bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of preoperative oral carbohydrate on the postoperative recovery quality of patients undergoing daytime oral surgery: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Tang Weixiang , Meng Gaige , Yang Chen , Sun Yue , Zhong Weiwei , Lu Yao
Published: October 2024

Background
Preoperative oral carbohydrate intake can improve the postoperative recovery of fasting patients in many kinds of surgeries; however, the effect of carbohydrates on patients undergoing daytime oral surgery is still unclear. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of preoperative oral carbohydrate intake on the quality of recovery of patients undergoing daytime oral surgery using the quality of recovery-15 (QoR-15) questionnaire.
Methods
Ninety-two patients scheduled for daytime oral surgery were randomly allocated to the midnight fasting group (F group, n = 45) or the carbohydrate-Outfast loading group (O group, n = 47). Participants in the F group fasted from midnight the day before surgery. Patients in the O group also fasted but received the Outfast drink (4 ml/kg) 2–3 hours before the induction of anesthesia. QoR-15 questionnaire, patient well-being and satisfaction were assessed before anesthesia induction and 24 hours after surgery. Perioperative blood glucose, postoperative exhaust time and adverse events were also recorded.
Results
The QoR-15 scores were significantly higher in the O group than in the F group preoperatively and postoperatively. Seven parameters representing patient well-being evaluated on numeric rating scale (NRS, 0–10) were lower in the O group than in the F group postoperatively, except for the hunger and sleep quality scores. Patient satisfaction scores on a 5-point scale were higher in the O group than in the F group preoperatively and postoperatively. Meanwhile, the postoperative exhaust time was significant shorter in the O group compared to the F group, while there were no significant differences in blood glucose concentrations between these two groups.
Conclusions
Preoperative oral carbohydrate intake could improve postoperative recovery quality, well-being and satisfaction of patients undergoing daytime oral surgery 24 hours after surgery, and may serve as a treatment option for patients undergoing daytime oral surgery.
Trial registration:
This trial was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100053753) on 28/11/2021.
Retinal pigment epithelial cells reduce vascular leak and proliferation in retinal neovessels
Authors: Tzaridis Simone , Aguilar Edith , Dorrell Michael I , Friedlander Martin , Eade Kevin T
Published: October 2024

In multiple neurodegenerative diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, and macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel), retinal pigment epithelial (RPE)-cells proliferate and migrate into the neuroretina, forming intraretinal pigment plaques. Though these pigmentary changes are hallmarks of disease progression, it is unknown if their presence is protective or detrimental. Here, we first evaluated the impact of pigment plaques on vascular changes and disease progression in MacTel. In a retrospective, longitudinal study, we analyzed multimodal retinal images of patients with MacTel and showed that pigment plaques were associated with decreased vascular leakage and stabilized neovascular growth. We then modeled the underlying pathomechanisms of pigment plaque formation in aberrant neovascular growth using the very-low-density lipoprotein receptor mutant (Vldlr−/−) mouse. Our data indicated that during RPE-proliferation, migration and accumulation along neovessels RPE-cells underwent epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Pharmacologic inhibition of EMT in Vldlr−/− mice decreased pigment coverage, and exacerbated neovascular growth and vascular leakage. Our findings indicate that the proliferation, migration and perivascular accumulation of RPE-cells stabilize vascular proliferation and exudation, thereby exerting a protective effect on the diseased retina. We conclude that interfering with this “natural repair mechanism” may have detrimental effects on the course of the disease and should thus be avoided.
Neurophysiological and subjective responses to a virtual downhill cycling exercise
Authors: Behava Mélina , Charlot Joannès , Boisson Nicolas , Groslambert Alain , Grappe Frederic , Grosprêtre Sidney
Published: October 2024

Purpose ̶ Downhill parts of a cycling race are among the most complex and therefore the most stressful elements for cyclists. Virtual Reality (VR) is thus an interesting tool to monitor reactions to such situations, in safe environment. The present exploratory study aimed to measure physiological and subjective stress during a virtually-simulated downhill race, according to the degree of realism of the simulation.
Methods ̶ Eighteen young, healthy participants were divided into two groups according to their experience in cycling: high-level amateur cyclists (Cyclists; 9.7 ± 2.5 weekly hours of training) and non-cyclists (Controls). They randomly performed 4 different conditions of passive immersion, by manipulating the position (sitting, SIT; on reclined Cycle Ergometer, ERG), with (VR) or without immersion (SCREEN), each time visualizing a virtual 5-minute downhill cycling race from a personal point of view. Physiological stress responses were monitored with upper limb muscle activity (Electromyographic, EMG), electrodermal (Galvanic Skin Response, GSR) and heart activity (Electro-CardioGraphy, ECG). Subjective sensations of fear and cybersickness were assessed using visual analog scales.
Results ̶ VR had higher effects than SCREEN on all markers, with more pronounced effects in CONTROLS. Despite overall lower EMG activity than CONTROLS, CYCLISTS exhibited more muscle tension under VR on the trapezius. ERG conditions showed higher stress responses than SIT.
Conclusion ̶ These results demonstrate that VR induces psychophysiological stress which increases with the simulation’s realism (from incongruent to congruent posture, for instance). CYCLISTS were only sensitive to VR with the highest level of realism, i.e. during VR-ERG
Early Target Identification for Symptomatic Intervention in Radiotherapy in Patients with Esophageal Cancer: A Longitudinal Cross-lagged Panel Dynamic Network Analysis
Authors: Wang Ke , Liu Mengjia , Yang Lin , Diao Min , Li Hong , Chang Yaxin , Salvador Jordan Tovera , Yang Zhaoxia
Published: October 2024

