bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Suture Button Systems for Coronoid Fracture Fixation: A Biomechanical Time-Zero Pilot Study
Authors: Lappen Sebastian , Kadantsev Pavel , Bohnet Daniel , Geyer Stephanie , Hinz Maximilian , Max Christian , Braun Sepp , Siebenlist Sebastian
Published: February 2024

Purpose: This study aims to describe a fixation technique for coronoid fractures using suture buttons, and to biomechanically evaluate this technique in comparison to screw fixation as a time-zero pilot study.
Methods: An O'Driscoll type 2 anteromedial coronoid facet (AMCF) fracture was simulated in 20 fresh-frozen human elbows. The specimens were randomized into two groups and fracture fixation was performed with either a suture button system or a 3.5 mm cannulated screw. Ultimate load-to-failure (N) was then tested for each specimen.
Results: The mean load-to-failure was 322.6 ± 75.9 N for suture button fixation and 314.2 ± 85.9 N for screw fixation. The differences were not statistically significant (p = 0.432). Additional fracturing of the coronoid fragment was observed in two specimens with screw fixation.
Conclusion: Promising biomechanical evaluations show that this fixation technique using suture buttons in the treatment of coronoid fractures provides equal construct stability as screw fixation. Further studies are required to fully validate this procedure.
Multi-dataset study on neoadjuvant treatment-related prognostic model and molecular network mechanism of locally advanced rectal cancer
Authors: Su Wenzhao , Wu Yong , Xing Chungen
Published: February 2024

Backgrounds
Local advanced rectal cancer (LARC) is a common disease occurrence in clinical settings due to its unique anatomical location and treatment approach. The effectiveness of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) plays a crucial role in determining the appropriate treatment and prognosis for patients. Currently, there exists no universally acknowledged benchmark for prognosticating the effectiveness of neoadjuvant therapy. Our study obtained the GSE150082 dataset from the NCBI Geo Public Database, consisting of expression profile data for 39 groups of patients who either responded to nCRT or did not. Differential gene analysis was performed using the Limma package with a significance threshold of p < 0.05 and |log fold change| > 0.585. The functions and pathways associated with the differentially expressed genes were analyzed, and a protein interaction network was constructed using Cytoscape software. Additionally, the TCGA data was used to identify prognostic-related genes from the differential genes through Cox univariate regression and the lasso regression algorithm. Predictive models were then constructed and validated using both internal and external datasets.
Results
A total of 633 differentially expressed genes associated with nCRT were identified, comprising 238 up-regulated and 395 down-regulated genes. These genes are predominantly enriched in pathways related to innate immune response, regulation of biological stimulus-response, and cell activation. The results from gene screening and the construction of a predictive model demonstrate the model's efficacy in effectively distinguishing between high- and low-risk patients. This predictive capability was validated in both the training set and an external validation set. Additionally, an analysis of the relationship between the risk score and immune infiltration in the tumor microenvironment unveiled a potential molecular mechanism, suggesting that the risk score may impact patient prognosis by modulating specific immune cell populations and immune-related genes.
Conclusions
MCOLN3、CINP、HAND2 and CCDC85A might be the identified key genes and play a critical role in several pathways associated with response to nCRT. Furthermore, a risk score model was constructed based on prognosis-related genes, providing potential molecular markers and therapeutic targets for personalized strategies in nCRT. Our findings could potentially offer a fresh and innovative outlook for future treatment for patients with LARC.
Examination of Cardiac Functions During Acute Attack and Remission Period in Children With Familial Mediterranean Fever
Authors: Gunay Yusuf , Karagozlu Fatih , Gemici Sanem , Yilmaz Sukran Seyma , Sahin Sezgin , Barut Kenan , Kasapcopur Ozgur , Dedeoglu Reyhan
Published: February 2024

Purpose
Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessive autoinflammatory disease characterized by recurring serosal inflammation. Cardiac involvement in FMF commonly manifests as pericarditis and pericardial effusion, however there is limited research on myocardial function. This study aimed to assess cardiac functions during active inflammation and remission periods of FMF patients and investigate the cardiac effects of inflammation during the attack period.
Methods
Thirty-eight FMF patients without additional cardiac diseases were included in the study. Demographic characteristics, clinical symptoms, family history, and MEFV gene analysis results were obtained retrospectively. Blood tests, blood pressure measurements, electrocardiogram evaluations, conventional echocardiography, and speckle-tracking echocardiography were performed during the attack and remission periods. Disease severity was assessed using the Pras scoring system.
Results
During the attack period, FMF patients exhibited significantly higher leukocyte count, neutrophil count, C-reactive protein, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate compared to the remission period (p < 0.005). Speckle-tracking echocardiography revealed decreased function in the inferior segments of the left ventricle during the attack period (p < 0.005). Right ventricular function was more affected in the moderate disease group. FMF patients with lymphopenia during the attack demonstrated more impaired right ventricular function compared to those with normal lymphocyte count.
Conclusions
FMF patients experience cardiac abnormalities during active inflammation, highlighting the importance of monitoring cardiac functions in these patients. Speckle-tracking echocardiography can provide valuable insights into cardiac involvement in FMF. These findings emphasize the cardiac impact of FMF inflammation and the significance of long-term cardiac function monitoring in the management of FMF patients.
“You go an extra mile”: a qualitative study of community health worker perspectives in a health promotion intervention in urban South Africa
Authors: Draper Catherine E , Soepnel Larske , Mabetha Khuthala , Motlhatlhedi Molebogeng , Nkosi Nokuthula , Lye Stephen J , Norris Shane A
Published: February 2024

