bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
QR-code Cards for Residents: A Novel Method for Post-ED Visit Follow-up and Reducing Burnout
Authors: Peng Paul , Simmons Cailey , Villars Melissa , Rabin Elaine
Published: April 2024

Objective:
There is no formal expectation for emergency medicine (EM) residents to follow up on a particular patient after discharge, and it is unknown how residents perceive further contact outside of an Emergency Department (ED) visit. We hypothesize that standardized, dynamic-QR-code embedded cards (“Follow-up Cards”) handed out by residents to patients would provide a means to communicate and follow-up. For select patient encounters, we further hypothesize that residents may derive greater personal accomplishment and meaning from their clinical duties after this intervention.
Methods:
This was a prospective cohort observational study of 86 residents surveyed on perceptions of follow-up outside of the ED visit as well as the baseline level of burnout using the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI). Four months after the intervention of “Follow-up Cards”, we reassessed the CBI, quantified the utility of cards via QR code statistics, and surveyed residents’ feedback.
Results:
There was a 92% response rate to the pre-intervention survey and high internal consistency (𝛼 coefficient = 0.70—0.79) for the 3 domains of the CBI. In terms of perceptions of follow-up, 58.2% deemed it moderately important, 41.8% felt positive about patient communication after an ED visit, and most residents valued learning about the eventual clinical course. Card distribution per resident ranged from 0 to 11 over 4 months. Among interns, patient-related burnout was almost significantly lower after the intervention (27.1 vs 39.3, p = 0.06). “Follow-up Cards” were uniquely scanned by patients 147 times over the 4 months. The primary barriers cited against follow-up were lack of time and increased workload (combined, 75.8%).
Conclusions:
“Follow-up Cards” were demonstrated in this study as a proof-of-concept and feasible means of patient-physician contact after an ED visit. While follow-up communication was found to be relatively rare overall, there is potential for enriching certain patient encounters.
Facilitating Comprehensive Child Health Monitoring with Real-Time Z-Score assessments using REDCap
Authors: Mendon Priyanka , Witsch Michael , Becker Marianne , Adamski Aurélie , Vaillant Michel
Published: April 2024

Background
Monitoring of somatic development through the assessment of anthropometric variables such as weight, height and BMI is vital for evaluating the physical development and nutritional status of children. This approach aids in the early identification of somatic developmental disorders, enabling timely medical interventions. It traditionally relies on Z-scores, which compare anthropometric variables to reference standards. In addition to somatic development monitoring, the early detection and management of pediatric and adolescent hypertension are crucial due to potential long-term health risks. However, manual calculations of Z-Scores are time-consuming and error-prone, impeding timely interventions for at-risk children. This study introduces an innovative open code solution for real-time Z-score assessments directly within the electronic data capture platform, REDCap ™ (Research Electronic Data Capture), aiming to streamline the monitoring of somatic development in children.
Methods
Leveraging the WHO (World Health Organization) growth standards and NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) references, our approach integrates Z-score computations directly into REDCap, providing a secure and user-friendly environment for healthcare professionals and researchers. The study employs Bland-Altman analyses to compare our method with established calculators (Knirps and Growth XP ™).
Results
Bland-Altman plots demonstrated a strong agreement between our REDCap calculations and the Knirps and Growth XP systems. Z-scores for height, weight, and BMI consistently aligned, affirming the accuracy of our approach across the measurement range.
Conclusion
The integration with REDCap streamlines data collection and analysis, eliminating the need for separate software and data exports. Moreover, our solution uses the World Health Organization (WHO) growth standards and National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) references. This not only ensures calculation accuracy but also enhances its suitability for diverse research contexts. The Bland-Altman analyses establish the reliability of our method, contributing to a more effective approach to child growth and blood pressure monitoring.
Trial Registration:
Not applicable since, this paper is an open code solution for real-time Z-score assessments directly within REDCap. However, the motivation to develop an open code stemmed from a project titled "Screening for Familial Hypercholesterolemia in Primary School Children: Protocol for a Cross-Sectional, Feasibility Study in Luxembourg City (EARLIE)." (Trial registration number NCT05271305)
Efficacy of Quercetin on rat eyelid wound healing, a randomized, sham-controlled double-blind study
Authors: iritaş seçil yigen , iritaş ilter , sarıtaş zülfükar kadir , görücü Fatma , demirel hasan hüseyin , bülbül Aziz , koç yusuf
Published: April 2024

