bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The value of pupillary diameter in evaluating pain perception after awakening in patients undergoing general anesthesia during orthopedic surgery
Authors: Huang Huang , Yinuo Qiu , Guoxin Gu , Xiangyang Mei , liwei Pang , chuangxin Zhang , Ran Mingzi , Li Mengmeng
Published: September 2023

Background
The pupillary response to tetanic electrical stimulation has been used to reflect the balance between nociceptive stimuli and analgesia. Although pupillary pain index (PPI) was utilized to predict postoperative pain, it depends on tetanic stimulation and is complex. Our aim was to describe the potential relationship between PD in the presence of surgical stimulation and pain levels after awakening.
Methods
According to the Verbal Rating Scale (VRS) score after extubation, the patients were divided into painless group (VRS = 0) and pain group (VRS ≥ 1). Pupillary diameter (PD) and pupillary light reflex velocity (PLRV) were compared between two groups when patients entered the operating room (T1), before incision (T2), 10 s after incision (T3), 30 s after incision (T4), 1 h after incision (T5), at the end of surgery (T6), shortly after extubation (T7), and when patients expressed pain clearly (T8). The magnitude of PD change (ΔPD) compared to the baseline value after anesthesia induction (T2) is calculated. The correlations between pupillary parameters and pain after awakening was calculated
Results
Patients with VRS ≥ 1 had greater PD than painless patients at T3-7 (P = 0.04, 0.04, 0.003, <0.001, <0.001), and it was positive correlated with VRS score after awakening at T4-7 (r = 0.188, 0.217, 0.684, 0.721). The ability of T6ΔPD to predict VRS ≥ 1 was strong [threshold: 20.53%, area under the curve (AUC): 0.93, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.89–0.97 ].
Conclusion
Our study suggested that PD could be a useful index to direct the individualized analgesics used during operation, in order to better avoid the occurrence of pain during the postoperative emergence period.
Trial registration:
This study was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (registration number: ChiCTR2000040908, registration date: 15/12/2020).
Implementation status of pharmacological studies in the development of orphan drugs
Authors: Yokoshiki Saki , Arato Teruyo
Published: September 2023

Background: The nonclinical as well as clinical development of orphan drugs is difficult, owing to unknown pathophysiology and the absence of model animals. Both, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Guidance and European Medicines Agency (EMA) Guidelines, for orphan drug development describe non-clinical studies, but lack specific information, such as animal species and study design. Against this background, this study aimed to elucidate efficient methods for evaluating nonclinical efficacy based on a review report of orphan drugs approved in Japan.
Results: A total of 184 orphan drugs, including 84 anticancer and 100 non-anticancer drugs, approved in Japan from January 2010 to December 2019 were investigated.
Some anticancer drugs progressed to clinical development without distinct efficacy data in nonclinical studies. Patient-derived cells have been used for some drugs due to a lack of established cell lines. Cells used for non-clinical studies were devised for drugs indicated for cancers resistant to prior therapies, tumours with specific amino acid mutations in the target molecules, and solid tumours with specific biomarkers. For some non-anticancer drugs, similar disease model animals and normal animals were used for evaluation, since model animals did not exist. Biomarkers have been used specifically for evaluation in normal animals and as endpoints in some clinical trials.
Conclusions: It was possible to evaluate drug efficacy by flexibly designing nonclinical studies according to disease characteristics for potentials orphan drugs. These approaches, which are not described in detail in the EMA Guideline or FDA Guidance, may thus allow lead approval.
Factor Analysis of Impulsivity in Gaming Disorder and Internet Gaming Disorder
Authors: Raybould Jodie N. , Tunney Richard J.
Published: September 2023

Background: Research suggests that a two-factor model impulsivity predicts substance addictions and use and Gambling Disorder. We aimed to determine whether a similar factor structure was present for Gaming Disorder (GD) and Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD).
Methods: Secondary data analysis was conducted on survey responses from 372 participants who had completed a series of questions on facets of impulsivity and level of involvement in gaming. Participants were sampled from gaming forums and an online recruitment website. Factor analysis was conducted on the measures of trait impulsivity, and the identified factors were then analyzed against measures of Gaming Disorder and Internet Gaming Disorder.
Results: The results suggested a five-factor model of impulsivity, with gaming being related to all five factors. Interestingly, a two-factor model of Urgency (Positive Urgency, Negative Urgency, Delay Discounting) and Inhibitory Control(False Button Presses on Go/No-Go Tasks) predicted symptom counts above the clinical cut-off for IGD. In addition, Urgency was related to symptom counts above 7/9 criteria for IGD, as well as symptom counts above the suggested clinical cut-off for GD.
Conclusions: This two-factor model of impulsivity is similar to those found in established addiction disorders, in that one factor appears to predict more problematic involvement than the other. However, the results indicate that Urgency predicts higher symptom counts than Inhibitory Control. This contrasts with previous findings on substance use and gambling, where Inhibitory Control was the factor predicting problematic use. However, there was evidence to suggest that gaming is similar to alcohol consumption, where socially acceptable, “healthy,” use is related to impulsivity at some level, but Urgencyis key in the transition from recreational to disordered behavior.
Research on Ecological Restoration of Landscape Environment Based on the Perspective of Regional Environmental Culture
Authors: Zhang Xiaorui
Published: September 2023

