bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does consciousness cognize itself in cognitive sciences?
Authors:   Institute of Philosophy, Russian Academy of Sciences, Mikhailov Igor F.
Published: January 2023

The paper critically examines some theses from A.V. Smirnov’s monograph ‘The Logic of Meaning as a Philosophy of Consciousness: An Invitation to Reflection’. In particular, the statement about the inability of cognitive sciences to exhaustively explain conscious­ness because of its de-subjectivation within their framework. It is shown that cognitive sciences are generally able to cope with the intellectual and controlling aspects of con­sciousness. Only its phenomenal aspect remains in question, but this is clearly not what the author of the monograph means. Further, he argues that understanding the workings of consciousness underlies the philosophical foundations of any subject. The analysis shows that if we exclude consciousness as control and the phenomenal consciousness, which are obviously irrelevant here, then the philosophical foundations of anything within this understanding are reduced either to normative requirements in the form of the logical foundations of theories, or to empirical data in the form of cognitive limita­tions of real subjects. Attributing rationalism and universalism to the Western philosophy as its essential properties, the author of the monograph does not take into account that ra­tionalism as anti-empiricism has long been a kind of abandoned trend, and rationalism as a commitment to inferential procedures has also been recently challenged by some strong alternatives. Similarly, the author’s opinion of the Western philosophy of mind as the exe­cution of the Cartesian program, which he reduces to cogito ergo sum, is disputed. This methodological tool – and the metaphysical principle as well – of Descartes is subjected to incessant attacks from representatives of various schools of Western philosophy. More­over, it underlies not the philosophy of mind, but the epistemology of the great philoso­pher. Finally, the author’s concept of ‘unfolding the folded’ comes down to a kind of di­alectical deduction of the empirical features of various cultures from a priori predeter­mined ‘subject-predicate gluings’ and ‘intuitions of integrity’, which paradoxically brings us back to Hegelian-type rationalism.
Symmetric trapezoidal approximations of fuzzy numbers under a general condition
Authors: Lin Hsin-Ting
Published: January 2023

The symmetric triangular approximation under a general condition was first proposed by Ban and Coroianu 2016. Ban and Coroianu completed the calculation and provided a computational formula. However, symmetric trapezoidal approximation cannot be deduced from their conclusions. The aim of this paper is to continue and foster the development of this topic. The calculation for the symmetric trapezoidal approximations of a fuzzy number under a general condition will be completed in this paper. Some applications related with value, expected value and ambiguity, which are important parameters, are given too. Numerical examples are given and the quantitative improvement in approximation is also addressed.
Selective adjustment of social associations and its influence on social networks in wild corvids
Authors: Kings Michael , Arbon Josh , McIvor Guillam , Whitaker Martin , Radford Andrew , Lerner Jürgen , Thornton Alex
Published: January 2023

The adjustment of social associations by individuals in response to changes in their social environment is a core principle of influential theories on the evolution of cognition1,2 and cooperation3,4. Selectively adjusting associations with others is thought to allow individuals to maximise short-term rewards from social interactions, thus re-shaping social networks to better favour connections between compatible group members5–8. Crucially, this has yet to be tested in natural populations, where the need to maintain long-term, fitness-enhancing relationships may limit social plasticity9,10. Using a novel social-network-manipulation experiment, we show that wild jackdaws (Corvus monedula) learned to favour social associations with compatible group members (individuals that provided greater returns from social foraging interactions). Consequently, the overall frequency of associations between compatible social partners increased as the experiment progressed. This resulted in clustering of compatible individuals within the social network, but the magnitude of this effect was small, likely due to the preservation of pre-existing long-term relationships. These results provide critical field evidence that learning to adjust social associations is beneficial whilst highlighting trade-offs with the need to maintain valuable long-term relationships. Our findings therefore provide important insights into the cognitive and behavioural basis of social network plasticity and the interplay between individual behaviour and social network structure in natural populations.
Clinical trials in cancer screening, prevention and early diagnosis (SPED): A systematic mapping review
Authors: O’Dowd Emma L , Merriel Samuel WD , Cheng Vinton WT , Khan Sam , Howells Lynne M , Gopal Dipesh P , Roundhill Elizabeth A , Brennan Paul M , Crosbie Philip AJ , Neal Richard D , Brown Karen , Crosbie Emma J , Baldwin David
Published: January 2023

