bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Age and AMH On Cumulative Live Birth Rates Over Multiple Frozen-thawed Embryo Transfer Cycles: A Study Based On Low Prognosis Patients Of POSEIDON 3 and 4 Groups
Authors: Xia Lan , Zhou Xiaowei , Wang Xiaoling , Zhao Shen , Wu Xian , Xu Huihui , Zhang Aijun , Niu Zhihong
Published: January 2024

Background: Among the POSEIDON criteria, group 3 and group 4 have an expected low prognosis. For those patients with inadequate ovary reserve, embryo accumulated from consecutive oocyte retrieval cycles for multiple frozen-thawed embryo transfers (FET) has become more common. It is necessary to inform them of the pregnancy outcomes after single or multiple FET cycles before the treatment. However few studies about cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) for those with low prognosis have been reported.
Methods: This retrospective study included 4712 patients undergoing frozen embryo transfer cycles from July 2015 to August 2020. Patients were stratified as POSEIDON group 3, group 4, control 1 group (< 35 years) and control 2 group (≥35 years). The primary outcome is CLBRs up to six FET cycles and the secondary outcomes were LBRs per transfer cycle. Optimistic approach was used for the analysis of CLBRs and the depiction of cumulative incidence curves.
Results: Under optimistic model analyses, control 1 group exhibited the highest CLBR (93.98%, 95%CI 91.63%-95.67%) within 6 FET cycles, followed by the CLBR from women in POSEIDON group 3（92.51%，95%CI 77.1-97.55）was slightly lower than that in control 1 group. The CLBR of POSEIDON group 4（55% ,95%CI 39.34%-70.66%）was the lowest and significantly lower than that of control 2 group（88.7%, 95%CI 80.68%-96.72%）. Further, patients in POSEIDON group 4 reached a CLBR plateau after 5 FET cycles.
Conclusions: The patients of POSEIDON group 3 may not be considered as traditional “low prognosis” in clinical practice as extending the number of FET cycles up to 6 can archive considerably CLBR as control women. While for the POSEIDON group 4, a simple repeat of the FET cycle is not recommended after four failed FET cycles, some strategies such as PGT-A may be beneficial.
Preclinical evaluation of 99m Tc-labeled LHRH as GnRH receptor imaging
Authors: Alfaya Lucía , Camacho Ximena , Cabrera Mirel , Tassano Marcos , Savio Eduardo , Reyes Laura , Paolino Andrea , García María Fernanda , Fernández Marcelo , Gambini Juan Pablo , Cabral Pablo
Published: January 2024

Breast cancer stands as the principal cause of cancer-related mortality among women in the developed world. Notably, receptors of Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone (LHRH or GnRH) exhibit overexpression in this malignancy. This study aimed to develop a new molecular prove [99mTc] Tc-HYNIC-GSG-LHRH(D-Lys6)/Tricine/Nicotinic Acid (NA) as a novel molecular imaging agent for breast cancer. HYNIC-GSG-LHRH(D-Lys6) was acquired and radiolabeled with [99mTc] Tc. The radiochemical purity and stability in different conditions were evaluated by Instant thin-layer chromatography (ITLC) and High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Lipophilicity was performed by the distribution coefficient test. In vitro cell binding studies were performed in different human and mice breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-435, MCF-7, BT474 and 4T1) as well as in normal murine fibroblasts (NIH-3T3) and CHO-K1 as negative control. Biodistribution studies were performed in normal Balb/c mice and 4T1 tumor-bearing Balb/c mice up to 6 h post-injection. SPECT/CT images were performed in 4T1 tumor-bearing Balb/c mice up to 5 h post injection (p.i). [99mTc] Tc-HYNIC-GSG-LHRH(D-Lys6)/Tricine/NA complex was labeled with a high radiochemical purity (> 98%) and stable up to 4 hs. It presented a good hydrophilicity (Log P = − 2.82 ± 0.04). It also yields a relevant and specific binding in all breast cell lines evaluated. Biodistributions studies showed a high renal clearance and low unspecific binding (< 2% Act/g) in most organs, as well as appreciable tumor uptake (5.8 ± 0.5%ID/g 1 h p.i) and high tumor/muscle ratio (maximum of 30.5 ± 11.2 at 1 h p.i). SPECT/CT of 4T1-tumor bearing Balb/c mice images revealed similar results to biodistribution studies, with a Tumor/Non-Tumor ration of > 3.5 at all times evaluated. In vivo blockage studies showed specificity for the LHRH-R; demonstrating a substantial potential for in vivo visualization of LHRH-R expression in breast cancer.
“I have to breathe”: A mixed-methods pilot study to assess the feasibility, acceptability, cost, and effectiveness of an intervention for post-tuberculosis lung disease
Authors: Almeida Carlos , Durand Rafael , LaHood Allison , Byrne Anthony , Mendoza-Ticona Alberto , Ygnacio Erika , Durand Fernando , Lecca Leonid , Pita Ramón , Guerra Dalia , Wong Milagros , Tintaya Karen , Mitnick Carole
Published: January 2024

