bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the Insecticidal Activity of Bioactive Compounds Obtained from Azolla pinnata and Azolla Microphylla
Authors: NEHARI Abdelkader ALI , DJAMAI Wissam , BOUSSOUM Mohand Ouidir
Published: July 2024

Plant extracts offer an alternative approach to safeguarding stored food products. Our research is focused on assessing the insecticidal properties of aqueous and ethanolic extracts containing bioactive compounds obtained from two species of Azolla; A. pinnata and A. Microphylla against pests that affect stored food items. Two drying processes were conducted in order to compare the yield of bioactive compounds (freeze-drying and oven-drying). We employed two extraction methods (maceration and decoction), using ethanol and water as solvents. Phytochemical screening of both extracts was carried out by CG-MS analysis. The insecticidal properties of the obtained extracts were assessed using the spraying method on larvae and adults of Tribolium castaneum. The results indicated that the freeze-dried samples had the highest yield, with the ethanolic extract by decoction recording the highest value at 26.07%. GC-MS analysis for both species confirmed the existence of primarily fatty acid, terpenoid, steroid, coumarin, and flavonoid derivatives compounds Overall, the various extracts exhibited high toxicity against both larvae and adults. The mortality rate was increased according to the increasing concentration of extracts. The lowest LC50 of A. pinnata and A. microphylla extracts were found to be 872.42 µg/mL and 894,65 µg/mL, respectively. The aqueous extract caused higher toxicity, reaching 96%. The results of this study may indicate that the dry matter from A. pinnata and A. Microphylla demonstrated effective toxicity against individuals of T. castaneum. The potency of this effect is evidenced by the mortality of both the larvae and adults.
What happened to urban heat island mitigation? A digital history of Wikipedia’s archives reveals knowledge circulation gaps
Authors: Aviram Rona , Benjakob Omer , Aleksandrowicz Or
Published: July 2024

The Urban Heat Island (UHI) phenomenon is a leading cause for concern, yet effective mitigation action remains limited. A knowledge circulation failure has long been suggested to exist between scientists and practitioners, though this hypothesis was rarely systematically examined. Here, we investigated this gap using English-language Wikipedia, a pivotal channel for knowledge dissemination. Using a mixed-method diachronic analyses of text, structure, edits, and bibliometrics of the UHI Wikipedia article over its 20 years existence, we evaluated how this field and the science behind it were translated into the popular open-source encyclopaedia. While overall utilizing reputable sources, the article’s coverage of the UHI phenomenon and its mitigation exemplified knowledge gaps by relying on outdated literature and absence of review articles. Specifically, the mitigation section lacked a clear hierarchy of their effectiveness while excluding some key mitigation concepts. Despite intense editorial activity in its early years, the article stagnated from the mid-2010s to early 2023, leaving it disconnected from ongoing scientific efforts. Our findings highlight concerning disconnects between academic advancements and their translation into actionable information for the public and policymakers. Failing to accurately represent mitigation measures poses a risk of perpetuating outdated strategies and impeding progress towards effective climate mitigation.
Prescription for Play: A process and outcome evaluation of a play promotion intervention in federally qualified health centers
Authors: Tavernier Rebecca L. Emery , Oo May , Anderson-Badbade Shelby , Grzejszczak Lynsey , Rogers Peyton , Chang Ho-Choong , Grout Randall W. , Anzalone Sal , Ngwangwa Kelechi , East Joan , Santos Jan Lee , Lamb Mandy
Published: July 2024

Background
Despite the benefits of play on child development, under-resourced children are less likely to have equal access to or opportunities for play. Prescription for Play (P4P), a social impact program of The LEGO® Group, leverages attendance at 18-to-36-month well-child checks to discuss and promote play and has the potential to effectively increase play in under-resourced families. However, limited work has investigated the feasibility and effectiveness of its implementation. As such, this research evaluated the implementation outcomes of P4P within multiple federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), which serve as important safety-net medical settings for under-resourced families.
Methods
Data were collected from six FQHCs. To understand whether P4P impacts caregiver outcomes, an interrupted time series design was used in which two separate samples of caregivers completed a researcher-designed survey before (n = 180) and after (n = 262) program implementation. A mixed-methods approach was undertaken to evaluate the process of delivering P4P using an implementation fidelity framework, in which staff surveys (n = 27), staff interviews (n = 25), and clinic observations (n = 44) were completed.
Results
Caregivers reported positive views towards play and a strong desire to play with their children before and after P4P implementation, with independent samples t-tests showing no differences between groups on survey constructs (ps > .06). Triangulation of qualitative and quantitative process data showed that P4P can be implemented as designed within varied FQHC settings and is acceptable among clinic staff, with additional implementation facilitators identified.
Conclusion
Although P4P does not appear to influence the positive views of and strong investment in play held by caregivers, this study offers important evidence that P4P can be implemented to fidelity within FQHCs, making it a feasible program to deliver in safety-net settings.
Combining Human Liver ECM with Topographically Featured Electrospun Scaffolds for Hybrid Hepatic Models
Authors: Gao Yunxi , Gadd Victoria L , Heim Maria , Grant Rhiannon , Bate Thomas S R , Esser Hannah , Gonzalez Sofia Ferreira , Man Tak Yung , Forbes Stuart J , Callanan Anthony
Published: July 2024