Background
Predictive identification of core symptoms in patients with esophageal cancer undergoing radiotherapy is essential for early symptom prevention. Few studies address dynamic symptom prediction using longitudinal network analysis.
Objectives
This study aimed to establish predictive relationships between symptoms and identify early intervention targets by constructing a dynamic symptom network.
Methods
This prospective longitudinal study enrolled 146 patients from June 2023 to May 2024. Data were collected using the M.D. Anderson Symptom Inventory Gastrointestinal Cancer Module and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale at three points: T0(pre-radiotherapy), T1(mid-radiotherapy), and T2(1-month post-radiotherapy). R software was used to construct cross-lagged panel networks and calculate predictive and centrality indices.
Results
Distress had the most substantial outgoing influence. At T0→T1, distress predicted anxiety, depression, and disturbed sleep. At T1→T2, distress predicted loss of appetite. Anxiety and depression were most affected at T0→T1, while disturbed sleep and loss of appetite were most affected at T1→T2. Dry mouth and disturbed sleep were significantly aggravated at T1, with dry mouth showing the strongest bridging effect at T0→T1. Drowsiness had the highest centrality at T1→T2.
Conclusions
Distress should be targeted for early intervention to reduce anxiety and depression and improve sleep quality and physical condition post-radiotherapy. Clinicians should dynamically manage dry mouth and drowsiness during radiotherapy to prevent symptom crosstalk.
Implications for cancer survivorship
Managing psycho-emotional states before radiotherapy is critical to preventing other symptoms. Active pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions are needed to improve dry mouth and drowsiness during radiotherapy.
An empirical study on diagnosis related group of hospitalization costs for lumbar disc herniation patients in Chinese medicine hospitals, China
Authors: Chen Mengen , Hou Haojia , Yuan Youshu , Zhang Xiaoxi , Yan Hao , Ge Pu , Che Yushi , Yang Jingyu , Wang Zhiwei
Published: October 2024

Background
Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a frequent and multiple disease that imposes a heavier global economic burden. As China's diagnosis related group (DRG) payment system for Chinese medicine health insurance has entered the initial stage. Our study explored the factors influencing the hospitalization costs and established DRG cases classification scheme of LDH patients in Chinese medicine hospitals.
Methods
A total of 2,857 LDH patients were hospitalized in Qingyang City Hospital of Chinese Medicine from January 2017 to June 2022. Using univariate analysis and multiple linear regression model to determine the primary factors influencing hospitalization costs for LDH patients. These factors were then utilized as classification node variables in a decision tree model to categorize LDH patients into diagnosis related groups (DRGs). The outcomes of these groupings were evaluated, and standard costs were computed for each DRG.
Results
Hospitalization costs of patients with LDH were mainly affected by age, admission pathways, diagnosis and treatment based on Chinese medicine evidence, complications and comorbidities, surgery and operation, and length of stay, with the latter being the most crucial one. The decision tree model resulted in 10 DRGs with corresponding standard costs. The intra-group evaluation metric coefficient of variation (CV) was appropriate (required to be less than 1, actual range:0.23–0.91), and the inter-group evaluation metric reduction in variation (RIV) was suitable (needed to be greater than 0.4, actual value is 0.48). Significant variations exist in disease related weight (RW) and standard costs across all groups.
Conclusions
The E-CHAID decision tree model grouping results are reasonably robust, showing good homogeneity within each DRG and notable heterogeneity between DRGs. Based on these groupings, scientifically formulate standard costs for each DRG and set upper limits, providing valuable insights to advance reforms in Chinese medicine DRG-based healthcare payment methods.
Enhanced brightness and photostability dye-sensitized Nd-doped rare earth nanocomplex for in vivo NIR-IIb vascular and orthotopic tumor imaging
Authors: Lin Syue-Liang , Su Shih-Po , Yang Yuan-Zhen , Chi Hsin-Yu , Chang Cheng Allen , Liu Tse-Ying , Chiang Huihua Kenny
Published: October 2024

