bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An oncogenic enhancer promotes melanoma progression via regulating ETV4 expression
Authors: Zhang Junyou , Wang Qilin , Qi Sihan , Duan Yingying , Liu Zhaoshuo , Liu Jiaxin , Zhang Ziyi , Li Chunyan
Published: June 2024

Background

Enhancers are important gene regulatory elements that promote the expression of critical genes in development and disease. Aberrant enhancer can modulate cancer risk and activate oncogenes that lead to the occurrence of various cancers. However, the underlying mechanism of most enhancers in cancer remains unclear. Here, we aim to explore the function and mechanism of a crucial enhancer in melanoma.

Methods

Multi-omics data were applied to identify an enhancer (enh17) involved in melanoma progression. To evaluate the function of enh17, CRISPR/Cas9 technology were applied to knockout enh17 in melanoma cell line A375. RNA-seq, ChIP-seq and Hi-C data analysis integrated with luciferase reporter assay were performed to identify the potential target gene of enh17. Functional experiments were conducted to further validate the function of the target gene ETV4. Multi-omics data integrated with CUT&Tag sequencing were performed to validate the binding profile of the inferred transcription factor STAT3.

Results

An enhancer, named enh17 here, was found to be aberrantly activated and involved in melanoma progression. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated deletion of enh17 inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and tumor growth of melanoma both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, we identified ETV4 as a target gene regulated by enh17, and functional experiments further support ETV4 as a target gene that is involved in cancer-associated phenotypes. In addition, STAT3 acts as a transcription factor binding with enh17 to regulate the transcription of ETV4.

Conclusions

Our findings revealed that enh17 plays an oncogenic role and promotes tumor progression in melanoma, and its transcriptional regulatory mechanisms were fully elucidated, which may open a promising window for melanoma prevention and treatment.
POEMS syndrome with undetectable M-protein: a case report and literature review
Authors: Xue Han-Yue , Zhou Lin , Yuan Qin-Zhao , Zhang Yang , Hao Yi-Qun , Chen Shao-Wei , Wang Hong-Kun , Wei Fang
Published: June 2024

Background

Polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M-protein, and skin changes (POEMS) syndrome is a rare plasma cell (PC) neoplasm with associated paraneoplastic syndrome. According to the current diagnostic criteria, peripheral polyneuropathy and monoclonal PC proliferative disorder represent two mandatory criteria.

Case presentation

We report a 54-year-old male with peripheral neuropathy of bilateral lower limbs, sclerotic bone lesions, elevated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels, splenomegaly, extravascular volume overload, endocrinopathy, and skin hemangiomas. Of note, serum and urine protein electrophoresis (PEP) and immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE) of this patient indicated undetectable M-protein and the normal ratio of free light chains κ and λ (FLC-R (κ/λ)). No monoclonal PCs were found in bone marrow examinations or biopsy of diseased bones. However, his clinical manifestations matched most of the diagnostic criteria. After excluding other diseases that are easily confused with POEMS syndrome, the diagnosis of variant POEMS syndrome with undetectable M-protein was proposed. The patient obtained clinically significant improvement and elevated VEGF returned to normal after 6 months of treatment with lenalidomide plus dexamethasone.

Conclusions

Monoclonal PC dyscrasia (M-protein) while being a mandatory criterion for POEMS syndrome is undetectable in a considerable amount of patients that otherwise demonstrate typical symptoms. Here, we reported a case of variant POEMS syndrome with featured clinical manifestations, elevated VEGF levels, and good response to therapies targeting PCs but no evidence of M-protein. Therefore, negative results in M-protein and monoclonal PCs aren’t enough to reject the diagnosis of POEMS syndrome. It is imperative to recognize the variant form of POEMS syndrome.
Endovascular repair for thoracic aortic pseudoaneurysm induced by pedicle screw implantation: a case report with 8 years follow-up
Authors: Zhou Shufen , Han Hui , Zhang Yidan , Shu Chang , Luo Mingyao
Published: June 2024

Background

Pedicle screw instrument surgeries can result in the development of aortic pseudoaneurysm, which is a rare yet potentially severe complication; therefore, the purpose of this work is to describe the case of pseudoaneurysm of the thoracic aorta caused by the severe migration of a pedicle screw after surgery.

Case presentation

We herein report a patient who underwent endovascular repair for the pseudoaneurysm of the descending thoracic aorta following thoracic vertebral fixation surgery. A 28–80 mm covered stent was initially inserted through the right femoral artery, and intraoperative aortography revealed a minor extravasation of contrast material. Subsequently, an additional 28–140 mm covered stent was implanted. The patient recovered well during the 8-year follow-up period.

Conclusions

Vascular complications resulting from spinal surgery are severe and rare, necessitating early diagnosis and intervention.
Transcriptome analysis of Kunming mice responses to the bite of Xenopsylla cheopis
Authors: Lun Xinchang , Shi Yuan , Wang Yiguan , Zhao Ning , Liu Qiyong , Meng Fengxia , Song Xiuping , Wang Jun , Lu Liang
Published: June 2024

Background

Flea bites could trigger a series of complex molecular responses in the host. However, our understanding of the responses at the molecular level is still relatively limited. This study quantifies the changes in gene expression in mice after flea bites by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) from their spleens, revealing the potential biological effects of host response to flea bites.

