bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chromosomal mapping of 5S rDNA in two species of the genus Acanthocephalus(Echinorhynchida)
Authors: Orosová Martina , Marková Anna
Published: July 2024

Chromosomal mapping of 5S rDNA in two Acanthocephala species was performed for the first time using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with a 5S rDNA probe. The 5S rDNA PCR products from the genomes of both species were sequenced and aligned and an identical 141 bp long coding region was determined. The same patterns of 5S rDNA gene cluster distribution were observed, with FISH signal restricted to a single autosomal chromosome pair. A preference for distal positioning on the chromosomes (subtelomeric position) was observed, namely on the short arms of the submetacentric chromosome in Acanthocephalus lucii and on the short arms of the acrocentric chromosome in A. anguillae. In addition, two-color FISH was performed to examine the mutual positions of 5S and 18S rDNA on the chromosomes. Our knowledge of the organization of the Acanthocephala genome is extremely limited and its chromosomes are poorly studied. Any new information about the location of chromosomal markers as important features of the respective karyotype may be useful in solving evolutionary questions.
Cumulative damage characteristics of rock samples under cyclic low energy inclined plane impact
Authors: Wang Xinrong , Zou Xu , Lu Zeng-xiang , Wu Xiao-xu
Published: July 2024

To investigate the cumulative damage characteristics and unstable failure mechanism of rock samples under cyclic inclined plane impact loads, an experimental device simulating inclined plane impact, and a drop hammer loading test machine were used to conduct cyclic low-energy impact tests on sandstone samples with five inclined plane angles. The porosity of the sandstone samples was measured using a low magnetic field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) detection system, obtaining the porosity, T2 spectrum distribution, and NMR images of the samples after different numbers of impacts at different slope angles. Under the action of cyclic inclined plane impact loads, the larger the slope angle, the smaller the extent of sample damage. The rock samples with a large inclined angle is more inclined to rupture at the tip of the inclined plane, mainly primarily characterized by shear-tensile failure. The porosity of the small slope angle changes sharply, resulting in greater damage. Under the same impact energy, as the number of impacts increases, the porosity of the samples first decreases, then increases, and then decreases again. This is manifested by large porosity closure after the first impact, followed by small pore expansion into large pores after 5 impacts, leading to gradual degradation of the samples until failure. The main factor affecting the rock samples is the presence of large-sized pores with a spectral area of over 95%. As the number of impacts increases, the quantity of small pores decreases, while the size and quantity of large pores both increase, indicating continuous deterioration of rock sample.
Characteristics of rheumatoid arthritis clinical trials over past decade 2013-2023: current landscape and opportunities for improvement
Authors: Dong Wenliang , Wang Gengchen , Hu Xiaowen , Wang Xue , Fang Yi , Shi Luwen , Nie Xiaoyan
Published: July 2024

Background
There is a disconnection between the continued pressing clinical demand for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatments and the saturation of the current therapeutic markets. The design of rheumatoid arthritis trials might represent one of significant barrier to advancing therapeutic progress. A comprehensive review was performed to evaluate the characteristics of RA trials registered in ClinicalTrials.gov from 2013 to 2023.
Methods
The ClinicalTrials.gov database was searched for trials focused on the RA interventional trials from 2013 to 2023. Interventional drug or biological trials were included. Key characteristics of RA trials were summarized and target population, control groups selection, and clinical endpoints were evaluated.
Results
Between January 2013 and December 2023, 425 RA trials were included. Decreased trial numbers, excessive industry sponsorship, and delayed published results were found. For target population, 28% clinical trials didn’t define distinct RA patients, and 38% of the trials included population with no upper age limit. For control groups, only 36% trials had head-to-head comparisons, 50% were placebo-controlled, where half of placebo-controlled trials were with special design (add-on, early escape, double dummy), and half without any design. For clinical endpoints, ACR20 (24%) and DAS28 (21%) were the most commonly used outcomes, with declining ACR20 and ascending DAS28. Only 7% trials adherence to “treat-to-target” strategy, but the most commonly used outcome measures not aligned with guideline-recommended.
Conclusions
Our study contributes to a nuanced comprehension of the current landscape of RA trials and offers valuable insights for future improvement. This included the necessity of stratifying the target population based on disease activity or treatment history to achieve precision in treatment; considerations of more stringent or sensitive clinical endpoints to provide better discriminatory power; addressing discrepancies between the endpoints selected for treat-to-target and those recommended by guidelines to choose optimal treatment strategy.
Explainable machine learning model for predicting paratracheal lymph node metastasis in cN0 papillary thyroid cancer
Authors: Chun Lin , Wang Denghuan , He Liqiong , Li Donglun , Fu Zhiping , Xue Song , Su Xinliang , Zhou Jing
Published: July 2024