Rare-earth doped nanoparticles (RENPs) have shown promise in biomedical imaging, particularly in the NIR-IIb region, due to their deep tissue penetration and minimal light scattering. However, challenges such as low extinction coefficients, narrow excitation spectra, and susceptibility to quenching in aqueous environments limit their effectiveness. To overcome these obstacles, we developed a novel dye-sensitized, onion-like Nd-doped RENP nanocomplex designed to enhance NIR-IIb imaging performance. The onion-like Nd-RENP nanocomplex significantly boosts emission intensity at 1525 nm within the NIR-IIb range by reducing quenching and improving spectral overlap. The integration of an IR783-containing micellar layer further stabilizes the NIR dye, protecting it from quenching and reducing photobleaching. In vivo imaging studies demonstrated a 75-fold increase in luminance and a 9-fold improvement in photostability compared to free NIR dyes in aqueous solutions. Time-dependent in vivo studies confirmed the nanocomplex's capability for prolonged vascular and tumor imaging, maintaining high-resolution images for over an hour. Additionally, the nanocomplex supported successful 3D imaging reconstruction of biological tissues. The dye-sensitized onion-like Nd-RENP nanocomplex presents a significant advancement in NIR-IIb imaging, providing enhanced brightness and photostability. Its ability to maintain clear and stable imaging over extended periods suggests potential applications in dynamic vascular and tumor-targeted imaging. This innovation holds promise for future biomedical imaging technologies, particularly in areas requiring high-resolution and long-duration monitoring.
Disease Recurrence in Patients Undergoing Mastectomy for Ductal Carcinoma In Situ
Authors: Kuo Marissa C. , Sims Jessica , Solis Odette K. , Meszoely Ingrid M. , Sweeting Raeshell S. , Grau Ana M. , Hewitt Kelly C. , Kauffmann Rondi M. , Kelley Mark C. , McCaffrey Rachel L.
Published: October 2024

PURPOSE With DCIS incidence on the rise, up to 30% of patients undergo mastectomy for Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).[1] Local recurrence rates after mastectomy for DCIS are reportedly low, but risk factors for recurrence are not known.[2] We aim to define risk factors associated with ipsilateral breast cancer recurrence in patients undergoing mastectomy for DCIS.METHODS We aimed to identify risk factors that may contribute to recurrence of breast cancer following mastectomy for pure DCIS. We hypothesized that close or positive mastectomy margins, age at diagnosis, extent of breast disease and mutation carriers would be associated with increased risk of recurrence. We performed a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent simple or bilateral mastectomies for pure DCIS at a single academic tertiary referral center from 2013–2023.RESULTS There were 165 patients who met inclusion criteria with an average length of follow-up of 39.9 months. On final surgical pathology, the average span of DCIS was 33.7mm (± 24.6mm). Hormone receptor positive disease was identified in 80.6% of the patient cohort. For margin status, 23 patients (14%) had < 1mm margins on final pathology and of those, 1 received adjuvant radiation therapy and 4 returned to the OR for re-excision. Only 1 (0.6%) patient had ipsilateral disease recurrence during the study period.CONCLUSION Recurrence after mastectomy for pure DCIS is a rare event and in our study sample, only one recurrence occurred. Risk factors for recurrence appear unrelated to margin status, age, extent of DCIS, or pathogenic mutation. [3]
Post Stroke Fatigue and Associated Factors among Stroke Survivors at Tertiary Hospitals, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia; multicenter Cross-sectional study
Authors: merawie Destaw Marie , Melese Ashenafi Zemed , Weldetsadik Fkrte Kebede , Yalew Ermiyas Solomon , Belay Gashaw Gember , Gobezie Melese , Erikiu Getachew Azeze , Fantanew Molla , Takele Mihret Dejen , Yitayal Melisew Mekie
Published: October 2024

Background: Post Stroke Fatigue is one of the most unpleasant symptoms among stroke survivors. It has led to difficulty taking part in everyday activities. Many articles in developed and developing nations claimed that stroke survivors frequently had Post Stroke Fatigueof a certain magnitude. But there are no known statistics regarding the issue in Ethiopia.
Methods: Multi-center cross-sectional study was conducted among stroke survivors attending Amhara Regional State Tertiary Hospitals.A total of 399 chronic stroke participants were selected using a systemic random sampling technique. To assess Post Stroke Fatigue, a fatigue severity scale, structured questionnaire and chart review were used. Multicollinarity and model fitting were checked. Variables with a P-value of less than 0.25 in the bivrariate logistic regression were entered into a multivariable logistic regression model. Finally, variables with odds ratio, 95% confidence interval and, a P value less than 0.05 had significant association were reported.
Result: A total of 399 participants were included with a response rate of 94%. The overall prevalence of Post Stroke Fatigue among chronic stroke participants was 62.2% with 95% CI (57.2%- 66.9%). Being older (AOR: 4.43, 95%CI (1.573-11.7)), physically inactive (AOR: 3.34, 95%CI (1.51-7.93)), depression (AOR: 7.21, 95%CI (2.909-12.498)) anxiety (AOR: 3.32, 95%CI (2.005-5.497)) were significantly associated factors with Post Stroke Fatigue.
Conclusion: In this study, more than half of chronic stroke patients were found to be present with post stroke fatigue. Being older, physically inactive, depression and anxiety were significantly associated. Therefore; early screening, patient education, provide physical activity programs and cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic stroke patients not only in hospitals but also advise them to do physical activity in their home to prevent and treat post stroke fatigue.
Awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in Hargeisa, Somaliland
Authors: Nooh Faisal , Ismail Mohamed , Chernet Afona , Paris Daniel , Utzinger Jürg , Probst-Hensch Nicole
Published: October 2024

