bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The clinical application of transarterial embolization via radial artery in hemorrhagic diseases in obstetrics and gynecology
Authors: Ma Xueqin , Chen Hao , Luo Xiaoping , Wang Jin , Zhou Baolin , Liu Xi
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The present study aimed to explore the feasibility and safety of Transarterial embolization (TAE) in the treatment of obstetrics and gynecological hemorrhagic diseases transradial approach (TRA) compared to transfemoral approach (TFA).

Methods

This cohort study was conducted on patients with obstetrics and gynecology bleeding diseases from June 2021 to November 2022. Clinical characteristics of the patients were comparable between the two groups. The success rate of puncture and embolization, radiation dose, operation time, fluoroscopy time (FT), as well as complications of each patient were recorded and then retrospectively analyzed the data. The European Five-dimensional Health Scale (ED-5Q) and visual analog scale (VAS) were used to assess the quality of life (QOL) on the day of discharge and 30 days after surgery between the two groups.

Results

A total of 71 patients undergoing TAE were allocated to the TRA (n = 31) or TFA (n = 40) group in this study. Puncture and embolization were completed in all patients. Compared to the TFA group, the radiation dose of the TRA group (343.89 ± 108.81 mGy vs. 469.29 ± 198.66 mGy; p = 0.029) is significantly reduced. Minor complications occurred in only one patient (3.2%) in the TRA group. The surgery-related quality of life EQ-5D index score on the day of discharge in the TRA group (0.72 ± 0.12 vs. 0.65 ± 0.11; p = 0.017) was significantly higher than that in the TFA group, and the VAS score (2.55 ± 0.62 vs. 2.95 ± 0.85; p = 0.025) of catheter site discomfort was significantly lower in the TRA group were than in the TFA group, but no significant difference was observed in the QOL assessment at 30 days post-surgery.

Conclusion

Transradial approach TAE has comparable efficacy and safety to TFA TAE in treating obstetrics and gynecological bleeding diseases. This access can improve patient QOL without affecting surgical safety.
Concentration and time-dependent amyloidogenic characteristics of intrinsically disordered N-terminal region of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Stm1
Authors: Subbaiah S P Venkata , Uttamrao Patil Pranita , Das Uttam , Sundaresan Sruthi , Rathinavelan Thenmalarchelvi
Published: October 2023

Saccharomyces cerevisiae Stm1 protein is a ribosomal association factor, which plays an important role in preserving ribosomes in a nutrition-deprived environment. It is also shown to take part in apoptosis-like cell death. Stm1 N-terminal region (Stm1_N1-113) is shown to recognize purine motif DNA triplex and G-quadruplex. Circular dichroism (CD) spectra of Stm1_N1-113 (enriched in positively-charged Lysine and Arginine; negatively-charged Aspartate; polar-uncharged Threonine, Asparagine, Proline and Serine; hydrophobic Alanine, Valine, and Glycine) collected after 0 and 24 h indicate that the protein assumes beta-sheet conformation at the higher concentrations in contrast to intrinsically disordered conformation seen for its monomeric form found in the crystal structure. Thioflavin-T kinetics experiments indicate that the lag phase is influenced by the salt concentration. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) images collected for a variety of Stm1_N1-113 concentrations (in the range of 1–400 μM) in the presence of 150 mM NaCl at 0, 24, and 48 h indicate a threshold concentration requirement to observe the time-dependent amyloid formation. This is prominent seen at the physiological salt concentration of 150 mM NaCl with the fibrillation observed for 400 μM concentration at 48 h, whereas oligomerization or proto-fibrillation is seen for the other concentrations. Such concentration-dependent fibrillation of Stm1_N1-113 explains that amyloid fibrils formed during the overexpression of Stm1_N1-113 may act as a molecular device to trigger apoptosis-like cell death.
Genomic potential and physiological characteristics of C1 metabolism in novel acetogenic bacteria
Authors: Yu Jihyun , Park Mi-Jeong , Lee Joungmin , Kwon Soo Jae , Lim Jae Kyu , Lee Hyun Sook , Kang Sung Gyun , Lee Jung-Hyun , Kwon Kae Kyoung , Kim Yun Jae
Published: October 2023

