bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What happens after forensic psychiatric care? A latent class analysis of dimensions of welfare for former forensic psychiatric patients
Authors: Noland Ebba , Logan Fia Klötz , Sjöström Stefan , Strandh Mattias
Published: May 2023

Background
Mentally disordered offenders are a heterogenous group regarding psychopathology as well as background factors, which makes it likely that more than one stereotypical life situation will apply to all forensic psychiatric patients following discharge. Knowledge about typical life situations would be valuable for optimising support for improving the overall life situation of these individuals. This paper investigates life situations from the perspective of level of living research and resources in terms of different welfare dimensions.
Methods
Included were all all individuals (n = 1146) who had been discharged from forensic psychiatric care in Sweden during 2009–2018 and were included in the Swedish National Forensic Psychiatric Register. Follow-up time varied from 4–3644 days, (m = 1697, Md = 1685). Register data from several different registers was combined. Data was analysed using latent class analysis, and multinominal logistic regression analysis investigated what background factors were associated with class membership.
Results
The results show that there are four subgroups of post-discharge life situations: the high support group, the general psychiatric needs group, the working group, and the family group. The high support group was the largest, representing 54% of the entire sample.
Conclusions
This study contributes to the understanding of the post-discharge lives of former forensic psychiatric patients and shows that for several subgroups, negative outcomes are rare. Knowledge about these subgroups could be drawn upon to make informed decisions about in- and outpatient forensic psychiatric care, discharge from forensic psychiatric services, and what support is offered to former forensic psychiatric patients.
Sedimentary characteristics of Miaolingian leiolites dominated by filamentous cyanobacteria: A case study of Jinzhouwan section, North China Platform
Authors: Gong Yunyun , Ni Shengli , Jiang Hanlu , Zhang Rui , Cui Mingming
Published: May 2023

Leiolites exposed in the Jinzhouwan section of Cambrian Miaolingian in Dalian City, Liaoning Province, North China Platform, were developed in the highstand systems tract of third-order sequence. The macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of leiolites are studied via field and indoor polarizing microscope observations. Macroscopically, leiolites mainly consist of micrites without any special internal structure. Microscopically, in addition to micrite matrix, calcimicrobes (including Girvanella, Subtifloria, Angulocellularia, Renalcis, Tarthina, and Bacinella-like fabric), microclots, benthic ooids, bioclasts, dolomite, and terrigenous debris were observed. Girvanella shows four types of growth habits. Differences in microfabrics and microbial communities within the Miaolingan leiolites may be caused by the different local environmental conditions. The calcimicrobes dominated by calcified sheaths of filamentous cyanobacteria, together with amounts of pyrites and poorly preserved calcified microbes, indicate that the formation of leiolites is related to the calcification induced by microbial metabolic activities and the degradation of organic matter by heterotrophic sulfate-reducing bacteria. The complex calcification in the microbial mats dominated by filamentous cyanobacteria in the study area provides an example for studying the first cyanobacterial calcification episode during Phanerozoic.
Climate induced riverbank erosion and flood hazards effects on riverine flood-prone Bait and Riverbank community of Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Ahmad Dilshad , Afzal Muhammad , Ishaq Muhammad
Published: May 2023

In global perspective, in current decades the intensity of climatic dynamics have elevated disasters incidence of floods and riverbank erosion. Farming community mainly resides in flood prone locality has happen to more susceptible owing to destruction of these repeated climate induced disasters. The purpose of this research work is to examine the influence of Indus River current tendency of shifting course with raising outcomes of floods and riverbank erosion on living of Bait and riverbank areas community in Pakistan. The study applied both secondary and primary date even as applied random sampling approach to collecting the primary data of 380 households from Bait and riverbank area. This research work used satellite images from 2000 to 2022 for analysis procedure; it is pragmatic as Indus River course continuing to shifting eastern side and is eroding villages in succession. Study area inhabited households are confronted with multidimensional obstructions to sustaining their livelihood and households in the homeland. Frequent land losses due to riverbank erosion enforce each year majority of households to displace from their native areas. Inadequate access of resettlement space and lack of other public support disaster mitigation mechanism make it unfeasible to get better from dreadful circumstances of susceptible inhabited population. Construction of embankment, criss-cross embankment pillars, sandbags and boulder pitching to protect inhabited population from forthcoming floods and riverbank collapses strategy measures initiated by Government to reduce sever influence of hazards. Outcomes of such government protective measures remained unsatisfied due to inappropriate implementation such strategies. Local based appropriate rehabilitation programmes and quick work need to focus for riverbank erosion and flood affected inhabitants to maintain the sustainability of their livelihood.
Motivations for Adolescent COVID-19 Vaccination: A Comparative Study of Adolescent and Caregiver Perspectives in Germany
Authors: Rothoeft Tobias , Brinkmann Folke , Maier Christoph , Selzer Dominik , Dings Christiane , Kuehn Anna , Möhler Eva , Grote Hanna , Gehrke Thomas , Nonnenmacher Alexandra , Wenning Markus , Buckhart Holger , Zemlin Michael , Richter Ulf , Lehr Thorsten , Lücke Thomas
Published: May 2023

