bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Different negative biases of anxiety in discrimination and reasoning
Authors: Shen Huiqing , Huang Ruizhi , Song Yayan , Zhou Zihan , Guo Feng , Yan Shiyu , Qiu Huilin , Jiang Ke
Published: January 2023

Background
As an important feature of anxiety disorders, anxiety refers to the emotional response to the anticipation of future threat, and excessive anxiety is more likely to trigger multi-kinds of disease symptoms. The aim of this study was to detect different performance of high-anxiety and low-anxiety individuals to deal with the discrimination and reasoning tasks and the mutual influence between the two tasks.
Methods
A modified “reasoning-discrimination” paradigm with the discrimination (d’) of discrimination task and the projectability of the reasoning task as response variables was used. Sixty-nine participants assessed through STAI, GAD-7 and interviews, divided into two groups.
Results
The results revealed that all individuals showed emotional bias in discrimination tasks, but as to complex tasks, the d’ of the high-anxiety group was lower than that of the low-anxiety group, especially in neutral and positive conditions; in reasoning tasks, the difference between the two groups of emotional effects was not significant.
Conclusions
The findings suggest that high anxiety could impair the discrimination ability, especially the discrimination ability of the positive information, and lead to a greater negative bias. And the effects of anxiety in different cognitive domains are probably not universal, but specific.
Comparison of changes in adipokine and inflammatory cytokine levels in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes treated with exenatide, insulin, or pioglitazone: a post-hoc study of the CONFIDENCE trial
Authors: Yang Xubin , Deng Hongrong , Lv Jing , Chen Xueyan , Zeng Longyi , Weng Jianping , Liang Hua , Xu Wen
Published: January 2023

Purpose
Adipokines and inflammatory cytokines (ADICs) play important roles in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study aimed to compare the changes of ADIC levels (ΔADICs) in patients with newly diagnosed T2DM treated with different antihyperglycemic agents, and further investigate the impact of these changes on metabolic indices, β-cell function and insulin resistance (IR).
Methods
Four hundred and sixteen patients with newly diagnosed T2DM from 25 centers in China randomly received 48-week intervention with exenatide, insulin or pioglitazone. Anthropometric and laboratory data, indices of β-cell function and IR, and levels of AIDCs, including interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), leptin, and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) were detected at baseline and the end of the study.
Results
In total, 281 participants (68% male, age: 50.3 ± 9.4 years) completed the study. After 48- week treatment, LgIL-1β and LgIFN-γ were significantly decreased with exenatide treatment (P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively), but increased with insulin (P = 0.009 and P = 0.026, respectively). However, pioglitazone treatment had no impact on ADICs. No significant change in Lgleptin or LgFGF21 was detected with any of the treatments. After adjustment for baseline values and changes of body weight and HbA1c, significant differences were seen between the exenatide group and the insulin group and between the exenatide group and the pioglitazone group for both ΔLgIL-1β (P = 0.033 and P < 0.001, respectively) and ΔLgIFN-γ (P = 0.040 and P < 0.001, respectively). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that Δweight was associated with ΔLgIL-1β (β = 0.753; 95% CI, 0.137–1.369; P = 0.017). After adjusting for treatment effects, Δweight was also found to be correlated with ΔLgFGF21 (β = 1.097; 95%CI, 0.250–1.944; P = 0.012). Furthermore, ΔLgHOMA-IR was associated with ΔLgleptin, both before (β = 0.085; 95%CI, 0.008–0.162; P = 0.030) and after (β = 0.078; 95%CI, 0.008–0.147; P = 0.029) adjusting for treatment effects. ΔLgHOMA-IR was significantly associated with ΔLgIL-1β before (β = 0.067; 95%CI, 0.006–0.127; P = 0.030), but not after (P = 0.513), adjusting for treatment effects.
Conclusion
Exenatide treatment led to significant changes of inflammatory cytokines levels (IL-1β and IFN-γ), but not adipokines (leptin and FGF21), in newly diagnosed T2DM patients. The exenatide-mediated improvement in weight and IR may be associated with a decrease in inflammatory cytokine levels.
A New Scheme for Image Compression and Encryption Using ECIES, Henon Map, and AEGAN
Authors: Shariatzadeh Mahdi , Eftekhari Mahdi , Rostami Mohammad Javad
Published: January 2023

Providing security in the transmission of images and other multimedia data has become one of the most important scientific and practical issues. In this paper, a method for compressing and encryption images is proposed, which can safely transmit images in low-bandwidth data transmission channels. At first, using the autoencoding generative adversarial network (AEGAN) model, the images are mapped to a vector in the latent space with low dimensions. In the next step, the obtained vector is encrypted using public key encryption methods. In the proposed method, Henon chaotic map is used for permutation, which makes information transfer more secure. To evaluate the results of the proposed scheme, three criteria SSIM, PSNR, and execution time have been used.
Mid-term efficacy and quality of life of total hip hemiarthroplasty and Artificial femoral head replacement for elderly patients with complex intertrochanteric fracture of femur
Authors: Yang jianfeng Ou , Chen Yongjun , Yuan hong , Qin Yi , LI Bin quan , Bai Bo , Xiang yang , Du Xiufan
Published: January 2023