With the rapid development of economy, the rapid growth of population and the accelerating pace of urbanization, water pollution is becoming more and more serious. Most urban parks and lakes are polluted and seriously eutrophic, losing their due landscape ecological value. This study takes lake A in a city as an example, based on the perspective of geographical environment and relying on the ecological restoration project of Lake A. This paper analyzes the changes of physical and chemical indexes and biological indexes of water quality with time series through the whole process tracking and monitoring of ecological restoration project; Through the evaluation of eutrophication of lake A, the test indexes and sensitivity of ecological restoration effect are studied. Combined with the current eutrophication evaluation system, new water quality test parameters are proposed to diagnose and evaluate the water quality of shallow eutrophic lakes after ecological restoration. The results show that through the implementation of ecological restoration project, the water quality of lake A has been well improved and basically stabilized at the class IV standard of surface water; The dominant species of phytoplankton community changed from large-scale colony algae to small-scale individual algae, the algal biomass was well controlled and the eutrophication status was improved.
Concentration of toxic and essential elements in livers of birds of various foraging guilds collected during the autumn migration period in Poland
Authors: Ignacy Kitowski , Rafał Łopucki , Dariusz Wiącek , Grzegorz Pitucha , Sujak Agnieszka , Jakubas Dariusz
Published: September 2023

During migration, birds explore various habitats at stopover sites that differ in food resources and contamination levels. In this study, hepatic concentrations of 21 elements in 11 species of birds, representing various foraging guilds (omnivores, piscivores, molluscivores) and migration modes (migratory, sedentary), were analyzed. The samples were collected during the autumn migration period in Poland. The concentrations of elements determined in this study exhibited high inter-species variability, reflecting the diversity of food resources used by specific bird groups and their contamination levels. Many of the investigated individuals from different species showed exceeded levels of subclinical toxicity and moderate clinical poisoning due to Cd and Hg. The data collected confirmed the limited ability of As to enter ecosystem pathways. This study suggests that measuring hepatic elemental concentrations can help detect environmental contamination at stopover sites used during migration and identify the key contaminants that can impact avian health during this period. The presented results contribute significantly to understanding the year-round exposure of migratory birds to environmental contamination.
A meta-analysis on genetic susceptibility to chronic otitis media
Authors: Cao Jingwen , Yang Zixuan , Qu Gaoya , Zhong Cuiping , Liu wei
Published: September 2023

Chronic otitis media (COM) is known for its high prevalence (approximately 80% in children) and is thought to share common genetic risk factors, which means that there is a need to systematically study susceptibility genes associated with COM. We screened studies associated with COM genes between January 2019 and February 2023. Ten papers with 932 patients meeting the criteria were finally included, and a case-control analysis of the relationship between gene polymorphisms and COM susceptibility was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. The literature on the relationship between polymorphisms in genes related to susceptibility to chronic otitis media and chronic otitis media was tested for consistency and data merged according to different genes, and some genes were found to be polymorphic. Attitude, VEGF and Nrf2 were correlated with chronic otitis media (P < 0.05). Gene polymorphism and chronic otitis media may be related to the nationality of patients; TNF- α, IL-10, VEGF and Nrf2 may promote the formation of granulation tissue during the inflammatory phase and participate in the repair process of chronic inflammation; high expression of Nrf2 in the middle ear tissue of chronic otitis media is related to the pathogenesis of chronic otitis media.
Developing a GC-EI-MS/MS Method for Quantifying Warfarin and Five Hydroxylated Metabolites Generated by the Fenton Reaction.
Authors: von Törne Wipert Jannik , Klyk-Seitz Urszula-Anna , Piechotta Christian
Published: September 2023

As a drug and rodenticide, warfarin is used globally. Extensive research has shown that warfarin and other rodenticides are recoverable in the environment and food chain (Fernandez, Santos, Cancela, Laize, & Gavaia, 2014; Gomez-Canela, Barata, & Lacorte, 2014; Nakayama, Morita, Ikenaka, Mizukawa, & Ishizuka, 2019; Rattner, Lazarus, Elliott, Shore, & van den Brink, 2014; Saito-Shida, Nemoto, Matsuda, & Akiyama, 2016; Waddell, Poppenga, & Drobatz, 2013). Current methods for their analytical determination focus on the target component rather than on metabolites or transformation products. Warfarin's phase 1 metabolism is extensively studied. Mono-hydroxylated metabolites are primarily formed (Watanabe et al., 2015; Wong & Davis, 1989). In this study, the use of the Fenton reaction aimed to generate mono-hydroxylated transformation products in the laboratory. A GC-MS/MS method was designed to quantify the expected derivatized metabolites by multiple reaction monitoring. Warfarin, 4'-, 5-, 6-, 7-, and 8-hydroxy warfarin, and isotopically labeled reference compounds were used for this approach. The method has a linear working range of 30 to 1800 pg/µL. Detection limits obtained range between 18.7 to 67.0 pg/µL. In addition, a C18-SPE step was used to enrich the analytes, and the recovery for each compound was calculated. The derivatization yield of warfarin for in-liner derivatization with m-TFPTAH was determined as well. The method was used successfully to show that 4'-O-Me-WAR is preferentially formed under the given experimental conditions. Furthermore, the Fenton reaction has generated all preselected mono-hydroxylated transformation products. The maximum intensities of all target analytes were reached at around 4 minutes and immediately decreased after that. The applicability of GC-MS for determining known metabolites of warfarin was demonstrated. With SPE clean-up, the method is also suitable for detecting metabolites in more complex matrices, for example, environmental water samples in the future.
Impact of metabolic syndrome on clinical characteristics and one-year outcomes of patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Geraiely Babak , Shahmohamadi Elnaz , Nejad Mohammad Javad Zare , Barzegary Alireza , Larti Farnoosh , Zeinali Ali Mohammad Haji
Published: September 2023

