bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of the Oral Care Intervention Protocol (OCIP) on the Oral Health Scores of Head and Neck Cancer Patients Receiving Radiation/Chemoradiation
Authors: Pai Radhika R , Banerjee Sourjya , George Linu Sara , George Anice , ongole Ravikiran
Published: July 2024

Background
Head and neck cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and radiation therapy may experience a notable and frequently sudden decline in their oral health. These alterations include oral mucositis that develops during and shortly after treatment, candida infections, trouble speaking, difficulty eating, bleeding gums, and tissue fibrosis.
Materials and Methods
The study aimed to determine the effectiveness of oral care protocol intervention on oral health and oral complications. These patients were observed every week for up to 6 weeks until the completion of radiation therapy/chemoradiation. An experimental design using a Randomized Controlled Trial was adopted for the study. After obtaining the informed consent, the data were collected from 80 head and neck cancer patients.
Results
The majority, i.e., 51.2%, were in the experimental group, and 52.5% were in the age group of 56 years and above. Most patients were males, 92.5% in the experimental group and 87.5% in the control group. A maximum number of the patients, i.e., 42.5% in the experimental group and 32.5% in the control group, were diagnosed to have tongue cancer. Regarding the treatment details of the participants, most of the participants, i.e., 57.5% in the experimental group and 67.5% in the control group, received chemoradiation as the treatment plan. Among all the oral complications, the median days to develop mucositis (p = .015), taste loss (p = .028), swallowing difficulty (p = .004), infection (p = .017), xerostomia (p = .004) and bleeding gums (p = .025) were statistically significant in comparison with control, indicating that the intervention was effective. As treatment progressed, the severity of these structural changes and functional activities increased in both groups. Over the weeks, the severity of the oral problems increased in both groups (p < .001).
Conclusion
Compared to the standard of oral care, oral care intervention improved oral health among cancer patients receiving radiation therapy/chemoradiation. The findings of this study can also contribute to justifying the evidence for using an oral care protocol for head and neck cancer patients.
Application of MEFV Curve in the Intrathoracic Large Airway Obstruction: a retrospective study
Authors: Gong Ying , Xue Liping , Wu Xu , Shen Zhiwen , Li Chun , Song Yuanlin , Jiang Weipeng , Li Li
Published: July 2024

Background
Maximum expiratory flow-volume (MEFV) curve played an important part in diagnosing the intrathoracic large airway obstruction (ILAO). This study aimed to explore potential discriminative indicators for ILAO by MEFV curve.
Methods
In this retrospective observational study, we collected pulmonary function tests of patients with ILAO or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They were randomly classified into model and validation groups. The predictive model for ILAO was established by forced expiratory flow (FEF)50%/FEF25% and Empey’s index, and subsequently validated.
Results
Between January, 2012, and December, 2021, 63 patients with ILAO and 64 with COPD were included. The peak expiratory flow (PEF), FEF50%, FEF75%, FEF25 − 75%, FEF ratios and Empey’s index were significantly different in two group. In the model group, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve results showed that the areas under the curve (AUCs) were as follows: FEF50%/FEF25% 0.935(P = 0.000), FEF75%/FEF50% 0.623 (P = 0.091), FEF75%/FEF25% 0.795 (P < 0.001) and Empey’s index 0.922 (P < 0.001). When FEF50%/FEF25% was ≥ 0.960, sensitivity and specificity were 93.8% and 87.5%. When Empey’s index was ≥ 7.415, sensitivity and specificity were 84.4% and 100%. When FEF50%/FEF25%≥0.960 and Empey’s index was ≥ 7.415, sensitivity and specificity were 81.3% and 87.5%. The predictive performance of FEF50%/FEF25%, Empey’s index and the combined parameters were calculated in the validation group, with high sensitivity and acceptable specificity.
Conclusions
The predictive model for ILAO established using FEF50%/FEF25% and Empey’s index demonstrates good practical value, which makes FEF50%/FEF25% and Empey’s index potential discriminative indicators for ILAO.
The Relationship Between Premature Ventricular Complexes Burden and Cardiac-Electrophysiologic Balance Index After Premature Ventricular Complex Catheter Ablation
Authors: Özkan Can , Uğuz Berat , Zengin İsmet , Yıldırım Ahmet
Published: July 2024

Backround
Sudden cardiac death due to ventricular tachyarrhythmias is a global concern. Electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters can predict ventricular arrhythmias. Premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) are common arrhythmias, potentially triggering life-threatening events. The index of cardiac electrophysiological balance (iCEB) is hypothesized to predict arrhythmias. This study aimed to correlate iCEB with PVC burden post-catheter ablation.
Methods
Ninety-eight patients without structural heart disease underwent PVC catheter ablation. Successful ablation was defined as PVC elimination without recurrence. iCEB was calculated from resting ECG. Patients were categorized based on PVC burden. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS.
Results
No significant differences in cardiovascular risk factors were found among groups. Lower iCEBc was associated with higher PVC burden. An iCEBc value of 4.87 had 72% specificity and 65.2% sensitivity for predicting PVC burden.
Conclusion
The study suggests that iCEBc is a promising predictor for post-ablation PVC burden, indicating its potential clinical utility. Further research validating these findings and elucidating underlying mechanisms is needed to enhance risk stratification and optimize patient management. Integrating iCEBc assessment into routine practice may aid in identifying high-risk patients and implementing targeted interventions. iCEBc is a non-invasive marker for predicting PVC burden following PVC catheter ablation in patients with structurally normal hearts.
Evaluation of salivary biomarkers during en-masse retraction of protruded teeth into recent and healed extraction sites– a Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Niraj Vaghela , Sardana Rinkle , Banerjee Mithu , Bhatia Navleen Kaur , Moungkhom Priyawati , Kumar Pravin , Singh Surjit , Chugh Vinay Kumar
Published: July 2024