Objective: To investigate the mid-term effect of total hip hemiarthroplasty (THA) and artificial femoral head replacement in the treatment of complex femoral intertrochanteric fractures in the elderly and its impact on the quality of life.
Methods: 100 elderly patients with complex intertrochanteric fracture of femur admitted to our hospital from May 2018 to April 2019 were selected as the subjects of investigation. According to the different treatment methods, they were divided into two groups: 53 patients with total hip replacement (total hip group) and 47 patients with artificial femoral head replacement (Artificial femoral head replacement group). The therapeutic effect, operation time and intraoperative bleeding volume of the two groups were compared. The time of getting out of bed after operation and the complications after operation. The hip function recovery and quality of life were compared between the two groups three months after operation.
Results: hemorrhage and blood transfusion occurs less in artificial femoral head replacement group than those in total hip group, the operation time and fracture healing time of femoral head replacement were shorter than those in total hip group as well, and the difference was significant (P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in weight-bearing time between the two groups (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative complications between the two groups (P>0.05). Before operation, there was no significant difference in Harris score, VAS score and SF-36 scale score between the two groups (P>0.05). After operation, the improvement of each scale score in the two groups was better than before treatment (P<0.05); there was no significant difference in Harris score and SF-36 scale score between the two groups (P>0.05), but the VAS Artificial femoral head replacement bipolar half hip group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Total hip arthroplasty and artificial femoral head replacement can improve hip function and quality of life in elderly patients with complex intertrochanteric fracture of femur. However, artificial femoral head replacement has less intraoperative bleeding, blood transfusion, shorter operation time and fracture healing time. Therefore, artificial femoral head replacement might be a better choice for the elderly patients with complex intertrochanteric fracture of femur.
GABA metabolism and ROS accumulation in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) seedlings under the effect of salt and osmotic stress
Authors: Al-Ajlouni Zakaria I. , AL-Quraan Nisreen A. , Al-Saqqar Hala Y. , Al-Ghzawi Abdul Latief
Published: January 2023

GABA is a secondary metabolite that protects against oxidative damage, regulates nitrogen metabolism, and controls cytosolic pH in response to abiotic and biotic stress. This study examines the role of GABA shunt pathway response to salt and osmotic stress in three barley genotypes ("Acsad 176", "Athroh", and "Rum") interm of oxidative damage, seed germination and seedling growth as measured by glutamate decarboxylase gene (GAD) expression malondialdehyde accumulation (MDA), total proteins, total carbohydrates level, and GABA accumulation level. As Mannitol, NaCl, and sorbitol concentrations increased, seed germination decreased for all genotypes. All genotypes seedling MDA concentrations increased with increasing NaCl, mannitol, and sorbitol concentrations. Acsad 176 showed high GABA accumulation under NaCl treatment. Rum's GABA accumulation under mannitol testament increased significantly. All salt and osmotic treatments decreased chlorophyll a and b and carbohydrate content. At the same time it increased GAD transcription in all barley genotypes. Salt and osmotic stresses affected protein content in all genotypes. Acsad 176 may adapt to NaCl stress by accumulating carbohydrates more than Athroh and Rum. GABA shunt is a crucial signaling and metabolic pathway that facilitates barley's adaptation to salt and osmotic stress. In high salt and osmotic soil, Acsad 176 is the recommended genotype.
PDGF-BB/PDGFRβ induces tumour angiogenesis via enhancing PKM2 mediated by the PI3K/AKT pathway in Wilms’ tumour
Authors: Sang Bo-tao , Wang Chang-dong , Liu Xing , Guo Jia-qi , Lai Jia-yi , Wu Xiangmei
Published: January 2023

Platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β (PDGFRβ) is an important member of the type III receptor tyrosine kinase family, which is involved in Wilms’ tumour (WT) metastasis and aerobic glycolysis. The role of PDGFRβ in tumour angiogenesis has not been fully elucidated. Here, we examined the effect of PDGFRβ on angiogenesis in WT. First, the NCBI database was used to integrate three datasets, GSE2712, GSE11151, and GSE73209, and to screen differentially expressed genes. The R language was used to analyse the correlation between PDGFRB and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF )in WT. The results showed that PDGFRB, encoding PDGFRβ, was upregulated in WT, and its level was correlated with VEGFA expression. Next, PDGFRβ expression was inhibited by small interfering RNA (siRNA) or activated with the exogenous ligand PDGF-BB. The expression and secretion of the angiogenesis elated factor VEGFA in WT G401 cells were detected using Western blotting and ELISA, respectively. The effects of conditioned medium from G401 cells on endothelial cell viability, migration, invasion, total length of tube, and the number of fulcrums were investigated. To further explore the mechanism of PDGFRβ in the angiogenesis of WT, the expression of VEGFA was detected after blocking the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) pathway and inhibiting the expression of PKM2, a key enzyme of glycolysis. The results indicated that PDGFRβ regulated the process of tumour angiogenesis through the PI3K/Akt/PKM2 pathway. Therefore, this study provides a novel therapeutic strategy to target PDGFRβ and PKM2 to inhibit glycolysis and anti-angiogenesis, thus, developing a new anti-vascular therapy.
Enhanced Network Lifetime in Wireless Sensor Networks Through Hierarchical Clustering and Routing
Authors: Mandala Suresh Kumar , Baydeti Nagaraju , Baskaran Shakila
Published: January 2023