Background
Global annual cancer incidence is forecast to rise to 27.5M by 2040, a 62% rise from 2018. For most cancers, prevention and early detection are the most effective ways of reducing mortality. This study maps trials in cancer screening, prevention and early diagnosis (SPED) to identify areas of unmet need and highlight research priorities.
Methods
A systematic mapping review was conducted to evaluate all clinical trials focused on cancer SPED, irrespective of tumour type. The National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) portfolio, EMBASE, PubMed and Medline were searched for relevant papers published between 01/01/2007 and 01/04/2020. References were exported into Covidence software and double-screened. Data were extracted and mapped according to tumour site, geographical location, and intervention type.
Results
117,701 abstracts were screened, 5157 full texts reviewed, and 2888 studies included. 1184 (52%) trials focussed on screening, 554 (24%) prevention, 442 (20%) early diagnosis and 85 (4%) a combination. Colorectal, breast and cervical cancer comprised 61% of all studies compared with 6.4% in lung and 1.8% in liver cancer. The latter two are responsible for 26.3% of global cancer deaths compared with 19.3% for the former three. Number of studies varied markedly according to geographical location; 88% were based in North America, Europe or Asia.
Conclusions
This study shows clear disparities in the volume of research conducted across different tumour types and according to geographical location. These findings will help drive future research effort so that resources can be directed towards major challenges in cancer SPED.
Mitigation of endogenous oxidative stress and improving growth, haemato-biochemical parameters, and reproductive performance of Zaraibi goat bucks by dietary supplementation with Chlorella vulgaris or/and vitamin C
Authors: Abdel-khalek Abdel-Khalek El-Sayed , El-Maghraby Mahmoud M. , Elbialy Zizy I. , wakeel Rasha A. Al , Almadaly Essam , Shukry Mustafa , El-Badawy Adel , Zaghloul Helmy K. , Assar Doaa A.
Published: January 2023

This study was conducted to explore the effects of dietary inclusion of Chlorella vulgaris (CV) or/and vitamin C (VC) on growth, hemato-biochemical parameters, oxidative and antioxidant status, reproductive hormones, and semen quality variables, and scrotal-testicular dimensions of Zaraibi goat bucks. Twenty sexually mature bucks (41.49±0.91 kg BW) were randomly divided into 4 groups (5 bucks/group). The control group was fed the control diet, while the other three groups received a diet supplemented with VC (2 g/animal /day), CV (5 g/animal/day), and CV plus VC (the same levels), respectively, for 8 weeks (treatment period), then semen was collected for 8 weeks. Results showed that dietary supplementation with CV-VC combination significantly increased the final body weight, weight gain, packed cell volume, hemoglobin, red blood cells, white blood cells, and lymphocytes; elevated serum total protein, globulin, testosterone, estradiol, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase with a significant reduction in Malondialdehyde in serum and seminal plasma. Also, the CV-VC combination significantly improved the ejaculate volume, total sperm output, sperm concentration, and live sperm, and reduced reaction time and sperm abnormality of bucks. Either CV or VC given separately or in combination, at the chosen levels, had no detrimental effects on animal physiological responses with normal hepatic and renal functions. Therefore, the CV-VC combination could be safely utilized as a dietary supplement in buck's diets to improve antioxidant defenses, scavenge free radicals, and potentiate buck's reproductive activities under normal conditions.
Conjugate Observations of Power Line Harmonic Radiation onboard DEMETER
Authors: Wu Jing , Wang Zhengkai , Zhang Jingwen , Yue Chao , Xie Li
Published: January 2023

The effects of power line harmonic radiation (PLHR) on near-Earth space have been debated for many years. Since some ultrahigh voltage AC and DC power projects were added to the Chinese power grid, increasingly numerous radiations at 50 Hz and their harmonics have been caught by the microsatellite DEMETER in the geomagnetically conjugate topside ionosphere during the daytime of winter and spring. Distribution of SYM-H index has been studied, showing geomagnetic disturbances may be unnecessary for the occurrence of PLHR. The propagation of PLHR between hemispheres without much attenuation illustrates that PLHR can be amplified when crosses the equatorial zone. Eliminating seasonal and diurnal factors, dependence of PLHR propagation on the change in plasma density is disclosed. The abrupt variation of electron density gradient may create a favored condition for PLHR waves propagating between hemispheres.
Mandibular invasion in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma is associated with osteoclast count and expression of its regulating proteins
Authors: de Kort W.W.B. , Haakma W.E. , Es R.J.J. van , Gawlitta D. , Driehuis E. , Gansevoort M. , Willems S.M.
Published: January 2023

Background
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) frequently invades the jaw.
The exact mechanism of bone invasion remains unclear. This study investigates the role of osteoclasts and RANKL/OPG/RANK in the development of bone invasion in OSCC.
Methods
OSCC-patients treated with resection were included and divided in three groups; Non-invasion (NI-group), erosion (E-group) and bone invasion (I-group). Tissue-sections were stained with Cathepsin K (for counting osteoclasts), RANKL, OPG and RANK. Staining intensity was scored in tumor-front, tumor-center, tumor-backside and normal mucosa.
Immunohistochemistry and qPCR for RANKL/OPG/RANK was performed in five head-and-neck SCC organoids to correlate protein and mRNA-expression levels.
Results
The mean number of osteoclasts in Cathepsin K stained sections in the NI-group was 3.09 (1.12-5.05; 95%CI), in the E-group 6.15 (4.04–8.25; 95%CI) and in the I-group 10.58 (5.81–15.34; 95%CI). Compared to normal mucosa, the expression in all tumor regions was higher for RANKL, in most tumor regions for OPG and not higher for RANK. RANKL-expression in tumor-front was higher than expression in tumor-backside (I-group). RANK-expression in the tumor-front and the tumor-center was higher than expression in tumor-backside in all groups. qPCR showed a 20-43x higher RANKL-mRNA expression in 3/5 tumor organoid samples compared to a normal squamous cell organoid line and no higher mRNA-expression of OPG and RANK. There was no correlation between protein and mRNA expression in the HNSCC organoids.
Conclusion
The number of osteoclasts and their regulating proteins RANKL/OPG/RANK differ between OSCC patients with and without bone invasion. Bone invasive OSCCs have more osteoclasts and express more RANKL in tumor-front, which suggest that OSCC’s induce bone invasion by stimulating osteoclast activation by regulating the production of RANKL/OPG/RANK proteins.
Compressive strength of fiber reinforced cement paste modified by nano-Fe 3 O 4 : Experimental and theoretical studies
Authors: Safi Mohammad , Khamehchi Masoumeh , Mahmoodi Mohammad Javad , Jamali Jamaloddin
Published: January 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Seeking the neural traces of statistical learning during implicit processing of visual words
Authors: Zhao Jingjing , Liu Jianyi , Fan Tengwen , Chen Yan
Published: January 2023

