bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prediction of preoperative the Stone-Free rate in percutaneous nephrolithotomy based on CT clinical-radiomics nomogram: a comparative study with Guy’s stone score and S.T.O.N.E score.
Authors: Zou Xin Chang , Huang Jianbiao , Yuan Rong Man , Jin Meng Ni , Zeng Tao , Chao Hai Chao
Published: January 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to develop a clinical-radiomics nomogram by combining clinical factors and radiomics features.The objective of the nomogram was to predict the stone-free rate(SFR) in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Additionally, the predictive performance of the nomogram was compared with Guy's stone score (GSS) and S.T.O.N.E score.
Patients and methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 109 suitable patients with solitary kidney stones who underwent PCNL at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University from April 2021 to October 2022.The preoperative clinical data and non-contrast-enhanced CT images of all patients were collected.Radiomic features were extracted from the CT images after preprocessing steps such as wavelet transformation, logization, and resampling. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) method was used to screen the radiomics features and calculate the radiomics score for each patient using lasso regression coefficient.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the clinical independent predictive factors. These factors were combined with radiomics to construct a clinical-radiomics model, which was visualized using a nomogram.The GSS and S.T.O.N.E score of each patient were calculated and analyzed. The predictive performance of the clinical-radiomics nomogram,Guy’s stone score (GSS),and S.T.O.N.E score was compared and analyzed through identification,calibration,and clinical benefit.
Results: The postoperative statistics revealed a stone-free rate of 65.1%. The results from multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that the number and diameter of stones were independent risk factors for residual stones after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). In the training set, the clinical-radiomics nomogram, GSS and S.T.O.N.E score showed area under the receiver operating curve (ROC) values of 0.925, 0.772 and 0.712, respectively. In the validation set, the AUCs for the clinical-radiomics nomogram, GSS and S.T.O.N.E score were 0.944, 0.786 and 0.714, respectively.The Delong test demonstrated that the clinical-radiomics nomogram exhibited better discrimination ability than GSS and S.T.O.N.E score (p<0.05).The calibration curve and Hosmer-Lemeshow (HL) test confirmed the good calibration ability and fit of the clinical-radiomics nomogram.Furthermore, the decision curve analysis (DCA) revealed that the clinical-radiomics nomogram provided a better net benefit compared to GSS and S.T.O.N.E score.
Conclusion:The clinical-radiomics nomogram constructed based on clinical characteristics and radiomics features can well predict the stone-free rate after PCNL, and its predictive performance is better than the GSS and S.T.O.N.E score.
Sustained xanthine oxidase inhibitor treat to target urate lowering therapy rewires a tight inflammation serum protein interactome
Authors: Sanchez Concepcion , Campeau Anamika , Liu-Bryan Ru , Mikuls Ted , O'Dell James , Gonzalez David , Terkeltaub Robert
Published: January 2024

Background: Effective xanthine oxidoreductase inhibition (XOI) urate-lowering treatment (ULT) to target significantly reduces gout flare burden and synovitis between 1-2 years therapy, without clearing all monosodium urate crystal deposits. Paradoxically, treat to target ULT is associated with increased flare activity for at least 1 year in duration on average, before gout flare burden decreases. Since XOI has anti-inflammatory effects, we tested for biomarkers of sustained, effective ULT that alters gouty inflammation.
Methods: We characterized the proteome of febuxostat-treated murine bone marrow macrophages. Blood samples (baseline and 48 weeks ULT) were analyzed by unbiased proteomics in febuxostat and allopurinol ULT responders from two, independent, racially and ethnically distinct comparative effectiveness trial cohorts (n=19, n=30). STRING-db and multivariate analyses supplemented determinations of significantly altered proteins via Wilcoxon matched pairs signed rank testing.
Results: The proteome of cultured IL-1b-stimulated macrophages revealed febuxostat-induced anti-inflammatory changes, including for classical and alternative pathway complement activation pathways. At 48 weeks ULT, with altered purine metabolism confirmed by serum metabolomics, serum urate dropped >30%, to normal (<6.8 mg/dL) in all the studied patients. Overall, flares declined from baseline. Treated gout patient sera and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) showed significantly altered proteins (p<0.05) in clustering and proteome networks. CRP was not a useful therapy response biomarker. By comparison, significant serum proteome changes included decreased complement C8 heterotrimer C8A and C8G chains essential for C5b-9 membrane attack complex assembly and function; increase in the NLRP3 inflammasome activation promoter vimentin; increased urate crystal phagocytosis inhibitor sCD44; increased gouty inflammation pro-resolving mediator TGFB1; decreased phagocyte-recruiting chemokine PPBP/CXCL7, and increased monocyte/macrophage-expressed keratin-related proteins (KRT9,14,16) further validated by PBMC proteomics. STRING-db analyses of significantly altered serum proteins from both cohorts revealed a tight interactome network including central mediators of gouty inflammation (eg, IL-1B, CXCL8, IL6, C5).
Conclusions: Rewiring of inflammation mediators in a tight serum protein interactome was a biomarker of sustained XOI-based ULT that effectively reduced serum urate and gout flares. Monitoring of the serum and PBMC proteome, including for changes in the complement pathway could help determine onset and targets of anti-inflammatory changes in response to effective, sustained XOI-based ULT.
Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02579096
Seasonal influence of physicochemical and climatic parameters on phytoplankton diversity and abundance pattern in community managed semi- impacted floodplain wetland
Authors: Das Basanta Kumar , Mohanty Trupti Rani , Bhattachaya Shreya , Mondal Kausik , Tiwari Nitish Kumar , Chandra Purna , Karnatak Gunjan , Lianthuamluia Lianthuamluia , Chakraborty Sangeeta , Parida Pranay , Das Archan kanti , Roy Aparna
Published: January 2024