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) have gained an emerging importance in different application domains especially in event tracking and monitoring. The sensor nodes in WSNs are observed to have shorter lifetime due to the continuous sensing and processing operations that result in quicker energy depletion. Based on the research works carried out, it is evident that clustering in an optimal solution to reduce the energy consumption and to enhance network lifetime. It is proposed to introduce a novel clustering technique called as Energy Efficient Hierarchical Clustering (E2HC) to optimize the network lifetime while consuming minimal energy. E2HC adapts three-tier architecture comprising of Hybrid Clustering, Rotational Cluster Head Selection and Hierarchical Packet Routing. In Hybrid clustering two distinct cluster categories are proposed viz., nearby cluster and distant cluster. The selection of nearby cluster is based on three parameters: distance between sensor nodes and base station, maximum number of sensor nodes that can be included in the nearby cluster and optimal distance (distance between the base station and the distant sensor node of nearby cluster).Fuzzy C-Means Clustering algorithm is used to cluster the remaining sensor nodes into multiple distant clusters. A residual energy assisted fitness function is adopted to select the cluster head in rotational fashion. To route the information collected by the sensor nodes, hierarchical packet routing uses distance between sender and base station. Extensive analysis of simulated WSNs over the proposed E2HC shows significant improvements in reduced energy consumption and extension of the network lifetime, as compared with the existing methods.
Research on the game behavior over complex networks
Authors: Yuhang Wu , Lin Xie , Wenqing Ni , Lei Guowei , Guangsong Yang
Published: January 2023

With the development of computer technology, people gradually begin to model and study complex networks. Lots of research fruits are applied in biological networks, social networks, etc. Although the relationships between nodes and edges in complex networks have similar structural characteristics, the dynamics behaviors over these networks may reflect different performances. To explore the performances, we study the game behavior on the complex network. The impact of different initial strategy densities on the average benefits for collaborators and betrayers is simulated and analyzed. Moreover, the equilibrium density of both BA scale-free network and stochastic network is simulated under different conditions. In the end, the equilibrium density of the prisoner's dilemma between the two networks is simulated and compared. The fruits of our research will be conductive to the applications in many complex network systems.
Functionalizing natural wood and delignified wood into bio-adsorbents for removal of heavy metals in water
Authors: Beims Ramon Filipe , Kermanshahi-pour Azadeh , Xu Chunbao Charles
Published: January 2023

Natural pinewood and delignified pinewood were functionalized into bio-adsorbent materials for water remediation, particularly for removing heavy metals (copper ions). Wood was functionalized by esterification with maleic anhydride and citric acid, which increased the content of carboxyl functional groups for the chelation of copper ions. Effects of wood delignification and functionalization on the bio-adsorbents’ adsorption capacity for copper ions in water were investigated. Cu2+ adsorption capacity and the COOH grafting density showed an almost linear correlation with wood-based bio-adsorbents. Although the delignification of wood did not impact the adsorption capacity of the delignified wood functionalized with maleic anhydride, it significantly enhanced the Cu2+ adsorption capacity (attaining 0.22 mmol/g) of the delignified wood functionalized with citric acid (with COOH content of 0.50 mmol/g). Moreover, the delignified wood functionalized with citric acid showed only a 10% loss in the adsorption capacity after three regeneration cycles with acetic acid, showing a promising application as a bio-adsorbent material for the removal of heavy metals in water.
Study on a Job Competence Evaluation System for Resident Physicians (and Postgraduates) Receiving Standardized Training
Authors: Fu Yuanzheng , Zhao Guoxiang , Shan Jie , Zeng Luxian
Published: January 2023

Purpose
To establish an operable and suitable job competence evaluation system for clinical resident physicians (and postgraduates) receiving standardized training that supports quantitative assessment.
Method
By conducting a comprehensive literature review and a Delphi consultation in June 2022 for which 40 experts in clinical medicine, public health, and other related fields in China were invited. The indicators were adjusted according to the results of the consultation, and the final indicator weights were determined through an analytic hierarchy process.
Results
The response rate was 100%, and the expert authority coefficient was 0.879. The consistency among the experts on the tertiary indicators, as measured by Kendall’s W, was 0.675 (χ2 = 42.516, p < 0.001). Based on the results of the expert consultation, a job competence evaluation system for resident physicians (and postgraduates) receiving standardized training was established, which included 6 primary indicators, 18 secondary indicators, and 116 tertiary indicators. The weights for the primary indicators, namely professional quality, skills and knowledge, patient care, communication and collaboration, teaching skills, and lifelong learning, were 0.313, 0.248, 0.181, 0.083, 0.066, and 0.110, respectively. The top three secondary indicators in terms of combined weights were clinical skills (0.122), professional ethics (0.120), and professional dedication (0.109). The three tertiary indicators with the highest scores were “maintains collaboration with peers and colleagues in patient treatment,” “has clinical thinking skills, makes diagnosis and treatment decisions based on analysis of evidence, and has the ability to administer suitable treatments,” and “abides by laws and discipline and refuses to seek personal gains in medical practice”; their combined weights were 0.035, 0.028, and 0.027, respectively.
Conclusion
The preliminarily established indicator-based job competence evaluation system for resident physicians (and postgraduates) receiving standardized training is highly scientific and practical, and it provides a basis for quantitatively assessing the job competence of trainees.
Customized small-sized clinostat using 3D printing and novel polydimethylsiloxane culture dish
Authors: Park Joong Yull , Kim Daehan , Nguyen Que Thanh Thanh , Lee Seungjin , Choi Kyung-Mi , Lee Eun-Ju
Published: January 2023

