bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes of Inflammatory Factors in Patients with Small Airway Dysfunction
Authors: Sun Jiaolin , Cheng Xue , Lin Lv , Ji Wenwen , Cui Chen , Zhu Meijun , Yang Lan , Shi Zhihong
Published: April 2023

Background: Small airway dysfunction (SAD) is considered as a precursor of chronic airway diseases (such as COPD, asthma, etc.). As we all known, patients with COPD and asthma both exhibit infiltration of inflammatory factors in the small airways and alveoli. However, few studies have determined whether SAD is associated with airway inflammation and systemic changes in inflammatory factors. To determine whether there are changes in airway inflammation and systemic inflammatory factors in SAD population.
Methods: A total of 870 subjects from Shaanxi Province, China were selected from June 2019, to April, 2021. The airway inflammation of SAD was assessed by detecting exhaled NO in the nose, air duct, small airway, and alveoli. Serum levels of inflammatory cytokines including Th1 cytokines IFN-γ and IL-2, Th2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-6, and Th17 cytokines IL-17 and TNF-α were determined by ELISA.
Results: The values of FeNO200 (small airway) of SAD, Pre-SAD and Post-SAD were all higher than those of the normal group (P=0.012, P=0.04, P=0.037, respectively). CaNO (alveolar) of SAD, Pre-SAD and Post-SAD were all higher than those of the normal group (all P<0.0001). For Post-SAD, IL-4 is higher than normal group (P=0.034). IL-6, IL-17 and TNF-α in SAD, Pre-SAD and Post-SAD were both higher than those in the normal group (all P<0.05).
Conclusion: Patients with SAD have airway inflammation and change of systemic inflammatory factors.
Identification of a conserved glycolytic protein NbGAPDH interacting with NbMnSOD2 in Nosema bobycis
Authors: Wang Ying , Zhang Zhikun , Nian Siji , Xu Jinzhi , Ran Maoshuang , xiang Heng , Pan Guoqing , Zhou Zeyang
Published: April 2023

Two manganese superoxide dismutases, NbMnSOD1 and NbMnSOD2, were characterized previously in microsporidian Nosema bombycis. However, the functional information related to manganese superoxide dismutase in this obligate parasite is still limited. In this study, we further explored the potential proteins interacting with NbMnSOD2 using Co-immunoprecipitation and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in N. bombycis, and the result indicated that a glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (NbGAPDH), which is a conserved glycolytic protein in microsporidia, may interact with NbMnSOD2. As following, we prepared the polyclonal antibody against NbGAPDH, and immunofluorescence analyses (IFA) revealed NbGAPDH colocalized with NbMnSOD2 on the spore wall of N. bombycis. Immuno-electron microscopy (IEM) further demonstrated that NbGAPDH could be detected on the spore wall of mature spores, consisting with the spore wall localization of NbMnSOD2 reported previously. The Co-immunoprecipitation, IFA and IEM results supported that NbGAPDH was a potential protein interacting with NbMnSOD2, suggesting it may display non-glycolytic functions in microsporidian N. bombycis, due to its special subcelluar localization. Moreover, the gene expression of NbGAPDH was detected in BmE cells during 1-4 days post-infection with qRT-PCR, and the result showed that the expression of NbGAPDH was present during 6h to 4 days post-infection, with the highest expression at day 2 post-infection, suggesting NbGAPDH may play essential roles during the development of N. bombycis. This study provides partial useful insights for the function of manganese superoxide dismutase in this obligate parasite.
E2E-BPF microscope: Extended depth-of-field microscopy
using learning-based implementation of binary phase filter and image deconvolution
Authors: Seong Baekcheon , Kim Woovin , Kim Younghun , Lee Jong-Seok , Yoo Jeonghoon , Joo Chulim
Published: April 2023

Several image-based biomedical diagnoses require high-resolution imaging capabilities at large spatial scales. However, conventional microscopes exhibit an inherent trade-off between depth-of-field (DoF) and spatial resolution, and thus require objects to be refocused at each lateral location, which is time-consuming. Here, we present a computational imaging platform, termed E2E-BPF microscope, which enables large-area, high-resolution imaging of large-scale objects without serial refocusing. This method involves a physics-incorporated, deep-learned design of binary phase filter (BPF) and jointly optimized deconvolution neural network, which altogether produces high-resolution, high-contrast images over extended depth ranges. We demonstrate the method through numerical simulations and experiments with fluorescently labeled beads, cells and tissue section, and present high-resolution imaging capability over a 15.5-fold larger DoF than the conventional microscope. Our method provides highly effective and scalable strategy for DoF-extended optical imaging system, and is expected to find numerous applications in rapid image-based diagnosis, optical vision, and metrology.
The effects of the administration sequence and the type of hypnotics on the development of remifentanil-induced chest wall rigidity:A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Oh Yu Jin , Kim Yesull , Lee Chanhong , Kim Dong-Chan , Doo Aram
Published: April 2023