Background
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a set of symptoms, including insulin resistance, high blood sugar, and abdominal obesity, that increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. This syndrome is prevalent in acute coronary syndrome (ACS), comprising patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This study evaluated the prognosis of AMI patients who underwent primary PCI in two groups with and without MetS.
Methods
This retrospective study was performed on ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients referred to the emergency department of Tehran Heart Center from 2012 to 2020 who underwent primary PCI. Patients were divided into MetS and non-MetS according to International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria. Clinical and laboratory characteristics were compared between the two groups.
Results
3103 patients were included, and 2144 patients (69%) had MetS. The mean age of both groups was approximately 62 years. In both groups, the majority were men. Sixty-six in-hospital deaths occurred, with no significant difference regarding the presence of MetS. One hundred fifty-two deaths happened during the one-year follow-up, without a significant difference between the two groups. Four hundred twenty-one MACE were observed in one year, which was not significantly different between patients with and without MetS. Analysis of patients with a BMI less than 25 kg/m2 revealed significantly higher MACE in MetS compared to the non-MetS group.
Conclusion
In-hospital mortality, one-year death, and one-year MACE were not associated with MetS in this study.
Self-rated health and its determinants in patients with hypertension in Isfahan in 2019
Authors: Mansouri Asieh , Khosravi Alireza , Mohammadifard Noushin , Nouri Fatemeh , Jozan Mahnaz , Tabatabaei Ghazaal Alavi , Salehidoost Rezvan , Rafie Hamed
Published: September 2023

Background and Objectives:
This article examines the self-rated health (SRH) and its determinants in Iranian patients with hypertension (HTN). SRH is a measure of satisfaction with social, mental, and physical health and has been widely used in public health research. The study aims to identify the factors that influence SRH among hypertensive patients in Iran.
Material and Methods
The data were obtained from a project evaluating the impact of hypertension guidelines on patient care. A total of 886 patients with essential HTN were included in the study. The patients' demographic and clinical characteristics, including education, income, comorbidities, and HTN control, were assessed.
Results
The results showed that higher education level and income were associated with better SRH. Patients without diabetes had higher SRH scores.
Conclusion
This study highlights the importance of socioeconomic factors and comorbidities in determining SRH among hypertensive patients in Iran. The findings can contribute to the development of interventions and strategies for improving HTN treatment and prevention in Middle Eastern countries.
Does timing of sexual debut following menarche among female youth in Uganda Matter? A discrete time analysis.
Authors: Nsimbe Dick , Lwanga Charles , Namawejje Hellen
Published: September 2023

Background
The burden of early sexual engagement among young people is enormous. It raises the risk of sexually transmitted infections(STIs), such as HIV/AIDS, unintended pregnancy, unsafe abortion, premature childbirth, and psychosocial issues. The aim of this paper was to estimate the timing of sexual debut and examine the factors influencing the timing of first sexual intercourse following menarche among female youth aged between 15 and 24 in Uganda.
Method
Self-reported data were extracted from the 2016 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS), with a sub-sample of 7964 female youth from the individual woman file. Kaplan-Meier survival curves, decrement life-table analysis, and the discrete-time logit model were used to examine the timing of sexual debut and associated factors.
Results
About 67% of the female youth had experienced first sexual initiation. Overall, the meantime to sexual debut was 4.4 years and the median time was 4.3 years, and all the female youth had experienced first sexual initiation by the end of the twelfth year following menarche. Significant factors found to influence the timing of sexual initiation include having higher education level (OR = 0.724: 95% CI = 0.59–0.89; p = 0.003), residing in the Northern region (OR = 0.877:95% CI = 0.79–0.97, p = 0.012), being employed (OR = 1.085: 95% CI = 1.01–1.16; p = 0.021), and being literate (OR = 1.155; 95% CI = 1.07–1.25; p < 0.001).
Conclusions
These findings are expected to be central in the bid to delay first sexual intercourse. Also they shed light on some of the factors associated with the timing of sexual debut which may be addressed at community level for non-school going youth and in schools, as school based prevention sexual and reproductive health programs.
Assessment of Preoperative Planning and Intraoperative Accuracy of the AIKNEE System for Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Lan Saijiao , Li Jian
Published: September 2023