Liver disease cases are rapidly expanding worldwide, and transplantation remains the only effective cure for end-stage disease. There is an increasing demand for developing potential drug treatments, and regenerative therapies using in-vitro culture platforms. Human decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) is an appealing alternative to conventional animal tissues as it contains human-specific proteins and can serve as scaffolding materials. Herein we exploit this with human donor tissue from discarded liver which was not suitable for transplant using a synergistic approach to combining biological and topographical cues in electrospun materials as an in-vitro culture platform. To realise this, we developed a methodology for incorporating human liver dECM into electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) fibres with surface nanotopographies (230-580 nm). The hybrid scaffolds were fabricated using varying concentrations of dECM; their morphology, mechanical properties, hydrophilicity and stability were analysed. The scaffolds were validated using HepG2 and primary mouse hepatocytes, with subsequent results indicating that the modified scaffolds-maintained cell growth and influenced cell attachment, proliferation and hepatic-related gene expression. This work demonstrates a novel approach to harvesting the potential from decellurised human tissues in the form of innovative in-vitro culture platforms for liver.
Timed Up and Go Test and Prediction of Injurious Falls among Older Adults by Sex: A Population-based Cohort Study
Authors: Kim Jiyun , Choi Sookja
Published: July 2024

Background
This study aimed to determine whether sex-specific timed up and go (TUG) test results can predict injurious fall occurrence in older adults and identify risk factors for injurious falls based on TUG results.
Methods
Data were obtained from an older adult cohort database provided by the National Health Insurance Service, which included 34,030 individuals aged 66 years or older who underwent life-transition health examinations in 2007 and 2008 and were followed up until 2019. To identify the risk factors for injurious falls, this study performed a Cox proportional hazard regression analysis by sex, with individual characteristics, including TUG test results, as independent variables.
Results
The TUG test predicted the occurrence of injurious falls in older adult men but not in older adult women. Among men with abnormal TUG results, those with high systolic blood pressure had a greater risk of injurious falls. In women, urinary dysfunction, hearing impairment, low BMI, high systolic blood pressure and fasting blood glucose level, depressive symptoms, and bone mineral density were identified as risk factors for injurious falls—regardless of the TUG test results. The factors predictive of injurious falls according to the TUG test differed by sex.
Conclusion
The TUG test is useful for predicting injurious falls in older adult men. This study identified other risk factors for injurious falls among older adult women that can be used in prevention strategies.
Artificial Intelligence Models Utilize Lifestyle Factors to Predict Dry Eye-Related Outcomes
Authors: Graham Andrew D. , Wang Jiayun , Kothapalli Tejasvi , Ding Jennifer , Tasho Helen , Molina Alisa , Tse Vivien , Chang Sarah M. , Yu Stella X. , Lin Meng C.
Published: July 2024

Purpose
To examine and interpret machine learning models that predict dry eye (DE)-related clinical signs, subjective symptoms, and clinician diagnoses by heavily weighting lifestyle factors in the predictions.
Methods
Machine learning models were trained to take clinical assessments of the ocular surface, eyelids, and tear film, combined with symptom scores from validated questionnaire instruments for DE and clinician diagnoses of ocular surface diseases, and perform a classification into DE-related outcome categories. Outcomes are presented for which the data-driven algorithm identified subject characteristics, lifestyle, behaviors, or environmental exposures as heavily weighted predictors. Models were assessed by 5-fold cross-validation accuracy and class-wise statistics of the predictors.
Results
Age was a heavily weighted factor in predictions of eyelid notching, Line of Marx anterior displacement, and fluorescein tear breakup time (FTBUT), as well as visual analog scale symptom ratings and a clinician diagnosis of blepharitis. Comfortable contact lens wearing time was heavily weighted in predictions of DE symptom ratings. Time spent in near work, alcohol consumption, exercise, and time spent outdoors were heavily weighted predictors for several ocular signs and symptoms. Exposure to airplane cabin environments and driving a car were predictors of DE-related symptoms but not clinical signs. Prediction accuracies for DE-related symptoms ranged from 60.7–86.5%, for diagnoses from 73.7–80.1%, and for clinical signs from 66.9–98.7%.
Conclusions
The results emphasize the importance of lifestyle, subject, and environmental characteristics in the etiology of ocular surface disease. Lifestyle factors should be taken into account in clinical research and care to a far greater extent than has been the case to date.
Perioperative changes in frailty status among patients over 90 years of age who have undergone transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Kobayashi Kiyonori , Tokuda Yoshiyuki , Tanaka Akihito , Ozeki Takahiro , Murohara Toyoaki , Mutsuga Masato
Published: July 2024