Methods

RNA-seq was used for transcriptome analysis to screen for differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the control mice group and the flea bite mice group. Gene ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis were performed on DEGs. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis on DEGs related to immune processes was performed. Finally, we randomly selected several genes from the screened DEGs to validate the results from the transcriptome data by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR).

Results

A total of 521 DEGs were identified, including 277 upregulated and 244 downregulated. There were 258 GO terms significantly enriched by upregulated DEGs and 419 GO terms significantly enriched by downregulated DEGs. Among the upregulated DEGs, 22 GO terms were associated with immune cells (e.g., B cells and T cells) and immune regulatory processes, while among the downregulated DEGs, 58 GO terms were associated with immune cells and immune regulatory processes. Through PPI analysis, we found that CD40 molecules with significantly downregulated expression levels after flea bites may play an important role in host immune regulation. Through KEGG pathway enrichment analysis, a total of 26 significantly enriched KEGG pathways were identified. The RT-qPCR analysis results indicated that the transcriptome sequencing results were reliable.

Conclusions

Through in-depth analysis of transcriptome changes in mice caused by flea bites, we revealed that flea bites could stimulate a series of biological and immunological responses in mice. These findings not only provided a deeper understanding of the impact of flea bites on the host but also provided a basis for further research on the interaction between ectoparasites and the host. We believe that digging deeper into the significance of these transcriptome changes will help reveal more about the adaptive response of the host to ectoparasites.

Graphical Abstract
Keeping up with the pathogens: improved antimicrobial resistance detection and prediction from Pseudomonas aeruginosa genomes
Authors: Madden Danielle E. , Baird Timothy , Bell Scott C. , McCarthy Kate L. , Price Erin P. , Sarovich Derek S.
Published: June 2024

Background

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an intensifying threat that requires urgent mitigation to avoid a post-antibiotic era. Pseudomonas aeruginosa represents one of the greatest AMR concerns due to increasing multi- and pan-drug resistance rates. Shotgun sequencing is gaining traction for in silico AMR profiling due to its unambiguity and transferability; however, accurate and comprehensive AMR prediction from P. aeruginosa genomes remains an unsolved problem.

Methods

We first curated the most comprehensive database yet of known P. aeruginosa AMR variants. Next, we performed comparative genomics and microbial genome-wide association study analysis across a Global isolate Dataset (n = 1877) with paired antimicrobial phenotype and genomic data to identify novel AMR variants. Finally, the performance of our P. aeruginosa AMR database, implemented in our AMR detection and prediction tool, ARDaP, was compared with three previously published in silico AMR gene detection or phenotype prediction tools—abritAMR, AMRFinderPlus, ResFinder—across both the Global Dataset and an analysis-naïve Validation Dataset (n = 102).

Results

Our AMR database comprises 3639 mobile AMR genes and 728 chromosomal variants, including 75 previously unreported chromosomal AMR variants, 10 variants associated with unusual antimicrobial susceptibility, and 281 chromosomal variants that we show are unlikely to confer AMR. Our pipeline achieved a genotype-phenotype balanced accuracy (bACC) of 85% and 81% across 10 clinically relevant antibiotics when tested against the Global and Validation Datasets, respectively, vs. just 56% and 54% with abritAMR, 58% and 54% with AMRFinderPlus, and 60% and 53% with ResFinder. ARDaP’s superior performance was predominantly due to the inclusion of chromosomal AMR variants, which are generally not identified with most AMR identification tools.

Conclusions

Our ARDaP software and associated AMR variant database provides an accurate tool for predicting AMR phenotypes in P. aeruginosa, far surpassing the performance of current tools. Implementation of ARDaP for routine AMR prediction from P. aeruginosa genomes and metagenomes will improve AMR identification, addressing a critical facet in combatting this treatment-refractory pathogen. However, knowledge gaps remain in our understanding of the P. aeruginosa resistome, particularly the basis of colistin AMR.
Acyclovir extravasation in a newborn: a case report
Authors: Shamel Shirin , Zarkesh Mohammad Reza
Published: June 2024

Objective

Extravasation of infused drugs is not a rare problem in medical practice. Acyclovir is a vesicant and an antiviral medication commonly used for young children. In the present study, we presented a neonate with soft tissue damage due to acyclovir extravasation.

Case report

A female newborn (Iranian, Asian) with gestational age 37+2 weeks and breech presentation was born by Cesarean delivery from a mother with a recent history of Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection (Yas Women’s Hospital, Tehran, Iran). Intravenous administration of acyclovir was initiated through a peripheral catheter inserted on the dorsal side of the left hand. A few minutes after the second dose, the patient showed a diffused firm swelling, local discoloration, and induration in the dorsum of the hand. The peripheral catheter was removed immediately. Hyaluronidase was injected subcutaneously in five different regions around the catheterization site. Intermittent limb elevation and cold compression (for 10 minutes) were applied. Serial follow-ups and examinations were performed hourly to check limb inflammation, ischemia, and compartment syndrome. The limb swelling and discoloration significantly improved 4 hours after the second dose of hyaluronidase.