Background
Research on remifentanil-induced chest wall rigidity is limited. Furthermore, its incidence is unknown, and the clinical factors influencing its development remain unclear. This prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate the effects of the administration sequence of hypnotics and remifentanil as well as the type of hypnotic administered on the development of remifentanil-induced chest wall rigidity.
Methods
A total of 125 older patients aged \(\ge\)65 years, who were scheduled to undergo elective surgery under general anesthesia, were enrolled in this study. Participants were randomly assigned to one of four groups; Thio-Remi, Pro-Remi, Remi-Thio, or Remi-Pro. After confirming the loss of consciousness and achieving a target effect-site concentration of 3 ng/mL remifentanil, the development of remifentanil-induced chest wall rigidity was evaluated.
Results
The incidence of chest wall rigidity was significantly higher in the remifentanil-hypnotic group than in the hypnotic-remifentanil (opposite sequence) group (55.0% vs. 21.7%, P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that remifentanil-hypnotic administration was a significant predictor of the development of chest wall rigidity (crude odds ratio 4.42, 95% confidence interval 1.99; 9.81, P < 0.001).
Conclusions
Pretreatment with hypnotics potentially reduces the development of chest wall rigidity during the induction of balanced anesthesia with remifentanil in older patients.
Trial registration
This article was registered at WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (Trial number: KCT0006542).
Understanding the role of Reynolds number on self-assembly formation of nanoparticles
Authors: Dai Zhiqi , Yuan Ruoshi , Yuan Ru-Yue , Liu Yan-Jun , Xu Jiang
Published: April 2023

Self-assembly formation of nanoparticles (NPs) is a central theme in nanotechnology that has garnered significant attention in both academia and industry. The size of self-assembled NPs plays crucial role in their physicochemical properties. It has long been known that when macromolecules in a solvent being exposed to an anti-solvent, they can spontaneously form NPs of varying sizes through static diffusion (mixing rate = 0) and dynamic convection (mixing rate > 0). However, the impact of solvent mixing rate on the size of self-assembled NPs remains a mystery. Here, for the first time, we mathematically and experimentally prove that Reynolds number (Re), which quantifies fluid turbulence, is decisive on the self-assembly formation of NPs, by exponentially influencing the way kinetic energy of precursor molecules converting into surface energy of subsequent NPs. We surprisingly find that various self-assembly systems share a very similar critical value of Re about 1,000 ~ 1,200, which predetermines whether self-assembly occurs following a low or high energy dissipation pathway. This new framework further enables us to quantitatively determine energy conversion efficiency of a self-assembly process, measure surface tension of NP in a complex system, and predict NP size at arbitrary Re (including 0), which cannot be achieved in the past due to the limits of technology.
Artificial intelligence for the prevention and prediction of colorectal neoplasms
Authors: Tokutake Kohjiro , Morelos-Gomez Aaron , Hoshi Ken-ichi , Katouda Michio , Tejima Syogo , Endo Morinobu
Published: April 2023

Background
Colonoscopy is a useful as a cancer screening test. However, in countries with limited medical resources, there are restrictions on the widespread use of endoscopy. Non-invasive screening methods to determine whether a patient requires a colonoscopy are thus desired. Here, we investigated whether artificial intelligence (AI) can predict colorectal neoplasia.
Methods
We used data from physical exams and blood analyses to determine the incidence of colorectal polyp. However, these features exhibit highly overlapping classes. The use of a kernel density estimator (KDE)-based transformation improved the separability of both classes.
Results
Along with an adequate polyp size threshold, the optimal machine learning (ML) models' performance provided 0.37 and 0.39 Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC) for the datasets of men and women, respectively. The models exhibit a higher discrimination than fecal occult blood test with 0.047 and 0.074 MCC for men and women, respectively.
Conclusion
The ML model can be chosen according to the desired polyp size discrimination threshold, may suggest further colorectal screening, and possible adenoma size. The KDE feature transformation could serve to score each biomarker and background factors (healthy lifestyles) to suggest measures to be taken against colorectal adenoma growth. All the information that the AI model provides can lower the workload for healthcare providers and be implemented in health care systems with scarce resources. Furthermore, risk stratification may help us to optimize the efficiency of resources for screening colonoscopy.
Network-level mechanisms underlying effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on visuomotor learning impairments in schizophrenia.
Authors: Javitt Daniel , Sehatpour Pejman , Kreither Johanna , Lopez-Calderon Javier , Shastry Adithya , De-Baun Heloise , Martinez Antigona
Published: April 2023

Motor learning is a fundamental skill to our daily lives. Dysfunction in motor performance in schizophrenia (Sz) is associated with poor social and functional outcomes, but nevertheless remains understudied relative to other neurocognitive domains. Moreover, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can influence underlying brain function in Sz and may be especially useful in enhancing local cortical plasticity, but underlying neural mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Here, we evaluated performance of Sz individuals on the Serial Reaction Time Task (SRTT), which has been extensively used in prior tDCS research, in combination with concurrent tDCS and EEG source localization first to evaluate the integrity of visuomotor learning in Sz relative to other cognitive domains and second to investigate underlying neural mechanisms. Twenty-seven individuals with Sz and 21 healthy controls (HC) performed the SRTT task as they received sham or active tDCS and simultaneous EEG recording. Measures of motor, neuropsychological and global functioning were also assessed. Impaired SRTT performance correlated significantly with deficits in motor performance, working memory, and global functioning. Time-frequency (“Beamformer”) EEG source localization showed beta-band coherence across supplementary-motor, primary-motor and visual cortex regions, with reduced visuomotor coherence in Sz relative to HC. Cathodal tDCS targeting both visual and motor regions resulted in significant modulation in coherence particularly across the motor-visual nodes of the network accompanied by significant improvement in motor learning in both controls and patients. Overall, these findings demonstrate the utility of the SRTT to study mechanisms of visuomotor impairment in Sz and demonstrate significant tDCS effects on both learning and connectivity when applied over either visual or motor regions. The findings support continued study of dysfunctional dorsal-stream visual connectivity and motor plasticity as components of cognitive impairment in Sz, of local tDCS administration for enhancement of plasticity, and of source-space EEG-based biomarkers for evaluation of underlying neural mechanisms.
Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and associated risk factors in Canadian university students
Authors: Parto Dorsa Nouri , Wong Arnold YL , Macedo Luciana
Published: April 2023

