bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acute pancreatitis in pregnancy: A propensity score matching analysis and dynamic nomogram for risk assessment
Authors: Tang Xiaowei , Chen Yuan , Huang Shu , Jiang Jiao , Luo Bei , Ren Wensen , Zhou Xueqin , Shi Xiaomin , Zhang Wei , Shi Lei , Zhong Xiaolin , Lü Muhan
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND: Acute pancreatitis is easily confused with abdominal pain symptoms, and it could lead to serious complications for pregnant women and fetus, the mortality was as high as 3.3% and 11.6%-18.7%, respectively. However, there is still lack of sensitive laboratory markers for early diagnosis of APIP and authoritative guidelines to guide treatment.
ONJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to explore the risk factors of acute pancreatitis in pregnancy, establish and evaluate the dynamic prediction model of risk factors in acute pancreatitis in pregnancy patients.
STUDY DESIGN: Clinical data of APIP patients and non-pregnant acute pancreases patients who underwent regular antenatal check-ups during the same period were collected. The data set after propensity matching was randomly divided into training set and verification set at a ratio of 7:3. The model was constructed by using Logistic regression, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression, R language and other methods. The training set model was used to construct the diagnostic nomogram model and the validation set was used to validate the model. Finally, the accuracy and clinical practicability of the model were evaluated.
RESULTS: A total of 111 APIP were included. In all APIP patients, biliary pancreatitis was the most important reason (62.1%). The levels of serum amylase, creatinine, albumin, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein cholesteroland apolipoprotein A1 were significantly different between the two groups. The propensity matching method was used to match pregnant pancreatitis patients and pregnant non-pancreatic patients 1:1 according to age and gestational age, and the matching tolerance was 0.02. The multivariate logistic regression analysis of training set showed that diabetes, triglyceride, Body Mass Index, white blood cell, C-reactive protein were identified and entered the dynamic nomogram. The area under the ROC curve of the training set was 0.942 and in validation set was 0.842. The calibration curve showed good predictive in training set, the calibration performance in the validation set was acceptable. The calibration curve showed the consistency between the nomogram model and the actual probability.
CONCLUSION: The dynamic nomogram model we constructed to predict the risk factors of acute pancreatitis in pregnancy has high accuracy, discrimination and clinical practicability.
The Impact of Time to Surgery on Prognosis of Stage I-III Colon Cancer Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Liu Mengmei , Liu Lizhu , Li Yanli , You Ruimin , Yan Guanghong , Li Min , Chen Ping , Ma Qingyan , You Dingyun , Li Zhenhui , Pu Hongjiang
Published: August 2023

Background: The timing of surgery has been shown to affect the outcome of many forms of cancer, but the optimal timing of surgery for patients with colon cancer remains unclear. The primary aim of this study was to examine the correlation between the time to surgery (TTS) and overall survival rates in stage I-III colon cancer patients, thereby determining the optimal surgical intervention timing.
Methods: A retrospective cohort study was executed at a comprehensive oncology center, scrutinizing a consecutive series of patients who underwent curative resection for stage I-III CC between September 2008 and September 2017. The time to surgery(TTS) was defined as the interval between diagnosis and surgical intervention. The study primarily concentrated on overall survival rates contingent on distinct TTS thresholds (1 to 2 weeks, 3 to 4 weeks, and beyond 4 weeks). Both univariate and multivariate analyses were utilized to evaluate the prognostic implications of TTS. Furthermore, a subgroup analysis was undertaken employing the TTS thresholds of 1 to 2 weeks.
Results: The study incorporated 1188 patients (700 (58.90%) females and 488 (41.10%) males) with a mean age of 58.5 ± 11.88 years. The median (IQR) time to surgery was 10 (7 - 15) days. Patients with a TTS of 1 to 2 weeks had a 5-year overall survival rate of 82% (n = 866), compared to 90% (n = 282) for those with a TTS of 3 to 4 weeks (p = 0.003). Multivariable Cox-regression analyses indicated that a TTS exceeding 4 weeks bore no association with overall survival, whereas a TTS of 1 to 2 weeks emerged as a significant independent risk factor for decreased overall survival in the entire cohort (hazard ratio (HR), 1.93; 95% confidence interval: 1.28 - 2.62).
Conclusions: The optimal timing for definitive resection in colon cancer is situated between 3 and 4 weeks subsequent to the initial diagnosis. It is of paramount importance that efforts are made to ensure patients undergo definitive surgery within this 3 to 4 week window after the initial diagnosis to optimize overall survival rates.
The effect of laboratory synthesized and modified layered double hydroxides on recycled and neat high density polyethylene matrix properties using stearic acid as an interface modifier
Authors: DERRADJ Mourad , Zoukrami Fouzia , GUERBAA Hadjira , BENCHAOUI Abdelmounaim
Published: August 2023

