bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RESEARCH OF COMMUTATION PROCESSES IN A 24-PULSE RECTIFIER WITH ELECTRONIC PHASE SHIFT ON IGBT TRANSISTORS WITH REVERSE BLOCKING CAPABILITY
Authors: Voitovych Yurii , Bohdan Styslo , Oksana Chmykhova , Oleksandr Plakhtii
Published: December 2024

When used in multi-pulse rectifiers with electronic phase shift, namely the use of single-operation semiconductor switches that can operate with lagging control angles and fully controlled semiconductor switches with reverse blocking capability that operate with leading control angles, the following feature occurs, namely that the switching time of single-operation keys and fully managed keys is different. The solution to this problem is possible when using fully controlled switches for all 6-pulse rectifiers, thereby unifying the converter modules. The disadvantage of such a solution is some increase in the cost of semiconductor elements. The scheme of unified modules can be performed on any fully controlled switches with reverse blocking capability, for example, symmetrical GTOs, or IGBTs with a series diode. When using fully controlled valves in rectifiers with an electronic phase shift, the switching of the valves occurs almost instantly, since the accumulated energy in the network cables cannot change instantly, this leads to the failure of the switches. To protect the keys, it is necessary to artificially create an additional switching circuit in the input circuit of the rectifier at the time of the current transition from one phase to another. The purpose of this article is to study the switching processes in a 24-pulse rectifier with an electronic phase shift on IGBT transistors with reverse blocking capability and the use of PWM to balance the average value of the rectified voltage of unified rectifiers operating with large and small control angles.
DETERMINANTS OF UDDER QUARTER MILK YIELD IN AUTOMATICALLY MILKED COWS
Authors:   Rolhod Sp. z o.o., W ˛asewo 16, 88-230 Piotrków Kujawski, Poland, Kuropatwinska Iwona , Bogucki Mariusz ,   Department of Animal and Nutrition Breeding, Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology, Mazowiecka 28, 85-084 Bydgoszcz, Poland
Published: December 2024

The objective of this paper was to analyse udder quarter milk yield in automatically milked cows, taking into account
the lactation number, lactation period and season, as well as to determine the share of individual quarters (front and
rear quarters, left and right quarters) in total milk yield during a single milking. The analysis was conducted using
data obtained from one cattle farm with 280 Polish Holstein-Friesian (PHF) cows, milked with 4 VMS milking
robots. The analysed parameters included: milk yield during milking of front quarters (left and right), rear quarters
(left and right), the ratio of front quarter to rear quarter and left to right quarter yields. In the oldest cows, an increase
was observed in udder quarter milk yield in lactations 1–3, followed by a decrease in lactation 4 and then another
increase. Cows in lactations ≥5 have better milk yield than cows in the 3rd lactation. An average milk yield of
one quarter of the udder for all lactations was 3.81 kg. With higher lactation numbers, there was a decrease in milk
yield for all udder quarters. The reduction in udder quarter milk yield of lactating cows ranged from 1.52 kg (rear
right quarter) to 1.78 kg of milk (rear left quarter) and from 1.59 kg (front right quarter) to 1.70 kg of milk (front
left quarter). No significant differences were observed in the milk yield of individual udder quarters in the spring,
summer and autumn seasons. On the other hand, there was a marked increase in this parameter in the winter months.
With successive lactations, the share of front quarters in total milk yield decreased – from 46.9% in primiparous
cows to 41.2% in cows after ≥5 lactations. The share of rear quarters in milk yield in turn increased. With every
successive lactation, the disproportion in the milk yield between the front quarters and rear quarters widened. When
it comes to the left and right quarters of the udder, in terms of the factors considered, similar results were observed.
Circulating Now, Full Circle: From the Historical Collections of the National Library of Medicine
Authors: Reznick Jeffrey S.
Published: December 2024

"In 2013, the National Library of Medicine (NLM) launched its Circulating Now blog to convey the vitality of medical history in our twenty-first-century world. The idea involved welcoming individuals to share stories of their engagement with the NLM collection—which spans eleven centuries, encompasses a variety of digital and physical formats, and originates from nearly every part of the world—as well as stories of the human condition preserved in this vast corpus. A decade on and with hundreds of posts published, Circulating Now has demonstrated the public’s esteem for the NLM collection and has been recognized by The Washington Post as “varied, lively and sometimes surprising.”
This book is an open access, edited collection of curated posts from Circulating Now. Its introduction presents the strategic conception and impact of the blog as a dynamic library and management resource. Six thematic chapters follow, each copiously illustrated and introduced with a new and original essay describing the content development and reflecting on the programmatic and intellectual significance of the selected posts. This book brings Circulating Now full circle in the twenty-first-century publishing ecosystem, creating a new access point for researchers and augmenting the original blog as a deep knowledge base of searchable information about the Library and its collection. Preserved in the NLM collection and circulating to new readers, Circulating Now, Full Circle will testify in perpetuity to the Library’s timeless stewardship of its globally appreciated collection and its public service to the world.
El Camino hacia la Sostenibilidad: Proceso de Construcción del Libro Blanco de BioEconomía Sustentable de Ecuador y su Estrategia de Posicionamiento
Authors: Ortega Puente Maria Paula , Larco Ortuño Pablo
Published: December 2024