Background: Given the crucial role of vaccination in managing and halting the COVID-19 pandemic, it is imperative to understand the factors that motivate adolescents to get vaccinated. However, data on this topic are currently limited.
This study aimed to characterize the adolescent population willing to receive COVID-19 vaccination in mid-2021 in an urban region in Germany and to identify the factors that motivated those who accepted vaccination with the mRNA vaccine Comirnaty, which was not yet nationally recommended.
Methods: We surveyed adolescents and their accompanying guardians who were scheduled to receive COVID-19 vaccination and collected data on sociodemographic characteristics, the adolescent's medical history, the family's vaccination status, and any history of COVID-19 infection in the family. We also queried information strategies related to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and reasons for vaccinating the adolescents.
Results: Motivations for getting vaccinated were similar among adolescents and their parents. The primary reasons for vaccination were to protect against SARS-CoV-2-related illness and to gain access to leisure facilities. The adolescents' motivation for vaccination was not influenced by gender, health status, migration background, or presence of chronic or acute diseases. The percentage of parents who had received SARS-CoV-2 immunization and the proportion of parents with a high level of education were higher among study participants than in the general population.
Conclusions: Adolescents are especially willing to be vaccinated if they have a better-educated environment and a high vaccination rate in the family. Emphasizing the importance of vaccination among all segments of population and removing barriers to vaccines, may lead to an ameliorated acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines.
Complicated grief and its relationship with anxiety, depression, and risk suicide in older adults in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in Peru: a cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Escobar-Agreda Stefan , Albino Zoila Romero , Contreras Pavel J. , Fuentes María Sofía Cuba
Published: May 2023

Background
Complicated grief (CG) resulting from poor adaptation to the death of a close person may have predisposed the presence of other mental health problems in older adults in Peru during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of our study was to assess the association between CG and the presence of anxiety, depression, and suicidal risk in older adults in Peru in the context of COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using data from the "Socioemotional evaluation form" applied in 2020 to assess the presence of mental health problems in older adults being attended in the Peruvian Social Security (EsSalud). For our study we included older adults who reported the death of a close person during the last 6 months when this assessment was performed. CG, depression, anxiety, and risk of suicide was originally evaluated using validated questionnaires. The association between CG and the presence of mental health problems was calculated through multivariate analysis where prevalence ratios (PR) were estimated with 95% confidence intervals (CI).
Results
Of the 249 older adults included, 175 (70.3%) were female with a median age of 71 years (interquartile range: 9) and 35 (14.1%) reported the presence of CG. It was found that CG in this population was associated with the presence of anxiety (PR: 1.35, 95% CI: 0.98 to 1.85), depression (PR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.06 to 1.95), and suicidal risk (PR: 2.84, 95% CI: 1.06 to 7.59).
Conclusions
CG predisposes the presence of mental health problems in older adults in Peru. It is important to implement measures that facilitate its prevention and proper management of this condition in this population, especially in context of high population mortality such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Predictive potential of preoperative Naples prognostic score-based nomogram model for the prognosis in surgical resected thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients
Authors: Guo Xin-wei , Ji Lei , Xi Xiao-xiang , Zhao Wei-wei , Liu Yang-chen , Zhou Shao-bing , Ji Sheng-Jun
Published: May 2023

The present study aimed to establish an effective prognostic nomogram model based on the Naples prognostic score (NPS) for resectable thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). A total of 277 patients with ESCC, who underwent standard curative esophagectomy and designated as study cohort, were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into different groups, including NPS 0, NPS 1, NPS 2, and NPS 3 or 4 groups, for further analysis, and the results were validated in an external cohort of 122 ESCC patients, who underwent surgery at another cancer center. In our multivariate analysis of the study cohort showed that the TNM stage, SIS, and NPS were the independent prognostic factors for the OS and PFS durations. In addition, the differential grade was also an independent prognostic factor for the OS in the patients with ESCC after surgery (all P < 0.05). The area under curve (AUC) of ROC for the PFS and OS prediction with SIS and NPS were 0.735(95%CI0.676-0.795, P < 0.001) and 0.835(95%CI0.786-0.884, P < 0.001), 0.734(95%CI 0.675–0.793, P < 0.001) and 0.851 (95%CI 0.805–0.896, P < 0.001) respectively. The above independent predictors for OS or PFS were all selected in the nomogram model. The C-indices of the nomogram model for predicting the OS and PFS were 0.718 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.681–0.755] and 0.669 (95%CI 0.633–0.705), respectively, which were higher than that of the7th edition of AJCC TNM staging system[C-index 0.598 (95%CI 0.558–0.638) for OS and 0.586 (95%CI 0.546–0.626) for PFS]. The calibration curves for predicting the 5-year OS or PFS showed a good agreement between the prediction by nomogram and actual observation. In the external validation cohort, the nomogram discrimination for OS was better than that of the 7th edition of TNM staging systems [C-index: 0.697 (95% CI 0.639–0.755) vs 0.644 (95% CI 0.589–0.699)]. The calibration curves showed good consistency in predicting the 5-year survival between the actual observation and nomogram predictions. The decision curve also showed a higher potential of the clinical application of predicting the 5-years OS of the proposed nomogram model as compared to that of the 7th edition of TNM staging systems. In conclusion, the preoperative NPS-based nomogram model had a certain potential role for predicting the prognosis of ESCC patients.
Effects of physical activity and screen-based sedentary behavior on children's mental health and academic performance
Authors: Su Xuyang , Yan Qiuping , Kovess-Masfety Viviane , Li Peiyao , Li Minghui , Yan Guoli , Yin Huifang , Xu Guangming
Published: May 2023