Objectives
The study aimed to evaluate levels of salivary biomarkers during en-masse retraction of anterior maxillary teeth into recent and healed extraction sites.
Materials and methods
Twenty patients with protruded anterior maxillary teeth requiring en-masse retraction were randomly allocated into two groups. In the healed extraction (HE) group, first premolar extraction was performed at the beginning of treatment while in the recent extraction (RE) group, it was done just before the initiation of en-masse retraction. Saliva and study model collection was done at start of treatment, after leveling, and after 2, 8 and 12-weeks of retraction, respectively. The primary outcome was to evaluate concentrations of salivary biomarkers; receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG). Rate of en-masse retraction was secondary outcome. One-way repeated-measures ANOVA was applied for within-group changes, and an independent t-test for the intergroup comparison (P < 0.05).
Results
An increase in concentration of RANKL and decrease in OPG concentration was observed in both the RE and HE groups at 12 weeks; however, the intergroup comparison showed no statistically significant differences (P = 0.517). RANKL/OPG ratio was significantly higher in the RE group (P = 0.015) at 12 weeks. A significantly higher rate of en-masse retraction was found in the RE group (P < 0.001).
Conclusion
Variations in RANKL/OPG ratio can be considered a better predictor of orthodontic tooth movement. A significant higher rate of retraction in the RE group suggests that immediate application of retractive forces towards the RE site may hasten space closure.
Clinical Relevance
Findings of the present study suggest that immediate application of activation forces at the recent extraction site may hasten initial orthodontic tooth movement by preventing excessive strain on the alveolar bone, which has had time to heal during the tooth movement at healed extraction site. Additionally, the study contributes to existing literature that highlights saliva as an easily accessible alternative to crevicular fluid for sampling purposes.
Artificial neural networks predict the incidence of deep venous thrombosis in hospitalized patient
Authors: Zhou Zhongbin , Yao Yuan , Zhou Hanyu , Qiao Yuanyuan , Gao Zhihan , Guo Yutao , Yang Ying
Published: July 2024

Objective: To construct and validate artificial neural networks (ANNs) for predicting the occurrence of deep venous thrombosis(DVT) and compare the predictive performance of the ANNs model with that of logistic regression(LR)model,linear discriminant analysis(LDA) model,and simple artificial neural network (SANNs) model.
Methods: 1295 cases were selected, including 729 patients with DVT and 566 patients without. 75% of the cases (993 cases) are randomly selected as the training set for model construction, and the remaining 25% of the cases (302 cases) are used as the testing set to verify the prediction performance. After deep learning of the training data, the ANNs model with different numbers of hidden_nodes and epochs was constructed. The prediction efficiency of the ANNs model was tested by comparing the results of LR,LDA,and SANNs model as the benchmark afterwards.
Results: When the number of hidden_nodes was 8 and the number of epochs was 800 in ANNS model, the Acc reached the highest,which the Acc, Youden index was 81.84%, 0.6450 respectively.The prediction performance of this model was higher than that of LR,LDA ,and SANNs.
Conclusions: This study provided good evidence for the application of ANNs to predict DVT in a large number of data. However, more research will be needed to confirm its application in the prediction of DVT.
Minimally invasive treatment of grade I and II gluteal muscle contracture using a self-made special cutter combined with a specialized compression hemostasis device
Authors: Yang Yingguo , Peng Zixuan , Shi Linlin , Wang Ye , Zhu Dongcheng , Ye Zhiyuan
Published: July 2024