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSKDs) present a significant burden to health care systems worldwide. Evidence suggests that university students may have unique risk factors for developing MSKDs; however, research on the corresponding prevalence and risk factors of MSKDs in Canadian students is limited.
Methods: Using a multi-year cross-sectional survey, we aimed to understand the prevalence and risk factors of MSKDs in students at McMaster University. A survey on the prevalence of MSKD as well as potential risk factors was conducted online in the years 2018-2022. Our outcomes were the prevalence of MSKDs over the last 7 days and the last 12 months, as well as presence of lower body, upper body, and spine MSKDs. We investigated risk factors using negative binomial regression analysis, including a sex-stratified analysis.
Results: There were a total of 289 respondents in 2018 with a decrease in the number of participants in the subsequent survey years (n2019 = 173, n2020 = 131, n2021 = 76). Participants reported a median of 2-3 pain sites in the last year and 1-2 pain sites in the last week in all four years. The most prevalent sources of self-reported pain were the lower back and neck. Depending on the year and outcome studied, 59-67% of participants reported neck/lower back pain in the last year, and 43-49% of respondents reported it in the last week. Although risk factors were different depending on the year and the sex, overall, poorer mental health, being in health care studies, regular sports participation (males only), older age, and less hours of sleep were significantly associated with higher prevalence of MSKDs.
Conclusions: This identified that MSKDs is a prevalent source of pain in university students. While some risk factors, such as mental health, are known to play a role in developing MSKDs, sports activity and academic pressure are risk factors that are unique to students. Our study also suggests that there may also be differences in risk factors between sexes.
Clinical characteristics and gene mutation analysis of patients with transformed small-cell lung cancer
Authors: Qiu Jiayong , Hao Yingying , Huang Shenshen , Zhu Yingwei , Wang Tongsheng , Mao Yimin , Yuan Yadong
Published: April 2023

Background
Transformed small-cell lung cancer (T-SCLC) is one of the mechanisms by which lung adenocarcinoma (LADC) becomes resistant to treatment with epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs). However, this phenomenon remains poorly understood. The study aims to analyze the clinical features and gene mutation characteristics of T-SCLC patients in our hospital.
Methods
Clinical data were collected from 2013–2022 on patients with the initial diagnosis of LADC treated with EGFR-TKIs followed by re-biopsy case type transform into SCLC in our hospital, and their clinical features, tumor pathology, gene mutation characteristics, clinical treatment, and prognosis were analyzed.
Results
A total of 6 (6/362, 1.7%) patients with T-SCLC who were all initially diagnosed with LADC and all had EGFR 19 or 21 mutation, the same mutation status as after transformation, as well as combined RB1, TP53, PIK3CA, PTEN, FGFR, YES1 mutation. The mean progression-free survival after EGFR-TKIs treatment was 33.3 months (IQR, 28.8–37.5 months), compared to 3.6 months (IQR, 2.6-5.0 months) after T-SCLC. 4 cases transformed to SCLC and 2 cases to compound SCLC after TKIs treatment; the mean increase in Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) after conversion was 11.6-fold. The follow-up first-line treatment regimen was etoposide-platinum in all cases. There are currently 3 cases of survival and 3 deaths, with a mean overall survival of 51.7 months (IQR, 42.8–60.5 months).
Conclusions
LADC may transform into SCLC after the failure of EGFR-TKIs. Dynamic NSE changes should be monitored and aggressive re-biopsy should be performed to clarify the mechanism of drug resistance. Multidisciplinary treatment should be provided for T-SCLC, and an integrated treatment strategy based on chemotherapy, Anlotinib and radiotherapy should be considered to improve the prognosis.
Evaluation of the aggressive degree of the chemical components to concrete
Authors: Doan Thy Truc
Published: April 2023

Evaluation and research on the aggressive degree to concrete were done in the previous research. However, the evaluation of aggressive certain degree in water to the concrete was evaluated comprehensively by the Viet Nam Standard “TCVN 3994:1985” and ISO 14911:1998. The results presented “water with chemical characteristics can’t create the aggression in concrete”, which shows pH concentration is 5 and CO2 corrosion is 20 mg/l; whereas ion Mg2+ is 1.5 g/l and SO42− is 0,25 g/l. The total salt content in the presence of evaporating surface obtains 12,5g/l. On the other hand, this paper considers water with the chemical name “Chlorite-Bicarbonate-Sodium-Magnesium” by the Kurlov formula and “TCVN 81:1981”. Especially, comprehensive consideration of chemical analysis that includes Cation (Ca2+; Mg2+; ∑(Fe2+; Fe3+; Na+; K+; and NH4+); Anion (Cl−; SO42−; HCO3−; CO32− and OH−); and the other special items analysis which includes Permanent and Temporary hardness; Alkalinity; CO2 free; CO2 corrosive; Total mineralization; pH value; Nitrite (NO2−); and Nitrate (NO3−). So research results can be used safely for the design or construction of the reinforcement concrete structures in My Thai Canal Bridge, Rach Gia town, Kien Giang province, Viet Nam, and Construction or Geotechnical as good reference documents in the future.
Diagnostic performance of metagenomic next-generation sequencing for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia
Authors: Xuefang Li , Li Zhijun , Ye Jian , Ye Wu
Published: April 2023

