bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinicopathological characteristics of four major histological types of high-grade parotid carcinoma
Authors: Kawata Ryo , Kinoshita Ichita , Jinnin Tsuyoshi , Higashino Masaaki , Terada Tetsuya , Kurisu Yoshitaka , Hirose Yoshinobu , Tochizawa Takeshi
Published: August 2023

Objective High-grade parotid carcinoma generally has a poor prognosis, and the histological type is mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC), salivary duct carcinoma (SDC), carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (CEPA), or adenoid cystic carcinoma (AdCC) in the majority of cases.
Methods During the 23-year period from September 1999 to December 2022, 250 patients with parotid carcinoma underwent initial treatment and had the histopathological type of their carcinoma. Retrospective study evaluated 111 MEC, SDC, CEPA, or AdCC cases among 134 patients with high-grade parotid carcinoma. We examined pathological and clinical features and prognosis, evaluated factors associated with recurrence, and performed immunohistological examinations.
Results Pathological and clinical features and factors associated with recurrence were different for each histological type. The 10-year disease-free survival rates were as follows: MEC, 34.9%; SDC, 22.6%; CEPA, 47.1%; and AdCC, 56.3%. Human epidermal growth factor receptor type-2 and androgen receptor were positive in 48% and 56% of patients with SDC, respectively, 38% and 25% of those with CEPA.
Conclusion Each histological type has its own pathological and clinical features, recurrence types, and tumor activities, suggesting that differentiating between high-grade parotid carcinomas according to histological type will improve diagnosis, and thus prognosis.
Serum Neurofilament Light Chain in COVID-19 and the Influence of Renal Function
Authors: Körtvelyessy Péter , Diekämper Elena , Ruprecht Klemens , Endres Matthias , Stubbemann Paula , Kurth Florian , Graw Jan , Menk Mario , Kuhle Jens , Wohlrab Felix
Published: August 2023

COVID-19 is associated with various neurological symptoms. Serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) is a robust marker for neuroaxonal injury. Recent studies have shown that elevated levels of sNfL are associated with unfavourable outcome in COVID-19 patients. However, neuroaxonal injury is rare in COVID-19, and renal dysfunction as well as hypoxia, both of which are known in severe COVID-19, can also increase sNfL levels. Thus, the meaning and mechanisms of sNfL elevation in COVID-19 patients remain unclear. We evaluated sNfL levels in 48 patients with COVID-19 (mean age = 63 years) and correlated them to clinical outcome, the form of oxygen therapy, and creatinine. Levels of sNfL were age-adjusted and compared with normal values and z-scores. COVID-19 patients treated with nasal cannula had normal sNfL levels (mean sNfL = 19.6 pg/ml) as well as patients with high flow treatment (mean sNfL = 40.8 pg/ml). Serum-NfL levels were statistically significantly higher in COVID-19 patients treated with mechanical ventilation on intensive care unit (ICU) (mean sNfL = 195.7 pg/ml, p < 0.01). There was a strong correlation between sNfL elevation and unfavourable outcome in COVID-19 patients (p < 0.01). However, serum creatinine levels correlated directly and similarly with sNfL elevation and with unfavourable outcome in COVID-19 patients (p < 0.01). Additionally, multivariate analysis for serum creatinine and sNfL showed that both variables are jointly associated with clinical outcomes. Our results identify renal dysfunction as an important possible confounder for sNfL elevation in COVID-19. Thus, serum creatinine and renal dysfunction should be strongly considered in studies evaluating sNfL as a biomarker in COVID-19.
Cultural Awareness of Photovoltaic Technologies in Mosque Communities in Rural Java
Authors: Mutaqi Ahmad Saifudin , Suparwoko Suparwoko , Adinandra Sisdarmanto , Qamar Fadhil Ahmad
Published: August 2023

The international community recognizes the role of culture in sustainable development, which is included in the 2030 Agenda and formulated in the SDGs goals since 2015. Cultural awareness in rural communities in Indonesia is well developed, as evidenced by their daily experiences, but not necessarily towards “renewable energy culture”. A culture-aware society is characterized by a cooperative attitude and openness to cultural and technological developments. This study aimed to determine the “effectiveness of working in partnership” of the An-Nur Mosque community in Berbah village on Java island through the use of photovoltaic (PV) technology on the roofs of mosque buildings. The two theoretical frameworks guiding this research are culture-aware theory, which emphasizes the ability to collaborate, and renewable energy theory, to be implemented in PV technology. The main research objective is mapping and quantifying effective partnership models in mosque communities that have installed PV technologies. We first determined the amount of PV energy produced in the community and then linked it to the degree of cultural awareness using a descriptive qualitative method with a deductive approach in the context of partnership collaboration. The cooperative attitude of the community was assessed based on providing 1) resources; 2) knowledge and expertise; 3) time and economy; 4) communication; and 5) problem-solving skills. The study results indicate that the PV installation's success depends on the partnerships between mosque communities and an external technical advisor as measured by the degree of available community resources and the level of assistance and communication during the PV installation.
Long-Term Outcomes of Anti-VEGF Therapy with and without Posterior Scleral Reinforcement on Myopic Maculopathy in mCNV Eyes
Authors: Kang Meng-Tian , Wang Ningli , Xu Wenjun , Yusufu Mayinuer , Liu Wu , Tian Jiaxin , Qi Yue
Published: August 2023