Background
As part of the Healthy Life Trajectories Initiative in South Africa, the Bukhali health promotion intervention is being implemented by community health workers (CHW’s) with young women in urban Soweto. The perspectives of these CHW’s have not been fully explored
Methods
A qualitative study was conducted to describe CHW’s perspectives and experiences of delivering the Bukhali intervention. Three focus groups were conducted with the 13 CHWs employed at the time of the study, and a thematic approach was taken to data analysis.
Results
Themes identified included: contextual realities for participants and CHWs, building relationships with participants, workload, emotional toll, and learning and development. Since they are recruited from Soweto, CHWs experienced similar contextual challenges to participants, and have to manage multiple roles, including health promotion and education, referral and support within the health system, counselling (although out of their scope of work), and data recording. The findings indicate the critical role CHWs play in building relationships with participants, especially establishing trust. Many CHWs spoke about going beyond what was expected in their role, which sometimes involved taking participants to medical facilities, and sharing resources with their participants. They spoke about the emotional toll of managing these relationships, their workload, and particularly the need for resilience and boundaries. CHWs experienced learning and development in their role as positive.
Conclusions
These findings provide a voice for these CHWs, but they also offer important learning of the implementation of the Bukhali intervention within the context of Soweto, as well as, future potential scale-up of CHW-delivered interventions in South Africa and other low- and middle-income countries.
The comparative evaluation of biofilm production and antibiotic resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates
Authors: Ekselli Servet , Çiftci Alper
Published: February 2024

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the biofilm formation, antibiotic resistance profiles, the genes which play roles for biofilm and antibiotic resistances of 48 Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates isolated from different clinical samples. The identifications of the P.aeruginosa isolates were confirmed with PCR. The antibiotic resistances against 8 antibiotics were determined by Kirby-Bauer Disc Diffusion method. The biofilm formations of the isolates were investigated in vitro with Congo Red Agar, Modified Tube Adherence (Christensen) and Micro plate Methods. The isolates which were found as positive with three methods were genotyped with RAPD-PCR. pelA, lasI, lasR, rhlI, rhlR,PA0756, PA0757, PA2070 and PA5033 genes were investigated with using PCR. The antibiotic resistance rates of the isolates among enrofloxacine, ceftriaxone, amoxicilline-clavulanic acid, ciprofloxacin, meropenem, colistin, gentamycin, and azithromycin were found as 16.67%, 60.42%, 100%, 10.42%, 29.17%, 4.17%, 12.5% and %97.9, respectively. The biofilm formation ratios were determined as 83,33% with CRA, 93.75% with Christensen method and 64.58% with micro plate method. pelA, lasI, rhlI and rhlR were carried by all the isolates. lasR gene was found in %97.92 of the isolates. Fortysix (95.83%) of the isolates carried PA0756 and PA0757. Fortyfive (93.75%) of the isolates were found as positive for PA2070 and PA5033 genes. The phylogenetic relations of the biofilm positive isolates were calculated as 56–93%. The biofilm formation and multiple antibiotic resistance rates were found as high in the clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa. The widespread and advanced studies thought to be performed for the lightening of this situation and biofilm related antibiotic resistances.
Mean-field analysis of synaptic alterations underlying deficient cortical gamma oscillations in schizophrenia
Authors: Song Deying , Chung Daniel W. , Ermentrout G. Bard
Published: February 2024

Deficient gamma oscillations in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of individuals with schizophrenia (SZ) are proposed to arise from alterations in the excitatory drive to fast-spiking interneurons (E → I) and in the inhibitory drive from these interneurons to excitatory neurons (I→E). Consistent with this idea, prior postmortem studies showed lower levels of molecular and structural markers for the strength of E→I and I→E synapses and also greater variability in E→I synaptic strength in PFC of SZ. Moreover, simulating these alterations in a network of quadratic integrate-and-fire (QIF) neurons revealed a synergistic effect of their interactions on reducing gamma power. In this study, we aimed to investigate the dynamical nature of this synergistic interaction at macroscopic level by deriving a mean-field description of the QIF model network that consists of all-to-all connected excitatory neurons and fast-spiking interneurons. Through a series of numerical simulations and bifurcation analyses, findings from our mean-field model showed that the macroscopic dynamics of gamma oscillations are synergistically disrupted by the interactions among lower strength of E→I and I→E synapses and greater variability in E→I synaptic strength. Furthermore, the two-dimensional bifurcation analyses showed that this synergistic interaction is primarily driven by the shift in Hopf bifurcation due to lower E→I synaptic strength. Together, these simulations predict the nature of dynamical mechanisms by which multiple synaptic alterations interact to robustly reduce PFC gamma power in SZ, and highlight the utility of mean-field model to study macroscopic neural dynamics and their alterations in the illness.
Maternal Insulinemic and Inflammatory Dietary Patterns and Risk of Child Neurodevelopmental Delay
Authors: Wang Haixia , Yin Wanjun , Zu Ping , Zhang Lei , Chen Xianxia , Zhu Peng
Published: February 2024