In this research, the effect of layered double hydroxides (LDHs) as nanofillers on recycled and neat high density polyethylene (HDPE) properties was investigated. The synthesis of unmodified and modified LDHs was achieved via one-pot hydrothermal co-precipitation method at a constant pH. The nanofillers were organically modified by using sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) as surfactant and stearic acid (SA) as an interface modifier in order to overcome the incompatibility problems with HDPE Matrix. The nanocomposites were prepared by melt blending and compression molding with 3 and 5 wt% filler loading rate. Thermal, structural, and morphological tests were conducted to analyze the performance of the LDHs and the compatibilizing agent on the dispersion, and on the properties of the studied composites. Results revealed that 3 wt% of unmodified LDHs filler reinforced all physical and mechanical properties of the obtained nanocomposites based on recycled and neat HDPE matrix. When the weight of LDHs was increased to 5 wt%, morphological observations showed that SA has prevented the aggregation of LDHs particles and improved their dispersion into the recycled HDPE matrix. The physical and mechanical properties of the composite materials were enhanced dramatically with the addition of stearic acid as interface modifier into the recycled polymeric matrix compared to SDS intercalating which improved only the izod impact strength. The formulations of r-HDPE/3%LDH and r-HDPE/5%LDH-1%SA were found to be the ideal combinations which could provide novel mechanical applications to meet industrial requirements at higher scale.
RAMP1 as a Novel Prognostic Biomarker in Pan-cancer and Osteosarcoma
Authors: Xie Long , Xiao Weiwei , Fang Hangqi , Liu Guoqiang
Published: August 2023

Receptor activity modifying protein 1 (RAMP1) facilitates the localization of the calcitonin-like receptor (CLR) to the plasma membrane, but its role in osteosarcoma (OS) remains unclear. We evaluated the RAMP1 expression and prognostic value across different cancers, studying tumor immune infiltration. The prognostic value was analyzed using the GSE39058 and TARGET datasets. Differential gene expression was evaluated. a protein-protein interaction network was constructed, and gene set enrichment analysis was performed. The function of RAMP1 in the tumor microenvironment was analyzed, and its expression in OS cell lines was validated using quantitative real-time PCR. High RAMP1 expression correlated with poor prognosis relative to low RAMP1 expression (p < 0.05). Low RAMP1 expression correlated with an abundance of CD4 + memory-activated T cells. whereas a high expression level correlated with a high proportion of gamma-delta T cells (γδ T cells). Differentially expressed genes from TARGET was enriched in olfactory transduction pathways (normalized enrichment scores [NES] = 1.6998, p < 0.0001). RAMP1 expression negatively correlated with CD44 expression but positively correlated with TNFSF9 expression. The RAMP1 gene is substantially expressed in OS cells compared to the normal osteoblast cell line hFOB1.19. Thus, RAMP1 may be a prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target in OS.
Clinical assessment of liraglutide use in prediabetic and obese schizophrenic patients: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis
Authors: Abbas Abdallah , Mektebi Ammar , El-Gayar Rawan Medhat , Hamad Abdullah Ashraf , Hefnawy Mahmoud Tarek , Rady Ahmed Hassan A. , Ballut Osama Omar , Moawad Mostafa Hossam El Din , Elsayed Mohamed E. G. , Schönfeldt-Lecuona Carlos
Published: August 2023

Background and Hypothesis Schizophrenic patients are at a higher risk of developing prediabetes and obesity, which may increase their risk of cardiovascular and other diseases. Liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, is effective in treating prediabetes and obesity in the general population. However, its efficacy and safety in schizophrenic patients remain unclear. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of liraglutide in managing prediabetes and obesity among schizophrenic patients.Study Design A systematic PRISMA-based literature search was conducted in three electronic databases to identify eligible studies. Different treatment outcomes were extracted from the study and analyzed using a random-effects model to calculate the pooled effect size at 95% confidence interval. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic. Publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots and Egger's test. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses have been performed to explore the potential sources of heterogeneity.Study Results Five studies were included in the meta-analysis after the screening process. The pooled mean difference in body weight between the liraglutide group and the placebo group was − 4.09 kg (p = 0.0008), indicating a significant reduction in body weight with liraglutide. Similarly, the overall mean difference in BMI was − 0.92 (p < 0.00001), and the overall mean difference in waist circumference was − 3.65 cm (p = 0.02), both indicating significant reductions of weight under liraglutide treatment. Liraglutide also significantly reduced fasting glucose (overall mean difference of -9.23; p < 0.00001) and total cholesterol (overall mean difference of -19.00; p = 0.0003).Conclusions Liraglutide is effective in reducing body weight, BMI, waist circumference, fasting glucose, HbA1c, total cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure. Since liraglutide might have a protective effect on the metabolic syndrome in schizophrenic patients, the add-on administration of liraglutide could improve the quality of life of these patients in the long term.
The standard deviation of CT value may become a new way to predict pancreatic fistula: a single-center large sample data study
Authors: Zhang Jing , cai he , zhang man , wang xin , cai yunqiang , peng bing
Published: August 2023

Background
Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) after pancreaticoduodenectomy is one of the most difficult problems for surgeons. The main purpose of this study was to use preoperative imaging and other clinical data to better predict the occurrence of POPF.
Methods
From January 2017 to January 2022, the baseline data, intraoperative and postoperative outcomes of patients who underwent laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) in the Division of Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to analyze the predictive factors of pancreatic fistula after LPD. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was drawn and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated to evaluate the predictive value of the predictors.
Results
A total of 381 patients' data were included in the final study, of which 35 patients (9.2%) had a clinically relevant POPF(CR-POPF). Univariate analysis showed the CR-POPF (+) group had higher BMI (23.69 ± 3.33 vs. 21.96 ± 3.01), larger pancreatic duct diameter (5.62 ± 4.58 mm vs. 4.17 ± 2.39 mm), and larger standard deviation of pancreatic CT value (16.26 ± 34.44 vs. 9.82 ± 2.14), compared with the CR-POPF (-) group ( all P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that only BMI was an independent risk factor for CR-POPF (OR (1.345), P = 0.002)). The AUC for the standard deviation of pancreatic CT value to CR-POPF was 0.706.
Conclusions
BMI is an independent predictor of CR-POPF after LPD. The standard deviation of pancreatic plain CT may be a new and simple way to predict the risk of CR-POPF after LPD.
Handgrip strength on the unaffected side associated with cardiorespiratory fitness in male patients with stroke
Authors: Chen Yuan , Zhou Mingchao , Zha Fubin , Zhang Shaohua , Luo Jiao , Huang Meiling , Yang Qiangqing , Shan Linlin , Wang Yulong
Published: August 2023