Background: The present study examined the current status of physical activity and screen-based sedentary behavior among Chinese children aged 6-12 and explored the relationship between physical activity and screen-based sedentary behavior with children's mental health and academic performance.
Methods: Data were drawn from 2012 children aged 6-12 in three primary schools in China in 2020. Children's mental health was assessed by parents and teachers using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Parents reported Children’s physical activity and screen-based sedentary behavior. Children's academic performance assessed by teachers. Binary logistic regressions were used to explore the effects of physical activity and screen-based sedentary behavior on children.
Results: Children aged 6-12 had an average of 2.9 hours of physical activity and 3.7 hours of screen-based sedentary behavior per week. Physical activity (>2h per week) was a protective factor for peer relationship problems (OR=0.62,95%CI:0.49-0.78) and internalizing problems (OR=0.65,95%CI:0.52-0.82) reported by parents. It was also associated with better reading skills (OR=1.33, 95%CI: 1.07-1.65). Screen-based sedentary behavior (>2 hours per week) was a risk factor for ADHD (OR=1.40, 95%CI:1.07-1.83) and externalizing problems (OR=1.28, 95%CI:1.01-1.61) reported by parents. And it was a protective factor for conduct problems (OR=0.65, 95%CI:0.44-0.97), peer relationship problems (OR=0.69, 95%CI:0.51-0.94) and internalizing problems (OR=0.69, 95%CI:0.52-0.93) reported by teachers.
Conclusions: Sufficient physical activity had benefits for children's mental health and academic performance. Screen-based sedentary behaviors longer than 2 hours per week had both beneficial and detrimental effects on different mental health problems, and we recommend that children avoid excessive screen time.
Evaluation of different methods in diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis infection
Authors: Li Zhaoxin , Wang Jin , Xiu Xin , Shi Zhenpeng , Zhang Qiang , Chen Deqiang
Published: May 2023

Background and purposes:Tuberculosis (TB) is the most lethal infectious disease worldwide. About 24.6% of tuberculosis cases are extrapulmonary TB which commonly affects spine. Spinal tuberculosis (STB) is difficult to diagnose. This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic performance of MGIT-960 culture, T-SPOT.TB, Xpert MTB/RIF, and Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing (mNGS) in detecting STB.
Methods:
126 patients presumed to have STB were tested by 4 methods. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated considering the clinical diagnosis as the reference.
Results:
126 patients were enrolled in this study, 41 with STB and 85 with non-STB infection. In the STB group, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of MGIT-960 culture were 29.3% (12/41), 100% (85/85), 100% (12/12), and 74.6% (85/114).The sensitivity of T-SPOT.TB was 92.7% (38/41), and the specificity, PPV and NPV were 82.4% (70/85), 58.5% (31/53) and 95.9% (70/73). The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of Xpert MTB/RIF were 53.7% (22/41), 100% (85/85), 100% (22/22) and 81.7% (85/104). The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of mNGS were 39.0% (16/41), 98.8% (84/85), 94.1% (16/17) and 77.1% (84/109).The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of the mNGS+Xpert MTB/RIF group were 73.2% (30/41), 100% (85/85), 96.8% (30/31) and 72.0% (85/118). The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of the mNGS+T-spot group were 97.6% (40/41), 100% (85/85), 67.9% (38/56) and 75.9% (85/113).The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of the T-spot+Xpert MTB/RIF group were 95.1% (39/41), 100% (85/85), 72.2% (39/54) and 81.0% (85/105).
Conclusions:
Among the 4 detection methods, T-SPOT.TB is the most effective technique for diagnosing STB, but Xpert MTB/RIF is more reliable and can detect RIF resistance. mNGS can be used to identify pathogens in patients with spinal infections, and pathogens identified by mNGS appear to be more meaningful in guiding clinical management in patients in the non-STB group. The combination of Xpert MTB/RIF and mNGS can improve the early diagnosis rate and detection of drug resistance of STB, reduce the diagnosis cycle, and provide early targeted anti-tuberculosis treatment.
Ecological Niche Modelling and Density of Sings as Conservation Tools of Taxidea Taxus Berlandieri in Central – Northern Mexico
Authors: Palacio-Núñez Jorge , Martínez-Calderas Jesús Manuel , Rössel-Ramírez David Walter , Martínez-Montoya Juan Felipe , Clemente-Sánchez Fernando , Olmos-Oropeza Genaro
Published: May 2023