Over the past few decades, research on life in space has increased. Owing to the expensive nature of and challenges associated with conducting experiments in real space, clinostats, which create rotational motion by using motors to reduce the effect of gravity, are used to generate simulated microgravity (SMG) on Earth. However, the existing clinostat systems are complex, large, and expensive, which reduces their accessibility to researchers. Here, by using a 3D printing method, we develop a novel customized small-sized clinostat (CS clinostat) that is easy to manufacture, inexpensive, and robust. The dimensions of the CS clinostat are 282 × 140 × 252 mm3, and therefore, it can fit inside a typical 50 L incubator. The two motors of the CS clinostat rotate at 4 rpm (inner axis) and 1.8 rpm (outer axis) such that the accumulated three-axis acceleration is less than 3 × 10-2 G within 1 h. Moreover, we develop and fabricate a novel culture dish that fits inside the CS clinostat. This dish is covered with polydimethylsiloxane to facilitate gas exchange during cell culture. To validate SMG generation in the CS clinostat, we applied it to mammalian cells, OV-90, TOV-21G, and Caov-3, ovarian cancer cells. Western blotting analysis demonstrated significant reduction in Caveolin-1 expression, a biomarker of SMG, indicating SMG generation. The proposed CS clinostat system has good accessibility and reduces the barriers to SMG research, which makes it useful as a tool for biologists, who are unfamiliar with conventional clinostat equipment, to conduct preliminary studies in the space environment.
B7-H3 specific CAR-T cells exhibit potent activity against prostate cancer
Authors: Wang Gang , Li Shibao , Zhang Miaomiao , Wang Meng , Wang Haiting , Wu Han , Mao Lijun , Zhang Meng , Li Huizhong , Zheng Junnian , Ma P
Published: January 2023

The high expression across multiple solid tumor, including prostate cancer and restricted expression in normal tissues makes B7-H3 an attractive target for immunotherapy. Among various types of tumor immunotherapy, chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy has shown remarkable success in hematological tumors. However, the potency of CAR-T cell therapy in solid tumors is still limited so far. Here, we examined the expression of B7-H3 in prostate cancer tissues and cells, and developed a second-generation CAR that specifically targets B7-H3 and CD28 as costimulatory receptor to explore its tumoricidal potential against prostate cancerin vitroandin vivo. The high expression of B7-H3 was detected on both the surface of PC3, DU145 and LNCaP cells and prostate cancer tissues. B7-H3 CAR-T cells efficiently controlled the growth of prostate cancer in an antigen-dependent mannerin vitroandin vivo. What is more, tumor cells could induce the proliferation of CAR-T cells and the release of high levels of cytokines of IFN-γ and TNF-α in vitro. These findings elucidate that B7-H3 is a potential target for prostate cancer therapy, and support the clinical development of B7-H3 specific CAR-T cells for prostate cancer.
Preparation of high-performance waste polyvinyl chloride/paper biocomposites by hot pressing
Authors: Ye Haoran , Yang Yang , Jiang Jinxuan , Sun Huibo , Zhang Lei , Ge Shengbo , Zhang Yiding , Zhou Yihui , Liew Rock Keey , Zhang Zhongfeng
Published: January 2023

Developing novel biocomposites from waste paper and plastic products contributes to achieving global sustainable development goals. In this paper, the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) powder and paper floc were mixed in different proportions and subjected to dry hot molding (180 ℃, 73.8 MPa, 1 h) to prepare waste PVC/paper biocomposites with excellent performance. The characterisation results show that the paper flocs treated with 3% NaOH had the best comprehensive mechanical properties (both tensile and flexural strengths of up to 183.98 MPa and 66.60 MPa, respectively). PVC/paper biocomposites generally show a downward trend in water absorption as the proportion of PVC powder in the composite increases. It was found that the rate of water absorption was only 8.29% when the ratio of PVC powder to 3% sodium hydroxide treated paper floc was 7:3. As can be seen from the SEM image of the PVC/paper biocomposite, the PVC powder fills the gap between the multiple paper fibres, thus resulting in a higher mechanical strength for the biocomposite. Based on the findings, a novel and practical method for recycling paper and plastic product wastes is demonstrated, which is in line with the development concept of low-carbon environmental protection and sustainable economic growth advocated globally.
Longitudinal tracking of acute kidney injury reveals injury propagation along the nephron
Authors: Bordoni Luca , Kristensen Anders , Sardella Donato , Kidmose Hanne , Pohl Layla , Krag Søren , Schiessl Ina Maria
Published: January 2023