Background
Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy is used for myopic choroidal neovascularization (mCNV). Patchy chorioretinal atrophy (pCRA) enlargement has been reported in mCNV cases associated with vision loss. Our aim was to compare the long-term effectiveness of anti-VEGF therapy alone versus anti-VEGF followed by posterior scleral reinforcement (PSR) in controlling myopic maculopathy in mCNV eyes.
Methods
We performed a retrospective review of the medical records of 95 high myopia patients (refractive error ≥ 6.00 diopters, axial length ≥ 26.0 mm) with mCNV. Patients were treated with anti-VEGF alone (group A) or anti-VEGF followed by PSR (group B). The following data were collected: refractive error, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), ophthalmic fundus examination, ocular coherence tomography and ocular biometry at 12 and 24 months pre- and postoperatively. The primary outcomes were changes in pCRA and BCVA.
Results
In 26 eyes of 24 patients, the mean pCRA size significantly increased from baseline (0.88 ± 1.69 mm2) to 12 months (1.57 ± 2.32 mm2, t = 3.249, P = 0.003) and 24 months (2.17 ± 2.79 mm2, t = 3.965, P = 0.001) postoperatively. The increase in perilesional pCRA in group B was 98.2% and 94.2% smaller than that in group A at 12 and 24 months (Beta 0.57 [95% CI 0.01, 191 1.13], P = 0.048). In group B, 7 eyes (58.3%) gained more than 2 lines of BCVA compared with only 4 eyes (28.6%) in group A at 24 months.
Conclusion
Anti-VEGF therapy followed by PSR achieved better outcomes than anti-VEGF therapy alone in controlling the development of myopic maculopathy in mCNV and may constitute a better treatment option by securing a better long-term VA outcome.
Revealing the degradation pathways of layered Li-rich oxide cathodes
Authors: He Xin , Liu Zhimeng , Zeng Yuqiang , Tan Junyang , Wang Hailong , Zhu Yudong , Geng Xin , Guttmann Peter , Hou Xu , Yang Yang , Xu Yunkai , Cloetens Peter , Wei Yinping , Lu Jun , Li Jie , Liu Bilu , Winter Martin , Kostecki Robert , Lin Yuanjing
Published: August 2023

Layered Li-rich transition metal oxides (LRTMO) are one of the most promising cathode candidates for high energy density lithium batteries due to the redox contributions from transition metal (TM) cations and oxygen (O) anion. However, their practical application is hindered by gradual capacity fading and voltage decay. Although oxygen loss and phase transformation have been widely recognized as primary factors for these drawbacks, the structural deterioration and chemical rearrangement of LRTMO during battery operations, and the kinetic and thermodynamic evolution, remain unclear. Herein, we comprehensively investigate the morphological, structural, and oxidation state evolutions from the individual atoms to secondary particles. By means of nano- to micro-scale characterizations, distinct structural changing pathways associated with different intra-particle heterogeneous reactions are identified. Substantial O-defects are formed through the particle by slow electrochemical activation, accompanied with oxygen release triggering progressive phase transformation on surface and formation of nano-voids in bulk. The ultra-fast heterogeneous Li- (de)intercalation often leads to O-distortion dominated lattice displacement, TM-ions dissolution, and Li-sites variation. These inhomogeneous and irreversible structural changes are responsible for first-cycle Coulombic inefficiency, and ongoing particle cracking and expansion in the following cycles.
Expectations of platform workers in five Ibero-american countries
Authors: Cifuentes Diana Milec , Viego Valentina , Boscon Daniela Campos Bahia , Ansoleaga Maria Elisa , Llosa Jose Antonio
Published: August 2023

This article aimed to analyze the expectations of digital platform workers in delivery and transportation services in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, and Spain about the future of their work. Based on a mixed method, we analyse responses to an open-ended question from a questionnaire applied in 2021 to 971 platform workers in the five chosen countries. We use content analysis and statistical tests to classify and compare results. We find that workers’ expectations differ according to living and working conditions. Favorable expectations focused on the possibility of finding new job opportunities, whereas pessimistic expectations are based on uncertainties and low pay. We discuss the ambivalence in workers’ expectations and their heterogeneity between countries. We found more favorable expectations than expected based on objective contracting conditions. All countries have a common transversal element as workers conceive platforms as transitional work.
Weight change following diagnosis with psychosis: A retrospective cohort study in Greater Manchester, UK
Authors: Heald Adrian , Daly Chris , Warner-Levy John Julian , Williams Richard , Meehan Cheyenne , Livingston Mark , Pillinger Toby , Hussain Lamiece , Firth Joseph
Published: August 2023

