bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spinal Upper Thoracic Extradural Meningioma: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Kim Jae Min , Woo Joon Bum , Kim Hae Yu
Published: October 2024

The most common extradural spinal lesions are metastatic tumors. However, approximately 2.5% to 3.5% of spinal meningiomas are extradural meningiomas. This article describes a rare case of a thoracic extradural meningioma. A 58-year-old woman was admitted following two months of gait disturbance. Magnetic resonance imaging suggested an extradural meningioma at the T1-5 level. Radical surgical resection was performed, and the lesion was pathologically identified as meningothelial meningioma. Additionally, we reviewed and summarized 12 cases of spinal extradural masses since 2018. Based on the literature, we discuss the location, pathology, and clinical outcomes of these uncommon lesions.
Reabsorción radicular apical externa según tipo de tratamiento ortodóntico con brackets de autoligado pasivo y convencionales: una revisión de literatura
Authors:   , Ramirez Mejia Maria Jimena
Published: October 2024

Objetivo: El propósito de la presente revisión de literatura fue comparar la reabsorción radicular apical externa (RRAE) que producen los brackets de autoligado pasivo con los brackets convencionales. Métodos: Se realizó la búsqueda bibliográfica utilizando las bases de datos de PubMed, Embase, Scopus y ScienceDirect de los estudios que compararon la RRAE entre pacientes de ortodoncia que usaban brackets de autoligado pasivo o convencionales mediante radiografías panorámicas, periapicales o CBCT hasta enero del 2023. Los términos de búsqueda fueron “root resorption” AND “passive self-ligating brackets” AND “orthodontic brackets”. Resultados: No se encontraron diferencias significativas en la RRAE entre los brackets de autoligado pasivo y los brackets convencionales. Conclusión: Los brackets de autoligado pasivo y los brackets convencionales producen reabsorción radicular apical externa sin diferencias cuando se comparan ambos sistemas. La mayoría de los estudios concuerda que los brackets de autoligado pasivo y los brackets convencionales producen RRAE que no llega a ser clínicamente relevante.
Gestión del talento humano y gestión de rotación laboral en una institución del sector retail financiero, distrito de San Juan de Lurigancho (Lima-Perú), 2022
Authors:   , Rojas Chambilla Javier Raul , Pozo Martin Mariano
Published: October 2024

La gestión del talento humano juega un papel crucial en el avance y progreso de las organizaciones. La pérdida de este capital, ya sea voluntaria o involuntaria por parte de los trabajadores, tiene un impacto directo en sus resultados. Nos enfocaremos como objetivo principal de esta investigación determinar si existe una relación entre la gestión del talento humano y la gestión de la rotación laboral en una institución del sector retail financiero en el distrito de San Juan De Lurigancho (Lima–Perú), 2022. En cuanto a la metodología empleada, se adoptó un enfoque cuantitativo, llevándose a cabo bajo un diseño transeccional no experimental de naturaleza descriptiva correlacional. La población y muestra consistieron en un total de 56 colaboradores activos de mismo orden jerárquico de la compañía objeto de estudio, pertenecientes al área de Créditos; que representaron el total de muestra aplicada mediante una encuesta; En relación con la variable de gestión del talento humano, se logró un índice alfa de Cronbach de 0.872.y gestión de rotación laboral de 0.778, Los resultados de la estadística inferencial señalaron una correlación positiva de igual forma se determinaron los resultados de coeficiente de correlación de Spearman (Ro) fue de 0.481, y el valor de significancia fue de 0.000, el cual es inferior a 0.05. Por lo tanto, se puede concluir que existe una correlación estadísticamente positiva y baja. Este respaldo confirma la afirmación de que una gestión efectiva del talento humano se encuentra significativamente vinculada a una mejor ejecución de la gestión de rotación laboral en una institución perteneciente al sector retail financiero en Lima Metropolitana (Perú), en el año 2022.
Factores asociados y desigualdades socioeconómicas en el uso de métodos anticonceptivos en Ecuador, 2018
Authors:   , Callata Cardenas Sandra , Peña Cerna Fatima Milagros del Rosario
Published: October 2024