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is an important risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD), but the underlying mechanisms of failed tubule repair and AKI-CKD-transition are incompletely understood. In this study, we aimed for dynamic tracking of tubule injury and remodeling to understand if focal injury upon AKI may spread over time.
Here we present a novel model of AKI, in which we rendered only half of the kidney ischemic. Using serial intravital 2-photon microscopy and genetic identification of cycling cells, we tracked dynamic tissue remodeling in post- and non-ischemic kidney regions simultaneously and over 3 weeks. Spatial and temporal analysis of cycling cells relative to initial necrotic cell death, demonstrated pronounced injury propagation and expansion into previously uninjured tissue regions, which predicted tubule atrophy with epithelial VCAM-1 expression.
In summary, our longitudinal analysis of tubule injury, remodeling, and fate, provided important novel insights into AKI pathology.
Can photobiomodulation therapy (LASER/LED) associated or not with biomaterials accelerate the process of bone repair the lower limbs of rats? A systematic review study
Authors: Leal Seânia Santos , Costa Davidson Ribeiro , Pessoa Diego Rodrigues , Reis Layla da Costa dos , Carneiro Renata da Silva , Uchôa Valdiléia Teixeira , de Oliveira Rauyris Alencar , Pavinatto Adriana
Published: January 2023

Many studies have investigated the use of synthetic biomaterials or the use of PBMT to improve the bone repair process. However, there is little evidence on the use of these associated techniques. In view of the above, the present study aimed to carry out a systematic review on the effects of the association of photobiomodulation by low-intensity laser and/or diode-emitting light to biomaterials on bone repair. The present study was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, as well as using the terms pre-established by the Cochrane Library Collaboration. Electronic searches were performed in the following databases: PubMed/MEDLINE and Science Direct. The search terms used were "bone repair"; "low-level laser therapy"; "photobiomodulation"; "light emitting diode"; "biomaterials"; "bone substitutes"; "in vivo animal studies". SYRCLE (SYStematic Review Center for Laboratory animal Experimentation) was used to analyze the bias of the studies. A total of 506 studies were found based on the descriptors used, 297 were found in PubMed/MedLine and 209 in Science Direct. Analysis of abstracts and methodology of 108 studies was performed and 86 were excluded. Only 22 studies were considered eligible. At the end of this review, it can be verified that the data presented in recent literature show potential to improve the process of bone repair using PBMT together with several types of biomaterials.
Value of Multidetector CT Coronary Artery for diagnosis and risk factors of chronic total occlusion in patients with severe chest pain
Authors: Alshammari Qurain Turki , Almalahi Afnan , Abdelmalik Bushra , Yousif Elgeili , Yousef Mohamed , Alshammari Meshari T , Gameraddin Moawia , Salih Mohammed
Published: January 2023

Background
Differentiating chronic total occlusion (CTO) from subtotal coronary occlusions (STOs) is often challenging to make from coronary angiography. Multidetector computerized tomography (MDCT) is essential in diagnosing and differentiating CTO from STO in symptomatic patients. The study is designed to explore the value of MDCT coronary angiography in discrimination between CTO and STO and assess the risk stratification in patients with severe chest pain.
Methods
This study is a descriptive cross-sectional one conducted from January 2021 to June 2022. A total of fifty patients (29 males, 21 females), ages ranging from (30–80 years), with coronary artery disease CAD) presented to the hospital with severe chest pain and were suspected of having arterial occlusion. They were examined using MDCT angiography.
Results
The prevalence of CAD was higher in males than females (58% vs. 42%). CAD was most prevalent in the age group of 51–60 (34%). Hypertension, DM, and smoking were the most common risk of CTO of coronary arteries. The CT findings of the coronary arteries showed that 27 cases (54%) were occluded entirely, while 23 (46%) were sub-totally occluded. It was shown that coronary artery calcification (CAC) was higher in patients with STO of coronary arteries compared to patients with CTO (26 cases subtotal vs. 20 cases total occlusion). The LAD was occluded in 30% of the patients and subtotal occluded in 20%, while the RCA was occluded in 14% and 18% subtotally occluded in the patients. The LCX was least frequent to occlusion. The Odd adjusted ratio (AOR) showed that diabetic patients had 1.68 increased Odds of having CTO of coronary arteries compared to non-diabetes (AOR = 1.68, 95% CI = .397–7.089), while hypertensive had 1.42 increased odds of having CTO compared to non-hypertensive (AOR = 1.42, 95% CI= (.366-5.474)). Smokers had 2.20 increased Odds of having CTO compared to non-smokers (AOR = 2.20, 95% CI = .461-10.532)
Conclusion
The study concluded that MDCT angiography is reliable and helps differentiate CTO from STO Hypertension, DM, and smoking are the most significant factors for CTO of coronary arteries. MDCT is recommended as a screening imaging tool for CAD symptomatic and asymptomatic populations.
Accurate quantitation of the phenyl group in methylphenyl silicone oils by GPC-UV
Authors: Li Huiru , Kang Yuting , Zhang Baoshan , Wu Jirong , Hua Xilin , Jiang Kezhi
Published: January 2023

The phenyl content is an important quality parameter for phenyl silicone oils, yet its current determination method by 1H NMR is still unsatisfactory due to the potential interference of methylphenylcyclosiloxane or solvents such as toluene and xylene. Herein, a novel method has been developed for the determination of the phenyl content in phenyl silicone oils by gel permeation chromatography-ultraviolet detection (GPC-UV) analysis. Under optimized parameters, the standard curve has been established in the linear range of 5-1000 µg/mL with a squared correlation coefficient of more than 0.999, and a quantification limit of 0.972 µg/mL. The GPC-UV method can easily exclude potential interfering substances, such as methylphenyl cyclosiloxane, toluene or xylene, and various silicone oils. The phenyl content in 9 available phenyl silicone oil samples was determined with a recovery in the range of 84.63%-106.74%. The determined phenyl content of sample H1 by GPC-UV was in good agreement with that (0.603 mg/g) by the 1H-NMR analysis.
Comparison of pathological characteristics in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease under diverse alanine transaminase upper limits of normal
Authors: Yang Hang , Liu Jie , Chen Qingling , Zhao Lili , Li Jia
Published: January 2023