Introduction
Weight gain in the months/years after diagnosis/treatment of severe enduring mental illness (SMI) is a major predictor of future diabetes, dysmetabolic profile and increased risk of cardiometabolic diseases.
There is limited data on the longer-term profile of weight change in people with a history of SMI and how this may differ between individuals.
We here report a retrospective study on weight change over the 5 years following an SMI diagnosis in Greater Manchester UK, an ethnically and culturally diverse community, with particular focus on comparing non-affective psychosis (NAP) vs affective psychosis (AP) diagnoses.
Methods
We undertook an anonymised search in the Greater Manchester Care Record (GMCR).
We reviewed the health records of anyone who had been diagnosed for the first time with first episode psychosis, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, delusional disorder (non-affective psychosis=NAP) or affective psychosis (AP). We analysed body mass index (BMI) change in the 5-year period following the first prescription of anti-psychotic medication. All individuals had taken an antipsychotic agent for at least 3 months. The 5-year follow-up point was anywhere between 2003 and 2023.
Results
We identified 9125 people with the diagnoses above. NAP (n=5618; 37.3% female) mean age 49.9 years; AP (n=4131; 60.5% female) mean age 48.7 years. 27.0% of NAP were of non-white ethnicity vs 17.8% of BAP individuals.
A higher proportion of people diagnosed with NAP were in the highest quintile of social disadvantage 52.4% vs 39.5% for AP. There were no significant differences in baseline BMI profile. In a subsample with HbA1c data (n= 2103), mean HbA1c was higher in NAP at baseline (40.4mmol/mol in NAP vs 36.7mmol/mol for AP).
At 5-year follow-up, there was similarity in both the overall % of individuals in the obese ≥30kg/m2 category (39.8% NAP vs 39.7% AP), and % progressing from a normal healthy BMI transitioned to obese / overweight BMI (53.6% of NAP vs 55.6% with AP). 43.7% of those NAP with normal BMI remained at a healthy BMI vs 42.7 % with AP. At 5-year FU for NAP, 83.1% of those with BMI ≥30kg/m2 stayed in this category vs 81.5% of AP.
Conclusion
The results of this real-world longitudinal cohort study suggest that the changes in BMI with treatment of non-affective psychosis vs bipolar disorder are not significantly different, while 43% maintain a healthy weight in the first 5 years following antipsychotic prescription.
The Long-Term Impact of Household Debts on Household Consumption in the Context of High Housing Prices in China
Authors: Xie Zhuyun , Liu Yue , Tajeddini Kayhan , Kumari Sonia , Xu Lu
Published: August 2023

It is important to understand the factors influencing consumption patterns in China, a rapidly growing economy with high household debt. The main objective of this study is to investigate the long-term impact of household debt on household consumption using panel data from 2014 to 2020. Data for this paper is mainly derived from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) database for the four periods of 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2020 to examine the impact of household debt on current consumption and its long-term effect on consumption. An econometric model was adopted to analyze the data. The findings demonstrate that total household debt significantly lowers long-term household consumption. In contrast, housing debt has a more significant crowding-out effect on household consumption, and non-housing debt has no significant impact. These findings imply that higher levels of debt cause decreased consumption by forcing households to allocate a larger portion of their income toward house financing. In addition, we also find that increasing rural families’ leverage will have a greater negative impact on household consumption. These findings propose that the measures to address the issue of high household debt, particularly housing debt, are necessary to promote sustainable consumption patterns and support the well-being of households. The findings of the study highlight the significance of considering rural families' unique circumstances when developing debt management measures.
Novel nano-siRNA delivery system loaded with anti-ESR1 siRNA for ovarian cancer clinical and nursing value assessment
Authors: Zhang Jin , Fan Wenhui
Published: August 2023

Globally, ovarian cancer is one of the most common cancers in women and one of the most common causes of cancer death. Researchers have been committed to investigating new treatment methods for ovarian cancer. In the present study, a new nano-siRNA delivery system loaded with anti-ESR1 siRNA was designed and synthesized. Its clinical and nursing value for ovarian cancer was evaluated, and the related mechanism was explored. First, the inhibitory activity of the new compound on the viability of ovarian cancer was measured via CCK-8 assay. Second, the relative expression of the estrogen receptor in the ovarian cancer cells was determined through real-time RT-PCR detection. Results revealed that the novel nano-siRNA delivery system loaded with anti-ERα siRNA could negatively regulate the expression of ERα and suppress the progression of ovarian cancer.
A Novel de novo Design Study of Potent SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease Inhibitors Based on Reinforcement Learning and Molecular Docking
Authors: Qu Hanyang , Wang Shengpeng , He Mingyang , Wu Yuhui , Yan Fei , Liu Tiaotiao , Zhang Meiling
Published: August 2023

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) SARS-CoV-2 has caused widespread panic in the world and has mutated at an extremely rapid rate and thus there is an urgent need for the development of COVID-19 inhibitors. In this study, we used a de novo design method, which integrates a recurrent neural network, reinforcement learning and molecular docking to generate inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 main protease. Approximately 30,000 molecules were generated after a 120h generation process, and multiple physicochemical filters and molecular docking scores were used for further screening. Finally, five molecules were selected as drug candidates, and their binding stability was verified by molecular dynamics simulation and binding free energy analysis. The results showed that these molecules could be used as candidates for further generation and testing against SARS-CoV-2. Besides, a pharmacophore model based on superior molecules was constructed to provide a reference for subsequent drug screening.
Mid-infrared Imaging spectroscopic measurements of C2H4 frost simulating the outer solar system environments
Authors: Koga Ryoichi , Negishi Shohei , Zhao Biao , Li Yuan , Ito Fumiyuki , Kasaba Yasumasa , Hirahara Yasuhiro
Published: August 2023