El proceso de construcción del Libro Blanco de Bioeconomía Sustentable de Ecuador comenzó con la identificación de los principales retos y oportunidades del país en torno a la bioeconomía, un modelo que promueve el uso sostenible y responsable de los recursos biológicos. El trabajo fue liderado por un equipo interdisciplinario que incluyó expertos en sostenibilidad, economía, biodiversidad y tecnología, junto con la participación activa de actores gubernamentales, académicos y del sector privado. La fase de conceptualización se basó en un análisis exhaustivo de las capacidades locales, el potencial de los recursos biológicos y las demandas del mercado global.
Posteriormente, se diseñó una estrategia de comunicación con el objetivo de difundir los principios y metas del libro y el concepto de la bioeconomía, involucrando a diversos públicos clave, como comunidades locales, el sector privado y organismos internacionales. La implementación se lleva a cabo mediante campañas de sensibilización, talleres, conferencias y la creación de alianzas estratégicas para asegurar una mayor adopción de prácticas bioeconómicas en todo el país. El enfoque comunicacional integra herramientas digitales y tradicionales, maximizando el impacto y garantizando que los conceptos de sostenibilidad, innovación y conservación fueran comprendidos y aplicados en todos los niveles.
MORPHOLOGY AND PRESERVATION OF GAOJIASHANIA, AN ENIGMATIC TUBULAR FOSSIL FROM THE UPPER EDIACARAN DUNFEE MEMBER, DEEP SPRING FORMATION, NEVADA, USA
Authors: Rivas Ashley , Myrow Paul M. , Smith Emily F. , Nelson Lyle L. , Briggs Derek E.G. , Tarhan Lidya G.
Published: December 2024

The upper Ediacaran stratigraphic record hosts fossil assemblages of Earth’s earliest communities of complex, macroscopic, multicellular life. Tubular fossils are a common and diverse, though frequently undercharacterized, component of many of these assemblages. Gaojiashania cyclus is an enigmatic tubular fossil and candidate index fossil found in upper Ediacaran strata globally and is best known from the Gaojiashan Lagerstätte of South China. Here we describe a recently discovered assemblage of Gaojiashania fossils from the Ediacaran Dunfee Member of the Deep Spring Formation of Nevada, USA. Both body and trace fossil affinities have been proposed for Gaojiashania; we present morphological and biostratinomic evidence for a body fossil affinity for the Dunfee specimens. Additionally, previous studies have highlighted that Ediacaran tubular fossils are characterized by a wide range of preservational modes, including association with pyrite, apatite, or clay minerals and preservation as carbonaceous compressions. Petrographic, SEM, and EDS data indicate that the Dunfee Gaojiashania specimens are preserved as ‘Ediacara-style’ external, internal and composite molds, in siltstone and sandstone with a clay mineral-rich matrix of both aluminosilicates and non-aluminous Mg- and Fe-rich silicate minerals that we interpret as authigenic clays. Authigenic clay-mediated fossilization of unmineralized tissues, including moldic preservation in heterolithic siliciclastic strata, as indicated by the Dunfee Gaojiashania, may be linked to the prevalence of both silica-rich and ferruginous seawater conditions prior to both the radiation of silica-biomineralizing organisms and the rise of ocean and atmospheric oxygen to modern levels. In this light, clay authigenesis may have played a critical role in facilitating multiple modes of Ediacaran and Cambrian exceptional fossilization, thus shaping the stratigraphic distribution of a range of Ediacara macrofossil taxa.
Research on the Construction of an Assessment Framework for the Friendliness of Children's School Travel Environments: Based on Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis
Authors: Wang Junlin , Wang Jing , He Shuxian , Huang Wenlang
Published: December 2024

This study developed an assessment framework to evaluate the friendliness of children's school travel paths within the first ring of Kunming, guiding improvements in relevant spaces. A preliminary indicator framework was established through a literature review, and exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFA and CFA) were employed to compare differences in indicator structures across various sample sizes. The results indicated that when the ratio of indicators to sample size exceeded 1:5, 1:10, and 1:20, there were differences in the quantity and content of deleted indicators. The final assessment framework comprises 18 indicators covering four dimensions: safety, convenience, comfort, and pleasure. The study found that increasing sample size significantly enhanced the stability and accuracy of factor analysis, thereby validating the effectiveness of the assessment framework.
Machine learning models in predicting high malignant potential in gastrointestinal stromal tumors: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Xiaojing , Guo Xueyan , Yangji Baima , Shen Lin
Published: December 2024

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) present diverse biological behaviors and varying malignancy risks, necessitating early detection and effective risk stratification. Machine learning (ML) models are emerging as valuable tools for assessing the malignant potential of GIST. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluate the efficacy of various ML models in predicting GIST malignancy. We conducted a comprehensive literature search in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, adhering to PRISMA guidelines, up to April 22, 2024. After article selection, we extracted essential data and performed meta-analysis to aggregate the c-index, sensitivity, and specificity. The risk of bias was assessed using the PROBAST framework. Our analysis included 12 studies involving 20 ML models and 2,859 patients. Tumor size emerged as the most significant predictor. The pooled c-index was 0.89 (training) and 0.87 (test), with sensitivities of 0.85 and 0.82, and specificities of 0.89 and 0.75, respectively. Two studies had high bias risk, while ten had low bias, although overall applicability was considered low due to inadequate data sources. ML models demonstrate strong diagnostic capabilities in predicting GIST malignancy, with the Logistic Regression model performing best. Key predictive factors included tumor size, necrosis, ulceration, and shape regularity. Future models should integrate impactful disease predictors to enhance clinical utility.
Regional differences in peripapillary scleral fibroblast cytoskeleton and nuclear morphology after intraocular pressure elevation in mouse eyes
Authors: Mozzer Ann , Raj Joe Gerald Jesu , Yasmin Nushrat , Esposito Edward , Pitha Ian
Published: December 2024