Acetogenic bacteria can utilize C1 compounds, such as carbon monoxide (CO), formate, and methanol, via the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway (WLP) to produce biofuels and biochemicals. Two novel acetogenic bacteria of the family Eubacteriaceae ES2 and ES3 were isolated from Eulsukdo, a delta island in South Korea. We conducted whole genome sequencing of the ES strains and comparative genome analysis on the core clusters of WLP with Acetobacterium woodii DSM1030T and Eubacterium limosum ATCC8486T. The methyl-branch cluster included a formate transporter and duplicates or triplicates copies of the fhs gene, which encodes formyl-tetrahydrofolate synthetase. The formate dehydrogenase cluster did not include the hydrogenase gene, which might be replaced by a functional complex with a separate electron bifurcating hydrogenase (HytABCDE). Additionally, duplicated copies of the acsB gene, encoding acetyl-CoA synthase, are located within or close to the carbonyl-branch cluster. The serum bottle culture showed that ES strains can utilize a diverse range of C1 compounds, including CO, formate, and methanol, as well as CO2. Notably, ES2 exhibited remarkable resistance to high concentrations of C1 substrates, such as 100% CO (200 kPa), 700 mM formate, and 500 mM methanol. Moreover, ES2 demonstrated remarkable growth rates under 50% CO (0.45 h−1) and 200 mM formate (0.34 h−1). These growth rates are comparable to or surpassing those previously reported in other acetogenic bacteria. Our study introduces novel acetogenic ES strains and describes their genetic and physiological characteristics, which can be utilized in C1-based biomanufacturing.
The volume of the thalamus and hippocampus in a right-handed female episodic migraine group
Authors: He Mingchen , Kis-Jakab Gréta , Komáromy Hedvig , Perlaki Gábor , Orsi Gergely , Bosnyák Edit , Rozgonyi Renáta , John Flóra , Trauninger Anita , Eklics Kata , Pfund Zoltán
Published: October 2023

Background/aim

Migraine is a disabling headache with clinical and radiological complications. The aim of this study was to investigate the volume of the thalamus and hippocampus in migraineurs, the role of white matter lesions (WMLs), and the migraine characteristics in volume changes.

Methods

Brain MRIs of 161 right-handed female episodic migraine patients and 40 right-handed, age-related, healthy women were performed. Left and right thalamus segmentation was performed on the 3D MPRAGE images using the Freesurfer 5.3 image analysis suite. Hippocampal subfield segmentation was based on a novel statistical atlas built primarily upon ultra-high-resolution ex vivo MRI data.

Results

The left hippocampus had a smaller and the left thalamus had a larger total volume than the right one in both the control (p < 0.001) and migraine groups (p <0.001). Patients with white matter lesions (L+) showed smaller right thalamus and right hippocampal tail volumes than patients without lesions (L–) (p = 0.002 and p = 0.015, respectively) and controls (p = 0.039 and p = 0.025, respectively). For the right hippocampal body, we found significantly smaller volume in L+ patients when compared to L– patients (p = 0.018) and a similar trend when compared to the control group (p = 0.064). Patients without aura (A–) showed a larger right hippocampus (p = 0.029), right hippocampal body (p = 0.012), and tail volumes (p = 0.011) than patients with aura (A+). Inverse correlations were found between attack frequency and the volumes of the left and right hippocampal tails (p = 0.018 and p = 0.008, respectively).

Conclusion

These findings indicate that WMLs may influence the volume of the right thalamus and hippocampus, while migraine aura and attack frequency may lead to volume changes in different parts of the hippocampi in migraine patients. These data support the necessity of effective migraine management to limit subcortical volume loss in migraineurs.
Frequency characteristics of temporal and spatial concordance among dynamic indices in inattentive and combined subtypes of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Chen Ran , Jiao Yun , Zhu Jun-Sa , Wang Xun-Heng
Published: October 2023

Numerous voxel-based resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) measurements have been used to characterize spontaneous brain activity in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, the practical distinctions and commonalities among these intrinsic brain activity measures remain to be fully explored, and whether the functional concordance is related to frequency is still unknown. The study included 25 ADHD, combined type (ADHD-C); 26 ADHD, inattentive type (ADHD-I); and 28 typically developing (TD) children. We calculated the voxel-wise (temporal) and volume-wise (spatial) concordance among dynamic rs-fMRI indices in the slow-5 (0.01–0.027 Hz) and slow-4 (0.027–0.073 Hz) frequency bands, respectively. The spatiotemporal concordance within the slow-4 and slow-5 bands among the ADHD-C, ADHD-I, and TD groups was compared. Although the ADHD-C and ADHD-I groups showed similar volume-wise concordance, comparison analysis revealed that compared with ADHD-C patients, ADHD-I patients exhibited decreased voxel-wise concordance in the right median cingulate and paracingulate gyrus (MCC) and right supplementary motor area (SMA) in the slow-5 band. In addition, the voxel-wise concordance was negatively correlated with the diagnostic scores of ADHD subtypes. Our results suggest that functional concordance is frequency dependent, and dynamic concordance analysis based on specific frequency bands may provide a novel approach for investigating the pathophysiological differences among ADHD subtypes.
Effect of total sleep deprivation on effective EEG connectivity for young male in resting-state networks in different eye states
Authors: Ma Mengke , Li Yutong , Shao Yongcong , Weng Xiechuan
Published: October 2023

Background

Many studies have investigated the effect of total sleep deprivation (TSD) on resting-state functional networks, especially the default mode network (DMN) and sensorimotor network (SMN), using functional connectivity. While it is known that the activities of these networks differ based on eye state, it remains unclear how TSD affects them in different eye states. Therefore, we aimed to examine the effect of TSD on DMN and SMN in different eye states using effective functional connectivity via isolated effective coherence (iCoh) in exact low-resolution brain electromagnetic tomography (eLORETA).