In the dense and cold atmosphere of Titan, the presence of C2H4 haze has been confirmed by the observations of satellite explorers. In the present study, an original cryogenic experimental equipment was developed to simulate the low-temperature solid formation of C2H4 in combination with in-situ infrared spectroscopic measurements to understand the spectral band properties of C2H4 condensation in the haze component of Titan. As a result, out-of-plane bending vibration ν7 of solid-phase C2H4 located at λ ~ 10.5 µm was successfully detected with high sensitivity, and two-dimensional spectrographs of C2H4 at low temperatures were obtained. The obtained spectra of C2H4 can be fitted to the double Lorentzian function with various heights, central wavelengths, and full widths at half maximum of the two-component Lorentzian functions. They were classified into three types whose spectral shapes are similar to the amorphous, metastable crystal, and crystalline forms obtained by the previous laboratory experiment.
Finance, Growth and Inequality: Does Source of Finance Matter?
Authors: Das Pranab Kumar , Ganguli Bhaswati , Marjit Sugata , Roy Sugata Sen
Published: August 2023

Using India Human Development Survey (IHDS) data for two rounds the study aims to assess the role of source of finance in the growth process and the outcome on inequality of income and asset. The most important result of the paper is that source of loans – formal (banks) or informal (moneylenders) have no role on the rate of growth of household asset and income. The difference for the respective rates of growth lies only in the level, i.e. intercept term across main sources of borrowing and across poverty groups. Inequality of income increases independent of the source of borrowing, though the poor households are worse off in general. This questions the conventional wisdom regarding the policy aimed at financial inclusion. Indifference of rate of growth across sources of borrowing is due to the fact that informal sector interest rate is the marginal cost of borrowing. This result can be generalised for any number of sources of borrowing.
JEL Codes: C350, E2, E43,,E5, G210, O11.
The prognostic utility of the AJCC staging 8th edition in predicting the survival of human papillomavirus associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: A population-based study using the SEER database
Authors: Kim Su Il , Lee Jung Woo , Eun Young-Gyu , Lee Young Chan
Published: August 2023

Background: The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging 8th edition introduced major changes in the TNM staging of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) based on the human papillomavirus (HPV) status. We aimed to comprehensively evaluate the discriminatory power in the survival of patients with HPV (+) OPSCC between AJCC staging 7th and 8th edition using a large population database.
Methods: A total of 7448 patients with HPV (+) OPSCC were enrolled using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database between 2010 and 2016. Patients diagnosed with OPSCC and tested positive for HPV with information on the TNM staging according to the AJCC staging 7th edition were selected. Next, T-, N-, and clinical staging were reconstructed based on the AJCC staging 8th edition. Survival probabilities in each edition were estimated and compared using Kaplan–Meier plots.
Results: Of the 7448 patients, 6960 patients (93.44%) were down-staged from the 7th to the 8th edition in patients with HPV (+) OPSCC. Overall survival was significantly associated with clinical staging according to the 7th and 8th editions of the AJCC. Additionally, the staging system according to the 8th edition demonstrated more discriminatory power than that according to the 7th edition, regardless of the primary subsites. Clinical staging according to the AJCC 8th edition compared to that of the 7th edition was an independent prognostic factor in patients with HPV (+) OPSCC.
Conclusion: This large population-based study emphasizes the advantages of the new classification system for predicting survival in patients with HPV (+) OPSCC.
Deep Discretized Deterministic Policy Gradient Based Resource AllocationConsidering Network Slicing and Device-to-Device Paradigms
Authors: Lopes Hudson Henrique de Souza , Vieira Flávio Henrique Teles , Soare Telma Woerle de Lima
Published: August 2023

Next-generation networks, such as those beyond 5th generation (B5G) and 6th generation (6G) generation, have diverse network resource demands that imply significant changes in the architecture and infrastructure of telecommunication networks. Network slicing (NS) is considered a candidate technology, where a single network infrastructure is divided into (virtual) multiple slices to meet different service requirements. The idea of combining device-to-device (D2D) and NS can improve spectrum utilization, thereby providing better performance and scalability. This paper addresses the challenging problem of dynamic resource allocation in wireless network slices with D2D using deep reinforcement learning (DRL) techniques. More specifically, we propose an approach named DDPG-KRP based on deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG) with K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN) and Reward Penalization (RP) for undesirable action elimination to determine the resource allocation policy maximizing long-term rewards. The simulation results show that the DDPG-KRP is a promising solution for resource allocation in next-generation wireless networks, outperforming other considered DRL algorithms.
A taxonomic revision of the South American trilobite cockroaches of Parahormetica Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1865 (Blattodea: Blaberidae), with description of Parahormetica museunacional sp. nov. from the Atlantic Forest
Authors: Polizeli Leonardo , Pinto Ângelo Parise
Published: August 2023