Wetlands provide numerous ecological services and are key habitats for aquatic flora and fauna. In the Beledanga wetland, the current study was conducted for three years, from July 2019 to June 2021, to evaluate the seasonal influence of physico-chemical parameters on phytoplankton diversity and abundance patterns. Overall 48 phytoplankton taxa were observed. Group Bacillariophyceae (27%) contributed the maximum to the total phytoplankton density. The total abundance of phytoplankton was found utmost during monsoon (4.081×103 unit l-1 ) and least during post-monsoon (3.316×103 unit l-1). One-way ANOVA indicated significant seasonal differences (p<0.05) for some genera. The study gave the idea about the most influencing physic-chemical parameters (DO, turbidity, total hardness, Ca2+, and nitrate) on the growth of phytoplankton with the help of different multivariate and univariate analysis (Canonical correspondence analysis, Karl Pearson’s correlation). The study again highlighted that climate parameters (temperature and rainfall) had some effect on the phytoplanktonic groups. Our study conceded that N: P in the studied wetland was less than the Redfield ratio (16:1) in all three seasons,while the Si:P ratio was noticed in the high range (15:1) during pre-monsoon. The value of theShannon diversity index and Margalef’s species richness index were noticed to be > 3, which signified quite rich in phytoplankton diversity and less pollution in the ecosystem. The algal pollution index was predominant during all the seasons, indicating a high organic load which might be due to seasonal jute retting and intensification of agricultural farming.
Simulation research on the thermal phase transition of EDM and the formation mechanism of remelted layer in single pulse spark discharge crater
Authors: Chen Jiaqian , Liu Jianyong , Luo Xueke , Zhang Huijie , Li Dianxin , Kou Pengyuan , Li Ruobing
Published: January 2024

The remelted layer formed by the Electrical Discharge Machine(EDM)impacts surface quality of small hole and significantly reduces the fatigue life of workpieces. Based on Comsol Multiphysics ,this paperusessimulates the formation process of the remelted layer under single-pulse condition. When horizontal set and two-phase flow methods are used to track the phase interface, the model is built under the coupling of flow and heat transfer fields, which simulates the solid-liquid-gas transformation during discharge etching via porous medium and weak expression methods. The simulation results show that the temperature rapidly decreases from the midpoint of the discharge center axis to the surrounding area, and the radius of the plasma region is 95.3 µm. The diameter of the pit is 108.5 µm. The thickness of the remelted layer is 16 µm. The thickness of the remelted layer obtained from experiments under the same conditions is 16.4um. The comparison shows that the difference between the two is small, indicating that the simulation model can accurately predict the thickness of the remelted layer, providing a new approach for evaluating the thickness of the remelted layer in EDM.
Microstate analysis of resting-state electroencephalography in patients with epilepsy with comorbid anxiety and depression
Authors: Yan Rong , Zhang Lijia , Li Fangjing , Liu Wanyu , Tai Zhenzhen , Yang Juan , Tuo Jinmei , Yu Changyin , Zhang Haiqing , Xu zucai
Published: January 2024

Purpose
To explore the characteristics of microstates in patients with epilepsy with comorbid anxiety and depression based on resting-state electroencephalography (EEG).
Methods
We recruited patients with epilepsy who were monitored using video EEG between November 2021 and December 2022 at the affiliated hospital of Zunyi Medical University. Thirty patients with epilepsy with comorbid anxiety and depression (PAD) and 32 patients with epilepsy without anxiety and depression (nPAD) were recruited for this study. Resting-state EEG was conducted for 5 min (in eyes-closed, relaxed, and awake states). EEGLAB and MATLAB were used to process EEG data. Four typical microstate types were observed, including A (auditory), B (visual), C (insular-cingulate), and D (attention). The duration, occurrence, coverage, and transition probabilities of microstates A, B, C, and D of the patients in the two groups were compared, and their correlations with anxiety and depression were analyzed.
Results
Compared to the nPAD group, patients in the PAD group had a shorter disease course and a higher frequency of seizures. Second, the occurrence of microstate C was decreased in patients in the PAD group. Third, the level of anxiety in patients with epilepsy was negatively correlated with the occurrence of microstate C and the transition probabilities from C to A and C to B. However, it was positively correlated with the transition probability from microstate D to A. The level of depression was negatively correlated with the occurrence of microstate C and the transition probabilities from C to A and C to B.
Conclusion
The more frequently patients had seizures (> 2 times per year), the more likely they were to have comorbid anxiety and depression. Moreover, the network connections between the insula and cingulate regions were weakened in patients with epilepsy with comorbid anxiety and depression.
Can the use of azithromycin during labour reduce the incidence of infection among puerperae and newborns? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Ye Haiyan , Hu Jinlu , Li Bo , Yu Xia , Zheng Xuemei
Published: January 2024