Methods

Resting-state electroencephalogram (EEG) signals were collected from 24 male college students, and each participant completed a psychomotor vigilance task (PVT) while behavioral data were acquired. Each participant underwent 36-h TSD, and the data were acquired in two sleep-deprivation times (rested wakefulness, RW: 0 h; and TSD: 36 h) and two eye states (eyes closed, EC; and eyes open, EO). Changes in neural oscillations and effective connectivity were compared based on paired t-test.

Results

The behavioral results showed that PVT reaction time was significantly longer in TSD compared with that of RW. The EEG results showed that in the EO state, the activity of high-frequency bands in the DMN and SMN were enhanced compared to those of the EC state. Furthermore, when compared with the DMN and SMN of RW, in TSD, the activity of DMN was decreased, and SMN was increased. Moreover, the changed effective connectivity in the DMN and SMN after TSD was positively correlated with an increased PVT reaction time. In addition, the effective connectivity in the different network (EO-EC) of the SMN was reduced in the β band after TSD compared with that of RW.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that TSD impairs alertness and sensory information input in the SMN to a greater extent in an EO than in an EC state.
Review of qualification and modeling for radiation-induced polymer degradation
Authors: Chen Tianyi , Chang Tzu-Yi , Konstanczer Brooke A. , Mostaan Matin A. , Palmer Camille J.
Published: October 2023

Polymeric materials have multiple potential applications in nuclear power reactors including advanced and small modulus reactors, in addition to their extensive usage in safety electronic cables in the existing light water reactors. Through the qualification programs, knowledge accumulates about the polymer degradation kinetics under gamma-irradiation environment to facilitate the development of service-life predictive models. This paper aims to promote mechanistic-based predictability as a new approach to the qualification of polymeric components. Reviewed in this article are the current qualification standards and procedures, the current understandings of the degradation mechanisms, and kinetic models applicable to accelerated experiments for qualification.
Simply adding oral nutritional supplementation to haemodialysis patients may not be enough: a real-life prospective interventional study
Authors: Ocepek Andreja , Ekart Robert , Povalej Bržan Petra , Bevc Sebastjan
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Protein-energy wasting (PEW) is a common and serious co-morbidity in haemodialysis (HD) patients. Its importance as a prognostic factor has been increasingly recognised during the past decades. Much effort has been invested in the improvement of nutritional status and amelioration of consequences through different therapeutic approaches, either intradialytic parenteral nutrition or more commonly oral nutritional supplementation. In the article, we present the results of a prospective study in HD patients after 12 months of therapeutic intervention with oral nutritional supplements (ONS).

Methods

A total of 92 HD adult patients were enrolled in the study after 3 months of wash-out period. Baseline nutritional status was assessed using composite scores, laboratory markers, bioelectrical impedance analysis, and hand-grip strength test. Patients recognised as undernourished or at high risk for undernutrition received renal-specific commercially available ONS on HD day in addition to their regular diet. After 12 months, the effect of ONS on surrogate markers of undernutrition, serum albumin level, phase angle, and hand-grip strength was analysed in 71 surviving patients.

Results

After 12 months, data for 71 patients, 39 (54.9%) men, 62.4 ± 12.9 years, and median haemodialysis vintage 53.3 (IQR 27.5–92.8) months, were available. Patients were divided into three groups: group A patients were with normal nutritional status at baseline not necessitating ONS; group B patients received ONS; and group C patients were entitled to receive but refused to take ONS. The baseline results showed statistically significant differences between the groups in serum albumin levels and phase angle but not hand-grip strength. Differences between the groups remained statistically significant at month 12; we did not find any statistically significant positive changes within the groups, indicating no positive effect of intervention with ONS.

Conclusion

In a prospectively designed interventional single-centre study, we did not find a statistically significant change in surrogate markers of PEW in our cohort of HD patients, receiving ONS for 12 months. Since PEW is an independent risk factor influencing the survival of HD patients, efforts should be directed towards a timely and comprehensive nutritional approach, including intensive, personalised dietary counselling, increase in protein and energy intake and advocating tight control of nutritional status during HD treatment, possibly providing psychological support and motivation.
Physicians' perception about predictors of opioid abuse in patients with chronic non-cancer pain: a Delphi study
Authors: Galán Santiago , de la Vega Rocío , Esteve Rosa , López-Martínez Alicia E. , Fernández Baena Mariano , Ramírez-Maestre Carmen
Published: October 2023

Background

Opioids are being prescribed widely, and increasingly, for the treatment of chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP). However, several side effects are associated with mid- and long-term opioid use and, for certain patients, with the risk of problematic opioid use. The aim of this study is to know the perception of the physicians about which variables could be associated with increased risk of patients with CNCP developing a problem of abuse or misuse of the prescribed opioid medication.

Methods

Twenty-nine physicians with experience in CNCP pain management and opioids prescription participated in a two-round Delphi study focused on the risk factors for opioid misuse and abuse.

Results

The variables that reached consensus regarding their relationship with the increased risk of suffering a problem of opioid abuse or misuse were: (1) Experiencing pain on a daily basis, (2) previous use of high-dose opioids, (3) generalized anxiety, (4) hopelessness, (5) benzodiazepine intake, (6) use of opioids for reasons other than pain, (7) family problems, family instability or family breakdown, and (8) having access to several opioid prescribers. The only variable that reached consensus regarding it not being associated to a possible risk of abuse or misuse was having mild pain intensity (0–4 on a NRS-11).