Background
Many tuberculosis patients who are successfully treated according to microbiologic endpoints experience sequelae that adversely affect quality of life and increase mortality. Prior research in Peru revealed an important burden of respiratory symptoms after successful treatment of tuberculosis. Here, we present a pilot intervention of 8 weeks of pulmonary rehabilitation and inhaled pharmacotherapy for people with respiratory symptoms after successful tuberculosis treatment. We examine the feasibility, acceptability, and cost of the intervention, “Libre Post-TB”.
Methods
This was a mixed methods study conducted in Lima, Peru. We recruited adults with respiratory symptoms within three months of successful completion of TB treatment. At baseline, we recorded demographic characteristics, vital signs, medical history, and chest X-ray findings. At baseline and end of study, we evaluated respiratory symptoms, quality of life, lung function, fitness, strength, and fatigue. We surveyed participants on direct medical, non-medical and indirect costs of participation in the intervention and estimated its cost in the public health system. We assessed feasibility with senior health system personnel (N = 4) and primary care workers (N = 10) and acceptability with intervention participants (N = 14). We report the number of pulmonary rehabilitation sessions completed and integrated these results with those from the qualitative acceptability component.
Results
We enrolled 40 participants. Spirometry-defined COPD was detected in 3 (7.5%). In 10 (25%) and 9 (22.5%) participants, FEV1 and FVC, respectively, was below age-, sex-, height- standardized lower limits of normal. Participants completed 11 (IQR: 5,15) of 16 pulmonary rehabilitation sessions. Participants generally appreciated the virtual intervention and associated flexibility; for some this was inadequate to guarantee completion. Differences in lung function were not apparent while improvement in quality-of-life was detected after intervention. Some providers normalized post-TB symptoms. Feasibility findings included that limited guidance and facilities for post TB lung disease should not preclude its implementation.
Conclusions
A brief pulmonary rehabilitation intervention was feasible and acceptable for people with respiratory symptoms following successful TB treatment in Peru. There is some evidence for improved symptomatology. With an estimated 155 million TB survivors, and high prevalence of PTLD, the potential impact of improved interventions is enormous.
WITHDRAWN: Optimizing Brain Tumor Classification: A Comparative Analysis of Nature Inspired Algorithms with GLCM Features
Authors: P selvan , A Kavitha
Published: January 2024

Advancements in medical imaging have led to an increasing demand for accurate and efficient methods of brain tumor classification. This study delves into the realm of nature-inspired optimization algorithms, with a focus on their application in the field of medical image analysis. We examine the performance of three distinct algorithms: Firefly, Cat Swarm Optimization (CSO), and Artificial Fish Swarm Optimization Algorithm (AFSA), in the context of brain tumor classification. Among these, CSO emerges as the star performer, achieving an impressive accuracy rate of 96.36%. The study employs Gray-Level Co-occurrence Matrix (GLCM) features, a widely recognized set of texture features for medical image analysis. Through a rigorous comparative analysis, we explore the capabilities of these algorithms in accurately classifying brain tumors, shedding light on their potential to enhance diagnostic precision.
Prenatal detection of chromosome 7q deletion with duplication and literature review
Authors: Zhu Jinping , Hu Juan
Published: January 2024

Background
Genetic analysis was performed on a fetus with partial deletion and duplication of 7q, proposed by non-invasive prenatal screening (NIPT) as a reference for clinical genetic counseling.
Case presentation
Pregnant woman, Non-invasive prenatal screening suggested a 7.8 Mb deletion of chromosome 7 q36.1q36.3 and a duplication of 9.3 Mb in the region of 7q34q36.1. Conventional chromosome G-banding and chromosome microarray analysis(CMA) were performed on fetal amniotic fluid samples and parental peripheral blood samples. The fetal karyotype was 46, XY on conventional G-banding analysis. The CMA test results showed a deletion of approximately 7.8 Mb in the 7q36.1q36.3 region and a duplication of 6.6 Mb in the 7q35q36.1 region. The parents' karyotype analysis and CMA results were normal, indicating a new mutation.
Conclusion
CMA molecular diagnostic analysis can effectively detect chromosomal microdeletions or microduplications, clarify the relationship between fetal genotype and clinical phenotype, and provide a reference for prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal microdeletion-duplication syndrome.
A new approach for epicardial permanent pacemaker implantation in children: case report
Authors: Yuan Dou , Lin Ke , Xu Yuanning
Published: January 2024

Background
High-grade atrioventricular block is the primary reason for epicardial permanent pacemaker implantation during the perioperative period in patients with congenital heart disease. Due to the smaller diameter of venous vessels in children, epicardial permanent pacemaker implantation is usually a preferred choice, we report one pediatric patient who received epicardial permanent pacemaker implantation using a new approach.
Case presentation
We present the case of a 2-year-old girl who underwent the modified Konno procedure and Pulmonary valvuloplasty surgery and presented after surgery with a High-grade atrioventricular block. At over 20 days after the patient underwent a redo-sternotomy which epicardial permanent pacemaker implantation. Medtronic Model 4965 Capsure Epi ® steroid-eluting unipolar epicardial pacing lead was immobilized on the surface of the right ear. The Medtronic 3830 pacing lead was screwed obliquely and clockwise under direct view from the surface of the right ventricle to the endocardium near the interventricular septum. The patient’s recovery was uneventful.
Conclusion
A Medtronic 3830 pacing lead was screwed into the myocardium through the epicardium, which is a feasible approach for implanting the ventricular pacing electrode.
Colorectal Carcinoma metastasizing to Scrotum: A series of five cases with unusual presentation and late recurrences from a single tertiary oncology centre of India
Authors: Bilala Disha , Yadav Subhash , Ankathi Suman Kumar , Kaushal Rajiv , Deshpande Gauri , Bal Munita , Deodhar Kedar , Menon Santosh , Ramadwar Mukta
Published: January 2024