Conclusion

Early diagnosis of acyclovir extravasation and immediate management could prevent severe complications in neonates. Further studies are needed to suggest a standard approach and treatment protocol for acyclovir extravasation.
An end-to-end method for predicting compound-protein interactions based on simplified homogeneous graph convolutional network and pre-trained language model
Authors: Zhang Yufang , Li Jiayi , Lin Shenggeng , Zhao Jianwei , Xiong Yi , Wei Dong-Qing
Published: June 2024

Identification of interactions between chemical compounds and proteins is crucial for various applications, including drug discovery, target identification, network pharmacology, and elucidation of protein functions. Deep neural network-based approaches are becoming increasingly popular in efficiently identifying compound-protein interactions with high-throughput capabilities, narrowing down the scope of candidates for traditional labor-intensive, time-consuming and expensive experimental techniques. In this study, we proposed an end-to-end approach termed SPVec-SGCN-CPI, which utilized simplified graph convolutional network (SGCN) model with low-dimensional and continuous features generated from our previously developed model SPVec and graph topology information to predict compound-protein interactions. The SGCN technique, dividing the local neighborhood aggregation and nonlinearity layer-wise propagation steps, effectively aggregates K-order neighbor information while avoiding neighbor explosion and expediting training. The performance of the SPVec-SGCN-CPI method was assessed across three datasets and compared against four machine learning- and deep learning-based methods, as well as six state-of-the-art methods. Experimental results revealed that SPVec-SGCN-CPI outperformed all these competing methods, particularly excelling in unbalanced data scenarios. By propagating node features and topological information to the feature space, SPVec-SGCN-CPI effectively incorporates interactions between compounds and proteins, enabling the fusion of heterogeneity. Furthermore, our method scored all unlabeled data in ChEMBL, confirming the top five ranked compound-protein interactions through molecular docking and existing evidence. These findings suggest that our model can reliably uncover compound-protein interactions within unlabeled compound-protein pairs, carrying substantial implications for drug re-profiling and discovery. In summary, SPVec-SGCN demonstrates its efficacy in accurately predicting compound-protein interactions, showcasing potential to enhance target identification and streamline drug discovery processes.

Scientific contributions

The methodology presented in this work not only enables the comparatively accurate prediction of compound-protein interactions but also, for the first time, take sample imbalance which is very common in real world and computation efficiency into consideration simultaneously, accelerating the target identification and drug discovery process.
Role of NLRP3 inflammasome in central nervous system diseases
Authors: Zhang Lu , Tang Yufen , Huang Peng , Luo Senlin , She Zhou , Peng Hong , Chen Yuqiong , Luo Jinwen , Duan Wangxin , Xiong Jie , Liu Lingjuan , Liu Liqun
Published: June 2024

The central nervous system (CNS) is the most delicate system in human body, with the most complex structure and function. It is vulnerable to trauma, infection, neurodegeneration and autoimmune diseases, and activates the immune system. An appropriate inflammatory response contributes to defence against invading microbes, whereas an excessive inflammatory response can aggravate tissue damage. The NLRP3 inflammasome was the first one studied in the brain. Once primed and activated, it completes the assembly of inflammasome (sensor NLRP3, adaptor ASC, and effector caspase-1), leading to caspase-1 activation and increased release of downstream inflammatory cytokines, as well as to pyroptosis. Cumulative studies have confirmed that NLRP3 plays an important role in regulating innate immunity and autoimmune diseases, and its inhibitors have shown good efficacy in animal models of various inflammatory diseases. In this review, we will briefly discuss the biological characteristics of NLRP3 inflammasome, summarize the recent advances and clinical impact of the NLRP3 inflammasome in infectious, inflammatory, immune, degenerative, genetic, and vascular diseases of CNS, and discuss the potential and challenges of NLRP3 as a therapeutic target for CNS diseases.
An expanded analysis of local fractional integral inequalities via generalized $(s,P)$-convexity
Authors: Li Hong , Lakhdari Abdelghani , Jarad Fahd , Xu Hongyan , Meftah Badreddine
Published: June 2024

This research aims to scrutinize specific parametrized integral inequalities linked to 1, 2, 3, and 4-point Newton-Cotes rules applicable to local fractional differentiable generalized$(s,P)$(s,P)-convex functions. To accomplish this objective, we introduce a novel integral identity and deduce multiple integral inequalities tailored to mappings within the aforementioned function class. Furthermore, we present an illustrative example featuring graphical representations and potential practical applications.
Patient satisfaction with pharmacy services among users and non users of community based health insurance scheme at public health facilities in Gamo Zone, South Ethiopia: a comparative cross sectional study
Authors: Gulta Fitsum Teferi , Mulugeta Tidenek , Wogayehu Biruk , Mensa Mende
Published: June 2024

Background

Patient satisfaction is a crucial humanistic outcome metric in pharmacy services. There was a lack of evidence on patients’ satisfaction with pharmacy services in Gamo zone among users and nonusers of the CBHI scheme. Therefore, the aim this study is to compare the level of patient satisfaction with pharmacy services among users and nonusers of community based health insurance scheme at public health facilities in Gamo zone, South Ethiopia.