Background
Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has become a widely accepted treatment option for elderly patients with aortic stenosis (AS), including those over 90 years of age. To investigate frailty changes in cases of TAVI performed on super-elderly individuals, this study assessed the variations in different frailty indices before and after the procedure.
Methods and Results
The study included 30 consecutive cases, accounting for 7.3% of the total 411 TAVI cases. There were no preoperative and postoperative changes in grip strength (16.9 ± 7.3 vs. 15.5 ± 7.5 kgf, p = 0.11), the Mini-Mental State Examination (25 ± 4 vs. 24 ± 5 points, p = 0.70), or the Short Physical Performance Battery (8.3 ± 3.0 vs. 7.7 ± 2.9 points, p = 0.37). The only index that decreased was the gait speed (0.8 ± 0.3 vs. 0.7 ± 0.3 m/s, p < 0.01). The gait speed slightly decreased, but it did not significantly impact the SPPB.
Conclusions
Even in patients aged 90 years or older who were carefully selected for TAVI, frailty indices remained largely unchanged before and after the TAVI procedure. This suggests that it is possible to safely treat AS without exacerbating frailty, even in super-elderly individuals.
The effect of elective single blastocyst transfer and elective double cleavage- stage embryo transfer on clinical pregnancy and live birth rates in fresh cycles
Authors: Chen Linjun , Ji Yue , Zhu Lihua , Lin Fei , Fang Junshun , Wang Jie , Wang Shanshan
Published: July 2024

More than one embryo transferred into the uterus is likely to result in higher clinical pregnancy and live birth rates, but can also result in a higher rate of multiple pregnancy and births. Single blastocyst transfer can significantly reduce the rate of multiple pregnancies. The present study analyzed a total of 2941 fresh transfer cycles, including 1548 SBT cycles and 1393 DET cycles. Clinical pregnancy, twin pregnancy and live birth rates of the two groups were compared. Overall, the rates of clinical pregnancy and live birth in the DET group were significantly higher than those in the SBT group (75.1% vs. 71.3%, P=0.020; 66.6% vs. 63.0%, P=0.041). A sensitive analysis showed that DET lifted the rates of clinical pregnancy and live birth for patients with aged less than 35 years (aOR 1.792, 95% CI 1.455-2.207; aOR 1.572, 95% CI 1.301-1.901) but not for patients with age 35 years and over (aOR 0.879, 95% CI 0.530-1.457; aOR 1.004, 95% CI 0.614-1.643). The twin pregnancy rate in the SBT group was significantly lower than that in the DET group at all ages (aOR 32.502, 95% CI 21.885-48.269; aOR 23.504, 95% CI 7.714-71.608). SBT can lead to acceptable clinical pregnancy and live birth rates compared with DET and significantly reduce the twin pregnancy rate.
Development of Modified Sorbents Based on Diatomite in Western Kazakhstan for Groundwater Desalination
Authors: Satayeva Sapura , Montayeva Nurgul , Montayev Sarsenbek , Akhmetova Firuza , Nazarova Dauriya , Abdrakhmanova Aibarsha , Mendygalieva Aigul
Published: July 2024

The increasing anthropogenic pressure on the environment results in groundwater pollution, adversely affect ing the health of humans, animals, and the plant ecosystem. For farming enterprises in West Kazakhstan located in low-water areas of the arid steppe and semi-desert zones, a significant challenge is the availability of clean water for animal watering due to pollution and elevated levels of mineralization. The study is dedicated to investigating the adsorption capacity of diatomite from West Kazakhstan and assessing its potential application as a sorbent for purifying groundwater from saline compounds. Groundwater purification was performed in the settlement of Zhanakala, Zhangalinsky district in West Kazakhstan Region. It has been demonstrated that the degree of mineralization of the investigated water using diatomite can be increased by calcining the diatomite at T = 450 ℃, incorporating activated carbon, and introducing rocks containing clay minerals, particularly bentonite.
Risk prediction for postoperative urinary retention in elderly female patients with hip fractures: a nomogram and XGboost Model
Authors: Xia Zhenlan , Yuan Yuena , Chen Liping , Han Jinling , Cheng Lei , Xuan Ze
Published: July 2024

Early assessment and prevention of postoperative urinary retention (POUR) represent significant challenges in clinical nursing for elderly women. This study aims to identify risk factors for POUR in elderly female patients with hip fractures and to develop predictive models. A cross-sectional correlational study was conducted on 371 elderly female patients with hip fractures admitted to the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University between June 2019 and December 2022. Patients were randomly allocated into training and validation cohorts at a 7:3 ratio. Risk prediction models were developed using logistic regression analysis, a nomogram model, and an Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) model. In the modeling group, POUR was observed in 62 out of 204 cases (30.4%). Logistic regression analysis indicated that age (P = 0.07, OR = 1.07, 95% CI [1.02–1.13]), comorbidity with diabetes (P = 0.015, OR = 2.41, 95% CI [1.19–4.89]), hypokalemia (P = 0.0015, OR = 3.43, 95% CI [1.27–9.25]), and postoperative bladder pressure (P = 0.0281, OR = 0.95, 95% CI [0.91–1.00]) were significant predictors of POUR in elderly female patients. These models effectively predict the occurrence of POUR in elderly women with hip fractures.
On complexity of colloid cellular automata
Authors: Adamatzky Andrew , Roberts Nic , Fortulan Raphael , Kheirabadi Noushin Raeisi , Mougkogiannis Panagiotis , Tsompanas Michail-Antisthenis , Martínez Genaro J. , Sirakoulis Georgios Ch. , Chiolerio Alessandro
Published: July 2024