Background
Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is a common malignancy, frequently metastasizing to the liver, lungs, and regional lymph nodes. However, metastasis to the scrotum is exceedingly rare, with few cases reported in the literature. In this study, we present a series of five cases of colorectal carcinoma metastasizing to the scrotum, emphasizing their unusual clinical presentation and late recurrences.
Methods
We did a retrospective review of 7 years from 2015–2022 for cases of scrotal metastasis in cases of CRC.
Results
The means age in our study was 38 years (22–61 years) and the median time interval between the primary diagnosis and scrotal metastasis was 31.6 months (0-104 months). Case presentations included scrotal swelling initially misdiagnosed as a hydrocele (case 1), non-healing cutaneous ulcers (cases 3 and 5), a scrotal skin papilloma (case 4), and a cutaneous nodule (case 2).
Conclusion
This series of five cases highlights the rarity and diagnostic challenges associated with colorectal carcinoma metastasizing to the scrotum. The extended latency between primary tumor diagnosis and scrotal metastasis, coupled with atypical clinical presentations, underscores the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion. Clinicians should be vigilant, especially when evaluating patients with a history of colorectal carcinoma, to promptly identify such uncommon metastatic sites.
The analysis of transcriptomic signature of TNBC – searching for the potential RNA-based predictive biomarkers to determine the chemotherapy sensitivity
Authors: Supplitt Stanislaw , Karpinski Pawel , Sasiadek Maria , Laczmanski Lukasz , Kujawa Dorota , Matkowski Rafal , Kasprzak Piotr , Abrahamowska Mariola , Maciejczyk Adam , Iwaneczko Ewelina , Laczmanska Izabela
Published: January 2024

Background
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is the foundation treatment for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and frequently results in pathological complete response (pCR). However, there are large differences in clinical response and survival after neoadjuvant chemotherapy of TNBC patients. The aim was to identify genes which expression significantly associates with the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with TNBC.
Methods
Transcriptomes of 46 Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) tumor samples from TNBC patients were analyzed by RNA-seq by comparing 26 TNBCs with pCR versus 20 TNBCs with pathological partial remission (pPR). Subsequently, we narrowed down the list of genes to those that strongly correlated with drug sensitivity of 63 breast cancer cell lines based on Dependency Map Consortium data re-analysis. Furthermore, the list of genes was limited to those presenting specific expression in breast tumor cells as revealed in three large published single cell RNA-seq breast cancer datasets. Finally, we analyzed which of selected genes were significantly associated with overall survival (OS) in TNBC TCGA dataset.
Results
A total of 105 genes were significantly differentially expressed in comparison between pPR versus pCR. As revealed by PLSR analysis in breast cancer cell lines out of 105 deregulated genes 42 were associated with sensitivity to docetaxel, doxorubicin, paclitaxel and/or cyclophosphamide. We found that 24 out of 42 sensitivity-associated genes displayed intermediate or strong expression in breast malignant cells using single cell RNAseq re-analysis. Finally, 10 out of 24 genes were significantly associated with overall survival in TNBC TCGA dataset.
Conclusion
Our RNA-seq based findings suggest that there might be transcriptomic signature consisted of 24 genes specifically expressed in tumor malignant cells for predicting neoadjuvant response in FFPE samples from TNBC patients prior to treatment initiation. Additionally, 9 out of 24 genes were potential survival predictors in TNBC. This group of 24 genes should be further investigated for its potential to be translated into a predictive test(s).
Artificial tiger bone powder Inhibits the Progression of Knee Osteoarthritis via the Wnt/β-catenin Pathway
Authors: Wu Yichao , Zhang Tiantian , Jia Qifei , Sui Cong
Published: January 2024

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common bone and joint disease around the world. This study tested the ability of Artificial tiger bone powder (ATBP) to inhibit the progression of KOA through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Forty Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a control group, a KOA group, a low-dose ATBP group and a high-dose group. Knee joints were injected with adjuvant to establish a rat model of KOA. Detect the changes in relevant indicators of rats in each group. interleukin (IL)-1β induced primary chondrocytes to establish the KOA cell model. After treatment with an agonist or inhibitor of Wnt/β-catenin, the levels of Wnt1, β-catenin were analyzed by PCR. Compared with the KOA group, knee joint swelling of the rats in the ATBP treatment groups was reduced, while the joint score were all significantly lower (P < 0.05). In the IL-1β-induced chondrocytes treated with ATBP, the expression of type II collagen (Col II) was increased significantly (P < 0.05). Compared with the IL-1β group, the levels of Wnt1, β-catenin in the agonist-induced group were significantly increased, while in the inhibitor-treated group they were significantly decreased (P < 0.05). ATBP inhibits the progression of KOA via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
Achieving NPVR ≥ 80% as Technical Success of High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Ablation for Uterine Fibroids: a cohort study
Authors: Li Shuang , Yang Meijie , Yu Jingwen , Ma Wangwa , Deng Yongbin , Hu Liang , Chen Jinyun
Published: January 2024