These studies aimed to study the mechanisms of glaucomatous peripapillary scleral (PPS) remodeling by investigating IOP-induced changes in fibroblast actin-collagen alignment and nuclear morphology in mouse PPS. Cryosections from the optic nerve heads (ONH) of eyes isolated 1- and 6-weeks after bead-induced IOP elevation were imaged for nuclei, fibrillar actin (FA), and collagen (second harmonic generation, SHG). Nuclear morphology was analyzed using VAMPIRE machine-learning image analysis and FA-collagen alignment was determined by comparing vector fields of FA and SHG images. Nuclear morphology was regionally defined with the inner pial PPS (pPPS) containing nuclei with higher aspect ratios than the peripheral PPS (outer PPS, oPPS) and peripheral sclera. FA-collagen alignment was higher in the PPS than in the peripheral sclera (7.1±2.5° versus 10.0±1.4°, p = 0.05, n = 6). One and six weeks after BI, there were nuclear morphologic changes reflecting a transition to a rounder shape in all scleral regions and persistently reduced FA-collagen alignment in the PPS regions. This study therefore concludes that chronic IOP elevation is associated with persistent alterations in nuclear morphology and FA-collagen alignment that indicate sustained cellular responses to tissue stress. These changes could be a precursor to more chronic scleral remodeling that underlies glaucoma pathogenesis.
Cost of breast cancer treatment at Souro Sanou University Hospital
Authors: Roland Ollo , Seydou TRAORE , OUEDRAOGO Kiswendsida André
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most common cancer both worldwide and in Burkina Faso. As part of health planning, it is essential to assess the direct and indirect costs of breast cancer care at the Souro Sanou University Hospital (CHUSS).
Methods: This was a retrospective, observational, descriptive study of patients diagnosed with breast cancer at CHUSS for the period January 01, 2020 to December 31, 2023. A total of 52 patients were included in the study.
Results: The mean age of the patients was 49 years. Men represented 3.8% of the series, with women accounting for 96.2%. Housewives accounted for 51.9%. Only 2 of the 52 patients had health insurance. Funding sources were diversified, the main ones being patients' personal funds, their spouses and their families. Patients living in urban areas accounted for 74.5% of the series, compared with 25.5% for those living in rural areas. Concerning family history, 9 patients (17.3%) had a family history of breast cancer. The average time to consultation and specific treatment was 21 months and 6 months respectively. The average direct medical cost was 2,438,255 FCFA. Average diagnosis and treatment costs were 239,655.8 FCFA and 2,187,266 FCFA respectively. Radiotherapy was the highest cost item, with an average cost of 1,443,661.5 FCFA, followed by chemotherapy with an average cost of 1,087,417 FCFA. The average direct non-medical cost was 211,501.9 FCFA. The average total direct cost was 2,670,177 FCFA. The majority of patients (64.5%) experienced a partial reduction in work capacity. A total of 7 patients reported an average monthly financial loss of 52,857.1 FCFA.
Conclusion: breast cancer treatment represents a high cost for patients. It is essential to support patients through appropriate health policies.
Synergistic Antileukemic Effects of Hydroxyurea and SRJ23 in T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: ALMARASHDEH LAITH , Stanslas Johnson , Karuppiah Thilakavathy , Khalid Bahariah
Published: December 2024

Background
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is a highly aggressive blood cancer associated with high relapse rates, affecting about 15% of pediatric and 25% of adult cases. Initial management typically involves hydroxyurea (HU) to reduce elevated white blood cell counts before intensive chemotherapy. However, despite this approach, recurrence remains a substantial challenge, even with stem cell transplants. A promising therapeutic strategy for T-ALL might involve combining HU with an additional compound that can enhance cancer cell inhibition. SRJ23, a semi-synthetic andrographolide derivative, is a potential candidate due to its unique mechanism of inhibiting the GDP-GTP exchange, targeting the oncogenic K-Ras mutation pathway implicated in T-ALL progression. This study investigates the potential of HU and SRJ23 as a combined treatment to enhance apoptotic induction in T-ALL cells.
Methods
JCLs is an immortalized lines of human T lymphocyte cells that are used to study T-ALL. They were cultured and treated with varying concentrations of HU (7.8–1000 µM) and SRJ23 (0.1–100 µM), individually and in combination, for 96 hours. The cell viability was then assessed using the MTT assay. The drug interactions were calculated using the CompuSyn software, which runs the Chou-Talalay method to calculate the combination index (CI) and generate isobolograms, allowing for the quantitative, determination of synergistic, additive, or antagonistic effects between the two compounds. We used the FITC Annexin V/PI Apoptosis Detection Kit to analyse the treated cells with BD FACS LSRFortressa™ Cell Analyser and FACSDiva™ Software to quantify early and late apoptotic populations.
Results
Our study shows a significant decline in the JCLs viability resulting from the exposure of HU and SRJ23, especially when in both drugs were in combination. A synergistic effect was observed at two occasions that is when 10µM SRJ23 combined with 125µM HU and 10µM SRJ23 combined with 250µM of HU on the dose-response curves. These combination treatment induced apoptosis confirmed by Annexin V-FITC staining.
Conclusion
To our knowledge, our study is the first to prove that the combination of HU and SRJ23 exerts a synergistic effect against JCLs and has a significant inhibitory effect in vitro with a remarkable ability to induce apoptosis. Further in-vitro and animal research is deemed required to thoroughly understand the detailed impact of this novel HU and SRJ23 synergism before it can be embarked as a potential novel targeted T-ALL chemotherapy.
Evaluating the Efficacy of ChatGPT in Generating Assessment and Plans for Medical Notes in Urology
Authors: Trippel Ryan , Palmisano Zach , Ho Tiffany , Fox William , Morgantini Luca , Acar Omer , Mima Mahmoud
Published: December 2024