El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar las desigualdades socioeconómicas y los factores asociados al uso de métodos anticonceptivos modernos (MCM) en la población de mujeres sexualmente activas en edad fértil del Ecuador. Se trata de un estudio observacional analítico, basado en un análisis de datos secundarios de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición (ENSANUT) 2018. Se incluyó información de 19.106 mujeres sexualmente activas, casadas o en unión libre entre 15 y 49 años. Se calcularon curvas de concentración (CC) e índices de concentración de Erreygers (ICE), teniendo en cuenta el uso de MCM como variable dependiente y el índice de riqueza como variable independiente. Las razones de prevalencia brutas y ajustadas con intervalos de confianza del 95% se calcularon utilizando modelos lineales generalizados de la familia Poisson. Encontramos que el 92,8% de las mujeres encuestadas utilizó algún tipo de MCM en el último mes. Un nivel educativo superior presentó una concentración pro-ricos significativa en el uso de MCM (EIC: 0,05; p = 0,004). Por su parte, las mujeres pertenecientes al grupo de edad de 20 a 29 años (ICE: −0,027; p = 0,027), las mujeres sin empleo (ICE: −0,025; p = 0,004) y las mujeres no indígenas (EIC: −0,031; p < 0,001), presentó una concentración pro-pobre. Los factores significativamente asociados con el uso de MCM fueron la edad, el estado civil, la ocupación, la paridad, el origen étnico, el área de residencia y vivir en la costa. En el Ecuador existen desigualdades socioeconómicas a diferentes niveles de subgrupos poblacionales en mujeres en edad fértil. Se requieren medidas para promover el uso de MCM, centrándose en grupos que presentan desigualdad, teniendo en cuenta los factores asociados a su uso.
Evaluación de la actividad xilanolítica y celulolítica en residuos agrícolas mediante el uso de hongos nativos aislados de suelos agrícolas de Casma (Ancash - Perú)
Authors:   , Vargas Solis Jasmin Yairsa
Published: October 2024

En el mundo, los residuos orgánicos agrícolas forman parte de una abundante y renovable fuente de carbohidratos y están compuestos en su mayor parte por celulosa hemicelulosa, polisacáridos que son degradados por microorganismos. El objetivo de esta investigación consistió en evaluar la capacidad degradativa de residuos orgánicos agrícolas, mediante hongos pertenecientes a los géneros Penicillium y Aspergillus aislados y seleccionados a partir de muestras de suelo agrícola. Para ello, se determinó la capacidad de degradación, la actividad enzimática de la xilanasa y endoglucanasa; y la liberación de azúcares reductores mediante la sacarificación de los residuos orgánicos agrícolas (yuca, tomate y espárrago) usando extractos enzimáticos crudos. Se encontró que ambos hongos tienen capacidad para degradar los residuos agrícolas evaluados con base a la cantidad de azúcares reductores liberados utilizando como sustrato xilano de madera de abedul y CMC (sustratos comerciales), ambos determinados como 100% de liberación. Aspergillus sp. VS1 mostró mayor capacidad de biodegradación de los tres residuos evaluados, con respecto al xilano y la carboximetilcelulosa. Este mismo patrón se manifestó en la actividad enzimática. En cuanto a la sacarificación de residuos agrícolas, el tomate presentó la máxima liberación de azúcares reductores con el extracto enzimático de Penicillium sp. PVS2 (T120H-P) incubado a las 96 h. En este sentido, los residuos orgánicos derivados de las actividades agrícolas tienen un alto potencial de reutilización para la producción de diversas enzimas de gran utilidad para la producción de biocombustibles, ante este nuevo escenario de calentamiento global y cambio climático.
Evaluación de la condición del sellado apical en relación a la morfología radicular de primeros molares maxilares con tratamientos de conductos convencionales por medio de tomografía computarizada de haz cónico
Authors:   , Pescador Álvarez Jesus Antonio
Published: October 2024