Background
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients with elevated serum alanine transaminase (ALT) level are more likely to undergo a liver biopsy for evaluating possible nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) or significant fibrosis.However,patients with normal ALT could also have advanced stages of NAFLD.This study aimed to explore whether using lower ALT upper limit could reduce missed diagnosis of NASH or significant fibrosis in NAFLD patients.
Methods
Two hundred and eighty-one NAFLD patients who underwent liver biopsy were enrolled in this cross-sectional study.Student t test and Mann Whitney U test were used for the comparison;the prediction value was evaluated with receiver operating characteristic curve and restricted cubic spline;multiple logistic regression analysis was used to explore the association.
Results
Among these 281 patients,190 (67.6%) had NASH or significant fibrosis,and had higher ALT [84.00 (43.75,139.50) vs. 39.00 (22.00,64.00) U/L,U = 4872.000,P < 0.001] than Patients without.Using frequently-used ALT upper limit (50 U/L for male and 40 U/L for female) will miss diagnosis 24.7% of NASH or significant fibrosis patients.Using lower ALT upper limit (30 U/L for male and 19 U/L for female) will miss diagnosis 6.3% of patients.
Conclusion
The use of lower ALT upper limit (30 U/L for male and 19 U/L for female) could significantly reduce missed diagnosis of NASH or significant fibrosis.
Inflammatory Myositis Without Borders, Case Report
Authors: Kara Mete , Kara Müge Mercan , Diniz Gülden
Published: January 2023

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) are rare chronic inflammatory diseases whose etiologies are not clearly known, which particularly involve muscles, and which can also affect many other organs. There are many subgroups of inflammatory myositis under the roof of IIM, and there are intermediate form cases which do not comply with these.
A 85-year-old female patient presented to our clinic with the complaints of prevalent muscle pain that started 15 days ago and increased progressively, weakness in arms and legs, and difficulty to swallow. Muscle biopsy was performed in the patient whose elevated muscle enzymes and electromyography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings were consistent with inflammatory myositis. Although the histopathological examination of muscle biopsy was consistent with inflammatory myositis, it did not completely comply with any of the known forms. As the patient’s dysphagia increased and aphonia developed in the follow-up, pulse steroid, intravenous immune globulin, and azathioprine treatment in the aftermath was started. In the posttreatment 24th month, the case is being followed up in remission.
Differential diagnosis of myopathies includes infection, malignance, drug use, autoimmune diseases, IIM, etc. Although our knowledge of IIM is increasing, a final diagnosis could not be established for some cases with clinical symptoms, laboratory tests, MRI, and even with biopsy. As in our case, there may be cases which do not comply with IIM subgroup boundaries, and new research is needed for the clarification of these boundaries.
Model-based clustering of multiple networks with a hierarchical algorithm
Authors: Rebafka Tabea
Published: January 2023

The paper tackles the problem of clustering multiple networks, that do not share the same set of vertices, into groups of networks with similar topology. A statistical model-based approach based on a finite mixture of stochastic block models is proposed. A clustering is obtained by maximizing the integrated classification likelihood criterion. This is done by a hierarchical agglomerative algorithm, that starts from singleton clusters and successively merges clusters of networks. As such, a sequence of nested clusterings is computed that can be represented by a dendrogram providing valuable insights on the collection of networks. Using a Bayesian framework, model selection is performed in an automated way since the algorithm stops when the best number of clusters is attained. The algorithm is computationally efficient, when carefully implemented. The aggregation of clusters requires a means to overcome the label-switching problem of the stochastic block model and to match the block labels of the networks. To address this problem, a new tool is proposed based on a comparison of the graphons of the associated stochastic block models. The clustering approach is assessed on synthetic data. An application to a set of ecological networks illustrates the interpretability of the obtained results.
Comparison of three-dimensional reconstruction and CT-guided hook-wire segmental resection for pulmonary nodules: a propensity score matching study
Authors: Hong Ziqiang , Sheng Yannan , Cui Baiqiang , Bai Xiangdou , Huang Daxin , Lu Yingjie , Cheng Tao , Jin Dacheng , Gou Yunjiu
Published: January 2023