Purpose The increase in medical documentation responsibilities has been implicated in increasing burnout rates of Urologists. AI chatbots like ChatGPT may help in decreasing the documentation workload of Urologists. This study tests the quality of Assessment and Plans created by ChatGPT compared to those created by residents.Methods: 11 fictional cases were submitted to ChatGPT-4 and to four residents at the University of Illinois with instructions to create an assessment and plan for each scenario. The responses were given to 2 attending physicians to grade for accuracy, clarity, and clinical reasoning using Likert-type scales. The graders noted whether false information was present and the perceived identify of the response’s author. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for statistical analysis of Likert-type data.Results: When compared to responses created by residents, ChatGPT had significantly higher scores for clarity, comprehensiveness, and soundness of clinical reasoning. There was no significant difference between the two groups in accuracy of diagnosis and accuracy of the treatment plan. The evaluators misidentified the authors identity in 13.64% of responses.Conclusion: This study aimed to compare the abilities of ChatGPT compared to residents in generating assessment and plans of clinical encounters. The results indicate that ChatGPT is superior in the tested domains when compared to residents.
Radiological Evaluation of Foramen Rotundum Anatomy Using Computed Tomography with Implications for Cranial Base Surgery
Authors: KÖKCE Aybars , SARI Muhammed Fatih , ÖZGÜL Semiha , Karaca Ömür , KUŞ İlter , KEYİK Bahar YANIK
Published: December 2024

PURPOSE: The morphological features of the foramen rotundum (FR) with surrounding anatomical structures can affect the feasibility of endoscopic interventions that utilize this structure. This study aims to evaluate the morphological qualities of the FR that could impact such interventions.
METHODS: Temporal section CT images of 114 adult individuals were used to measure the lengths of the maxillary "strut" (MSt) at the levels of the openings facing the fossa pterygopalatina (FP) and BC sides of FR, the widths of the FR openings, the lengths of the FR lower edge, the distances of FR to the internal carotid artery (ICA), and the distances of FR to the foramen ovale (FO) structure in the oblique plane.
RESULTS: The results of the study showed that the FR exhibits significant variations in its anatomic relationships with surrounding structures among different individuals. Four types of FR that were defined according to the topographic location between FP and BC as: superomedial, superolateral, inferomedial, and inferolateral. FR was most commonly found as the inferomedial type. The length, width, and relationships of FR with surrounding anatomical structures were related to standard craniometric distances but were not related to the type of sphenoid sinus pneumatization. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest that the variations in the morphological features and relationships of FR with surrounding anatomical structures can significantly affect the feasibility of endoscopic surgical methods that use FR as a surgical corridor. In addition, the measured distances to neighboring anatomical structures can guide preoperative planning for such surgeries.
Metagenomics reveals functional profiles of gut microbiota during the recovery phase of acute pancreatitis
Authors: Song Xiao , Li Jia-Ning , Wang Duan , Han Zi-Ying , Yan Xia-Xiao , Yang Zi-Han , Xu Jun , Wang Qiang , Wu Dong
Published: December 2024

Gut microbiota play a critical pathogenic role in acute pancreatitis (AP). This study aimed to investiage the gut microbiota composition and function during the recovery phase of AP. Rectal swab samples obtained from 12 AP patients of varying severity in the acute and recovery phases were sequenced using shotgun metagenomic sequencing. The α-diversity, principal components, typing, and dominant microbiome composition were analyzed, followed by a difference analysis of gut microbiota composition and functional enrichment. In the recovery phase of AP, the microbial diversity remained decreased, and there were minimal difference in the structural diversity of the microbiome. There was an increasing tendency of beneficial bacteria (Bacteroidales) and a decreasing tendency of harmful bacteria (Enterococcus and Firmicutes) in the recovery phase of mild AP (MAP). However, in the recovery phase of moderately severe AP (MSAP) and severe AP, Enterococcus abundance increased compared with that in the acute phase. Some signaling pathways changed in the opposite direction in the recovery phase of MAP and MSAP compared to the acute phase. These results suggested that gut microbiome composition and function are associated with AP recovery, which may be used to develop strategies for the treatment and prognosis of AP.
Analysis on the “History-Space” Inter-Construction Mechanism of Traditional Villages Based on Multi-historical Elements: A Case Study of Nankou Town, Northwest Beijing
Authors: You Yi , Wu Hongjie , Xu Lingyu
Published: December 2024