Background
To explore the method and curative effect of minimally invasive treatment of gluteal muscle contracture (GMC) with self-made special cutter combined with special compression hemostasis device.
Methods
The data of 88 patients with GMC treated in our hospital from May 2017 to January 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. They were divided into two groups according to different surgical instruments and hemostatic devices. There were 44 cases in the minimally invasive group, including 18 males and 26 females whose age ranged from 7 to 25 years with the course of disease ranging from 3 to 21 years. There were 27 cases of grade Ⅰ and 17 cases of grade Ⅱ who were treated with self-made special cutter for GMC combined with self-made special compression hemostasis device. While there were 44 cases in the traditional group, including 17 males and 27 females whose age ranged from 6 to 23 years with the course of disease ranging from 4 to 20 years. 25 cases of grade Ⅰ and 19 cases of grade Ⅱ in this group used open gluteal contracture fasciolysis combined with traditional abdominal band compression to stop bleeding. The incision length, operation time, intraoperative bleeding and postoperative bleeding were compared between the two groups.
Results
There were no complications such as infection, hip instability and sciatic nerve injury in the two groups. The cross-leg test, knee squat, gait and movement returned to normal. Ad Ober's symptom and frog leg symptom were negative. One patient in the traditional group had secondary hematoma after incision, which was cured by incision and drainage again. The incision length (1.3 ± 0.2 cm) in the minimally invasive group was significantly shorter than that in the traditional group (6.4 ± 1.4 cm), as was the operation time (46.3 ± 7.9 min vs 62.2 ± 15.1 min). Meanwhile, the amount of intraoperative bleeding (33.7 ± 11.5 ml vs 60.9 ± 25.0) ml) and postoperative bleeding (51.1 ± 19.4 vs 112.9 ± 36.2ml) of patients in the minimally invasive group was significantly lower than that in the traditional group, respectively (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
The minimally invasive treatment of grade I and grade II GMC with a self-made special cutter combined with a special compression hemostatic device can achieve favorable clinical outcomes. Additionally, it causes less trauma, simplifies the operation, reduces intraoperative and postoperative bleeding, allows for early functional exercise, and promotes rapid functional recovery. Therefore, this treatment is worthy of clinical application.
Heat transfer and Flow Analysis for Square Tube with Oscillating Electromagnetic Field with Experimental Data by Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Sirijaroenpanitch Anumut , Vengsungnle P. , Naphon N. , Eiamsa-ard S , Naphon P.
Published: July 2024

The heat transfer and friction factor of ferrofluid passing through a square tube with an oscillating electromagnetic field were investigated experimentally. The impact of electromagnetic rotating direction, flux, and frequency on heat and flow characteristics has been investigated. The Brownian motion of particles has been shown to considerably influence the direction, power, and frequency of electromagnetic rotation, resulting in higher heat transfer. The interruption of electromagnetic flow raises the friction factor even further. In addition, a three-layer back propagation network model is built, with input, hidden, and output layers numbered 5, 17, and 2, respectively. This ANN model performed well statistically, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.99939 to 0.9996 and mean square errors (MSE) ranging from 0.0106 to 0.0190. The ANN results match the observed data within ± 5% and ± 10% error ranges for heat and flow characteristics, respectively. As a consequence, this machine learning approach might be used to forecast heat exchanger thermal performance.
Development of the STEP UP guidance to help researchers design inclusive clinical trials.
Authors: Biggs Katie , Hullock Katie , Dix Caroline , Lane J. Athene , Green Heidi , Treweek Shaun , Shiely Frances , Shepherd Victoria , Willis Andrew , Isaacs Talia , Cooper Cindy
Published: July 2024

Background
It is important to design clinical trials to include all those who may benefit from the intervention being tested. Several frameworks have been developed to help researchers think about the barriers to inclusion of particular under-served groups when designing a trial, but there is a lack of practical guidance on how to implement these frameworks. This paper describes the ACCESS project, the findings from each phase of the project and the guidance we developed (STEP UP) on how to design more inclusive trials.
Methods
Development of the STEP UP guidance had five phases: (1) Scoping literature review, (2) ‘roundtable’ discussion meetings, (3) redesign of trials, (4) interviews and (5) guidance document development, with input from public contributors and the ACCESS team.
Results
Over 40 experts contributed to the ACCESS project - patients and the public, clinicians, NHS research staff, trialists and other academics. The scoping review identified several strategies being used to improve inclusion, mostly around recruitment settings, but there was little evaluation of these strategies. The ‘roundtable’ discussions identified additional strategies being used across the UK and Ireland to improve inclusion, which were grouped into: Communication, Community engagement, Recruitment sites, Patient information, Flexibility, Recruitment settings, Consent process, Monitoring, Training for researchers and Incentives. These strategies were used to redesign three existing trials by applying one of the three INCLUDE frameworks (ethnicity, socioeconomic disadvantage, impaired capacity to consent) to one trial each, to produce the key recommendations for the guidance. Issues around implementation were explored in stakeholder interviews and key facilitators were identified: funders requesting information on inclusion, having the time and funding to implement strategies, dedicated staff, flexibility in trial protocols, and considering inclusion of under-served groups at the design stages. The STEP UP guidance is freely available at http://step-up-clinical-trials.co.uk.
Conclusion
Researchers should consider inclusivity to shape initial trial design decisions. Trial teams and funders need to ensure that trials are given both the resources and time needed to implement the STEP UP guidance and increase the opportunities to recruit a diverse population.
Instantaneous self-healing and ultra-low detection limit hydrogel electronic sensor for temporomandibular disorders intelligent diagnosis
Authors: Zhao Hang , Yan Yujie , Yu Lixia , Zhang Xuefeng , Han Qi , Yang Zhixin , Lu Xingyuan , Wang Jiongke , Xu Hao , Chen Qianming
Published: July 2024