Statistical learning (SL) plays a key role in literacy acquisition. Studies have increasingly revealed the influence of SL on visual word processing, including the effects of word frequency at the lexical level and mappings between orthography, phonology, and semantics at the sub-lexical level. However, there has been scant direct evidence supporting neural representations of statistical regularities in visual word processing. Using time-resolved representational similarity analysis (RSA), the present study examined neural representations of different types of statistical regularities in visual word processing. From the perspective of predictive coding, an equal probability sequence with low built-in prediction precision and three oddball sequences with high built-in prediction precision were designed with consistent and three types of inconsistent (orthographically inconsistent, orthography-to-phonology inconsistent, and orthography-to-semantics inconsistent) Chinese characters as visual stimuli. In the three oddball sequences, consistent characters were set as the standard stimuli (probability of occurrence p = 0.75) and three types of inconsistent characters were set as deviant stimuli (p = 0.25), respectively. In the equal probability sequence, the same consistent and inconsistent characters were presented randomly with identical occurrence probability (p = 0.25). Significant neural representation activities of character frequency were observed in the equal probability sequence. By contrast, neural representations of sub-lexical statistics only emerged in oddball sequences where short-term predictions were shaped. These findings reveal that the statistical information obtained through long-term SL continues to play a role in current word processing mechanisms and these mechanisms can be modulated by short-term predictions.
Establishment of a bloodstream infection clusters prediction score in critically ill patients: an analysis of two-center retrospective cohorts
Authors: Huang Xiaolong , Wang Lei , Zhang Li , Ning Yaogui , Xu Hao , Huang Wei
Published: January 2023

Background: Bloodstream infections (BSI) are highly prevalent in hospitalized patients requiring intensive care. They are among the most serious infections amd are highly associated with sepsis or septic shock, which can lead to prolonged hospital stays and high healthcare costs. This study aimed at establishingan easy-to-use nomogram for predicting the prognosis of patients with BSI.
Methods:This retrospective cohort study was performed between Jan 1, 2016, and Dec 31, 2021. It included BSI patients admitted to two intensive care units (ICUs) in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University (discovery cohort)and First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University (validation cohort). Their demographic and clinical data were collected, and a nomogram was developed for the discovery cohort. The developed nomogram wasexternally validated using patients in the validation cohort over a similar period.
Results: A total of 360 patients in the discovery cohort and 310 patients in the validation cohort were included in statistical analyses. Four independent predictors (vasoconstrictor use before BSI, mechanical ventilation (MV) before BSI, Deep vein catheterization (DVC) before BSI, and antibiotic use before BSI) were identified and used to develop a bloodstream infections clustering (BSIC) score. Patients with scores of 0 to 4 were included in cluster 1, while those with scores of 5 to 8 were included in cluster 2. The Kaplan-Meier curve revealed a higher risk of death for cluster 2 when compared with cluster 1.
Conclusion: The developed score has potential applications in the identification of high-risk critically ill BSI patients.
WITHDRAWN: The Investigation of the Effect of Salusins on Matrix Metalloproteinases and VEGF-A in human umbilical vein endothelial cells
Authors: Esfahani Maryam , Mahmoudi Roghayeh , Pourjafar Mona , Najafi Rezvan , Saidijam Massoud , Afshar Saeid
Published: January 2023

Background
Salusins (α and β) have anti-atherogenic and atherogenic effects. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of salusins on expression level and activity of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). Also we evaluated the effect of salusins on mRNA expression and protein level of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).
Methods
Real-time PCR, Western blotting and Zymograpgy techniques were used. Salusin-α suppressed and Salusin-β increased expression of mRNA and enzymatic activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9, respectively.
Results
The protein level of VCAM-1 was reduced by Salusin-α without any effect on mRNA expression. The expression of mRNA and protein level of VCAM-1 was improved by Salusin-β. Salusins increased protein level of VEGF-A without any effect on mRNA expression.
Conclusions
Our findings indicated an inhibitory effect of salusin-α on MMP-2 and-9, VCAM-1, and stimulatory effects of salusin-β on these molecules. Salusins have stimulatory effect on VEGF-A. Salusins may be involved in different stages of atherosclerosis. These novel results may help to detect protein-based strategies for atherosclerotic management.
Temporal Distribution Of Quadbike Injuries and Associated Factors, in Dubai, UAE
Authors: Menon Preetha , El-Sadig Mohamed , Alfaki Ibrahim Abdalla , AlShary Ahmed , Sakkaf Omar Al , Gamar Rashad , Butti Saeeda Al , Al-Rifai Rami H. , Grivna Michal
Published: January 2023