Objective: To report the long-term re-intervention of patients with uterine fibroids after ultrasound-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (USgHIFU) ablation, and analyse the influencing factors of re-intervention in group of NPVR ≥80%.
Materials and Methods: The patients were divided into four groups according to different non-perfusion volume ratio (NPVR). Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to analyse the long-term re-intervention in different NPVR groups, and Cox regression was used to analyse the influencing factors of re-intervention in the NPVR ≥ 80% group.
Main Results: Patients with single uterine fibroid who underwent USgHIFU from January 2012 to December 2019 in our hospital were enrolled. A total of 1,257 patients were enrolled, of which 920 were successfully followed up. The median follow-up time was 88 months, and the median NPVR was 85.2%. The cumulative re-intervention rates of 1, 3, 5, 8 and 10 years after USgHIFU were 3.4%, 11.8%, 16.8%, 22.6% and 24.1%, respectively. The 10-year cumulative re-intervention rate was 37.3% in the group of NPVR <70%, 31.0% in the group of NPVR 70%–79%, 18.2% in the group of NPVR 80%–89% and 17.8% in the group of NPVR ≥90% (P <0.05). However, no difference was found between the group of NPVR 80%−89% and the group of NPVR ≥90% (P=0.499). Age of patients and signal intensity on T2WI of tumours were independent risk factors for long-term re-intervention when NPVR was ≥80%. Lower age and higher signal intensity on T2WI corresponded to a higher risk of re-intervention occurrence.
Conclusion: USgHIFU, as an alternative treatment of uterine fibroids, has a reliable long-term efficiency. NPVR ≥80% can reduce the long-term re-intervention rates of patients, which can be used as a sign of technical success. However, an important step is to assess before ablation, considering both age of patients and fibroids of signal intensity on T2WI.
Trial registration: This retrospective study was approved by the ethics committee at our institution (Registration No. HF2023001; Date: 06/04/2023). The Chinese Clinical Trial Registry provided full approval for the study protocol (Registration No. CHiCTR2300074797; Date: 16/08/2023).
Parameters that can be used as predictors of mortality in the surgical intensive care unit among non-cardiac surgery patients receiving transfusion
Authors: Sadri Sevil , Sahin Bora , Tunay Burcu
Published: January 2024

Objective Postoperative complications significantly increase the mortality rate and thus follow-up of high-risk patients in the intensive care unit after surgery may reduce mortality. Methods This is a retrospective analysis and did not require informed consent due to its anonymous nature. Hospital records were screened to identify all adult patients (> 18 years) admitted to the inpatient surgical intensive care unit between January 2021 and March 2022. The records of patients who underwent non-cardiac surgery and were followed up in the postoperative intensive care unit between January 2021 and March 2022 were reviewed. Demographic characteristics, hematologic parameters and the number of transfusions performed in the intensive care unit were recorded and analyzed for their effect on postoperative. Results Length of stay in the ICU, need for and duration of mechanical ventilation, hemoglobin level, platelet count and ASA scores were found to have a statistically significant association with mortality (p < 0.05). Mean length of stay in the ICU was higher among patients who died (15.18 ± 20.82 days) compared to survivors. Similarly, mean duration of ventilation was higher among patients who died (14.52 ± 20.17 days) compared to survivors (p < 0.05). Univarity LR analysis showed that mechanical ventilation, ASA scores, hemoglobin level and platelet count were statistically significant predictors of mortality (p < 0.05). Conclusion Anemia is an independent risk factor for poor outcomes. Red blood cell transfusion is associated with a poor prognosis, but this association was not observed in patients with moderate-to-severe anemia. The findings suggest that platelet transfusion is a significant risk factor for mortality. Careful preoperative planning and multidisciplinary management efforts are needed to reduce the use of postoperative transfusions.
Causal relationship between rheumatoid arthritis and bronchiectasis: A bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Chen Zehu , Li Xuegang , Shi Honglei , Huang Yiying , Liu Jing
Published: January 2024

Background
Epidemiological observational studies have elucidated a correlation between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and bronchiectasis. However, the causal nature of this association remains ambiguous. To clarify this potential causal linkage, we conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to explore the bidirectional causality between RA and bronchiectasis.
Methods
Summary statistics for RA and bronchiectasis were obtained from the IEU OpenGWAS database We employed various methods, including inverse variance weighting (IVW), MR-Egger, weighted median, weighted mode, and simple mode, to explore potential causal links between RA and bronchiectasis. Additionally, a series of sensitivity studies, such as Cochran's Q test, MR Egger intercept test, and leave-one-out analysis, were conducted to assess the MR analysis's accuracy further.
Results
In the forward MR analysis, the primary analysis indicated that a genetic predisposition to RA correlated with an increased risk of bronchiectasis in European populations (IVW odds ratio (OR): 1.28, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.20–1.37, p = 1.18E-13). Comparable results were noted in the East Asian subjects (IVW OR: 1.55, 95% CI: 1.30–1.34, p = 8.33E-07). The OR estimates from the other four methods were consistent with those obtained from the IVW method. Sensitivity analysis detected no evidence of horizontal pleiotropy or heterogeneity. Conversely, in the reverse MR analysis, we found no evidence to support a genetic causality between bronchiectasis and RA in either European or East Asian populations.
Conclusion
This study indicates that genetic predisposition to RA correlates with a heightened risk of bronchiectasis in both European and East Asian populations. These results imply that routine screening for bronchiectasis in RA patients could be beneficial, and effective management of RA may contribute to a reduced risk of bronchiectasis. Future research should aim to clarify the underlying mechanisms linking these two conditions.
Objective sleep quality predicts subjective sleep ratings: a multiday observational study
Authors: Pierson-Bartel Róbert , Ujma Péter Przemyslaw
Published: January 2024