Traditional villages are regarded as vast cultural treasure troves, rich in diverse historical elements and unique spatial forms. Within this context, historical factors exert varying degrees of influence on spatial configurations, with each type of space preserving different layers of village memory. Taking Nankou Village in Beijing as a case study, this paper selects three distinct periods as entry points to explore how historical elements affect the spatial morphology of villages through Multiscale Geographically Weighted Regression analysis and standard deviation ellipse methods. With the “realm of memory” theory as a framework, the research investigates the role of village spaces in memory and history. It examines the intricate inter-constructions between “historical elements” and “spatial forms” from both quantitative and qualitative perspectives, innovatively proposing a “history-space” inter-construction mechanism. The findings indicate that individual historical elements significantly impact the spatial heterogeneity of village morphologies, whereas the coupling of multiple historical elements exhibits notable phasic and directional characteristics in reshaping spatial structures. These spaces not only reflect the spirit of the nation and its people but also encapsulate personal experiences and memories. History and space continually shape, transform, and sustain each other, forming a unique inter-construction mechanism. This study advocates for the combined research and preservation of intangible cultural elements and physical spaces, providing crucial insights into understanding spatial evolution patterns of traditional villages and their influencing factors.
Incidence and Predictors of Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction among Elderly Elective Surgical Patients at Selected Governmental Hospitals in Southern Ethiopia, 2023 GC: A Multicenter Prospective Single Arm Cohort Study
Authors: Melese Medhanit , Tesema Hailemariam , Molla Simeneh
Published: December 2024

Introduction:
Geriatrics population is the fast-growing age group which accounts for one-third of surgical patients. Body of evidence revealed that postoperative cognitive dysfunction is the commonest complication among older surgical patients. However, there is a huge disparity in the incidence, and independent predictors globally. Besides, evidences are lacking in sub-Saharan Africa as well as in Ethiopia.
Objective
To assess the incidence and predictors of postoperative cognitive dysfunction among geriatric patients undergoing elective surgery in selected southern governmental hospitals, from February 2023 to October 2023 GC.
Method
A multi-center single arm prospective cohort study conducted in selected governmental hospitals on patients’ age ≥ 60 years old. Binary logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between dependent and independent variables and p value < 0.05 was used to determine the significance and crude and adjusted odds ratio with 95%CI was calculated to determine the strength of association of the variable. The mean difference between preoperative cognitive status postoperative cognitive statuses at each follow up postoperative day analyzed by repeated measure ANOVA.
Result
The overall incidence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction was 46.5%, and the trend in incidence displayed a gradual decrease in the mean Montreal Cognitive Assessment score from the 3rd postoperative day to the 30th day [0 day (preoperative) 25.94 ± 2.884, 3rd day 24.18 ± 3.9, 7th day 24.84 ± 3.62, and 30th day 25.23 ± 3.561)] P < 0.0001, large effect size (Partial Eta Squared (ηp2) – 0.98). Age, ASA III classification, female gender, major surgeries, frailty, preoperative depression, type of anesthesia, intraoperative hypotension and blood loss, duration of surgery and anesthesia were significantly associated with POCD with p value < 0.05.
Conclusion and recommendation:
The study found a substantial incidence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction in geriatric patients following elective surgery. The results of this study demonstrate the scope and complexity of POCD as well as the range of important variables that associated with cognitive dysfunction. It's important for healthcare providers to consider cognitive assessments as part of a holistic approach to patient care, especially for those with risk factors for POCD.
A Prospective, Randomized and Controlled Study on MR-guided Vertebroplasty for Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fracture Therapy
Authors: XIE YANCHUN , LIAN YI , YU HAILONG , XUAN ANWU , WANG ZENING , WEI YONGCUN , GU HONGWEN
Published: December 2024

Objective
Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) are common among elderly individuals. Vertebroplasty is the standard minimally invasive procedure for treating OVCFs, but traditional surgeries rely on X-ray fluoroscopy, which poses radiation exposure and complication risks. The use of mixed reality (MR) navigation technology may increase surgical precision and safety.
Methods
This prospective randomized controlled trial included 40 OVCF patients, who were randomly divided into an MR navigation group and a traditional fluoroscopy group, with 20 patients in each group. Surgical time, number of fluoroscopies, pain scores, and complication rates were compared between the two groups.
Results
In the MR navigation group, the surgery time (29.50 min [26, 37.25] vs. 38.00 min [34.25, 45], P < 0.05) and number of fluoroscopies (20.0 [20.0, 22.0] vs. 29.0 [28.0, 30.0], P < 0.01) were lower than those in the control group, whereas the amount of bone cement used in the navigation group was significantly greater than that in the traditional group (6.05 ± 1.93 ml vs. 4.50 ± 1.96 ml, P < 0.05). In terms of the bone cement penetration rate, the navigation group was better than the traditional group (10% vs. 30%), but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Postoperative pain relief and vertebral height restoration were comparable between the two groups.
Conclusion
MR navigation significantly reduces surgery time, radiation exposure, and complication risks in vertebroplasty for OVCFs. It is a safe, precise, and efficient auxiliary technology that merits wider application in minimally invasive spinal surgery.
Concurrent autologous adoptive T cells immunotherapy in active COVID-19 infected cancer patients for chemotherapy
Authors: Li Congcong , Xu Dazhao , Lu Lin-yao , Zhao Hai-yang , Zeng Chu-xiong , Hu Lina , Guo Xianzhi , Liu Li , Huo Feifei , Rong Xiumei , Geng Zhenying , Lin Ping , Zhou Xinna , Wang Xiaoli , Hobeika Amy , Morse Michael A. , Lyerly Herbert Kim , Ren Jun
Published: December 2024