Quadbikes are all-terrain four-wheeled vehicles used extensively as desert recreational vehicles in Dubai, UAE. Quadbiking, like other outdoor sport, is influenced by ambient temperature in the desert ecosystem. This study assesses the temporal distribution of quadbike injuries in this unique desert ecosystem to identify the population affected and factors associated with injuries in addition to forecasting short term injury trend. Electronic Patient Care Registration (EPCR) reports of Dubai Ambulance [Dubai Corporation for Ambulatory Services] from January 1, 2017, to March 1, 2021, were used as a data source. Variables were recoded and derived from the case history, time of incident and the clinical impression recorded by medics, following the incidence. IBM SPSS Statistical Package Version. 28.0.0.0 was used for descriptive, bivariate and regression analysis. R software version 4.2.1 helped with the time series analysis. Two hundred twenty-six injury incidents were reported. The analysis showed that both nationals and non-nationals were equally involved in quadbike crash injuries. Those injured were young riders under 35 years [82.3%] and mostly males [73%]. Most crashes involving injuries were rollovers [73%] and were rarely picked up by ambulance from the desert [7%]. Dubai showed a seasonal distribution of quad bike injuries with peaks in winter and a small spike in June. Diurnal distribution of injuries shows higher frequency during the afternoon-evening hours, with an equal number of injuries occurring in the daytime and nighttime hours. Regression analysis showed native Emirati riders being injured more in winter [aOR=5.148; 95% CI 2.094 – 12.65] and during the night [aOR=3.452; 95% CI 1.822-6.54], when compared to non-national riders. Finally, it seems that, incidents of quadbike injuries, will show slight increasing trend in the next few months. The distinct seasonal nature of quadbike injuries should direct the attention of concerned authorities to the importance of deploying the emergency and rescue services near desert riding hotspots. The authorities should also target vulnerable Emirati youth and guardians, during the winter season and early summer, for comprehensive injury prevention campaigns supported with close surveillance during night-time riding.
Translation and validation of the Chinese version of the Study Interest Questionnaire in health care students
Authors: Li Yue Yi , Tong Lai Kun , Au Mio Leng , Ng Wai I , Wang Si Chen
Published: January 2023

Background: Considering interest's galvanizing effects on students’ learning, many researchers have devoted themselves to exploring methods and factors influencing students' interest in learning. However, there is currently no measurement for assessing health care students' interest in professional learning in China. The study aimed to translate the Study Interest Questionnaire (SIQ) and examine its psychometric properties among Chinese health care students.Methods: The translation and cross-cultural adaptation rigorously followed the modified Brislin's model. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using the Chinese version of the SIQ (CV-SIQ) and purposive sampling was employed to select health care students. The validity of the CV-SIQ was assessed through content validity and construct validity. Reliability was determined by analyzing internal consistency and test-retest reliability.Results: A total of 1066 participants were included in the analysis. The item-level content validity index (CVI) ranged from 0.9 to 1.0, and the scale-level CVI was 0.96. In the Exploratory factor analysis, four factors with eigenvalues above 1 were identified, accounting for 63.809% of the cumulative variance. In the confirmatory factor analysis, the CMIN/DF was 4.49, GFI was 0.90, IFI was 0.90, and CFI was 0.90. The Cronbach’s α coefficient of the CV-SIQ was 0.813, and those of the four factors were 0.862, 0.842, 0.777, and 0.731. Thirty-one participants were invited to sign the scale after two weeks. The intraclass correlation coefficient of the CV-SIQ was 0.784, and that of items ranged from 0.70 to 0.869.Conclusions: The CV-SIQ, including 18 items, contains 4 dimensions: emotion, knowledge, value, and engagement. The CV-SIQ exhibited satisfactory validity and reliability and can be applied for measuring health care students’ learning interest in China. With the aid of this scale, teachers can gain a better understanding of health care students' learning interests, thereby maximizing their learning effects through appropriate content and methods.
Evaluation of the Simulation Based Training Quality Assurance Tool (SBT-QA10) as a measure of learners’ perceptions during the action phase of simulation
Authors: Ekelund Kim , O’Regan Stephanie , Dieckmann Peter , Østergaard Doris , Waterson Leonie
Published: January 2023