Objectives
To investigate factors related to cardiorespiratory fitness in patients with stroke and explore the association between handgrip strength (HS) and peak oxygen utilization (VO2peak).
METHODS
The present study adopted a cross-sectional method. Seventy male patients who had been clinically diagnosed with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke were recruited for this study. HS on the unaffected side (uHS) was measured using a hydraulic hand dynamometer and adjusted for body mass index (uHSBMI) and body surface area (uHSBSA). Concurrently, the VO2peak was measured using a cardiopulmonary exercise test system. Univariate, multiple linear regression analyses were used to evaluate the association between various participant characteristics and the VO2peak.
RESULTS
The average age of the 70 selected male patients was 51.6 ± 10.3 years. The Barthel Index (BI), uHS, uHSBMI, and uHSBSA were the independent predictors of VO2peak. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), body mass index (BMI), and body surface area (BSA) were negatively correlated with the VO2peak. The estimation of VO2peak using linear regression, including age, BI, uHSBSA, and anaerobic threshold (AT) as independent variables, explained 65.5% of the variance in the VO2peak.
CONCLUSION
BMI- and BSA-adjusted uHS appear to be independent factors associated with cardiorespiratory fitness in male patients with stroke. The anaerobic threshold (AT) combined with uHSBMI/uHSBSA may provide a more reliable assessment of the aerobic capacity post-stroke. The measurement of handgrip strength is a simple, risk-stratifying method that may help determine the cardiorespiratory fitness of patients with stroke, but a larger study with diverse subjects is needed. This study was registered at the China Clinical Trials Center (registration number: ChiCTR2000035308) in Aug. 8th, 2020.
Effectiveness of Magnetic Resonance Imaging/Ultrasound-Guided Target Biopsy in Detecting Clinically Significant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Kurokawa Gaku , Mori Keiichiro , Sasaki Hiroshi , Nakano Juria , Takahashi Yusuke , Iwatani Kosuke , Urabe Fumihiko , Tsuzuki Shunsuke , Koike Yusuke , Sato Shun , Takahashi Hiroyuki , Miki Kenta , Kimura Takahiro
Published: August 2023

Background
We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of magnetic resonance imaging/ultrasound (MRI-US)-guided fusion biopsy for the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer (CSPC) and analyze the features of those highly suspected of having PCa but shown to be negative in target biopsies (TB) in patients with prostate imaging reporting and data system (PI-RADS) 4 or 5 lesions on multiparametric MRI evaluations.
Methods
We retrospectively evaluated all patients who underwent MRI/transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided fusion biopsies at our institution between April 2018 and April 2022. All patients with at least one PI-RADS 3 or higher lesions and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) ≤ 20 ng/mL were enrolled in our study and subjected to TB in the region of interest. CSPC was defined as grade group ≥ 2 (equivalent to a Gleason score of 3 + 4).
Results
The detection rates of CSPC were higher in patients who underwent systematic biopsy (SB) and TB (54%; 177/328) than in those who underwent SB alone (39%; 128/328). Statistically significant differences were noted in the detection of CSPC depending on age, prostate volume, PI-RADS score, PSA density (PSAD), number of biopsies obtained, lesion location, and ROI.
Conclusion
MRI/TRUS-guided fusion prostate biopsy increased the detection rate of CSPC. PCa was less likely to be detected in patients with a low PSAD, large prostate volume, past history of biopsies, and no family history among those with PI-RADS 4 or 5 lesions and should be considered in such patients and addressed by performing additional SB for improving the detection rate of CSPC.
Integrated Intelligent Supervisory Controller with Fractional Controller Design for Plant-wide Wastewater Treatment Plants
Authors: Sheik Abdul Gaffar , Dey Indranil , Ambati Seshagiri Rao , Kumar Arvind , Kumari Sheena , Bux Faizal
Published: August 2023

In this research, binary-level control topology is designed in which lower-level control frameworks with fractional order proportional integral (FPI) controllers are implemented to control dissolved oxygen (SO) in the last three aerobic bioreactors by regulating the air diffusers (KLa) and FLC is implemented for the plant-wide wastewater treatment process. In order to reduce the operational cost index (OCI) and effluent quality index (EQI), novel control combination frameworks are created utilizing a benchmark simulation model (BSM2PSFe) with a struvite unit as the base. This supervisory topology considers the ammonia in the sixth and seventh aerobic bioreactors as a feedback signal to alter the SO set-points (ABAC) in the lower level. On comparing open-loop with six control approaches (CS1, CS2, CS3, CS4, CS5, and CS6) by using different combinations of fractional FPI and FLC. The OCI and EQI are improved in the case of CS4 by 4.9% and 6.8%. Comparing the open loop with CS6, OCI is decreased by 10% with an improved EQI of 1.3%. For all the control scenarios, greenhouse gas flow rates are decreased. Ammonia, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus are improved by 79.2%, 5.8%, and 0.5% respectively.
Linking African ancestral substructure to prostate cancer health disparities
Authors: Gheybi Kazzem , Mmekwa Naledi , Lebelo Maphuti Tebogo , Patrick Sean M. , Campbell Raymond , Nenzhelele Mukudeni , Soh Pamela X. Y. , Obida Muvhulawa , Loda Massimo , Shirindi Joyce , Butler Eboneé N. , Mutambirwa Shingai B.A. , Bornman M. S. Riana , Hayes Vanessa M.
Published: August 2023