Objetivo: Evaluar la condición del sellado apical en relación con la morfología radicular de primeros molares maxilares con tratamientos de conductos convencionales usando la Tomografía Computarizada de Haz Cónico (TCHC). Materiales y Método: Éste estudio se llevó a cabo en 47 TCHC de sujetos (15 hombres y 32 mujeres) que acudieron al CDI de Lima - Perú, entre enero 2014 y diciembre 2015, cumpliendo los criterios de selección, evaluada mediante observación estructurada. Un investigador examinó cada tomografía evaluando sellado apical, divergencia radicular, ancho interradicular, forma radicular, inclinación molar, sexo y presencia del segundo conducto mesiovestibular (MV2). Resultados: La presencia del conducto MV2 y la inclinación molar maxilar, predominando la inclinación vertical en un 100%, con un valor de p=0.048, independiente del sexo. En los restantes parámetros no se encontraron diferencias significativas. Las pruebas estadísticas utilizadas fueron; ANOVA, U de Mann-Whitney y Chi cuadrado. Conclusiones: A mayor divergencia radicular existe una mejor condición del sellado; la forma de la raíz influye en el sellado apical y la inclinación palatina en el sellado de conductos mesiovestibular y distovestibular. La presencia del conducto MV2 es igual sin importar el sexo; la forma de la raíz mesial no influye en su presencia, pero si la inclinación molar vestibular.
Emissions leakage and economic losses could limit the effectiveness of deforestation-linked oil crop import restrictions
Authors: Yarlagadda Brinda , Zhao Xin , Iyer Gokul , Wild Thomas , Hultman Nathan , Lamontagne Jonathan
Published: October 2024

Import restrictions on deforestation-linked commodities have been enacted, aiming to reduce global deforestation and emissions. However, limited market share held by importers imposing such restrictions and the potential for emissions leakage could reduce their effectiveness. Moreover, they could result in negative economic implications for producers and consumers. We quantify future emissions and economic implications of oil palm and soybean import restrictions. Current EU restrictions will likely have minimal impact due to the EU’s otherwise small and diminishing share of global palm and soy demand. If extended beyond the EU, import restrictions could drive reductions in cumulative land-use change (LUC) emissions by 2050 in key oil crop exporting regions— up to 1.6% in Indonesia, 2.1% in the rest of Southeast Asia, 4.6% in Argentina and 8.3% in Brazil relative to a scenario with no restrictions. However, globally, directly protecting forest land could be more effective than indirectly via import restrictions, due to emissions leakage. Meanwhile, import restrictions could result in key exporters facing losses of $0.1-$280 billion in cumulative agricultural production revenue by 2050. Broadly, our study highlights that the effectiveness of import restriction policies in reducing emissions globally will rely on coordinated action across major oil-crop producing and consuming regions.
Synthesis of a novel CuO@GO@IR nanocomposite for the removal of tetracycline from wastewater
Authors: Sharma Anchal , Garg Vinod Kumar
Published: October 2024

Antibiotics are a pressing concern because of their extensive use in human and veterinary medicines. In this study, removal of tetracycline (TC), a common antibiotic, from aqueous solutions has been investigated. The water extract of Indian rosewood tree leaves has been used to synthesize copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) further loaded on graphene oxide sheets to synthesize a nanocomposite (CuO@GO@IR). The removal efficiency of this nanocomposite was evaluated under varying process conditions, viz., pH, adsorbent dosage, initial TC concentration, contact time, and temperature, using batch mode. The maximum tetracycline removal was at pH 3, 0.03 g/50mL adsorbent dose, and 240 min. contact time. The experimental data were better fitted to the Freundlich isotherm, indicating heterogeneous adsorption, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 769.23 mg/g. The adsorption process followed pseudo-second-order kinetics, and the thermodynamic parameters indicated that the adsorption process was spontaneous and feasible. The reusability of the nanocomposite was explored using ethanol, 0.1M HCl, 0.1 NaOH as desorbing agents. These results suggest that the CuO@GO@IR nanocomposite can be used for tetracycline removal from aqueous medium.
PVA-Alginate beads loaded with activated carbon, Fe3O4 nanoparticles and ionic liquids for methylene blue adsorption and their comparison with membrane
Authors: Asif Muhmmad , Ullah Saadat , Khan Amir Sada , Nasrullah Asma , Khitab Fatima , Ullah Wasi , Khan Sher Bahadar , Shah Muhmmad Raza , Fagieh Taghreed M. , Ahmed Naveed
Published: October 2024