Background
The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the effectiveness and accuracy of the AIKNEE system in preoperative planning and intraoperative alignment for total knee arthroplasty (TKA).
Methods
A total of 64 patients were planned preoperatively by the AIKNEE system, including the measurement of mechanical femorotibial angle (mFTA), lateral distal femoral angle (LDFA), and medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) using three-dimensional reconstructed images. Intraoperatively, the actual prosthesis size and alignment were compared to the planned parameters. Postoperative outcomes, including pain levels, range of motion (ROM), and Knee Scoring System (KSS) scores, were assessed after surgery. Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate the correlation between alignment deviations and postoperative function.
Results
The AIKNEE system accurately predicted the prosthesis size in thirty-one of femoral cases (48%) and forty-seven of tibial cases (73%). Deviations of mFTA, LDFA, and MPTA from the target value were within 3° in 88%, 92%, and 95% of cases, respectively. A significant improvement was observed in postoperative pain, ROM, and KSS scores (p < 0.001). Correlation analysis revealed that greater deviations in mFTA and LDFA were associated with increased pain (p = 0.004, 0.047) and lower KSS scores (p = 0.027).
Conclusion
The AIKNEE system demonstrated promising results in predicting prosthesis size and achieved alignment within the desired range in a majority of cases. Postoperative outcomes, including pain levels and functional improvement, were favorable.
Lymph node ratio is a prognostic predictor for patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma and lateral lymph node metastasis-the result of a retrospective cohort study at a single-center with long-term follow-up time
Authors: Huang Hui , Liu Yunhe , Liu Wensheng , Ni Song , Liu Shaoyan
Published: September 2023

Background
Lymph node metastases (LNMs) are common in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). The lymph node ratio (LNR) is suggested as a prognostic factor in many cancers. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of the LNR in PTC with lateral LNM.
Methods
This retrospective study reviewed the medical records of patients with PTC who underwent initial surgery in our institution from January 2000 to December 2012. The association of LNR and DSS was assessed using a Cox proportional hazards model with restricted cubic spline (RCS). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using Cox regression analysis to assess the factors predicting disease-specific survival (DSS).
Results
A total of 1036 patients with PTC were analyzed. After a median (range) follow-up of 90 (12–258) months, 45 patients died, 23 of whom died from thyroid cancer. The 10-year DSS for all study patients were 95.8%. Based on RCS curve analysis, a cutoff of 0.25 was selected for the LNR. A total of 587 (56.7%) patients had an LNR ≤ 0.25, and 449 (43.3%) patents had an LNR > 0.25. The 10-year DSS rates for patients with LNR ≤ 0.25 and > 0.25were 96.6% and 94.8%, respectively. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that age group (HR, 9.13; 95% CI, 3.58–23.31, P < 0.001) and LNR (HR, 2.99; 95% CI, 1.22–7.33, P = 0.017) were independent predictors of DSS.
Conclusion
The results showed that an LNR greater than 0.25 was independently associated with an adverse DSS. LNR is a reliable predictor of both DSS of patients with PTC and lateral LNM.
Compartmental Mathematical Model with Optimal Control: Can awareness against Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus prevent its transmission?
Authors: Gokbulut Nezihal , Hurdoganoglu Ulas , Sultanoglu Nazife , Guler Emrah , Hincal Evren , Suer Kaya
Published: September 2023

The number of Methicillin Resistance Staphylococcus aureus cases in community and hospitals is on the rise worldwide. Hence, the study aimed to analyze transmission interventions and control strategies that could be used to prevent transmission in this manner. In this regard, compartmental mathematical model was used with and without an optimal control to visualize the effectiveness of awareness in interventions that could be applied in the prevention of transmission. A total of seven years of data gathered from hospital consisting of inpatients and outpatients of MRSA were used in this model. The results suggested that the number of cases of the four compartments: Community-acquired (CA) Staphylococcus aureus, CA Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Hospital-acquired (HA) Staphylococcus aureus, HA-MRSA in the designed mathematical model without the control were on an increasing trend. When optimal control was applied as a second model, it was determined that increasing awareness of hand hygiene and wearing a mask were the key controlling measures to prevent the spread of CA-MRSA and HA- MRSA. Lastly, it is concluded that both CA-MRSA and HA-MRSA cases are on the rise and increasing awareness in regard to transmission is significant in preventing further spread.
Application and analysis of simulated STD clinic diagnosis and treatment combined with LBL in practice teaching of Dermatology and Venereology
Authors: Wu Ningling , Lu Jianyun , Zhou Lu , Tong Xiaoliang , Gao Lihua , Zeng Jinrong
Published: September 2023