Method

A facility based comparative cross sectional study design with mixed approach was conducted from June 1 to 30, 2023. A total of 522 study participants and 16 key informants were included as the sample size for quantitative and qualitative study, respectively. The quantitative data was gathered from the study participants who visited the outpatient pharmacy department during the study period by using a simple random sampling technique, while the purposive sampling technique was used to select clients and key informants for the qualitative study. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) was used to measure the association between independent variables and patient satisfaction toward outpatient pharmacy services at the P values < 0.05 and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

From the total of study participants, 195 (73.9%) of insured and 175 (67.8%) of noninsured clients were satisfied with pharmacy services offered at public health facilities. The gender of insured (95% CI = 2.00-12.36, (p 0.01)), and noninsured (95% CI = 0.658–2.881, (p 0.02)), waiting time of insured (95% CI = 0.057–0.766, (p 0.0027)), and noninsured (95% CI = 0.084–0.925, (p 0. 0021)) and premium affordability of insured (95% CI = 0.0605-4.860, (p 0.00)) were significantly associated factors with client satisfaction at p < 0.05 and 95% CI. Based on qualitative finding, as member of the CBHI scheme, the members had a greater opportunity to receive a good pharmacy services, because they were more familiar with the physicians and the institutions.

Conclusion

The clients with insurance perceived high level of satisfaction with pharmacy services in public health facilities than noninsured. The gender and waiting times at outpatient pharmacy department for both groups of study participants and the premium affordability for the insured groups of clients were factors affecting client satisfactions with pharmacy services.
Correlation between geriatric nutritional risk index and intradialytic hypotension in elderly patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis: a case-control study
Authors: Zhang Dan , Fu Zhoushan , Wan Xiaoqin , Wu Xiaojing , Ding Lin
Published: June 2024

Background

There is a correlation between nutritional status and treatment outcomes and long-term survival in MHD patients but there is limited research on the relationship between GNRI and IDH. This case-control study aimed to investigate the correlation between Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) and intradialytic hypotension (IDH) in elderly patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD).

Methods

This study was carried out on 129 cases of MHD patients with IDH and 258 non-IDH-controls in Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, China, between June 2020 and May 2022. Professional researchers collected patients’ general information on gender, primary disease, dialysis-related indicators, anthropometric measures, laboratory biochemicals, and GNRI. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between GNRI and IDH.

Results

A total of 385 elderly MHD patients were included. Compared with GNRI Q4 group, the odds ratios for the risk of IDH in GNRI Q3 group, GNRI Q2 group, and GNRI Q1 group of elderly MHD patients were 1.227, 2.196, and 8.350, respectively, showing a significant downward trend (P-trend < 0.05). The area under the curve of GNRI for predicting IDH was 0.839 (95% CI: 0.799–0.879). Between different genders, a decrease in GNRI was closely related to an increase in IDH risk (P for trend < 0.05).

Conclusions

This research shows a significant association between GNRI and the incidence of IDH among elderly MHD patients and has an important warning effect. Encouraging the incorporation of GNRI assessment into the clinical assessment protocols of older patients with MHD may help to improve the nutritional status of those suffering from it and reduce the risk of IDH.
Leptospirosis in India: insights on circulating serovars, research lacunae and proposed strategies to control through one health approach
Authors: Krishnan Baby Karpagam , Balasubramanian Ganesh , Kumar Pesingi Pavan
Published: June 2024

Leptospirosis is one of the most neglected zoonotic infections of public health concern worldwide and a remerging infection in tropical countries such as India. The infection least explored disease and the epidemiological and other critical data are scarce for the disease rate reported and to control the infection. Leptospirosis as sapronosis is as underrated as the infection itself, and this article aims to explore the significance of this aspect of the disease. The research review aimed at the epidemiological understanding of the infection to control the negative impact of the disease. A mixed review and analysis were carried out to understand the knowledge published on the critical and understudied areas like epidemiology, transmission, diagnosis, treatment, and control of infection. A systematic analysis was carried out to extract information about the reported circulating strains, and research lacunae in India with the published data available in PubMed. The article elaborately discusses crucial inference areas of infection transmission and addresses lacunae in critically unacclaimed areas of infection to control the spread of infection using one health approach (OHA), and strategies to control leptospiral infection are proposed. The article also reviewed how and why Leptospirosis can be best studied and controlled by “One health approach” in India.

Graphical Abstract
Factors that influence the mortality of patients following hip hemiarthroplasty
Authors: Venishetty Nikit , Jose Jonathan , Purudappa Prabhudev Prasad A. , Mounasamy Varatharaj , Sambandam Senthil
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Hip hemiarthroplasty (HHA) is one of the most common types of orthopedic surgery. With the prevalence and utilization of the surgery increasing year after year, this procedure is found to be associated with severe postoperative complications and eventually mortality. Thus, it is crucial to understand the factors that increase the risk of mortality following HHA.

Methods

Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database, patients undergoing HHA from 2016 to 2019 were identified. This sample was stratified into a mortality group and a control group. The data regarding patients’ demographics, co-morbidities, and associated complications were compared between the groups.