Objective
To assess whether and to what extent hypertension is treated and controlled and to determine risk factors for uncontrolled hypertension among adult patients seeking care at Hargeisa group hospital in Hargeisa, Somaliland.
Methods
We conducted a health facility-based cross-sectional study on 324 patients, aged 18 years and older, at the main referral hospital of Hargeisa, Somaliland. We used a modified WHO STEPS questionnaire to obtain patient information from June 13 to August 15, 2022. We followed a cascade of care approach to analyse the care of hypertension. We applied logistic regression to assess the association between risk factors and uncontrolled hypertension.
Results
There was a high awareness of hypertension among outpatients, as 91.7% (95% confidence interval (CI); 82.1–96.5) knew their condition. Among patients being aware of hypertension, 92.4% (95% CI; 82.5–97.2%) were on treatment for blood pressure control. Only 9.8% (95% CI; 4.1–20.9%) of the patients under treatment had their blood pressure level under control. Results from logistic regression model showed that individuals aged above 64 years, females, those who consumed Khat, those who were obese and those with hypercholesterolaemia had higher odds of uncontrolled blood pressure.
Conclusion
Our results suggest that nine out of ten outpatients in Hargeisa, Somaliland, who were on hypertension treatment, did not reach treatment goals. This considerable gap in blood pressure control is likely to increase the risk of complications such as cardiovascular diseases including heart failure, renal failure and stroke. Hence, there is a pressing need to implement control programme in Somaliland.
The Association Empathy has with Depressive Symptoms, Resilience, and Posttraumatic Growth
Authors: Elam Taylor , Efthemiou Amber , Taku Kanako
Published: October 2024

Empathy explains one’s ability to understand and feel the emotional experiences of another person. Because it helps relating to others, typically people assume empathy is a good quality to have; however, this may be debatable. The current study investigates the relationships empathy may have with the varying ways individual adjust or react psychologically following highly stressful life experiences, namely depressive symptoms, resiliency, and posttraumatic growth. College students (N = 403) participated in an online study and completed a series of scales assessing these variables. Results of hierarchical regression analyses revealed that, after controlling for confounding variables, empathy was not associated with resiliency, but was positively associated with both posttraumatic growth and depressive symptoms. The results highlight the double-edged sword effect of empathy, such that being empathic toward others could increase depressive feelings while also increasing a sense of personal growth, and yet, it may not contribute to the perceived ability to bounce back or recover after adversity. Future research should elucidate the independence between resilience and empathy, and investigate ways to prevent highly empathetic individuals from experiencing depressive effects, in addition to assisting them to grow, as a certain level of depressive symptomatology may indicate healthy adaptation after experiencing trauma.
Digital Competence and Academic Performance of First-Year College Students from a Higher Education Institution in Angeles City during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Dimla Chellsie , Aquino Joshua , Pena Mariah Dominique Dela , Galang Hanna Trixie , Miranda Genesis Marie , Razon James Carl , Miranda Sunshine
Published: October 2024

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, college students in Angeles City began to practice asynchronous learning as a means of ensuring their safety since face-to-face learning was no longer advisable in A.Y. 2020–2021. They were obliged to study modules, complete assignments, and take exams using their own digital electronics. This study aimed to correlate the digital competence and the academic performance of first-year college students during the first semester of A.Y. 2020–2021 using the Digital Competence Wheel developed by Center for Digital Dannelse (2021). A quantitative approach and correlational research design were adopted for the study with a sample size of 188 first-year college students in Angeles City. Their academic performance and each area of their digital competence were described in this study. The findings revealed that there was no significant relationship between the digital competence and the academic performance of first-year students during the first semester of A.Y. 2020–2021. Because of the prevalence of online education, it’s critical for students to become digitally competent in the use of technology in all aspects of their lives.
Citizenship pressure and citizenship behaviours: examining different self-regulation process
Authors: Liu Shenyang , Cheng Dejun
Published: October 2024

Purpose - The benefits of OCBs increase citizenship pressure in organizations. However, the relationships between citizenship pressure and citizenship behaviours (i.e., organizational and compulsory citizenship behaviours) are in controversy. Inspired by regulatory focus theory and "stressor-work regulatory focus-outcomes" framework, the purpose of this study is to examine how citizenship pressure is related to OCBs and compulsory citizenship behaviours through promotion and prevention work regulatory focus as well as the moderating role of individual's polychronicity in these relationships.
Design/methodology/approach - Three-wave time-lagged data were collected from China's 241 fulltime employees. This study employed bootstrapping with SEM to test hypotheses.
Findings - Results showed citizenship pressure is positively related to both OCBs and compulsory citizenship behaviours. In addition, promotion and prevention work regulatory focus play opposing mediating roles in the relationships between citizenship pressure and these two types of citizenship behaviour, and the mediating role of promotion work regulatory focus is enhanced when individuals exhibit higher polychronicity; however, the mediating role of prevention work regulatory focus is enhanced when individuals exhibit lower polychronicity.
Practical implications -Guiding employees to form a promotion rather than prevention work regulatory focus by assigning employees with polychronicity to positions under citizenship pressure or training employees to improve polychronicity may yield citizenship pressure produce more benefits.
Originality/value - Our findings provide new perspectives into the benefits and costs of citizenship pressure via regulatory focus theory and address the controversy over the relationship between citizenship pressure and citizenship behaviours by considering OCBs and compulsory citizenship behaviours simultaneously.
Impact of Land Use Changes and Global Warming on Extreme Precipitation Patterns in the Maritime Continent
Authors: Lo Min-Hui , Hsu Jie , Chen Chao-An , Lan Chia-Wei , Chiang Chun-Lien , Li Chun-Hung
Published: October 2024

