tongue, and the total bacterial count, operational taxonomic unit (OTU) count, and Shannon Index were analyzed.
Results
Perioperative inflammatory indices such as WBC, CRP, and body temperature were compared between groups, and only mean CRP was significantly lower in the CPC group than PVP-I group (7.0 (range: 0-19.2) mg/dL vs. 5.3 (range: 0.1–21.0) mg/dL). A significant difference was found in the CRP level between the two groups. The incidence of high CRP (≥ 5 mg/dL) was significantly lower in the CPC group (16/40, 40%) compared to the PVP-I group (24/38, 63.2%). In multivariate analysis, the intervention product was a significant independent factor related to high CRP. The lower CRP in the CPC group was associated with a lower OTU count and lower Shannon Index.
Conclusion
The results suggest that use of CPC in POM is associated with a lower CRP level. Use of mouthwash containing CPC may decrease bacterial diversity on the dorsal surface of the tongue, and this may reduce postoperative complications such as pneumonia.
Trial registration:
University Hospitals Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN-CTR), UMIN000030919. Registered January 21, 2018.
Relationship between multiple inflammatory index level trajectories and 28-day mortality in patients on ECMO
Authors: Zhou You , Cheng Zhi , Sun Liqun , Han Jiayan , li Suhui , Wang Xin , Xu Leiming
Published: October 2024

Background: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a simplified cardiopulmonary bypass device that provides temporary respiratory and circulatory support and adequate recovery time for the heart and lung, but the mortality rate of acute and critically ill patients undergoing ECMO is still high. Progression of systemic inflammatory response is associated with mortality in ECMO patients. The objective of this study was to investigate the dynamic changes of various inflammatory markers and their relationship with 28-day mortality in patients with ECMO.
Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted on 200 patients receiving ECMO treatment evaluating inflammatory markers including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI), procalcitonin (PCT), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and C-reactive protein (CRP) at various time points. A dynamic trajectory model was constructed, and survival differences between groups were assessed using Kaplan–Meier plots and log-rank tests. Multiple Cox proportional hazard models were built to analyze the relationship between dynamic trajectories and clinical outcomes. Causal mediation analysis was applied to determine whether changes in inflammatory trajectories mediated survival outcomes in patients on ECMO through other variables.
Results: Age, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score, and elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels significantly impacted the 28-day survival rate (p<0.05), with higher mortality observed in patients exhibiting poor inflammatory trajectories. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis revealed that patients in the ascending (AS) group had a significantly higher risk of death than those in the stable (ST) and descending (DS) groups (log-rank p<0.001). Furthermore, multivariate Cox regression analysis identified IL-6 as the most strongly correlated inflammatory marker with mortality risk [Hazard ratio (HR) = 1.97, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.35-2.87, p<0.001].
Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of dynamic monitoring of inflammatory biomarkers in patients on ECMO, suggesting that individualized treatment adjustments based on these markers could enhance survival rates. Future research should prioritize larger, multicenter cohort studies and clinical trials to validate these findings, aiming to optimize treatment strategies for patients on ECMO.
SemiTabDETR: End-to-End Semi-Supervised Table Detection with Transformer-based Enhanced Query Approach
Authors: Shhezadi Tahira , Stricker Didier , Afzal Muhammad Zeshan
Published: October 2024

Table detection recognizes and accurately determines the position of tables within document images. This task involves both classification and precise localization of these table elements. Conventional table detection methods usually depend on extensive labeled data, creating a challenge in generating high-quality labels for training. To address this, many semi-supervised approaches are proposed. These methods utilize either CNN-based networks, which rely on anchor generation and NMS (Non-Maximum Suppression), or employ transformer-based models with performance linked to the quality of object queries. In this paper, we propose a transformer-based semi-supervised approach that improves the quality of object queries. We take high-level query features from unlabeled images and find similarities with decoder original queries by an enhanced query selection network. It provides high-quality, refined queries, allowing the model to make precise predictions or classifications with minimal labeled data. Results on benchmarks such as Publaynet, DocBank, PubTables, and ICDAR 19 have demonstrated that this innovative approach significantly outperforms traditional supervised and semi-supervised methods. On just 1% label data, our approach obtains 98.1% mAP, 96.4% mAP, and 82.8% mAP on PubTables, PubLayNet, and DocBank datasets, respectively. The state-of-the-art results show the effectiveness of our approach.
A checklist of invasive alien plants of Kalahandi district: one of the famous historical and ancient places of Odisha, India
Authors: Behera Ghanashyam , Nayak Nihar Ranjan , Bhatta Bandana , Padhan Jhili , Joshi Naseeb , Majhi Ranju , Charchi Sibani , Majhi Sushanta , Sahu Alok Ranjan
Published: October 2024