Introduction:
Although quercetin has been found to be useful in the treatment of pressure wounds due to its ability to reduce oxygen radicals, its effect on healing wounds on the eyelids is not clear.
Objective
To investigate the effect of quercetin on eyelid wound healing.
Method and Materials:
Forty male Wistar Albino Rats weighing 250–300 grams were used. Four groups were created. Control Group (n = 10), Sham Group (n = 10), Incision Wound Group (n = 10), and Suture + Quercetin Group (n = 10). Full-thickness skin excision was performed through a 3–5 mm incision in the superior palpebrae to create a wound. On the 3rd day and (n = 5) on the 7th day, they were sacrificed, and blood samples were taken by cardiac puncture for biochemical measurement and tissue samples for histopathological examination from the palpebrae.
Results
Inflammatory cells in the Quercetin Group were significantly lower in 3. Day (p < 0.05). Blood levels of IL-1 and TNF-alfa were significantly lower in the Quercetin Group (p < 0.05) when compared with other groups. The Quercetin Group is as influential as the sham group at 3. Day for collagen formation and hydroxyproline value is significantly higher. Total oxidant status levels were lower in the Quercetin group than in the Sham group (p = 0.005).
Conclusions
Quercetin was found to be anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, and these properties can lead to decrease in wound healing time. Also, Quercetin healed wounds and scavenged free radicals effectively.
Silica/APTPOSS anchored on MnFe 2 O 4 as an efficient nanomagnetic composite for the preparation of spiro- pyrano[2, 3-c]chromene derivatives
Authors: Najafabadi Samira Moein , Safaei-Ghomi Javad
Published: April 2024

The synthesis of Octakis [3- (3-amino propyl triethoxysilane) propyl] octa-silsesquioxane (APTPOSS), a derivative of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane, was utilized to produce an efficient nanocomposite. MNPs@Silica/APTPOSS was characterized through scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry, X-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis. These magnetic nanoparticles, a combination of organic-inorganic hybrid polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane, were utilized as a proficient heterogeneous catalyst in the one-pot synthesis of spirooxindoles derivatives. Furthermore, they could be swiftly isolated and reused six times while maintaining their catalytic efficiency.
D-mannose alleviates chronic periodontitis in rats by regulating the functions of neutrophils
Authors: Li Xue , Chen Xueting , Zhu Qingyu , Zhang Pengye , Nan Shunxue , Lv Lei , Qi Shengcai
Published: April 2024

Background
Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease without effective treatment. Nowadays, the critical role of neutrophils in periodontitis is getting better and better understood. The study aimed to explore the protective effects of D-mannose on chronic periodontitis and determine whether its underlying mechanisms is related to neutrophils.
Methods
To explore the protective effects of D-mannose on chronic periodontitis, the rat model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced periodontitis was established, followed by D-mannose treatment by oral gavage. To evaluate the protective effects of D-mannose against periodontal bone loss, methylene blue staining, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, and micro-CT scanning were utilized. Then, immunofluorescence (IF), Western Blot, and RT-PCR were applied to assess the expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-17), anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), ten-eleven translocation 2 (TET2), and key glycolytic enzymes (HK1, HK2, PFKFB3), and to examine D-mannose's impact on the recruitment and activation of neutrophils in the gingiva. Additionally, neutrophils isolated from the peripheral blood of healthy rats were treated with LPS and D-mannose, and changes in the expression levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO), IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17, IL-10, and TET2 were observed via IF.
Results
In vivo, D-mannose inhibited LPS-induced alveolar bone resorption in rats and suppressed the expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17, TNF-α, G-CSF, GM-CSF, TET2, HK1, HK2, and PFKFB3, upregulated the expression level of IL-10, and inhibited the recruitment and activation of neutrophils in LPS-treated rat gingival tissues. In vitro, D-mannose was found to inhibit the activation of neutrophils stimulated by LPS, downregulate the expression of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17, and TET2, and upregulate the expression of IL-10.
Conclusions
D-mannose can alleviate chronic periodontitis in rats by regulating the functions of neutrophils, potentially associated with the expression of TET2 and glycolysis, providing new insights into the potential application of D-mannose to chronic periodontitis.
Effectiveness of video monitoring in transition of care for patients with heart failure (EVIT-HF): a study protocol for a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Neto Omar Pereira de Almeida , Jhund Pardeep S. , Rabelo-Silva Eneida Rejane , Magnabosco Patrícia , Marchiori Gianna Fiori , Araújo Izadora Vieira , Alcântara Maria Eduarda de Pádua
Published: April 2024

Background
Real data on the impact on prognosis of video monitoring in patients with heart failure (HF) are limited and inconclusive. This article aim to describe a randomized clinical trial protocol designed to assess the efficacy of a video monitoring and educational strategy delivered to patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).
Methods
This is a randomized, parallel trial with blinded outcome assessment. During hospitalization patients who meet the inclusion criteria will be invited to participate. Sociodemographic data, clinical variables, results of laboratory tests, current medications and cardiovascular physical examination will be collected. Additionally, Clinical congestion score, European HF self-care, HF knowledge, HF treatment adherence, HF quality of life and cardiorespiratory fitness will be collected by specific, validated instruments. The control group (CG) will receive the usual care after hospital discharge. In the intervention group (IG), the clinical discharge summary will be shared with the nurse of the primary health care unit in order to discuss the transition care. IG participants will receive specialized cardiovascular nursing appointments through video monitoring (at 7 days, 30 days, 60 days, and 180 days). The primary outcome consists of the self-care score. Secondary outcomes will be quality of life scores, HF knowledge scores, HF treatment adherence scores and cardiorespiratory fitness scores, death rates and hospital readmissions.
Discussion
Unlike strategies based on mobile devices or voice telemonitoring, the video monitoring, hypothetically is a strategy able to generate greater bond and trust between patients and health professionals, leading to improvements in the outcomes measured.
Trial registration: https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-9fkncwv
Impact of Comorbidity on Mortality in COVID-19 Patients: A Single- Center Retrospective Study
Authors: Al-aghbari Nuha , Maldar Arif , Angolkar Mubashir , Khurseed Romana
Published: April 2024