The American badger o tlalcoyote (Taxidea taxus berlandieri) is a subspecies that inhabits north-central Mexico; its population and conservation status are unknown, and there is no precise information about its habitat. The objectives of our study were to model the ecological niche suitability for T. t. berlandieri, to estimate the population density by signs km-2 and to identify the habitat variables that contribute to their occurrence in north-central Mexico. We modeled ecological niche using MaxEnt and KUENM, with 13 predictor variables and 43 occurrence records obtained from 177 sites sampled between the total or partial extension of nine physiographic subprovinces in 5 states in the north-central region of Mexico. Our model showed a high suitability probability (P > 0.75) in Llanuras y Sierras Postosino - Zacatecanas, Sierras Transversales and Sierras y Lomeríos de Aldama y Río Grande in parts of the states of Durango, San Luis Potosí, and Zacatecas. The variables with the highest contribution to occurrence probability were slope (plains and plateaus), topography (from flat to undulating), and types of vegetation (dominated by scrub). With the records, we estimated an average density of 0.019 signs km-2 for tlalcoyote in the total extension of the study area. According to our findings, it is possible that the population status of T. t. berlandieri, as a subspecies, is below desirable density levels, and its suitable ecological niche is limited. Therefore, we argued to focus more studies on conservation for this subspecies, using these results as the basis for delimiting its distribution area.
Clinical and Outcome Comparison of Genetically Positive Vs. Negative Patients in a Large Cohort of Suspected Familial Hypocalciuric Hypercalcemia
Authors: Roca Queralt Asla , Simó Helena Sardà , Cerarols Núria Seguí , de Pinillos Guillermo Martínez , Altisent Isabel Mazarico , Flores Ismael Capel , Jiménez José Rives , Balaguer Javier Suárez , Rubio Verónica Ávila , Torres Manuel Muñoz , Ullastre Ignasi Saigí , García Nuria Palacios , Rull Eulàlia Urgell , Webb Susan M , Miró Mercè Fernández , Ambrós Josep Oriola , Porta Mireia Mora , Colomer Mireia Tondo , Aulinas Anna
Published: May 2023

Objective
Biochemical suspicion of familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH) might provide with a negative (FHH-negative) or positive (FHH-positive) genetic result. Understanding the differences between both groups may refine the identification of those who need genetic evaluation, aid management decisions and prospective surveillance. We aimed to compare FHH-positive and FHH-negative patients, and to identify predictive variables for FHH-positive cases.
Design
Retrospective, national multi-centre study of patients with suspected FHH and genetic testing of the CASR, AP2S1 and/or GNA11 genes.
Methods
Clinical, biochemical, radiological and treatment data were collected. We established a prediction model for the identification of FHH-positive cases by logistic regression analysis and area under the ROC curve (AUROC) was estimated.
Results
We included 73 index cases, of which 37 (50.7%) had a pathogenic variant. FHH-positive cases were younger (p = 0.023), reported more frequently a positive family history (p < 0.001), presented higher magnesium (p < 0.001) and lower parathormone levels (p < 0.001) and were less often treated for hypercalcemia (p = 0.017) in comparison to FHH-negative cases. Magnesium levels showed the highest AUROC (0.788, 95%CI: 0.659–0.892). The multivariate analysis revealed that family history, parathormone and magnesium levels, were independent predictors of a positive genetic result. The predictive model showed an AUROC of 0.881 (95%CI: 0.770–0.957).
Conclusions
The combination of magnesium, parathormone levels and a positive family history offered a good diagnostic accuracy to predict a positive genetic result. The inclusion of magnesium measurement in the routine evaluation of patients with suspected FHH might provide a more personalized approach in the decision-making process for ordering a genetic examination.
First Molecular Anaplasma capra Detection in Turkish Goats
Authors: Oguz Bekir , Deger M Serdar , Al-Olayan Ebtsam , El-Ashram Saeed
Published: May 2023

Anaplasma capra infection is usually asymptomatic, but it is known to cause zoonotic tick-borne diseases. A. capra's morphological characteristics and the types of cells infected (such as erythrocytes, monocytes, and neutrophil granulocytes) are unknown. Infection with A. capra was mostly found in ixodid ticks. There have been no studies on A. capra infection in goats, one of Turkey's most common farm animals. Infection with A. capra was mostly found in ixodid ticks. There have been no studies on A. capra infection in goats, one of Turkey's most common farm animals. They are required to determine their distribution, genetic diversity, vector species, and host specificity. This study aimed to investigate the A. capra pathogen in goats in Turkey's Van province. A total of 200 goat blood samples were examined. Goat samples were subjected to partial amplification of the gltA gene fragment using a nested polymerase chain reaction. A. capra DNA was detected in 0.5% of goat blood samples. Phylogenetic analysis of a partial gltA gene fragment showed that the eastern Turkey isolate, closely grouped with A. capra isolates reported from wild and domestic ruminants in France, Turkey, and Kyrgyzstan, formed a distinct clade. This is the first report of A. capra in goats in Turkey.
Single-cell transcriptome analysis identifies novel biomarkers involved in major liver cancer subtypes
Authors: Swain Asish Kumar , Pandey Prashant , Sera Riddhi , Yadav Pankaj
Published: May 2023