Background: In an earlier interview-based study the authors identified that learners experience one or more of eight explicit perceptual responses during the active phase of simulation-based training (SBT) comprising a sense: of belonging to instructor and group, of being under surveillance, of having autonomy and responsibility for patient management, of realism, of an understanding of the scenario in context, of conscious mental effort, of control of attention, and of engagement with task. These were adapted into a ten-item questionnaire: the Simulation Based Training Quality Assurance Tool (SBT-QA10) to allow monitoring of modifiable factors that may impact upon learners’ experiences. This study assessed the construct validity evidence of the interpretation of the results when using SBT-QAT10.
Materials and Methods: Recently graduated doctors and nurses participating in a SBT course on the topic of the deteriorating patient completed the SBT-QAT10 immediately following their participation in the scenarios. The primary outcome measure was internal consistency of the questionnaire items and their correlation to learners’ satisfaction scores. A secondary outcome measure compared the impact of allocation to active versus observer role.
Results:
A total of 349 questionnaires were returned by 96 course learners. The median of the total score for the ten perception items (TPS) was 39 (out of 50), with no significant difference between the four scenarios. We identified fair and positive correlations between nine of the 10 items and the SBT-QA10-TPS, the exception being “mental effort”. Compared to observers, active learners reported significantly more positive perceptions related to belonging to the team and interaction with the instructor, their sense of acting independently, and being focused. The questionnaire items were poorly correlated with the two measures of global satisfaction.
Conclusion: Except for the item for mental effort, the QA10-TPS measures learners’ experiences during the active phase of simulation scenarios that are associated with a positive learning experience. The tool may have utility to learners, instructors, and course providers by informing subsequent debriefing and reflection upon practice for learners and faculty. The relationship between these perceptions and commonly used measures of satisfaction remains poorly understood raising questions about the value of the latter.
Primary ovarian lipoleiomyoma with chondroid metaplasia: an original case report with literature review
Authors: SINHA RUCHI , KUMAR TARUN , SINGH AVINASH , . SWATI
Published: January 2023

Introduction:Primary ovarian lipoleiomyoma is a rare benign tumor of the ovary predominantly consisting of smooth muscles and adipocytes. Clinically, they are asymptomatic and are diagnosed accidentally during the histopathological examination after the surgery.Case presentation: Herein, we report a case of unilateral, primary ovarian lipoleiomyoma in a 20-year-old primigravida who presented with complaints of abdominal distension for 4 months. The abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) revealed a large, well-defined, heterogeneously enhancing mass in the right adnexa measuring 35.9x26.1x12.9 cm. A primary clinical diagnosis of teratoma was raised. Unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy was performed, and histomorphology revealed a benign smooth muscle tumor admixed with mature adipocyte and cartilage arising primarily in the ovary. The diagnosis was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. The tumor may be asymptomatic or manifest with abdominal pain or distension, like in our index case. As there are no pathognomonic clinical symptoms, tumor markers, or characteristic imaging findings, definitive diagnosis is difficult prior to surgical removal. Histomorphology and immunohistochemistry confirm the smooth muscle nature of the tumor.Conclusion: This common and benign solid tumor at an unusual location should be kept in the differential diagnosis of solid ovarian masses.
Reliability and accuracy of a semi-automatic segmentation protocol of the nasal cavity using cone beam computed tomography in patients with sleep apnea
Authors: Chen Hui , Lv Tao , Luo Qing , Li Lei , Wang Qing , Li Yanzhong , Zhou Debo , Emami Elham , Schmittbuhl Matthieu , Stelt Paul , Huynh Nelly
Published: January 2023

Objectives:The objectives of this study included using the cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) technology to assess: (1) intra- and inter-observer reliability of the volume measurement of the nasal cavity; (2) the accuracy of the segmentation protocol for evaluation of the nasal cavity.Materials and Methods:This study used test-retest reliability and accuracy methods within two different population sample groups, from Eastern Asia and North America. Thirty obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients were randomly selected from administrative and research oral health data archived at two dental faculties in China and Canada. To assess the reliability of the protocol, two observers performed nasal cavity volume measurement twice with a 10-day interval, using Amira software (v4.1, Visage Imaging Inc., Carlsbad, CA). The accuracy study used a computerized tomography (CT) scan of an OSA patient, who was not included in the study sample, to fabricate an anthropomorphic phantom of the nasal cavity volume with known dimensions (gold standard). This phantom was scanned using one NewTom 5G (QR systems, Verona, Italy) CBCT scanner. The nasal cavity was segmented based on CBCT images and converted into standard tessellation language (STL) models. The volume of the nasal cavity was measured on the acquired STL models.Results:The intra-observer and inter-observer intraclass correlation coefficients for the volume measurement of the nasal cavity were 0.980-0.997 and 0.948-0.992 consecutively. The nasal cavity volume measurement was overestimated by 1.1%-3.1%, compared to the gold standard.Conclusions: The semi-automatic segmentation protocol of the nasal cavity in patients with sleep apnea and by using cone beam computed tomography is reliable and accurate.Clinical Relevance:This study provides a reliable and accurate protocol for segmentation of nasal cavity, which will facilitate the clinician to analyze the images within nasoethmoidal region.
Real-world data concerning the efficacy of molnupiravir in patients vaccinated against COVID-19 during the Omicron surge in Japan
Authors: Inaba Satoshi , Nishioka Naoya , Okumura Hisatoshi , Nakao Koshi , Hattori Yu , Futamura Shun , Hattori Tomohito , Okabe Kengo , Nishiyama Daichi
Published: January 2023