Land use changes (LUC) and global warming (GW) significantly affect the climate and hydrological dynamics of the Maritime Continent (MC), yet their impacts on extreme precipitation events remain understudied. This study investigates how LUC and GW influence wet and dry extremes in the MC, using advanced climate model simulations. We find that LUC-induced deforestation increases surface warming, enhancing atmospheric instability and favoring local convection, which leads to more frequent heavy precipitation. Meanwhile, GW amplifies the atmosphere’s water-holding capacity, further intensifying precipitation extremes. Our findings reveal a "wet-get-wetter, dry-get-drier" pattern driven by different mechanisms: dynamic processes primarily influence wet extremes under LUC, while changes in evapotranspiration control dry extremes. In contrast, under GW, wet extremes are driven by dynamic process, while dry extremes are influenced by reduced moisture availability and weakened atmospheric circulation. These findings imply the need for climate adaptation and land management strategies to mitigate the increasing risk of extreme weather in this sensitive region.
Lipidomic Profiling in Stored Cut Cabbage for Assessing the Freshness Using Hilic-LC-MS-Method
Authors: Zainal Putri Wulandari , Syukri Daimon , Fahmy Khandra , Suliansyah Irfan , Nakano Kohei
Published: October 2024

A critical quality of fresh produces is their freshness. In order to improve postharvest management, a quantitative freshness assessment is necessary. By emphasizing the lipid profile, significant information about the physiological state may be obtained, which should increase the precision of determining the freshness of vegetables. This study aimed to examine the lipid profile and validate whether freshness signals were present in cut cabbage that had been preserved. Cut cabbage was stored at five, ten, and twenty degrees Celsius. Periodic samples were extracted for panelist evaluation, lipid analysis, respiration, color, and ascorbic acid. Lipid extraction was subjected to high-performance liquid chromatography (LC-MS/MS) using hilic mode. The obtained data were analyzed using multivariate analysis such as heatmap with hierarchical analysis and partial least square regression (PLSR). The LC-MS/MS successfully identified 133 lipid features from five common classes such as neutral glycerolipids, glycerophospholipids, glyceroglycolipids, sterol, sphingolipids, and fatty acid. The PLSR model using the normalized peak areas of each lipid species showed good performance for predicting the accumulated temperature (R2Y = 0.900 and Q2Y = 0.820). In addition, the selected freshness marker showed a coefficient of determination (R2) > 0.6, indicating good accuracy in predicting the freshness in stored cut cabbage. The result of this research provided a deep understanding of the alteration of lipid profile and showed the capability of the marker to predict the freshness in cut cabbage.
Immunomodulatory dynamics in the porcine myometrium: global transcriptome analysis, including the effects of PPARγ ligands
Authors: Kurzyńska Aleksandra , Mierzejewski Karol , Golubska Monika , Jastrzębski Jan Paweł , Bogacka Iwona
Published: October 2024

Background
The myometrium is involved in many processes during pregnancy and the estrous/menstrual cycle. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) can be regulators of the processes occurring in the myometrium. In the present study, we determined the global transcriptome profile of the porcine myometrium during the peri-implantation period and the late luteal phase of the estrous cycle. In addition, we investigated for the first time the influence of PPARγ ligands on the transcriptome profile.
Results
The myometrium of gilts (n = 3) was collected on days 14–15 of pregnancy and on the corresponding days of the estrous cycle. The tissue sections were incubated in vitro for 6 hours in the presence of a PPARγ agonist, pioglitazone (P; 10 µM), or antagonist, T0070907 (T; 1 µM). To identify the transcription profile of the myometrium, RNA-Seq was performed on the NovaSeq 6000 Illumina platform. This study identified 1082 differentially expressed genes (DEGs; 609 upregulated and 473 downregulated) in the porcine myometrium on days 14–15 of pregnancy compared with the corresponding days of the estrous cycle. During pregnancy, we detected 6 and 80 DEGs related to PPARγ agonist and antagonist, respectively. During the estrous cycle, we identified 4 and 17 DEGs for P and T vs. the control, respectively.
Conclusions
The results indicate that the DEGs are involved in a number of processes, including the immune response, prostaglandin synthesis, cell differentiation and communication. In addition, the role of PPARγ activity in regulating the expression of genes related to the immune response and hormone synthesis in the porcine myometrium has been demonstrated.
Circulating adipokines and major depressive disorder: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Qiu Shuyi , Dou Binjing , Guo Jin , Li Jiahong , Li Chunmei , Yuan Ziyu , Hu Xianglin , Pan Junxi , Duan Yong
Published: October 2024