Background
The currently pedagogical methodology of Dermatology and Venereology currently in the class of undergraduate students focuses more on theoretical knowledge, while neglecting the cultivation of clinical thinking, diagnosis and differential diagnosis skills. To compare the academic achievements and students’ satisfaction obtained in sexually transmitted diseases (STD) chapter according to the pedagogical methodology employed: the incorporation of stimulated outpatient diagnosis and treatment into lecture-based learning (joint lecture) versus lecture-based teaching mode (LBL).
Methods
A quasi-experimental study was designed. This study involved 346 clinical undergraduates of two academic year cohorts from Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, receiving instruction from the Dermatology and Venereology department of the Third Xiangya hospital. The control group were comprised of 164 students from the 2018 class, receiving the LBL methodology. While the experimental group consisted of 182 students from the 2019 class, undergoing the joint lecture. Both groups specifically focused on the practice-teaching of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) chapter in the Dermatology and Venereology course. Examination and questionnaire surveys were conducted after the course to evaluate the mastery of the students both in the control and experimental group in this chapter, as well as the interest of the students both in the joint lecture and LBL.
Results
In total, 346/346 (100%) of students completed the questionnaire and the examination. The mean scores and performance evaluations obtained in STD chapter were significantly higher in experimental group compared to the control group (P < 0.05), especially in case analysis questions and the interest of pedagogical methods. Additionally, the active learning based on joint lecture were positively emphasized. Findings demonstrated that the joint lecture improves the clinical thinking, diagnosis and differential diagnosis, enhances the subjective initiative, as well as fosters communication skills. The main weakness for this study was short of large sample size and class period.
Conclusion
The joint lecture can substantially enhance students’ theoretical achievements and interest in this subject, showing the better academic performance than those in the control group. The stimulated outpatient diagnosis and treatment in conjunction with LBL teaching mode warrant broad application prospects.
MALDI-TOF MS as one of the alternative tools for detecting outbreaks of strains carrying the carbapenemase gene
Authors: Liu Longjin , Wang Jianmin , Li Xinhui , Zhang Jisheng , Yang Yang , Gong Xue , Long Wenzhang , Jiang Shan , Wang Xiaoyu , Zhang Xiaoli
Published: September 2023

Background
Rapid, cost-effective, simple, and reliable bacterial typing methods are essential in clinical infection control. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical applicability and its consistency with conventional typing methods of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) typing function.
Methods
Here, we collected 126 carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) strains and 24 Enterobacter cloacae complex (ECC) strains, grouped them according to their strain characteristics, and clustered them using different methods, including MALDI-TOF MS, multi-locus sequence typing (MLST), core genome multi-locus sequence typing (cg-MLST), pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE).
Results
The results showed that MALDI-TOF MS was poorly matched with MLST and cg-MLST. MALDI-TOF MS was in relatively high agreement with PFGE for ECC, but for CRKP we concluded that the agreement was poor. We speculated that the reasons for this discrepant result might be the large difference in the number of the two strains and the fact that CRKP strains used to compare PFGE and MALDI-TOF MS were all from the ICU unit, which has a high degree of similarity. In addition, we found three possible outbreaks in our hospital after a small cluster analysis according to the time of strain isolation as well as the departments and wards of patients.
Conclusion
Therefore, although MALDI-TOF MS is less consistent with traditional methods in typing of these specific species, it may be one of the alternative tools for detecting outbreaks of strains carrying the carbapenemase gene to facilitate rapid clinical measures to prevent further spread of the outbreak.
Dynamic analysis of a fuzzy Bobwhite quail populations Model
Authors: Ouyang Miao , Zhang Qianhong
Published: September 2023

This paper concerns a kind of fuzzy third-order nonlinear difference equation $$ x_{n+1}=A+Bx_n+\frac{x_n}{x_{n-1}x_{n-2}},\ \ n=0,1,\cdots,$$from the Bobwhite quail population model, where the parameters $A,B$ and initial values $x_i (i=-2,-1,0)$ are positive parabolic fuzzy numbers. According to g-division of fuzzy sets and based on the symmetrical parabolic fuzzy numbers, the conditional stability of this model is proved, besides the existence, boundedness and persistence of its unique positive fuzzy solution. Then, the relative Allee effect analysis is done by contrasting the Zadeh extension principle with g-division. The extinction thresholds with fuzzy degree is illustrated. As a Supplement, several numerical examples and table are interspersed to illustrate the effectiveness.
MSC: 39A10
Evaluation of the feeding safety of Moringa (Moringa oleifera L.)
Authors: Zhang Yu-Wen , Wang Fu-Jun , Cai Ming , Liu Yan-Pei , Liu Jian-Yong , Huang Bi-Zhi
Published: September 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the safety of Moringa by comparing the effects of different gavage doses of Moringa.The general behavior, body weight, food intake, blood indexes, serum biochemical indexes, and histopathology of rats were used to determine the safety threshold and to provide a reference for the further development and use of Moringa as animal feed. 40 Sprague Dawley rats were selected and given transoral gavage for 28 consecutive days.The T1,T2 and T3 groups were observed for general behavior, body weight, and food intake. Blood and serum biochemical indices were quantified, and histopathology was performed to evaluate the effect and safety of Moringa.The results of the toxicological test showed that (1)Only T1 groups experienced diarrhea. (2) The body weight and food intake of rats in each group were normal compared with the control group. (3) The hematological and serum biochemical indices of rats in the T1 group were significantly different from those of CK but were in the normal range; (4) The results of microscopic examination of the heart, liver, spleen, lung, and kidney of rats in each group were normal, but inflammation occurred in stomach and jejunum of rats in the T1 group, but not in the ileum. The gastrointestinal tract of rats in the T2 and T3 groups were normal. (5) No abnormal death occurred in any of the treatment groups.The results of this study revealed that gavage of Moringa homogenate at a dose of 6g/kg · BW can cause diarrhea in rats. Although there is no pathological effect on weight, food intake, blood and serum biochemical indicators in rats, there are pathological textures in the gastrointestinal tissue caused by diarrhea. Therefore, the safety threshold of Moringa homogenate should be ≤ 3g/kg · BW.
The effects of green finance on enterprises’ green innovation under the "dual carbon" goal: an exploratory study based on fsQCA
Authors: Lou Sha , Yao Chunqiong , Zhang Dehua
Published: September 2023