Background
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) are the two aggressive subtypes of liver cancer (LC). Immense cellular heterogeneity and crosstalk between cancer and healthy cells make it challenging to treat these cancer subtypes. To address these challenges, the study aims to systematically characterize the tumour heterogeneity of LC subtypes using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) datasets.
Method
The study combined 51927 single cells from HCC, ICC, and healthy scRNA-seq datasets. After integrating the datasets, cell groups with similar gene expression patterns are clustered and cluster annotation has been performed based on gene markers. Cell-cell communication analysis (CCA) was implemented to understand the crosstalk between various cell types. Further, differential gene expression analysis and enrichment analysis were carried out to identify unique molecular drivers associated with HCC and ICC.
Results
Our analysis identified T-cells, hepatocytes, epithelial cells, and monocyte are the major cell types present in the tumour microenvironment. Among them, abundance of natural killer (NK) cells in HCC, epithelial cells and hepatocytes in ICC were detected. CCA revealed key interaction between T-cells to NK cells in HCC and smooth muscle cells to epithelial cells in the ICC. Additionally, SOX4 and DTHD1 are the top differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in HCC, while keratin and CCL4 are in ICC. Enrichment analysis of DEGs reveals major up-regulated genes in HCC affect protein folding mechanism and in ICC alter pathways involved in cell adhesion.
Conclusion
The findings suggest potential targets for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of these two aggressive subtypes of LC.
Lower Serum Cholesterol Levels as a Risk Factor for Critical Illness Polyneuropathy: A matched Case-Control Study
Authors: Zulehner Gudrun , Seidel Stefan , Polanz Alexander , Schörgenhofer Christian , Rommer Paulus , Merrelaar Marieke , Roth Dominik , Herkner Harald , Behrens Sybille , Kienbacher Calvin Lukas
Published: May 2023

Background: Critical illness polyneuropathy (CIP) is a frequent and underdiagnosed phenomenon among intensive care unit patients. The lipophilic nature of neuronal synapses may result in the association of low serum cholesterol levels with a higher rate of CIP development. We aimed to investigate this issue in critically ill patients.
Methods: All cases diagnosed with CIP in our tertiary care hospital between 2013 and 2017 were 1:1 matched with controls without the condition by age, sex, and ICD diagnoses. The main risk factor examined was the difference between initial and minimum serum cholesterol levels. Other predictors were serum markers of acute inflammation.
Results: We included 67 cases and 67 controls (134 critically ill patients, 49% female, 46% medical). Minimum serum cholesterol levels were lower in the cases (median difference: -24, 95% CI [-39, -9], mg/dl). A conditional logistic regression model controlling for the patients’ length of CCU stay showed a 2.2% increase in odds (odds ratio 1.022, 95% CI [1.006, 1.037], p=0.007) for the development of CIP for every 1 mg/dl decrease in serum cholesterol levels between the initial and lowest serum concentrations. Cholesterol levels decreased more profoundly in cases than controls (median: -74 (IQR -115 to -24) vs. ‑22 (IQR -53 to 0), median difference:
-36, 95% CI [-59, -13]), mg/dl). We found significant median differences across matched pairs in maximum serum C-reactive protein (8.9, 95% CI [4.56, 13.24], mg/dl), minimum albumin
(-4.2, 95% CI [-6.7, -1.7], g/l) and lowest cholinesterase levels (-0.72, 95% CI [-1.05, -0.39], U/l).
Conclusion: Lower minimum cholesterol levels and more pronounced decreases in cholesterol levels during critical care unit hospitalizations may be a risk factor for CIP.
Poor attendance by students of medical schools, and application of a novel method to improve the attendance
Authors: Panigrahi Debadatta , Mohamed Yehia S.
Published: May 2023

Background Recently, physical class-attendance of students has drastically reduced in medical schools. Many reasons have been postulated and several remedial measures advocated.Methods In order to improve the students’ attendance in classes, we used a novel method by including a real patient-scenario relating to the day’s topic. We removed the case scenario from the posting of lecture note on Learning Management System (LMS) the previous evening. We also involved the students in the case discussion during the lecture which makes the lecture interactive. Student attendance was reported for three lectures before and after application of the new strategy.Results The student average attendance for both year 3 and year 4 was reported before and after applying the intervention. By statistical analysis of the attendance percentage, there was an increase in the average of attendance and this increase was found highly significant, which indicates an improvement in the student class-attendance after applying the proposed modification in lecture delivery and hand out posting on LMS.Discussion Starting the class with a patient-scenario based on the topic, and motivating the students to participate in the open Q and A discussion makes the lecture more interesting for the students. Since they will face the patients with common problems during their clerkship training, starting in next few months to a year, which makes it more meaningful. By analyzing the class attendance average for a minimum of three classes before and after implementing this intervention, we noticed a significance improvement in the overall attendance for both year 3 and year 4.
Sevoflurane exposure induces neuronal cell ferroptosis initiated by increase of intracellular hydrogen peroxide in the developing brain via ER stress ATF3 activation
Authors: Kang Liheng , Piao Meihua , Liu Nan , Gu Wanping , Feng Chunsheng
Published: May 2023