Results

Of the 84,067 patients who underwent the HHA procedures, 1,327 (1.6%) patients died. Additionally, the mortality group had a higher percentage of patients who were non-electively admitted (P < 0.001) and diabetic patients with complications (P < 0.001), but lower incidences of tobacco-related disorders (P < 0.001). Significant differences were also seen in age (P < 0.001), length of stay (P < 0.001), and total charges (P < 0.001) between the two groups. Preoperatively, those aged > 70 years (OR: 2.11, 95% CI [1.74, 2.56], P < 0.001) had diabetes without complications (OR: 0.32, 95% CI [0.23, 0.44], P < 0.001), tobacco-related disorders (OR: 0.24, 95% CI [0.17, 0.34], P < 0.001) and increased rates of mortality after HHA. Postoperatively, conditions, such as pulmonary embolisms (OR: 6.62, 95% CI [5.07, 8.65], P < 0.001), acute renal failure (OR: 4.58 95% CI [4.09, 5.13], P < 0.001), pneumonia (95% CI [2.72, 3.83], P < 0.001), and myocardial infarctions (OR: 2.65, 95% CI [1.80, 3.92], P < 0.001) increased likelihood of death after undergoing HHA. Patients who were electively admitted (OR: 0.46 95% CI [0.35, 0.61], P < 0.001) had preoperative obesity (OR: 0.67, 95% CI [0.44, 0.84], P = 0.002), and a periprosthetic dislocation (OR: 0.51, 95% CI [0.31, 0.83], P = 0.007) and were found to have a decreased risk of mortality following THA.

Conclusions

Analysis of pre- and postoperative complications relating to HHA revealed that several comorbidities and postoperative complications increased the odds of mortality. Old age, pulmonary embolisms, acute renal failure, pneumonia, and myocardial infraction enhanced the odds of post-HHA mortality.
How context links to best practice use in long-term care homes: a mixed methods study
Authors: Duan Yinfei , Wang Jing , Lanham Holly J. , Berta Whitney , Chamberlain Stephanie A. , Hoben Matthias , Choroschun Katharina , Iaconi Alba , Song Yuting , Perez Janelle Santos , Shrestha Shovana , Beeber Anna , Anderson Ruth A. , Hayduk Leslie , Cummings Greta G. , Norton Peter G. , Estabrooks Carole A.
Published: June 2024

Background

Context (work environment) plays a crucial role in implementing evidence-based best practices within health care settings. Context is multi-faceted and its complex relationship with best practice use by care aides in long-term care (LTC) homes are understudied. This study used an innovative approach to investigate how context elements interrelate and influence best practice use by LTC care aides.

Methods

In this secondary analysis study, we combined coincidence analysis (a configurational comparative method) and qualitative analysis to examine data collected through the Translating Research in Elder Care (TREC) program. Coincidence analysis of clinical microsystem (care unit)-level data aggregated from a survey of 1,506 care aides across 36 Canadian LTC homes identified configurations (paths) of context elements linked consistently to care aides’ best practices use, measured with a scale of conceptual research use (CRU). Qualitative analysis of ethnographic case study data from 3 LTC homes (co-occurring with the survey) further informed interpretation of the configurations.

Results

Three paths led to very high CRU at the care unit level: very high leadership; frequent use of educational materials; or a combination of very high social capital (teamwork) and frequent communication between care aides and clinical educators or specialists. Conversely, 2 paths led to very low CRU, consisting of 3 context elements related to unfavorable conditions in relationships, resources, and formal learning opportunities. Our qualitative analysis provided insights into how specific context elements served as facilitators or barriers for best practices. This qualitative exploration was especially helpful in understanding 2 of the paths, illustrating the pivotal role of leadership and the function of teamwork in mitigating the negative impact of time constraints.

Conclusions

Our study deepens understanding of the complex interrelationships between context elements and their impact on the implementation of best practices in LTC homes. The findings underscore that there is no singular, universal bundle of context-related elements that enhance or hinder best practice use in LTC homes.
A planar compound eye based microsystem for high precision 3D perception
Authors: Zhang Li , Zhan Haiyang , Liu Xinyuan , Cao Hongjing , Xing Fei , You Zheng
Published: June 2024

Three-dimensional (3D) panoramic vision system plays a fundamental role in the biological perception of external information, and naturally becomes a key system for embodied intelligence to interact with the outside world. A binocular vision system with rotating eyeball has long baseline, large volume and weak sensitivity to motion. A compound eye system has small volume, high sensitivity to motion but poor precision. Here, a planar compound eye microsystem for high precision 3D perception is proposed by combining semiconductor manufacturing process and biological compound eye structure. Using a semiconductor planar image sensor as the sensing unit, a space-coded planar sub-eye array is designed and its sub field of view (FOV) is dynamically mapped to the image sensor. It solves the problem that a traditional vision system cannot simultaneously accommodate wide FOV with long focal length and high sensitivity to motion with high resolution. The parallax among different sub-eyes enables the system to accurately perceive and dynamically track the 3D position of the target in the range of 10 m and within the FOV of 120 ° in a single compound eye. This system is of great significance in the fields of intelligent robot and intelligent perception.
Current Approaches and Novel Agents in the Treatment of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Cheson Bruce D. , Sharman Jeff P.
Published: June 2024