The colloid cellular automata do not imitate the physical structure of colloids but are governed by logical functions derived from the colloids. We analyse the space-time complexity of Boolean circuits derived from the electrical responses of colloids—specifically ZnO (zinc oxide, an inorganic compound also known as calamine or zinc white, which naturally occurs as the mineral zincite), proteinoids (microspheres and crystals of thermal abiotic proteins), and combinations thereof to electrical stimulation. To extract Boolean circuits from colloids, we send all possible configurations of two-, four-, and eight-bit binary strings, encoded as electrical potential values, to the colloids, record their responses, and thereby infer the Boolean functions they implement. We map the discovered functions onto the cell-state transition rules of cellular automata (arrays of binary state machines that update their states synchronously according to the same rule) — the colloid cellular automata. We then analyse the phenomenology of the space-time configurations of the automata and evaluate their complexity using measures such as compressibility, Shan-non entropy, Simpson diversity, and expressivity. A hierarchy of phenomenological and measurable space-time complexity is constructed.
Human Epididymal Secretory Protein 4 of Early Diagnosis Value for Endometrial Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta Analysis
Authors: Yuan Jie , Xu Chen , Liu ChunYong , Yan ruiling
Published: July 2024

Objective
The diagnostic value of Human Epididymal Secretory Protein 4 (HE4) for Endometrial Cancer (EC) was assessed using Evidence-based medicine (EBM) and Systematic Review (SR) methodologies.
Methods
Relevant literature was obtained from databases such as The Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, CBM, CNKI, and Wan Fang Data up to April 1st, 2024. The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 (QUADAS-2) tool was utilized to evaluate the quality of the selected studies. Meta-analysis was conducted using Revman 5.3, STATA 16.1, and Meta-disc software.
Results
The analysis of 22 selected studies, comprising 3776 cases in the case group and 5260 cases in the control group with a total sample size of 9036 cases, revealed that HE4 exhibited a pooled sensitivity of 0.59 [95%CI (0.53, 0.64)], specificity of 0.93 [95%CI (0.88, 0.96)], positive likelihood ratio (PLR) of 6.87 [95%CI (4.57, 10.33)], negative likelihood ratio (NLR) of 0.46 [95%CI (0.39, 0.54)], diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) of 14.36 [95%CI (9.37, 21.17)], and area under the pooled receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.78 [95%CI (0.75, 0.82)].
Conclusions
HE4 demonstrates high specificity and moderate sensitivity in diagnosing EC, offering valuable assistance to clinicians either alone or in conjunction with other tumor markers.
Design, implementation, and evaluation of a PRECEDE-PROCEED model-based intervention to reduce Intimate Partner Violence against women in Afghan men living in Refugee Camp of Torbat Jam County (Iran): Protocol for an Embedded study
Authors: Rahimian Mohammad , Shavazi Masoumeh Abbasi , Sharifabad Mohammad Ali Morowati , Jam-Barsang Sara
Published: July 2024

Objective
More than a third of women around the world have experienced intimate partner violence (IPV). IPV is an important public health issue and a human rights issue. IPV has more severe consequences in refugees. More than 2.5 million Afghan refugees and immigrants live in Iran. The PRECEDE-PROCEED model is one of the most practical health promotion modes in interventions. The purpose of this study is to investigate the IPV situation in Afghan refugees living in Torbat Jam camp and its relationship with their health and quality of life and to design an intervention program to reduce it based on the PRECEDE-PROCEED health promotion model.
Method
This study employs an embedded mixed-method study with quantitative, qualitative and intervention phases study that was designed at the Afghan refugee population living in Iran's Torbat Jam camp. Quality of life data will be collected with the SF-12 questionnaire, mental health status information with the DASS-21 questionnaire, and IPV status information with the Haj Yahya violence against women questionnaire. In the qualitative phase, information will be collected in the form of in-depth interviews with the participants. By carrying out the qualitative phase, the factors affecting IPV will be determined and the necessary interventions to reduce and prevent it will be carried out based on the PRECEDE-PROCEED model of health promotion.
Results
Demographic variables and descriptive tables will be presented, the relationship of IPV with demographic variables, health status and quality of life will be measured. Predictors of IPV should be identified.
Conclusions
The results of this intervention will show the relationship between health status and quality of life with IPV, which can be used to design interventions.
The Effectiveness of CBT-Based Positive Self-Affirmations on Childhood Sexual Abuse Survivors’ Self-Esteem and Hope
Authors: Uzondu Adachukwu Chinelo , Hollenbaugh Karen Michelle Hunnicutt
Published: July 2024

This nine-week AB single case research study evaluated the degree to which CBT-based positive self-affirmations helped childhood sexual abuse (CSA) survivors increase their perceptions of hope and self-esteem. Participants included five females and one male, aged 24 to 46 years (N = 6). CBT-based positive self-affirmations were effective in increasing hope perceptions in three participants, as well as self-esteem perceptions in another three participants with statistically significant improvement (p < 0.05). The results of this study support the idea that CBT-based positive self-affirmations may be an effective intervention for CSA survivors. Implications and recommendations for counselors working with CSA survivors are discussed.
Social networking service (SNS) and transformer-based models for event-based surveillance for early detection of heat stroke in Aichi Prefecture, Japan
Authors: Anno Sumiko , Kimura Yoshitsugu , Sugita Satoru
Published: July 2024