Dyes have mutagenic and carcinogenic nature, and their removal from the environment is necessary. In this study, different types of poly vinyl alcohol and alginate (PVA-Alg) biocomposite beads were synthesized and characterized for methylene blue (MB) removal from aqueous phase. Activated carbon (AC), Ferric Oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles and ionic liquid (IL) were impregnated in PVA-Alg composite for MB adsorption from aqueous solution. Synthesized beads were characterized using different analytical tools such as Fourier transform inferred (FTIR) and scanning electronic microscopy (SEM). Among the tested beads, the PVA-Alg beads impregnated with AC have higher adsorption efficiency for MB and therefore was selected for further study and their adsorption for MB was compared with membrane having same composition. Impact of various experimental factors such as pH of MB solution, adsorption dosage, contact time, MB solution concentration and temperature were studied. To know the mechanism of adsorption of MB on the synthesized beads, kinetics, isotherm and thermodynamic study were performed. MB adsorption on the beads followed pseudo-first order kinetic model. Isotherm study showed that MB adsorption on beads can be explained by both Freundlich and Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Adsorption capacity of beads for MB was 769.23 mg/g as calculated from the Langmuir isotherm. Thermodynamic study clearly showed that MB adsorption is spontaneous in nature. The overall results concluded that PVA-Alg beads impregnated with AC have higher potential for MB adsorption from aqueous phase.
How Do Religions and Religiosity Matter for Climate Anxiety?
Authors: Toros Emre
Published: October 2024

During the last decade, the discussions about climate change have evolved beyond technical and technological debates, and politicians and religious leaders have started to acknowledge the complexity of the matter more frequently than ever. Since then, the need for holistic approaches encompassing social, political, and cultural dimensions alongside technological advancements has become more visible in climate change-related discussions. This necessity is mainly based on the fact that the offered technical solutions are bound to social and psychological barriers and are evaluated through the lenses of existing culture, values, and beliefs, which can hinder appropriate responses. The current study aims at this gap by exploring variations in religious affiliations, religiosity levels of individuals and their interactions with climate anxiety using two current novel databases. The findings indicate that not only affiliations and religiosity levels are robust predictors of climate anxiety, but also their interactions with news consumption patterns, ideological positions, religious effectively explain the variations in perceptions related to climate anxiety.
Human-mouse proteomics reveals the shared pathways in Alzheimer's disease and delayed protein turnover in the amyloidome
Authors: Peng Junmin , Yarbro Jay , Han Xian , Dasgupta Abhijit , Yang Ka , Liu Danting , Shrestha Him , Zaman Masihuz , Wang Zhen , Yu Kaiwen , Lee Dong Geun , Vanderwall David , Niu Mingming , Sun Huan , Xie Boer , Chen Ping-Chung , Jiao Yun , Zhang Xue , Wu Zhiping , Fu Yingxue , Li Yuxin , Yuan Zuo-Fei , Wang Xusheng , Poudel Suresh , Vagnerova Barbora , He Qianying , Tang Andrew , Ronaldson Patrick , Chang Rui , Yu Gang , Liu Yansheng
Published: October 2024

Murine models of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are crucial for elucidating disease mechanisms but have limitations in fully representing AD molecular complexities. We comprehensively profiled age-dependent brain proteome and phosphoproteome (n > 10,000 for both) across multiple mouse models of amyloidosis. We identified shared pathways by integrating with human metadata, and prioritized novel components by multi-omics analysis. Collectively, two commonly used models (5xFAD and APP-KI) replicate 30% of the human protein alterations; additional genetic incorporation of tau and splicing pathologies increases this similarity to 42%. We dissected the proteome-transcriptome inconsistency in AD and 5xFAD mouse brains, revealing that inconsistent proteins are enriched within amyloid plaque microenvironment (amyloidome). Determining the 5xFAD proteome turnover demonstrates that amyloid formation delays the degradation of amyloidome components, including Aβ-binding proteins and autophagy/lysosomal proteins. Our proteomic strategy defines shared AD pathways, identify potential new targets, and underscores that protein turnover contributes to proteome-transcriptome discrepancies during AD progression.
Exploring the Impacts of Polyethylene Microplastics on Rat Liver
Authors: Maurya Diwakar , Katarkar Atul , Kulurkar Pankaj M. , Deshpande Shilpa A. , Krishnamurthi Kannan , Sivanesan Saravanadevi
Published: October 2024