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a significant health burden in Sub-Saharan Africa, with mortality rates loosely linked to African ancestry. Yet studies aimed at identifying contributing risk factors are lacking within the continent and as such exclude for significant ancestral diversity. Here, we investigate a series of epidemiological demographic and lifestyle risk factors for 1,387 men recruited as part of the multi-ethnic Southern African Prostate Cancer Study (SAPCS). We found poverty to be a decisive factor for disease grade and age at diagnosis, with other notably significant PCa associated risk factors including sexually transmitted diseases, erectile dysfunction, gynaecomastia, and vertex or complete pattern balding. Aligned with African American data, Black ethnicity showed significant risk for PCa diagnosis (OR = 1.44, 95%CI = 1.05-2.00), and aggressive disease presentation (ISUP ≥ 4: OR = 2.25, 95%CI = 1.49–3.40). New to this study, we demonstrate African ancestral population substructure associated PCa disparity, observing increased risk for advanced disease for the southern African Tsonga people (ISUP ≥ 4: OR = 3.43, 95%CI = 1.62–7.27). Conversely, South African Coloured were less likely to be diagnosed with aggressive disease overall (ISUP ≥ 3: OR = 0.38, 95%=0.17–0.85). Understanding the basis for PCa health disparities calls for African inclusion, however, lack of available data has limited the power to begin discussions. Here, focusing on arguably the largest study of its kind for the African continent, we draw attention to the contribution of within African ancestral diversity as a contributing factor to PCa health disparities within the genetically diverse region of southern Africa.
Clinical Significance of Mean Platelet Volume, Platelet Distribution Width, and Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio in Children with Familial Mediterranean Fever
Authors: trabzon gul , Ergüven Müferet , İsançlı Didem Kizmaz , Yasa Emine Olcay
Published: August 2023

Background
Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is an ethnic and autosomal recessive disorder characterized by recurrent attacks of fever and polyserositis. Recently, several studies have demonstrated the importance of platelet count and volume changes associated with chronic diseases. Mean platelet volume(MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio are shown to be essential indicators in many diseases' activation periods. In this study, we aimed to investigate the changes in children with FMF in attacks and attack-free.
Materials and Methods
In this study, 150 patients had been diagnosed with FMF (90 girls, 60 boys), and 50 healthy subjects (29 male, 21 female) were included. Patients’ data were recorded separately according to under treatment with colchicine, in the attacks and attack-free periods retrospectively. Patients were scored as mild, moderate, and severe.
Results
MPV levels in patients with FMF were higher than in the healthy group, and MPV levels were significantly lower in attacks than in attack-free periods. This decline was more pronounced with increasing disease severity scores.
Conclusion
In conclusion, as an easy, inexpensive, and rapid method, MPV measurement is a supportive parameter in determining the severity of the disease and attacks in patients with FMF.
Experimental Study on Pore Water Pressure Characteristics of Saturated Silty Sand
Authors: Huang Chunhui , Lu Jilei , Lin Yunhong
Published: August 2023

In order to obtain the development of pore water pressure of silty sandy in the subway tunnel road bed, a series of dynamic triaxial tests were conducted using the GDS hollow cylindrical torsion shear instrument. The influences of different dynamic loads with different vibration frequencies, effective confining pressure and consolidation ratio were considered during the development of pore pressure. It is shown that the pore pressure development of saturated silty sand is mainly in the form of hyperbolic and S-shaped curves. The developed pore pressure models were established based on the test results, from which the corresponding parameters were also calibrated to provide a reference for the prediction of pore pressure development under cyclic loading.
Development and validation of Tool for Assessment of post vaccination confidence in COVID 19 Vaccines
Authors: Abuyadek Rowan , Hafeez Samar Samy Abdel , Tahoun Mohamed Mostafa , Othman Sally Samir , Omran Abdelrahman Hussein , Youssef Naglaa Fathy , Ghazy Ramy Mohamed
Published: August 2023