In both clinical and observational studies, sleep quality is usually assessed by subjective self-report. The literature is mixed about how accurately these self-reports track objectively (e.g. via polysomnography) assessed sleep quality, with frequent reports of a very low or no association. However, previous research on this question focused on between-subject designs, which may be confounded by trait-level variables. In the current study, we used the novel Budapest Sleep, Experiences and Traits Study (BSETS) dataset to investigate if within-subject differences in subjectively reported sleep quality are related to sleep macrostructure and quantitative EEG variables assessed using a mobile EEG headband. We found clear evidence that within-subject variations in sleep onset latency, wake after sleep onset, total sleep time, and sleep efficiency affect self-reported sleep quality in the morning. These effects were replicated if detailed sleep composition metrics (percentage and latency of specific vigilance states) or two alternative measures of subjective sleep quality are used instead. We found no effect of the number of awakenings or relative EEG delta and sigma power. Between-subject effects (relationships between individual mean values of sleep metrics and subjective sleep quality) were also found, highlighting that analyses focusing only on these may be erroneous. Our findings show that while previous investigations of this issue may have been confounded by between-subject effects, objective sleep quality is indeed reflected in subjective sleep ratings.
Factors associated with severe cognitive decline in community-dwelling older persons in Cameroon (Sub-Saharan African)
Authors: Simo-Tabue Nadine , Magnerou Mélanie Annick , Mounsamy Ludwig , Metamno Salvatore , Letchimy Laurys , Dartigues Jean-François , Kuate-Tegueu Callixte , Tabué-Teguo Maturin
Published: January 2024

Severe cognitive decline (SVD) is a major cause of dependency in older people. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with severe cognitive decline, as assessed by the mini-mental state examination (MMSE), in community-dwelling adults aged 55 + in Cameroon. Method: Data are from a cross-sectional survey carried out in Cameroon. The Cognitive status was assessed using the MMSE and a score of 18/30 or lower is considered as a proxy of severe cognitive decline Result: A total of 403 adults participated in the study. Of these, 16 (3.9%) had an MMSE score < 18 and were considered to have severe cognitive decline. The rate of severe cognitive decline increased with rising age, from 2.1% in those aged 55 to 64 years, to 3.3% in those aged 65 to 74, and 11% in those aged 75 and older. The factors associated with severe cognitive decline (MMSE score < 18) by multivariate analysis in our population are level of education (OR 0.10 (95%CI 0.02–0.37), p < 0.01), body mass index (OR 0.88 (95%CI 0.78–0.99), p = 0.03). and IADL score (OR 0.12 (95%CI 0.03–0.38), p < 0.001). Conclusion: The three main factors associated with cognitive decline were education, IADL dependency and BMI. This study shows that among older people in sub-Saharan Africa, the effect of BMI, IADL dependency and education on cognitive function appears similar to that observed in middle- and high-income countries.
Characteristics of deformation and damage of surrounding rock along the top roadway in the working face of an isolated island and its evolution law
Authors: Yun Qing-Long , Wang Xiao-He , Jing Wu , Zhang Wen-Bo , Wei Xiao-Xiang , Wang Jiang-Hao
Published: January 2024

In order to study characteristics of deformation and damage of surrounding rock along the top roadway in the working face of an isolated island and its evolution law, this paper takes a mine in Yangquan City, Shanxi Province, China, as the engineering background, and adopts FLAC 3D numerical simulation and on-site measurements to conclude that at different locations of the 15106 island face along the top of the roadway peripheral rock over the front face, the roadway in the excavation period and the mining phase all experience the asymmetric expansion of the plastic zone and gradually penetrate the plastic zone of the coal pillar, and overall experience the stage of the roadway sub-gang not penetrated and destroyed, the stage of the roadway sub-gang penetrated and destroyed, the stage of the development of the plastic zone of both gangs after penetrated and destroyed. In general, the roadway has experienced the stage of the sub-gang not penetrating and destroying, the stage of the roadway penetrating and destroying, and the stage of the roadway two-gang plastic zone development after penetrating and destroying. The asymmetric destruction of the roadway has the characteristics of rock selectivity and leaping through, and the rock layer of the roadway roof is relatively hard, and no large-scale destruction occurs; Through drilling and snooping, it was concluded that the large range of positive gang damage, the development of fissures, and the large depth of the roadway gang damage were the direct causes of the gang bulge, and that the size of the plastic zones of the two gangs of the roadway was positively correlated with the relative distance. During the monitoring period, the roadway displacement continued to increase, which is consistent with the situation in the coal mine.
Oncological outcomes post transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, a single- center retrospective Australian study
Authors: Kornfeld Belen , Taha Ahmed , Kyang Lee , Sim Hao-wen , Dewhurst Suzannah , McCloy Rachael , Chin Vanessa , Earls Peter , Parker Andrew , Leavers Brett , Forstner Dion , Floros Peter , Crawford Julia , Gallagher Richard
Published: January 2024