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) intelligent diagnosis promises to elevate clinical efficiency, facilitating timely TMD management for patients and staving off the emergence of severe TMJ disability and pain. However, development of TMD intelligent diagnostic tools with high accuracy and sensitivity faces challenges, particularly in sensing minute deformations and ensuring rapid self-healing. Here, inspired by clinical joint palpation, based on the minute facial deformations (0.31-1.62 mm) caused by subtle TMJ movements, we report a biocompatible hydrogel electronic sensor that is capable of instantaneous self-healing (within 2.1 s) and ultra-low detection limit (0.005% strain). The clinical trials involving 120 cases demonstrated that it can efficiently identify the typical clinical manifestations of TMD, such as joint clicking, the adjunctive diagnosis of TMD with repeatability (Kappa=0.86) and a satisfactory accuracy of 90.00%, and it also had a clear indication of other uncoordinated TMJ activity and the timing of TMJ clicking, with a sensitivity of up to 100% for the diagnosis of TMD. Furthermore, to mitigate the reliance on physicians for the diagnostic tool, a predictive model based on sensing waveform features was constructed, achieving high accuracy of 84.4% and sensitivity of 0.86. In summary, the hydrogel sensor, to the best of our knowledge, is the first hydrogel-based strain sensor used for TMD monitoring and is expected to become a radiation-free, non-invasive, convenient and efficient examination tool for clinical TMD diagnosis in the future.
RSM01, a Novel Respiratory Syncytial Virus Monoclonal Antibody: Preclinical Characterization and Results of a First-in-Human, Randomised Clinical Trial
Authors: Bonavia Aurelio , Levi Micha , Rouha Harald , Badarau Adriana , Terstappen Jonne , Watson Shayne , Anderson Aparna B , White Joleen T , Ananworanich Jintanat , Taylor Dale , Radivojevic Andrijana , Shaffer Michael , Stamm Luisa M , Dunne Michael W
Published: July 2024

Background
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of lower respiratory tract disease among infants and young children worldwide, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). RSM01 is a novel, highly potent, half-life-extended anti-RSV monoclonal antibody (mAb) candidate primarily being developed for LMICs. Here we present the preclinical characterisation and results of a phase 1 trial of RSM01.
Methods
Preclinical characterisation of RSM01 was conducted using in-vitro neutralization assays and cotton rat models.
In the first-in-human, double-blind, phase 1 trial, 56 healthy adults were randomised 6:1 within dose cohorts to receive a single dose of RSM01 (n=48) or placebo (n=8): 300 mg intravenously (IV), 300 mg intramuscularly (IM) or 1000 mg IV (parallel cohorts), 3000 mg IV, and an expansion cohort of 600 mg IM. Systemic solicited adverse events (AEs) were assessed through day 7; unsolicited AEs were collected through day 151. Pharmacokinetics and anti-drug antibodies (ADA) to RSM01 were assessed using immunoassays. A population pharmacokinetics model predicted paediatric pharmacokinetics parameters using allometric scaling and age-specific population weight statistics of North American and African infants.
Results
RSM01 exhibited highly potent neutralizing activity in the single ng/mL range (0.7-6.4) against diverse RSV-A and RSV-B isolates in vitro. RSM01 also demonstrated prophylactic efficacy in cotton rat models with both RSV subtypes. In the phase 1 clinical trial, the most common unsolicited AEs were COVID-19 (2/48), headache (2/48), and nausea (2/48), all in RSM01-treated participants. The only systemic solicited AEs reported were headache (5/48) and tiredness (2/48) in participants receiving RSM01. No serious AEs or deaths were reported. The half-life of RSM01 was 78 days with dose-proportional increases in Tmax and AUClast after IV administration. Among RSM01-treated participants, 2/48 were ADA positive at baseline, and 1/48 seroconverted to ADA-positive post-baseline.
Conclusions
RSM01 is a highly potent, half-life-extended, RSV-neutralising mAb candidate that was shown to be well tolerated in healthy adults. The rate of ADA to RSM01 was low. The long half-life of RSM01 and pharmacokinetics profile support further development of RSM01 as a potential single dose per season prophylaxis to prevent RSV disease in infants.
Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT05118386, Nov 12, 2021
Does Insulin treatment affect Umbilical Artery Doppler indices in pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes?
Authors: Troìa Libera , Ferrari Stefania , Dotta Anna , Giacomini Sonia , Mainolfi Erika , Spissu Federica , Tivano Alessia , Libretti Alessandro , Surico Daniela , Remorgida Valentino
Published: July 2024

Purpose Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common morbidities of pregnancy. The impact of increased maternal blood glucose on fetoplacental hemodynamics is not fully elucidated, especially in patients with uncontrolled GDM necessitating insulin therapy. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of insulin therapy on the umbilical artery dopplers in GDM pregnancies with adequate for gestational age fetuses. Methods Retrospective observational study among 447 GDM pregnant women, divided according to their treatment: nutritiona therapy (NT), long acting (LA) insulin and combined insulin. The umbilical artery pulsatility index (UA-PI) was recorded at 28, 32 and 36 weeks. Results UA-PI values declined in both GDM and healthy controls at all 3 time interval. The combined insulin group showed always a reduced UA-PI values in comparison to LA insulin group but the difference never reached statistical significance. The combined insulin group exhibited significant reduced UA-PI values at 32 and 36-weeks’ gestation compared to the NT groups. Conclusion A decreased impedence to blood flow in the umbilical artery of diabetic mothers on insulin therapy was observed, more pronounced during the final stage of pregnancy. Maternal hyperglycemia could have a worsening effect on fetal vasculature. Nevertheless, the extent to which umbilical artery PI can predict unfavorable outcomes associated with maternal hyperglycemia has yet to be determined. Further additional prospective studies are necessary to confirm the precise impact of glucose levels and medical interventions on the circulation of both the fetus and the mother.
The application value of dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) multi- parameter imaging in lung adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zheng Xingxing , Tian Hongzhe , Li Wei , Li Jun , Xu Kai , Jin Chenwang , Pang Yuhui
Published: July 2024