Conclusions

This study provides useful information that could help make decisions about the use of opioids for CNCP treatment and prevent future difficulties. Prospective studies testing the relationship of the variables that reached consensus with the risk of opioid misuse and abuse are warranted.

Significance

This study shows the variables of CNCP that the professional must take into account in order to avoid possible problems when prescribing opioids.
Clinical application of regional citrate anticoagulation for membrane-based therapeutic plasma exchange in children with liver failure
Authors: Hu Jun , Wang Chunxiao , Bai Ke , Liu Chengjun
Published: October 2023

Background

Regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA) is being used more commonly in children for continuous renal replacement therapy. Few reports describe the application of membrane-based therapeutic plasma exchange (mTPE) with RCA in children with liver failure (LF).

Aims

To explore the application of RCA-mTPE in children with LF.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed data from children with LF who underwent RCA-mTPE in the Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University's pediatric intensive care unit. We used the total to ionized calcium ratio (T/iCa) > 2.5 as the diagnostic criteria for citrate accumulation (CA). The patients were divided into two groups according to the occureence of CA at the end of RCA-mTPE (CA group: T/iCa > 2.5; NCA group: T/iCa ≤ 2.5). To evaluate the clinical safety and efficacy of RCA-mTPE, the following data from medical records were assessed and compared between groups: clinical characteristics, reasons for LF, RCA-mTPE parameters and duration, laboratory findings, and complications.

Results

In total, 92 RCA-mTPE treatments were administered to 21 children with LF over 3.8 ± 0.9 h. The following mean values were determined: blood flow rate (QB) = 2.8 ml/kg/min, 4% sodium citrate dose/blood flow rate ratio (QCi/QB) = 1.1(QCi,ml/kg/h); plasma dose/body weight ratio(QP/BW) = 18.5 (QP, ml/kg/h); 10% calcium gluconate dose/blood flow rate ratio (QCa/QB) = 0.2(QCa, ml/kg/h). The mean concentration of iCa in vitro was 0.38 ± 0.07 mmol/L. Citrate accumulation was recorded after 34 (37%) treatments. Hypocalcemia occurred in 11 (12%) and 7 (7.6%) treatments, during and after mTPE, respectively. Three hypotensive and one convulsive events, related to hypocalcemia, and two clotting events occurred during RCA-mTPE. After RCA-mTPE, the patients' pH, HCO3− and Na+ levels, and T/iCa were significantly increased and the total bilirubin (TB), conjugated bilirubin (DB), prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST),and ammonia levels were significantly decreased. The TB, DB, and lactic acid levels, before RCA-mTPE, were significantly higher in the CA group than in the NCA group, but there were no significance between the two groups in QB/BW, QCi/QB, and QP/BW, mTPE duration, and estimated amount of citrate metabolized.

Conclusions

Children with LF undergoing RCA-mTPE are at risk of hypocalcemia. With proper protocol adjustment, however, RCA-mTPE can be used safely and effectively in these patients.
Development of a novel human triculture model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and identification of berberine as ameliorating steatosis, oxidative stress and fibrosis
Authors: Rafiei Hossein , Yeung Michelle , Kowalski Sara , Krystal Gerald , Elisia Ingrid
Published: October 2023

Objectives: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its progression to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and hepatocarcinoma is a serious and growing problem. However, the development of new therapies is severely hindered by a lack of high-throughput assays for drug testing.

Methods: We have developed a simple transwell assay comprised of HepG2 hepatocytes, hepatic LX-2 stellate cells, and differentiated THP-1 cells. The cells were incubated with an activating mixture containing the NASH-associated risk factors, glucose, insulin, free fatty acids (FFAs), and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 72 h. We compared different combinations of culture conditions to obtain a model system that recapitulates the main features of NAFLD/NASH, i.e., increased steatosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS), secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines, and presence of fibrosis. To confirm the usefulness of the optimized model system, we screened for compounds that inhibit steatosis in the hepatocytes and evaluated the most effective compound in the triculture model system.

Results: The activating mixture stimulated HepG2 cells in this triculture to accumulate more fat and produce higher levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) than HepG2 cells in monocultures. As well, higher levels of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines (IL-8, IL-6, MIP-1α, etc.) were produced in this triculture compared to monocultures. In addition, in all LX-2 monocultures and cocultures, exposure to the activating mixture increased markers of fibrosis. A major strength of our triculture system is that it makes possible the simultaneous monitoring of 4 main features of NASH, i.e., steatosis, oxidative stress, inflammation and fibrosis. Screening potential modulators that may reduce steatosis in HepG2 cells revealed the protective effects of the isoalkaloid, berberine. Tested using this novel triculture assay, treatment with 5 µM berberine decreased steatosis and ROS in HepG2 hepatocytes, reduced inflammatory cytokine production and inhibited collagen production from LX-2 cells.