perioperative deaths. After PSM, 79 patients were successfully matched in each of the two groups. Two cases of pneumothorax, three cases of hemothorax and four cases of decoupling occurred in the Hook-wire group; no complications of pneumothorax, hemothorax and decoupling occurred in the 3D reconstruction group. Compared with the Hook-wire group, the 3D reconstruction group had shorter operative time
Objective: To analyze and compare the clinical application value of three-dimensional reconstruction and CT-guided Hook-wire localization row lung segment resection for pulmonary nodules.
Methods: Retrospective analysis of the clinical data of 204 patients with pulmonary nodules admitted to the Department of Thoracic Surgery of Gansu Provincial People's Hospital from June 2016 to December 2022. The group was divided into a 3D reconstruction group (98 cases) and a Hook-wire group (106 cases) according to the preoperative positioning method. The two groups of patients were propensity score matching(PSM) to compare the perioperative outcomes of patients in both groups.
Results: All patients in both groups completed the surgery successfully with no perioperative deaths. After PSM, 79 patients were successfully matched in each of the two groups. Two cases of pneumothorax, three cases of hemothorax and four cases of decoupling occurred in the Hook-wire group; no complications of pneumothorax, hemothorax and decoupling occurred in the 3D reconstruction group. Compared with the Hook-wire group, the 3D reconstruction group had shorter operative time (P=0.001), less intraoperative bleeding (P<0.001), and shorter postoperative hospital stay (P=0.026), and there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of pathological type and TNM staging (P=0.316).
Conclusion: Pulmonary nodules are based on three-dimensional reconstruction and localization, and individualized thoracoscopic anatomical lung segment resection is safe and effective with a low complication rate, which has good clinical application value.
Identifying Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Vectors after an Outbreak: Anthropophily of Sergentomyia species and detection of Leishmania major DNA within Sergentomyia ingrami, in Ghana
Authors: de Souza Dziedzom K. , Desewu Kwame , Nzelu Chukwunonso O. , Addo Seth Offei , Mosore Mba T. , Odoom Shirley , Puplampu-Attram Naiki , Appawu Maxwell , Wilson Michael D. , Boakye Daniel A.
Published: January 2023

Prior to 1999, Ghana was not known to be a Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) endemic country. The outbreak of CL in the Volta Region in 1999 resulted in the need for urgent investigations to understand the disease transmission dynamics. Monthly entomological collections from January 2006 to May 2007 revealed 99.8% (21,980/22,016) of sand flies collected were Sergentomyia and 0.2% (36/22,016) Phlebotomus, the putative vector of CL in the Old World. The density of Phlebotomus was so low, their vectorial role is uncertain. This study was therefore aimed at determining the possible vector species in the outbreak area. We collected sand flies from homes to examine anthropophily, by testing their blood meals. The blood-meal sources of 275 (20.5%) of 1342 collected female sand flies revealed the highest proportion of animal blood source was chicken (33.8%) and goat (12.4%). Humans accounted for 32% of blood meal sources. Identified species included: Sergentomyia africana africana (26.9%), S. ingrami (34.5%) and S. simillima (38.2%), which were found to have single and mixed blood-meals, with S. simillima having the highest proportion that contained human blood (14.6%). Using molecular methods, we examined unfed flies and flies found anthropophilic for the presence of Leishmania major DNA. Poolscreening analysis revealed 3 pools of S. ingrami positive with L. major DNA, with an infection rate of 1.27% (95% confidence interval: 2.467–3.647). This study showed that some Sergentomyia species are anthropophilic, contain L. major DNA, and could be involved in the transmission of CL in Ghana. There is however the need to conclusively validate the role of S. ingrami as a vector of L. major in Ghana, by isolating the parasite and initiating experimental transmission studies.
Sexuality education is key to addressing adolescent pregnancies in Tanzania; a cross-sectional study and content analysis of vital national reports
Authors: Chuwa Agapiti Hipoliti
Published: January 2023

Background
Tanzania is among the countries with higher rates of adolescent pregnancy. In some parts of the country, 45% of teenage girls become pregnant before their nineteenth birthday; and the strategies to alleviate the situation remain partially understood. The current study aimed to assess the knowledge level of adolescents on sexuality issues and the factors contributing to teenage pregnancy, as well as the progress made by Tanzania in addressing this problem.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was carried out on students from four randomly selected secondary schools in Morogoro municipality; an area with a high rate of adolescent pregnancy in Tanzania. Data were collected using structured questionnaires. Qualitative data from the study and data from the Demographic Health Surveys and Household Budget Surveys were analyzed by content analysis.
Results
Among the 250 respondents, 83.6% (n = 209) were in the age group 13–18 years and the rest (16.4%) were 19 + years. Most (96%, n = 240) mentioned that adolescent pregnancy is more common in poor societies, and 73.6% (n = 190) cited a lack of knowledge of reproductive health as a major contributing factor. More than 55% did not know any other method of contraception, apart from a male condom. Only 41.6% of female and 18.8% of male respondents correctly knew about the day of ovulation. From content analysis, it was revealed that girls’ enrolment declines from 50% of the total in primary education to 30% of the total students’ enrolment in colleges and universities. The overall teenage pregnancy rate in the country increased by 4 percentage points; from 23% in 2010 to 27% in 2016.
Conclusions
Adolescent girls in Tanzania are less empowered because they lack comprehensive sexuality education, hence, the higher rates of adolescent pregnancy. Introducing age-appropriate sexuality education and increasing girls’ enrolment in secondary and tertiary education will significantly reduce the rate of teenage pregnancy.
Intraoperative challenges and outcomes of pediatric cataract surgery following glaucoma filtering surgery
Authors: Badakere Akshay , Badakere Swathi Vallabh , Aijaz Syed Khaleeluddin , Gupta Neha , Kekunnaya Ramesh , Senthil Sirisha
Published: January 2023