Prophylactic dissection of the paratracheal lymph nodes in clinical lymph node-negative (cN0) papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) remains controversial, as it is difficult to accurately assess the status of the paratracheal lymph nodes preoperatively. This study aimed to construct and validate an interpretable predictive model for paratracheal lymph node metastasis (PLNM) in cN0 PTC using machine learning (ML) methods. We retrospectively selected 3,212 PTC patients treated at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from 2016 to 2020. They were randomly divided into the training and test datasets with a 7:3 ratio. The 533 PTC patients treated at the Guangyuan Central Hospital from 2019 to 2022 were used as an external test set. Nine ML models, including XGBoost, were developed. The predictive performance was evaluated using ROC curves, decision curve analysis (DCA), calibration curves, and precision-recall curves. SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) were used to interpret the top 10 predictive features, and a web-based calculator was created. The XGBoost model achieved AUC values of 0.935, 0.857, and 0.775 in the training, validation, and test sets, respectively, significantly outperforming the traditional nomogram model with AUCs of 0.85, 0.844, and 0.769, respectively. SHAP-based visualizations identified the top ten predictive features: prelaryngeal and pretracheal LNMR, tumor size, pretracheal LNMR, prelaryngeal and pretracheal LNM, age, tumor border, pretracheal LNM, pretracheal NLNM, side of position, calcification. These features were used to develop a web-based calculator. ML is a reliable tool for predicting PLNM in cN0 PTC patients. The SHAP method provides valuable insights into the XGBoost model, and the resultant web-based calculator is a clinically useful tool to assist in the surgical planning for paratracheal lymph node dissection.
Incomplete Radiofrequency Ablation in the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastasis: A Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Lu Huilin , Xie Xuancheng , Xia Xiangwen , Dong Xiangjun , Fan Hongjie , Xu Shufeng
Published: July 2024

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a commonly used interventional method for treating colorectal cancer liver metastases (CLMs), with its efficacy influenced by tumor characteristics and intrahepatic distribution. The presence of incomplete RFA (iRFA) can result in poorer prognosis and may impede the effectiveness of targeted therapies or immunotherapy. Currently, there is a lack of multicenter prospective cohort studies and predictive models for iRFA. This study prospectively included CLM patients from four medical centers who underwent percutaneous RFA to develop and validate a predictive model for iRFA. All patients were followed up, with the occurrence of new intrahepatic metastases (NIHM) and overall survival (OS) assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method. We identified independent predictors of iRFA, including perivascular tumor location (odds ratio [OR] = 3.164), tumor size ≥ 20 mm (OR = 5.639), and minimal ablative margin (OR = 0.607). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.884 for the developmental cohort and 0.857 for the external validation cohort. Compared to the complete RFA group, patients in the iRFA group had a higher incidence of NIHM and shorter OS. However, broader external validation and the inclusion of more variables for comprehensive analysis and balance are still needed.
Differences in self-reported disruptions in mental health treatment during COVID-19 in a national household sample: impact of severity of functional impairment
Authors: Wang Margaret , Graupensperger Scott , olfson mark , Bareis Natalie , edlund mark , Monroe-DeVita Maria , Kessler Ronald , Tennison Mackenzie , Winans Katherine , Chwastiak Lydia
Published: July 2024

Objective: This report uses data from Mental Disorders Prevalence Study (MDPS), a large epidemiologic study that provided national prevalence estimates of seven mental disorders based on the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID), to assess the odds of treatment disruption during COVID for SMI and non-SMI groups.
Methods: This cross-sectional study conducted from 2020 to 2022 included 2,810 household participants with any lifetime mental health treatment. Weighted logistic regressions estimated the odds of reporting disruptions in access to mental health care or psychotropic prescriptions due to COVID. SMI was broadly defined as having an MDP diagnosis and serious functional impairment (GAF ≤50, a validated and widely used cutoff). Non-SMI groups were a mental diagnosis without serious impairment (MDPS diagnosis, GAF >50) and any lifetime treatment and no serious impairment (no MDPS diagnosis, GAF >50).
Results:The SMI and mental disorder without serious impairment groups had approximately 6.4- and 2.4- greater odds, respectively, of reporting inability to access mental health care and 4- and 3- greater odds, respectively, of having prescriptions delayed, relative to the group with any lifetime treatment. Among those with serious mental illness, having Medicare insurance increased the odds of reporting inability to access mental health care.
Conclusions: Individuals with SMI were much more likely to experience treatment disruptions throughout the pandemic than non-SMI groups.
Predicting Hypertension in Rangpur Region: A Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Islam Dina , Akter Taiaba , Tasnim Mst.Nazifa , Ria Most.Sadia Islam , Badhan Iffat Ara , Haque A K M Mahmudul
Published: July 2024

This study presents a machine learning approach to forecast hypertension within urban inhabitants, focusing on the Rangpur district, Bangladesh for data col- lection and model training. Ten machine learning algorithms, such as Logistic Regression, Gaussian Naive Bayes (GNB), Support Vector Machine (SVM), K- Nearest Neighbor (K-NN), Decision Tree (DT), Random Forest (RF), Bagging, AdaBoost, Gradient Boosting (GB), and Extra Tree (ET) are utilized to enhance the accuracy of predicting hypertension risk in this specific region. Data gath- ered from 611 patients across different healthcare facilities, containing details like blood pressure measurements, medical records, and hypertension diagno- sis, form the dataset for analysis. The aim of this research is to enhance early detection techniques and customize public health interventions in Rangpur City. Examination of the primary data establishes a substantial association between hypertension and blood pressure parameters (0.79 for Sys BP, 0.78 for Dia BP) in comparison to other variables. Evaluation of model performance is based on metrics like accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score. Findings demonstrate that the AdaBoost model exhibits superior performance indicators, achieving 98.37% accuracy, 100% precision, 96.87% recall, and an F1-score of 98.39% when trained on 70% of the dataset and evaluated on 30%, with a focus on blood pressure. Even excluding this attribute, the AdaBoost model surpasses others with 78.86% accu- racy, 77.14% precision, 84.38% recall, and an F1-score of 78.79% when trained on 80% of the dataset and tested on 20%. By prioritizing early detection and pre- ventive healthcare, Bangladesh’s healthcare system can diminish expenses linked to costly therapies and hospital stays.
Comparative real-world retention rate and safety of Biosimilar IBI303 versus Humira in Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: Cheng Xiaogui , Fu Zhongchao , Liu Jiang , Cheng Beibei , Shi Rangeng , Xu Xiayan , Zhang Peng , Cao Weiling , Cao Yaohua
Published: July 2024