The widespread presence of microplastics (MPs) has raised significant concerns due to their adverse impacts on organisms, public health, and ecological safety. Although hepatotoxic consequences of exposure to polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) have been studied recently, the potential effects of long-term accumulation of polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs) in the liver remain unclear. In this study, we developed a rat model (Wistar) with doses of 0.1, 1, and 5 mg/kg of PE-MPs (with sizes ranging from 1–10 µM) over 4 weeks. As confirmed by FT-IR and fluorescence microscopy, PE-MPs exposure did not significantly affect body weight but led to dose-dependent accumulation in liver tissues. Histopathological assessment revealed signs of liver injury, accompanied by a significant dose-dependent increase in lipid peroxidation (LPO) in liver tissue extracts. Furthermore, transcriptomic profiling of the liver exposed to PE-MPs resulted in differentially expressed genes enriched in pathways linked to mitochondrial dysfunction, lipid and fatty acid metabolism, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). PE-MPs-induced LPO activates NAFLD pathways, which were further validated at the transcriptional level by involving genes affecting neutrophil infiltration, inflammation, and fibrosis. Thus, targeting the LPO pathway could serve as a potential avenue for intervention in PE-MPs-mediated liver toxicity.
Bearing Characteristics and Damage Rules of Regenerated Rock Mass
Authors: Wang Ping , Zeng Zilong , Li Yingming , Liao Hongbo , Lv Jianhua , Guo Haijun
Published: October 2024

This study investigates the bearing characteristics and damage evolution of regenerative rock masses formed under varying geological conditions through uniaxial loading tests, numerical simulations, and theoretical derivations. Regenerative rock mass samples with different water-cement ratios and cementing materials were prepared, and the mechanical behavior during the loading process was analyzed. The results indicate that the secondary damage process can be divided into three stages: pre-peak, weakening, and friction. As the mechanical properties of the cementing matrix improve, the bearing capacity increases, and the failure mode transitions from ductile to brittle. A damage constitutive model incorporating the Weibull distribution and a damage correction coefficient is proposed to predict the mechanical strength of regenerative rock masses. Numerical simulations using Particle Flow Code 3D (PFC3D) reveal that enhanced mechanical properties of the cementing material lead to a shift from tensile to shear failure. This study provides theoretical and practical guidance for the stability control of regenerative rock mass engineering, offering new insights into the design of support systems for mining operations. The findings have significant implications for the recovery of shallow residual coal resources and the stability control of mining roadways.
Frontal, temporal and cerebellar topological property alterations predispose cognitive impairment of ICU sepsis survivors: A resting-state fMRI study
Authors: Li Ying , Chen Jianqing , Wang Hui , Wang Lina , Li Jingjing , Li Mengqing , Ye Haotian , Liu Wen , Ji Muhuo , Yang Jianjun
Published: October 2024

Background
This study aimed to explore the topological alterations of the brain networks of ICU sepsis survivors and their correlation with cognitive impairment.
Methods
16 sepsis survivors from ICU and 19 healthy controls from the community were recruited. Within one month after discharge, neurocognitive tests were administered to assess cognitive performance. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) was acquired and the topological properties of brain networks were measured based on graph theory approaches. Granger causality analysis (GCA) was conducted to quantify effective connectivity (EC) between brain regions showing positive topological alterations and other regions in the brain. The correlations between topological properties and cognitive performance were analyzed.
Results
Sepsis survivors exhibited significant cognitive impairment. At the global level, sepsis survivors showed lower normalized clustering coefficient (γ) and small-worldness (σ). At the local level, degree centrality (DC) and nodal efficiency (NE) decreased in the right orbital part of inferior frontal gyrus (ORBinf.R), NE decreased in the left temporal pole of superior temporal gyrus (TPOsup.L)whereas DC and NE increased in the right cerebellum Crus 2 (CRBLCrus2.R). Regarding directional connection alterations, GCA revealed that EC from left cerebellum 6 (CRBL6.L) to ORBinf.R and EC from TPOsup.L to right cerebellum 1 (CRBLCrus1.R) decreased, whereas EC from right lingual gyrus (LING.R) to TPOsup.L increased. Correlation analysis demonstrated a significant relationship between cerebellar topological alterations and cognitive performance.
Conclusions
Frontal, temporal and cerebellar topological property alterations are involved in the mechanisms of cognitive impairment of ICU sepsis survivors and may serve as biomarkers for early diagnosis.
Trial registration
NCT03946839 (Registered May 10, 2019).
Hydrogen production using vinasse as sacrificial agent and Pt/TiO2 as photocatalyst under UV irradiation
Authors: Silvaino Patricia Ferreira , Ferreira João Coutinho , Carminati Saulo Amaral , Vaz Jorge Moreira , Spinacé Estevam Vitorio
Published: October 2024