Conclusion: This simple triculture model recapitulates the main features of NAFLD/NASH and should be useful for high-throughput preclinical drug discovery. In this model, berberine showed promising results in decreasing steatosis and ROS and protection against fibrosis.
Enteroendocrine cells and gut hormones as potential targets in the crossroad of the gut-kidney axis communication
Authors: Nery Neto José Arimatéa de Oliveira , Yariwake Victor Yuji , Câmara Niels Olsen Saraiva , Andrade-Oliveira Vinicius
Published: October 2023

Recent studies suggest that disruptions in intestinal homeostasis, such as changes in gut microbiota composition, infection, and inflammatory-related gut diseases, can be associated with kidney diseases. For instance, genomic investigations highlight how susceptibility genes linked to IgA nephropathy are also correlated with the risk of inflammatory bowel disease. Conversely, investigations demonstrate that the use of short-chain fatty acids, produced through fermentation by intestinal bacteria, protects kidney function in models of acute and chronic kidney diseases. Thus, the dialogue between the gut and kidney seems to be crucial in maintaining their proper function, although the factors governing this crosstalk are still emerging as the field evolves. In recent years, a series of studies have highlighted the significance of enteroendocrine cells (EECs) which are part of the secretory lineage of the gut epithelial cells, as important components in gut-kidney crosstalk. EECs are distributed throughout the epithelial layer and release more than 20 hormones in response to microenvironment stimuli. Interestingly, some of these hormones and/or their pathways such as Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 (GLP-1), GLP-2, gastrin, and somatostatin have been shown to exert renoprotective effects. Therefore, the present review explores the role of EECs and their hormones as regulators of gut-kidney crosstalk and their potential impact on kidney diseases. This comprehensive exploration underscores the substantial contribution of EEC hormones in mediating gut-kidney communication and their promising potential for the treatment of kidney diseases.
Development of self-critical abilities and values in students using digital games-based learning
Authors: Zuo Chunning
Published: October 2023

Young people are the driving force of society. Therefore, the well-being of society itself depends on what values and ideals they carry into adulthood. The purpose of this study was to identify and describe the values of contemporary Chinese youth in the context of their future life goals and to analyze how self-criticism shapes students’ depressive tendencies with the use of digital games. This study was conducted at Shaanxi Technical College of Finance and Economics with 157 Chinese students between the ages of 18 and 25. One hundred nine girls and forty-eight boys were randomly selected for the study. The study was conducted in a Chinese cultural context using the method of experiment with a survey, statistical, and correlational data analysis. Correlation analysis showed that the correlation between self-criticism and N/NE is strong (rs ¼ 0.50–0.65), but it was most related to the positive emotional component of E/PE. Thus, no obvious and serious reasons for the development of depression in young people were found. The results showed that digital games cannot influence the development of self-critical abilities of students, however, they can be a high-quality tool in psychological work with students to determine depressive moods, an overestimated level of self-criticism, and other problems that prevent them from learning. This article has implications for further research in education, as it may provide a basis for developing and improving new methods of constructing curricula. They can be aimed at defining special attention to the psychological state of students to prevent depressive states caused by high levels of self-criticism.
Are vipers prototypic fear-evoking snakes? A cross-cultural comparison of Somalis and Czechs
Authors: Frynta Daniel , Elmi Hassan Sh Abdirahman , Janovcová Markéta , Rudolfová Veronika , Štolhoferová Iveta , Rexová Kateřina , Král David , Sommer David , Berti Daniel Alex , Landová Eva , Frýdlová Petra
Published: October 2023

Snakes are known as highly fear-evoking animals, eliciting preferential attention and fast detection in humans. We examined the human fear response to snakes in the context of both current and evolutionary experiences, conducting our research in the cradle of humankind, the Horn of Africa. This region is characterized by the frequent occurrence of various snake species, including deadly venomous viperids (adders) and elapids (cobras and mambas). We conducted experiments in Somaliland and compared the results with data from Czech respondents to address the still unresolved questions: To which extent is human fear of snakes affected by evolutionary or current experience and local culture? Can people of both nationalities recognize venomous snakes as a category, or are they only afraid of certain species that are most dangerous in a given area? Are respondents of both nationalities equally afraid of deadly snakes from both families (Viperidae, Elapidae)? We employed a well-established picture-sorting approach, consisting of 48 snake species belonging to four distinct groups. Our results revealed significant agreement among Somali as well as Czech respondents. We found a highly significant effect of the stimulus on perceived fear in both populations. Vipers appeared to be the most salient stimuli in both populations, as they occupied the highest positions according to the reported level of subjectively perceived fear. The position of vipers strongly contrasts with the fear ranking of deadly venomous elapids, which were in lower positions. Fear scores of vipers were significantly higher in both populations, and their best predictor was the body width of the snake. The evolutionary, cultural, and cognitive aspects of this phenomenon are discussed.
The relationship between COVID-19, depressive disorder, and anxiety: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zihao Liang , Jinyun Song , Shuanglin Gu , Xiuzhen Chen , Yonglin Li , Hongyu Zhao
Published: October 2023

Background

Previous clinical studies have found that negative mental states such as depression and anxiety are closely related to COVID-19 infection. We used Mendelian randomization (MR) to explore the relationship between depression, anxiety, and COVID-19 infection.