Event-based surveillance is crucial for the early detection and rapid response to potential public health risks. In recent years, social networking services (SNS) have been recognized for their potential role in this domain. Previous studies have demonstrated the capacity of SNS posts for the early detection of health crises and affected individuals, including those related to infectious diseases. However, the reliability of such posts, being subjective and not clinically diagnosed, remains a challenge. In this study, we address this issue by assessing the classification performance of transformer-based pretrained language models to accurately classify Japanese tweets related to heat stroke, a significant health effect of climate change, as true or false. We also evaluated the efficacy of combining SNS and artificial intelligence for event-based public health surveillance by visualizing the data on correctly classified tweets and heat stroke emergency medical evacuees in time–space and animated video, respectively. The transformer-based pretrained language models exhibited good performance in classifying the tweets. Spatiotemporal and animated video visualizations revealed a reasonable correlation. This study demonstrates the potential of using SNS posts and transformer-based pretrained language models for the early detection of heat stroke risks.
Non-compliance to IFA Consumption among Indian Pregnant Women: Evidences from NFHS-5 Data (2019-21)
Authors: Sengupta Angan , Prakash Meghna , Dutta Tina
Published: July 2024

Background: Iron and Folic Acid (IFA) supplementation is one of the highly recommended strategies to tackle anemia. Under the backdrop of high anemia prevalence, this study examines the level of non- compliance with IFA supplementation among pregnant women in India.
Methods: The analysis is conducted on a sample of 151171 women, who bought or received IFA tablets/syrup during pregnancy, and was surveyed during the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019-21). Descriptive statistics and conditional probabilities are calculated to examine the initiation and attainment of different levels of IFA consumption across selected background variables. Binary logistic regressions are employed to understand the influence of socio-economic factors on non-compliance of IFA supplementation for minimum 100 days and 180 days.
Results: While the probability of initiation of IFA tablets is fairly high among pregnant women in India, the probability of consuming at least 100 tablets declines drastically for pregnant women irrespective of their socio-economic profile. The chances of not taking IFA for at least 100 days and at least 180 days are lesser by 21% and 15% for urban with respect to rural women. Age is not a significant parameter. When compared to the richest, the poorest face 1.6 times higher odds for not consuming IFA for at least 100 days, and 1.96 times higher in case of non-compliance for minimum 180 days. Women with no education shows 1.73 and 1.46-times higher likelihood do be non-compliant with both criteria as compared to those with higher education. Those who have received less than four ANCs are at least two times more likely to be non-compliant. Risk of non-compliance is lesser among women with lower birth order as compared to pregnancies of third and higher birth order.
Conclusion: Involvement of community health workers in awareness generation and close monitoring of IFA consumption behaviour ensuring compliance for a minimum of 180 days, might improve the scenario.
Should follow-up cystoscopy be performed in upper-tract urothelial carcinoma patients managed with radical nephroureterectomy after a five-year bladder tumor-free period?
Authors: Guan Bao , Wang Guoli , Yang Qian , Ren Hanzhen , Zhang Huifeng , Cao Chao , Luo Kaishun , Li Zhihua , Li Xuesong , Zhou Liqun
Published: July 2024

Objectives: There is disagreement on the follow-up schedule after a 5-year bladder recurrence-free period in patients with upper-tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) after radical nephroureterectomy (RNU). In this study, we aimed to clarify the risk factors for the late recurrence in UTUC patients who remained bladder recurrence-free for more than 5 years.
Methods: Data from a large single-center Chinese institution were retrospectively reviewed. Among the patients with UTUC who were treated with RNU between 1999 and 2018, those who had no recurrence for more than 5 years were included in this study. The Kaplan–Meier method and Cox hazards model were used to estimate recurrence-free survival.
Results: In total, 1028 patients were enrolled in this study. Of these patients, 57 patients (5.5%) experienced late recurrence. The median follow-up time was 96 years (interquartile range 6.9–11.3 years). A prior history of bladder cancer (BCa) before RNU,synchronous T1 BCa, a prior history of kidney transplantation and carcinoma in situ (CIS) were significant predictors for late recurrence, although other clinical factors including tumor grade, pathologic stage and tumor multiplicity were not associated with late recurrence.
Conclusions: Late recurrence after a prolonged intravesical tumor-free period is not uncommon and can not be fully predicted by the current risk stratification system. Patients with high-risk factors including previous and synchronous BCa, CIS variants and a previous kidney transplantation require more extensive cystoscopy follow-up for 5 to 10 years after RNU to ensure effective surveillance and timely management of potential recurrences.
Causal relationship of serum micronutrient with autoimmune neurological diseases: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhou Yang , Wei Zhenyu , Zhan Liya , Bao Yiping , Zhong Ping , Jin Chunhua
Published: July 2024