The treatment of CLL has evolved from traditional chemoimmunotherapy (CIT) to an increasing number of targeted and biologic approaches. Randomized trials have demonstrated superiority of covalent bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors (cBTKis) over CIT, and second-generation compounds such as acalabrutinib and zanubrutinib appear to have a more favorable efficacy/safety profile than ibrutinib. The noncovalent BTKi, pirtobrutinib, has shown impressive activity after failure of the cBTKis and is quite tolerable. The
Bcl-2
inhibitor venetoclax plus a CD20, generally obinutuzumab, provides a high level of efficacy as initial treatment or after failure on a cBTKi, with many patients achieving a state of undetectable minimal residual disease. Promising novel approaches include BTK degraders, bispecific antibodies, and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T)-cell therapy. What is clear is that CIT is archaic, and current and future targeted approaches will continue to improve the outcome for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
Analysis of the Efficacy of Neuroendoscopic Hematoma Removal Combined With Ventricular Lavage in Severe Intraventricular Hemorrhage—A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Qu Xinguo , Luo Junjie , Zhang Ke , Wang Chengmou
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

The current widely utilized clinical approach for severe intraventricular hemorrhage involves ventriculostomy with supportive drainage. The aim of our study was to evaluate the overall efficacy of neuroendoscopic hematoma removal combined with ventricular lavage as a treatment approach for severe intraventricular hemorrhage.

METHODS:

A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted, selecting a total of 98 patients with severe intraventricular hemorrhage at our hospital from February 2021 to November 2022. The patients were randomly distributed into 2 groups using a randomized number table method: the neuroendoscopic group (undergoing neuroendoscopic hematoma removal combined with ventricular lavage) and the control group (undergoing intraventricular trepanation and drainage), with 49 patients in each group.

RESULTS:

The neuroendoscopic group had significantly higher intraoperative blood loss than that of the control group (P = .037), while the drainage tube indwelling time and hospital stay in the neuroendoscopic group were significantly shorter (P < .001). At 6 hours (P = .021), 1 day (P = .002), 3 days (P < .001) and 7 days (P = .007) following surgery, the neuroendoscopic group exhibited evidently higher hematoma clearance rates compared with the control group. At 1 day and 3 days after surgery, the cerebrospinal fluid drainage volume in the neuroendoscopic group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < .001), whereas at 7 days after surgery, it was significantly lower in the neuroendoscopic group compared with the control group (P < .001). Moreover, significantly lower incidence of intracranial infection (P = .045) and increased intracranial pressure (P = .008) was observed in the neuroendoscopic group compared with the control group.

CONCLUSION:

Neuroendoscopic hematoma removal combined with ventricle lavage emerged as an effective treatment strategy for severe intraventricular hemorrhage, yielding significant therapeutic benefits. Therefore, this approach holds promise for broader clinical application and promotion.
Neighborhood Deprivation is Associated With Hospital Length of Stay, Discharge Disposition, and Readmission Rates for Patients Who Survive Hospitalization With Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: El-Abtah Mohamed E. , Karimi Amir H. , Francis John J. , Shepherd Jerry , Shah Varunil , Einstadter Douglas , Perzynski Adam T. , Roach Mary J. , Kelly Michael L.
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of disability in the United States. Limited research exists on the influence of area-level socioeconomic status and outcomes after TBI. This study investigated the correlation between the Area Deprivation Index (ADI) and (1) 90-day hospital readmission rates, (2) facility discharge, and (3) prolonged (≥5 days) hospital length of stay (LOS).

METHODS:

Single-center retrospective review of adult (18 years or older) patients who were admitted for TBI during 2018 was performed. Patients were excluded if they were admitted for management of a chronic or subacute hematoma. We extracted relevant clinical and demographic data including sex, comorbidities, age, body mass index, smoking status, TBI mechanism, and national ADI. We categorized national ADI rankings into quartiles for analysis. Univariate, multivariate, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) analyses were performed to assess the relationship between ADI and 90-day readmission, hospital LOS, and discharge disposition.

RESULTS:

A total of 523 patients were included in final analysis. Patients from neighborhoods in the fourth ADI quartile were more likely to be Black (P = .007), have a body mass index ≥30 kg/m2 (P = .03), have a Charlson Comorbidity Index ≥5 (P = .004), and have sustained a penetrating TBI (P = .01). After controlling for confounders in multivariate analyses, being from a neighborhood in the fourth ADI quartile was independently predictive of 90-day hospital readmission (odds ratio [OR]: 1.35 [1.12-1.91], P = .011) (model AUROC: 0.82), discharge to a facility (OR: 1.46 [1.09-1.78], P = .03) (model AUROC: 0.79), and prolonged hospital LOS (OR: 1.95 [1.29-2.43], P = .015) (model AUROC: 0.85).