Background: Vaccine confidence is defined as the belief that vaccines work, are safe and are part of a trustworthy medical system. The objective of this study was to develop and validate a tool to assess confidence in effectiveness of the received coronavirus diseases 2019 (COVID-19 vaccines).
Methods: The research team developed a vaccine confidence tool based on the three domains defined by the Centers of disease Control and prevention (CDC), and the tool was translated into Arabic. Data from 406 eligible vaccinated adults (≥18 years) were included in the analysis. Internal consistency was assessed by Cronbach's alpha, and construct validity was determined by concurrent, convergent, discriminant, exploratory, and confirmatory factor analyses.
Results: Among the 406-adult population, ages ranged from 18 to 77 years. 63.1% were males, 56.7% were married, 21.9% had chronic diseases, 93.3% were non-smokers, and 39.6% were obliged to receive vaccination. The three domains of the scale met the criterion of internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha ≥ 0.7). Convergent validity was identified by the significant inter-item and item-mean score of the sub-scale correlation (P<0.001). Discriminant validity was reported as the inter-factor correlation matrix (<0.7). The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin sampling adequacy measure was 0.80, and Bartlett's sphericity test was highly significant (P<0.001). Exploratory factor analysis indicated that the scale could be summarized into three factors. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the adequate psychometric properties and fit with observed data (RMSEA = 0.08, CFI = 0.945, TLI = 0.924, SRMR = 0.086, NFI = 0.918, and GFI = 0.909).
Conclusion: The vaccine confidence tool developed in this study is valid and reliable for assessing confidence in vaccine effectiveness, safety, and confidence in the healthcare system.
Intelligent Visual Technique for an Assessment of Tweet Data Towards Social-Recommended Healthcare Solutions
Authors: Narasimulu K , Prasad K Rajendra , Satheesh S , Nuvvusetty Rajasekhar , Srini J
Published: August 2023

Twitter has grown to be a vital social media platform for sharing healthcare knowledge, with over 300 million monthly active users. This paper addresses healthcare social recommendations using health tweets on social networks. Twitter's health-related tweet categorization is mainly dependent on topic models, which, unlike TF-IDF) (referred to as term frequency and inverse document frequency), discover topics (or health clusters) inside unlabeled tweets. Traditional topic models are used to extract the characteristics of tweets and model those characteristics. Visual assessment of clustering tendency (VAT) and cosine-based VAT (cVAT) are two state-of-the-art visual techniques for analyzing health data clusters of tweets. In the proposed work, intelligent multiple perspective cosine similarity-based VAT (IMPCS-VAT) is developed, which has achieved remarkable success in finding health clusters regarding health issues and solutions using social health data. It considers multiple perspectives while calculating similarities while assessing the health tweets for the social recommended healthcare solutions. Reliable findings from clustering health tweets require multiple perspectives to access more useful similarity features across tweet documents. The experimental study is well illustrated with visual health clusters by the proposed visual technique to determine health tweets' topics in an intelligent mechanism.
Are floating toes associated with lifestyle in children: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Nagamoto Hideaki , Okunuki Takumi , Takahashi Shimpei , Wakamiya Kazuki , Liu Zijian , Maemichi Toshihiro , Katsutani Hirofumi , Yamada Yoshiyasu , Takahashi Hiroyuki , Tanaka Hirofumi , Aizawa Toshimi , Kumai Tsukasa
Published: August 2023

Background:
Floating toes are a condition and deformity in which some of the toes are afloat. Many functional impairments in floating toes have been previously studied lately and several factors related to floating toes have also been reported. However, no reports have considered the relationship between lifestyle and floating toes among children. The purpose of this study was to reveal the prevalence of floating toes among school children and reveal its relationship with lifestyle.
Methods:
In total, 138 young male baseball players were recruited. Lifestyle was evaluated by using a questionnaire and chosen whether the main lifestyle was Japanese or Western, if the bedding was futons or beds, and if the toilet was Japanese style (a squat toilet) or Western style. Floating toes were defined as toes that were not in contact with the mat. Ankle dorsiflexion in the knee-flexed and knee-extended positions was measured in a weight-bearing position. The relationship between the floating toes and lifestyles, and the comparison of ankle dorsiflexion range of motion between the lifestyles were statistically analyzed.
Results:
Players living in a Western style showed a significantly higher prevalence of floating toes on both feet compared with the players living in a Japanese style (throwing side; 39% vs. 19%, p = 0.04, and non-throwing side; 43% vs. 19%, p = 0.01). Players living in a Western style with beds showed a significantly smaller range of motion on both sides of ankle dorsiflexion in the knee-flexed position compared with those who were not (throwing side; 37.2 ± 5.7° vs. 39.0 ± 6.6°, p = 0.04, and non-throwing side; 36.8 ± 5.8° vs. 38.6 ± 6.1°, p = 0.04).
Conclusion:
Children mainly living in a Western lifestyle showed a significantly higher prevalence of floating toes on both feet compared to those mainly living in a Japanese lifestyle. The prevalence of floating toes may be related to lifestyles among children.
Trial Registration:
The study was approved by the institutional review board of the Waseda University Graduate School of Sport Sciences (IRB number 2021 − 185).
AI-2 quorum sensing system contributes fluoroquinolones resistance of Salmonella typhimurium by regulating metabolism
Authors: Gao Shuji , Quan Yingying , Jin Wenjie , Shen Yamin , Yuan Shuo , Wang Yuxin , Tian Mingming , Qi Jingjing , Bao Yanqing , Wang Shaohui , Wang Yang
Published: August 2023