Background
The COVID-19 infection has comorbidity with impairment of T lymphocyte immune system which viciously coincides to promote cancer progression. The safety and necessaries roles of purposeful adoptive T cell immunotherapy for treating cancer patient with active COVID-19 infection have yet unknown.
Methods
In this cohort study patients admitted who demonstrated the similarity of infection severity were composed of stage IV cancer patients for scheduled adoptive cellular immune-therapeutic (ACT ), cancer patients without ACT and those sufferers without malignant tumors. The age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index (ACCI), determined for each patient, was used to compare the prognosis of the three groups.
Results
There were 123 patients (35 of ACT, 23 of non-ACT, 65 of non-cancer) with similar ACCI. There were little toxicities during the ACT even then concurrent with active COVID − 19 infection.Whereas the important findings that the cohort-level COVID-19 in-hospital case fatality rates were 0% (0/35), 52.2% (12/23) and 26.2% (17/65) respectively. Cancer patients receiving ACT had a shorter mean time to alleviation of symptoms (4.46 versus 16.88 and 17.90 days respectively) and had a lower severity incidence of symptoms (P = 0.0010) .CD3-CD16+CD56+ NK cells increased following the ACT compared with the cancer patients( P = 0.0017). Evidence based outcome identified that ACT significantly decreased the substantial case fatality rate among cancer patients with COVID-19. The time to symptom alleviation was significantly shorter in cancer patients treated with ACT than other patients.
Conclusions
These data suggest both the safety and therapeutic roles of ACT for cancer patients with COVID-19 infection status.The additional ACT during the infectious status could simultaneously leverage and reduce the risk of chemotherapy adverse outcome.
Trial registration
ACT cell transfusion patients in this study were approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, China, Ethics number: 2022-IIT-004-F01, and registered in ClinicalTrials.gov,ID: NCT05459441.
Association between anemia and cognitive dysfunction in the hypertensive elderly: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Luo Libo , He Jiamei , Liu Xiaoli , Xiao Qingyu
Published: December 2024

Background
Cognitive dysfunction has become one of the most serious social health problems around the world. Anemia may increase the risk of cognitive dysfunction in elderly population. Hypertension may also deteriorate cognitive function. Few studies reported the association of anemia and cognitive dysfunction in hypertensive elderly.
Methods
Data were obtained from the 2011–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Cognitive performance was evaluated by the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease (CERAD) Word Learning subtest, the Animal Fluency Test (AFT), and the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST). Multivariate logistic regression analysis and subgroup analysis were conducted to assess the relationship between anemia and cognitive dysfunction.
Results
A total of 2005 elderly participants (aged ≥ 60 years) were included. Anemia was associated with the greater risk of low cognitive performance in hypertensive elderly (OR = 1.427, 95% CI: 1.065–1.911). Anemia was associated with lower performance in AFT (OR = 1.331, 95% CI: 1.008–1.758) and DSST (OR = 1.818, 95% CI: 1.335–2.475). In subgroups of age younger than 65 or older than 80 years, being a female, being non-Hispanic White, with poverty income ratio less than 5.00, being a nonsmoker or nondrinker, anemia was significantly associated with cognitive dysfunction.
Conclusions
The findings of the present study suggest the existence of an association between anemia and low cognitive performance among hypertensive elderly.
Clinical trial number: not applicable.
Prognostic Prediction Using Recursive Partitioning Analysis of Patients Undergoing Salvage Surgery for Locally Recurrent Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Sakai Toshihiko , Omura Go , Eguchi Kohtaro , Sakai Azusa , Matsumoto Yoshifumi , Fushimi Chihiro , Yoshimoto Seiichi
Published: December 2024