The global spread of COVID-19 has had a profound impact on human health, with millions of people infected and a significant death. Comorbidities play a pivotal role in the prognosis of COVID-19 patients. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the comorbidity on mortality in COVID-19 patients in a Single-Centre Retrospective Study. The characteristics and results of patients with COVID-19 admitted to KLE's Hospital in Belgaum, Karnataka, India, were examined through retrospective research. 642 participants having COVID-19 diagnoses between October 1, 2020, and September 30, 2021 were enrolled in the research. Data such as, patients' clinical features, vital signs, demographic information and patients' outcomes (survived or deceased) were collected. The findings of this study showed that out of 642 patients, 256 patients had co morbidities, 62.8% of them had poly morbidity and most prevalent underlying medical conditions were hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease which affected 30.7%, 29.1, and 7.9%, respectively. Only diabetes and renal disease reported strong associations (P.value: 0.011, aOR: 1.852 95% CI: 1.148–2.988), (p.value: 0.000, aOR: 6.491 (95% CI: 2.613–16.124), respectively. Furthermore, Comorbidities such kidney disease, and diabetes mellitus can lead to more serious complications and death in COVID-19 patients. Understanding the impact of these comorbidities on COVID-19 mortality is essential for more effective patient care and resource allocation.
Stabilization using the separation principle for generalized classes of fractional-order fuzzy systems
Authors: Ahmed Hassen , Jmal Assaad , Makhlouf Abdellatif Ben
Published: April 2024

The separation principle has been extensively used in the literature to tackle the observer-based control problem for integer-order linear and Lipschitz nonlinear systems. However, less interest has been given by researchers to treat the same problem, in the fractional-order framework. In this context, this paper introduces and investigates a separation principle tailored for two advantageous classes of nonlinear fractional-order fuzzy systems. These two classes can be regarded as generalizations of the classical nonlinear Lipshchitz systems. The research explores both asymptotic stability and practical Mittag-Leer stability, unveiling a novel approach to handling intricate fractional-order systems with fuzzy characteristics. Through rigorous theoretical analysis and simulation studies, the paper demonstrates the ecacy and applicability of the separation principle, for both considered classes of fractional fuzzy systems.
Patriarchy and Child Well-Being: Evidence from India
Authors: Islam T M Tonmoy , Kearns Morgan , Mitra Shabana
Published: April 2024

The nutrition and care received in childhood can have a profound impact on the adult life of an individual. Governments and the United Nations have emphasized proper care and nutrition for children, and the Sustainable Development Goals have targeted the elimination of stunting and wasting of children under the age of 5 by 2030. However, South Asia is lagging behind in this metric; the World Bank has noted that about 32 percent of Indian children under age of 5 is stunted, while the world average is 22 percent. While a number of studies have looked into ways of improving well-being of a child, and women’s empowerment, the relationship between patriarchy and children well-being has not been extensively studied. In this paper, we use data from the 2019 Demographic and Health Survey of India to study this relationship. We modify the patriarchy index outlined in Singh et al (2022) and use it in our paper. Our primary dependent variable is the standardized height-for-age percentile. We find that patriarchy negatively affects child height in the northern parts of India, and among certain religious groups. We theorize that culture of the land together with religion of the household impacts how patriarchy affects child height.
Flavopiridol induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis by interfering with CDK1 signaling pathway and inducing excessive reactive oxygen species in human ovarian granulosa cells
Authors: Li Xiao-Zhen , Yang Li-Jia , Song Wei , Xie Xue-Feng , Jiang Jia-Xin , Zhang Xue , Zhou Chang-Yin , Li Ang , Li Fei , Yin Shen , Sun Qing-Yuan
Published: April 2024

In recent years, several clinical trials have been conducted to evaluate the use of flavopiridol to treat a variety of cancers, however, it is not clear whether the use of this drug will affect the female reproductive system. Granulosa cells, one of the important cells that constitute the follicle, play a crucial role in determining the reproductive ability of females. In this study, we observed whether different concentrations of flavopiridol have a toxic effect on the growth of immortalized human ovarian granulosa cells. We showed that flavopiridol had an inhibitory effect on cell proliferation at a level of nanomole concentration. Flavopiridol reduced cell proliferation and induced apoptosis by inducing mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, as well as increasing BAX/BCL2 and pCDK1 levels. These results suggest that reproductive toxicity should be considered when flavopiridol is used to the clinical work.
Three-dimensional sand particle shape characterization by PointConv-Transformer deep learning
Authors: Xi Junbo , Zheng Junxing , Gao Lin , Wang Dong , Jiang Jin , Chen Shu
Published: April 2024