Objective
This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated whether the use of azithromycin during labour or caesarean section reduces the incidence of sepsis and infection among mothers and newborns.
Data sources
We searched the PubMed, Embase and Web of Science databases from inception to June 19, 2023.
Methods
Review Manager 5.4 was used to analyse 6 randomized clinical trials involving 44,448 mothers and 44,820 newborns. Primary outcomes included the incidence of maternal sepsis and all-cause mortality and neonatal sepsis and all-cause mortality; secondary outcomes included maternal (endometritis, mastitis and breast abscess, wound and surgical site infections, chorioamnionitis, and urinary tract infections) and neonatal outcomes (infections of the eyes, ears and skin). A random-effects model was used to test for overall effects and heterogeneity.
Results
The pooled odds ratios (ORs) were as follows: 0.65 for maternal sepsis (95% CI, 0.55–0.77; I2, 0%; P < 0.00001); 0.62 for endometritis (95% CI, 0.52–0.74; I2, 2%; P < .00001); 0.55 for mastitis and breast abscess (95% CI, 0.34–0.89; I2, 40%; P < .02); and 0.43 for maternal wound or surgical site infection (95% CI, 0.24–0.78; P < .005); however, there was great heterogeneity among the studies (I2, 75%). The pooled OR for pyelonephritis and urinary tract infections was 0.3 (95% CI, 0.17–0.52; I2, 0%; P < .0001), and that for neonatal skin infections was 0.48 (95% CI, 0.35–0.65; I2, 0%, P < .00001). There was no significant difference in maternal all-cause mortality or incidence of chorioamnionitis between the two groups. No significant differences were observed in the incidence of neonatal sepsis or suspected sepsis, all-cause mortality, or infections of the eyes or ears.
Conclusion
In this meta-analysis, azithromycin use during labour reduced the incidence of maternal sepsis, endometritis, incisional infections, mastitis and breast abscess, and urinary tract infections but did not reduce the incidence of neonatal-associated infections, except for neonatal skin infections.
Outcome in patients with HIV-associated Hodgkin lymphoma treated with chemotherapy using Doxorubicin, Bleomycin, Vinblastine, and Dacarbazine in the combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) era: results of a multicenter study from China
Authors: Xiao Lirong , Wang Chaoyu , Ma Sai , Wang Yifan , Guan Liping , Wu Juyi , Zhang Wei , Liu Yao , Wu Yan
Published: January 2024

Little is known about the outcome for HIV-associated Hodgkin lymphoma (HIV-HL) as these are less common than HIV-negative lymphoma. Therefore, we performed a multi-center study to analyze the clinical characteristics and outcomes of HIV-HL patients in China. Nineteen cases of HIV-HL were diagnosed and treated at three center, which including the sixth people’s hospital of Zhengzhou, Peking union medical college hospital, and Chongqing university cancer hospital, between December 2013 and June 2022. Data on the clinical features, laboratory results, response, and prognosis were collected and analyzed. The median age at diagnosis was 43(22–74) years. All patients were infected with HIV through sexual transmission, with ten cases transmitted through man sex with man (MSM) and nine cases transmitted through heterosexual transmission. Seven patients were diagnosed with lymphoma and found to be infected with HIV. Four cases were in stage III, and fifteen cases were in stage Ⅳ. After a median follow up of 46.8(4.0-112.9) months, 17 cases were alive after ABVD regimen chemotherapy combined with the combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). The 5-year PFS and OS rate were 83.9% and 89.5%,respectively. HIV-HL exhibit an invasive process in clinical practice, and cART combined with ABVD regimen chemotherapy can achieve long-term survival for patients.
Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma with sarcomatoid differentiation: A case report with molecular analysis
Authors: AHN AE RI , Jeong Young Bum , Kim Kyoung Min
Published: January 2024

Background
Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma is a rare type of kidney cancer with a favorable prognosis. Renal cell carcinoma with sarcomatoid change has a more aggressive clinical course with unelucidated pathogenesis.
Case presentation
A 54-year-old female patient presented to the urology department for evaluation of an incidentally detected left renal mass. Computed tomography demonstrated a 13x10-cm mass in the left upper pole of the kidney. The resected tumor was clearly divided into two distinct components: one showed conventional Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma morphology, while the tumor cells of the other were highly pleomorphic with poorly differentiated morphology. The poorly differentiated component showed immunohistochemical expression for cytokeratin. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) of the two components shared multiple chromosomal losses and variation in the RNF46 gene. Based on these findings, we diagnosed the tumor as Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma with sarcomatoid change. Although the two components shared some genetic changes, there were also significant differences. The area of sarcomatoid change carried chromosomal gain, single nucleotide variants, and MET fusion compared with the conventional Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma component. Furthermore, while PD-L1 was negative in the conventional Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma component, more than 10% of the tumor cells in the sarcomatoid component were PD-L1 positive.
Conclusion
This case reveals novel genetic features of chromophobe renal cell carcinoma with sarcomatoid change.
Nuclear accumulated μ-calpain in AT2 cell participates in pulmonary fibrosis via inactivating FoxO3a
Authors: LI Qiao , YE Yu-Tong , ZHU Yi-Liang , TIAN Yu , WANG Miao-Feng , FANG Yuan , HAN Lu-Yao , ZHANG Ran-Ran , HUANG Xiao , ZHOU Jing-Jun , ZHAO Feng
Published: January 2024