OBJECTIVE
Biosimilars play an important role in reducing the economic burden on patients, but the effectiveness of biosimilars in real-world is also being challenged, Therefore, we evaluated Humira and IBI303 for ankylosing spondylitis by retention rate and safety through real-world data.
METHODS
We extracted patient information from the hospital information system of Shenzhen Luohu People’s Hospital, the time range is from May 1, 2020, to December 31, 2023, and conducted a retrospective study. The primary study outcome was the adalimumab retention rate at week 52 and it was estimated through survival analysis.
RESULTS
The data of 106 patients with ankylosing spondylitis were analyzed. The retention rates of 38 patients using Humira at 12 week and 52 week were 0.87 (95% CI: 0.81to 0.92) and 0.44 (95% CI: 0.34, 0.52), in IBI303 group were 0.90 (95% CI: 0.68 to 0.93),0.63 (95% CI: 0.57 to 0.69), respectively. Drug exposure every 4 weeks of first 52 weeks were 55.0 (44.2–66.7) and 55.6 (43.3–69.6) in Humira and IBI303 group, respectively. The incidence of adverse reactions was no statistically significant difference between the Humira and IBI303 groups (P > 0.05). However, The Humira group had significantly higher median costs in the first year than the IBI303 group (P = 0.004).
CONCLUSION
In Chinese ankylosing spondylitis patients, there is no difference in retention rate and safety between generic and brand-name adalimumab in real world use, but IBI303 is the more cost-effective choice.
Transformer-based classification of visceral pain-related local field potential patterns in the brain
Authors: Kayama Tasuku , Tamura Atsushi , Xiaoying Tuo , Tsutsui Ken-Ichiro , Kitajo Keiichi , Sasaki Takuya
Published: July 2024

Neuronal ensemble activity entrained by local field potential (LFP) patterns underlies a variety of brain functions, including emotion, cognition, and pain perception. Recent advances in machine learning approaches may enable more effective methods for analyzing LFP patterns across multiple brain areas than conventional time-frequency analysis. In this study, we tested the performance of two machine learning algorithms, AlexNet and the Transformer models, to classify LFP patterns in eight pain-related brain regions before and during acetic acid-induced visceral pain behaviors. Over short time windows lasting several seconds, applying AlexNet to LFP power datasets, but not to raw time-series LFP traces from multiple brain areas, successfully achieved superior classification performance compared with simple LFP power analysis. Furthermore, applying the Transformer directly to the raw LFP traces achieved significantly superior classification performance than AlexNet when using LFP power datasets. These results demonstrate the utility of the Transformer in the analysis of neurophysiological signals, and pave the way for its future applications in the decoding of more complex neuronal activity patterns.
Production and Biological Activities of Exopolysaccharides Synthesized by Thermophilic Bacilli Isolated from Hot Springs in Türkiye
Authors: Aytar Mehmet , Uygun Deniz Aktaş , Başbülbül Gamze
Published: July 2024

A total of one hundred seven thermophilic bacteria were screened for their ability to produce exopolysaccharides. Nine isolates belonging to Geobacillus, Parageobacillus, Aeribacillus and Anoxybacillus genera with highest EPS quantities were chosen and purified EPSs used for biological activity studies. EPS yields of selected thermophilic bacteria ranged between 117–419 mg/L. Among the tested EPSs, 61, 106 and 261 showed antibacterial effect against E. faecalis JH2-2 at a concentration of 15 mg/mL. EPS samples had significant antioxidant capacity, especially EPS 134, with highest DPPH radical scavenging activity of 100% at a concentration of 5 mg/mL and strongest reducing power. EPS 20, showed highest lipid peroxidation inhibition effect at a rate of 31%. EPSs displayed weak alpha amylase inhibition activity when compared with standart acarbose. The prebiotic indices of EPSs 20, 61, 76, 89, 134 and 261 were found to be higher than that of inulin, a representative prebiotic carbohydrate for all tested lactic acid bacteria in the study. All examined EPSs inhibited the biofilms formed by various bacteria depending on the test strain. Results indicated that thermophilic EPSs had remarkable antioxidant, prebiotic, and antibiofilm activities. Therefore, EPSs characterized in this study may have technological applications in health and food fields.
Genome-wide association studies revealed genetic loci and candidate genes for pod-related traits in peanut
Authors: Chen Wen , Yue Yunlai , Chen Chengmeng , Yang Junchen , Chen Yong , Zhang Hui
Published: July 2024