Neuronal cell death has been well acknowledged as the primary pathological basis underlying developmental neurotoxicity following sevoflurane exposure, whereas the exact mechanism remains elusive. Ferroptosis is a programmed cell death featured by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation that is driven by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and ferrous iron through Fenton reaction, and participates in the pathogenesis of multiple neurological diseases. As stress response factor, activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) can be activated by PERK/ATF4-mediated pathway during endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and followed by increased intracellular H2O2, which is involved in regulation of apoptosis, autophagy and ferroptosis. Here, we investigated whether ferroptosis and ATF3 activation are implicated in sevoflurane-triggered neuronal cell death in the developing brain. Results showed that sevoflurane exposure induced neuronal death as a result of iron-dependent lipid peroxidation damage secondary to H2O2 accumulation and ferrous iron increase, which was consistent with the criteria for ferroptosis. Furthermore, we observed that increases of iron and H2O2 induced by sevoflurane exposure were associated with the upregulation and nuclear translocation of ATF3 in response to ER stress. Knockdown of ATF3 expression alleviated iron-dependent lipid peroxidation, which prevented sevoflurane-triggered neuronal ferroptosis. Mechanistically, ATF3 promoted sevoflurane-induced H2O2 accumulation through activating NOX4 and suppressing catalase, GPX4 and SLC7A11. Additionally, we detected that increase of H2O2 was accompanied with upregulation of TFR and TF and downregulation of FPN which linked the iron overload to ferroptosis triggered by sevoflurane. Taken together, our results demonstrated ER stress-mediated ATF3 activation contributes to sevoflurane-induced neuronal ferroptosis via H2O2 accumulation and resultant iron overload.
Development of a high-thermal-storage composite material embedded with PCM microcapsules and analysis of its unsteady heat transfer process
Authors: Wang Hui , Dang Jia , Zheng Miaozi , Yuan Yihui , Liu Tao , Wang Ning
Published: May 2023

Phase-change insulation materials can effectively extend the holding time of submarine oil and gas pipelines. Shape-stable phase-change composites have good application prospects owing to their chemical stability and leakage resistance. In this study, a microencapsulated phase-change material (MPCM)-embedded polyurethane (PU) composite (PU–MPCM) was prepared as an insulation material for subsea pipelines. The unsteady heat transfer process of the PU–MPCM composite was simulated using COMSOL Multiphysics, and an insulation experiment was conducted on this composite. PU–MPCM exhibited a high thermal storage performance and favorable shape stability. The relative effective enthalpy coefficients of PU–MPCM composites with different MPCM contents were greater than 80%. The maximum MPCM content in the PU–MPCM composite was 24 wt% (PU–MPCM24). The melting enthalpy of PU–MPCM24 reached 35.95 J/g, and its effective thermal conductivity was as low as 0.16 W/(m∙K). The holding time of PU–MPCM24 could be increased by 229.79% compared with that of pure PU. The PU–MPCM composite exhibited good mechanical properties and low water absorption, making it suitable for underwater environments. Owing to its low-cost preparation process and excellent thermal properties, PU–MPCM24 can be considered a potential insulation material for practical applications in subsea pipelines.
The benefits of predictive maintenance in manufacturing excellence: a case study to establish reliable methods for predicting failures.
Authors: Meddaoui Anwar , Hain Mustapha , Hachmoud Adil
Published: May 2023

In the course of manufacturing excellence, decision makers are consistently confronted with the task of making choices that will enhance and meet the plant's requirements. To this end, it is essential to maintain machines and equipment in a timely manner, which can prove to be one of the primary challenges. Predictive maintenance (PdM) technology can enable real-time maintenance, providing numerous benefits such as reduced downtime, lower costs, and improved production quality. This article tries to demonstrate efficient physical parameters used in PdM field. The paper presents a case study operated in industrial production process to compare between the most used algorithm in predicting equipment failures. Future research can improve prediction accuracy with other artificial intelligence tools.
A Novel Animal Model of Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head Based on 3D Printing Technology
Authors: Li Yiyang , Zhang Jiewen , Zhao Yiwei , Duan Xudong , Cao Ruomu , Guan Huanshuai , Wu Zidong , Xing Fangze , Li Heng , Wang Kunzheng , Tian Run , Yang Pei
Published: May 2023

Background Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a common orthopedic disease that is characterized by the interruption of blood supply to the femoral head. This leads to ischemia of the internal tissues, subchondral bone fractures, necrosis, and ultimately, the collapse of the weight-bearing portion of the femoral head, resulting in severe functional impairment, pain, and even disability of the hip joint. Currently, available animal models of ONFH are limited in their ability to accurately replicate the natural progression of the disease. Therefore, there is a need for the development of a new animal model that can better simulate the localized pressure on the human femoral head to facilitate research related to ONFH.Method In this study, we have developed a novel method for modeling ONFH that incorporates stress factors into the modeling process using 3D printing technology and principles of biomechanics. 36 animals were randomly assigned to six groups and received either a novel modeling technique or traditional hormone induction. Following an 8-week treatment period, Micro CT scans and histological evaluations were conducted to assess tissue outcomes.Results The new model effectively replicates the pathological features of ONFH, including femoral head collapse, with a large number of empty bone lacunae observed, cartilage defects, and subchondral bone fractures in the subchondral bone region. Furthermore, the new model shows the ability to simulate the progression of the disease, making it a valuable tool for research in this field.Conclusion In conclusion, our study provides evidence that the new ONFH model is a useful tool for simulating the disease and can contribute to the development of better treatment strategies for this debilitating condition. It holds great promise for advancing our understanding of the pathogenesis of ONFH and the potential therapeutic interventions for this challenging clinical problem.
Right Frontal HD-tDCS Reveals Causal Involvement of Time perception Networks in Temporal Processing of Concepts
Authors: Johari Karim , Tabari Fatemeh , Desai Rutvik H.
Published: May 2023