The present study was based on both bibliographic sources and the survey to the documentation of invasive plants in Kalahandi district, Odisha, India. A total of 108 species belonging to 91 genera and 37 families are reported. The highest number of species i.e. 15 no. were contributed from both the family Asteraceae and Fabaceae; followed by nine species from Poaceae; six species (Amaranthaceae); five species each from the family Convolvulaceae and Malvaceae; four species each from four families (Apocyanaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Polygonaceae and Solanaceae); three species each from two family (Acanthaceae and Lamiaceae); two species each from six family (Boraginaceae, Cyperaceae, Passifloraceae, Pontederiaceae, Salviniaceae and Verbenaceae); rest 18 families contributed one species each. The diversity of exotic plants was highest in the wasteland (52 spp.), followed by 35 species contributed from the cultivated field, roadside (30 spp.), 15 spp. each from both forest and homestead, river bed (12 spp.), and aquatic (5 spp.). Among these the maximum species contribution is from Tropical America (36 spp.), followed by North America (20 spp.), Africa (19 spp.), Asia (16 spp.), South America (14 spp.), Australia (5 spp.), Europe (4 spp.), Central America (3 spp.), both the sub-trophical America and Mediterranean contributed one species each. The uses of exotic plants for various purposes indicated by the native peoples are discussed here. The present study gives complete and efficient documentation of invasive plants in Kalahandi district of Odisha that will provide a tool for maintenance of the local biodiversity.
Comparison between short-segment versus long-segment screw fixation in osteopenic and osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures in thoracolumbar junction with myelopathy
Authors: NOH Chan Yang , Park Jin Hoon
Published: October 2024

Purpose Osteopenic and osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) is a prevalent clinical problem, particularly in the elderly. Management of this condition often requires surgical intervention involving screw fixation of vertebral bodies. However, the optimal extent of screw fixation remains a topic of debate among neurosurgeons. This retrospective study compared the clinical outcomes, radiographic results, and complication rates between short-segment and long-segment screw fixation in patients with OVCF at the thoracolumbar junction (TLJ) and with myelopathic symptoms due to a spinal cord-compressing lesion.
Methods A total of 48 patients with OVCFs at the TLJ and myelopathic symptoms and who underwent either short-segment (two-level) or long-segment (>2 levels) screw fixation were studied. Clinical outcomes comprised Visual Analog Scale (VAS)score, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status, Frankel scale, and modified Japanese Orthopedic Association score.
Results Both groups showed postoperative improvement in VAS scores, with no significant difference. However, postoperative improvement in Frankel scale (p=0.01) and ECOG performance status (p<0.01) was significantly greater in the short-segment versus long-segment fixation group. Conversely, long-segment fixation produced superior preservation of the postoperative correction angle (p=0.02). There were no significant differences in overall complication rates, including mechanical failure, between the two groups.
Conclusion Short-segment screw fixation provides comparable clinical outcomes to long-segment fixation in the management of OVCFs with myelopathic symptoms. It is also noteworthy that short-segment screw fixation is not predisposed to instrument failure. These findings suggest that short-segment screw fixation may be a viable option for many patients with OVCFs, depending on clinical condition.
Transarterial embolization of gastroduodenal peptic ulcer bleeding: a single-center study of safety and efficacy
Authors: Ozen Cihan , Al-Hashimi Muhanad , Stender Mogens Tornby , Thorlacius-Ussing Ole , Larsen Anders Christian
Published: October 2024

Objectives
To investigate the safety and efficacy of transarterial embolization (TAE) in patients with bleeding gastroduodenal peptic ulcers with an emphasis on prophylactic TAE (pTAE).
Methods
This retrospective cohort study was conducted from 1 January 2010 to 30 June 2022. The primary outcome was rebleeding rate after TAE. Secondary outcomes were frequency and severity of complications, 30-day mortality rate, and overall survival.
Results
87 patients were included. The overall rebleeding rate after TAE was 13/87 (15%). The rebleeding rate was non-significantly higher in the therapeutic TAE (tTAE) group (31%) when compared to the pTAE group (12%). Minor complications were observed in 14/87 patients (16%) and severe complications were observed in 6/87 patients (7%). The complication rate did not differ between the tTAE and pTAE groups. The 30-day overall mortality rate was 19/87 (22%). The 30-day mortality rate was non-significantly higher in the tTAE-group (31%) when compared to the pTAE group (20%). Of the 19 mortalities within 30-days, three were considered procedure-related. The overall median survival rate was 21 months (95% CI: 9.8–31). A non-significant higher median survival of 46.7 months (95% CI 1.2–74.9) was observed in the tTAE group when compared to 20.5 months (95% CI 7.1–29.1) in the pTAE group.
Conclusion
TAE is safe and efficient but is associated with a high 30-day mortality rate and poor overall survival owing to a high burden of comorbidity and disease-related rather than TAE-related complications. Further studies are needed to clarify the gain and selection criteria for pTAE.