Background
We present a cohort review of TORS resection for HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) and its associated oncological outcomes spanning a 10-year period.
Methods
A retrospective case series review was performed of patients undergoing primary surgical treatment for HPV-associated OPSCC through the St. Vincent’s Head and Neck Cancer service from 2011–2022. The primary outcomes were to investigate complete resection of the primary tumour, rates of recurrence, and survival analysis. Secondary outcomes included complications, rates of adjuvant therapy, sites of recurrence and rates of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG).
Results
184 patients underwent TORS-based therapy with neck dissection, and guideline directed adjuvant therapy for HPV-associated OPSCC. Our median follow up was 46 months. The positive margin rate on final histopathology analysis was 10.9%. Adjuvant therapy was indicated in 85 patients (46%). The local recurrence rate was 10.9% with the majority (80%) of patients recurring in the first 3 years since treatment. The disease-specific survival at 3 years was 98.6% and at 5 years was 94.4%. The 3-year and 5-year OS for the cohort was 96.7% and 92.5% respectively. Presence of extranodal extension and positive margins were associated with increased risk of recurrence, whereas adjuvant therapy was found to be a protective factor for both overall recurrence and survival. Major complications occurred in 12 patients (6.5%), resulting in one death.
Conclusion
This study has demonstrated that primary surgical therapy for HPV-associated OPSCC is a safe and effective treatment modality with low local recurrence and complication rates, and overall survival benefits.
Application of Indocyanine Green-Labeled Fluorescence Laparoscopy in Inguinal Hernias (Nyhus Types III and IV)
Authors: Zhang Qi , XU Xiujuan , Ma Jun , Ling Xinjian , Wang Yongsheng , Zhang Yaming
Published: January 2024

Background: Laparoscopic inguinal hernia (IH) repair presents escalated risks of surgical complications, notably bleeding, particularly in Nyhus types III and IV IHs. In this study, we introduced an innovative technique using indocyanine green-labeled fluorescence laparoscopy to mitigate intraoperative complications, including bleeding and rupture of the hernial sac.
Methods: This retrospective study reviewed records of 17 patients who underwent laparoscopic IH repair at Anqing Municipal Hospital between July and August 2023. Intraoperatively, fluorescence imaging was utilized to trace the pathway of the spermatic vessels and outline the boundaries of the hernia sac to facilitate a thorough dissection.
Results: The procedure was successfully completed in all 17 patients, with a median operation time of 42 min (range: 30–51 min). Median intraoperative blood loss was 5 ml (range: 3–8 ml). Complete dissection of the hernia sac was achieved in each case without any incidents of sac rupture. Hemodynamic parameters of blood flow within the spermatic artery on postoperative day 1 showed no statistically significant deviations from the preoperative values. Furthermore, during the 2-month follow-up period, there were no cases of seroma formation or hernia recurrence.
Conclusion: Employing indocyanine green-labeled fluorescence laparoscopy in Nyhus types III and IV IH repairs significantly reduces intraoperative complications, notably bleeding and rupture of the hernial sac. This technique demonstrated a negligible impact on the hemodynamic parameters of the spermatic artery and reduced the overall surgical time.
Backbone 1H, 13C, and 15N chemical shift assignments for human SERF2
Authors: Sahoo Bikash R. , Subramanian Vivekanandan , Bardwell James C.A.
Published: January 2024

Human small EDRK-rich factor protein SERF2 is a cellular driver of protein amyloid formation which has been linked to many different neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. SERF2 though tiny (59 residues) and highly charged, its structure and physiological function remains unexplored. SERF family proteins including human SERF2 is shown a tendency to form fuzzy complexes with misfolded proteins such as α-Synuclein which has been linked to Parkinson’s disease. SERF family proteins have been recently identified to bind nucleic acids, but the binding mechanism(s) remain enigmatic. Here, using multidimensional solution NMR, we report the 1H, 15N, and 13C chemical shift assignments (~86 % of backbone resonance assignments) for human SERF2. TALSO-N predicted secondary structure of SERF2 showed three short-helix (3-4 residues long) at N-terminus and a long (region 37-46) which correlates to SERF2’s helical structure observed by circular dichroism spectroscopy. Paramagnetic relaxation enhancement NMR analysis revealed a short C-terminal region E53-K55 is spatially oriented in the proximity of the N-terminus. The backbone assignment of SERF2 led us to probe its interaction with α-Synuclein and identifying key binding interfaces in SERF2 that promote α-Synuclein aggregation.
Wind Speed Probability Distribution and Parameter Estimation Methods
Authors: Fu Bin , Fan Guangyu , Wang Yanru , Zhang Maoyu , Zheng Shuqin
Published: January 2024