The increasingly severe environmental pollution problem has forced decision-makers to incorporate green innovation into the agenda of high-quality economic development. The topic of green finance has caught the attention of policy makers and industries. However, the impact of green finance on corporate green innovation is still unexplored. We use China’s data from 31 provinces (333 cities) in 2021 to examine the link between corporate green innovation and green finance. This paper analyzes the mixed effect of green finance on green innovation of enterprises by using the qualitative comparative analysis method of fuzzy set. The factors include green credit, green bond, green investment, green insurance and green subsidy. Our results manifest that green innovation in businesses is not a product of a single antecedent situation, but rather the interaction of several antecedent conditions. Green insurance and green subsidy are the core prerequisites for high green innovation in enterprises, and green credit plays an auxiliary role. When there is a lack of green insurance, green bond and green subsidy play a key role, leading to a high level in green innovation of businesses. In addition, the impact of various antecedents on the level of green innovation performance in enterprises is asymmetric. Policy makers should attach importance to providing financial support to firms and minimize the risks of green innovation by expanding financing channels. Our findings enrich the literature on green innovation and finance, and provide beneficial practical insights for green innovation in enterprises.
Tibial tuberosity maturation assessment by ultrasonography and screening for Osgood- Schlatter Disease in children and adolescent athletes: a cross sectional study
Authors: Dinescu Stefan , Stoica Doru , Bita Cristina Elena , Morosanu Aritina , Andreea-Iulia Nicoara , Mihaela Cirstei , Alexandru Cosma Marian , Vreju Florentin
Published: September 2023

Background
The tibial tuberosity maturation process is a developmental period during which insertional injuries can occur, such as Osgood-Schlatter disease. A four-stage classification system is commonly used to assess the developmental features of the tibial apophysis. Previous studies have shown that this maturation process begins earlier in girls which tend to progress 1 to 2 years earlier to the maturity stage than boys. Osgood-Schlatter disease is classified as traction apophysitis caused by excessive sports-related stress and occurs at the anterior aspect of the tibial tuberosity. This study was aimed to analyze the progression of tibial tuberosity maturation in relation to age of children and adolescent athletes. In addition, subjects included in the study were screened clinically and through ultrasound for development of Osgood-Schlatter disease.
Methodology
This was a single center cross-sectional study on 116 children and adolescent subjects with ages between 7 and 18 years. All subjects were practicing at least one sport regularly. All subjects were screened for symptoms related to Osgood-Schlatter disease and examined by ultrasound of the knee in order to establish the maturation stage of the tibial tuberosity based on a 4-point scale.
Results
Tibial tuberosity maturation grade was distributed as follows: grade 1 (n = 31, 26.72%), grade 2 (n = 9, 7.76%), grade 3 (n = 27, 23.28%) and grade 4 (n = 49, 42.24%). On clinical examination, only three cases presented symptoms associated with Osgood-Schlatter disease, which results in a very low prevalence of only 2.6% in the study population. All three cases displayed suggestive features on ultrasound examination. The majority of subjects over the age of 14 showed complete bone maturation. Between the ages of 13 and 15 years, female subjects showed higher proportions of complete bone maturation compared to males.
Conclusion
Our study describes the age pattern of the tibial tuberosity maturation process in children and adolescent athletes. Ultrasound imaging allowed for an accurate differentiation between the four stages of bone maturation and also offered a detailed view of the pathologic features associated with Osgood-Schlatter disease.
Assessing the Feasibility of a Novel Preventive Mobile Health App among Informal Caregivers of Outpatients at Risk of Developing Pressure Ulcers: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Polychronis Giannis , Noula Maria , Petrou Christos , Roupa Zoe
Published: September 2023