Peanut pod maturity and splitting are two important traits that can significantly affect yields and quality. However, the investigation of the natural variability and genetic underpinnings of these two characteristics in peanuts remains limited. In this research, a comprehensive genome-wide association studies (GWAS) was carried out to analyze peanut pod maturity and splitting percentage utilizing U.S. peanut mini core collection. A total of 19 distinct single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected from this study, with 6 and 13 SNPs being specifically linked to pod maturity and splitting traits, respectively. Based on these loci, a total of 95 genes were identified. Our study has important practical and theoretical significance for the molecular breeding of high-yielding peanuts and the development of superior high-yield peanut varieties.
Assessing hand motor function in chronic immune-mediated neuropathies - a proof-of-concept study using a data glove
Authors: Gilliam Elisa , Achenbach Pascal , Suemmermann Gernot J. , Wessely Manuel N. , Rossmanith Peter , Dohrn Maike F. , Schulz Jörg B. , Waschbisch Anne , Brunkhorst Robert
Published: July 2024

Background
Chronic immune-mediated neuropathies are clinically heterogeneous and require regular, objective, and multidimensional monitoring to individualize treatment. However, established outcome measures are insufficient regarding measurement quality criteria or functional relevance. Wearables such as data gloves might be helpful, allowing repeated quantification of complex everyday life-relevant motor function of the hand. This proof-of-concept study therefore aimed to evaluate validity and test-retest reliability of a data glove, as well as its ability to identify and monitor patients with hand motor impairment.
Methods
25 patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy or multifocal motor neuropathy were followed-up for at time points during maintenance therapy with intravenous immunoglobulin. 14 of them showed clinically relevant hand motor impairment. We examined the patients’ hand function using a data glove which quantifies the range of motion (ROM) of the hand based on three different movement patterns. In addition, clinical outcome parameters (grip strength measurement, MRC Sum Score, INCAT disability score), nerve conduction studies (NCS), and high-resolution ultrasound (HRUS) were performed, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) like the R-ODS were assessed. We calculated correlation coefficients, performed Receiver operating characteristic-, as well as correlation analyses for the glove data and clinical outcome parameters. Longitudinal analyses were based on a Linear Mixed Model.
Results
We found good to excellent test-retest reliability for the ROM in all glove movement patterns (Intraclass correlation coefficients = 0.83–0.94), underlining the ability to capture clinical stability. Moreover, the glove revealed sufficient sensitivity and specificity in recognizing hand motor impairment (area under the curve (AUC): 0.714–0.780) and was superior to NCS and HRUS (AUC: 0.552/0.701). Additionally, the data glove proofed to be a valid tool, as we demonstrated moderate to strong, significant correlations between the glove and established clinical parameters (esp. Vigorimeter), as well as PROMs (esp. R-ODS).
Conclusions
This data glove allowed for a non-invasive assessment of the hand motor function and yielded investigator-independent results that reliably reflected individual functional deficits with relevance to everyday life. Further studies should examine the ability to predict clinically meaningful response to immunomodulatory treatment as well as to support and monitor rehabilitation progress, also including other neurological diseases.
Microbacterium rhizophilus sp. nov., an indole acetic acid-producing actinobacterium isolated from rhizosphere soil
Authors: Liu Haifei , Yang Quan , Li Jiawei , Yang Lifang , Zhao Aolin , Huang Ying , Liu Hongcun , Wu Shujing , Jiang Mingguo
Published: July 2024

A novel gram-positive, short rod, aerobic, non-motile and non-spore-forming actinobacterial strain, designated GXG1230T was isolated from the rhizosphere soil of a coastal mangrove forest in Beihai city, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, PR China. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA sequences revealed that strain GXG1230T was affiliated with the genus Microbacterium. Additionally, it demonstrated a high degree of similarity to Microbacterium paludicola US15T (97.9%) and Microbacterium marinilacus YM11-607T (97.3%). Chemotaxonomic characteristics showed that the whole-cell sugars were glucose, xylose, rhamnose, galactose and malados. Menaquinones MK-11 and MK-12 were detected as respiratory quinones. Lysine was found in the peptidoglycan hydrolysate and the polar lipids were diphosphatidyl glycerol, phospholipids and unidentified glycolipid. The major fatty acids were iso-C14:0, iso-C16:0, anteiso-C15:0 and anteiso-C17:0. The strain GXG1230T exhibited a genomic DNA G + C content of 71.7%. Furthermore, the average nucleotide identity values of GXG1230T with the reference strain were 75.4% and 81.9%, respectively, while the digital DNA-DNA hybridization values were 20.1% and 25.0%. Based on physiological, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic information, strain GXG1230T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Microbacterium, for which the name Microbacterium rhizophilus sp.nov is proposed, with GXG1230T (= MCCC 1K09223T = KCTC 59252T) as the type strain.
Pancreatic Masses in Children: A Single-Center Experience Over Two Decades
Authors: McRae Joyce J. L. H. , Thobani Humza , Sacks Marla A. , Raymond Steven L. , Shah Adil , Radulescu Andrei , Khan Faraz A.
Published: July 2024