The taxonomically intricate genus of trilobite cockroaches, Parahormetica Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1865, is revised based on a comparative morphological analysis. The goals of this study are to review the nomenclature, propose hypotheses about specific delimitation and provide diagnoses to allow identification of the taxonomic units in the genus. Based on the revised status of Parahormetica we transferred Parahormetica hylaeceps Miranda-Ribeiro, 1936 and Parahormetica punctata Saussure, 1873 to the genus BionoblattaRehn, 1940. Therefore the genus include now four species of giant cockroaches which are predominantly distributed on the Atlantic Forest: Parahormetica bilobata (Saussure, 1864), Parahormetica cicatricosa Saussure, 1869, Parahormetica monticollis (Burmeister, 1838), and Parahormetica museunacional sp. nov. Diagnoses, key, distribution maps, images of living, non-type and type specimens are made available. Our results make clear that the status and limits among Brachycolini genera pending a full revision.
Anoikis-related Signature Predicts Prognosis and Characterizes Immune Landscape of Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Yang Jiani , Zhang Yue , Cheng Shanshan , Xu Yanna , Wu Meixuan , Gu Sijia , Xu Shilin , Wu Yongsong , Wang Chao , Wang Yu
Published: August 2023

Ovarian cancer (OV) is the most lethal gynecological malignancy worldwide, with high recurrence rates. Anoikis, a newly-acknowledged form of programmed cell death, plays an essential role in cancer progression, though studies focused on prognostic patterns of anoikis in OV are still lacking. We filtered 32 potential anoikis-related genes (ARGs) among the 6406 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the 180 normal controls and 376 TCGA-OV samples. Through the LASSO-Cox analysis, a 2-gene prognostic signature, namely AKT2, and DAPK1, was finally distinguished. We then demonstrated the promising prognostic value of the signature through the K-M survival analysis and time-dependent ROC curves (p-value < 0.05). Moreover, based on the signature and clinical features, we constructed and validated a nomogram model for 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year overall survival, with reliable prognostic values in both TCGA-OV training cohort ( p-value < 0.001) and ICGC-OV validation cohort (p-value = 0.030). We evaluated the tumor immune landscape through the CIBERSORT algorithm, which indicated the upregulation of resting Myeloid Dendritic Cells (DCs), memory B cells, and naïve B cells and high expression of key immune checkpoint molecules (CD274 and PDCD1LG2) in the high-risk group. Interestingly, the high-risk group exhibited better sensitivity toward immunotherapy and less sensitivity toward chemotherapies, including Cisplatin and Bleomycin. Especially, based on the IHC of tissue microarrays among 125 OV patients at our institution, we reported that aberrant upregulation of DAPK1 was related to poor prognosis. Conclusively, the anoikis-related signature was a promising tool to evaluate prognosis and predict therapy responses, thus assisting decision-making in the realm of OV precision medicine.
Multi-model evidence of future tropical Atlantic precipitation change modulated by AMOC decline
Authors: Cerato Giada , Bellomo Katinka , D'Agostino Roberta , von Hardenberg Jost
Published: August 2023

Projections from climate models reveal a significant inter-model spread in the anticipated changes in tropical Atlantic rainfall by the end of the 21st century, including alterations to the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and monsoonal regions. While existing studies have identified various sources of these uncertainties, our research uncovers, for the first time, a prominent role played by the inter-model spread in the decline of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC). Through an examination of 30 climate model simulations for the 21st century (using the ssp5-8.5 scenario) from the CMIP6 archive, we demonstrate that models projecting a more substantial AMOC decline exhibit an equatorward shift of the ascending branch of the Atlantic Hadley circulation, resulting in a southward displacement of the ITCZ. Conversely, models projecting a relatively smaller AMOC decline depict an intensified hydrological cycle but do not indicate any displacement of the ITCZ. Our findings have crucial implications for comprehending the mechanisms driving future changes in tropical Atlantic precipitation, underscoring the central role played by the AMOC.
The effect of coting peach (Prunus persica L.) on increasing shelf life after harvesting
Authors: Shajari Sima , Madani Hamid , Pourhoseini Leila , Paknejad Farzad , Ilkaee Mohammad Nabi
Published: August 2023

Considering the high waste after peach harvest, it is very important to provide suitable solutions to increase the shelf life of this fruit after harvest. One of the ways to increase the shelf life of fruits after harvesting is to use nature-friendly substances such as vegetation and the use of hormones. For this purpose, an experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of vegetation cover in a factorial form in a completely randomized design in four replications on peach (Prunus persica L.). Research treatments included salicylic acid at three levels: control (no consumption), 1 mM and 2 mM, aloe vera gel at three levels control (no consumption), 20% and 30%, clove extract (Syzygium aromaticum) at three levels of no consumption (control), 150 ppm and 300 ppm. The results of this research showed that the use of coating fruits with plant extracts and salicylic acid increased the shelf life and quality of peaches after harvesting compared to the control (no consumption), so the highest fruit weight 24.65 g was seen in salicylic acid 2 mM, 73.68 g aloe vera gel 30%, and 62.75 g clove extract 300 ppm. The lowest this index was observed in control. The highest total antioxidant 509.75 m mol.l− 1, was observed in the interaction of salicylic acid 2 mM + aloe vera gel 30% + clove extract 300 ppm. The lowest of this index 320.53 m mol.l− 1 was seen in control.
A hearing preservation technique for acoustic neuroma resection via retrosigmoid sinus approach
Authors: Zeng Lang , Zeng Lingcheng , Chen Kun , Chen Rudong , Li Hua , Yu Jiasheng , Yang Hongkuan
Published: August 2023