Background
The prognosis of patients with locally recurrent oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (LR-OCSCC) remains poor even when salvage surgery can be performed. Therefore, the current study aimed to identify negative prognostic factors in these patients and use recursive partitioning analysis (RPA), a machine learning statistical method, to develop a prognostic classification based on these factors.
Methods
The clinical data of 75 patients who underwent salvage surgery for LR-OCSCC at the National Cancer Center between 2010 and 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Prognostic factors were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards regression models. Patients were classified by survival outcomes using RPA. Survival rates were determined using the Kaplan–Meier method.
Results
The 3-year overall survival (OS) and locoregional recurrence rates for all patients who underwent salvage surgery were 53.4% and 32.7%, respectively. The univariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis identified concurrent regional recurrence, previous history of radiotherapy to the neck, and recurrence within 12 months from initial treatment as negative prognostic factors. RPA was performed using these variables and patients were classified into low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups based on a combination of concurrent regional recurrence and time to recurrence. The 3-year OS rates for the low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups were 73.3%, 53.3%, and 24.4%, respectively.
Conclusion
A novel prognostic classification for LR-OCSCC salvage surgery was developed to facilitate development of treatment strategies and identification of patients that would not benefit from this procedure.
Efficacy of Sofosbuvir-Velpatasvir-Ribavirin Regimen for Retreatment of Chronic Hepatitis C in Patients with Prior DAA Failure: A Retrospective Study from a National Treatment Center
Authors: Singh Sinku , Sengupta Sibangi , Kumar Deepak , Mukherjee Kousik , Ha Abdulla MD , Sadhukhan Provash , Ahammed Sk Mahiuddin
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) are highly effective in treating HCV infection, but a small subset of patients may fail to achieve SVR12 and require further intervention. In resource-limited settings where second-line DAAs (such as SOF/VEL/VOX) may be unavailable, optimizing first-line treatments is essential. This study evaluated the efficacy (SVR12) of re-treatment regimen based on first-line DAAs (SOF/VEL) with ribavirin.
Method: This retrospective study screened all viremic patients who attended the apex treatment center (ATC) between January 2019 and December 2023 and received DAAs as per the national Viral Hepatitis control program (NVHCP) guidelines. Patients who failed to achieve SVR12 were subsequently retreated with the available first-line regimen (SOF/VEL plus ribavirin).
Results: A total of 1,814 viremic patients attended the apex treatment center (ATC). 1262 patients completed therapy. 1198 (94.9%) patients achieved SVR 12 and 64 patients (5.1%) failed to achieve SVR 12. Additionally, 41 patients with DAA failure were referred from treatment center (TC) and model treatment center (MTC) for evaluation. After further exclusions, 36 patients were enrolled, and 30 of them were offered retreatment. The majority of patients were male (64.5%) with a median age of 45 years (IQR; 19-68). Five patients were cirrhotic, while the remainder was non-cirrhotic. Baseline HCV RNA levels before the retreatment regimen was 87,882 IU/ml (IQR; 9,870-484,902). Most patients (96.6%) had genotype 3 HCV infection. Prior to retreatment, 27 patients had received a 12-week regimen of Sofosbuvir and Daclatasvir, while only three had been treated with the Sofosbuvir-Velpatasvir regimen. After retreatment with Sofosbuvir, Velpatasvir, and Ribavirin, 22 patients (73%) achieved SVR12. None of the patients experienced any adverse event.
Conclusion: First-line DAAs are highly effective to treat naïve patients. In the absence of second-line options, retreatment with first-line DAAs (SOF/VEL plus ribavirin) is a viable alternative.
Optimizing Intraoperative AI: Evaluation of YOLOv8 for Real-Time Recognition of Robotic and Laparoscopic Instruments.
Authors: Frey Sébastien , Facente Federica , Wei Wen , Ekmekci Ezem Sura , Séjor Eric , Baqué Patrick , Durand Matthieu , Delingette Hervé , Bremond François , Berthet-Rayne Pierre , Ayache Nicholas
Published: December 2024

The accurate recognition of surgical instruments is essential for the advancement of intraoperative artificial intelligence (AI) systems. In this study, we assessed the YOLOv8 model’s efficacy in identifying robotic and laparoscopic instruments in robot-assisted abdominal surgeries. Specifically, we evaluated its ability to detect, classify, and segment seven different types of surgical instruments. A diverse dataset was compiled from four public and private sources, encompassing over 7,400 frames and 17,175 annotations that represent a variety of surgical contexts and instruments. YOLOv8 was trained and tested on these datasets, achieving a mean average precision of 0.77 for binary detection and 0.72 for multi-instrument classification. Optimal performance was observed when the training set of a specific instrument reached 1300 instances. The model also demonstrated excellent segmentation accuracy, achieving a mean Dice score of 0.91 and a mean intersection over union of 0.86, with Monopolar Curved Scissors yielding the highest accuracy. Notably, YOLOv8 exhibited superior recognition performance for robotic instruments compared to laparoscopic tools, a difference likely attributed to the greater representation of robotic instruments in the training set. Furthermore, the model's rapid inference speed of 1.12 milliseconds per frame highlights its suitability for real-time clinical applications. These findings confirm YOLOv8’s potential for precise and efficient recognition of surgical instruments using a comprehensive multi-source dataset.
Gender-Based Analysis of the Ratio of Femoral Condyle Depth and Intercondylar Notch Depth to the Intercondylar Surface for Femoral Intercondylar Notch anatomy Using MRI Images: Implications for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Risk
Authors: Safarizadeh Mohsen , hajimohammadi neda , Zafari Fariba , Rahimian Mohammad Amin , Hosseini Amir
Published: December 2024