Vinasse, a dark-colored aqueous byproduct of bioethanol production, contains a variety of organic compounds and inorganic salt ions. In this study, vinasse was utilized as a sacrificial agent in the water splitting reaction using Pt/TiO₂ as a photocatalyst under UV irradiation. The gaseous products generated were analyzed, revealing the formation of hydrogen (H₂) along with other gases, including CO₂, CH₄, CO, C₂H₆, C₂H₄, C₃H₈, and C₄H₁₀. When using filtered vinasse as the sacrificial agent, H₂ and other gaseous products were produced solely through photolysis, even in the presence of the Pt/TiO₂ photocatalyst. Notably, H₂ production from the water splitting reaction was enhanced when inorganic salt ions were removed from the vinasse, and a lower concentration of vinasse was employed in the reaction medium.
Social impact of CAVs – coexistence of machines and humans in the context of route choice
Authors: Jamróz Grzegorz , Akman Ahmet Onur , Psarou Anastasia , Varga Zoltán Györgi , Kucharski Rafał
Published: October 2024

Suppose in a stable urban traffic system populated only by human driven vehicles (HDVs), a given proportion (e.g. 10%) is replaced by a fleet of Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CAVs), which share information and pursue a collective goal. Suppose these vehicles are centrally coordinated and differ from HDVs only by their collective capacities allowing them to make more efficient routing decisions before the travel on a given day begins. Suppose there is a choice between two routes and every day each driver makes a decision which route to take. Human drivers maximize their utility. CAVs might optimize different goals, such as the total travel time of the fleet. We show that in this plausible futuristic setting, the strategy CAVs are allowed to adopt may result in human drivers either benefitting or being systematically disadvantaged and urban networks becoming more or less optimal. Consequently, some regulatory measures might become indispensable.
Blood transcriptomics identifies FEZ1 as a novel non-invasive diagnostic biomarker for inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Delkhah Arman Mokaram Doust
Published: October 2024

In comparison with conventional diagnostic methods, blood biomarkers are an easily accessible source for diagnosing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). To identify such a biomarker, an integrated transcriptomics approach was employed to detect RNAs exhibiting diagnostic efficacy. For this purpose, four gene expression datasets obtained from blood specimens were integrated (GSE119600, GSE94648, GSE86434, and GSE71730). After determining differentially expressed genes in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, DEGs in IBD were defined as genes with a consistent direction of alteration in both disorders. Mapping the PPI network for these genes revealed TNF as the central hub gene. Subsequently, weighted gene-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was carried out to determine IBD-specific modules. Considering the degree metrics, module membership, and gene significance, PRF1 was the only gene discerned as a hub gene in a module that was prominently enriched in IBD. Genes with converging results from differential expression analysis and WGCNA were subjected to the random forest decision tree-based and LASSO regression methods. Following the identification of FEZ1 and NLRC5 as genes highlighted by both analyses, ROC analysis was applied to assess their diagnostic potential. Although both genes demonstrated acceptable diagnostic efficacy in the integrated data, only FEZ1 was considered as a potential biomarker based on the replication of results in validation datasets (GSE119600, GSE94648, GSE86434, and GSE71730). While autophagy is currently the most convincing explanation for the involvement of FEZ1 in IBD, further investigations are required to elucidate its immunological role.
Intelligent Detection and Grading Diagnosis of Fresh Rib Fractures Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Li Tongxin , Liao Mingyi , Fu Yong , Zhang Fanghong , Shen Luya , Che Junliang , Wu Shulei , Liu Jie , Wu Wei , He Ping , Xu Qingyuan , Wu Yi
Published: October 2024