Background
Insulin response, inflammation, and hyperglycemia are important factors contributing to impaired neural development. However, the relationship between higher insulinemic, inflammatory, and hyperglycemia potential in the diet during pregnancy, and delayed neurodevelopment in children remains unclear. This study explored whether maternal dietary patterns promoting hyperinsulinemia, inflammation, or hyperglycemia may influence child neurodevelopmental delay risk.
Methods
We calculated dietary scores from initial food frequency questionnaires completed by 7,438 pregnant women participating in the Maternal and Infant Health Cohort Study in Hefei (MIH-Hefei). The food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to evaluate the empirical dietary index for hyperinsulinemia (EDIH), empirical dietary inflammatory pattern (EDIP), glycemic index (GI), and glycemic load (GL) during mid-pregnancy. Child developmental assessment was conducted at 6–36 months postpartum.
Results
We documented 540 incident child neurodevelopmental delay cases over 7,438 pregnant women. Pregnant women exhibiting the high levels of hyperinsulinemic or proinflammatory components, or GI encountered an elevated risk of child neurodevelopmental delay; the hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for comparing the highest and lowest dietary indices quintiles were as follows: EDIH 1.48(1.07,2.04; P trend = 0.017), EDIP 1.39(1.05,1.84; P trend = 0.019) and GI 1.36(1.02,1.81; P trend = 0.038). In sex-stratified analyses, these results remained significant only in boys. The performance of combined model of EDIH and EDIP for boys is comparable to that of the combined model of EDIH, EDIP, and GI to assess the risk of neurodevelopmental delay (AUC 0.801 vs. AUC 0.830). Both values are higher than the AUC values achieved by models using either set of indictors individually.
Conclusion
In this prospective cohort study, the maternal consumption of high insulinemic potential diet, high inflammatory potential diet, or high glycemic index diet is related to child neurodevelopmental delay, particularly amongst boys. Higher insulinemic and inflammatory potentials within the maternal diet could potentially forecast child neurodevelopmental delay among boys.
Unravelling the genetic variability and identification of vegetative heat tolerant lines in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)
Authors: Venkatesh Venkatesh , Kajjidoni S. T. , Kariyannanavar P , Pavithra M. J.
Published: February 2024

A study was carried out to screen a set of 204 genotypes consisting of germplasm and advance breeding lines for heat tolerance. The study of genetic variability among these genotypes for various morpho-physiological traits revealed high PCV and GCV for number of dried squares, number of fruiting points and leaf area. The results of principal component analysis showed that the first six principal components with eigen values more than unity contributed 81.41% of the variability among genotypes and the traits like canopy temperature, relative water content, specific leaf weight, number of dried squares, plant height, number of fruiting points, leaf area and the phenological traits contributed significantly to total variability. The two genotypes viz., CPD-424 and EC560323 were identified as highly vegetative heat tolerant lines which can be used as donor parents in the heat tolerance breeding programmes.
Anaerobic bacteria from bloodstream infections: Comparison of three methods for identification and detection of the antibacterial susceptibilities of recovered isolates
Authors: Orak Filiz , Karakaya Emre , Satıcıoğlu İzzet Burçin , Akar Mustafa , Aydın Cansu , Abay Seçil , Aydın Fuat
Published: February 2024

This study was aimed at the comparison of three different methods used for the identification of anaerobic bacteria isolated from blood cultures and the determination of the antibacterial susceptibilities of the isolates. The study material comprised of 5282 blood samples. The samples were incubated in a BacT/ALERT system. The species identification of the isolates was performed using BBL Crystal Anaerobe system, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. Antibacterial susceptibility testing was performed using the disk diffusion method with benzylpenicillin, clindamycin, piperacillin-tazobactam, meropenem, and metronidazole disks. In the BacT/ALERT system, forty-five anaerobic bacterial isolates were recovered from 39 (0.74%) of the samples that showed growth signs in blood culture bottles. The BBL Crystal Anaerobe system and 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses enabled the genus and species identification of all 45 isolates (100%), whereas with MALDI-TOF MS, only 37 (82.2%) of the isolates were able to be identified. The compatibility of the three tests for the identification of the isolates at genus and species level was 62.2% (28/45) and 37.8% (17/45), respectively. Antibacterial resistance rates of the isolates to piperacillin/tazobactam, clindamycin, benzylpenicillin, meropenem, and metronidazole were detected as 100%, 73.8%, 40%, 9.8%, and 5.5%, respectively. MALDI-TOF MS showed a higher level of compatibility with 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses, compared to the BBL Crystal Anaerobe system. The high rates of susceptibility to meropenem and metronidazole suggested that these antibiotics could be safely used for the empirical treatment of anaerobic bacterial infections.
Controlled Synthesized of Ternary Cu-Co-Ni-S Sulfides Nanoporous Network Structure on Carbon Fiber Paper: A Superior Catalytic Electrode for Highly-Sensitive Glucose Sensing
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Duan Yi , Lin Jiangtao , Liao Jinghan , Xu Chao , Xue Fangqin , Duan Yourong
Published: February 2024