Angularity and sphericity of sand particles significantly influence the shear strength, compressibility, void structure, and deformation behavior of soils. However, current computational geometry (CG) algorithms face challenges in simultaneously charactering angularity and sphericity, as well as handling defective granular three-dimensional(3D) mesh. To address these efficiency and robustness limitations, this paper introduces the PointConv-Transformer deep learning algorithm for characterization and classification of sand particles point cloud. The PointConv efficiently captures local features of angularity and sphericity. Subsequently, the Transformer integrates these local features into global features to form the judgement basis for classification. The 4800 particle point clouds are labeled with 12 angularity-sphericity classes. The PointConv-Transformer model, trained on the produced dataset, achieves an automatic classification accuracy of 96.65%. Furthermore, we explore the impact of normal vectors and point cloud size on the performance of the PointConv-Transformer model. Experimental results demonstrate that the optimal performance of the trained model is achieved when the point cloud size is 2000 and includes normal vectors. Finally, compared to traditional 3D CG, the classification results align closely in volume, surface area, and convex hull volume metrics. As the number of classified particles increases, the advantage in classification efficiency becomes more pronounced.
Report on roadkill of Particolored flying squirrel (Hylopetes alboniger) (Hodgson, 1836) from Kaziranga, Assam
Authors: Gupta Sourav , Begum Ramie H. , Ahmed M. Firoz , Roy Jayanta Kumar
Published: April 2024

Notably, flying squirrels, essential yet understudied components of ecosystems, face heightened risks due to their cryptic habits. We report the first documented roadkill case of a particolored flying squirrel (Hylopetes alboniger) in Assam, India, highlighting the need for comprehensive roadkill surveys to inform mitigation strategies in biodiverse regions facing increasing anthropogenic pressures.
Geotechnical performance of XCC pile under torsion loads in clay soil – Numerical study
Authors: Azzam Waseim Ragab , Nasr Ahmed Mohamed , Abdallah Samir Sabry
Published: April 2024

A series of three–dimensional finite – element models (PLAXIS 3D V20) were developed to investigate the non-linear behavior of XCC section piles under torsional load in clay soil with various soil cohesion states. Piles were assumed to behave in a linear elastic model, while the soil was modeled using the non-linear (HSM) hardening soil model. The influence of pile length to pile diameter ratio (Lp/Dp), 0pen arc spacing to pile diameter ratio (ap/Dp), and open arc degrees(θ˚) were explored. the numerical results showed that the torsional capacity of the pile increases with the increase of clay cohesion. At the ratio of pile length to pile diameter (Lp/Dp) = 15, and the ratio of the open arc spacing to pile diameter (ap/Dp) = 0.14, open arc degrees(θ˚) = 90 the efficiency of improvement in the torsional capacity reached to 3.96, 5.06, and 5.71 times of torsional capacity of conventional pile with the same cross-sectional area at clay cohesions of 70 KN/m2, 40 KN/m2, and 30 KN/m2, respectively. furthermore, the torsional capacity of the XCC section pile increases with the increase in soil cohesion (Cu), pile diameter (Dp), pile length (Lp), and open arc spacing. but it decreases with the increase of open arc degrees(θ˚). The change of shape to XCC shape can significantly increase the earth pressure and skin friction around the pile by creating a passive zone, and increasing the perimeter.
The numerical investigation of groove parameters in a bionic vapor chamber
Authors: Zhu Shuiping , Li Yong
Published: April 2024

As high heat flux density electronic devices become more miniaturized, lightweight, and highly integrated, the thermal management of these devices faces significant challenges. This paper proposes a bionic vapor chamber (B-VC) with a secondary groove structure to further enhance its heat transfer. Numerical simulation results demonstrate that the B-VC with the secondary groove structure can achieve better heat transfer performance than one without the secondary groove, as the secondary groove provides a larger heat transfer area. The heat transfer performance enhancement increases with an increase in the width of the secondary groove. However, the B-VC with the secondary groove incurs a higher pressure drop penalty. The effects of groove parameters, including the groove branch level and groove trunk width, on the overall performance were also investigated within the B-VC framework. The heat transfer performance enhancement increases with an increase in the groove branch level and groove trunk width. Based on a figure of merit (FOM) calculation, it is recommended that the groove branch level should be no more than two. Furthermore, the optimum groove trunk width was found to be 2 mm, which corresponds to a ratio of the gas-liquid channel cross-sectional areas of 14.3%.
Outcomes of Concomitant Cardiac Surgical Procedures Performed During Pediatric Lung Transplantation in the United States
Authors: Ramineni Aadhyasri , Faateh Muhammad , Mehdizadeh-Shrifi Amir , Hayes Don , Morales David L. S.
Published: April 2024

Data on concomitant cardiac surgery (CCS) performed during pediatric lung transplantation (LTx) is limited. Therefore, we conducted a multi-institutional analysis to identify the incidence and outcomes of CCS in pediatric (< 18 yrs) LTx recipients by merging data (2004–2023) from the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) and Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) databases. Of the total of 596 pediatric LTx recipients, 87 (15%) underwent CCS. The majority were atrial septal defect (ASD) closure (90%) followed by aortic arch/descending aortic repair (3%), atrial repair (3%), ventricular septal defect closure (2%), patent ductus arteriosus ligation (2%), and tricuspid valve repair (2%). The median age at LTx was 3 years (IQR:0–12). Pulmonary hypertension (PHT) was the predominant indication for LTx (54%). In-hospital mortality was 6% and 5-year mortality was 64%. Importantly, CCS in children undergoing LTx has acceptable outcomes.
Impact of mineral oil lubricant from rotary instrument on osseointegration and surface contamination of dental implants: An in vivo rabbit tibia study
Authors: Kim Heon-Young , Jang Il-Seok , Song Ju-Dong , Kim Sun-Jong , kim Jin-Woo
Published: April 2024