µ-calpain is implicated in pulmonary fibrosis, however its role in the aberrant differentiation of alveolar epithelial type II cells (AT2), a hallmark of pulmonary fibrosis remains unclear, and its targeted transcription factor has not been addressed. Here, examination of the specimen of fibrosis patients revealed excessive proliferation of AT2 cells. In parallel, AT2 cells exhibited substantial calpain 1 (CAPN1), a catalytic subunit of µ-calpain, and phosphorylated FoxO3a (p-FoxO3a), an important transcription factor in lung tissue. Of note, targeted knockdown of CAPN1 in AT2 cells blocked the progression of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis, manifested as reduced poorly aerated regions in chest CT image, and decreased content of hydroxyproline and α-SMA. Analysis of nuclear fraction displayed an accumulation of CAPN1 and loss of FoxO3a, which was accompanied with activation of Akt. Knockdown of CAPN1 in A549 cells with siRNA antagonized the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and blunted FoxO3a phosphorylation and Akt activation. Conversely, overexpression of CAPN1 accelerated mesenchymal transition, enhanced its nuclear accumulation and the translocation of p-FoxO3a out of nucleus. Finally, inhibition of Akt decreased calpain-elicited FoxO3a phosphorylation, meanwhile, transfection of FoxO3a mutant carrying Thr32A and Ser253A mitigated the calpain-stimulated mesenchymal transition. Collectively, we conclude that nuclear accumulation of µ-calpain in AT2 cells is a critical step to aggravate pulmonary fibrosis. we also identify that inactivation of FoxO3a in a Akt-dependent phosphorylation manner confers to calpain-elicited the aberrant differentiation of AT2 cells.
A randomized controlled trial to compare the effects of time-restricted eating vs. Mediterranean diet on symptoms and quality of life in bipolar disorder
Authors: Johnson Sheri L , Murray Greg , Kriegsfeld Lance J. , Manoogian Emily , Mason Liam , Allen J. D. , Berk Michael , Panda Satchidanda , Rajgopal Nandini A. , Gibson Jake C. , Joyner Keanan , Villanueva Robert , Michalak Erin E.
Published: January 2024

Background: The primary objective of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) is to establish the effectiveness of time-restricted eating (TRE) compared with the Mediterranean diet for people with bipolar disorder (BD) who have symptoms of sleep disorders or circadian rhythm sleep-wake disruption. This work builds on the growing evidence that TRE has benefits for improving circadian rhythms. TRE and Mediterranean diet guidance will be offered remotely using self-help materials and an app, with coaching support.
Methods: This study is an international RCT to compare the effectiveness of TRE and the Mediterranean diet. Three hundred participants will be recruited primarily via social media. Main inclusion criteria are: receiving treatment for a diagnosis of BD I or II (confirmed via MINI structured diagnostic interview), endorsement of sleep or circadian problems, self-reported eating window of ≥ 12 hours, and no current mood episode, acute suicidality, eating disorder, psychosis, alcohol or substance use disorder, or other health conditions that would interfere with or limit the safety of following the dietary guidance. Participants will be asked to complete baseline daily food logging for two weeks and then will be randomly allocated to follow TRE or the Mediterranean diet for 8 weeks, during which time, they will continue to complete daily food logging. Intervention content will be delivered via an app. Symptom severity interviews will be conducted at baseline; mid-intervention (4 weeks after the intervention begins); end of intervention; and at 3, 6, and 12 months postintervention by phone or videoconference. Self-rated symptom severity and quality of life data will be gathered at those timepoints, as well as at 6 weeks postintervention. To provide a more refined index of whether TRE successfully decreases emotional lability and improves sleep, participants will be asked to complete a sleep diary (core CSD) each morning and complete six mood assessments per day for eight days at baseline and again at mid-intervention.
Discussion: The planned research will provide novel and important information on whether TRE is more beneficial than the Mediterranean diet for reducing mood symptoms and improving quality of life in individuals with BD who also experience sleep or circadian problems.
Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: ID: 2022-10-15725. Pending, submitted 12/17/2023.
Effect of colchicine on cancer risk in patients with the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue and rheumatism-related diseases
Authors: Yeh Jun-Jun , Liw Pei-Xuan , Wong Yi-Sin , Kao Husan-Min , Lee Chia-Hsun , Lin Cheng-Li , Kao Chia-Hung
Published: January 2024