Molnupiravir is among the antiviral agents used to treat COVID-19; however, reported data on the efficacy of this drug are based on results from unvaccinated patients. As such, the efficacy of molnupiravir among vaccinated patients during the B1.1.529 (Omicron) variant outbreak remains unknown. To address this issue, this study retrospectively analyzed data from 294 vaccinated patients with COVID-19 who had at least one risk factor, between May and October 2022. Patients were divided into the molnupiravir group and the control group to investigate the correlations of molnupiravir and other factors with rates of hospitalization and death (hospitalization/death) within 28 days of admission. Potential risk factors were also examined. The study findings indicated that molnupiravir was not associated with the rate of hospitalization/death, while age ≥ 80 years, residence in a long-term care facility, and presence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were significantly associated with the rate of hospitalization/death. Although the current results suggest that the effect of vaccination in preventing severe illness against the Omicron variant is well maintained, additional studies on risk factors and outcomes are required to validate this study’s findings.
High-Standard Farmland Destruction Monitoring by High-Resolution Remote Sensing Methods: A case study of Hebei and Guangdong, China
Authors: Mutelo Admire Muchimamui , Chen Zhen , Wei Shen , Hamukwaya Shindume Lomboleni
Published: January 2023

Remote sensing has emerged as a new technique for collecting farmland data due to its rapid advancement, rising popularity, and application in social production practice. In order to understand and manage farmland resources in China, it is essential to account for and monitor high-standard farmland and its usage. Therefore, this work used satellite remote sensing empowered with various abilities for monitoring high-standard farmland by employing GF-2 high-resolution satellite images to identify targets and objects in Hebei and Guangdong provinces. Farmland occupation and utilization were analyzed by detecting destructions, underutilization, overutilization, and converting farmland for other economic activities registered on a special field sheet for quantification. A statistical summary was compiled for the two provinces, and the results reveal that high-standard farmland irregularities were detected in both Hebei and Guangdong provinces. However, in Hebei province, this was due to domestic purposes, such as building home shelters and domestic factories. On a contract, the result shows that in Guangdong province, farmland was being converted for economic purposes on an industrial scale, such as high residential apartment blocks and new industrial zones, and environmental destruction. Furthermore, the results reveal that there is still a steady and continuous decline in arable land due to accelerated industrialization and population pressure, especially in the Guangdong provinces, which is a threat to national food security. The high interpretation accuracy demonstrates that high-resolution remote sensing is an effective farmland monitoring tool that can be used to advance policy formulation.
CD36-mediated podocyte lipotoxicity promotes foot process effacement
Authors: Hua Wei , Peng Lan , Chen Xue-mei , Jiang Xu-Shun , Hu Jian-Guo , Jiang Xian-Hong , Xiang Xu , Wan Jiang-min , Long Yingfei , Xiong Jian-qiong , ma Xueyi , Du Xiao-gang
Published: January 2023

Background Lipid metabolism disorders lead to lipotoxicity. The kidney is one of the most vulnerable organs in hyperlipidemia. The hyperlipidemia-induced early stage of renal injury mainly manifests as podocyte damage. CD36 mediates fatty acid uptake and the subsequent accumulation of toxic lipid metabolites, resulting in podocyte lipotoxicity. Methods Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats (20 rats) were divided into 2 groups: the normal control group (NC) and the high-fat diet group (HFD). Kidney tissue samples were collected for electron microscopy and Western blot analysis. Podocytes were cultured and treated with palmitic acid (PA) and sulfo-N-succinimidyl oleate (SSO). CD36 protein expression was measured by immunofluorescence and Western blot analysis. BODIPY (Boron-dipyrromethene) staining and Oil Red O staining was used to analyze fatty acid accumulation. Foot process damage was assessed by F-actin staining and electron microscopy. Results Podocyte foot process effacement and marked proteinuria occurred in the HFD group but not the NC group. CD36 protein expression was upregulated in the HFD group and in PA-treated podocytes (P < 0.05). PA-treated podocytes showed increased fatty acid accumulation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and actin cytoskeleton rearrangement. However, pretreatment with the CD36 inhibitor SSO decreased lipid accumulation and ROS production and alleviated actin cytoskeleton rearrangement and foot process effacement in podocytes. Furthermore, the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine suppressed PA-induced podocyte foot process effacement and ROS generation. Conclusions CD36 participated in fatty acid–induced foot process effacement in podocytes via oxidative stress, and CD36 inhibitors may be helpful for early treatment of kidney injury.
The Effect of Work Motivation and Work Engagement on Intention to Stay Among Jordanian Nurses
Authors: Alhadidi Ekbal , Khrais Huthaifah , Khalifeh Anas H. , Ramzy Hala , Nashwan Abdulqadir J.
Published: January 2023