Objective Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) can be a life-threatening opportunistic infection. We aimed to include eligible clinical studies to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) for PJP. Methods A comprehensive electronic literature search of Web of Knowledge, PubMed, Cochrane Library, CNKI, and Wanfang data was performed. Bivariate analysis was performed to calculate the pooled sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), the area under the summary receiver operator characteristic (SROC) curve and the Q-point value (Q*). Results The literature search resulted in 9 studies with a total of 1343 patients, including 418 cases diagnosed with PJP and 925 controls. The pooled sensitivity of mNGS for the diagnosis of PJP was 0.974 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.953–0.987]. The pooled specificity was 0.943 (95% CI, 0.926–0.957), the pooled DOR was 431.58 (95% CI, 186.77-997.27), the area under the SROC curve was 0.987, and the Q* was 0.951. TheI2test showed no heterogeneity between studies. The Deek funnel test suggested no potential publication bias. Subgroup analyses indicated that the area under the SROC curve of mNGS for diagnosis of PJP in immunocompromised and non-HIV patients was 0.9852 and 0.979, respectively. Conclusions Current evidence indicates that mNGS exhibits excellent accuracy for the diagnosis of PJP. mNGS is a promising tool for assessment of PJP in immunocompromised and non-HIV patients.
Study on the relationship between the choroidal thickness and hormone levels with central serous chorioretinopathy
Authors: Shen Jing , Xie Bing , Cai Shanjun , LI Hong , Su Gang
Published: April 2023

Objective To investigate whether the choroidal thickness in central serous chorioretinopathy is related to endogenous hormone levels.
Methods A case-control study. From July 2020 to October 2021, 60 male patients diagnosed with central serous chorioretinopathy at the ophthalmology clinic of the affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, and 60 healthy, young and middle-aged men were collected as the control group. There were 53 cases of acute CSC (106 eyes) and 7 cases of chronic CSC (14 eyes). The study and control groups' smoking, drinking, and sleeping habits were compared statistically, and BCVA, intraocular pressure, and eye axis were assessed. The macular choroidal thickness was measured by enhanced depth imaging-optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT) from 2 to 5 p.m, measured at the subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT), above the fovea, below, nasal and temporal 750 μm, and the average macular choroidal thickness was the average of the five sites. Blood samples were taken from the control and study groups corresponding to the measuring time, and the levels of adrenaline, norepinephrine, dopamine, cortisol, aldosterone, total testosterone and estradiol were measured by radioimmunoassay. The Chi-square test was used in univariate analysis. Spearman correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between continuous numerical variables which did not obey normal distribution. The independent variables of p value < 0.05 in univariate analysis were included in multiple linear regression analysis.
Results 1. There was no significant difference in age, smoking, drinking and sleep habits between the study group and the control group (p=0.053, 0.099, 0.079, 0.095). 2. There were significant differences in the average choroidal thickness between the affected eyes and the contralateral eyes in the study group and the control group (p＜0.05). There was no significant difference in the average macular choroidal thickness between the affected eyes and the contralateral eyes in the study group (p>0.05). 3. The levels of norepinephrine and total testosterone in the study group were significantly different from those in the control group (p< 0.05). 4. There was a positive correlation between the average macular choroidal thickness and norepinephrine and total testosterone (p<0.001, r=0.348, r=0.446).
Conclusion Average choroidal thickness in macular area of CSC eyes and contralateral eyes increased. Norepinephrine and total testosterone are the main factors affecting the average choroidal thickness in macular area of CSC.
Lifelong effects of prenatal and early postnatal stress on the hippocampus, amygdala, and psychology of Holocaust survivors
Authors: Fňašková Monika , Říha Pavel , Nečasová Markéta , Preiss Marek , Rektor Ivan
Published: April 2023

In this study, we examine the effect of age on hippocampal and amygdala stress damage in Holocaust survivors, with an emphasis on prenatal and early postnatal development. We investigated people who lived in Central Europe during the Holocaust and who, as Jews, were in imminent danger. A group who experienced stress during their prenatal development and early postnatal (PreP) period (n = 11) were compared with a group who experienced Holocaust-related stress later in their lives: in late childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood (ChA) (n = 21). The results of volumetry analysis showed significantly lower volumes of both hippocampi and the right amygdala in the PreP group. Seed-based connectivity analysis revealed increased connectivity from the left hippocampus to the thalami and caudate and from the seed in the right amygdala to the middle and posterior cingulate cortex, caudate, and left frontal operculum inferior in the PreP group. Psychological testing found higher levels of traumatic stress symptoms (TCS-40) and lower levels of well-being (SOS-10) in the PreP group than in the ChA group. The results of our study demonstrate that extreme stress experienced during prenatal and early postnatal life has an irreversible lifelong impact on the hippocampus and amygdala and on some psychological characteristics of Holocaust survivors.
Neonatal outcomes when intravenous esketamine is added to the parturients transferred from labor analgesia to emergency cesarean section: A retrospective analysis report
Authors: Liang Zhaojia , Zhou Ting , Li Yalan , Wang Mengxia
Published: April 2023