Purpose: Pancreatic masses are extremely rare in pediatric patients, with limited data available. This lack of data makes the diagnosis and management of these tumors in children extremely challenging. Therefore, we aimed to describe the presentations, clinical course, and outcomes of children with pancreatic tumors at our center.
Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed of all pediatric patients diagnosed with pancreatic masses between 2003 and 2022 in an academic freestanding children’s hospital. Data including demographics, clinical presentation, workup, management, and subsequent morbidity and mortality, were collected and aggregated. Furthermore, we reviewed cases of pancreatic tumor resections in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program – Pediatric (NSQIP-P) database to identify common adverse outcomes and measures for quality improvement.
Results: In total, 17 patients were identified at our institution. Diagnoses included Solid Pseudopapillary (n=9), Gastrinoma (n=1), Rhabdomyosarcoma (n=2), Pancreatoblastoma (n=2), Insulinoma (n=1). Two patients did not have a histopathologic diagnosis and were excluded from subsequent analysis. Overall, 12 patients underwent surgical intervention, with the most common procedures being pancreaticoduodenectomy and distal pancreatectomy, and all 12 were known to be alive at last contact. There were 3 deaths, all due to complications related to metastatic disease. Furthermore, 30-day postoperative outcomes in the NSQIP-P dataset are excellent, with negligible morbidity and no mortalities after the index surgery.
Conclusions: Children with pancreatic tumors amenable to surgical resection appear to have adequate long-term survival. Short-term outcomes at diagnosis are excellent and mainly appear to be influenced by the presence of metastatic disease at initial presentation.
Evidence based practices in music therapy education: An international survey
Authors: Short Alison , Heiderscheit Annie
Published: July 2024

Despite considerable improvements in the clinical practice evidence base, scant evidence exists about music therapy teaching practices either locally or worldwide and how to best convey music therapy knowledge and skills via the learning and teaching process. Our broad study explores educational practices of music therapy educators around the world via a custom designed and internationally disseminated survey tool. The current paper focuses particularly on the seven research-based principles which support excellence in teaching and learning (Ambrose et al., 2010) and how these are applied within the international music therapy education community. Sixty-one experienced music therapy educators from 19 countries completed the mixed method online survey, with data analysed statistically and thematically. Results suggest that music therapy educators currently reflect on their teaching practices but need further information about educational research to support their training needs. Findings further suggest that additional evidence-based teaching materials need to be developed, provided, and accessed to support music therapy educators around the world.
Feasibility and Safety of Robotic Assisted Surgical Approach in Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome – A Systematic Review
Authors: Gunjiganvi Mallikarjun , Marthandam Sri Kanth , Murugesan Rajeswari , Palaniappan Raj
Published: July 2024

Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) is rare syndrome and is diagnosis of exclusion. Though first robotic median arcuate ligament release (MALR) was described in 2007, there are only a few case reports (CR), case series (CS) and retrospective cohort studies (RCS) published in literature. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and safety of robotic assisted MALR (r-MALR). PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases were searched (last search December 2023) for articles reporting R-MALR. All studies including CR, CS, RCS reporting technical feasibility (operating time and rate of conversions; safety (intraoperative complications, blood loss, post-operative complications), and outcome (length of stay [LoS]) were included (PROSPERO: CRD42024502792). A total of 23 studies (8-CR, 5-CS, 10-RCS) with total 290 patients were available in literature. Except 1-RCS, all studies reported age and mean age for CR was 40.38 ± 17.7, for CS 36.08 ± 15.12, for RS 39.72 ± 7.35 years; except 2-RCS, all studies reported gender distribution and there were 57 males and 214 females. Operating time – 3-CR, 4-CS, 9-RCS reported operating time and mean time was 111 ± 54, 131.69 ± 7.51, 117.34 ± 35.03 min respectively. Conversion rate: All studies reported data on conversion and only 4 (1.37%) cases were converted – 1 to laparoscopic approach, 3 to open approach (1-inadvertent celiac arteriotomy, 2-reasons not mentioned). Intra-operative complications: only 5-CR, 4-CS and 9-RCS reported data on intra-operative complications and there were only 6 complications (1.5%): 1-inadvertent celiac arteriotomy converted to open; 3- unnamed vascular injuries (2 managed robotically, 1-converted to open); 1-bleeding managed robotically; There were no other reported injuries. Estimated blood loss ranged from 5-30ml. Post-operative complications: 5-CR, 4-CS, 8-RCS described post-operative complications in 21 (7%) patients. 20 cases were grade I, 1 was grade IIIa and all managed successfully. LoS stay: 2-CR, 4-CS, 10-RCS reported LoS and overall, it was 2 days. R-MALR is reasonable, technically feasible, safe and has acceptable outcomes. Additionally robotic approach provided superior vision, improved dexterity, precise and easy circumferential dissection. PROSPERO registration: the protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42024502792).
Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis of Equivalent Iwan Model Considering Threaded Connections
Authors: Sun Litai , Li Ling , Gao Xiaochan
Published: July 2024