Background
The relationship between micronutrients and autoimmune neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), myasthenia gravis (MG), and Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) remains poorly understood. This study aims to elucidate the causal relationships between specific micronutrients and these diseases using Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis with publicly available genome-wide association study (GWAS) data.
Methods
We utilized data from Open GWAS to identify genetic instruments associated with 15 micronutrients, including copper, calcium, carotene, folate, iron, magnesium, potassium, selenium, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin E in European populations. For outcome data, we sourced GWAS datasets from the Finnish database comprising 2409 MS cases and 408561 controls, 461 MG cases and 408430 controls, and 445 GBS cases and 405136 controls. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with P-values less than 5 × 10^-6 were selected as instrumental variables (IVs), ensuring minimal linkage disequilibrium. Statistical analysis was performed using inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method complemented by weighted mode, weighted median estimate, MR-Egger regression, and simple mode approaches. Sensitivity analyses included Cochran's Q test for heterogeneity, MR-Egger intercept and MR-PRESSO for horizontal pleiotropy, and the one-by-one exclusion method for assessing the influence of specific SNPs on the MR analysis results.
Results
Our findings indicate a significant inverse association between blood magnesium levels and MS risk (OR = 0.47; 95% CI: 0.27–0.81; P = 0.007). Similarly, blood iron levels showed a significant inverse association with MG risk (OR = 0.19; 95% CI: 0.04–0.87; P = 0.032). No statistically significant causal relationships were observed between any of the studied micronutrients and GBS.
Conclusion
In conclusion, our MR analysis suggests that higher blood levels of magnesium may reduce the risk of MS and higher blood levels of iron may reduce the risk of MG. These findings warrant further investigation into the potential therapeutic roles of these micronutrients in autoimmune neurological diseases. Future research should focus on elucidating the underlying biological mechanisms and exploring potential clinical applications based on these associations.
Impact of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease on surgical outcomes of Patients with Colorectal cancer
Authors: Wang Jian-Qi , Zhang Xin-er , Chen Gao-ming , Wu Yi-xiang , Yang Xiao , Li Ze-Rong , Chen Jin-Xu , Chen Jin-Song
Published: July 2024

Background: The impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on perioperative complications and prognosis in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) is explored.Methods: Fifty-eight CRC patients with COPD and 671 CRC patients without COPD who underwent surgery for CRC in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Sociodemographic and clinical variables including tumor status, operative and anesthesia duration, length of hospital stay, the time of postoperative catheter removal and first defecation were compared between the two cohorts. Furthermore, postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) admission, use of mechanical ventilation, fiberoptic bronchoscopy rates, postoperative antibiotic treatment, presence of complications and cancer-specific survival (CSS) or disease-free survival (DFS) were analyzed. Finally, COX regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors for overall survival (OS) in CRC patients.Results: COPD and Tumor-Node-Metastasis (TNM) stages were independent risk factors for the postoperative OS in patients undergoing surgery for CRC. Moreover, time of postoperative urinary catheter removal and first defecation, ICU admission, use of mechanical ventilation, and fiberoptic bronchoscopy rates were significantly higher in CRC patients with COPD than in those without COPD. Furthermore, postoperative pneumonia and septic shock were more common in patients with COPD. However, COPD was not associated with CSS or DFS in CRC patients.Conclusions: COPD is an independent risk factor for OS in CRC patients after surgery, and is correlated with more postoperative complications, but it is not associated with CSS or DFS. Thus, surgical resection is recommended for selective CRC patients with COPD under the condition of more intensive postoperative care.
Outcomes and complications of single-longitudinal incision technique for totally implantable venous access ports in the upper arm
Authors: Meng Xiaoxi , Liao Huaqiang , Jiang Hailin , Liu Hongchao , Gu Yafeng , Huang Liyu , Chen Hong , Dong Weihua
Published: July 2024

Purpose
This study aims to assess the technical feasibility and safety of single-longitudinal incision technique for totally implantable venous access ports (TIVAPs) in the upper arm.
Materials and Methods
The medical records of all patients who underwent image-guided implantation of TIVAPs adopting single-longitudinal incision technique in the upper arm were retrospectively reviewed at Shanghai Changzheng Hospital between 1 June 2017 and 30 December 2023. The success rates, technical difficulties, procedure times, and immediate and delayed complications of the procedure were evaluated.
Results
A total of 123 patients underwent image-guided implantation of TIVAPs in the upper arm, including 59 men and 64 women with a mean age of 58.86 ± 12.88 years. This study included a total of 62376 TIVAPs catheter-days (median 507 catheter-days, range: 9–1660 catheter-days). No TIVAP-related mortality was observed throughout the study. Technical success was achieved in all patients, with 96 using the basilic vein and 27 using the brachial vein. The mean fluoroscopy time was 12.3 ± 13.4 seconds, and the mean procedure time was 15.4 ± 2.9 minutes. A total of 17 (13.8%) patients developed complications, among which 9 (7.3%) had subcutaneous ecchymosis, 5 (4.1%, 0.008/1000 catheter-days) developed infections, 2 (1.6%, 0.003/1000 catheter-days) experienced catheter occlusion, and 1 (0.8%, 0.002/1000 catheter-days) had thrombosis. The TIVAPs were removed in 31 cases and still in use in the remaining 69 cases.
Conclusions
The single-longitudinal incision technique is feasible and safe for implanting TIVAP in the upper arm, which is an alternative approach to traditional port implantation.
Clinical characteristics and risk factors for lung cancer in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Zhou Wendi , Lin Jiamin , Xie Yalin , Ju Daichen , Zhu Jialou , Fan Jiahua , Li Yanyang , Hu Jinxing , Su Ning
Published: July 2024