Background
Efficient monitoring of glucose concentration in the human body necessitates the utilization of electrochemically active sensing materials in nonenzymatic glucose sensors. However, prevailing limitations such as intricate fabrication processes, lower sensitivity, and instability impede their practical application. Herein, ternary Cu-Co-Ni-S sulfides nanoporous network structure was synthesized on carbon fiber paper (CP) by an ultrafast, facile, and controllable technique through on-step cyclic voltammetry, serving as a superior self-supporting catalytic electrode for the high-performance glucose sensor.
Results
The direct growth of free-standing Cu-Co-Ni-S on the interconnected three-dimensional (3D) network of CP boosted the active site of the composites, improved ion diffusion kinetics, and significantly promoted the electron transfer rate. The multiple oxidation states and synergistic effects among Co, Ni, Cu, and S further promoted glucose electrooxidation. The well-architected Cu-Co-Ni-S/CP presented exceptional electrocatalytic properties for glucose with satisfied linearity of a broad range from 0.3 to 16000 µM and ultrahigh sensitivity of 6829 µA mM− 1 cm− 2. Furthermore, the novel sensor demonstrated remarkable selectivity and storage stability, which could successfully evaluate the glucose levels in human serum. Notably, the novel Cu-Co-Ni-S/CP showed favorable biocompatibility, proving its potential for in vivo glucose monitoring.
Conclusion
The proposed 3D hierarchical morphology self-supported electrode sensor, which demonstrates appealing analysis behavior for glucose electrooxidation, holds great promise for the next generation of high-performance glucose sensors.
Quantitative Research of Street Interface Morphology in Urban Historic Districts:A Case Study of West Street Historic District,Quanzhou
Authors: Huang Kai , Kang Peiran , Zhao Yang
Published: February 2024

Historic districts intertwine various elements of historical heritage, cultural significance, social relations and daily activities, and have significant research value. Through a review of previous literature, it can be observed that research on the conservation and renewal of historic districts often focuses on the overall planning and development of macro-level district. Recognizing the scarcity of quantitative studies on spatial morphology at the meso level, this paper introduces a quantitative methodology applicable to historic streets. Utilizing Quanzhou City's West Street Historical and Cultural Neighborhood as a case study, it employs Aspect Ratio (D/H), Interface Density, and Build-To-Line Rate to describe and summarize street interface morphology, presenting transformative strategies for future protection and renewal. West Street's characteristics include: (1) horizontally, influenced by the Tang Dynasty's concept of "lining houses to form streets," it has a high Build-To-Line Rate and density, providing enclosure, limitation, and spatial continuity; (2) vertically, it displays diverse interface morphology with a moderate Aspect Ratio and rhythmic changes, maintaining visitor interest. The study validates the feasibility of this quantitative method and provides valuable insights for the conservation and renewal of historic districts.
A comparative analysis of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) risk among adolescents aged 12 to 18 in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, with regard to sex, school quantiles, and perceived stress
Authors: Avela Mathe , Gent Maya Maria Van , Niekerk Rudolph Leon Van
Published: February 2024

Background
Recent data indicated an increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among adolescents. Adolescents are particularly susceptible to developing NCDs due to various risk factors such as hypertension, high cholesterol, blood glucose levels, Body Mass Index (BMI), poverty, and physical inactivity. Thus, it is crucial not only to identify risks for NCDs, but also to propose effective and sustainable intervention measures, necessitating an understanding of specific demographic and geographic risk factors. However, the existing literature on NCDs risk factors among adolescents remain limited in South Africa. Therefore, this study aimed to compare adolescents aged 12 to 18 years who are at risk for NCDs, with those who are not at risk, considering sex, school quintiles, and perceived stress.
Methods
The study involved 266 adolescents (aged 12–18) selected through stratified random sampling from seven schools in two Eastern Cape districts. It assessed anthropometric and physiological measurements, along with perceived stress. Descriptive statistics summarized data, independent samples t-tests compared groups, and Chi-square analyses explored associations. Logistic regression predicted relationships between physiological factors, sex, quintiles, and perceived stress levels.
Results
The majority of physical and physiological assessments fell within normal ranges, except for females' BMI (24.52 ± 6.11), classifying them as overweight. Approximately 74% of female adolescents exhibited one or more NCD risk factors, with 61.8% of at-risk adolescents originating from disadvantaged schools (lower quintile schools). Perceived stress did not differ significantly between adolescents at risk and those not at risk, however, females at risk for NCDs had significantly higher perceived stress than their male counterparts. Physiological NCD risks, were found to be more prevalent among females attending lower quantiles schools, making them 4 times more likely to develop NCDs.
Conclusion
The findings emphasized the heightened risk of NCD development among females. Female adolescents also displayed elevated levels of perceived stress, with a noteworthy observation that adolescents from urban schools exhibited high levels of perceived stress. Recommendations to address these findings, include specific strategies that focus on reducing risk factors for this specific population.
Unveiling Protein Sequence Patterns for 3D-domain swapping in Medicinal Plants with improved K-Means Clustering approach
Authors: Pandey Aakanksha , Upadhyay Atul Kumar
Published: February 2024