Aim
This study explores the relationship between Jordanian nurses' work motivation, engagement, and intention to stay among Jordanian nurses.
Methods
Descriptive cross-sectional correlational design was performed. Data were collected from nurses by convenience sampling from three major public hospitals in Jordan. The data were collected using the Motivation at Work Scale Utrecht, Work Engagement Scale, and McCain Behavioral Commitment Scale.
Results
A total of 195 nurses completed the survey. Half of the participants were female, 50.3%, with 40% aged between (22–29) years. The level of nurses' motivation, work engagement, and intention to stay at work was high, 26 (SD = 1.04), 4.80 (SD = 1.06), and 3.81 (SD = 1.19), respectively. The results showed a strong positive correlation between nurses' intention to stay with work motivation (r = 0.665, P < 0.000) and work engagement (r = 0.653, P < 0.000). Moreover, multiple hierarchical regression revealed that gender, total years of experience, work motivation, and work engagement were predictors of intention to stay.
Conclusion
Jordanian nurses' intention to stay associated with work motivation and engagement has a high general perception level of professional self-concept and moderate problem-solving ability. However, based on the nurses' responses, there are opportunities to improve nurses' work motivation and participation in Jordanian governmental hospitals to enhance their intent to remain in their current workplace.
Safety and Utility of Endoscopic Ultrasound with Bronchoscope-guided Fine Needle Aspiration (EUS-B-FNA) in Suspected Lung Cancer Patients with Poor Respiratory or General Conditions: A Prospective Multicenter Observational Study
Authors: Nakashima Koki , Umeda Yukihiro , Demura Yoshiki , Takeda Toshihiro , Tada Toshihiko , Sato Masayuki , Jikuya Norihiro , Kurokawa Kosuke , Sonoda Tomoaki , Yamaguchi Makiko , Mitsui Miho , Oi Masahiro , Chikazawa Ryo , Waseda Yuko , Anzai Masaki , Akai Masaya , Ishizuka Tamotsu
Published: January 2023

Background

Although transbronchial diagnostic procedures are sometimes difficult to perform because of the patient’s respiratory or general conditions, endoscopic ultrasound with bronchoscope-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-B-FNA), a known transesophageal diagnostic procedure, might be useful for such cases. We conducted this prospective multicenter observational study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of EUS-B-FNA in suspected lung cancer patients with poor respiratory or general conditions

Methods

Suspected lung cancer patients with respiratory failure, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 2 or higher, or severe respiratory symptoms, were enrolled. The primary endpoints were the diagnostic yield of lung cancer and its safety, and the secondary endpoints were the success rate of molecular and programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) analyses, and 6-month survival rate in lung cancer patients.

Results

Thirty patients were enrolled, of which 29 were included in the analysis. Among them, 26 were finally diagnosed with lung cancer. The diagnostic yield for lung cancer was 100% (26/26). No adverse events were associated with EUS-B-FNA. The success rates of molecular analysis for EGFR, ALK, ROS-1, and BRAF were 100% (14/14), 100% (11/11), 100% (9/9), and 75% (6/8), respectively. The success rate of the PD-L1 analysis was 100% (15/15). The 6-month survival rate in lung cancer patients was 53.8% (95% CI: 33.4–76.4), and the median overall survival (OS) was 196 days (95% CI: 142–446).

Conclusions

EUS-B-FNA is a safe and effective diagnostic method, even in suspected lung cancer patients with poor respiratory or general conditions.
Trial registration: This clinical trial was registered at https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index.htm(UMIN000041235, approved on 28/07/2020).
Challenges of nursing care for elderly intensive care unit patients: A qualitative study based on the third wave of COVID-19 in China
Authors: tang li , wu xiaoyu , li jiuhong , xie xia , huang lingzhi
Published: January 2023

Background: With the aging population and the ongoing pandemic, elderly patients have accounted for a large proportion of ICU admissions. The aim of this study was to explore current challenges in the nursing of elderly patients with severe COVID-19 through the experience of frontline nurses.
Methods: A qualitative descriptive design was used. In-depth and semi-structured interviews with 18 ICU nurses were conducted to explore the experience of providing care for elderly patients with severe COVID-19 in the Omicron wave. Traditional thematic analysis was applied.
Results: Three themes emerged as follows: (1) No plan survives first contact with the enemy, (2) Expectations vs. Reality, (3) Difficult to cover all aspects.
Conclusions: Challenges can be encountered in different stages of providing care for elderly patients with severe COVID-19, including the preparation and training of knowledge and skills in the early stage, the challenges posed by old age in the diagnostic and treatment stage, and the challenges of psychological care and rehabilitation care.
The Development of a Simple High Performance Liquid Chromatography Method to Separate Methylene Blue and Its Metabolites
Authors: Heystek Leandri , Wessels J. C.
Published: January 2023

A simple, rapid and cost-effective high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was developed and fully validated for the analysis of methylene blue (MB) and its metabolites. The compounds were separated on a Phenomenex Synergi polar-RP (150 mm x 4.6 mm, 4 µm) column, operating at 25ºC. The mobile phase (MP) was a mixture that consisted of 60% part A: 5 mM ammonium acetate dissolved in a water-methanol solution, and 40% part B: acetonitrile-methanol (15:25 v/v), at a flow rate of 0.65 ml/min. The method was validated and the specificity, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), linearity, precision, accuracy, recovery, robustness and stability were determined. The LOD for all the compounds were 0.1 µg/ml and a linear calibration curve over the range 10-500 µg/mL was obtained with a corelation coefficient (R2) > 0.998. The relative standard deviations (RSDs) based on five replicate determinations for each compound across the working range, were less than 2%. Acceptable intra-day and inter-day precision and accuracy were obtained. Variable recoveries between 90-125% across the 50-500 µg/ml range were obtained due to the impurity profiles. The validated method has successfully been utilized for the analysis and separation of methylene blue and its metabolites.
Sexual dimorphism of colorectal cancer in humans and colorectal tumors in a murine model
Authors: Rodríguez-Santiago Yahir , Terrazas Luis Ignacio , Nava-Castro Karen Elizabeth , Garay-Canales Claudia Angélica , Morales-Montor Jorge
Published: January 2023