Background: The success of osseointegration in dental implants is largely influenced by the surface characteristics, including texture, chemistry, and cleanliness. This study investigates the effect of a rotary instrument mineral oil lubricant on the osseointegration of dental implants in the rabbit tibia, addressing concerns about lubricant-induced surface contamination from dental handpieces.
Methods: We used six New Zealand rabbits and inserted two implants per tibia in each animal for a total of 24 implants. Each group was further divided into two rabbits: the first group was placed with no lubricant used in the fixture and hand-piece (control); the second group was placed in the fixture after the recommended management of the handpiece; and the third group was placed in a lubricant-soaked fixture. Two weeks and four weeks later, the rabbits were euthanized. The removal torque and bone-implant contact were measured by histomorphometric examination.
Results: Although an inverse relationship was observed between the fixture contamination severity and removal torque, the correlation was not statistically significant. In contrast, a clear decrease in bone-implant contact was noted with increased levels of contamination, with this effect being statistically significant at the 4-week.
Conclusion: Even if a handpiece is used for a short duration, difficulties in controlling lubricant expulsion can pose problems for bone osseointegration of the implant. Therefore, a thorough expulsion process is necessary after oiling, and during implant drilling and placement, meticulous cleaning and suction should be employed to minimize the amount of residual oil on the implant.
CR prosthesis or PS prosthesis, which one is closer to the natural rollback of the knee joint? ——A vivo kinematics study using Mako robot-assisted im-based-system measurement
Authors: Huang Yijian , Zhao Fangxin , Wang Cheng , Xie Hongbin , Gao Zhisen , Kong Xiangpeng , Li Xiang , Chai Wei
Published: April 2024

Background
Cruciate-retaining (CR) prosthesis and posterior-substituting (PS) prosthesis are widely used in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The main discrepancy in kinematics between two designs is that the mechanism of rollback motion during knee flexion is different. In this study, by using image-based robotic assisted system (mako), femoral-tibial contact points of these two types of prostheses during 0°to 140°flexion were recorded to compared with the natural kinematic characteristics of knee joints before TKA, so as to explore which type of prosthesis is close to the natural rollback.
Method
Twelve patients (15 knees) with MAKO-assisted TKA in our center were included. ①After the registration was completed, the knee joint of the patients was flexed at 0°to 140°(10°increasing, A total of 16 angles, including 45°), the contact point of femur and tibia at each angle was recorded by Mako software; ②After the anterior cruciate ligament(ACL) removed and the posterior cruciate ligament(PCL) retained, the CR model was placed, and the contact point of the femur and tibia at each knee flexion angle was recorded again from 0°to 140 °;③The PCL was removed, and the PS prosthesis was implanted finally. Then the contact position of the femur and tibia at each knee flexion angle from 0°to 140 °was recorded for the third time. Through the above process, we obtained the contact position of the femoral condyle and the tibia during the passive flexion of the knee joint at 16 angles in three conditions (1, the patient with natural knee; 2, the patient with CR prosthesis;3, the patient with PS prosthesis) in order to simulate the rollback of the knee joint and compare the difference of rollback in three groups.
Results
There was no statistical difference in contact points of the femur and tibia between the CR prosthesis and the natural knee at all 16 flexion angles (P > 0.05). The contact points of the femur and tibia in the PS prosthesis group was close to those of the natural knee at flexion range from 20 ~ 50°(P > 0.05); but at 0 ~ 10°flexion and 60 ~ 140°flexion, there was a statistical difference in contact points of the femur and tibia between the PS prosthesis group and the patient 's natural knee joint(P<0.05).
Conclusion
By using the intraoperative real-time positioning function of image-based robotic assisted system(Mako)to detect the characteristics of knee joint rollback motion, we found that compared with PS prosthesis, the knee joint rollback of patients using CR prosthesis was closer to the natural state.
A study protocol to assess the effectiveness of tocotrienol-rich fraction in older adults : a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Authors: Goon Jo Aan , Ngah Wan Zurinah Wan , Makpol Suzana , Damanhuri Mohd Hanafi Ahmad , Ibrahim Nor Faeizah , Ghazali Nur Izyani , Rais Rahimah Zahidah Mohd , Chin Kok Yong , Aminuddin Amilia , Yunus Mohd Heikal Mohd , Man Munirah Md , Neo Juvenia Rui En , Loong Hsieu Yen , Ung Yee Wei , Yap Wei Ney
Published: April 2024