Evidence suggests that perceptual and action related features of concepts are grounded in the corresponding sensory-motor networks in the human brain. However, less is known about temporal features of event concepts (e.g., a lecture) and whether they are grounded in time perception networks. We examined this question by stimulating the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (rDLPFC) —a part of time perception network — using HD-tDCS and subsequently recording EEG while participants performed semantic and time perception tasks. Semantic tasks were composed of event nouns duration judgment (EDur), object nouns size judgment (OSize), valence judgement of event (EVal) and object (OVal) nouns. In the time perception task, participants judged the durations of pure tones. Results showed that stimulation accelerated responses for time perception task and decreased the magnitude of global field power (GFP) compared to sham stimulation. Semantic task results revealed that cathodal, but not sham, stimulation significantly decreased GFP for EDur relative to OSize and to EVal. These findings provide first causal evidence that temporal features of event words are grounded in the rDLPFC and in the temporal cognition network, and shed light on the conceptual processing of time.
Murine prostate cancer model: microenviroment macrophage populations and tumoral development vary within two C57BL/6 mice breeding nuclei from same substrain
Authors: Hernandez-Peralta Pablo , Chacón-Salinas Rommel , Gracia-Mora Isabel , Soldevila Gloria , Moreno-Rodríguez José , Cobos-Marín Laura
Published: May 2023

Cancer mice models are critical for immune-oncology research; they provide conditions to explore tumor immunoenviroment aiming knowledge advance and treatment development. Often, research groups breed their own mice colonies. To assess the effect of C57BL/6 mice breeding nuclei in prostate cancer development and intratumoral macrophage populations, a isotransplantation experiment was performed. C57BL/6J mice from two breeding nuclei (nA and nB) were employed for prostate adenocarcinoma TRAMP-C1 cells implantation, tumor growth period and intratumoral macrophage profile were measured. 54% of BL/6nB mice showed tumor implantation and growth period was 69 days, meanwhile BL/6nA implantation reached 100% and tumor growth occur in 28 days. No difference of total macrophage populations was observed between groups within several tumoral regions, significant higher M2 macrophage profile were founded in tumor microenviroment from both mice groups. Nevertheless, BL/6nB tumors showed around twice populations of M1 profile (11% -27%) than BL6nA (4% -15%) and less non-polarized macrophages. M2:M1 average ratio was 8:1 for A group and 4.2:1 for B. Our results demonstrate different tumor progression and intratumoral macrophage populations among mice from same substrain. Data obtained in this study shows the relevance of animal sources renewing for better control of murine cancer model variables.
Therapeutic role of 2-stearoxyphenethyl phosphocholine targeting microtubule dynamics and Wnt/β-catenin/EMT signaling in human colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Park Sang-Eun , Chung Kyung-Sook , Kim Soo-Yeon , Lee Jeong-Hun , Hassan Ahmed H.E. , Lee Yong Sup , Lee Jae Yeol , Lee Kyung -Tae
Published: May 2023

The inhibition of cell death, perturbation of microtubule dynamics, and acceleration of Wnt/β-catenin/epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) signaling are fundamental processes in the progression and metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC). To explore the role of 2-stearoxyphenethyl phosphocholine (stPEPC), an alkylphospholipid-based compound, in CRC, we conducted an MTT assay, cell cycle analysis, western blot analysis, immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence staining, Annexin V/propidium iodide double staining, small interfering RNA gene silencing, a wound-healing assay, an invasion assay, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay in the human CRC cell lines HT29 and HCT116. stPEPC showed anti-proliferative properties and mitotic cell accumulation via upregulated phosphorylation of BUBR1 and an association between mitotic arrest deficiency 2 (MAD2) and cell division cycle protein 20 homolog (CDC20). These results suggest that activation of the mitotic checkpoint complex and tubulin polymerization occurred, resulting in mitotic catastrophe in HT29 and HCT116 cells. In addition, stPEPC attenuated cell migration and invasion by regulating proteins mediated by EMT, such as E-cadherin and occludin. stPEPC downregulated the protein expression of Wnt3a and phosphorylation of low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6 (LRP6), glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β), and β-catenin as well as their target genes, including cMyc and cyclin D1, in CRC cells. stPEPC may be useful for developing new drugs to treat human CRC.
Demographic Factors Impacting Time to Diagnosis of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: McAlarney Drury , Davitt Meghan , Shastri Aditi , Hosgood H. Dean
Published: May 2023