Background: Lung cancer continues to pose a serious risk to human health. With a high mortality rate, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the major type of lung cancer, making up to 85% of all cases of lung cancer. Lung adenocarcinoma (AC), and lung squamous cell carcinoma (SC) are the two primary types of NSCLC. Determining the pathological type of NSCLC is important in establishing the most effective treatment method. Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) multi-parameter imaging is an imaging technology that provides accurate and reliable disease diagnosis, and its uses are utilized for the combined diagnostic efficacy of AC and SC.
Methods: We analyzed 71 lung cancer patients (36 squamous cell carcinomas; 35 adenocarcinomas) who had undergone enhanced DECT scans, including arterial and venous phases in this single-center retrospective study. The tumor diameter, water concentration (WC), iodine concentration (IC), normalized iodine concentration (NIC), Z effective (Zeff), and slope of the curve (K) in lesions were evaluated during two scanning phases in the two separate pathological types of lung cancers. Statistical analysis was used to determine the diagnostic efficacy of morphological parameters alone, and the combined efficacy of spectral parameters and morphological parameters.
Results: In a univariate analysis involving 71 lung cancer patients, the results from Zeff, IC, NIC, and K from the AC's arterial and venous phase images were more elevated than those from the SC (P<0.05). In contrast, the WC results were lower than those from SC (P<0.05). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for multi-parameter joint prediction typing was 0.831, with a corresponding sensitivity of 63.9% and specificity of 94.3%.
Conclusion: It is possible to distinguish between central SC and AC using the spectrum characteristics of DECT-enhanced scanning (Zeff, IC, NIC, K, WC, and tumor diameter). Diagnostic effectiveness can be greatly improved when multiple variables are included, and practical treatment plans can be formulated, as well as predicting prognosis in clinical settings.
The Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index is Linked to Cataracts: Insights from NHANES 2005-2008
Authors: Li Xiang , Du Guo-lei , Wu Shi-Nan , Zhang Si-Qi , Zhang Zhi-Jie , Tang Jia-feng
Published: July 2024

Objective
To investigate the association between the Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SII) and cataract occurrence using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005–2008 data.
Methods
In this population-based cross-sectional study, data from 9,665 NHANES participants were analyzed. The study included adults with complete data on SII, cataract status, and relevant covariates. Logistic regression models adjusted for demographic, clinical, and laboratory variables were used to evaluate the association between SII levels and the risk of cataracts.
Results
The results reveal a notable link between higher SII levels and a heightened risk of cataracts. Individuals in the top SII quartile exhibited a higher incidence of cataracts compared to those in the bottom quartile, a trend that remained consistent after adjustments in various models. Quantile regression analyses further supported the connection between increased SII levels and the likelihood of cataracts.
Conclusion
Our analysis establishes a linear association between raised SII levels and an elevated risk of cataracts, underscoring systemic inflammation as a crucial element in cataract formation. These findings propose that SII could be an effective biomarker for cataract risk assessment and underline the significance of managing systemic inflammation to prevent cataracts.
A Novel Multivariate Time Series Dataset of Outdoor Sport Activities
Authors: Jarno Matarmaa
Published: July 2024

This study introduces a novel multivariate time series dataset of 228 outdoor sport activities recorded by individual non-competitive athlete in uncontrolled environments. The dataset includes three features: Heart Rate, Speed, and Altitude, and covers five sport categories: walking, running, skiing, roller-skiing, and biking. The data was collected using two types of Garmin sport watches. The original dataset was carefully pre-processed using typical data cleansing methods such as gaps filling, and value format transformations. Furthermore, activity filtering was implemented for missing sensor value data and using domain knowledge of sport categories. Full length sequencies, varying from 10 minutes to several hours, were split into equal length segments, approximately 1 minute. To address the small number of instances data was augmented using several consecutive segments from the same activity. However, only a small part of the whole original data was used as a computational cost–information gain tradeoff. Three dimensional dataset is divided into three parts, each dimension to its own comma separated value (CSV) file. The dataset aims to provide a unique resource for researchers and practitioners in the field of sports science, human performance analysis, and activity recognition.
Novel Platinum-Free Counter-Electrode with PEDOT: PSS-Treated Graphite/Activated Carbon for Efficient Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Senadeera G. K.R. , Rasnayake R. M.S.S. , Kumari J. M.K.W. , Sandunika P. U , Dissanayaka M. A.K.L. , Jayathilaka D. L.N. , Jaseetharan T. , Ekanayake P.
Published: July 2024