Background To determine the effect of colchicine on cancer risk in patients with the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue and rheumatism-related diseases (MD).Methods We retrospectively enrolled patients with the MD divided them into colchicine users (N = 16,026) and colchicine nonusers (N = 16,026). Furthermore, time-dependent Cox models were used to analyze cancer risk in propensity-matched colchicine users compared with the nonusers. The cumulative cancer incidence was analyzed using Cox proportional regression analysis. We calculated adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for cancer after adjusting for sex, age, comorbidities, and use of medicine including acetylcysteine, medication for tobacco use, anti-inflammatory drugs and immunosuppressant drugs.Results Comparing the colchicine nonusers, only the colchicine users were associated with the lower incidence of the colorectal cancer ( (aHRs) (95% CI), 0.52 (0.49, 0.89)). Notably, the frequency of the medical services may inflate the aHR of brain tumor ((aHRs (95% CI), 8.42 (1.32, 53.9)). However, the aged < 65 years adult having the colchicine users were associated with lower risk the colorectal cancer. Moreover, the colchicine > 20 days use with the lower aHR for colorectal cancer.Conclusion This study implied colchicine with an auxiliary role for protecting the colorectal cancer formation in patients with the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue and rheumatism-related diseases.
HIF-1α inhibitor protects against cigarette smoke-induced COPD development in mice
Authors: Zhang Kedong , Zhou Feng , Zhu Caixia , Yuan Liang , Li Defu , Wang Jian , Lu Wenju
Published: January 2024

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) plays an important regulatory role in inflammatory and hypoxic diseases. Higher HIF-1α level was found in lungs of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, however, its role in cigarette smoke (CS)-induced COPD has not been fully studied. Digoxin has been showed to inhibit HIF-1α translation and block HIF-1α activity and thus is often used as the HIF-1α inhibitor. Therefore, in the present study, we chose digoxin as the inhibitor to investigate whether HIF-1α contributes to the progression in a mouse model of COPD and possible mechanism. CS-exposed mice were intragastrically treated with different doses of digoxin(0.02mg/kg and 0.1mg/kg, once a day, and COPD associated phenotypes such as pathological changes in lungs, inflammation, lung function and mucus secretion in airways were evaluated. Meanwhile, cigarette smoke extract (CSE)-treated A549 cells were administrated with digoxin(50nM) or S7959(100uM). Moreover, epithelial mesenchymal transition(EMT) associated markers together with HIF-1α\TGF-β1\Smad3 signaling pathway were detected both in vivo and in vitro. The level of HIF-1α was significantly increased in lungs of COPD mice and CSE-exposed A549 cells, which was markedly suppressed by digoxin. Moreover, digoxin inhibited CS-induced inflammatory responses, lung function decline, and mucus hyper-secretion in COPD mouse model. In in vitro studies, digoxin decreased CSE-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine release. Importantly, CS-induced or CSE-induced EMT and up-regulation of HIF-1α/TGF-β1/Smad pathway was inhibited by digoxin in vitro. Additionally, S7959 mitigated CSE-induced EMT in A549 cells. Digoxin can protect CS-induced COPD and prevent CS-induced EMT possibly through HIF-1α/TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway in mice. This study suggests HIF1-α could be a potential intervention target for COPD prevention and treatment, especially for EMT in CS-induced COPD.
RETRACTED: Simultaneous determination of preservatives and plasticisers in food using HPLC-DAD
Authors: Fu Jiao , Li E , Wei Ju , Zhou Shunli , Jia Zhengfu , Su Xiaodong
Published: January 2024

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Numerical investigation on thermal-hydraulic performance of cryogenic LNG in sinusoidal channel with airfoil fins under marine dynamic load
Authors: Tian Zhen , Chen Xiangjie , Zhao Bo , Shen Weili , Peng Hao
Published: January 2024

For floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG), printed circuit heat exchanger (PCHE) is an optimal choice owing to its compactness and large temperature difference heat transfer in a short time. In this study, a novel sinusoidal channel configuration was established which is with airfoil fins, and its thermal-hydraulic performance was numerically studied. The Nusselt number and Fanning friction factor were studied. Meanwhile, the effects of marine dynamic load and inlet mass flow rate (IMFR) on the novel configuration were studied by numerical simulation. Considering the application scenarios of the PCHE, the supercritical LNG (S-LNG) with 113.15 K and 32 MPa was the cold fluid, and the ethylene glycol with 293.15 K and 0.1 MPa was the hot fluid. The results show that the novel configuration has better comprehensive performance. The local turbulent kinetic energy of the novel configuration is improved by about 19.78%. The temperature and velocity uniformity are improved. Marine dynamic load deteriorates the comprehensive performance of the novel configuration. With the increasing of the IMFR, the outlet temperature for S-LNG gradually decreases from 240.65 K to 186.70 K, while the pressure drop and turbulent kinetic energy increase from 6969.72 Pa to 23225.75 Pa and 0.0256 m2/s2 to 0.12874 m2/s2, respectively. This work can provide valuable guidance for PCHE under cryogenic and supercritical pressure working condition in engineering applications.
Validation of the I- and D-type Epistemic Curiosity scale among Young Chinese Children and Implications on Early Curiosity Nurture
Authors: Tang Shuang , Xu Tianwei , Jin Lingyan , Chen Qunlin , Qiu Jiang
Published: January 2024