The phenomenon termed ”3D-domain swapping” occurs when two or more identical protein subunits relocate their secondary structure components, like strands or helices, to generate a different tertiary structure. This results in the creation of new protein-protein interactions and the formation of higher-order structures. This paper proposed an unsupervised computation approach for prediction of 3D-domain swapped cases by using various medicinal plant based protein sequence. Preparation of suitable data set is one of the crucial step for which Principal component attribute transformer (PCAT) and Percentile split (PS) have been used as a data mining technique followed by various attribute selection methods. To prepare the data set 11 impactful new attributes have been augmented in previously selected 39 attributes. To identify the groups of 3D-domain swapped protein with similar attributes an unsupervised algorithm modified K-Mean was implemented. In which curated 81 protein sequence with 4050 instances have been used and achieved 3 clusters for top ranked attributes. To measure the effectiveness of the proposed method Model-driven multivariate control chart (MDMCC) was applied with out of control point 3 along with the Within-cluster sum of square error (WCSSE) which ranges from minimum parameter value 0 to maximum parameter value up to 1.25. In-depth examination of generated clusters allows identifying the plants with desirable medicinal qualities and accelerates the decision-making process for possible plant candidates for pharmaceutical development. It also leads to the discovery of functionally related genes or biological pathways.
Prevalence, awareness, treatment-seeking behaviours and its implications in the control of malaria in Dumbu community, Donga-Mantung Division
Authors: Echi Ebanga , Calvin Ebai Bissong , Purity Awah , Antoine Kada Sanda
Published: February 2024

More than 90% of deaths due to malaria occur in sub-Saharan Africa where it kills a child below five years every 30 seconds. In Cameroon, malaria accounts for 40-45% of medical consultations, 57% of hospitalization and 40% of mortality among children below 5 years. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of malaria, assess the malaria awareness level, the treatment seeking behaviours, and its implications on the prevalence of malaria in the Dumbu community. Questionnaires were administered to inhabitants of Dumbu. The respondents’ consents were sought and those who could not read, write or understand English language were communicated to in the local ‘kemezung’ dialect. Blood samples were collected by finger pricking using sterile lancets and blood films prepared on well labeled glass slides. The dry blood films were stained using 10% Giemsa staining solution for 10 mins. Data was collected were later analyzed using SPSS. Out of the 385 persons screened, malaria was recorded in 107 persons (27.8%). Those in the age group 11-25 years old were the most infected with malaria prevalence of 32.3% (41/127) while those in the age group ≥50 years recorded the least prevalence [19.3% (11/57)] and the difference was not significant (χ2 =3.716, p=0.294). Yaounde quarter recorded the highest prevalence 32.7% (35/107) and the male were more infected than females. On awareness level, they have heard of malaria and knew its causal agent to be an infected mosquito, 48.3% considered fever as the sign of the infection. Sixty-nine-point 8 percent (69.8%) of the population rushes to the Health centre for treatment while 5.6% prefers herbal treatment. Malaria is still a health challenge in this area and people infected should be advised to seek treatment, whenever they have malaria from a health facility to ensure that the treatment given is appropriate.
Childhood pseudotumor cerebri syndrome: demographics, clinical features and optical coherence tomography utilization as a new method for diagnosis, treatment efficiency and follow up
Authors: Çiftçi Burcu Daldaban , Gümüş Hakan , Sevim Duygu Gülmez , Canpolat Mehmet , Gümüş Ümmügülsüm Özgül , Çiftçi Murat , Kumandaş Sefer , Per Hüseyin
Published: February 2024

Aim The aim of this study is to evaluate the demographic data, treatment efficacy, optical coherence tomography (OCT) results used for the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with pseudotumor cerebri syndrome (PCS) followed up in our pediatric neurology clinic between 2014 and 2019.
Methods: We included children aged <18 years with or without bilateral papilledema detected on initial examination and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) opening pressure of >26 cm/H2O in lumbar puncture. Patient data were obtained retrospectively from hospital records.
Results: Retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness increased significantly in OCT as CSF pressure increased. Further, RNFL thickness measured before and after treatment differed significantly. When the pretreatment body mass index and RNFL thickness of primary and secondary PCS cases were compared, it was found that RNFL thickness of obese patients was lower than that of non-obese patients.
In conclusion, we suggest that OCT, which is an easy-to-apply and reliable test that has recently become widely used in pediatric PCS, should be used in the diagnosis of PCS, evaluation of treatment efficacy, and follow-up.
Intraoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Glioma Surgery: A Single-center Experience
Authors: Mirzayeva Leyla , Uçar Murat , Kaymaz Ahmet Memduh , Temel Esra
Published: February 2024