Purpose:
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and patients are sometimes asymptomatic until the presentation of an oncological emergency, such as end organ complications, tumor lysis syndrome, or spinal cord compression. We aimed to investigate demographic and clinical factors associated with time from initial symptom onset until diagnosis of DLBCL.
Methods:
We performed a retrospective cohort study of 1076 patients with DLBCL diagnosed in the Montefiore Health System from 2005 to 2022. Logistic regression models, adjusted for race and preferred language, estimated the associations between demographic factors and increased time to diagnosis (TTD), defined as a time to diagnosis greater than the median for non-Hispanic White patients (58.5 days).
Results:
Within our cohort, 24.7% of patients were non-Hispanic White, 26.5% were non-Hispanic Black, and 39.86% were Hispanic. Median TTD was highest for Hispanic patients at 63 days (IQR 22–224) followed by non-Hispanic Whites at 58.5 (IQR 22–331) and 58 for non-Hispanic Black patients (IQR 17–237) (p = 0.03). Patients who had a preferred language of Spanish had increased odds of prolonged TTD in the multivariable model (adjusted OR = 2.06, 95% CI = 1.05–4.01, p = 0.03) compared to English speakers, as did patients with a preferred language of “other” (adjusted OR = 3.11, 95% CI = 1.01–9.59, p = 0.05.)
Conclusions:
Non-English-speaking patients experienced longer TTD of DLBCL compared to English speaking patients. Our results suggest that interventions increasing the availability of interpreter services, patient literature on preventative screenings in non-English languages, and increasing the number of healthcare workers with competency in common foreign languages, may potentially reduce TTD in non English speaking patients.
Association of adolescent postural tachycardia syndrome classifications with anxiety: a case control study
Authors: Mizutani Midori , Yoshida Seiji , Tanaka Hidetaka , Yamawake Ginroku , Kubo Atsuko , Ohta Yoshitaka , Kurooka Yusuke , Ashida Akira
Published: May 2023

Background
Postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS), a subset of orthostatic dysregulation, has been reported to be associated with anxiety. POTS can be classified into two forms based on the degree of tachycardia during orthostasis. Reportedly, POTS with decreased orthostatic heart rate increase is associated with suppressed cardiac parasympathetic activity and increased sympathetic activity in the supine position. In this study, the relationship between the two types of POTS and anxiety was evaluated in terms of autonomic function.
Methods
Fifty-two patients (23 males, aged 10–15 years) who were diagnosed with POTS at the Department of Pediatrics, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University from 2019 to 2021, provided completed the State-Trait Anxiety Scale for Children (STAIC) questionnaire. They then completed a standing test and were accordingly classified into the two groups of POTS, the Su group, with tachycardia from the supine position and a low heart rate increase on standing, and the SI group, with a high heart rate increase during standing. Autonomic function was assessed by frequency analysis (MemCalc method) based on heart rate, blood pressure changes, heart rate, and blood pressure variability during the orthostatic test.
Results
Patients in the Su group had higher characteristic anxiety, lower cardiac parasympathetic activity (RR-HF) in the supine position, and greater variability in cardiac parasympathetic activity during orthostasis than those of patients in the SI group. The Su group had a greater decrease in cardiac index on standing than that of the SI group.
Conclusions
The Su group results may be partly attributed to chronically low venous return. We also found that patients in the Su group had low parasympathetic activity in the supine position, which may interact with the anxiety-prone characteristics of these patients. Therefore, it seems necessary to consider both physical and psychosomatic treatment approaches for patients with POTS.
Trial registration
The clinical trial registry of Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Trial Registration No. 2662-2. Registered 5 March 2019.
https://ompu.bvits.com/rinri/Common/print_approve.aspx?ID=3479
Comparison of Commercially Available Differentiation Media on Cell Morphology, Function, and Anti-Viral Responses in Conditionally Reprogrammed Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells
Authors: Awatade Nikhil T , Reid Andrew T , Nichol Kristy S , Budden Kurtis F , Veerati Punnam Chander , Pathinayake Prabuddha S , Grainge Christopher L , Hansbro Philip M , Wark Peter AB
Published: May 2023

Introduction:
Primary air liquid interface (ALI) cultures of bronchial epithelial cells are used extensively to model airway responses. A recent advance is the development of conditional reprogramming that enhances proliferative capability. Several different media and protocols are utilized, yeteven subtle differences may influence cellular responses. We compared the morphology and functional responses, including innate immune responses to rhinovirus infection in conditionally reprogrammed primary bronchial epithelial cells (pBECs) differentiated using two commonly used culture media.
Methods:
pBECs collected from healthy donors (n = 5) were CR using g-irradiated 3T3 fibroblasts and Rho Kinase inhibitor. CRpBECs were differentiated at ALI in either PneumaCult™ (PN-ALI) or Bronchial Epithelial Growth Medium (BEGM)-based differentiation media (BEBM:DMEM, 50:50, Lonza™) - (AB-ALI) for 28 days. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), immunofluorescence, histology, cilia activity, ion channel function, and expression of cell markers were analyzed. Viral RNA was assessed by RT-qPCR and anti-viral proteins quantified by LEGENDplex™ following Rhinovirus-A1b (RVA1b) infection.
Results:
CRpBECs differentiated in PneumaCult™ were smaller and had a lower TEER and cilia beat frequency (CBF) compared to BEGM media. PneumaCult™ media cultures exhibited significantly increased FOXJ1 expression, more ciliated cells with a larger active area, increased intracellular mucins, and increased calcium-activated chloride channel current. However, there were no significant changes in viral RNA or host antiviral responses.
Conclusion:
There are distinct structural and functional differences in pBECs cultured in the two commonly used ALI differentiation media. Such factors need to be taken into consideration when designing CRpBECs ALI experiments for specific research questions.