Curiosity, an innate and intrinsic motivation to explore, makes vital contributions to learning in individuals of various ages. Epistemic curiosity centers on the drive to close information gaps and can be classified a joyous exploration and interest (I) and deprivation sensitivity (D) types. Each subtype is associated with different academic achievements, personality traits, emotions, and aspects of creativity. Building on the concept of epistemic curiosity in adults, the I- and D-type Epistemic Curiosity in Young Children (I/D-YC) scale was developed. The purpose of the present study was to validate the Chinese I/D-YC scale for preschoolers. Exploratory factor and confirmatory factor analyses of data from 111 parents (sample 1) indicated that the Chinese I/D-YC replicated the two-factor structure and items of the original scale. The scales’ convergent validity and reliability were examined with data from 189 parents (sample 2) and 129 teachers (sample 3), as its test–retest reliability was examined with data from 45 parents (from sample 2). The results established the Chinese I/D-YC scale as a valid and reliable measure of epistemic curious behaviors in young Chinese children. Moreover, the cultivation of epistemic curiosity should weaken inhibition and this might enhance well-being, creativity and learning, especially the D type with lower SES.
The Impact of BIS-Monitored Depth Regulation on Prognosis: Improving Outcomes for Patients with Chronic DoCs
Authors: chen xuanling , qin xuewei , Zhuang Yutong , Li Zhengqian , Liang Zhenhu , zhang hua , yao lan , Li Xiaoli , He Jianghong , Guo Xiangyang
Published: January 2024

Background: The value of the bispectral index (BIS) for monitoring anesthesia in patients with disorder of consciousness (DoC) has not yet been determined.
Objective: To investigate the effect of BIS-monitored depth regulation on the prognosis of patients with chronic DoCs undergoing spinal cord stimulation (SCS) implantation.
Methods: Ninety-two 92 patients with DoC who underwent SCS implantation under general anesthesia were followed up for three months after surgery. Among the cohort, 83 patients met the inclusion criteria and were divided into the BIS (n = 45) and non-BIS (n = 38) groups. Relevant information was collected, along with patient characteristics. Coma recovery scale-revised (CRS-R) scores and outcomes were assessed preoperatively and three months postoperatively (CRS-R3m).
Results: In the BIS group, the CRS-R3m score was higher than the preoperative CRS-R score; however, in the non-BIS group, there was no significant difference between the scores. The CRS-R3m score in the BIS group was higher than that in the non-BIS group. Consciousness improvement was evaluated in a multifactor logistic regression analysis, which revealed that dexmedetomidine was a high-risk factor for consciousness improvement. During follow-up, two patients in the BIS group experienced a decrease in consciousness, while two patients in the non-BIS group died.
Conclusion: For patients with DoC undergoing SCS implantation under general anesthesia, intraoperative BIS monitoring to control the depth of general anesthesia sedation contributes to better postoperative outcomes. It is advisable to avoid the use of dexmedetomidine during the perioperative period, because it affects patient outcomes.
Coordination of Care for long COVID-19 Patients: A Scoping Review
Authors: DEMBELE ELODIE , MERIADE LAURENT , ROCHETTE CORINNE
Published: January 2024

Background Patients experiencing long COVID-19 exhibit a variety of symptoms that persist or recur following infection with severe acute respiratory coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). While the coordination of care for patients with COVID-19 has undergone extensive analysis, the coordination of care for those with the long version of the virus has been described but not yet systematically reviewed. To address this gap, this article aims to analyze the various ways healthcare establishments and professionals coordinate the management of patients with long COVID-19.Method From March 2023, we conducted a scoping review on the coordination of care for patients with long COVID-19 using two databases, Google Scholar and PubMed. A comprehensive search was performed using specific keywords to ensure inclusivity. Relevant literature was selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria using the PICO framework.Results After deduplication, a total of 352 documents were identified, and their abstracts were examined. Subsequently, 89 references were chosen for a more detailed study. Following a thorough examination of the full text, 35 references that met the predefined inclusion criteria were retained.Conclusions The results of this scoping review identify several recommendations for the development of care coordination for patients with long COVID-19. The findings highlight numerous factors that facilitate this coordination, including multidisciplinary teams, the establishment of specialized facilities and services, identification of key players, coordination focused on patients and symptoms, rehabilitation-oriented coordination, pursuit of continuity of care, progressive identification of care pathways, and integration of e-health into the care process. These factors relate to three key areas of healthcare for these patients: care organization, types of coordination, and the operational methods of these coordinations.
Peripheral Ulcerative Keratitis Associated with Tralokinumab Therapy: A Case Report and Review of IL-13 Inhibitor-Associated Ocular Surface Disease
Authors: Maganti Nenita , Whitter Samuel A , Warner Evan J
Published: January 2024

Background
Dupilumab and tralokinumab are interleukin-binding monoclonal antibodies used to treat systemic atopic disease. Use of these medications in management of atopic dermatitis (AD) is known to cause conjunctivitis. Dupilumab therapy has also been associated with more severe ocular surface disease, which has not previously been described in association with tralokinumab. This report describes a case of tralokinumab-associated conjunctivitis and peripheral ulcerative keratitis and reviews the spectrum and proposed mechanisms of ocular surface disease triggered by these medications.
Case Presentation
A 61-year-old male with no rheumatologic or ocular history presented with bilateral papillary conjunctivitis and right eye peripheral ulcerative keratitis (PUK). PUK was arrested using oral corticosteroids and doxycycline, and long-term control of papillary conjunctivitis was achieved using topical tacrolimus ointment, allowing continuation of effective AD management with tralokinumab.
Conclusion
This case report documents ulcerative keratitis occurring in association with tralokinumab therapy for AD, which has previously been described with dupilumab but not tralokinumab. This report demonstrates the need for vigilant ocular surface monitoring for patients on tralokinumab and illustrates successful management and long-term control of adverse ocular events associated with this medication.
Systemic inflammation in midlife is associated with late-life functional limitations: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study
Authors: Tong Yao , Jia Yu , Gong Aobo , Li Fanghui , Zeng Rui
Published: January 2024