Background
Observational research has revealed correlations between adipokines and major depressive disorder (MDD). However, the causality of this association remain unknown.
Method
Two-sample Mendelian randomization (TSMR) was performed to assess the causal effect between adipokines and major depression risk. The analyses were conducted using methods such as inverse variance-weighted-fixed effects (IVW-FE), MR‒Egger, weighted median, weighted mode, and simple mode, which were calculated from the summarized results of a comprehensive genome-wide association study (GWAS). Subsequently, sensitivity analyses were performed to evaluate the robustness of the outcomes.
Results
Genetically predicted circulating leptin levels showed a positive relationship with MDD risk (ORIVW =1.12; 95% CI 1.04–1.22; P = 0.005). No causal effect of PAI-1 or resistin on MDD risk was observed. The robustness of this research was ensured by the results derived from the sensitivity analysis.
Conclusion
These data provide the first evidence of a potential causal relationship between adipokines and MDD. These results indicate that monitoring leptin levels is an effective prevention and control strategy for MDD.
Comparative Biomechanical Studies of Goat and Human Brain Applicable for Surgical Training
Authors: Gautam Umesh , Narwal Priya , Kaushik Vikas , Jain Harsh , Mylapalli Jhansi Lakshmi , Suri Vaishali , Lalwani Sanjeev , Suri Ashish , Roy Sitikantha
Published: October 2024

Background
Haptics-based neurosurgical simulators play a paramount role in surgical training. The reliability of these simulators depends on the accurate mechanical response of brain tissue. However, no study has yet provided a comprehensive mechanical map of the whole brain, which is crucial for an in-depth understanding of brain mechanics.
Methods
In our study, we elucidated the viscoelastic behaviour of the whole brain in 12 goat brains and one human brain using dynamic nanoindentation. This involved comparing the mechanical properties of corresponding goat brain regions to human brain regions.
Results
The cortex gray matter (GM) in the goat brain was approximately 30% stiffer than its white matter (WM), whereas deep GM in the thalamus was 23% stiffer than the deep WM in the corpus callosum. Interestingly, the human brain GM was up to 150% stiffer than the goat brain GM; however, the human brain WM stiffness showed the same range as that of goat brain WM. The stiffness of the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata of the brain stem in humans and goats showed no significant difference. The loss moduli did not vary significantly across the brain. Additionally, the formalin fixation doubled the brain tissue stiffness.
Conclusion
Our study revealed a significant regional heterogeneity in the mechanical characteristics of brain tissue. We found that the GM was consistently stiffer than WM in both goat and human brains and that the human brain GM was stiffer than the goat brain GM. These findings have important implications for understanding brain biomechanics and for developing reliable and comprehensive neurosurgical training platforms.
Exploring Cellular Heterogeneity: Single-Cell and Spatial Transcriptomics of Alzheimer Disease Brains and iPSC-Derived Microglia
Authors: Garg Anjali , Vo Sheeny , Brase Logan , Aladyeva Ekaterina , Albanus Ricardo D'O. , Nallapu Aasritha , Fu Hongjun , Harari Oscar
Published: October 2024

Background
Substantial evidence has established the critical role of microglia, the brain's resident immune cells, in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Microglia exhibit diverse transcriptional states in response to neuroinflammatory stimuli, and understanding these states is crucial for elucidating the underlying mechanisms of AD.
Methods
In this work, we integrated single-cell and spatially resolved transcriptomics data from multiple cohorts and brain regions, including microglia from experimental and human brains.
Results
This comprehensive atlas revealed a great heterogeneity of microglial states, with a significant enrichment of specific states, including activated microglia, in AD brains compared to controls. Further integration of spatial transcriptomics and immunohistochemistry showed that activated microglia are predominantly located in the external cortical layers near amyloid plaques, while homeostatic microglia are more prevalent in the internal cortical layers and further away from the plaques. These spatial patterns were further validated using P2RY12 immunostaining, which confirmed the reliability of the transcriptomic data.
Conclusion
By integrating single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, we have provided a detailed atlas of microglial diversity, revealing the regional and pathological specificity of microglial states.
The Connection Between Anemia and Limitations in Daily Activities Among Older Males: The Critical Role of Dynapenia
Authors: Karismaz Abdulkadir , Soysal Pinar , Eren Rafet , Serin Istemi , Aslan Ceyda , Rahmati Masoud , Yon Dong Keon , Smith Lee
Published: October 2024

Aim
The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between anemia and basic and instrumental activities of daily living in older male patients.
Methods
A total of 223 older males attending one geriatric outpatient clinic were included in this cross-sectional study. Anemia was defined as a hemoglobin level below 13 g/dL. Patients' demographic characteristics, comorbidities, and comprehensive geriatric assessment parameters were also recorded. Handgrip strength of < 27 kg for males was accepted as dynapenia. Basic Activities of Daily Living (BADL) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) questionnaires were used to evaluate functional capacity.
Results
The mean age (standard deviation) of the participants was 80.17 (7.69) years. The prevalence of patients with anemia was 43.9%. There was differences between anemic and non-anemic groups in terms of presence of diabetes mellitus (DM), congestive heart failure (CHF), chronic kidney disease (CKD), malnutrition, dynapenia, geriatric depression, BADL and IADL scores (all p < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, after adjusting for all confounding variables except for dynapenia, patients with anemia were associated with reduced BADL and IADL (all p < 0.05). After adjusting for all confounding variables including dynapenia, deterioration in total BADL and IADL scores did not remain significant in the anemic group compared to the non-anemic group (p > 0.05).
Conclusion
Close to one in two older outpatient men had anemia. Anemic men had a higher incidence of DM, CHF, CKD, malnutrition, geriatric depression and dynapenia. Anemia was associated with dependence in both BADL and IADL in older men. However, comorbidities, nutritional status, depressive mood and, specifically muscle strength, were important contributors to this association.
Projections of Carbon Emission reduction pathways in the Carbon Neutral Process by 2050 in Italy: Gray Model Analysis
Authors: Xu Guangyue , Zhu Ruochen , Zhang Qichan , Bashir Adnan
Published: October 2024