Objectives
The use of intravenous (i.v.) analgesics during emergency cesarean section with epidural anesthesia (EA) can lead to adverse neonatal outcomes. The purpose of our study was to investigate whether administering a single i.v. dose of 25 mg esketamine to parturients suffering from inadequate analgesia before delivery would affect the neonate in the presence of epidural anesthesia for cesarean section.
Design:
We reviewed the records of parturients who, after receiving labor analgesia, failed to deliver their neonates and turned into cases of emergency cesarean section with EA from January 2021 to April 2022. Parturients were grouped by whether they received esketamine infusion during the incision–delivery interval. Neonatal outcomes, including umbilical arterial-blood gas analysis (UABGA), Apgar score, and total days spent by the neonate in the hospital, were compared between the two groups.
Setting
: China
Results
After propensity score matching, 32 patients remained in each of the non-esketamine and esketamine groups. There were no significant differences in neonatal outcomes, including UABGA, Apgar score, and total days in the hospital, between the two groups.
Conclusions
Intravenous esketamine (25 mg) is safe for neonates when it is given to parturients transferred from labor analgesia to emergency cesarean section.
Ergonomic hands-on performance on Gynecological laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) surgery
Authors: Yang Ye , Pan Yu Qin , Lu Qi , Wang Min , Liu Wei , Bao Wei , Wu Su Fang
Published: April 2023

Background: Few previous studies have introduced general techniques to overcome the “chopstick effect” in laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS). We aim to investigate and highlight the key ergonomic methodologies for gynaecologic LESS based on the surgeon's hands-on performance.
Methods: The first author surgeon A reviewed and analyzed the LESS procedures performed by herself and how she taught surgeon A B, from January 2021 to April 2022. The procedures were classified based on technical difficulty and learning periods, and the hands-on technical skills of the surgeons during the LESS module were evaluated.
Results: Surgeon A conducted 580 LESS procedures, which were divided into the novice (n=48) and intermediate (n=33) periods, and the remaining cases were included in the routine period. We took ergonomic aspects into account and formed a special ergonomic LESS operating methodology: 1 Maintain good LESS laparoscopic spatial sensation, keep hand-eye coordination, well cooperation between the main surgeon and the assistant; 2 Improve basic LESS technique: grasp, lift, transfer and place objects, and proficient in blunt separating, coagulation, cutting and handling produce. 3 Coordination location, orientation, movements, functions, and flexion or extension of shoulders, arms, elbow, wrist and finger joints; 4 Maintain strength, tension, ambidexterity, depth perception, continuous postures and repetition with joint and muscular efforts to control instruments. 5 Experienced multiport laparoscopy surgery (MPS) skills on basic surgical proceduresand familiarity with anatomical structures were also determining elements. Surgeon B learned the above experiences by performing 39 LESS procedures under the guidance of surgeon A.
Conclusion: This educational research sheds light on the common challenges faced in LESS and presents the importance of ergonomic hands-on performance skills in improving surgical outcomes. The findings could serve as a guide for future training and education in LESS.
Multidrug-resistant bacteria may be associated with bed allocation and utilization efficiency in healthcare institutions, based on national monitoring data from China (2014– 2020)
Authors: Wang Xing-Tian , Pan Dong-Feng , Lu Wen-Wen , Chen Chen , Su Ming , Meng Hua , Su Xin-Ya , Liu Zhuo , Ma Xiao-Juan , Liang Pei-Feng
Published: April 2023

Multidrug-resistant bacteria have become one of the most paramount health perils in the 21st century. In this study, provincial-level panel data in China were used to analyze the relationship between bed allocation, utilization efficiency, and MDROs detection rates by the panel data quantile regression model. It was shown that the number of beds per 1,000 people had a negative effect on the detection rate of MRSA, VREA, VREM, PRSP, MRCNS, and CTX/CRO-R ECO (regression coefficient < 0, P < 0.05). The hospital bed utilization rate had a positive effect on the detection rate of MRSA, MRCNS, VREM, PRSP, CTX/CRO-R ECO, CR-ECO, CTX/CRO-R KPN, CR-KPN, CR-PAE, and CR-ABA (regression coefficient > 0, P < 0.05). The average hospital stay had a positive effect on the detection rate of MRSA, MRCNS, VREA, VREM, PRSP, CTX/CRO-R ECO, CR-ECO, QNR-ECO, CTX/CRO-R KPN, CR-PAE, and CR-ABA (regression coefficient > 0, P < 0.05). MDROs are associated with bed allocation and utilization efficiency in healthcare institutions. The Department of Medical Administration should reduce the incidence of MDROs by increasing bed medical allocation and improving the efficiency of bed utilization in hospitalized patients.
C-reactive Protein is a Strong Prognostic Factor for Overall Survival in Clinically Node-positive Patients with Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma
Authors: Sasahara Taishiro , Yanagisawa Takafumi , Sugaya Shingo , Hisakane Akira , Sakanaka Keigo , Hara Shuhei , Otsuka Takashi , Takamizawa Shigeaki , Yata Yuji , Takahashi Yusuke , Takiguchi Yuki , Mori Keiichiro , Tsuzuki Shunsuke , Kimura Shoji , Miki Jun , Kimura Takahiro
Published: April 2023