Methods

Our data were based on publicly available GWAS databases. The COVID-19 samples were obtained from the COVID-19 Host Genetics Initiative (HGI). The depression samples were obtained from the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium (PGC). The anxiety samples were derived from the Finngen database. We used inverse-variance weighting (IVW) as the primary analysis method, with weighted median, MR Egger, and multivariate MRI adjustment.

Results

There was no causal effect of different COVID-19 infection statuses on depression and anxiety as determined by MR analysis. In addition, in the reverse MR analysis, we found a significant causal effect of anxiety on severe symptoms after COVID-19 infection. The results of the MR Egger regression, weighted median, and weighted mode methods were consistent with the IVW method. Based on sensitivity analyses, horizontal pleiotropy was unlikely to influence the final results.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that anxiety is a risk factor for severe symptoms following COVID-19 infection. However, the mechanism of interaction between the two needs further investigation.
Psychological factors associated with vaccination hesitancy: an observational study of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in a later phase of the pandemic in Italy
Authors: Comacchio Carla , Cesco Maddalena , Martinelli Rosita , Garzitto Marco , Bianchi Rita , Innocente Nicola , Sozio Emanuela , Tascini Carlo , Balestrieri Matteo , Colizzi Marco
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 has been used to reduce the severity of COVID-19 disease and the incidence of new cases. However, a significant proportion of people have shown vaccination hesitancy.

Methods

This study explored psychological factors related to vaccination hesitancy in a sample of Italian COVID-19 patients (N = 54), hospitalized during 2021, after vaccines had been made available and while the vaccination campaign was on-going. Consecutive patients, aged 18 or older, admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of COVID-19 were assessed with a set of standardized measures.

Results

In our sample, 48.1% was not vaccinated and 7.4% died within 6months after hospitalization, with a preponderance of deaths among non-vaccinated patients. Non-vaccinated participants had higher resilience scores at the CD-RISC-10 scale than vaccinated ones (33.6 ± 5.50 vs 28.6 ± 6.61; t40.2=+ 2.94, p = 0.005). No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups for any other measures.

Discussion

Higher levels of resilience among non-vaccinated patients may reflect greater identity worth and self-esteem, in turn resulting in a decrease in vaccination likelihood. This finding may have important public health implications, as it indicates that specific psychological aspects, such as resilience, may result in vaccination hesitancy, with implications for hospitalization rates, and thus healthcare costs, as well as loss of lives.
Prevalence and related factors of cognitive frailty in diabetic patients in China: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Peng Junjie , Ming Limei , Wu Jiaming , Li Yunchuan , Yang Shuhua , Liu Qin
Published: October 2023

Objective

Cognitive frailty (CF) is characterized by physical frailty and potentially reversible cognitive impairment without Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Clarifying the prevalence and related factors of cognitive frailty can help researchers understand its epidemiological status and formulate intervention measures. This study aims to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence and related factors of CF in diabetic patients in Chinas to better understand the current status of CF in diabetic patients in China and develop effective intervention measures for related factors.

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Weipu(VIP), WANFANG, China Biology Medicine (CBM) and DUXIU were searched to collect epidemiological data on Chinese diabetic patients. Articles published through May 29, 2023, were searched. The number of diabetes with CF and the total number of diabetes in the included studies were extracted to estimate the prevalence of diabetes with CF. For factors related to diabetes with CF, odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used for estimation.

Results

A total of 248 records were screened, of which 18 met the inclusion criteria. The results of meta-analysis showed that the prevalence of Chinese diabetic patients with CF was 25.8% (95% CI = 19.7 to 31.9%). Subgroup analysis showed that hospital prevalence was higher than in the community and in women than in men. Combined estimates showed that depression, malnutrition, advanced age (≥70, ≥80), combined chronic diseases ≥4 and glycated hemoglobin ≥8.5 were risk factors for CF in diabetics patients in China, with regular exercise and high education level (≥ college) as protective factors.

Conclusion

Cognitive frailty was common in diabetic patients in China. Such populations should be screened early and intervened with relevant factors.

Systematic review registration: A systematic review of this study evaluated the registered websites as https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, CRD42023431396.
Associations between sleep and circadian disruption in shift work and perpetration of interpersonal violence
Authors: Flinn Rosalie B. , Spencer Rebecca M. C.
Published: October 2023

Research has uncovered substantial consequences of shift work on health outcomes through disruption of sleep and circadian rhythms. Less explored is how the effects of shift work on sleep and circadian rhythms can facilitate interpersonal aggression and violence within the home (i.e., intimate partner violence, child abuse). Given challenges in direct studies on this topic, integration across related literature is critical. In this narrative review, we identify compounding variables centered around sleep and circadian rhythms that place shift workers at an increased risk of perpetrating interpersonal violence. Shift workers have impaired sleep and altered circadian rhythms. Associated alternations in executive functioning, stress, and alcohol use provide pathways to increase risk for interpersonal violence. A model of interactions facilitating the relationship between shift work and interpersonal violence is proposed to promote prevention efforts and motivate policy change.
Clinicopathological and genetic features of Zinner’s syndrome: two case reports and review of the literature
Authors: Dai Ruijie , Jiang Fan , Fan Junjie , He Dalin , Li Lei , Wu Kaijie
Published: October 2023