Developing an efficient material as a counter electrode (CE) with excellent catalytic activity, intrinsic stability, and low cost is essential for the commercial application of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Photovoltaic properties DSSCs fabricated with low-cost and platinum-free CEs based on different mixtures of carbon allotropes graphite (GR), activated carbon (AC) and PEDOT: PSS films. The DSSCs assembled with PEDOT: PSS/GR/AC showed an impressive photovoltaic conversion efficiency of 4.60%, compared to 4.06% for DSSCs with GR/AC CE or 1.66% for PEDOT: PSS alone or 6.56 % for Pt under the illumination 100 mW cm− 2 (AM 1.5 G) due to the superior electrocatalytic activity and the conductivity of AC and PEDOT: PSS. The fabricated carbon counter electrodes were extensively characterized by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry (CV), Tafel measurements and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The CV, EIS and Tafel measurements indicated that the PEDOT: PSS/Graphite/AC composite film has low charge-transfer resistance on the electrolyte/CE interface and high catalytic activity for the reduction of triiodide to iodide than the GR/AC CEs. It is potentially feasible that such a carbon configuration can be used as a counter electrode, replacing the more expensive Pt in DSSCs.
Occipital neuralgia from atlantoaxial osteoarthritis: the efficacy of C1/2 arthrodesis with C2 root resection at symptomatic side
Authors: Kim Dongkyu , Kim Keun Su
Published: July 2024

This article aimed to assess the efficacy of surgical treatments, particularly arthrodesis with C2 nerve transection, in patients with atlantoaxial osteoarthritis (AAOA). Data of patients with AAOA who underwent surgical treatment between January 2020 and November 2023 were retrospectively collected. Of 11 patients with AAOA, nine underwent fusion surgery, and two underwent decompression surgery. C2 root transection on the symptomatic side was performed in all fusion cases. C2 root transection was not performed during decompression. All patients experienced immediate and persistent pain relief after surgery. Four patients who underwent fusion surgery reported a complete disappearance of pain. Four patients who underwent fusion surgery reported some numbness of the scalp, but it did not affect the quality of daily activities or cause significant discomfort. One patient who underwent decompression surgery reported residual tingling sensation and hyperesthesia of the scalp. We concluded that C1-2 fusion surgery is an excellent surgical treatment option and should be primarily considered for patients with refractory AAOA. C2 root transection on the symptomatic side can completely alleviate pain at the expense of minor scalp anesthesia. Decompressive-only surgery is not recommended but can be considered in strictly selected patients.
The control of isolated kerogen on pore structure and heterogeneity of marine-continental transitional shale: a case study of Taiyuan Formation in the northern of Ordos Basin
Authors: Gao Zhengxi , Miao Ke , Zuo Yushan , Shang Fuhua , Gao Shuang , Mi Wentian , Gao Yuan , Li Qing , Li Haidong
Published: July 2024

Accurately determining the pore structure and heterogeneity characteristics of marine-continental transitional shale in Taiyuan Formation is crucial for evaluating the shale gas resources in northern Ordos Basin. However, the studies on pore characteristics and heterogeneity of marine-continental transitional shales and isolated kerogen are limited. This study collected Taiyuan Formation shale in northern Ordos Basin and corresponding kerogen isolated from shale, and used N2 and CO2 adsorption experiment and Frenkel-Halsey-Hill and Volume-Specific Surface Area model to investigate the pore structure and heterogeneity of both. The results show that the isolated kerogen is dominated by micropores, and the micropores specific surface area and volume are 4.7 and 3.5 times of the corresponding shale, respectively. The micropores fractal dimension Dm of isolated kerogen is larger than the mesopores fractal dimension D1 and D2, indicating numerous developed micropores exhibit stronger heterogeneity. The shale micropores fractal dimensions Dm and mesoporous fractal dimensions D2 are close, and the heterogeneity of their micro- and meso- pore structures is similar. In addition, the microporous heterogeneity of the isolated kerogen is stronger than that of shale, while the mesoporous heterogeneity is exactly the opposite. Isolated kerogen plays an important role in the pore (especially micropores) heterogeneity of shale, while other minerals (such as clay minerals and quartz) have a significant controlling effect on the mesopores heterogeneity of shale. Meanwhile, a positive correlation was discovered between Dm and the organic matter (OM) content, while D1 and D2 have a negative linear relation with the TOC content and a positive linear relation with the clay minerals content (especially illite and illite/smectite mixed layer). Compared with marine shale, marine-continental transitional shale of Taiyuan Formation has lower fractal dimension and better connectivity, which is conducive to shale gas seepage and migration, but not conducive to its preservation. The final result can provide significant basis for the reserve evaluation and the optimization of dessert areas in the marine-continental transitional shale gas in the northern Ordos Basin.
Rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA using a one-step fast multiplex RT-PCR coupled to lateral flow immunoassay
Authors: Ali Insaf Bel Hadj , Souguir Hejer , Melliti Mouna , Mohamed Mohamed Vall Taleb , Ardhaoui Monia , Ayouni Kaouther , Haddad-Boubaker Sondes , Aoun Yusr Saadi Ben , Triki Henda , Guizani Ikram
Published: July 2024