Background
There is sparse evidence regarding optimal management and prognosticators for oncologic outcomes in patients with clinical node positive (cN+) upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC).
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed the data from 105 UTUC patients with cN1-2M0 between June 2010 and June 2022 at multiple institutions affiliated with our university. At the time of diagnosis, all patients received standard-of-care treatment including radical nephroureterectomy (RNU), chemotherapy, and/or palliative care. We employed a Cox regression model to analyze the prognostic importance of various factors on overall survival (OS).
Results
Of 105 patients, 54 (51%) underwent RNU, while 51 (49%) did not. RNU was likely to be selected in younger and healthy patients, resulting in better median OS in patients who underwent RNU than in those who did not (42 months vs. 15 months, p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis among the entire cohort revealed that low G8 score (≤ 14) (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.20, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.15–4.23), elevated pretreatment C-reactive protein (CRP) (HR: 3.28, 95%CI: 1.59–6.76), and failure to perform RNU (HR: 2.27, 95%CI: 1.11–4.76) were independent prognostic factors for worse OS. In the subgroup analyses of cohorts who underwent RNU and those who did not, elevated pretreatment CRP was the only common independent prognostic factor for worse OS in cN + UTUC patients.
Conclusions
RNU seems to be a reasonable treatment option in cN + UTUC patients where applicable. Elevated pretreatment CRP appears to be a strong prognosticator of worse OS and may be helpful in optimizing candidate selection for intensified treatment in this setting.
Caloric restriction prevents inflammation and insulin dysfunction in middle-aged ovariectomized mice
Authors: Sapatini Leticia Roberta , Calsa Bruno , Marim Laís Jorge , Helaehil Julia Venturini , Chiarotto Gabriela Bortolança , Amaral Maria
Published: April 2023

Background
Loss of ovarian function is associated with increased visceral fat. In this study, we aimed to study the effects of caloric restriction (CR) on metabolism in ovariectomized mice.
Methods and Results
Female, 8–12-month-old mice were divided into three groups: OVX (ovariectomized mice), OVXR (40% CR) and Sham. CR increased insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. AMPK phosphorylation was observed in the liver of OVXR mice. CR also increased hepatic cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The reductions in the level of TBARS in the serum and liver and of H2O2 in the liver of OVXR mice suggested alterations in the redox state of the liver. Although expression of catalase protein was reduced by CR, expression of superoxide dismutase was not altered by CR. Although interleukin IL-6 and IL-10 levels in OVXR mice were similar to those in Sham mice, macrophage infiltration was reduced in OVXR mice. OVXR mice had increased sirtuin1 levels and decreased sirtuin3 levels in the liver.
Conclusions
In conclusion, CR improved the condition of ovariectomized mice by reducing adiposity and increasing insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance through a mechanism that may involve AMPK.
A Hybrid Convolution Neural Network with Channel Attention Mechanism for Sensor-Based Human Activity Recognition
Authors: Mekruksavanich Sakorn , Jitpattanakul Anuchit
Published: April 2023

Research studies in machine intelligence and ubiquitous computing have become increasingly intrigued by human activity recognition based on wearable sensors. In recent decades, various learning-based approaches have been significantly applied for human activity recognition to determine successful models for identifying human behaviors. Because of the robust feature extraction abilities of deep learning algorithms, their conveniently extracted features acquire excellent detection capability. Nevertheless, most accomplished deep learning approaches have been established for complicated models with several hyperparameters. This paper investigates the present human activity recognition study on deep learning techniques and discusses appropriate recognition strategies. First, we utilized many convolutional neural networks to determine the effective architecture of human activity recognition. Subsequently, we designed a hybrid convolutional neural network that was implanted with a channel attention mechanism to capture deep spatio-temporal characteristics hierarchically and differentiate human movements in everyday life. Investigations on the UCI-HAR and WISDM datasets revealed that our suggested model, which included cross-channel multi-size convolution transformation, surpassed previous deep learning structures with 98.92% and 98.80% accuracy, respectively. The proposed model outperforms state-of-the-art approaches in terms of total accuracy, as indicated by the research findings.
Retrospective Male Breast Cancer study in the Czech Republic: Treatment and Prognosis Experience Over 11 Years in 256 Cases
Authors: Bielcikova Zuzana , Holanek Milos , Selingerova Iveta , Sorejs Ondrej , Kolarova Iveta , Soumarova Renata , Proks Jan , Reifova Lucie , Cmejlova Vlastimila , Linkova Lenka , Zabojnikova Michaela , Chodacka Martina , Janovska Lucie , Lisnerova Lenka , Kasparova Karolina , Pohankova Denisa
Published: April 2023