Pressure ulcers (PUs) are a major health concern. In today's tech era, mobile health applications (mHealth apps) offer real-time data, efficient scheduling, and automation, leading to cost-effective care and improved patient satisfaction. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of a novel preventive mobile health application targeted at informal caregivers of outpatients at risk of developing pressure ulcers. In this quasi-experimental study, 23 Informal Caregivers (ICs) were assigned to the intervention group, and 22 to the control group (n = 45). Feasibility was assessed by considering app utility, ease of use, knowledge gaps in prevention, PU rates, and ICs' self-efficacy. Data was collected at baseline, 2 months, and 4 months, and analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential analysis. Group disparity in improvement: Prevention knowledge (p = 0.040) and patient support efficacy (p = 0.049). Control experienced no shift; Intervention (mHealth app) showed progress. Initial app acceptance was low but grew after 4 months (p = 0.010). After 4 months, perceived usefulness was linked to support efficacy (r = 0.40, p = 0.05), despite steady ease of use perception. This investigation proposes that the innovative preventative mHealth app has the potential to be viable and is well-received among ICs caring for outpatients at risk of developing PUs. In addition, the temporal fluctuations in metrics between the groups suggest that this application could serve as an advantageous instrument in aiding the efforts of ICs in PU prevention.
SUCCEED Africa: Protocol for a multi-method pilot study of a community-based intervention for people with psychosis in West and Southeast Africa
Authors: Greenley Rachel , Tamambang Rita , Koroma Alhaji , Fasoranti Bisola , Munetsi Ephiphania , Chinoko Hilda , Stevens Nancy , Goba Nyaradzo , Kinyabo Philani , Bella-Awusah Tolulope , Ryan Grace K
Published: September 2023

Background: Recent reviews have highlighted the need for participatory research to design and evaluate inclusive, community-based interventions that address the diverse needs of people with lived experience of psychosis, within and beyond the health sector. The SUCCEED Africa consortium aims to co-produce a six-year programme of research following a Theory of Change-driven approach. This protocol describes the pilot study in which SUCCEED’s community-based intervention, research tools and processes will be tested on a small scale in four countries (Malawi, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Zimbabwe) in preparation for larger-scale evaluation research.
Methods: The pilot uses a before-and-after study design investigating change in subjective quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF) in adults diagnosed with a primary psychotic disorder or another mental disorder with psychotic symptoms who are offered the SUCCEED intervention over a four-month period. Nested within this study are: a baseline assessment of the feasibility, acceptability and face validity of WHOQOL-BREF as a measurement tool and validity of proxy versus self-completion; and a multi-method process evaluation examining key process indicators and implementation, service and client-level outcomes. Methods include: baseline cognitive interviews; semi-structed observation and routine monitoring and evaluation of service delivery; endline interviews and focus group discussions; and a comparison of provider competencies at endline (using an adapted version of the ENACT tool). At each of the four pilot sites, participants will include: ten people with lived experience of psychosis, recruited from either health services or community settings using purposive sampling to maximise variation; up to ten adult family members (one per participant with lived experience) involved in their care; the peer support worker, community support worker and supervisor responsible for the intervention; and the data collector responsible for administering WHOQOL-BREF. Recruitment will take place in July and August 2023.
Discussion: To the best of our knowledge, this will be the first study of a community-based intervention incorporating lay-delivered case management, formal peer support and livelihoods activities for people with lived experience of psychosis in sub-Saharan Africa. Findings will be relevant not only to SUCCEED but also to others interested in promoting rights-based approaches to community mental health in low-resource settings.
Trial Registration: US National Library of Medicine (ClinicalTrials.gov), Protocol reference ID 28346. Initially registered retrospectively July 20/2023: In review.
Characteristics of Absorbing and Non-Absorbing Aerosol over South Africa using MODIS and OMI satellite measurements
Authors: Onyeuwaoma Nnaemeka , Sivakumar Venkataraman
Published: September 2023

A study on the spatiotemporal variation of aerosols over South Africa was conducted using MODIS, OMI, MERRA-2 and CALIPSO data from 2004 to 2023. The study showed that absorbing aerosols dominates the aerosol regime in all the study locations while exhibiting seasonal variations. Further to this, aerosols were apportioned from the different sources in each location using HYSPLIT cluster analysis. During the period under consideration, aerosol loading and AAOD were on the increase in almost all the locations and the peak period was during spring (SON) and summer (DJF). This work also showed that diurnally aerosol loading varies extensively at some locations. Consequently, the Kalahari Desert (KD) and Namibian Desert (ND) are the leading sources of dust aerosols in South Africa, especially locations within the northeast and northwestern parts of the country, while industrial emissions and biomass footprints were also observed. Elevated smoke was also observed around the ports and coastlines which is likely emissions from ships docking at the ports. Finally, the study demonstrated that Durban (DBN), Nelspruit (NPT), Cape Town (CPT) and Polokwane (PLK) are the most polluted sites in South Africa and the major aerosol constituents were identified to be elevated smoke and dust in addition to the contribution from marine for DBN. Hence, more than 37% of the aggregated aerosols loading occurred in Durban (DBN), Nelspruit (NPT), and Cape Town (CPT) where absorbing aerosols loading were very conspicuous. This high concentration of aerosols is attributable to the wind regime prevalent around these locations in addition to the socio-economic activities therein.
Assessment of Heavy Metals Accumulation and Translocation Potential in Some Native Plants Species Collected from Contaminated Soils
Authors: Kanwal Sadia
Published: September 2023