Background
Tocotrienol, a naturally occurring form of vitamin E, has been extensively studied for its potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-stimulating properties. However, the clinical impact of tocotrienol supplementation on older adults' overall health and well-being remains relatively unexplored. This research aims to investigate the efficacy of tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF), on various health parameters associated with general well-being in individuals aged between 50–75 years.
Methods
The present study is a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial designed to investigate the effectiveness of TRF supplementation on overall health in healthy elderly individuals. The study aims to assess the impact of a daily dosage of 200mg of TRF over a period of 6 months. A total of 220 participants are enrolled in the study, with half receiving the placebo and the other half receiving TRF supplementation. The study comprises three endpoints: baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. At each endpoint, various measurements are taken to evaluate different aspects of health. These measurements include blood biochemistry assessments such as liver function tests, renal profile, lipid profile, and full blood count. Oxidative stress markers, including malondialdehyde, advanced glycation end-products, protein carbonyl, and isoprostane, are also evaluated. Immune response markers such as interleukin-6 and tumour necrosis factor-alpha are assessed. Satiety regulation is examined through measurements of leptin and ghrelin. Body composition and skin health parameters, including wrinkling, pigmentation, elasticity, hydration, and sebum secretion, are evaluated. Additionally, arterial stiffness is assessed by arteriography, bone mineral density is measured using dual x-ray absorptiometry, and cognitive function is assessed through the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, and digital span, are measured at baseline and at the 6-month endpoint.
Discussion
By comprehensively evaluating these health aspects, this study seeks to provide valuable insights into the potential benefits of tocotrienol supplementation for promoting the overall health and well-being of the ageing population.
Trial registration
National Medical Research Register (NMRR), no. NMRR19-2972-51179
Enhancing Fluid Viscous Damper Design in High-Rise Buildings through Direct Soil Structure Interaction Approach
Authors: Hamza Ameer , Hammad Muhammad , Khokhar Sikandar Ali , Ali Faizan , Haider Abbas
Published: April 2024

The application of fluid viscous dampers (FVDs) in high-rise buildings is increasing rapidly, driven by their effectiveness during seismic excitations. However, conventional design using fixed base or indirect soil structure interaction (SSI) approaches often leads to unrealistic results due to underestimated seismic demands. This study proposes a novel approach for the optimum design of FVDs incorporating direct SSI modeling for high-rise buildings. For this purpose, a 40-story case study building is selected along with the existing underlying soil. A detailed nonlinear finite element model (FEM) was developed for the superstructure and the underlying subgrade using direct SSI approach. For comparative study, two FVDs based models were developed: one designed based on seismic demands from a fixed base model, and the other utilizing the seismic demands from the direct SSI approach. These inelastic computer models were subjected to nonlinear time history analysis, employing three deconvoluted ground motions, to compare their seismic performance. The results show that the design of FVDs considering direct SSI approach can help lower the story drifts and displacements by up to 36% and increase energy dissipation by dampers by up to 10% compared to the conventional approach. The results emphasize the critical significance of adopting direct SSI modeling for achieving the optimal design of FVDs for the resilience of high-rise building structures.
Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for distressed family caregivers of patients with dementia: a case control study
Authors: Gwak Jiyoung , Park Jinse
Published: April 2024

Background: Recently, psychoeducational support to caregivers of patients with dementia (CPWD) has been much interested. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) which accept negative thought has been arising as a next generation of CBT. Here, we investigate the effect of ACT on emotional stress of caregivers of patients with dementia.
Method: The family caregivers of patients who have behavioral psychomotor symptom in dementia were recruited in this study. 13 intervention group and 13 control group were analyzed. The participants in experimental group were underwent a 6-week ACT program in one on one, face to face format. The outcome measurement are Beck anxiety inventory (BAI), Beck depression inventory-Ⅱ (BDI-Ⅱ), Zarit burden inventory (ZBI) and acceptance action questionnaire-16 (AAQ-16).
Results: In experimental group, the score of BAI, BDI-Ⅱ, ZBI and AAQ-16 significantly improved compared to baseline score. The difference of the change of the score of BAI, BDI-Ⅱ and ZBI after ACT program showed significant difference between intervention and control group. The change of BDI-Ⅱ significantly correlated with the changes of AAQ-16
Conclusion: The result of this study showed that the depression, anxiety, and caregiver burden markedly reduced in intervention group compared to control group. The change of depression is correlated with the change of the degree of acceptance. Our results support that ACT can be useful counselling program for caring of family CPWD.
Elimination effect of electrotherapy and cold therapy combined with chemotherapy on apple scar skin viroid on in vitro apple plants
Authors: Hu Guojun , Dong Yafeng , Zhang Zunping , Fan Xudong , Ren Fang
Published: April 2024