Zinner’s syndrome (ZS) is a rare congenital malformation due to abnormal development of the urogenital tract. It is characterized by the triad of unilateral renal agenesis, ipsilateral seminal vesicle cyst and ipsilateral ejaculatory duct obstruction. Cases are rarely reported in China since the incidence of the disease is low. Symptoms also vary widely among patients and its etiology is unclear. In this article, we described two patients with totally different cinicopathological and genetic features based on exon sequencing.
Associations between basic physiological observations recorded pre-thrombectomy and functional outcome: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lumley Hannah A. , Shaw Lisa , Morris Julia , Alton Abi , White Phil , Ford Gary A. , James Martin , Price Christopher
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Mechanical thrombectomy results in more favourable functional outcomes for patients with acute large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke. Key clinical determinants of thrombectomy outcome include symptom severity, age and time from onset to treatment, but associations have also been reported with baseline physiological observations including systolic/diastolic blood pressure (SBP/DBP), blood/serum glucose, atrial fibrillation and conscious level. As these items are routinely available during initial emergency assessment, they might help to inform early prehospital and hospital triage decisions if evidence consistently shows associations with post-thrombectomy outcome. We undertook a meta-analysis of studies reporting pre-thrombectomy physiological observations and functional outcome.

Method

PRISMA guidelines were followed to search electronic bibliographies, select articles and extract data. Medline, PubMed, Cochrane HTA, Cochrane Central and Embase were searched. Included articles were observational or interventional thrombectomy studies published between 01/08/2004-19/04/2023 reporting 3-month modified Rankin Scale, split as favourable (0–2) and unfavourable (3–6). A modified version of the Quality in Prognostic Studies (QUIPS) tool was used to assess risk of bias. RevMan 5 was used to calculate Inverse Variance with Weighted Mean Differences (WMD) and Mantel-Haenszel Odds Ratios (OR) for continuous and categorical factors respectively.

Results

Thirty seven studies were eligible from 8,687 records. Significant associations were found between unfavourable outcome and higher blood/serum glucose as a continuous (WMD = 1.34 mmol/l (95%CI 0.97 to 1.72); 19 studies; n = 3122) and categorical (OR = 2.44 (95%CI 1.9 to 3.14) variable; 6 studies; n = 5481), higher SBP (WMD = 2.98 mmHg (95%CI 0.86 to 5.11); 16 studies; n = 4,400), atrial fibrillation (OR = 1.48 (95%CI 1.08 to 2.03); 3 studies; n = 736), and lower Glasgow Coma Scale (WMD = −2.72 (95%CI −4.01 to −1.44); 2 studies; n = 99). No association was found with DBP (WMD = 0.36 mmHg (95%CI −0.76 to 1.49); 13 studies; n = 3,614).

Conclusion

Basic physiological observations might assist early triage decisions for thrombectomy and could be used in combination with other information to avoid futile treatment and ambulance transfers. It is important to acknowledge that data were only from thrombectomy treated patients in hospital settings and it cannot be assumed that the predictors identified are independent or that modification can change outcome. Further work is needed to establish the optimal combination of prognostic factors for clinical care decisions.
Representing and Inferring Massive Network Traffic Condition: A Case Study in Nashville, Tennessee
Authors: Zhang Hairuilong , Gu Yangsong , Han Lee D.
Published: October 2023

Intelligent transportation systems (ITSs) usually require monitoring of massive road networks and gathering traffic data at a high spatial and temporal resolution. This leads to the accumulation of substantial data volumes, necessitating the development of more concise data representations. Approaches like principal component analysis (PCA), which operate within subspaces, can construct precise low-dimensional models. However, interpreting these models can be challenging, primarily because the principal components often encompass a multitude of links within the traffic network. To overcome this issue, this study presents a novel approach for representing and indexing network traffic conditions through weighted CUR matrix decomposition integrated with clustering analysis. The proposed approach selects a subset group of detectors from the original network to represent and index traffic condition through a matrix decomposition method, allowing for more efficient management and analysis. The proposed method is evaluated using traffic detector data from the city of Nashville, TN. The results demonstrate that the approach is effective in representing and indexing network traffic conditions, with high accuracy and efficiency. Overall, this study contributes to the field of network traffic monitoring by proposing a novel approach for representing massive traffic networks and exploring the effects of incorporating clustering into CUR decomposition. The proposed approach can help traffic analysts and practitioners to more efficiently manage and analyze traffic conditions, ultimately leading to more effective transportation systems.
Cloud Detection and Tracking Based on Object Detection with Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Carballo Jose Antonio , Bonilla Javier , Fernández-Reche Jesús , Nouri Bijan , Avila-Marin Antonio , Fabel Yann , Alarcón-Padilla Diego-César
Published: October 2023