Lung cancer (LC) and pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) are significant respiratory diseases with major impacts on public health. LC is the foremost cause of cancer-related mortality in China, while tuberculosis (TB) is the leading cause of death from a single infectious agent worldwide. The increasing occurrence of LC-PTB comorbidities presents new challenges in clinical management. This study investigated the clinical characteristics and risk factors associated with LC-PTB comorbidity to inform future diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. This retrospective study at Guangzhou Chest Hospital reviewed 402 LC-PTB patients from October 2014 to September 2021, with clinical and epidemiological data collected and analyzed from electronic medical records. A total of 75.6% had active pulmonary tuberculosis (APTB), while 24.4% had inactive pulmonary tuberculosis (IPTB). The success rate of APTB treatment was 67.4% (205/304). In the APTB group, PTB lesions were more frequently located on the same side as LC lesions (P < 0.001). Additionally, the incidence of cavitary lesions was greater in the IPTB group than in the APTB group (P < 0.001). Based on different etiological classifications, patients with APTB were divided into bacteria-positive (B+PTB) and bacteria-negative (B−PTB) groups. In the B+PTB group, PTB lesions were more frequently located on the same side as LC lesions (P < 0.001), and cavitary lesions were more common (P < 0.001). Among the LC-B−PTB patients, PTB was detected more often before LC (P < 0.001), and these patients responded better to anti-TB therapy (P < 0.001). According to the subgroup analysis, preexisting APTB (OR = 3.79, 95% CI: 2.16–6.65, P < 0.001) and advanced stages of LC (OR = 3.66, 95% CI: 1.53–8.79, P = 0.004) were identified as potential risk factors for anti-TB therapy failure. LC-PTB patients have unique clinical characteristics that differ according to their activity status and pathogen classification. Preexisting APTB and advanced-stage LC may increase the risk of anti-TB therapy failure.
Effect of Deposition Temperature in RF Sputtered ZnO Thin Films on ZnO TFT Performance
Authors: Muthusamy Sasikala , Bharatan Sudhakar , Sivaprakasam Sinthamani , Mohanam Ranjithkumar
Published: July 2024

ZnO thin films are deposited using RF magnetron sputtering by varying argon: oxygen gas flow rates and substrate temperatures. The structural and optical characterization of ZnO thin films are systematically carried out using X-ray diffraction (XRD), SEM, UV-visible spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Dominant (002) Grazing incidence (GI) XRD peak on samples deposited at 300°C with Ar:O2 (16:4) ratio suggest c-axis orientation both on the bulk and surface of ZnO thin film. Increase in the crystallite grain size were observed as the deposition temperature is increased from Room temperature (RT) to 300°C, leading to the reduction in grain boundaries. Absorption analyses show the reduction in band-tail states within the bandgap, supporting annihilation of defects, on the samples deposited at 250°C and 300°C. XPS spectra confirm the improved O2 incorporation and reduction in oxygen vacancies in sample deposited at 300°C. Highest hall mobility of 46.09 cm2/V-sec has been observed on sample deposited at RT, and is dominated by defects. Whereas, films deposited at 250°C and 300°C exhibit Hall bulk mobilities of 20.43 cm2/V-sec and 31.63 cm2/V-sec, respectively. Further, bottom-gate ZnO thin film transistors (TFTs) are also fabricated on SiO2/p-Si substrate. Variation in substrate temperature showed performance enhancement in terms of leakage current, threshold voltage, sub-threshold swing and ION/IOFF ratio. Devices deposited at 300°C resulted in O2-rich surface through chemisorption, which led to the reduction in leakage current of upto 10-12A and 10-fold reduction in sub-threshold swing from 30V to 2.8V. Highest field-effect mobility of 1.1 cm2/V-sec has been achieved when the ZnO thickness in the TFT is reduced to 50 nm.
The Outbreak of COVID-19 in Southern Yemen, April 2020 to December 2022
Authors: Edrees Wadhah Hassan , Al-Shehari Wadee Abdullah , Alrahabi Lutf Mohammed , Khardesh Amani Ahmed , Al-Haddad Ahmed Mohammed , Abdulkareem Ahmed Mohammed
Published: July 2024

Background
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a contagious illness that is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and is responsible for a multitude of lung diseases across the globe. Data on the COVID-19 outbreak in southern part of Yemen country are lacking.
Objectives
This study aimed to describe the COVID-19 outbreak in southern Yemen between April 2020 and December 2022.
Materials and Methods
This study was a retrospective investigation based on previously collected information from the Health institution in Aden, Yemen, between April 2020 and December 2022. The data used in this study were confirmed in a laboratory using molecular methods.
Results
Of the 8823 COVID-19 cases, the highest rates were among found among males (67.47%), those aged ≥ 65 years (25.21%), 2021 (67.44%), and Costal Hadhramout governorate (26.44%). The monthly trends of COVID-19 cases showed that more cases were discovered in March 2021. In addition, the total incidence of COVID-19 is 15.04 per 10,000 individuals. A higher incidence rate was recorded in males (10.15), in 2021 (10.14), and in the governorate of Socotra (31.5). Overall, the case fatality rate was documented at 15.05%; a higher rate was recorded at 10.15%, 43.21%, 28.87%, and 29.84%, respectively, among males, the age group ≥ 65, in 2020, and in the Abyan governorate.
Conclusion
In this finding, the proportions of COVID-19 incidence and fatality cases were high. Therefore, it is imperative to raise public awareness of COVID-19 spread and safeguarding procedures and implement appropriate measures to combat infectious diseases.
Ultrasonographic Assessment of Postoperative Outcomes in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Nerve displacement, cross-sectional area and bowing of flexible retinaculum are predictable findings of successful carpal tunnel release
Authors: Lee Alvin Kai-Xing , Hsu Cheng-En , Chen Yu-Fang , Yeh Chen-Wei , Ho Tsung-Yu , Wang Wei-Chih , Liu Dung-Huan , Wu Pei-Ching , Chiu Yung-Cheng
Published: July 2024