Background: Acoustic neuroma, also known as vestibular schwannoma, is a non-cancerous tumor that accounts for up to 90% of all cerebellopontine angle (CPA) tumors. The treatment for acoustic neuroma typically involves surgical removal of the tumor. The most common surgical approach is translabyrinthine surgery, which involves resection of the tumor in the inner auditory canal (IAC) and in the cerebellopontine horn area. Adequate excision of the IAC is essential for complete tumor removal from this area. However, this type of surgery can result in injuries to the inner ear, leading to hearing loss and balance problems. Advances in surgical techniques for IAC resection have improved canal exposure without causing significant damage to the inner ear.
Objective: Preoperative imaging, such as three-dimensional (3D) high-resolution computed Tomography (HRCT), can be used to calculate the optimal resection angles for IAC excision. These images provide detailed information on the location and size of the tumor, as well as the surrounding structures in the ear.
Methods: This study included 256 patients diagnosed with unilateral acoustic neuroma who underwent HRCT scans before and after surgery. Images were acquired and analyzed using the Syngo 2008G workstation. IAC was then assessed and surgery was planned based on the acquired HRCT images.
Results: The optimal angle of grinding for the labyrinth was 42.3°, which allowed for IAC resection in 76.3% patients and total tumor resection in 94.1% patients as well as ensured the integrity of the labyrinth during the surgical procedure.
Conclusion: We hope that our method of calculation will serve as a useful guide for practicing surgeons when performing this complex surgery. We anticipate that with the application of endoscope-assisted neurosurgical technique and electrophysiological monitoring, the preservation of facial and vestibulocochlear nerve functions in acoustic neuroma surgery will be further improved.
Efficiency and quality improvement in pathology diagnostic by using computational pathology: software-based analysis of perineural invasion in colon carcinoma
Authors: Demirdag Dora , Khacheishvili Mariam , Baidoshvili Alexi
Published: August 2023

Introduction:
Many pathology laboratories are transitioning from diagnostics with glass slides to diagnostics with whole-slide images (WSI). One of the advantages of digital pathology is the possibility of using the software. Annotations made by software could increase the efficiency and the quality of pathologists´ work. In this research, annotations for nerves were used in WSI´s of colon carcinoma cases to help the detection of perineural invasion to improve the efficiency (time needed to find perineural invasion) and quality (the possibility of finding more perineural invasion in colon carcinoma cases and standardization) of the diagnostics.
Materials & Methods
4 pathologists got 148 colon carcinoma cases without annotations made by software to screen the slides for perineural invasion. After a minimum of 4 weeks of washing out, they got the same instances with annotations for nerves made by software to find perineural invasion. We compared the time they needed for the cases with and without annotations and the percentage of perineural invasion found with and without annotations.
Results
All 4 pathologists took advantage of the annotations made by software regarding the time they needed to conclude the perineural invasion, and the difference between the average time of all 4 pathologists without and with the use of software was statistically significant. All 4 pathologists found individual more perineural invasion. However, the average % of found perineural invasion without and with the help of software needed to be more substantial.
Neuropathological Findings in COVID-19 vs non-COVID-19 Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome - A Case-Control Study
Authors: Humayun Mariyam , Zhang Lucy , Zaikos Thomas D. , Kannapadi Nivedha , Suarez Jose I. , Hager David N. , Troncoso Juan C. , Cho Sung-min
Published: August 2023

Objective:
Acute brain injury (ABI) and neuroinflammation is reported in COVID-19 and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). It remains unclear if COVID-19 plays an independent role in development of ABI compared to those with non-COVID-19 ARDS. We aimed to evaluate if COVID-19 ARDS is associated with higher risk and specific patterns of ABI compared to non-COVID-19 ARDS.
Design
Age and sex matched case-control autopsy study
Setting
A tertiary academic center
Subjects
Adult patients with COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 ARDS who died during hospitalization and underwent autopsy.
Measurements and Main Results
10 patients with COVID-19 ARDS were matched to 20 non-COVID-19 ARDS patients. Baseline demographics were comparable between the two groups including severity of ARDS (p=0.3). The frequency of overall ABI (70% vs 60%), infratentorial ABI (40% vs 25%), ischemic infarct (40% vs 25%), intracranial hemorrhage (30% vs 35%) and hypoxic-ischemic brain injury (30% vs 35%) was similar between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 ARDS patients, respectively (p>0.05). Intracapillary megakaryocytes were exclusively seen in 30% of COVID-19 patients.
Conclusions:
Overall, frequency and pattern of ABI in COVID-19 ARDS was comparable to non-COVID-19.
Bayesian Networks for Risk Assessment and Postoperative Deficit Prediction in Intraoperative Neurophysiology for Brain Surgery
Authors: Pescador Ana Mirallave , Lavrador José Pedro , Lejarde Arjel , Bleil Cristina , Vergani Francesco , Baamonde Alba Díaz , Soumpasis Christos , Bhangoo Ranjeev , Kailaya-Vasan Ahilan , Tolias Christos M. , Ashkan Keyoumars , Zebian Bassel , Requena Jesus
Published: August 2023