A proper wind speed probability distribution model and an appropriate parameter estimation method can greatly improve the accuracy of prediction by indicators of wind energy. Therefore, in this paper, four groups of wind speed data were collected over a year from different altitudes in 2 typical coastal areas of Zhejiang Province, and then fitted by five wind speed probability distribution models, including Weibull, Rayleigh, Gamma, logarithmic normal and Inverse Gaussian distributions. After verification by multiple goodness-of-fit indicators, it was found that Weibull distribution was the optimal model for fitting the wind speed in the studied regions. The maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) method, power density (PD) method, moment method (MM), empirical method of Justus (EMJ), alternative maximum likelihood method (AMLM) and least-squares method (GM) were then used to calculate Weibull parameters at the four different places and for fitting accuracy analysis. The results showed that MLE, PD and MM methods achieved highly similar results in each of the goodness-of-fit indicators. Moreover, the Weibull distribution obtained by these three methods accorded better with the actual wind speed distribution, compared with that obtained by the other 3 methods.
Improved sequence-to-sequence ship trajectory prediction based on AIS
Authors: Yuan Junfeng , Fang Wenhao , Zhang Jilin , Yin Yuyu , Wan Jian , Wang Yinjie
Published: January 2024

Due to the high density of ships and the complex traffic environment in coastal areas, developing ship trajectory prediction methods is an imperative task for effective collision avoidance. The performance of most previous methods is limited by the issues of regional discrepancy of Automatic Identification System (AIS) data and singularity in trajectory feature extraction. To address these two issues, this paper proposes an improved ship trajectory prediction framework based on AIS. The proposed framework mainly consists of two parts: (1) A trajectory data preprocessing module including the extraction of trajectories based on time and ship speed for imputing missing values based on which AIS data from different regions is normalized to keep the time interval consistency. (2) A sequence-to-sequence ship trajectory prediction model based on double CNNs called DCNN. The encoder of DCNN is composed of two parallel structures, namely the global temporal convolution and local temporal convolution, to extract both long-term and short-term dependencies of the ship trajectories. The decoder is composed of RNN and its variants which are used to generate the predicted ship trajectory sequence. The experimental results show that the proposed framework can effectively predict the ship's trajectory, so as to predict the ship encounter in different regional traffic modes in advance, and help the ship to actively avoid collision.
Productivity costs due to type 2 diabetes with or without co-occurring substance use disorders and depression – a register-based study
Authors: Kurkela Olli , Metso Saara , Forma Leena , Suokas Kimmo , Rissanen Pekka , Nevalainen Jaakko
Published: January 2024

Background This study assessed the productivity costs and their progression with age among people with type 2 diabetes with or without co-occurring substance use disorders and depression.Methods The FinDM (Diabetes in Finland) database was searched for working age people with type 2 diabetes aged 30 or older (N = 377,560) and for possibly co-occurring comorbidities between 1998 and 2017. Annual productivity costs were estimated for each person using the friction cost and human capital methods. To analyse the age progression of annual mean costs and the impacts of type 2 diabetes and the comorbidity diagnoses on the costs piecewise linear regression models allowing for the divergence in costs at the times of diagnoses were employed. Two scenarios representing the progression of annual mean costs in typical (age 57) and early-onset (age 42) type 2 diabetes with or without co-occurring comorbidities were presented.Results People with type 2 diabetes and both comorbidities exhibited over sevenfold annual productivity costs at age 45 compared to those without these diagnoses (€6,320 vs €856). This difference decreased towards the statutory retirement age (63 years). Each additional year of age led to an increase of €29 in annual mean costs, however, reaching age 50 initiated an additional annual increase of €180. An additional year with type 2 diabetes, substance use disorder, and depression diagnosis contributed an additional €53, €195, and €202 to the annual mean costs, respectively. The early-onset scenario illustrated a divergence in costs among people with and without type 2 diabetes compared to those not yet diagnosed with the disease. The co-occurring comorbidities substantially amplified this divergence in mean annual costs. The human capital method provided nearly 10-fold larger estimates compared to the friction cost method at the cost peak at age 62.Conclusions Results show that co-occurring substance use disorders and depression substantially amplify productivity costs among people with type 2 diabetes. The results highlight the importance of identifying high-risk individuals and allocating the health care resources for their holistic and multidisciplinary care to sustain their work ability.
Inequality and conspiracy beliefs
Authors: Becchetti Leonardo , Bellucci Davide , Pisani Fabio
Published: January 2024

Around one third of Europeans are conspiracy believers. Using European Social Survey data, we find that income inequality is an important driver of political, scientific and COVID-19 conspiracy beliefs, with regional inequality being positively and significantly correlated with conspiracy beliefs at individual level. Believers argue significantly more that the local government should address income inequality problems, while it is not doing enough for them. Furthermore, average sample moods about government commitment on inequality at regional level are significantly and positively correlated with conspiracy beliefs, even after controlling for individual opinions. Instrumental variable approaches suggest that the observed correlation hides a causality link. Our findings identify a novel underinvestigated effect of income inequality and suggest another positive effect of policies aimed at reducing it.
JEL numbers: A13, A14.
Awareness-based Choice Selection:
Improving Decision-making Efficiency by Using Known Information
Authors: Farhadi Ashkan
Published: January 2024