Background
Functional limitations seriously affect the quality of life of individuals. Systemic inflammation generally coexists with functional limitations. This study aims to investigate the association between systemic inflammation in midlife and the risk of functional limitations in late-life.
Methods and Results
A total of 10,044 participants were included in a cohort study, with an average age of 53.9 ± 5.7 years at baseline. After a median follow-up time of 9.0 years, the prevalence of impaired activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) and lower limb function (LEF) was 14.7%, 21.6%, and 50.3%, respectively. The values of four inflammatory biomarkers were used to calculate the state of inflammation composite score. Compared with the lowest quartile of the inflammation composite score, the highest quartile exhibited odds of impaired ADLs (OR = 1.589, 95% CI: 1.335–1.892), impaired IADLs (OR = 1.426, 95% CI: 1.228–1.657), and impaired LEF (OR = 1.728, 95% CI: 1.526–1.957). The association between systemic inflammation and functional limitations was partly mediated by cardiac and brain functions.
Conclusion
The present study showed that systemic inflammation in midlife was associated with a higher risk of late-life functional limitations. Protecting vital organ functions in midlife may reduce the risk of future functional limitations.
Trial registration: www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT00005131.
Antral Follicle Responsiveness to Follicle Stimulating Hormone Administration Assessed by the Follicular Output Rate (FORT) May Predict In Vitro Fertilization-Embryo Transfer Outcome
Authors: Seadawy Maged EL , Abou-Sunna Hesham Fekry , Abbas Ahmed Altaf
Published: January 2024

Objectives: In search of a qualitative indicator of ovarian function, we sought to determine if antral follicles' reproductive competence is correlated with their Follicular Output Rate (FORT), which indicates how sensitive they are to FSH administration.
Design: Prospective Cohort study.
Setting: In a private IVF unit.
Patients: From January 2014 to June 2015, we examined 300 IVF-ET candidates, aged between 20 and 35, who had undergone controlled ovarian hyper-stimulation with comparable beginning levels of FSH and had primary infertility without apparent cause.
Method: Antral follicle (3–8 mm) count (AFC) and pre-ovulatory follicle (18–24 mm) count (PFC) were performed, respectively, at the achievement of pituitary suppression (before FSH treatment) and on the day of hCG administration. The FORT was calculated by PFC × 100/AFC. FORT groups were set according to tercile values: low (4.3%; n = 13), average (30.7%; n = 92) and high (65%; n = 195).
Main outcomes: Clinical pregnancy rate
Results: The odds ratio for clinical pregnancy increases with increasing endometrial thickness, number of collected oocytes, and follicular output rate, with odds ratios of 1.123, 1.121, and 1.312, respectively.
Conclusion: The observed association between IVF-ET result and the proportion of antral follicles attaining pre-ovulatory maturity that successfully react to FSH injection shows that FORT may be a qualitative mirror of ovarian follicular competency. More research with broader inclusion criteria and more tailored techniques is required to verify these findings.
Exploring Requirements for the Development and Implementation of VR Rehabilitation Programs for Long/Post COVID Patients – A Qualitative Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Dalko Katharina , Elsuson Hlynur Andri , Hofstetter Sebastian , Stoevesandt Dietrich , Paulicke Denny , Helm Jürgen
Published: January 2024

An essential step to address persistent symptoms of Long/Post COVID patients lies in the implementation of flexible and accessible respiratory rehabilitation programs. Currently, access to rehabilitation is limited by a lack of available services as well as the physical impairments of those affected by the disease. Virtual reality technologies (VR) offer the potential to support traditional therapies with individualized at home programs. Initial findings on respiratory VR rehabilitation show that the usability and practical applicability of digital programs play an important role in the successful implementation. This study therefore evaluates physiotherapy implemented by a VR application as part of a co-creative, iterative development process with the aim of ensuring usability and acceptance by patients and physiotherapists. Further, requirements for the practical implementation of respective programs as well as the specific needs of the user groups were investigated. Physiotherapists and Long/Post COVID patients evaluated a VR prototype at five stages of development. Feedback was gathered via focus groups and expert interviews. Results then contributed to the further development of the application until relevant requirements for the development of a final prototype could be defined. Overall, it was found that the immersive VR-supported training sessions were well received by patients. However, obstacles which primarily relate to a lack of digital literacy and adverse effects were also reported. Accordingly, prerequisites such as training and technical support for the user groups as well as a target group-oriented design of the applications are necessary for VR rehabilitation to be accepted.
Development and validation of a prognostic nomogram based on the log odds of positive lymph nodes (LODDS) for parotid gland cancer
Authors: Ma Yaping , Wang Liyuan , Ji Ping , Li Qingshu
Published: January 2024