Background
The COVID-19 pandemics has put emphasis on pivotal needs for diagnosis and surveillance worldwide, with the subsequent shortage of diagnostic reagents and kits. Therefore, it has become strategic for the countries to be able to access diagnosis, expand it, and acquire its own capacity to deploy diagnostics and alternative rapid accurate nucleic acid tests that are at lower costs. Here, we propose a visual SARS-CoV-2 detection using a one-step fast multiplex reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) amplification coupled to lateral flow immunoassay detection on a PCRD device (Abingdon Health, UK).
Methods
Various simplex fast-PCRs were developed for screening sets of primer pairs newly designed or selected from literature or from validated WHO tests, targeting S, N, E, RdRp or ORF1ab genes. Primers showing specific and stable amplification were retained to assess for their suitability for detection on PCRD. Thus, fast RT-PCR amplifications were performed using the retained primers. They were doubly labeled with Fam and Biotin or Dig and Biotin to allow visual detection of the labeled amplicons on the lateral flow immunoassay PCR Detection (PCRD) device, looking at lack of interaction of the labeled primers (or primer dimers) with the test lines in negative or no RNA controls. All the assays were set up using RNAs isolated from patients’ nasopharyngeal swabs. Two simplex assays, targeting two different viral genomic regions (N and E) and showing specific detection on PCRD, were used to set up a one-step fast multiplex RT-PCR assay (where both differently labeled primer pairs were engaged) coupled to amplicons’ detection on a PCRD device. This novel method was evaluated on 50 SARS-CoV-2 positive and 50 SARS-CoV-2 negative samples and its performance was compared to the results of the quantitative RT-PCR (RT-qPCR) tests used for diagnosing the patients, here considered as the standard methods.
Results
This way, the new method showed a sensitivity of 88% (44/50) and a specificity of 98% (49/50). All patients who presented Ct values lower than 33 were positive for our assay. Except for one patient, those with Ct values greater than 33 showed negative results.
Conclusion
Our results have brought proof of principle on the usefulness of the one-step fast multiplex RT- PCR assay coupled to PCRD as new method for specific, sensitive, and rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 without requiring costly laboratory equipment, and thus at reduced costs, in a format prone to be deployed when resources are limited. This new method of SARS-CoV-2 detection appears to be a good alternative for COVID-19 diagnosis or screening at points of need.
Small-molecule myeloperoxidase (MPO) inhibition prevents neutrophil entry into the meninges and improves late spatial memory deficits in a murine model of delayed cerebral injury (DCI) after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH)
Authors: Limon Safiye , Coulibaly Aminata Porhy , Provencio Jose Javier
Published: July 2024

Delayed cerebral injury (DCI) after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a preventable injury that would improve patient’s outcomes if an effective treatment can be developed. The most common long-term disability in SAH patients is cognitive dysfunction. Contrary to the common theory that damage from DCI originates solely from ischemia caused by cerebral vasospasm, inflammation has been shown to be important independent mediator of DCI. Neutrophil activation in the meninges is a critical step to developing late spatial memory deficits in a murine model of SAH. Importantly, myeloperoxidase (MPO) null mice do not develop meningeal neutrophilia and are protected from spatial memory deficits. In this study, WT C57BL/6J mice administered a single dose of the myeloperoxidase inhibitor (MPOi) AZD5904 (180mM/kg) have fewer neutrophils in the meninges 6 days after the hemorrhage and have fewer neutrophils leave the meningeal blood vessels to enter the meninges (79 ± 20 vs 28 ± 24, p < 0.01). Interestingly, the intraperitoneal (IP) route of administration had a larger effect than the intrathecal route suggesting that MPO mediated neutrophil extravasation occurs in the luminal blood vessel. Second, mice administered AZD5904 (20mM/kg) intraperitoneally (IP) for 4 consecutive days starting 2 days after the hemorrhage do not develop delayed spatial memory dysfunction (multiple-comparisons analysis, p < 0.001 F (2, 22) = 10.11). In conclusion, MPOi given systemically prevents neutrophil entry into the meninges and prevents spatial memory dysfunction in mice. MPOi is a promising strategy for translation to patients with aneurysmal SAH.
Management of a ciprofloxacin as a contaminant of emerging concern in water using microalgae bioremediation: mechanism, modeling, and kinetic studies
Authors: Salah Heba , Shehata Nabila , Khedr Noha , Elsayed Khaled N. M.
Published: July 2024

Pharmaceutical residues which are labeled as a new class of environmental contaminants have potentially negative environmental and human health effects. Recently, biosorption is one of the most appealing choices to manage these pharmaceutical wastes in water. However, the environmental limitations of the adsorbent material are an obstacle to the development of this process. Hence, the current study suggested two biosorbents; Chlorella vulgaris and Synechocystis sp. microalgae to manage Ciprofloxacin (CIP) in water. The experimental results showed that the optimal adsorption conditions are an initial CIP concentration of 4.0 mg L− 1 and pH 5 and 3 for Synechocystis sp. and C. vulgaris, respectively. The adsorption process fitted well with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The main mechanism of biosorption is the complexation of CIP with carboxyl, hydroxyl, carbonyl, and amido groups which was confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX) analyses which represent the presence of CIP on the cyanobacterial cell surface and intracellularly. These results revealed that the adsorption mechanism of CIP by Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 and C. vulgaris provide theoretical guidance for insight into the biosorption mechanisms of pharmaceutical residues by other strains.
PIBF1 expression and survival outcome in TNBC and Non-TNBC breast cancer patients with lymph node metastasis who undertaken chemotherapy
Authors: Shin Eunju , Ryu Jewon , Yoo Tae-Kyung , Lee Sae Byul , Kim Jisun , Chung Il Yong , Ko Beom Seok , Kim Hee Jeong , Lee Jong Won , Lee Jun Hyeong , Kim Kyunggon , Lee Sang-wook , Son Byung Ho
Published: July 2024