The multidrug-resistant Salmonella is becoming major health threat due to inappropriate use of antibiotics. It is found that the metabolic changes contributed to bacterial drug resistance. AI-2 quorum sensing (QS) is involved in the regulation of bacterial metabolic activities. However, the role of AI-2 quorum sensing in the metabolic activities and drug resistance of Salmonella remain unclear. In this study, we determined the drug sensitivity of Salmonella typhimurium by 96-well plate and then determined the time-killing curve. Then, the regulation of AI-2 quorum sensing on Salmonella metabolic activity was analyzed by quantitative real‑time PCR and LC-MS metabonomics. The results showed that luxS mutant strain of Salmonella typhimurium lacking AI-2 quorum sensing was at least 4-fold less sensitive to killing by fluoroquinolone antibiotics. The decreased cell killing after the fluoroquinolones challenge was found to involve a low metabolic state presented by up-regulating anaerobic respiration, and LC-MS metabonomics analysis showed that the low metabolic state of luxS deletion strain might be related to the metabolism of amino acids such as leucine and valine. In conclusion, this study indicated that the deletion of luxS gene in Salmonella typhimurium mediated the tolerance to fluoroquinolones by affecting valine metabolism and up-regulating the anaerobic metabolism pathway.
Genetic Analysis of Fusarium Wilt Resistance in Upland Cotton Germplasm (Gossypium hirsutum L.)
Authors: Khusenov Naim N. , Norbekov Jurabek K. , Boykobilov Umid A. , Yuldosheva Zebo S. , Makamov Abdusalom Kh. , Ayubov Mirzakamol S. , Darmanov Mukhtor M. , Asrorov Akmal M. , Buriev Zabardast T. , Turaev Ozod S. , Yu John Z. , Kushanov Fakhriddin N.
Published: August 2023

The causative agent of fusarium wilt (FW) disease, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum (FOV) pathogen, is one of the economically serious soil fungi that cause significant damage to cotton crops worldwide. For several years, this pathogen has been detrimentally affecting cotton production in many countries including Uzbekistan and the United States. The damage is often resulted from drying up and the death of cotton seedlings. In this study, we evaluated the resistance of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) lines, obtained from the Uzbekistan cotton germplasm collection, against FOV race 4 by infecting them with the pathogen four times during two years in a phytotron condition. Several cotton lines showed high resistance to FW diseases, such as Rex, PD-648, Mebane B-1, Las Brenas-347, and DPZ-554085. The screening was conducted with a total of 118 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers known to be associated with FW resistance to determine the genetic polymorphisms between resistant and susceptible cotton accessions. A total of 40 markers were polymorphic and produced 165 alleles, with an average of 4.125 alleles per locus. The FW-resistant cotton lines with resistance marker alleles would be useful sources for marker-assisted selection (MAS) approaches to developing wilt-resistant cotton cultivars with superior fiber yield and quality.
Effects of the core heading date genes Hd1, Ghd7, DTH8, and PRR37 on yield-related traits in rice
Authors: Guo Jingxin , Sun Kangli , Zong Wubei , Xiao Dongdong , Wu Zeqiang , Li Fuquan , Guo Xiaotong , Li Weitao , Lin Zhiwei , Xie Wenhao , Li Shengting , Hao Yu , Song Yingang , Xu Bingqun , Wei Guangliang , Liu Yao-Guang
Published: August 2023

Heading date is a key agronomic trait in rice (Oryza sativaL.) that determines yield and adaptability to different latitudes. Heading date 1 (Hd1), Grain number, plant height, and heading date 7 (Ghd7), Days to heading on chromosome 8 (DTH8), and PSEUDO-RESPONSE REGULATOR 37 (PRR37) are core rice genes controlling photoperiod sensitivity, and these genes have many haplotypes in rice cultivars. However, the effects of different haplotypes at these genes on yield-related traits in diverse rice materials remain poorly characterized. In this study, we knocked out Hd1, Ghd7, DTH8, or PRR37, alone or together, in indica and japonica varieties and systematically investigated the agronomic traits of each knockout line. Ghd7and PRR37 increased the number of spikelets and improved yield, and this effect was enhanced with the Ghd7 DTH8 or Ghd7 PRR37 combination, but Hd1 negatively affected yield. We also identified a new weakly functional Ghd7 allele containing a mutation that interferes with splicing. Furthermore, we determined that the promotion or inhibition of heading date by different PRR37haplotypes is related to PRR37 expression levels, day length, and the genetic background. For rice breeding, a combination of functional alleles of Ghd7 and DTH8 or Ghd7 and PRR37 in the hd1 background can be used to increase yield. Our study clarifies the effects of heading date genes on yield-related traits and the functional differences among their different haplotypes, providing valuable information to identify and exploit elite haplotypes for heading date genes to breed high-yielding rice varieties.
Application of a subcritical water extraction technique for enhancing extraction of bioactive compounds from propolis
Authors: Shin Su-Bin , Lee Jin-Kyoung , Ko Min-Jung
Published: August 2023

The bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities of propolis extracts were investigated using subcritical water extraction (SWE). SWE was performed by varying 1extraction temperature (110–200°C) and time (10–30 min). SWE using only water as the solvent successfully to extracted bioactive compounds from propolis using high-purity glass thimbles. The concentrations of galangin (16.37 ± 0.61 mg/g), and chrysin (7.66 ± 0.64 mg/g) from propolis were maximal at 200°C for 20 min, and 170°C for 20 min, respectively. The maximum yields of the total phenolics (226.37 ± 4.37 mg/g), flavonoids (70.28 ± 1.33 mg/g), and antioxidant activities (88.73 ± 0.58%, 98.86 ± 0.69%, and 858.89 ± 11.48 mg/g) were obtained at 200°C for 20 min. Compared with using conventional ethanol extraction (at 25°C for 24 h), all yields of SWE extracts obtained at 200°C for 20 min were higher. These results indicated that SWE is a much faster and more efficient method for extracting bioactive compounds from propolis.
Primordial odontogenic tumor – Report of two cases and review of current concepts
Authors: Cavalcante Israel Leal , Barros Caio César da Silva , Cruz Vitória Maria Sousa , Costa Mariana Bispo , Santos Daniel Facó da Silveira , de León-Garza Bernardo , Parra-Salazar Marco Antonio , Turatti Eveline , Cruz-Tapia Roberto Onner , Cavalcante Roberta Barroso , de Andrade Bruno Augusto Benevenuto
Published: August 2023