Objective
The focus of this research was to explore the predictive usefulness of the logarithm ratio of positive lymph nodes (LODDS) in patients with parotid gland tumors and try to develop a clinical prognosis model.
Methods
A total of 924 patients with n1/n2 stage parotid tumors were retrospectively studied. The researchers looked at the link between clinicopathological characteristics, AJCC N stage, LODDS, and overall survival (OS). The association between overall survival and numerous variables was investigated using Cox regression, and a clinical prediction model was developed. In addition, the likelihood ratio (LR), Harrell consistency index (C index), area under the curve of receiver operating characteristic (ROC-AUC) and Akaike information criteria were used to assess the model's prediction ability (AIC).
Results
The ideal LODDS cutoff value was − 0.56 based on a training set of 645 patients. Patients' age, tumor size, T stage, radiation, and LODDS were all found to be independent factors affecting their survival in a Cox multivariate analysis. After examination, the prediction model based on effective prognostic parameters performed well: LR = 154.4, AIC = 4045.1, CI = 0.693 and ROC-AUC of 3-5-7 years: 0.744, 0.752, 0.815, which outperformed AJCC TNM model; DCA curve shows higher clinical practicability. Consistent results were obtained in the validation cohort of 278 patients.
Conclusion
In patients with parotid tumor, LODDS is an independent prognostic factor, and those with LODDS less than − 0.56 had a better prognosis. The established prediction model and nomogram demonstrate outstanding prediction performance as well as broad applicability.
Investigation of the Effect of Phenylboronic Acid on Androgen-Dependent (LNCaP) and Androgen-Independent (PC3) Prostate Cancer Cells via MAP Kinases by 2D and 3D Culture Methods
Authors: Gürgen Duygu Gürsoy , Güneş Arzu , Köse Oğuzhan , Kaplan Arife Ahsen , Tunalı M. Başak , Keskin İlknur
Published: January 2024

Background
The castration process is able to regress prostate cancer due to its dependence on androgen. After castration, the disease could progress androgen independently. In our study, two prostate cancer cell lines PC3, LNCaP, and normal prostatic epithelial cell line RWPE-1 were used. PBA an essential compound found in nature, was selected as a chemotherapeutic to examine the effects of microtubule-targeted therapy in human prostate cancer. Colchicine, which belongs to the same class of chemotherapeutics, was included in the study as a positive control treatment. The aim of this study examine the cytotoxic effect of PBA on LNCaP, PC-3, and RWPE-1 cells with two different cell culture methods.
Methods
The IC50 values treated to the cells following the viability analyses were performed for PBA and Colchicine in 2D and 3D culture models. Colony formation, proliferation, and migration analyses were performed on prostate cancer cells, and chemotherapeutics’s effects were compared.
Results
In both cancer cell lines, 48 hours of PBA treatment inhibited migration greater than Colchicine. Colony formation analysis showed that the 24 hours PBA treatment prevented the formation. In addition, it was determined that PBA caused a decrease in proliferation parameters in both culture models. The MAPK cellular response induced by PBA was examined by immunofluorescence intensity analysis of kinase proteins of the MAPK pathway, where statistically significant differences were observed between the groups. ERK expression ratio varied in two culture methods, chemotherapeutics, and treatment times. In the 2D culture model, 24 hours of PBA treatment caused a decrease in JNK expression in PC3 and LNCaP cells. Both chemotherapeutic treatments resulted in an increase in p38 expression ratio in PC3 spheroids. On the semi-thin sections, the morphological deformation effect of PBA on cancer cells was pronounced. Morphological defects caused by PBA were first visualized in this study at the ultrastructural level.
Conclusion
Antimitotic chemotherapeutics may trigger different metabolic responses and also divergences in the signaling mechanisms within different cells. PBA has an anticancer effect potential including inhibiting proliferation and migration. The lower toxicity of PBA on RWPE-1 is remarkable for being a potential chemotherapeutic option in future research.
Association between women's empowerment and modern contraception uptake in Bangladesh: Evidence from Bangladesh Demographic and Health survey
Authors: Kabir Md Awal , Alam Md Badsha , Khanam Shimlin Jahan , Hassen Md Tahir , Khan Md Nuruzzaman
Published: January 2024

Background
While women's empowerment is recognized as a significant factor influencing maternal and child health outcomes, there is insufficient evidence regarding its link with the utilization of modern contraceptive methods in Bangladesh. This study aims to investigate the association between women's empowerment and the uptake of modern contraceptives among reproductive-aged women in Bangladesh.
Methods
Data of 17,780 married reproductive-aged women were analyzed from the 2017/18 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey. The outcome variable considered was the uptake of modern contraceptive methods (yes, no). Women’s empowerment (not empowered, moderately empowered, highly empowered) was considered the major explanatory variable. The variable was generated based on women’s responses to three key areas: access to healthcare, significant household purchases, and visits to family or relatives. A multilevel mixed-effect logistic regression model was used to assess the association between the outcome and explanatory variables, adjusted for covariates.
Results
The reported prevalence of modern contraceptive method use was 55.3%, and 51.6% among all women and women who were not empowered, respectively. Women classified as not empowered had a 13% (aOR 0.87, 95% CI: 0.79–0.97) reduced odds of using modern contraceptive methods compared to those who were highly empowered. Women who made joint decisions with their husbands on individual dimensions of empowerment consistently showed a higher likelihood of using modern contraceptive methods.
Conclusion
The findings of this study emphasize the significance of collaborative decision-making to enhance the uptake of modern contraception. Family planning policies and programs should prioritize addressing this issue.