Apple scar skin viroid (ASSVd) and other apple viruses [apple chlorotic leaf spot virus (ACLSV), apple stem-pitting virus (ASPV), and apple stem grooving virus (ASGV)] can cause significant economic losses to the apple industry. We used ASSVd- and ASGV-infected Malus pumila ‘Spy 227’ and ACLSV-, ASPV-, and ASGV-infected Malus ‘Gala’ apple plants as the plant materials for virus elimination experiments. We evaluated the viral elimination effectiveness of electrotherapy at different electric current intensities and treatment durations on in vitro plants of the two apple cultivars. Furthermore, the effect of cold therapy (4°C) combined with ribavirin (25 µg/mL) at different treatment durations on Spy 227 plants was investigated. All shoot tips of the two cultivars sterilized with 75% alcohol or 0.1% mercury bichloride grew normally after treatment with an electric current. Spy 227 plants treated with cold therapy combined with ribavirin started to die after 50 days of treatment, and the death rate increased with the extension of treatment time. Quantitative reverse-transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) and RT-PCR were used to detect the viroid and viruses in regenerated plants. The results showed that electrotherapy did not inhibit ASSVd, ACLSV, ASGV, or ASPV. Moreover, cold therapy combined with ribavirin had no eliminating effect on ASSVd, but the elimination rate of ASGV under treatment periods of 80 d and 95 d was 60.4% and 60.1%, respectively. Considering the impact of ASSVd on apple plant health, additional methods are necessary to effectively remove this viroid.
Successful eradication of an environmental reservoir of NDM-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae associated with nosocomial transmissions in a low-incidence setting
Authors: Moulin Estelle , Filippidis Paraskevas , Paire-Ficout Corinne Aymon , Blanc Dominique S. , Grandbastien Bruno , Senn Laurence
Published: April 2024

Background
The hospital wastewater system has been reported as a source of nosocomial acquisition of carbapenemase producing Enterobacteriaceae(CPE) in various settings. Cleaning and disinfection protocols or replacement of contaminated equipment often fail to eradicate these environmental reservoirs, which can lead to long-term transmission of CPE. We report a successful multimodal approach to control a New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase positive Klebsiella pneumoniae (NDM-KP) nosocomial outbreak implicating contamination of sink traps in a low-incidence setting.
Methods
Following the incidental identification of NDM-KP in a urine culture of an inpatient, we performed an epidemiological investigation, including patient and environmental CPE screening, and whole genome sequencing (WGS) of strains. We also implemented multimodal infection prevention and control (IPC) measures, namely the isolation of cases, waterless patient care, replacement of contaminated sink traps and connecting pieces, and bleach and steam disinfection of sinks for 6 months, followed by patient and environmental screenings for eradication.
Results
Between February and May 2022, five NDM-KP cases were identified in an eight-bed neurosurgical intermediate care unit. Among the eight sink traps of the unit, three were positive for NDM-KP. Patient and environmental isolates belonged to multilocus sequence typing ST-268. All isolate genomes were genetically very similar suggesting cross-transmission and a potential role of the environment as the source of transmissions. Thanks to the combined IPC measures, no new case was subsequently detected, and sink traps remained negative for NDM-KP within 6 months after the intervention.
Conclusion
The implementation of multimodal IPC measures, including waterless patient care combined with the replacement and disinfection of sink traps and connecting pieces, was successful in the eradication of NDM-KP after eight months. In a low-incidence setting, this approach has made it possible to pursue the objective of zero transmission of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE).
Effect of nursing intervention based on 6S management model on negative emotions and surgical stress in patients with gastric cancer
Authors: Dong Cuiling , Jiang Yun
Published: April 2024

Objective To study the effect of nursing intervention under the 6S management model on preoperative negative emotions and surgical stress in patients with gastric cancer. Methods A total of 160 patients diagnosed with gastric cancer were enrolled in this study and randomly assigned to either an experimental group (80 cases) or a control group (80 cases). The experimental group underwent individualized nursing intervention following the 6S management model (6S nursing), while the control group received routine nursing care. The Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) and Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) were utilized to evaluate the patients' negative emotions. The study compared the preoperative HAMA and HAMD scores, preoperative blood pressure, postoperative 24-hour neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and 24-hour C-reactive protein (CRP) levels between the two groups. Results Following nursing intervention, both groups exhibited significantly lower preoperative HAMA and HAMD scores compared to admission scores (P < 0.05). Moreover, the experimental group demonstrated a more pronounced reduction in both HAMA and HAMD scores (P < 0.05). Additionally, the experimental group displayed lower preoperative systolic blood pressure in comparison to the control group, with postoperative 24-hour NLR and 24-hour CRP levels also being lower in the experimental group (P < 0.05).. Conclusion Nursing intervention under the 6S care effectively alleviates preoperative negative emotions and reduces surgical stress in patients with gastric cancer, providing a comfortable perioperative environment for patients.
Mortality and Extrauterine Growth Restriction of Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Very Preterm Infants with Heart Disease: A Multi-Center Cohort Study
Authors: Lu Pei , Gong Xiaohui , Gu Xinyue , Jiang Siyuan , Cao Yun , Sun Chengjun , Du Juan , Lei Xiaoping , Lee Shoo K.
Published: April 2024