Phytoremediation of heavy metals is considered as an environmental friendly and cost effective technique for cleaning of contaminated soil, especially when native plant species are used. The purpose of the present research was to evaluate the potential of native plant species for accumulation and translocation of selected metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn). Twenty one plant species were collected from the ten polluted sites of metropolitan cities (Rawalpindi and Islamabad), Pakistan. Plants tissues (shoots and roots) were analyzed for the accumulation and translocation of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn). Metals accumulation index (MAI) were also evaluated for the selected plants species. Heavy metals concentration was in the order of; Zn > Cu > Ni > Pb > Cr > Cd. Overall, it was observed that R. communis, C. dactylon, C. sativa, P. hysterophorus, P. plebeium, F. Adiantum, C. didymis, R. muricatus and T. officinale had higher metals accumulation and translocation potential. In root part of plants, more concentrations of heavy metals were observed as compared to shoot part of plants. Furthermore, higher MAI was observed in R. communis, P. hysterophorus and P. plebeium. The results indicated that selected native plants species had higher accumulation and translocation potential for heavy metals and can be used for phytoextraction and phytostabilization of metals polluted soils.
TNC+ fibroblasts involve in skin inflammation via neuro-immune and interacting with T cells
Authors: Hu Yibo , Zhao Yuanyuan , Zhang Fan , Zhang Xiaolin , Dai Xixia , Zhang Yushan , Jiang Ling
Published: September 2023

Background
Neuro-immune interactions play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of various skin diseases, TNC + fibroblasts are recently identified as key participants in this process in psoriasis. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying their impacts on different skin diseases remain poorly understood.
Methods
We collected Bulk RNA-Seq/Array data, single cell and spatial RNA-Seq data of more than 20 skin diseases from public databases and processed them using several bioinformatics tools, then identified the key functions, transcription factors, cell trajectory of TNC + fibroblasts, and the interactions between TNC + fibroblasts and immune cells, thus revealed the role and molecular mechanisms about TNC + fibroblasts involving in neuro-immune in skin diseases.
Results
Our analysis found that TNC + fibroblasts and neuro-immune involved in different skin diseases, especially inflammation and tumors. TNC was correlated to inflammatory genes and immune cell infiltration, its over-expression was a crucial feature of inflammatory fibroblasts in skin diseases. TNC + fibroblasts had intensive interactions with different immune cell, especially T cells, mainly through ligand-receptor pairs such as collegens-CD44. We further found that inflammatory and cellular structure-related functions were activated in TNC + fibroblasts, transcription factors EPAS1, HIF1A, and STAT1 could be main intermediates. Besides, the molecular patterns were varied in different diseases.
Conclusions
Our study sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying neuro-immune interactions in skin diseases and provides new insights into the role of TNC + fibroblasts in inducing skin abnormalities, especially inflammation.
Bioelectric Device for Effective Biofilm Inflammation Management of Dental Implant
Authors: Lee Jihyun , Kim Young Wook
Published: September 2023

Dental implant inflammation is primarily caused by oral biofilms, which form within 8 hours, particularly at 37°C, thereby requiring diligent cleaning. Considering the complex management of dental implants, a novel technology based on the bioelectric effect (BE) to combat inflammation has emerged. A BE-integrated toothbrush was developed and clinically tested on patients with dental implants (N = 36). Our findings revealed a significant average plaque index reduction of 67% with BE technology compared with that at baseline (P < 0.05), whereas non-BE did not yield statistical significance even after four weeks of use (P > 0.05). The bleeding index demonstrated a 59% average reduction in all surfaces with BE technology (P < 0.05), whereas the non-BE group exhibited no significant change. Substantial reductions in total plaque and bleeding indices suggest that using BE toothbrushes can help effectively remove oral biofilms and treat bleeding symptoms.
Research on identification algorithm of pipeline weld surface defects under complex background based on YOLOv7
Authors: xu xiangqian , li xing
Published: September 2023

Aiming at the problems of low target detection accuracy and high leakage rate of the current traditional weld surface defect detection methods and existing detection models, an improved YOLOv7 pipeline weld surface defect detection model is proposed to improve detection results. In the improved model, a Le-HorBlock module is designed, and it is introduced into the back of fourth CBS module of the backbone network, which preserves the characteristics of high-order information by realizing second-order spatial interaction, thus enhancing the ability of the network to extract features in weld defect images. The coordinate attention (CoordAtt) block is introduced to enhance the representation ability of target features, suppress interference. The CIoU loss function in YOLOv7 network model is replaced by the SIoU, so as to optimize the loss function, reduce the freedom of the loss function, and accelerate convergence. And a new large-scale pipeline weld surface defect dataset containing 2000 images of pipeline welds with weld defects is used in the proposed model. In the experimental comparison, the improved YOLOv7 network model has greatly improved the missed detection rate compared with the original network. The experimental results show that the improved YOLOv7 network model mAP@0.5 can reach 78.9%, which is 16.2% higher than the original model, and the detection effect is better than the original network and other classical target detection networks.