Purpose- To analyze the intraoperative challenges of cataract surgery in children, following glaucoma filtering surgery.
Methods- This was a retrospective study to analyze intra-op challenges and outcomes of pediatric cataract surgery in post-glaucoma filtration surgery eyes, between January 2007 to December 2019.
Results- We included 20 eyes of 16 children. The most common glaucoma surgery performed was trabeculectomy and trabeculotomy (14 eyes). The median age at the time of cataract surgery was 74.5 months. The most common cataract surgery performed was lens aspiration with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation (LA+PCIOL) (9/20). The most common intraoperative challenge faced was difficulty in capsulorrhexis (10 eyes), followed by extension of primary posterior capsulotomy (6 eyes). At the final follow up 8 eyes had improvement in visual acuity, 5 eyes had stable visual acuity and 5 eyes had a drop in visual acuity. In 12/20 eyes IOL was implanted, 9 eyes in-the-bag and 3 eyes had in ciliary sulcus. None of the IOLs in the bag had decentration of IOL. The median postoperative IOP (p=0.12) and median number of postoperative AGM (p=0.13) at 2 years remained stable compared to the preoperative values. The IOP remained well controlled in 4 eyes without anti-glaucoma medications and in 14 eyes with anti-glaucoma medications and none needed additional surgery for IOP control. Two eyes developed retinal detachment postoperatively.
Conclusion- Cataract surgery in pediatric eyes with prior glaucoma surgeries, have challenges with capsulorrhexis and IOL stability. The visual outcomes were reasonably good so was the IOP control.
Cross-Religious Rituals in the Moluccas, Indonesia
Authors: Ridwan M. , Sulaeman Sulaeman , Nurdin Ali , Hadawiah Hadawiah , Mustafa Irvan , Busro Busro
Published: January 2023

The cross-religious communities (Muslim-Christian communities) in the Moluccas, Indonesia, have various local traditions manifested by kinship ties. Kinship values have become a model for identity in building harmonious relationships. This study examines the reasons for Muslim communities’ involvement in rituals carried out by Immanuel Church. The data were obtained qualitatively through several informal conversational interviews from the perspective of the ritual process (Turner 1962,1969), and phenomenology (Schutz, 1972). The study finds that involvement begins with taking the “pela” oath as part of the Muslim community and participation in the cross-religious pela gandong through traditional values based on kinship, diversity, equality, and togetherness. To assert self-identity, cross-religious communities engage in traditional rituals (tambourine–totobuang collaboration, using gandong cloth, lesso dancing, and eating patita) and religious rituals (chanting of the call to prayer and Rawi barzanji). The subjective experience of cross-religious ritual involvement includes ignorance, traps, encounters and relationships, and acceptance of diversity. Participants are motivated by the goals of self-identity proof and kinship search for the meaning of theological pluralism, which allows peaceful coexistence through cross-religious civic pluralism. This study contributes to realizing cross-religious harmonization through discussing the search for religious meaning in the hopes of making it possible to live together peacefully through kinship ties. Strengthening kinship is very important because it tends to lower incidences of cross-religious conflict. This contribution offers religious accommodation opportunities and ways to avoid cross-religious tensions.
A Novel Rat Model of Embolic Cerebral Ischemia Using a Cell-Implantable Radiopaque
Authors: Komatsu Teppei , Ohta Hiroki , Takakura Naoki , Hata Junichi , Kitagawa Tomomichi , Kurashina Yuta , Onoe Hiroaki , Okano Hirotaka James , Iguchi Yasuyuki
Published: January 2023

Background and Purpose
The failure of neuroprotective treatment-related clinical trials, including stem cell therapies, may be partially due to a lack of suitable animal models. We have developed a stem cell-implantable radiopaque hydrogel microfiber that can survive for a long time in vivo. The microfiber is made of barium alginate hydrogel containing zirconium dioxide, fabricated in a dual coaxial laminar flow microfluidic device. We aimed to develop a novel focal stroke model using this microfiber.
Methods
Using male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 14), a catheter (inner diameter, 0.42 mm; outer diameter, 0.55 mm) was navigated from the caudal ventral artery to the left internal carotid artery using digital subtraction angiography. A radiopaque hydrogel microfiber (diameter, 0.4 mm; length, 1 mm) was advanced through the catheter by slow injection of heparinized physiological saline to establish local occlusion. Both 9.4-T magnetic resonance imaging at 3 and 6 h and 2% 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride staining at 24 h after stroke model creation were performed. Neurological deficit score and body temperature were measured.
Results
The anterior cerebral artery-middle cerebral artery bifurcation was selectively embolized in all rats. Median operating time was 4 min (interquartile range [IQR], 3–8 min). Median infarct volume was 386 mm3 (IQR, 354–420 mm3) at 24 h after occlusion. No infarction of the thalamus or hypothalamus was seen. Body temperature did not change significantly over time (P = 0.204). However, neurological deficit scores before and at 3, 6, and 24 h after model creation differed significantly (P < 0.001).
Conclusions
We present a novel rat model of focal infarct restricted to the middle cerebral artery territory using a radiopaque hydrogel microfiber positioned under fluoroscopic guidance. By comparing the use of stem cell-containing versus non-containing fibers in this stroke model, it would be possible to determine the efficacy of "pure" cell transplantation in treating stroke.