Aiming at the complex geometric nonlinearity of the threaded connection and its contact behavior, a finite element model equivalent to the Iwan model is constructed for nonlinear analysis of the threaded connection. Firstly, the subroutine of the equivalent Iwan model is constructed to simulate the nonlinear contact behavior of the threaded connection; then, the finite element model of the threaded connection is constructed in Abaqus software to simulate the relationship between the torque and the preload force of the threads during tightening, and the accuracy and nonlinearity are verified with the theoretical model; finally, the influences of the coefficient of friction and the rotational amplitude on the mechanical response of the threaded connection are explored. The results show that the finite element model based on the Iwan model can accurately capture the contact behavior of the threaded joint; the increase of the friction coefficient will increase the friction between the contact surfaces, which will increase the preload force, but it may also increase the stress concentration and the risk of deformation; the increase of the rotational amplitude can increase the preload force, but it may also lead to the stress concentration and increase the risk of plastic deformation of the structure.
Efficacy of the combination of transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation(TTNS) and mirabegron in women with overactive bladder: a prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Xu Ya-Xiong , Xiong Yu , Tian Hong-qiang , Yang Yan-hao , Tao Rong-zhen , Li Yun-Peng
Published: July 2024

Objective: The management of overactive bladder (OAB) in women encompasses a range of strategies, from behavioral modifications to pharmacotherapy and nerve stimulation techniques. This prospective, randomized, controlled trial evaluates the efficacy of the combination of TTNS and mirabegron in symptom improvement over three months in women diagnosed with OAB.
Patients and Methods: The study was designed as a randomized controlled trial. A total of 40 patients were prospectively randomized into two groups. Twenty patients in the combination group accepted TTNS and mirabegron therapy, and the other 20 patients as control only accepted mirabegron therapy. Primary outcomes were changes from baseline in the lower urinary tract symptoms. The severity of symptoms and quality of life (QoL) were assessed using the validated OAB questionnaire (OAB-q).
Results: TTNS reduced the clinical symptoms of OAB, and the difference was statistically significant at all study sites (p<0.05). Regarding secondary outcomes, the OAB-q symptom bother score was lower in the combination group than in the mirabegron group (p<0.05). The OAB-q score in the combination group was statistically superior to that in the mirabegron group (p<0.05). The incidence of complications was not statistically significant between the two groups.
Conclusion: The combination of TTNS and mirabegron represents a promising therapeutic strategy for women with overactive bladder, significantly improving symptoms and quality of life with a favorable safety profile. Further research with a larger sample size and long-term follow-up is warranted to confirm these findings and explore the underlying mechanisms of this combination therapy’s efficacy.
A mechanistic Study of the electrochemical reaction between nitrostyrene and benzaldehyde; DFT calculations on all possible routes and intermediates
Authors: Shirvani Donya , Tavakol Hossein , Abedini Mahshid
Published: July 2024

A theoretical investigation of electrochemical reaction between β-nitrostyrene and benzaldehyde was conducted at the DFT M06-2X/def2-TZVP level of theory. The reaction mechanism was dissected into five proposed routes, via 3 pathways, concluding to 4 possible products (P1 to P4). To gain a comprehensive understanding, we explored these routes both in the gas phase and in solution using three solvents: dimethylformamide, methanol, and water. In the gas phase, the overall barriers of these five routes (the energy in parentheses refers to the relative G versus reactants in kcal/mol) are in this order: A2 (-48.22) < A1 (21.29) < C1 (21.59) < B (29.81) < C2 (77.59). The ΔG for the formation of four products (the energy in parentheses refers to the relative G versus reactants in kcal/mol) are in this order: P2 (-233.40) < P4 (-82.13) < P3 (-74.18) < P1 (-46.97). Therefore, in the extra amount of both benzaldehyde and proton, P2 is the major product, in the extra amount of benzaldehyde and minimum amount of proton, P1 is preferred, and in the small amount of benzaldehyde and proton, P4 is preferred (only via C1 route). In the solvents, despite the gas phase data, path B and product P3 are a favorable path and product. Thermodynamically, the average relative G in three solvents for P3 is -112.09 kcal/mol, for P2 is -112.1, for P4 is -118.46, and for P1 is -60.25. Kinetically, the average relative G in three solvents for the transition states of P3 is -8.25 kcal/mol, P2 is -42.84, P4 is 34.16 via route C1 and 29.05 via route C2, and P1 is 95.81. Therefore, in the excess concentration of proton, P2 is the most favorable product by both kinetic and thermodynamic data and the for P low concentration of proton, P3 is the most favorable product.
Astrocytic DLL4-NOTCH1 signaling pathway promotes neuroinflammation via the IL-6-STAT3 axis
Authors: Mora Pierre , Laisné Margaux , Bourguignon Célia , Rouault Paul , Jaspard-Vinassa Béatrice , Maitre Marlène , Gadeau Alain-Pierre , Renault Marie-Ange , Horng Sam , couffinhal Thierry , Chapouly Candice
Published: July 2024