Purpose
To this day there is no consensus regarding evidence of usefulness of Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring (IONM). Randomized controlled trials have not been performed in the past mainly because of difficulties in recruitment control subjects. In this study, we propose the use of Bayesian Networks to assess evidence in IONM.
Methods
Single center retrospective study from January 2020 to January 2022. Patients admitted for cranial neurosurgery with intraoperative neuromonitoring were enrolled. We built a Bayesian network with utility calculation using expert domain knowledge based on logistic regression as potential causal inference between events in surgery that could lead to central nervous system injury and postoperative neurological function.
Results
A total of 267 patients were included in the study: 198 (73.9%) underwent neuro-oncology surgery and 69 (26.1%) neurovascular surgery. 50.7% of patients were female while 49.3% were male. Using the Bayesian Network´s original state probabilities, we found that among patients who presented with a reversible signal change that was acted upon, 59% of patients would wake up with no new neurological deficits, 33% with a transitory deficit and 8% with a permanent deficit. If the signal change was permanent, in 16% of the patients the deficit would be transitory and in 51% it would be permanent. 33% of patients would wake up with no new postoperative deficit. Our network also shows that utility increases when corrective actions are taken to revert a signal change.
Conclusions
Bayesian Networks are an effective way to audit clinical practice within IONM. We have found that IONM warnings can serve to prevent neurological deficits in patients, especially when corrective surgical action is taken to attempt to revert signals changes back to baseline properties. We show that Bayesian Networks could be used as a tool to calculate the utility of conducting IONM, which could save costs in healthcare when performed.
Fertility Desire and Associated Factors among Reproductive Age Women Attending Antiretroviral Therapy at Public Hospitals in Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Abera Legesse , Mengistu Betelhem
Published: August 2023

Background
Human Immune Virus remained the major cause of death in children and women of reproductive age worldwide. The desire of a human immune deficiency virus-infected person to have children in the future has significant implications for the transmission of the human immune deficiency virus to sexual partner and new born. However, fertility desire has been given little attention and the uptake of PMTCT services is limited in the study area. Therefore, this study aimed to assess fertility desire and associated factors among reproductive age women living with Human Immune Virus attending antiretroviral therapy in public hospitals Eastern Ethiopia.
Methods
A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted November 01–30/2022 among 598 reproductive age women attending antiretroviral therapy clinic in public hospitals in Eastern Ethiopia. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select participants. Data were collected by five female nurses through face-to-face interview using a structured and pretested questionnaire. Data were entered into Epi-Data 3.1 and analyzed by SPSS Version 24. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted. Variables with P value < 0.25 in bivariate analysis were taken into multivariable logistic regression analysis and variables associated with fertility desire were declared at P-value < 0.05 with Adjusted Odds Ratio and 95% CIs.
Results
This study showed that, 42.0% (95% CI: 31.7% -52.28%) of women have fertility desire. Women age (15–24) (AOR = 2.52: 95% CI: 1.58–3.50), married women (AOR = 3.21, 95% CI 1.42–5.11), having no children (AOR = 1.94: 95% CI: 1.51–2.52), partner desire to have children (AOR = 2.98: 95% CI: 1.84–4.12) were significantly associated with fertility desire.
Conclusion
This study revealed that significant proportion of women having fertility desire in the study area in spite of their positive status. Moreover, being young age, married, having no child, and partners desire to have children were factors associated with fertility desire. Therefore, service providers should strongly focus on counseling and provision of full information about the possible risks of mother to child transmission of Human Immune Virus and how to prevent it, with more attention to young and married women, women having no child, and women who their partners desire to have more children.
Cancer survivorship programs and care delivery models for cancer survivors’ transition in South Korea: A scoping review
Authors: Jin Dal-Lae , Choi Won Jung , Hur Ryun , Seo Hyun-Ju , Yoon Seok-Jun
Published: August 2023

Purpose
This scoping review aimed to identify unmet healthcare needs in cancer survivors after cancer treatment and provide an overview of evidence on their transitional care in Korea.
Methods
Studies reporting supportive care interventions, care delivery models, survival experience post-treatment, and factors affecting the health status of Korean cancer survivors were searched in Ovid MEDLINE, CINAHL, OvidEmbase, Cochrane CENTRAL, KoreaMed, and RISS in January 2021. Extracted data were subjected to descriptive analysis of the contextual data and quantitative analysis using appropriate descriptive statistics (review protocol registration number: osf.io/4mfzu/).
Results
Twenty-nine articles were included. Two models of after-care delivery were identified: the shared care model and the adapted chronic care model. Six studies confirmed that cancer survivors needed social support and stress interventions after treatment to address their multiple physical, social, and emotional difficulties as they progressed through the survival stages. Additionally, nine studies reported that cancer survivors identified unmet needs and needed supportive care, physical therapy, and psychosocial therapy.
Conclusion
This review explored available evidence and knowledge gaps in research to provide insights into Korean cancer survivorship care. The findings suggest that efforts to enhance the cancer survivorship care approach, such as a comprehensive care plan and ongoing delivery of survivorship care led by health professionals, are required to address cancer survivors’ unmet care needs during transitional care post-treatment in Korea.
Designing a Contactless, AI System to Measure the Human Body using a Single Camera for the Clothing and Fashion Industry
Authors: Montazerian Mohammad , Leymarie Frederic Fol
Published: August 2023