Purpose
To investigate the effect of intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (Io MRI) on overall and progression-free survival (OS and PFS), on the extent of resection (EOR) in patients with glioma, and impact of the radiological diagnosis on the decision to continue the surgery when a residual mass was detected on Io MRI.
Methods
The study comprised 153 glioma patients who received surgical treatment between 2013 and 2023. One-hundred twenty-five of them had Io MRI guidance during surgery. The remainder 28 patients constituted the control group who did not undergo Io MRI. All patients' age at surgery, gender, initial radiological diagnosis, primary tumor localization, EOR, last histopathological diagnosis, and the follow-up periods were recorded.
Results
The rate of tumor recurrence in Io MRI cases was significantly lower compared to the cases in the control group (p < .0001). It was decided to continue the operation in 45 Io MRI applied cases. This raised the gross total resection (GTR) rate from 33.6–49.6% in the Io MRI group. The frequency of GTR was significantly higher in patients with an initial radiological diagnosis of low grade glioma than those with high grade glioma. The shortest OS was seen in occipital gliomas.
Conclusion
In this study, the convenience provided by the high-field MRI device was explored and proven both in reducing the tumor burden, increasing the PFS, and providing the surgeon with a maximal resection in the first operation.
Bridge crack data mapping and modeling based on UAV and BIM: Towards bridge applications
Authors: Gan Linfeng , Liu Hu , Shi Tengfei , Tang Xuliang , Wang Linfeng
Published: February 2024

Traditional inspection of bridge surfaces is often inefficient and requires inspectors to inspect in high-risk areas. For the time being, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), as an efficient and safe means of inspection, can be equipped with high-definition cameras, and are utilised for data collection in unmanned inspections, especially in areas that are difficult for people to reach. However, how to manage the crack data obtained from UAV and machine learning recognition is still a problem. In addition, bridge modelling (BIM) based on geometric and semantic information can be applied to the inspection of bridge surfaces. To this end, this paper proposes a method for detecting and modelling bridge defects based on UAV and BIM, that is, a method for managing bridge defects by automatically identifying and locating the defect data by combining the images acquired by the UAV, which can be combined with machine vision techniques, mapping and modelling the defect data to BIM, and modelling defects from BIM as objects. Firstly, the bridge defect images captured by UAV are processed and some useful data such as coordinates are extracted from them. In this paper, a simplified coordinate method is proposed to convert the locations of the defects existing in the actual project into the coordinates in the BIM model. Meanwhile, on this basis, this paper utilises machine vision-based bridge crack detection, which is used to detect defects in the captured images and perform feature extraction on them. Finally, by modelling the identified defects, a new object with detailed information is obtained and mapped to the corresponding location in the BIM. The effectiveness of this approach is demonstrated by analysing the example of the Martyrs River Bridge. The study will be applied to combine the defects of the bridge with the BIM model, which will combine the existing state and the data from the BIM in order to perform structural inspections during the repair process.
Silymarin promotes wound healing through regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition in rat model: Histopathological and immunohistochemical evidences
Authors: Aslan Esra , Demirel Hasan Hüseyin , Güzel Hilal , Yüksel Yasemin , Aladağ Tuğçe , Pektaş Mehmet Bilgehan
Published: February 2024

The wound is the disruption of the normal structure, integrity, and function of the skin and subcutaneous tissue. It is known that current wound management strategies applied in the treatment of acute and chronic wounds both cause an increase in health costs and do not achieve the desired level of success. Therefore, more effective and easily applicable treatment methods are needed. However, the therapeutic effects of Silymarin (SM) on wound healing are still unknown. In this study, the effects of SM were investigated by comparing it with dexpanthenol (Dxp), whose favorable effects on wound healing are known. Sham, Dxp, and SM groups were formed and the effects of the drugs were investigated immunohistochemically on the 5th, 10th, and 15th days in rats. Based on histological and immunohistochemical results, SM and Dxp enhanced epithelialization and reduced inflammation more than the sham group. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the effects on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition between SM and Dxp. Results indicated that SM is a useful therapeutic agent at least as much as Dxp in wound healing. The wound re-epithelization and anti-inflammatory effects of SM may be a new approach to the treatment of wound healing.
EEG Signals Unveil Distinct Sex-Specific Patterns in Human Cohorts with Limited Implications for Pathological Diagnosis
Authors: Bayazi Mohammad Javad Darvishi , Ghaemi Mohammad Sajjad , Faubert Jocelyn , Rish Irina
Published: February 2024