Background
Progesterone-induced blocking factor 1 (PIBF1) is linked to pregnancy-induced immunity and tumor evasion of maternal immunity. PIBF1 is overexpressed in several cancers, including breast, cervical, and lymphoma. However, limited research is available on the role of PIBF1 in breast cancer and its clinical outcomes. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between PIBF1 expression, prognosis, and its impact on chemotherapy response.
Methods
Samples from 231 patients with high-risk triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) who underwent surgery between 2008 and 2013 with lymph node metastasis and underwent taxane-based adjuvant chemotherapy were collected. Additionally, 238 non-TNBC patients matched to TNBC patients were selected. Immunohistochemical detection of the PIBF1 protein in tissues was conducted using a cut-off value of 3 (intensity plus proportion). Kaplan–Meier survival analysis assessed the probability of overall survival (OS). Using the clonogenic unit assay and knockdown methodologies in breast cancer cell lines, we examined the correlation between PIF1 expression and chemosensitivity.
Results
In a study of 469 patients with breast cancer, non-TNBC (n = 238) and TNBC (n = 231), those with PIBF1 expression manifested a lower histologic grade (p < 0.001), reduced p53 (p < 0.001) and decreased Ki-67 (p < 0.001) compared with their non-expressing counterparts. A significant difference in OS for patients with PIBF1 was observed, with non-TNBC patients showing superior outcomes. PIBF1 expression showed a relation with a better prognosis, and the statistical significance was borderline (hazard ratio = 0.44, 95% confidence interval = 0.18–1.11, p = 0.082). A correlation between PIBF1 expression in breast cancer cell lines (BT549, HCC70, BT20, and HS578T) and their sensitivity to paclitaxel was shown in vitro, with certain cell lines showing significant viability reductions and also resisting the treatment after PIBF1 knockdown.
Conclusions
We observed a correlation between PIBF1 expression and improved prognosis in breast cancer patients with nodal metastasis undergo taxane-based chemotherapy, particularly in the non-TNBC cohort. We discerned a relationship between PIBF1 and chemosensitivity in our in vitro studies. These findings suggest the potential usefulness of PIBF1 as a predictive marker for guiding therapeutic approaches.
Trastuzumab Accessibility and Utilization for Breast Cancer Treatment in an eastern prefecture-level city in China: Does health insurance coverage matter?
Authors: Yang Xingxia , Jia Yufei , Xu Jianhong , Zhou Qin , LONG Qian , Yang Yi , Liu Yunguo , Zhu Juanying , Zhang Xiaochen
Published: July 2024

Background
Trastuzumab, a monoclonal antibody for breast cancer, faces global accessibility challenges, especially in low- and middle-income countries, primarily due to high costs. This study examines the impact of medical insurance policy changes and price reductions on Trastuzumab utilization in China, using JX city as a case study, to provide insights into improving drug accessibility and affordability.
Methods
This retrospective study investigated Trastuzumab utilization among HER2-positive breast cancer patients at a tertiary hospital from May 2013 to December 2022 in JX, a prefecture-level city located in eastern China. Patients were stratified based on their CerbB2 indicator. Patients with a 2 + CerbB2 status require further FISH testing to confirm HER2 expression for Trastuzumab eligibility, while patients with a 3 + CerbB2 status directly qualifies for the treatment. We analyzed the utilization rates of FISH test and Trastuzumab using logistic regressions, identifying factors that influence their usage.
Results
766 patients were included in this study. The utilization rate of Trastuzumab among patients with CerbB2 3 + rose from 40.40–77.94% in September 2017 following the expansion of insurance coverage, and further increased to 90.41% after a price reduction in 2020. The FISH test was not covered by health insurance, and it was not available in the local hospital until Trastuzumab became available in JX city. For patients with CerbB2 2+, the proportion undergoing the FISH test increased dramatically from 8.89–82.08% after the price reduction in 2020. The mere inclusion into basic medical insurance, regardless of insurance types, significantly increased the utilization of Trastuzumab and the FISH test. However, rural patients in JX city are still facing financial burdens with Trastuzumab's out-of-pocket cost accounting for 62.9% of their annual disposable income in 2020.
Conclusions
Our findings indicate that expanding insurance coverage and reducing the price significantly increased Trastuzumab utilization. Additionally, improving the accessibility of the FISH test plays a crucial role in enhancing the uptake of Trastuzumab among eligible patients. These insights are essential for informing policies in China and other low- and middle-income countries towards achieving universal health coverage.