Background
Consciousness is usually interpreted as a state of being aware of one’s environment as well as oneself. According to the trilogy theory of consciousness, consciousness is primarily guided by two new mental functions—awareness-based choice selection (ABCS) and discretionary selection of information for awareness (DSIA) or intentional attention—which may play a role in choice selection during decision making.
Method
To test whether ABCS and DSIA could improve choice selection efficiency, 204 participants were recruited using social media platforms to complete an anonymous online survey. The survey was designed to examine the role of subtle hints and cues in guiding participants’ attention toward a particular subject of awareness, and this in return would increase the likelihood of selecting a correct choice among the proposed options, thereby enhancing the decision-making efficacy.
Results
Participants’ attention could be successfully drawn to a particular subject matter (DSIA) on 59 − 73% of the occasions. In addition, using ABCSs increased the efficiency of selecting a correct choice among the presented options. The analyses further revealed a gap between selecting a choice during the decision-making process and selecting a choice during execution, which is indicative of an appropriation process.
Conclusion
The present study showed that sheer knowledge of facts may not be sufficient for selecting a correct choice among presented options effectively. However, as ABCSs improve choice selection efficiency, they play an instrumental role in determining the subject of awareness, indirectly supporting the notion of DSIA.
Effect of the Music Intervention on the Anxiety of Patients Receiving Mechanical Ventilation
Authors: babaoglu elcin , caglar mehtap gungor
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Anxiety is very common in patients receiving mechanical ventilation. There are lots of methods to reduce anxiety such as sedatives, and analgesics. However, these methods have some adverse effects. Previous studies show that music interventions have a positive impact on anxiety. In this study, it was aimed to study the effect of music intervention on anxiety in patients receiving mechanical ventilation.Material-Method: The data were collected by using a patient sociodemographic form, patient monitoring form, Ramsey Sedation Scale, Glasgow Coma Scale, Face Anxiety Scale, and State Anxiety Inventory. Music was played to the patients of the experience group for 60 minutes with an Mp3 player and earphones. Data were collected before listening to the music, at the 30. minutes, at the 60. minutes of listening and 30 minutes after listening. State Anxiety Inventory was assessed before listening to the music and 30 minutes after listening was finished (90. minutes).Results It was found that music intervention affected the positive anxiety symptoms of the patients. Diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate, State anxiety, and facial anxiety scores positively influenced and decreased these values.Conclusion It was concluded that music intervention can be used as a useful intervention in the management of anxiety in patients who receiving mechanical ventilation.
Closing the income gap: The mediating effect of financial inclusion in the linkage between technological advancement and income inequality in BRICS economies
Authors: suhrab muhammad , Pinglu Chen , Qian Ningyu
Published: January 2024

This study examines the relationship between technological advancement and income inequality in the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) with a particular focus on the mediating role of financial inclusion. Employing statistical techniques such as two-stage least squares regression and principal component analysis, the research analyzes data from reliable sources between 2011 and 2021. The findings indicate a negative relationship between technological progress and income inequality, suggesting that as technology advances, income gaps will narrow slightly. Furthermore, the study reveals a positive relationship between technological advancement and financial inclusion, as well as a negative impact of financial inclusion on income inequality. These results have significant implications for policymakers, emphasizing the importance of promoting financial inclusivity to reduce income inequality in these countries. However, the study also acknowledges certain limitations and suggests future research to consider controlling for other potential factors and conducting longitudinal studies to better understand the dynamic relationship between these variables.
Comparing retro-cue benefit mechanisms in visual working memory: Completely valid vs. highly valid retro-cues
Authors: Liu Qiang , Fu Kai , Guo Lijing , Ye Chaoxiong
Published: January 2024

Visual working memory (VWM) plays a crucial role in temporarily maintaining and manipulating visual information. Retro-cue benefit (RCB) refers to enhancement in memory performance when attention is directed toward a subset of items within VWM after their initial encoding. Our recent EEG studies have indicated that cue validity can influence the mechanisms underlying RCB formation, but previous research has not investigated whether differences exist in the RCB formation mechanisms between completely valid and highly valid cue conditions. This study aims to examine the consistency of RCB mechanisms when retro-cues are completely valid (100% cue validity), compared with highly valid (80% cue validity). We manipulated retro-cue validity in our experiments and examined cognitive processing mechanisms under different cue validity conditions using EEG technology. We focused on the N2pc component, reflecting attentional resource allocation, and the contralateral delay activity (CDA) component, reflecting quantity of information retained in VWM. The results, encompassing both behavioral and event-related potential (ERP) findings, demonstrate that participants in both the 100% and 80% cue validity conditions exhibit robust RCB. Notably, the degree of RCB remains consistent between these conditions, indicating that participants utilize retro-cues to enhance VWM performance to the same extent. In the 80% cue validity condition, a significant retro-cue cost (RCC) is observed, suggesting that participants selectively eliminate uncued items from VWM. In invalid trials of this condition, response accuracy drops to chance levels, supporting the removal hypothesis. ERP results reveal that attentional resource allocation patterns (N2pc) and the quantity of information retained in VWM (CDA) remain uniform across cue validity conditions. The mechanism responsible for RCB formation appears to involve an all-or-nothing process of discarding uncued information rather than a flexible resource allocation strategy. This study provides insights into the attention allocation and information-processing mechanisms in VWM, suggesting that conclusions drawn from tasks with completely valid retro-cues can be integrated with findings from highly valid cue tasks. These findings also shed light on internal attentional resource allocation flexibility during RCB formation, as well as contribute to our understanding of attention processes in VWM.