We present a system that estimates upper human body measurements using a set of computer vision and machine learning techniques. In a nutshell, the main steps involve: (1) using a portable camera (such as from a smartphone); (2) improving the image quality; (3) isolating the human body from the surrounding environment; (4) performing a calibration step; (5) extracting features of the body from the image; (6) indicating markers on the image; (7) producing refined final results.
Using a single RGB camera to obtain accurate body dimensions rather than measuring these manually or via more complex multi-camera or more expensive laser-based sensors, has a high application potential for the apparel (fashion) industry.
We also present in this paper, ellipse-like approximations with the aim of minimizing the difference between the results of direct (hand) and software measurements. The human body circumferences can be well approximately represented by varying elliptic cross sections, and these can be adapted to each individual. We show that better results than the current state-of-the-art are obtained based on a simple criterion. In our study, we selected a set of two equations, out of many other possible choices, to best estimate upper human body horizontal cross sections.
We experimented with the system on a diverse sample of participants. The results for the upper human body measurements in comparison to the traditional manual method of tape measurements, when used as a reference, show ±1cm average differences, which is sufficient for a number of applications.
Movement and facial perception
Authors: Morrison Edward R. , O’Donnell Zak , Gregory Nicola J.
Published: August 2023

Movement is a neglected component of many studies of facial perception, yet biological movement can influence social perceptions by conveying information about identity, sex, and disposition. We aimed to quantify the importance of facial movement in perceptions of attractiveness, trustworthiness, and dominance, by isolating static and dynamic cues using facial motion-tracking. 42 speed-daters were filmed talking with an opposite-sex partner during a speed-dating interaction. Motion-tracking was used to isolate the movement information and create point-light faces, which were rated along with the original videos and facial photographs, by 73 independent raters. Regression models showed that static cues were generally important predictors of overall perceptions, albeit less so for perceptions of trustworthiness. Dynamic cues only contributed to perceptions of male trustworthiness and female dominance. Movement can be a significant component some perceptions, perhaps because it indicates personality and behavioural disposition. Judgements of attractiveness might be more linked to biological quality which is indicated by static cues such as shape and colour, rather than dynamic cues.
Transfacet full-endoscopic posterior lumbar interbody fusion for lumbar degenerative diseases: Consecutive case series
Authors: Shen Xu , Gao Yu-cheng , Zhang Pei , Xuan Wen-bin , Song Peng , Gao Zeng-xin
Published: August 2023

Objective
To introduce the operative technique for a transfacet full-endoscopic posterior lumbar interbody fusion (Endo-PLIF) and evaluate the clinical effect.
Methods
41 patients were treated with single-segment Endo-PLIF from July 2020 to July 2021. General demographic and perioperative data were recorded. VAS and ODI scores were evaluated at 1, 6,12 months postoperatively and the last follow-up. The radiological outcomes were based on the disk height (DH) at 3 months after operation.
Results
All cases were successfully completed surgery and followed for at least one year. The mean estimated blood loss was 81.53 ± 25.96 ml, operative time was 210.24 ± 37.06 minutes and postoperative hospitalization days were 4.71 ± 1.42 days, the VAS and ODI scores at each time point after surgery were significantly decreased in comparison with the preoperative scores(p < 0.05). The DH was significantly heightened postoperatively compared to the preoperative images(p < 0.05).
Conclusion
Transfacet Endo-PLIF is a minimally invasive, safe, and satisfactory surgery for lumbar degenerative diseases (LDD).
Transmitted costly signaling theory (TCS): an evolutionary perspective of inequality transmission at Liangzhu culture sites, southern coastal China
Authors: Liu Ruizhe , Zou Guannan
Published: August 2023

Extensive studies in multiple disciplines have discussed how materials and spatial access can serve as status indicators in human societies. Scholars interested in social inequality and its mechanisms have particularly drawn attention to how inequality is transmitted between two generations. This study presents a new framework, transmitted costly signaling (TCS), which synthesizes costly signaling theory (CST) and cultural evolution theory (CET) to explore inequality transmission in human societies. Using multi-methodologies, we investigate the Neolithic Liangzhu sites in China to test two hypotheses. Firstly, we examine if jade materials and burial space served as indicators of social status. Secondly, we explore if burial practices could be learned and transmitted by the lower class, indicating inequality transmission over time. Our findings reveal that the Liangzhu people used jade and larger burial sizes as costly signals to demonstrate social status, subsequently transmitting this burial practice as an indirect cultural feature. And the early Liangzhu period exhibited relative equality, followed by a middle period characterized by social hierarchy, and eventually, a decline in hierarchical society during the late Liangzhu. This research highlights the compatibility of TCS with biased transmission of cultural traits, particularly when social status is chosen as the demonstrator trait. By analyzing materials, spatial access, and social status, we gain valuable insights into the complexities of inequality transmission across generations in prehistorical societies.