Purpose
To analyze clinicopathologic characteristics, treatment procedures, and prognosis of men with breast cancer (MBC) in the Czech Republic and compare them with international data.
Methods
Men diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007–2017 were retrospectively identified from the databases of Complex Oncological Centers in the Czech Republic, and subsequently clinical, histopathological, and molecular-genetic characteristics, treatment procedures, and long-term treatment outcomes were evaluated. Prognostic factors of survival outcomes (overall survival, relapse-free survival, and breast cancer-specific mortality) were analyzed using Cox and the competing risks model.
Results
In this study, data from 256 patients with MBC at a median age of 66 years were analyzed. Of 201 patients with primary non-metastatic (M0) radically treated MBC, 6% were younger than 40 years, 29% had stage I, 55% were node-negative (cN0), and 54% were indicated to genetic testing. Estrogen receptor (ER) expression over 10% had 97% of tumors, 61% had high mitotic activity (Ki67), 40% high grade (G3), and 68% Luminal B-like (HER2- negative) subtype. Regarding the therapy, 97% of men underwent mastectomy (ME), 34% sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), 48% adjuvant radiotherapy (RT), 13% neoadjuvant therapy, 44% adjuvant chemotherapy (CT), 90% adjuvant endocrine therapy (ET), of which 74% adjuvant tamoxifen (TMX). Patients treated with aromatase inhibitor (AI) alone had significantly shortened RFS (p < 0.001). There were also associations between OS/RFS/BCSM and disease stage, T, N, progesterone receptor (PR) expression, G and Ki67. Median OS reached 122 months in curatively treated M0 patients, 42 months in the de novo metastatic (M1) group (N = 30), and 39 months in the group of M0/X patients treated with palliative intention (N = 25).
Conclusion
Although the number of MBC cases with unfavorable features (young age, M1 cases, predominant Luminal B-like tumors) was higher in the Czech dataset compared to international studies, the prognosis of men remains consistent with the real-world published data.
Computational fluid dynamics simulation of tree effects on pedestrian wind comfort around coastline building resort
Authors: Swarno Husna Aini , Ahmad Nurul Huda , Mohammad Ahmad Faiz , Othman Nurnida Elmira
Published: April 2023

This paper discusses the quantitative effect of vegetative windbreak on wind velocity at a resort building in Malaysia. The implementation of vegetative windbreaks was proposed to reduce wind velocity and improve pedestrian wind comfort, especially in the coastline areas in Cenang, Langkawi. By comprehensive analysis of the data from field measurement and computer simulation from computational fluid dynamics (CFD), this paper studies tree effects on pedestrian wind comfort with different row numbers and arrangements. The simulation is validated by wind tunnel experiment, and the RNGk-εturbulence closure scheme used in the simulation provides good predictions of the airflow field for both single and double rows trees. The study shows the morphologies of the CE tree have a great influence on the flow field with a conical shape with large bottoms and small tops providing a better wind reduction efficiency due to the larger upward cross-flow component which exhibited better windbreak efficiency. A single row tree is the most efficient in reducing wind velocity and providing good comfort for traversing, strolling, and moderate for sitting compared with double rows which are poor comfort in sitting.
CX43 and oxidative stress are the targets of BCB staining to predict the developmental potential of buffalo oocytes
Authors: Li MengQi , Yang ChunYan , Duan AnQin , Xiao Peng , Lu XingRong , Ma XiaoYa , Xu YuanYuan , Zheng Wei , Feng Chao , Mo Xia , Huang ChenQian , Huang LiQing , Shang JiangHua , Zheng HaiYing
Published: April 2023

Background
Brilliant cresyl blue (BCB) staining can stain oocytes and differentiated oocytes will lead to different developmental outcomes. This technique has been studied in multiple species, but it is still unclear whether buffalo oocytes can be used for developmental potential prediction through BCB staining methods. This study used the BCB staining method to group buffalo oocytes (BCB + and BCB-) and perform in vitro maturation, in vitro fertilization, and embryo culture. By statistical analysis, the effect of BCB staining on predicting the developmental potential of buffalo oocytes will be explored. At the same time, molecular biology techniques will be used to detect gap junction protein and oxidative stress-related indicators to explore the molecular mechanism of BCB staining predicting oocyte cell developmental potential.
Methods
The oocytes were divided into BCB + and BCB- groups using BCB staining technique. And then mainly uses in vitro maturation, in vitro fertilization and embryo culture techniques of buffalo oocytes to analyze their developmental potential, and uses immunofluorescence staining to detect the expression level of CX43 protein, DCFH-DA probe staining to detect ROS levels, and qPCR to detect the expression levels of the antioxidant related genes SOD2 and GPX1.
Results
Our results showed that the in vitro maturation rate, embryo cleavage rate, and blastocyst rate of buffalo oocytes in the BCB + group were significantly higher than those in the BCB- group and the control group (P < 0.05). The expression level of CX43 protein in the BCB + group was higher than that in the BCB- group both before and after maturation (P < 0.05). The intensity of ROS in the BCB + group was significantly lower than that in the BCB- group (P < 0.05), and the expression levels of the antioxidant-related genes SOD2 and GPX1 in the BCB + group were significantly higher than those in the BCB- group (P < 0.05).
Conclusions
BCB staining can effectively predict the developmental potential of buffalo oocytes. The results of BCB staining are positively correlated with the expression of gap junction protein and antioxidant-related genes and negatively correlated with the ROS level, suggesting that the mechanism of BCB staining in predicting the developmental potential of buffalo oocytes may be closely related to antioxidant activity.
Long-term Follow-up over 16 Years for Pituitary Hyperplasia due to Primary Hypothyroidism with Positive Thyroid Stimulation Blocking Antibody: A Case Report
Authors: Kawasumi Muneo , Kubota Mitsunobu , Matsuura Noriaki , Kuraoka Kazuya , Kinoshita Yasuyuki , Tominaga Atsushi
Published: April 2023