Primordial odontogenic tumor (POT) is a rare mixed odontogenic tumor composed of mesenchymal cells, columnar odontogenic epithelium, and fibromyxoid stroma affecting the posterior mandible of children and adolescents. Herein, we report two cases of POT and the clinicopathological features of previous cases reported in the literature. A 12-year-old and 19-year-old female patient presented an asymptomatic swelling in the posterior maxilla and posterior mandible, respectively. Imaging exams revealed radiolucent lesions associated with uneruptedteeth. The lesions were surgically removed, and the histopathological examination revealed spindle-to-ovoid mesenchymal cells in a fibromyxoid stroma surfaced by columnar odontogenic epithelial cells with reverse nuclear polarization. Deposition of mineralized tissue was observed. The final diagnosis was POT, and patients do not exhibit recurrence signs. POT should be included in the differential diagnoses of intraosseous lesions in the posterior mandible in pediatric patients.
Abundance and biting habits of anopheline mosquitoes, and malaria incidence in Rwandan lowlands: analysis of 9 years data from two entomological surveillance sentinel sites
Authors: MANISHIMWE Alexis , Hakizimana Emmanuel , Ndagijimana Albert
Published: August 2023

Background
Studies have explored sociodemographic factors that drive malaria morbidity in Rwanda. Little is known about the contribution of entomology in the transmission of malaria in the endemic lowlands of Rwanda. This study aimed to assess the composition, and behavior of anopheles species, and the dynamics of malaria transmission in Eastern Province, Rwanda.
Methods
This cross-sectional study used data captured by the national entomological surveillance system from January 2012 to December 2020. Mosquitoes were collected twice monthly in three different villages at each sentinel site, using Human Landing Catches (HLC) method. This data together with monthly malaria incidence was used for the descriptive analyses.
Results
Anopheles gambiae species was the most abundant at Rukara (72.92%), and Mimuri (99.23%) sentinel sites. Rukara recorded 15 different anopheline species, while the Mimuri site recorded only 2 species. The vector abundance has decreased tremendously over the study period, but malaria incidence remains high in the Rukara sentinel site, where anopheline species are unevenly distributed, while the incidence has significantly reduced at the Mimuri site. An. Gambiae spp, the most abundant anopheline species were exophagic (mean endophagic index < 0.5), and their mean human biting rates were 18.5 ± 20.52 and 65.7 ± 94.83 bites/ person/ night at Rukara and Mimuri, respectively.
Conclusion
These results highlight that an. gambiae complex anophelines are the most important malaria vectors in Eastern Province, and they predominantly bite outdoors. These findings also help us understand why indoor malaria interventions alone will not control malaria. Therefore, interventions that target outdoor mosquito density and bites are recommended.
Earlier peak photosynthesis timing accelerates wildfire outbreak and expands burned area
Authors: Wu Chaoyang , Lai Genke , Li Jialing , Wang Jun , Zhang Yongguang , Zohner Constantin , Penuelas Josep
Published: August 2023

The frequency and intensity of wildfires in recent decades have reached unprecedented levels1-3, raising questions about the role of vegetation phenology in driving these changes. By examining both terrestrial fire perimeters and satellite observations, we found that an earlier peak photosynthesis timing (PPT) contributes to the acceleration of wildfire outbreaks and the expansion of burned areas across the Northern Hemisphere. This correlation can be attributed to intensified drought conditions and an increased leaf supply resulting from earlier senescence. We further show that current fire-vegetation models are capable of reproducing the negative correlation between PPT and burned area, but they significantly underestimate the strength of this relationship. Our findings provide valuable insights for enhancing early wildfire detection and prediction methods by considering the feedback effects of vegetation on fire risk.
The potential impact of exercise upon symptom burden in adolescents and young adults undergoing cancer treatment
Authors: Munsie Claire , Ebert Jay , Joske David , Collins Jo , Ackland Timothy
Published: August 2023

Purpose
Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) experience vast symptom burden resulting from cancer treatment-related toxicities (TRTs). Evidence supports integrated exercise to mitigate several TRTs in other cohorts, however evidence in AYAs is lacking. Conventional reporting of TRTs adopts a maximum grade approach failing to recognise the trajectory over time, of persistent, or lower grade toxicities. Alternatively, longitudinal analysis of toxicities over time (ToxT) may provide clinically meaningful summaries of this data. We evaluated the longitudinal impact of an exercise intervention on TRTs in AYAs undergoing cancer treatment.
Methods
A prospective, randomised trial allocated participants to a 10-week exercise intervention (EG) or control group (CG) undergoing usual care. Detailed information on TRTs was collected throughout the intervention. All TRTs were graded per the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE v5.0).
Results
Forty-three (43) participants (63% male, mean age 21.1 years) were enrolled. When categorised to reflect the maximal worst grade experienced (Grade 0, Grade 1–2 and ≥ Grade 3), the CG reported an increased incidence of severe fatigue (≥ Grade 3) compared with the EG (p = 0.05). No other differences between groups were evident (p > 0.05). ToxT analysis of the four most common toxicities (fatigue, pain, nausea and mood disturbances) demonstrated no difference in the mean grade of each over time (p > 0.05).
Conclusion
A 10-week exercise intervention reduces the severity of fatigue in AYAs undergoing treatment. While the ToxT approach provided insight into the toxicity profile, adequately powered studies are needed to better understand these differences within a homogenous sample.
Trial registration (ACTRN12620000663954) 10th June 2020.
Diagnosis of Disease Affecting Gait with a Body Acceleration-Based Model Using Reflected Marker Data for Training and a Wearable Accelerometer for Implementation.
Authors: Alsaleem Fadi , Takallou Mohammad , Fallahtafti Farahnaz , Hassan Mahdi , Al-Ramini Ali , Qolomany Basheer , Pipinos Iraklis , Myers Sara
Published: August 2023