The overuse of fossil energy in industrialization process is a major cause of the frequency of global warming and environmental pollution problems, which seriously threaten the sustainable socio-economic development of Italy and other countries. In response to climate change, Italy has declared a goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. Against this background, this paper selects Italy's carbon emissions from 2011 to 2021 and predicts Italy's future carbon emissions using the GM (1, 1) model. The study results show that Italy's carbon emissions show a decreasing trend, with an average annual rate of change of 1.65% in the process of carbon neutrality. Italy's carbon dioxide emissions will drop to 195.46 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2050, which is about 60.40% lower than the peak in 2005. In addition, according to the capacity of forest carbon sinks, Italy will be able to achieve the carbon neutrality target in 2033. Therefore, this study demonstrates Italy's carbon-neutral promotion strategy and enhances the related carbon-neutral system. It provides some references for other countries, including China, to improve their policy design to promote the green and low-carbon transition of the global economy.
Building Resilient Health Systems in Africa through Improved Leadership, Management, and Governance: An evaluation of Niger's Ministry of Health Transformative Training Program
Authors: Doutchi Mahamadou , Ghousmane Abdoulaye , Zampaligre Fatimata , Moussa Bizo , Ishagh El Khalef , Marc Ouédraogo Talatou , Oumarou Batouré , Harouna Hamidou , Tamuzi Jacques Lukenze , Ndwandwe Duduzile E. , Katoto Patrick D. M. C. , Wiysonge Charles S. , Anya Blanche-Philomene Melanga , Tshikolasoni Manengu Casimir
Published: October 2024

Background Effective leadership within the healthcare sector is imperative to address the evolving challenges faced by Africa, including climate change, pandemics, resource constraints, and a growing population. Moving beyond traditional supervisory roles, transformative leadership, with its focus on empowering and motivating others, is essential. To address this need, the Office of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Niger conducted a transformative training for leadership in health targeting senior officials of the Ministry of Health.Objective In this evaluation study, assessed the impact of the training program, particularly its influence on managing and leading health organizations, teams, and programs, promoting self-leadership, and fostering staff cohesion and solidarity through virtual and face-to-face sessions.Methods This was a descriptive study that used each component of the Leadership for Health Transformation training in Niger from November 2 to 5, 2022.Results Out of 28 participating managers and senior executives, the majority reported a better understanding of their leadership weaknesses and acquired tools to enhance their leadership effectiveness. Notable areas of improvement included listening skills, self-control, self-confidence, feedback exchange, objective clarification, peer coaching, change management, innovation for health transformation, negotiation skills, and a win-win approach.Conclusion Given the crucial role of this leadership training in transforming healthcare in Niger and across Africa, additional training programs are judged necessary in the future to strengthen this sector.
The effect of Bai Tou Weng Soup（BTWS）on the activation of TLR4/NF-κB inflammatory signaling pathway induced by dysbiosis of gut microbiota in UC rats
Authors: Turson Sabaydin , Ma Yun Yun , Zheng Li Hua
Published: October 2024

This study investigates the effect of Bai Tou Weng Soup (BTWS) on the activation of TLR4/NF-κB inflammatory signaling pathway induced by dysbiosis of gut microbiota in UC rats. SD rats were randomly divided into a control group and a model group. A mouse model of acute ulcerative colitis was established by pushing 0.5ml of TNBS solution from the anus. HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes in colon tissue to determine the modeling effect. The results showed that BTWS could repair the physical barrier of colon tissue mucosa in mice with ulcerative colitis, improve local damage to colon tissue, and reduce TNF-α、IL-6 and IL-17A in serum (P < 0.05) decreased the mRNA and protein expression of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. This study indicates that BTWS has a therapeutic effect on ulcerative colitis rats by regulating the mRNA and protein expression of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.
Larvicidal effect and mechanism of action of the essential oil and major compound from Piper brachypetiolatum (Piperaceae) against Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762) larvae, with protection of non-target aquatic animals
Authors: Lima Suelen C. , Oliveira André C. , Costa Maria Luiza L. , Abensur Dayane D. , Andrade Aylane T. dos Santos , Souza Hergen V. , Tavares Cláudia P. S. , Roque Rosemary A.
Published: October 2024