Purpose
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is a common injury, particularly in athletes. Recent studies have suggested a potential association between femoral intercondylar notch geometry and ACL injury risk. Understanding the anatomical differences in the intercondylar notch between the sexes may help explain the higher incidence of ACL injuries in women. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows evaluation of the femoral intercondylar notch and ACL geometry.
Methods
We measured four different geometric indices of the distal femur using axial PD fast spin echo MRI imaging. These indices included the maximum intercondylar notch width to femoral condyle width (NWI), the ratio of intercondylar notch shape index (NSI), the total articular surface area of the inferior femoral area (NAI), and the ratio of femoral condyle depth to intercondylar notch depth (NDI).
Results
In this retrospective study, we evaluated the femoral intercondylar notch geometry in 136 patients (81 males, 55 females) using cross-sectional MRI. The mean values for NWI, NSI, NAI, and NDI were 0.27 ± 0.03 mm and 0.25 ± 0.04 mm, 0.73 ± 0.06 mm and 0.68 ± 0.07 mm, 0.12 ± 0.02 mm and 0.10 ± 0, 01 mm, and 0.45 ± 0.02 mm and 0.47 ± 0.01 mm for men and women, respectively. Notably, the NDI index was deeper in women than in men.
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that women have a deeper NDI index, indicating potentially greater pressure on the ACL and increased susceptibility to injury. By gaining a better understanding of the anatomical differences between men and women, we can develop more effective prevention strategies to reduce the risk of ACL injuries, particularly in female athletes.
Fomation mechanism of fault-controlled circulation geothermal spring: evidence from tectonics, thermal model, and isotopes
Authors: Yuan Wenzhen , Zhi Shiyu , Sun Shoujun , Zhu Guanhua , Zhang Yi , Guo Xinran , Wei Daifeng , Zhai Yuanzheng , Yang Bengu , Wang Guohui
Published: December 2024

The effective utilization of geothermal energy helps reduce carbon emissions and mitigate climate change. Understanding the formation mechanism of geothermal systems is a prerequisite for effective exploitation. The formation of geothermal systems is influenced by various factors such as tectonic characteristics, heat sources, and water circulation, making it necessary to comprehensively analysis its mechanism by integrating these factors. Tangquan ,a natural geothermal spring in Zhangjiakou City, China, has great potential in geothermal exploitation. However, previous studies have offered incomplete explanations of its genesis. Therefore, this study investigated the stratigraphic properties and structural distribution of the study area through geophysical exploration surveys, mapped the distribution of the low-temperature field using geothermal geological modeling methods and inferred that the heat source in the study area is radioactive; and through isotope analysis methods, clarified that the water source in the study area is atmospheric precipitation. By integrating these information, the formation mechanism of the Tangquan, a deep circulation type geothermal system controlled by faults, is revealed. These results can guide the further development and utilization of Tangquan, while also enhancing the understanding of fault-controlled and deep circulation type geothermal systems.
Application of antagonistic fungi to suppress the Meloidogyne incognita and promote growth of Vegetables
Authors: Mitu A. I. , Aminuzzaman F. M. , Kibria T. , Shammi J. , Faria A. A. , Kayess Md. Omar
Published: December 2024

The root-knot nematode (RKNs) Meloidogyne incognita, are a significant biotic factor that negatively impacted both the yield and quality of vegetables. The nematophagous fungus, Purpureocillium lilacinum, is widely regarded as a highly effective biocontrol agent (BCA) for RKNs. To investigated the nematicidal efficacy of P. lilacinum against eggs and second-stage juveniles of M. incognita at varying application durations, this investigation was carried out at the invitro settings of the Department of Plant Pathology, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh. The results also revealed that P. lilacinum effectively reduced the survival rates of M. incognita eggs and juveniles in an application time dependent manner. Microscopic examination displayed that the fungi directly invaded the eggs and made contact with the juveniles, demonstrated its parasitic nature against M. incognita. We also found that P. lilacinum effectively suppressed nematode populations and reduced the incidence of root galls. Notably, the application of P. lilacinum significantly stimulated plant growth metrics and biomass, even in the presence of nematode infections. Our research findings suggest that P. lilacinum can be employed as a beneficial biocontrol agent to manage RKNs and to also enhance the development of the vegetables.
Prefrontal and parieto-occipital neural signatures of evidence accumulation and response to computerised Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in depression.
Authors: Queirazza Filippo , Philiastides Marios
Published: December 2024

Computerised Cognitive Behavioural therapy (CBT) is an effective psychological intervention for mild to moderate depression. While CBT aims to correct maladaptive cognitive biases and ensuing disadvantageous decision-making, our current understanding of its mechanisms of change and associated neural substrates remains limited. Preliminary behavioural evidence has shown that the process of evidence accumulation (EA), indexing the efficiency of decision dynamics, is impaired in depression. However, little is known about the role of EA in the context of CBT for depression. In this study we recruited 37 (18 females) unmedicated depressed subjects. Participants attended two task-based functional resonance imaging sessions before and two months after completing an online self-help CBT-based intervention. We fitted a hybrid reinforcement learning drift diffusion model to the probabilistic reversal learning task data and investigated accumulator-like brain activity as a function of computerised CBT. We found that at baseline, responders, compared to nonresponders, exhibited weaker left prefrontal and parieto-occipital EA neural signatures, which subsequently increased in proportion to the sustained symptomatic improvement observed following computerised CBT. We thus provide novel evidence that attenuated EA neural signatures in the left prefrontal and parieto-occipital cortical areas are associated with response to computerised CBT in depression. Crucially, the observed increase of accumulator-like brain activity following computerised CBT warrants further investigation in future experimental work probing neurocomputational mechanisms of change in CBT.