Early detection and diagnosis of pathology are essential for efficient treatment and therapeutic interventions. The emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and deep machine learning techniques have demonstrated the promising capability of brain imaging data to predict various pathological diseases. However, plenty of diseases have unbalanced distribution across different sexes. Furthermore, the impact of sex-specific patterns and biomarkers in predicting diseases has remained unexplored as a fundamental subject matter to inform the treatment paradigms. This paper underscored the generalization and transferability of sex-related patterns in functional data, specifically Electroencephalogram (EEG) signals through Artificial Neural Networks. The training process was carried out on a broad spectrum of EEG recordings involving participants ranging from 221 to 12,000, spanning healthy and pathological subjects—our evaluation benefits from datasets with varied sources and participant groups featuring different distribution shifts. While the artificial models exhibit accurate sex detection on datasets without fine-tuning, performance diminishes with significant distribution shifts. Additionally, we investigated the relationship between sex and pathology by visualizing important features for target detection in distinct subgroups. This revealed unprecedented insights into the negligible role of sex-specific patterns on pathology detection, notwithstanding the salient and consistent patterns within sex groups.
Squid Ink Polysaccharides inhibit TSLP expression via the Piezo 1-Ca2+-NFAT1 signaling to ameliorate Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Wen Xiujuan , Liu Xinyan , Deng Qirui , Huang Hao , Zhou Xin , Li Jiayi , Tang Hongfeng
Published: February 2024

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic and recurrent inflammatory dermatosis with a growing global prevalence. Its etiopathogenesis involves genetic, immunologic, and environmental factors. Similar to other chronic inflammatory diseases, oxidative stress plays a significant role in its pathogenesis. Squid ink polysaccharides (SIP), the primary components derived from squid ink, have demonstrated beneficial effects in terms of antioxidative properties and immune system enhancement. Nevertheless, the exact impact of SIP on specific cytokines associated with AD remains uncertain. We presented empirical data demonstrating that SIP possesses the capacity to modulate the production of epidermal-barrier-proteins, namely filaggrin (FLG) and involucrin (IVL), within keratinocytes when stimulated by tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interferon gamma (IFN-γ). Additionally, SIP exhibited noteworthy anti-inflammatory properties on thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and interleukin 8 (IL-8). Concurrently, the utilization of SIP exhibited supplementary effectiveness in alleviating AD-like cutaneous symptoms induced by 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene, encompassing the reinstatement of the epidermal barrier, diminution of immune cell infiltration, and suppression of inflammatory cytokines in murine subjects. These in vivo outcomes were consistent with the observed reduction in TSLP levels, which was accomplished through the Piezo 1-Ca2+-NFAT1 signaling pathway. Considering these cumulative discoveries, SIP emerges as a promising therapeutic contender for the management of AD.
Sister Mary Joseph’s nodule as a first sign of an advanced left colon adenocarcinoma, an exceptional clinical situation: A Case Report.
Authors: Zabeirou Aliou , Younssa Hama , Adam Saidou , Didier Lassey James , Younoussa Moussa , Rachid Sani
Published: February 2024

Background
Sister Mary Joseph’s nodule is a malignant metastatic umbilical nodule. Sister Mary Joseph Dempsey (1856–1939) was the first to notice the association between intra-abdominal or pelvic cancers and metastatic umbilical nodules. It is a rare clinical sign but an important physical finding as it is a sign of an advanced stage of malignancy with a poor prognostic.
Case Presentation:
We report the case of a 34-year-old female with a 2-month history of an umbilical nodule (2cm) admitted to the emergency department for acute bowel obstruction. A CT scan showed a thickening of the descending colon wall associated with peritoneal carcinomatosis and a large nodule of carcinomatosis that compressed the last ileal loop, responsible for bowel obstruction. A CT scan also showed an enhanced umbilical mass infiltrating the abdominal wall. Palliative surgery was indicated in emergencies to manage bowel obstruction. Surgical exploration revealed generalized peritoneal carcinomatosis and a large nodule of carcinomatosis obstructing the last ileal loop. Ileostomies and biopsies of the carcinomatosis were performed. Histopathological examination of the carcinomatosis biopsy revealed a moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma of colic origin. The patient was referred to the oncology department for chemotherapy with good courses.
Conclusion
Sister Mary Joseph’s nodule is a rare first manifestation of colon cancer. The diagnosis is often difficult, which causes delays in the diagnosis. Early detection requires the biopsy of any nodule or umbilical mass to determine its nature. Conservative treatment should be preferred at surgical treatment, except in emergency surgical indications.
On analogs of Cremona automorphisms for matroid fans
Authors:   , Rettenmayr Stefan
Published: February 2024

Matroids are combinatorial objects that generalize linear independence. A matroid can be represented geometrically by its Bergman fan and we compare the symmetries of these two objects. Sometimes, the Bergman fan has additional automorphisms, which are related to Cremona transformations in projective space. Their existence depends on a combinatorial property of the matroid, as has been shown by Shaw and Werner, and we study the consequences for the structure of such matroids. This allows us to gain a better understanding of the so-called Cremona group of a matroid and we apply our results to root system matroids.
Entanglement Rényi entropies from ballistic fluctuation theory: The free fermionic case
Authors: del Vecchio del Vecchio Giuseppe , Doyon Benjamin , Ruggiero Paola
Published: February 2024