Due to the need to know the availability of solar resources for the solar renewable technologies in advance, this paper presents a new methodology based on computer vision and the object detection technique that uses convolutional neural networks (EfficientDet-D2 model) to detect clouds in image series. This methodology also calculates the speed and direction of cloud motion, which allows the prediction of transients in the available solar radiation due to clouds. The convolutional neural network model retraining and validation process finished successfully, which gave accurate cloud detection results in the test. Also, during the test, the estimation of the remaining time for a transient due to a cloud was accurate, mainly due to the precise cloud detection and the accuracy of the remaining time algorithm.
Combining Neural Architecture Search with Knowledge Graphs in Transformer: Advancing Chili Disease Detection
Authors: Xie Boyu , Su Qi , Tang Beilun , Li Yan , Yang Zhengwu , Wang Jiaoyang , Wang Chenxi , Lin Jingxian , Li Lin
Published: October 2023

With the advancement in modern agricultural technologies, ensuring crop health and enhancing yield have become paramount. This study aims to address potential shortcomings in the existing chili disease detection methods, particularly the absence of optimized model architecture and in-depth domain knowledge integration. By introducing a neural architecture search (NAS) and knowledge graphs, an attempt is made to bridge this gap, targeting enhanced detection accuracy and robustness. A disease detection model based on the Transformer and knowledge graphs is proposed. Upon evaluating various object detection models on edge computing platforms, it was observed that the dynamic head module surpassed the performance of the multi-head attention mechanism during data processing. The experimental results further indicated that when integrating all the data augmentation methods, the model achieved an optimal mean average precision (mAP) of 0.94. Additionally, the dynamic head module exhibited superior accuracy and recall compared to the traditional multi-head attention mechanism. In conclusion, this research offers a novel perspective and methodology for chili disease detection, with aspirations that the findings will contribute to the further advancement of modern agriculture.
Research on Hand–Eye Calibration Accuracy Improvement Method Based on Iterative Closest Point Algorithm
Authors: Yan Tingwu , Li Peijuan , Liu Yiting , Jia Tong , Yu Hanqi , Chen Guangming
Published: October 2023

In the functioning of the hand–eye collaboration of an apple picking robot, the accuracy of the hand–eye relationship is a key factor affecting the efficiency and accuracy of the robot’s operation. In order to enhance the low accuracy of traditional hand–eye calibration methods, linear and nonlinear solving methods based on mathematical tools such as quaternions are commonly adopted. To solve the loss of accuracy in decoupling during the linearization solution and to reduce the cumulative error that occurs during nonlinear solutions, a hand–eye calibration method, based on the ICP algorithm, is proposed in this paper. The method initializes the ICP matching algorithm with a solution derived from Tsai–Lenz, and substitutes it for iterative computation, thereby ascertaining a precise hand–eye conversion relationship by optimizing the error threshold and iteration count in the ICP matching process. Experimental results demonstrate that the ICP-based hand–eye calibration optimization algorithm not only circumvents the issues pertaining to accuracy loss and significant errors during solving, but also enhances the rotation accuracy by 13.6% and the translation accuracy by 2.47% compared with the work presented by Tsai–Lenz.
Synthesis and Application of Modified Lignin Polyurea Binder for Manufacturing a Controlled-Release Potassium Fertilizer
Authors: Li Mingyang , E Gaoyang , Wang Conghui , Shi Ruolin , Wang Junxi , Wang Shuo , Wang Yu , Chen Qi , Li Zeli , Liu Zhiguang
Published: October 2023

Conventional potassium chloride granules have inefficient applications in agricultural production due to particle irregularity and low fluidity. The application of controlled-release potassium chloride could increase the potassium-use efficiency and alleviate the shortage of potassium ore resources. In this study, a well-rounded potassium chloride fertilizer core was prepared, using the graft modification of polyurea to enhance the coating rate and release performance. The adhesive and tensile characteristics of the modified polyurea binder, as well as the granule properties of modified polyurea binder potassium chloride, were studied to determine the ideal lignin-grafted ratio. The effect of the modified polyurea binder with potassium chloride on the properties of coated fertilizer was investigated. The findings, shown by radar maps of the binder’s properties, demonstrated that the ideal mass ratio of the modified lignin polyurea binder to urea is 1:2. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy results demonstrated that the amino functional groups of lignin were enhanced, improving the product’s interfacial compatibility with the polyurea matrix. Compared to humic acid (HA; 12%) and bentonite (Ben; 30%) treatments, the granule intensity of the 9.9%—1:2 treatment considerably increased by 139.10% and 38.86%, respectively, while the static angle of the granules reduced by 16.67% and 3.81%. The 28-day cumulative release rate of the modified polyurea (9.9%—2:1) with a 5% coating thickness was the lowest (28%), 42% lower than that of the lowest conventional treatment. In summary, the creation of a bio-lignin polyurea binder under the optimum conditions reduced the need for petrochemical-based materials, allowed the preparation of fertilizer with granules of increased fluidity, and enabled the successful coating of a high-salt potassium fertilizer, offering a novel technique for the high-value application of potash fertilizer coating.