OBJECTIVE. Congenital heart disease (CHD) and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) are risk factors of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in infants. However, it is unclear whether the prognosis of NEC is different between very preterm infants (VPIs) with and without heart diseases.
PATIENTS AND METHODS. This was an observational cohort study that enrolled VPIs (born between 24+ 0 and 31+ 6 weeks) admitted to 97 tertiary neonatal intensive care units (NICU) in the Chinese Neonatal Network (CHNN) between 2019 and 2021. The exposure was CHD or isolated PDA, and VPIs with NEC were divided into three groups: complicated with CHD, with isolated PDA, and without heart diseases. The primary outcomes were NEC related adverse outcomes (death or extrauterine growth restriction (EUGR)). Logistic regression models were used to adjust potential confounders and calculate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidential intervals (CIs) for each outcome.
RESULTS. A total of 1335 VPIs with NEC were enrolled in this study, including 65 VPIs with CHD, 406 VPIs with isolated PDA. The VPIs with heart diseases had smaller gestational ages and lower body weights at birth, more antenatal steroids use, and requiring inotrope prior to the onset of NEC. While suffering from NEC, death or EUGR were more often observed in VPIs with either CHD (aOR: 2.07; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.20–3.60) or isolated PDA (aOR: 1.51; 95% CI: 1.17–1.94) than those without heart diseases. While no significant increased risks in NEC related death in VPIs with either CHD (adjusted OR [aOR]: 1.10; 95% CI: 0.41–2.50) or isolated PDA (aOR: 1.25; 95% CI 0.82–1.87), increased risks in EUGR was identified in either survival VPIs with CHD (aOR: 2.35; 95% CI: 1.31–4.20) or isolated PDA (aOR: 1.53; 95% CI: 1.16–2.01) in survivors. VPIs with either CHD or isolated PDA were associated with significantly prolonged duration of fasting, extended time to achieve full enteral feeding, longer ventilation duration and hospitalization duration. Similar characteristics were also seen in VPIs with isolated PDA, with the exception that VPIs with CHD are more likely to undergo surgical intervention and maintain a prolonged fast after NEC.
CONCLUSIONS. In VPIs with NEC, CHD and isolated PDA are associated with an increased risk in worse outcomes. We recommend that VPIs with cardiac NEC be managed with aggressive treatment and nutrition strategies to prevent EUGR.
Characterization of the complete chloroplast genome and development of molecular markers of Salix
Authors: wang pu , Guo Jiahui , Zhou Jie , wang yixuan
Published: April 2024

Salix is an economically and ecologically multi-functional tree species widely distributed in China. The five species sequenced in this study are of great ornamental value and suitable for plant phytoremediation owing to their ability to absorb heavy metals. Based on high-throughput sequencing to obtain chloroplast genome sequences of Salix, analyze their gene composition and structural characteristics, explore potential molecular markers, and provide a theoretical basis for willow identification and resource classification. Using the leaves of S. argyracea, S. dasyclados, S. eriocephala, S. integra 'Hakuro Nishiki', and S. suchowensis as materials, an improved CTAB method was used to extract chloroplast DNA. The Illumina Nova seq PE150 platform was used for sequencing, and bioinformatics methods were used to compare the structural characteristics and degree of variation of chloroplast genomes in willow species. The chloroplast genome sequences of five willow are highly similar, SSR analysis was performed on the chloroplast genomes of five species, resulting in 276, 269, 270, 273, and 273 SSR loci, respectively. Unique simple repeat sequences were found in each variety. Comparative chloroplast genome analysis of 22 Salix species, it was found that there are differences in the matK-trnQ, ndhC-trnV, psbE-petL, rpl36-rps8, and ndhB-rps7 regions, which can serve as molecular markers for willow resource classification research. We have established an analysis method suitable for chloroplast genome sequencing and structural characteristics of Salix, which enriches the genetic resources of Salix and provides a theoretical basis for the development of molecular markers and the study of interspecific phylogeny in Salix.
FERMT1 contributes to the progression of prostate cancer through the p53 pathway
Authors: Sun Xiang , Fu Lingmin , Chen Qingke
Published: April 2024

Purpose
Fermitin family member 1 (FERMT1) is associated with the progression of different types of cancer. However, its biological functions of FERMT1 in prostate cancer (PC) are unclear. In this study, we preliminarily investigated the roles of FERMT1 and the mechanism by which it regulates the progression of PC.
Methods
The expression level of FERMT1 in PC tissues and cells was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining and Western blotting (WB) assay, respectively. Celigo cell count, cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), flow cytometry, wound healing, Transwell assays and a mouse xenograft model was performed to evaluate the roles of FERMT1 in PC in vitro and in vivo. The interaction between p53 and FERMT1 was further investigated through co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP). Finally, cells were treated with pifithrin-α (PFT-α), a p53 inhibitor, to investigate the regulatory role of p53 in the FERMT1-mediated progression of PC.
Results
FERMT1 was found to be upregulated in PC tissues and cells. Knocking down FERMT1 inhibited proliferation, migration, and cell cycle progression, and induced apoptosis in DU145 and LNCaP cell lines. Deleting FERMT1 also suppressed tumor growth of PC xenografts in vivo. More importantly, FERMT1 was discovered to play a significant role in cellular functions via the p53 signaling pathway, and the effects of FERMT1 knockdown on PC cellular function could be attenuated by pifithrin-α, a p53-inhibitor.
Conclusions
These findings of this study indicated that FERMT1 silencing partially inhibited PC progression via the p53 signaling pathway. Thus, FERMT1 is a promising potential therapeutic target for treating PC.