The large-scale behaviour of entanglement entropy in finite-density states, in and out of equilibrium, can be understood using the physical picture of particle pairs. However, the full theoretical origin of this picture is not fully established yet. In this work, we clarify this picture by investigating entanglement entropy using its connection with the large-deviation theory for thermodynamic and hydrodynamic fluctuations. We apply the universal framework of Ballistic Fluctuation Theory (BFT), based the Euler hydrodynamics of the model, to correlation functions of branch-point twist fields, the starting point for computing Rényi entanglement entropies within the replica approach. Focusing on free fermionic systems in order to illustrate the ideas, we show that both the equilibrium behavior and the dynamics of Rényi entanglement entropies can be fully derived from the BFT. In particular, we emphasise that long-range correlations develop after quantum quenches, and accounting for these explain the structure of the entanglement growth. We further show that this growth is related to fluctuations of charge transport, generalising to quantum quenches the relation between charge fluctuations and entanglement observed earlier. The general ideas we introduce suggest that the large-scale behaviour of entanglement has its origin within hydrodynamic fluctuations.
Plagiocephaly and malocclusion
Authors: Santos Félix Ana Luiza , Stefani Soares Sabrina , Ferreira Lima Viviane , Santiago Júnior Orlando
Published: February 2024

The term plagiocephaly means oblique head. Most skull deformities are a result of intrapartum or utero molding but can be caused by congenital torticollis and after birth due to persistent head position of newborns staying in one head position for a long time and abusive use of strollers, car seats, car seats, swings. Its prevalence is growing fast, in 30 years it passes from 1 in each 300 babies in early nineties to 16 to 48 % in 2020. The aim of this paper is bringing the light to some serious conditions of treatment protocols in individuals with plagiocephaly. The skull deformity causes facial asymmetry that are not treatable by orthopedic or orthodontic intra or extra oral appliances, nor orthognathic surgery. Well, despite the fact that the patient or the tutors have to be notified of the facial asymmetry that persists, functional limitations will be presented. In more than 30 years of clinical experience treating these patients it was never sought the 4 first permanent molars and the 4 canines in the same Angle’s Class. In one side can be seen Class 1, but on the other it will be finding class 2 or class 3, the case reported exemplifies it, and the worst, mastication guidance will have to be very carefully done since, in most cases if it is tried to adjust the inferior and superior dental midline the vertical asymmetry of the occlusal plane (minimum vertical dimension) will worsen. Really there is no unique treatment protocol and it has to be considered case by case. It is time to deepen the knowledge in this area since the prevalence is growing. Based on the case reported, non-treated plagiocephaly can bring serious limitations to malocclusion treatment results. Further studies are necessary to a better understanding of the situation plagiocephaly versus malocclusion.
Legal Dilemmas of the European Court of Human Rights After Russia's Expulsion from the Council of Europe. Selected Issues
Authors: Mężykowska Aleksandra
Published: February 2024

The article argues that the exclusion of the Russian Federation from the Council of Europe created a legal situation which enabled the European Court of Human Rights to develop new ways of proceeding when a State de facto refuses to participate in the proceedings and opened for the Court a possibility to interpret the provisions of the European Convention on Human Rights in such a way as to ensure that victims of the Russia’s aggression against Ukraine are afforded the broadest possible protection not only under international humanitarian law, but also under the ECHR.
Multi-omics Combined with Machine Learning Facilitating the Diagnosis of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Li Jie , Xu Siyi , Zhu Feng , Shen Fei , Zhang Tianyi , Wan Xin , Gong Saisai , Liang Geyu , Zhou Yonglin
Published: February 2024

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Gastric cancer (GC) is a highly intricate gastrointestinal malignancy. Early detection
of gastric cancer forms the cornerstone of precision medicine. Several studies
have been conducted to investigate early biomarkers of gastric cancer using genomics,
transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, respectively. However, endogenous substances
associated with various omics are concurrently altered during gastric cancer development.
Furthermore, environmental exposures and family history can also induce
modifications in endogenous substances. Therefore, in this study, we primarily investigated
alterations in DNA mutation, DNA methylation, mRNA, lncRNA, miRNA, circRNA,
and protein, as well as glucose, amino acid, nucleotide, and lipid metabolism levels
in the context of GC development, employing genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics,
and metabolomics. Additionally, we elucidate the impact of exposure factors, including
HP, EBV, nitrosamines, smoking, alcohol consumption, and family history, on diagnostic
biomarkers of gastric cancer. Lastly, we provide a summary of the application of machine
learning in integrating multi-omics data. Thus, this review aims to elucidate: i) the
biomarkers of gastric cancer related to genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and
metabolomics; ii) the influence of environmental exposure and family history on multiomics
data; iii) the integrated analysis of multi-omics data using machine learning techniques.