This paper demonstrates the value of a framework for processing data on body acceleration as a uniquely valuable tool for diagnosing diseases that affect gait early. As a case study, we used this model to identify individuals with peripheral artery disease (PAD) and distinguish them from those without PAD. The framework uses acceleration data extracted from anatomical reflective markers placed in different body locations to train the diagnostic models and a wearable accelerometer carried at the waist for validation. Reflective marker data have been used for decades in studies evaluating and monitoring human gait. They are widely available for many body parts but are obtained in specialized laboratories. On the other hand, wearable accelerometers enable diagnostics outside lab conditions.
Models trained by raw marker data at the sacrum achieve an accuracy of 92% in distinguishing PAD patients from non-PAD controls. This accuracy drops to 28% when data from a wearable accelerometer at the waist validate the model. This model was enhanced by using features extracted from the acceleration rather than the raw acceleration, with the marker model accuracy only dropping from 86% to 60% when validated by the wearable accelerometer data.
A non-invasive method to predict drought survival in Arabidopsis using quantum yield under light conditions
Authors: Rico-Cambron Thelma Y. , Bello-Bello Elohim , Herrera-Estrella Luis
Published: August 2023

Background: Survival rate is frequently used to compare drought tolerance among plant genotypes. However, determining the critical point for recovery irrigation has represented an issue that relies directly on a qualitative inspection by the researcher or on the employment of non-straightforward and invasive techniques that invalidate the subsequent use of the tested individuals.
Results: Here, we present a simple, instantaneous, and non-invasive method to estimate the survival probability of Arabidopsis thaliana plants after severe drought treatments. The quantum yield (QY) or efficiency of photosystem II was monitored in the last stage of the drought treatment, before recovery irrigation, in darkness (Fv/Fm) and light (Fv’/Fm’) conditions. We found a high correlation between a plant's Fv’/Fm’ value before recovery irrigation and its survival phenotype seven days after. This correlation was maintained in the Arabidopsis ecotypes Col-0, Ler-0, C24, and Kondara under the same conditions. Fv’/Fm’ was then applied as a survival predictor to compare drought tolerance of transgenic lines overexpressing the transcription factors ATAF1and PLATZ1 with the Col-0 control.
Conclusions: The results obtained in this work demonstrate that the chlorophyll a fluorescence parameter Fv’/Fm’ can be used as a survival predictor that gives a numerical estimate of the Arabidopsis drought survival rate before a recovery irrigation. The procedure employed to get the Fv’/Fm’ measurements is fast, non-destructive, and requires inexpensive and easy-to-handle equipment. Fv’/Fm’ as a survival predictor can be used to offer an overview of the photosynthetic state of the tested plants and determine the best timing for rewatering to assess the survival rate of tested lines more accurately, especially when the symptoms of severe dehydration between genotypes are not contrasting enough to identify a difference visually.
Comparison of Clinical Outcomes of Conjunctivo-Mullerectomy for Varying Degrees of Ptosis
Authors: Pornpanich Kanograt , Shanokprasith Sunsri , Jaru-ampornpan Pimkwan , Eiamsamarng Akarawit
Published: August 2023

To compare the success of conjunctivo-mullerectomy in patients with varying degrees of ptosis and identify factors affecting outcomes and complications. The Prospective cohort was studied in patients with ptosis undergoing conjunctivo-mullerectomy with or without tarsectomy were enrolled. Ptosis was classified as mild, moderate, and severe per margin-to-reflex distance 1 (MRD1). Postoperative MRD1, complications, and 3-month success rates were evaluated.The study enrolled 258 ptotic eyes of 159 patients. Most eyes (233; 90.3%) achieved surgical success, 14 (5.4%) were overcorrected, and 11 (4.3%) were undercorrected. The success rates for mild, moderate, and severe ptosis were 96.6%, 91.7%, and 83.5%, respectively. The mild and moderate ptosis groups had a nonsignificant difference in success (-4.9%; 95% CI, -12.0–4.5%; P = 0.36). However, the mild and severe ptosis groups’ rates significantly differed (-13.1%; 95% CI, -23.6% to -1.9%; P = 0.03). For all 3 ptosis groups, the success rates of individuals undergoing surgery without tarsectomy did not significantly differ. Patients undergoing conjunctivo-mullerectomy with tarsectomy had an increased risk of unsuccessful surgery (OR 3.103; 95% CI, 1.205–7.986; P = 0.019). In conclusions, Conjunctivo-mullerectomy is safe and effective for all ptosis severities. The success rate was significantly lower for severe ptosis than mild or moderate ptosis. Levator muscle function was not associated with unsuccessful outcomes, but tarsectomy was.