CONCLUSION:

After adjusting for confounders, including comorbidities, TBI mechanism/severity, and age, higher ADI was independently predictive of longer hospital LOS, increased risk of 90-day readmission, and nonhome discharge. These results may help establish targeted interventions to identify at-risk patients after TBI.
Virtual Reality vs Phantom Model: Benefits and Drawbacks of Simulation Training in Neurosurgery
Authors: Amini Amir , Allgaier Mareen , Saalfeld Sylvia , Stein Klaus-Peter , Rashidi Ali , Swiatek Vanessa M. , Sandalcioglu I. Erol , Neyazi Belal
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Traditional neurosurgical education has relied heavily on the Halstedian “see one, do one, teach one” approach which is increasingly perceived as inefficient in contemporary settings marked by a steady decline in surgical caseload. In recent years, simulation training has emerged as an effective and accessible training alternative. To date, however, there is no standardized criterion pertaining to the quality and implementation of simulators in neurosurgical education and training. This research aims to compare the efficacy of virtual reality (VR) and Phantom-based simulation training in the context of neurosurgical skill acquisition, with a focus on middle cerebral artery aneurysm clipping.

METHODS:

An immersive VR clipping tool and a haptic clipping simulator incorporating 3-dimensional printing, additive manufacturing, and rheological analyses were developed. Twenty-two participants, comprising 12 medical students, 6 neurosurgical residents, and 4 experienced neurosurgeons, tested and evaluated both simulators for face and content validity. Construct and predictive validity of the simulators were assessed using an objective structured assessment scale for aneurysm clipping, measuring participants' performances and progress.

RESULTS:

Both modalities were deemed highly advantageous for educational purposes. Objective evaluations, however, revealed measurable differences in usability, efficacy, and transferability of the learned skills with VR excelling in procedural planning and visualization while Phantom simulation being noticeably superior in conveying surgical skills.

CONCLUSION:

Simulation training can accelerate the neurosurgical learning curve. The results of this study highlight the importance of establishing standardized criteria for the implementation and assessment of simulation modalities, ensuring consistent quality and efficacy in neurosurgical education.
AS PRÁTICAS DE AUTOGESTÃO DOS EMPREENDIMENTOS ECONÔMICO-SOLIDÁRIOS
Authors: Oliveira Alysson André Régis , Oliveira Andreia Cavalcanti de , Cavalcanti Maria da Conceição Monteiro , Silva Keila Helena Freire da , Souza David Nogueira de
Published: June 2024

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi analisar as práticas de autogestão desenvolvidas pelos EES na cidade de João Pessoa, Paraíba, seus sentidos e significados na perspectiva das instituições de apoio. Metodologicamente, o trabalho consistiu em uma pesquisa qualitativa. A unidade social de análise compõe-se de cinco instituições de apoio dos EES, representadas pelos seus gestores, tendo como objeto de estudo as práticas. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevistas individuais semiestruturadas. Em relação às estratégias de tratamento dos dados, utilizamos a técnica descrita de Análise de Discurso. Sendo assim, foi possível afirmarmos que a autogestão promove a aprendizagem de conhecimentos emancipatórios, que contribuem e possibilitam o indivíduo a agir conscientemente, engajando-se na luta por transformações das condições perversas, injustas e negadoras da dignidade humana. Em suma, isso nos permitiu concluir que, para este estudo específico, os sentidos e os significados das práticas autogestionárias dos EES, na perspectiva das instituições de apoio, colaboram com a promoção da autonomia e liberdade coletiva.
Occupation-related antecedents, job-related outcomes, and intervening factors of mental health disorders among food handlers: A scoping review protocol
Authors: Singh Harshit , Piramanayagam Senthilkumaran , Thirugnanasambantham K
Published: June 2024

Background Mental health and work are closely interlinked. Evidence suggests that food handlers suffer from poor mental health across the globe. A job in the food service sector is emotionally demanding as employees directly interact with customers who insist on impeccable services and real-time responses. The causes of mental health conditions among food handlers are multifactorial. Studies on the antecedents, outcomes, and intervening factors of foodservice employees’ mental health are fragmented and sparse. Objective We aimed to explore the existing literature describing the antecedents and outcomes of mental health disorders among food handlers. Moreover, we also aimed to explore various contextual factors that directly or indirectly influence the relationship between multiple antecedents and outcomes of food handlers’ mental health. Inclusion criteria Studies that focus on identifying the antecedents, outcomes, and contextual factors that influence the relationship between the antecedents and consequences of food handlers’ mental health will be included in the scoping review. Methods This scoping review will follow Arksey and O'Malley's (2005) framework: 1) identifying the research question; 2) identifying relevant studies; 3) study selection; 4) charting the data; and 5) collating, summarizing, and reporting results. Comprehensive searches will be conducted in databases such as PubMed, PsycINFO, and CINAHL using relevant keywords. Studies meeting the inclusion criteria that focused on antecedents, outcomes, and contextual factors influencing the mental health of food handlers will be selected. Data will be extracted and charted in electronic form. The findings will be narratively summarized and thematically analyzed to answer the research questions.
Influence of neutron decay on nuclear reactor materials
Authors: Philipps Joseph Caleb , Terry Jeff
Published: June 2024

While many of the leading factors for material degradation in irradiated reactor components have been identified through past studies, spontaneous neutron decay within components is a factor absent in the literature. The byproducts of neutron decay, largely composed of a proton, could lead to excessive hydrogen content, irradiation assisted stress corrosion cracking, epsilon martensite formation, hydrides, ion induced damage, voids, bubbles, and dislocation loops. Neutrons are the most abundant relevant fission product, and neutrons are continuously decaying at a rate proportional to their production. This paper hypothesizes that at high neutron fluence, a quantifiable contribution to material degradation can be associated with the proton byproducts of neutron decay. Literature-based degradation mechanisms are presented along with initial calculations of the neutron decay contribution. The paper will demonstrate a potential new factor for consideration in the material degradation of nuclear reactor components.
Cannibalism in the dīkṣā Chapter of the Maitrāyaṇī Saṁhitā
Authors: Amano Kyoko
Published: June 2024