Botanical larvicides like essential oils (EO) and their main compounds extracted from plants, such as those in the Piper species offer eco-friendly approaches to mosquito control on account of promote activity against Culicidae larvae, while demonstrating low toxicity to non-target aquatic animals. This study investigated the mechanism and larvicidal activity of the essential oil from Piper brachypetiolatum and its main compound against Aedes aegypti, as well as the lethal effects on the non-target aquatic organisms Toxorhynchites haemorrhoidalis, Anisops bouvieri, and Diplonychus indicus. The EO was extracted from the leaves of P. brachypetiolatum using the hydrodistillation method, yielding 1.5 ± 0.7%. Gas chromatography analyses revealed the presence of sesquiterpenes (64.70%), oxygenated sesquiterpenes (17.64%), monoterpenes (11.76%), and oxygenated monoterpenes (5.88%). The major compound identified was (E)-nerolidol, comprising 64.32% of the EO. Both EO and (E)-nerolidol exhibited larvicidal activity against A. aegypti, with LC50 values of 15.51 and 9.50 ppm, respectively. They also inhibited AChE activity, with IC50 values of 44.97 and 11.07 ppm, respectively, and induced RONS overproduction (p < 0.05) compared to the positive control, α-cypermethrin. Additionally, EO and (E)-nerolidol showed no lethal effects on T. haemorrhoidalis, A. bouvieri, and D. indicus, with these species exhibiting 100% survival after exposure. In contrast, α-cypermethrin caused 100% mortality in these species. These findings highlight the promising potential of the EO from P. brachypetiolatum and (E)-nerolidol as effective and safe alternatives for controlling A. aegypti larvae.
Control of spatiotemporal activation of organ-specific fibers in the vagus nerve by intermittent interferential current stimulation
Authors: Zanos Stavros , Rossetti Nicolo , Song Weiguo , Schnepel Philipp , Jayaprakash Naveen , Koutsouras Dimitrios , Fichman Marc , Wong Jason , Levy Todd , Elgohary Mohamed , Qanud Khaled , Giannotti Alice , Barbe Mary , Chen Frank , Langereis Geert , Datta-Chaudhuri Timir , Mihajlovic Vojkan
Published: October 2024

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is emerging as potential treatment for several chronic diseases, however, limited control of fiber activation to promote desired effects over side effects restricts clinical translation. Here we describe a new VNS method that relies on intermittent, interferential sinusoidal current stimulation (i2CS) through implanted, multi-contact epineural cuffs. In swine, i2CS elicits specific nerve potentials and end organ responses, distinct from equivalent non-interferential sinusoidal stimulation. Comparing experimental results with anatomical trajectories of nerve fascicles from end organs to the stimulation electrode indicates that i2CS activates organ-specific fascicles rather than the entire nerve. Experimental results and anatomically realistic, physiologically validated biophysical models of the vagus nerve demonstrate that i2CS reduces fiber activation at the focus of interference. Current steering and repetition frequency determine spatiotemporal pattern of vagal fiber activation, allowing tunable and precise control of neural and organ responses. In experiments in a cohort of anesthetized swine, i2CS has improved selectivity for a desired effect, mediated by smaller bronchopulmonary fibers, over a side effect, mediated by larger laryngeal fibers, compared to non-interferential sinusoidal or square pulse VNS.
Robust 3D object recognition based on improved Hough voting
Authors: Sa Jiming , Zhang Xuecheng , Yuan Yuan , Song Yuyan , Ding Liwei , Huang Yechen
Published: October 2024

3D object recognition is a critical task in fields such as computer vision and pattern recognition. Recently, point cloud-based 3D object recognition techniques have been widely applied in areas such as automated grasping, remote sensing, navigation, and medical diagnostics. However, factors such as noise, occlusion, and repetitive patterns in the scene can lead to a large number of incorrect correspondences (mismatches) during the feature matching stage, and generate many erroneous pose transformation hypotheses, which affects the accuracy and efficiency of pose estimation and increases the difficulty of object recognition. To reduce the mismatch rate and improve recognition performance, this paper presents a 3D object recognition method based on an improved Hough voting approach. First, we introduce a mismatch removal algorithm based on point pair feature constraints (PPFC), which uses a matching score to filter high-quality matching subsets. Next, we propose an enhanced Hough voting hypothesis generation algorithm that effectively minimizes reliance on the local reference frame (LRF), allowing for efficient hypothesis generation using only a 2D Hough space. Additionally, we design a hypothesis validation algorithm based on an improved threshold strategy to assess and optimize the generated hypotheses. Experimental results show that our method achieves recognition rates of 100% on the Random Views dataset and 98.40% on the UWAOR dataset, demonstrating superior accuracy compared to existing 3D object recognition methods. This indicates that our approach can effectively identify objects even in the presence of significant occlusion and background interference. Moreover, our method offers high spatial and temporal efficiency, providing a novel and effective solution to the challenges of 3D object recognition.
The structural, electronic, elastic, and optical properties of new double perovskite Cs 2 CdPbI 6 were investigated using a DFT and SCAPS-1D simulation
Authors: GHALEB Mohamed , ARRAR Amina , Ali HADJI Chich , BENDJILALI Hadjer , ZERROUKI Otmane
Published: October 2024

The structural, electronic, optical and elastic properties of the cubic double perovskite Cs2CdPbI6 were calculated using a density functional theory DFT. The calculated values were reported to evaluate the photovoltaic (PV) performance of new device structures using the SCAPS-1D solar cell simulation software. The simulation findings demonstrate that the FTO/ETL/ Cs2CdPbI6/HTL which exhibited an efficiency of 32.06%, Voc = 1.4 V, Jsc = 27.99 mA/cm2 and FF = 81.69% at 300 K temperature. The effect of the absorber and ETL thickness, capacitance–voltage, current density–voltage, and quantum efficiency characteristics, series resistance, shunt resistance was also evaluated for the devices. The results of these simulations provide valuable insight that will be useful in the development of efficient double perovskites solar cells based on Cs2CdPbI6.