Under neuroinflammatory conditions, astrocytes acquire a reactive phenotype that drives acute inflammatory injury as well as chronic neurodegeneration. We hypothesized that astrocytic Delta-like 4 (DLL4) may interact with its receptor NOTCH1 on neighboring astrocytes to regulate astrocyte reactivity via downstream juxtacrine signaling pathways. Here we investigated the role of astrocytic DLL4 on neurovascular unit homeostasis under neuroinflammatory conditions. We probed for downstream effectors of the DLL4-NOTCH1 axis and targeted these for therapy in two models of CNS inflammatory disease. We first demonstrated that astrocytic DLL4 is upregulated during neuroinflammation, both in mice and humans, driving astrocyte reactivity and subsequent blood-brain barrier permeability and inflammatory infiltration. We then showed that the DLL4-mediated NOTCH1 signaling in astrocytes directly drives IL-6 levels, induces STAT3 phosphorylation promoting upregulation of astrocyte reactivity markers, pro-permeability factor secretion and consequent blood-brain barrier destabilization. Finally we revealed that blocking DLL4 with antibodies improves experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis symptoms in mice, identifying a potential novel therapeutic strategy for CNS autoimmune demyelinating disease. As a general conclusion, this study demonstrates that DLL4-NOTCH1 signaling is not only a key pathway in vascular development and angiogenesis, but also in the control of astrocyte reactivity during neuroinflammation.
The Synthesis and Characterization of O-Dianisidine Derived Crosslinked Trimeric and Tetrameric Polyphosphazene Microspheres
Authors: DEMİRCİOĞLU Yasemin SÜZEN , KARAÇIRAY Zafer
Published: July 2024

Phosphazenes can react with compounds with various functional groups to form compounds with different properties, and polymers with various usage areas can be obtained under suitable conditions. A class of materials known for its versatility and sophisticated nature, crosslinked polyphosphazenes combine a phosphorus-nitrogen backbone with a variety of organic side groups to form a unique inorganic-organic hybrid structure. The crosslinking process, whether it be chemical, photochemical, or thermal, results in notable improvements in mechanical strength, chemical resistance, thermal stability, and biocompatibility. These properties make crosslinked polyphosphazenes highly suitable for a range of applications including biomedical devices, drug delivery systems, controlled drug release, enzyme activities, tissue engineering scaffolds, surgical materials, hydrophilic-hydrofobic materials, liquid crystals, sensors, thermal resistant materials, ion transfer membranes, catalysis support, dye adsorption for green chemistry environmental remediation technologies, and advanced coatings and adhesives. Their potential utility is further expanded by the capacity to modify the side groups and crosslinking density of these materials to tune their physical and chemical features. Crosslinked polyphosphazenes are being explored and optimized for synthesis and use in several sectors of research, thereby placing them as essential materials for future technological breakthroughs.
In this study, cyclomatrix polyphosphazene microspheres were synthesized from the reactions of o-dianisidine (o- DNSD) as monomer and hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene (trimer, N₃P₃Cl₆) /octachlorocyclotetraphosphazene (tetramer, N4P4Cl8), as crosslinking agents, according to the precipitation polymerization method. The characterization of the products were elucidated by SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) , FT-IR (Fourier- Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) and XRD (X-Ray Diffraction Spectroscopy) spectral techniques.
Supplementary Fit; A complement to current engineering team selection models
Authors: Hajarolasvadi Hossein , Shahhosseini Vahid
Published: July 2024

Teams are the building blocks in project-oriented organizations. Although project teams’ effectiveness directly affects companies’ performance, team selection has long been a challenge. Many models have been developed so far to address this need. However, almost all these models solely focus on the individual competencies of candidates rather than the quality of interpersonal relationships between team members. Ignoring social and psychological criteria in selecting teams is one of the most significant shortcomings of the project team selection process. The difficulty in incorporating qualitative social issues and interpersonal relationships into quantitative models is recognized as the main obstacle. This article addresses this gap by developing a model based on the concepts of person-team fit and sociometry. The model considers social criteria in team selection with a practical approach using sociometric tests. It can be used as a complement to current procedures by providing supplementary fit within team members.
Placental TRPV2 is indispensable for normal fetal development.
Authors: De Clercq Katrien , Perez-Garcia Vicente , Panda Amitesh , López-Tello Jorge , Maksym Katarzyna , David Anna , Broeck Evy Van Den , Luyten Katrien , Segal Andrei , Katanosaka Yuki , vennekens rudi , Pasque Vincent , Sferruzzi-Perri Amanda , Voets Thomas , Vriens Joris
Published: July 2024

TRPV2 is a calcium-permeable ion channel with a broad expression pattern that contributes to neuronal outgrowth, immune response, and cardiac function. Mice lacking Trpv2 are more susceptible to perinatal lethality, a phenotype that cannot be explained by its previously allocated functions. We recently reported functional TRPV2 expression in mouse trophoblast cells and described temporal expression changes during placental development in mice. Here, we provide compelling evidence that TRPV2 plays a vital role in normal placental development, determining fetal size and survival. Specifically, Trpv2 is abundantly present in a subset of murine placental syncytiotrophoblast cells II (SynTII) during early development. Its absence results in region-specific loss of SynTII cells and fetal vascular invasion, severely affecting placental morphology. Consequently, global Trpv2 knockout mice suffer from fetal growth restriction and embryonic lethality, a phenotype found to be allocated to a non-redundant role in the trophoblast, but not in the embryo. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated Trpv2 deletion in mouse trophoblast stem cells identified a critical role of Trpv2 in the differentiation process towards SynTII cells, which was confirmed by the growth restriction phenotype in SynTII-specific Trpv2 knockout animals. TRPV2 expression was abundantly detected in human syncytiotrophoblast cells differentiated from trophoblast stem cells, suggesting a conserved role for TRPV2 in human trophoblast differentiation. Finally in the human placenta, TRPV2 expression was lower in early-onset fetal growth restriction compared to appropriately grown pregnancies. Taken together, our findings identify for the first time the indispensable role of TRPV2 during placental development, arbitrating fetal outcomes.
Care pathways for critically ill children aged 0-5 years arriving at district hospitals in Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali, and Niger (2022): a cross-sectional study.
Authors: GRES Emelyne , Louart Sarah , Méda Bertrand , Peters-Bokol Lucie , G Désiré Kargougou , Hedible Gildas Boris , Sawadogo Abdoul Guaniyi , Zair Zineb , Kolié Jacques Séraphin , Bonnet Emmanuel , Ridde Valéry , Leroy Valériane
Published: July 2024