Background: Sexual dimorphism (SD) is the difference in morphology and physiology between sexes of the same species; in diseases, SD can reflect the susceptibility associated with gender in humans. In colorectal cancer, men have a higher incidence than women, independently between ethnicity or geographical location, suggesting that sex steroids are involved in the development of colorectal cancer.
Methods: We determined sex, as a risk factor for colorectal cancer from the GLOBOCAN database; Then, we used induction of colorectal tumors by azoxymethane and dextran sulfate of sodium treatment as the experimental strategy in males and females mice; also we gonadectomized independent males and females animals. Finally, we determined in vitro proliferation of a human cell line HCT116 exposed to estradiol, testosterone or dihytrotestosterone.
Results: Sex as a risk factor for colorectal cancer showed clear and statistically significant susceptibility of men in Mexico and worldwide. In the murine model of colorectal tumors, males developed more and larger tumors than females. Further analysis showed that ovariectomized females develop more tumors in number, but all about the same size. Meanwhile gonadectomized males had fewer tumors in number and smaller in size. Surprisingly, only estradiol showed an effect in vitro on the proliferation index on human cell lines of colorectal cancer.
Conclusions: Men showed enhanced susceptibility to develop colorectal cáncer tan females; in the animal model, male mice presented augmented development of colorectal tumors, which was reverted in gonadectomized male mice, female mice increased the number of tumor, the above suggests that androgens have a crucial role in explaining sexual dimorphism in the incidence of colorectal cancer. Estradiol diminished the in vitro proliferation of HCT-116 colon cancer cell line, opposite, there was no change of in vitro proliferation on cells exposed to testosterone or dihydrotestosterone, therefore, the effect in vitro could be by their interaction with other cells or systems.
Continuous Eplerenone treatment in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy: long-term results from a pilot study
Authors: Boscia Giacomo , Viggiano Pasquale , Grassi Maria Oliva , Marzulli Federica , Puzo Pasquale , Dore Stefano , Alessio Giovanni , Pinna Antonio , Bari Francesco Boscia
Published: January 2023

To assess the long-term morpho-functional retinal and choroidal changes in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (cCSC) pachychoroid eyes in response to continuous oral eplerenone (EPL) treatment. This pilot study was conducted on patients with unilateral exudative cCSC. We enrolled a total of 34 eyes, 17 with exudative cCSC and 17 non-affected fellow eyes of 17 patients. Baseline best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and anatomical (structural optical coherence tomography [OCT] and OCT angiography) parameters in both eyes were collected at baseline. Follow-up data were collected at 6,12, and 48 months after initiation of EPL treatment. (i) exudative cCSC eyes: Compared with baseline (0.34±0.13 LogMAR), BCVA significantly improved at follow-up examinations (6 months: 0.28±0.13 LogMAR, p=0.039; 12 months: 0.22±0.11 LogMAR, p=0.025; 48 months: 0.21±0.08 LogMAR, p=0.028). Furthermore, there was a significant reduction from baseline in all structural OCT parameters (subretinal fluid and subfoveal choroidal thickness [SFCT]; p<0.05). (ii) non-affected fellow eyes: There was no significant change in BCVA. There was a significant reduction from baseline in SFCT and choriocapillaris flow deficit percentage (p<0.05). In this pilot study, continuous oral EPL therapy in cCSC pachychoroid eyes resulted in long-term morpho-functional improvement. The beneficial effect of EPL occurred within the first year and was maintained after four years. Based on these preliminary observations, EPL may be effective in the exudative forms of CSC.
Antimicrobial activity and comparative metabolomic analysis of Priestia megaterium strains derived from potato and dendrobium
Authors: Liu Jia-Meng , Liang Yan-Tian , Wang Shan-Shan , Jin Nuo , Sun Jing , Lu Cong , Sun Yu-Feng , Li Shu-Ying , Fan Bei , Wang Fengzhong
Published: January 2023

The growth of endophytic bacteria is influenced by the host plant and their secondary metabolites and activities. In this study, P-NA14 and D-HT207 were isolated from potato tuber and dendrobium stem respectively. They were both identified as Priestia megaterium. The antimicrobial activities and metabolomic of both strains were explored. For antimicrobial activities, results showed that strain P-NA14 exhibited a better inhibition effect on the pathogen of dendrobium, while strain D-HT207 exhibited a better inhibition effect on the pathogen of potato. The supernatant of strain P-NA14 showed an inhibition effect only on Staphylococcus aureus, while the sediment of strain D-HT207 showed an inhibition effect only on Escherichia coli. For metabolomic analysis, the content of L-phenylalanine in strain P-NA14 was higher than D-HT207, and several key downstream metabolites of L-phenylalanine were associated with inhibition of S_aureus including tyrosine, capsaicin, etc. Therefore, we speculated that the different antimicrobial activities between strain P-NA14 and strain D-HT207 were possibly related to the content of L-phenylalanine and its metabolites. This study provided a preliminary exploration of the fact why different activities appeared on the strains that were identified as the same species but isolated from different hosts at the metabolomic level.