Background
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a prevalent condition characterized by median nerve compression, impacting a significant portion of the population worldwide. While neurophysiological testing has been traditionally employed for diagnosis, recent advancements in ultrasonography have shown promise in offering a non-invasive alternative. In this study, we aimed to (1) evaluate the postoperative statistical changes of the median nerve and flexor retinaculum, (2) share our ultrasonographic measurement methodologies for standardized reporting, and (3) suggest a set of ultrasonographic parameters for postoperative tracking.
Methods
A prospective cohort of 18 patients with 24 CTS-affected hands underwent comprehensive evaluations including ultrasonography, nerve conduction studies, and functional assessments before and six months after surgical intervention. Various ultrasonographic parameters such as cross-sectional area (CSA), bowing of the flexor retinaculum, displacement of median nerve, and flattening ratio were measured at inlet and outlet levels of the carpal tunnel. Additionally, functional outcomes including grip strength, pinch strength, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score (DASH), visual analog scale (VAS), and World Health Organization Quality of Life score (WHOQOL) were assessed.
Results
A total of 18 patients (24 wrists) with CTS were included in this study. In this study, there were 15 females and 3 males, with 18 single-sided surgeries and 6 double-sided surgeries. The mean age was 45 years old with a mean duration of symptoms of 26 months. There were no complications and no reoperations during the follow-up period. Improvements in all postoperative parameters were recorded, with statistically significant improvements noted in CSA (outlet), bowing (outlet), displacement (inlet and outlet), and functional scores.
Conclusions
In this study, we reported on the postoperative statistical changes after carpal tunnel release. In addition, we shared detailed descriptions of our ultrasonographic methodologies for standardized reporting in the future. After cross-referencing with other publications, we also proposed a set of postoperative ultrasonographic parameters for determining successful release of carpal tunnel. In conclusion, we recommended that ultrasonography could be used as a reliable tool for postoperative tracking and could act as a tool for patient communication.
Trial registration
This study was approved by the ethics committee of China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan and conducted in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration (IRB approval number CMUH109-REC2-184).
Changes in AH cytokines and metabolomics in contralateral eyes of ARC patients following unilateral surgery reveal effects on the contralateral eye's intraocular environment stability
Authors: Li Yang , Cheng Taiying , Zhou Sujun , Li Fayuan , Guo Wenjun , Li MingboTaixiang , Liu Taixiang
Published: July 2024

Background: For patients with bilateral age-related cataracts, sequential phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation is a common treatment. However, it remains unclear whether surgery on the first eye affects the outcome of the second eye, as current research results are inconsistent. This study will explore whether surgery on one eye affects the non-operated eye by analyzing changes in aqueous humor biomarkers and metabolomics in the second eye. Methods: A rabbit model of unilateral phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation was established. The experimental group consisted of 15 rabbits undergoing this procedure. Postoperatively, rabbits were divided into five subgroups (three rabbits per subgroup), and aqueous humor was collected from both the operated and non-operated eyes at 1 day, 3 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, and 3 weeks after surgery. Additionally, 5 rabbits were selected as a control group, from which aqueous humor was extracted. Levels of IL-1a, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IFN-γ, TNF-α, MCP-1, and VEGF in the aqueous humor were compared. In the clinical study, preoperative aqueous humor samples were collected from 22 patients undergoing bilateral phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation. Among them, 11 patients were tested for the aforementioned 10 cytokines, while the other 11 patients underwent untargeted metabolomics research.
Results: In the animal experiment, levels of all 10 cytokines in the operated eyes were significantly higher compared to both the control and non-operated eyes groups (P < 0.05). In the non-operated eyes, IL-1β and IL-2 levels were also elevated compared to the control (P < 0.05). IL-1β remained elevated at 3 weeks post-surgery, while IL-2 returned to baseline after 3 days.In the clinical study, no significant differences were found in cytokine levels between the two eyes.In the untargeted metabolomics analysis, 354 metabolites showed differential expression—280 were upregulated and 74 were downregulated. Notably, Adenine and 2-Aminopurine were significantly downregulated, highlighting Purine metabolism as the most impacted pathway.
Conclusions: Animal experiments showed a significant increase in IL-1β and IL-2 levels in the non-operated eyes postoperatively, reflecting systemic and local inflammatory responses. In clinical experiments, although no significant changes in cytokines were observed in the aqueous humor of both eyes, differential expression of metabolites indicated metabolic adjustments in the non-operated eye following surgery on the first eye. These findings suggest potential metabolic effects of surgery on the non-operated eye at the metabolic level.