This paper contributes to the ongoing discourse on human sacrifice and cannibalism in the Vedas by examining newly discovered descriptions in the Maitrāyaṇī Saṁhitā III 6.6. This passage appears to contain fairly specific points that ancient practitioners were meant to consider when engaging in cannibalism, points that are not found elsewhere. Maitrāyaṇī Saṁhitā III 6 is a chapter about the purification (dīkṣā) of the sacrificer before the soma ritual, repeatedly emphasizing sacrificer’s transformation into a suitable sacrificial victim. By compiling and examining such descriptions, the paper demonstrates how concerns related to human sacrifice were deeply embedded in the dīkṣā rite of the Maitrāyaṇī Saṁhitā.
Curbing the Opioid Crisis: Optimal Dynamic Policies for Preventive and Mitigating Interventions
Authors: Ansari Sina , Enayati Shakiba , Akhavan-Tabatabaei Raha , Kapp Julie M.
Published: June 2024

Problem statement: This paper addresses the challenge of effectively responding to the opioid epidemic stemming from prescription pills through a public health lens. It centers on the strategic distribution of resources across diverse interventions aimed at preventing and mitigating the consequences of opioid use disorder (OUD) and overdose occurrences. Methodology: This paper proposes a decision aid tool built on the expected utility theory that leverages a Susceptible-Infected-Removed compartmental model to simulate the dynamics of the epidemic in a population. This model then feeds into a Markov Decision Process (MDP) model to generate optimal policies upon the current state of the epidemic. The optimal policies allocate the intervention budget to primary preventive and mitigating interventions in each decision period by minimizing the cost of fatal overdoses relative to the population’s number of individuals with OUD, considering the impact magnitude of each intervention, based on the current state of the epidemic. A 10-year simulation of the epidemic’s progression is conducted to assess the dynamic efficacy of the proposed decision tool. Results: The findings reveal an average reduction of 29% in total costs compared to the scenario without interventions and a decrease of 12% in total costs on average compared to the scenario with a 50-50 allocation. The extensive sensitivity analysis of key parameters validates the decision aid tool. We observe that it is optimal to allocate a significant portion of the budget to prevention when the rate of opioid pill acquisition rises. Even with a heightened rate of fatal overdoses, it remains optimal to mostly invest in preventive interventions, as long as fatal overdose rates are lower than opioid access rates. Practical implications: This study provides practitioners with a tool to effectively address the opioid epidemic and enhance public health by deciding how to allocate their budget to various levels of intervention.
Exploring Reasons and Perspectives Behind Decisions to Forego Hospital Births Among Remote Rural Populations in Bokeo Province, Lao PDR
Authors:   Health Promotion Center Region 1, Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health, Chiang Mai, Thailand, Kapheak Krissana , Theerawasttanasiri Nonthaphat ,   Health Promotion Center Region 1, Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health, Chiang Mai, Thailand, Khumphoo Potchara ,   Health Promotion Center Region 1, Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health, Chiang Mai, Thailand, Chayaseng Chansy ,   Bokeo Provincial Health Office, Bokeo Province, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Bounmaseng Phouangphet ,   Bokeo Provincial Health Office, Bokeo Province, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Pangsri Ninrat ,   Health Promotion Center Region 1, Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health, Chiang Mai, Thailand, Wungrath Jukkrit ,   Faculty of Public Health, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Published: June 2024

Maternal mortality remains high among marginalized rural populations in Laos. Remote mountain villages in Bokeo Province typify persistent health access divides facing minor subgroups amidst infrastructure gaps and scattered habitation. This study explores complex drivers behind shunning hospital births using focused rural ethnography. Between October and November 2023, this qualitative study interviewed 40 participants including pregnant women, postpartum women, and their relatives across 5 villages in Bokeo Province regarding barriers to hospital births. Open-ended discussions aimed to elucidate motivations and barriers embedded in their decision to avoid formal delivery care, despite mortality awareness. Transcriptions from Lao were translated to Thai, maintaining cultural nuances. Thematic analysis identified patterns in women’s attitudes and barriers to hospital childbirth. A collaborative coding process revealed constraints on access, affordability, and autonomy, explaining why vulnerable groups often forego hospital births despite risks. The result founded that prohibitive transportation deficiencies including impassable roads, exorbitant driver fees and unreliable conveyance options were primary obstacles. Prohibitive direct and indirect costs compounded struggles for impoverished families. Restrictive traditions persisted among certain ethnicities. Discrimination fears and hospital foreignness also provoked wariness among a minority. Multidimensional geographical, financial and sociocultural barriers intersect to obstruct rural groups from accessible emergency obstetric care in Laos. Infrastructural strengthening, financial protection and public education can relieve these pronounced constraints denying the marginalized realization of maternal health rights.