Background
Primary hypothyroidism is a known risk factor for pituitary hyperplasia, which develops symptoms due to compression of the optic chiasm and increased intracranial pressure. As pituitary hyperplasia is known to improve after levothyroxine replacement therapy, there have been no reports of a long clinical course of pituitary hyperplasia due to primary hypothyroidism.
Case presentation
An 18-year-old female presented with headache, double vision and bitemporal hemianopia. A large suprasellar tumor measuring 19.2X13.67X18.96 mm on MRI and the biological testing comprising low thyroid hormone and high TSH levels, and positive thyroid stimulation blocking antibody (TSBAb) were indicative of pituitary hyperplasia due to primary hypothyroidism with TSBAb. For the purpose of ruling out invasive pituitary tumors, the lower one-fourth of the pituitary gland was biopsied and histopathological examination showed pituitary hyperplasia and no malignant findings. A follow-up MRI showed dramatic shrinkage of the pituitary gland after levothyroxine replacement therapy. As pituitary gland size was monitored for approximately 16 years, it did not converge to a normal size.
Conclusions
We describe a case of follow-up over 16 years for pathologically diagnosed pituitary hyperplasia due to primary hypothyroidism with positive TSBAb. Repeated enlargement and shrinkage were confirmed, but observations also suggested the pituitary gland to not always return to normal size after the appearance of profound pituitary hyperplasia. The patient’s non-adherence with levothyroxine intake is likely to cause a profound pituitary enlargement, leading to symptoms due to compression of the optic chiasm and increased intracranial pressure. In the case of poor medication adherence, medication guidance is important to be provided assiduously for the prevention of profound pituitary hyperplasia, while using TSH and PRL levels as indicators.
Interfacial electronic states and self-formed asymmetric Schottky contacts in polar α-In2Se3/Au contacts
Authors: Han Sha , Xia Cai-Juan , Li Min , Zhao Xu-Mei , Zhang Guo-Qing , Li Lian-Bi , Su Yao-Heng , Fang Qing-Long
Published: April 2023

In recent years, the two-dimensional (2D) semiconductor α-In2Se3 has great potential for applications in the fields of electronics and optoelectronics due to its spontaneous iron electrolysis properties. Through ab initio electronic structure calculations and quantum transport simulations, the interface properties and transport properties of α-In2Se3/Au contacts with different polarization directions are studied, and a two-dimensional α-In2Se3 asymmetric metal contact design is proposed. When α-In2Se3 is polarized upward, it forms an n-type Schottky contact with Au, while when α-In2Se3 is polarized downward, it forms a p-type Schottky contact with Au. More importantly, significant rectification effect is found in the asymmetric Au/α-In2Se3/Au field-effect transistor. The carrier transports under positive and negative bias voltages are found to be dominated by thermionic excitation and tunneling, respectively. These findings provide guidance for the further design of 2D α-In2Se3-based transistors.
An Integrated Systems Approach to Decode the Impact of Adolescent Nicotine Exposure in Utero and Postnatally Oxycodone Exposed Offspring
Authors: Flores Adrian , Gowen Austin , Schaal Victoria L. , Koul Sneh , Hernandez Jordan B. , Yelamanchili Sowmya V. , Pendyala Gurudutt
Published: April 2023

Perinatal exposure to prescription opioids pose a critical public health risk. Notably, research has found significant neurodevelopmental and behavioral deficits between in utero (IUO) and postnatal (PNO) oxycodone-exposed offspring but there is a notable gap in knowledge regarding the interaction of these groups to other drug exposure, particularly nicotine exposure. Nicotine's widespread use represents a ubiquitous clinical interaction that current research does not address. Children often experiment with drugs and risky behavior; therefore, adolescence is a key timepoint to characterize. This study employed an integrated systems approach to investigate escalating nicotine exposure in adolescence and subsequent nicotine withdrawal in the IUO- and PNO-offspring. Western blot analysis found alterations of the blood-brain barrier (B.B.B.) and synaptic proteins. RT-qPCR further validated immune dysfunction in the central nervous system (CNS) consistent with compromised B.B.B. Peripheral nicotine metabolism was consistent with increased catabolism of nicotine concerning PNO & IUO, a predictor of greater addiction risk. Lastly, behavioral assays found subtle deficits to withdrawal in nociception and anxiety-like behavior. This study showed, for the first time, the vulnerabilities of PNO- and IUO-exposed groups concerning nicotine use during early adolescence and withdrawal.
It's not just noise: The consequences of inequitable noise for urban wildlife
Authors: Nelson-Olivieri Jasmine , Layden Tamara , Antunez Edder , Khalighifar Ali , Lasky Monica , Laverty Theresa , Sanchez Karina , Shannon Graeme , Starr Steven , Verahrami Anahita , Bombaci Sara
Published: April 2023

Understanding how systemic biases influence local ecological communities is essential for developing just and equitable environmental practices that center both human and wildlife wellbeing. With over 270 million United States residents inhabiting urban areas, understanding the socio-ecological consequences of racially-targeted zoning, such as redlining, will prove critical for urban planning. There is a growing body of literature documenting the relationships between redlining and the inequitable distribution of environmental harms and goods, green space cover and pollutant exposure. However, it remains unknown whether historical redlining impacts the distribution of urban noise or whether inequitable noise drives an ecological change in urban environments. We conducted 1) a spatial analysis of how urban noise corresponds with the distribution of redlining categories and 2) a systematic literature review to summarize the effects of noise on wildlife in urban landscapes. We found strong evidence that noise is inequitably distributed in redlined urban communities across the United States, and that inequitable noise may drive complex biological responses across diverse urban wildlife, reinforcing the interrelatedness of socio-ecological outcomes. These findings lay a foundation for future research that advances relationships between acoustic and urban ecology through centering equity and challenging systems of oppression in wildlife studies.