Background.
Under-five mortality remains high in West Africa, where sick children are expected to first attend the primary health care before being referred to a hospital if necessary. However, little is known about how families navigate between home and higher levels of care to meet their children’s health needs, despite multiple known barriers (including social, financial, and geographical accessibility). We analysed the care pathways of children aged 0-5 years before they presented to the district hospital with a serious illness and the determinants of these care pathways in four West African countries.
Methods.
From May to August 2022, we conducted a cross-sectional study over a one-month data collection in seven district hospitals participating in the AIRE project aimed to introduce pulse oximetry at primary health care level in Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali, and Niger. All children aged 0-5 years, classified as severe or priority cases by clinicians at referral district hospitals were included after parental consent. Data about care pathways since the onset of their disease were collected from caregivers, and the Levesque framework was used to analyse the accessibility issues.
Results.
A total of 861 severely ill children were included, with 33% being neonates: 20.3% in Burkina Faso, 9.2% in Guinea, 9.5% in Mali, and 61% in Niger. In Burkina Faso and Niger, most children followed the recommended care pathway and first visited a primary health centre before arriving at the hospital, with 81.1% and 73.3% of children, respectively. However, they were only 51.2% in Mali and 13.9% in Guinea. Using alternative pathways was common, particularly in Guinea, where 30.4% of children first consulted a pharmacist, and Mali, where 25.6% consulted a traditional medicine practitioner. Overall, primary care was perceived to be more geographically accessible and less expensive, but parents were much less convinced that it could improve their child's health compared to hospital care.
Conclusion.
The recommended pathway is largely adhered to, yet parallel pathways require attention, notably in Guinea and Mali. A better understanding of healthcare-seeking behaviours can help remove barriers to care, improving the likelihood that a sick child will receive optimal care.
Additive and partially dominant effects contribute to crop heterosis
Authors: Dan Zhiwu , Chen Yunping , Zhow Wei , Xu Yanghong , Huang Junran , Chen Yi , Meng Jizhou , Yao Guoxin , Huang Wenchao
Published: July 2024

The molecular mechanisms of heterosis remain debated due to discrepancies in factors such as species, phenotypes, hybrid populations, developmental stages or growth environments. Here, heterosis-associated genes and metabolites were screened from differential molecules in parents, and the main inheritance patterns of these molecules were additive and partially dominant effects, namely, at the middle parent levels and between the parental and middle parent levels. The additive and partially dominant effects contributed to heterosis of 17 rice agronomic traits, including grain yield and plant height across developmental stages, and to heterosis of F1 hybrids from different populations or environments in both rice and maize. Furthermore, the two inheritance patterns were associated with parental genomic variants, particularly unique single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and insertions/deletions (InDels), which were correlated with heterosis of agronomic traits. Our study systematically integrates parental genetic variation and highlights the predominant genetic effects of additive and partially dominant in crop heterosis.
Damage assessment of truss structures via finite element model update using a combined TLBO-SAP2000 OAPI approach
Authors: Özgan Korhan , Kahya Volkan , Şimşek Sebahat
Published: July 2024

While numerous methodologies for identifying structural damages through finite element (FE) model updating and optimization algorithms have been developed and validated for accuracy, certain unresolved issues necessitate further investigation. The establishment of a numerical model is imperative for damage assessment through model updating, particularly for complex engineering structures with numerous elements, such as trusses, which demand substantial effort. Utilizing commercial software can offer significant convenience in this context. To cope with this challenge, we propose a FE model update strategy employing the SAP2000 Open Application Programming Interface (OAPI) and Teaching-Learning-Based Optimization (TLBO) for evaluating damages in complex truss structures. The FE model of the monitored structure is, first, constituted via SAP2000 software. Subsequently, the damage assessment of the structure is formulated as an unconstrained optimization problem. An objective function is defined as a weighted linear combination of three modal parameters: frequency, Coordinate Modal Assurance Criterion (COMAC), and flexibility. For the identification and quantification of stiffness degradation induced by damage, the optimization problem is addressed through TLBO. The iterative optimization process is automated by establishing a linkage between MATLAB and SAP2000 through the OAPI feature of SAP2000. The efficacy of the proposed approach is demonstrated through two numerical test examples, accounting for measurement noise and sparse measured data.