Background
Accurate detection and grading of fresh rib fractures are crucial for patient management but remain challenging due to the complexity of rib structures on CT images.
Methods
Chest CT images from 383 patients with rib fractures were retrospectively analyzed. The dataset was divided into a training set (n = 306) and an internal testing set (n = 77). An external testing set of 50 patients from the public RibFrac dataset was included. Fractures were classified into severe and non-severe categories. A modified YOLO-based deep learning model was developed for detection and grading. Performance was compared with thoracic surgeons using precision, recall, mAP50, and F1 score.
Results
The deep learning model showed excellent performance in diagnosing fresh rib fractures. For all fractures types in internal test set, the precision, recall, mAP50, and F1 score were 0.963, 0.934, 0.972, and 0.948, respectively. The model outperformed thoracic surgeons of varying experience levels (all p < 0.01).
Conclusion
The proposed deep learning model can automatically detect and grade fresh rib fractures with accuracy comparable to that of physicians. This model helps improve diagnostic accuracy, reduce physician workload, save medical resources, and strengthen health care in resource-limited areas.
Differential impact of the pandemic first wave on chronic respiratory diseases in France
Authors: Fartoukh Muriel , Brolon Lucie , Rahmoun Marie Al , Elabbadi Alexandre , Guillemot Didier , Brun-Buisson Christian , Watier Laurence
Published: October 2024

Background. The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with dramatic changes in the management of patients with chronic respiratory diseases (CRD), resulting in varying clinical profile and use of healthcare services of patients hospitalised.
Patients and Methods. Using the French national hospital database, we analysed changes in epidemiological profile, clinical presentation at hospital referral and outcomes (ICU admission and in-hospital mortality) of CRD patients hospitalised for COVID-19 during the first wave of the pandemic in France.
Results. Non-interstitial CRD and pulmonary vascular diseases (PVD) were the most prevalent CRDs (95%). The part of CRD patients among the total inpatients was substantial, decreasing during lockdown (from 12.1% to 10.8%), then returning to the pre-lockdown level (12.4%). The CRD patients were older and comorbid males with higher rates of ICU admission and mortality, as compared with their counterparts. Half of them had a complicated clinical profile (CCP, ICU admission or death). Overall, in-hospital length of stay was 9 (4-16) days and mortality rate 19.8%. These characteristics varied along time. In multivariable analyses, PVD was associated with a CCP (aORs, from 1.36; CI 1.18-1.57 to 1.82; CI 1.56-2.12) and mortality (with aHRs >1.5 in the 18-55 and 56-75 age groups).
Conclusion. We report a substantial part of CRD patients hospitalised with COVID-19, characterized by a more severe initial clinical presentation and higher rates of complicated stays, with changes along time suggesting differential exposure and use of resources. The PVD subgroup was independently associated with CCP and mortality during the entire study period.
Evaluation of the Impact of Different Treatments on Orthodontically Induced Apical Root Resorption Using Deep Learning-Based Cone Beam Computed Tomography 3D Imaging Measurement
Authors: Liu Shiyu , Zhang Xu , Yan Lu , Guo Jinlu , Guo Liujiang , Huang Shengfu
Published: October 2024

Objective
This study aims to utilize a deep learning-based automatic tooth segmentation model to assist in measuring the prevalence and severity of orthodontically induced external root resorption (OIERR), and to compare the differences in OIERR caused by treatment with fixed appliances versus clear aligners in adults.
Methods
The study included 25 patients treated with fixed appliances (FA group) and 25 with clear aligners (CA group). The Shapiro-Wilk test assessed the comparability of baseline characteristics between groups. All patients underwent pre-treatment (T0) and post-treatment (T1) CBCT scans, and images were segmented to generate 3D models of the dentition.This study employed the HMGNet enhanced with the Swin Transformer block for automatic tooth segmentation of CBCT images. 3-matic software facilitated semi-automatic alignment and calculation of root length and volume. Paired-sample t-tests analyzed changes within each group, and the Mann-Whitney U test compared OIERR between groups.
Results
The accuracy, precision, F1 score, IOU index, and Dice coefficient for automatic tooth segmentation were 99.90%, 97.62%, 96.53%, 93.28%, and 96.53%, respectively. Significant reductions in root length and volume were observed in both groups (P < 0.05). The FA group showed an average root length change of 0.80 ± 0.72 mm and root volume change of 12.57 ± 11.30 mm³, whereas the CA group had changes of 0.61 ± 0.49 mm and 11.21 ± 10.88 mm³, respectively. Inter-group comparisons indicated a root length reduction of 6.52% in the FA group and 4.84% in the CA group, and a root volume resorption rate of 4.32% in the FA group compared to 3.51% in the CA group. Differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05).
Conclusions
The study applied an automatic evaluation method for root resorption using a tooth segmentation network, providing an effective tool for monitoring root resorption. Clear aligners result in significantly less root resorption compared to fixed orthodontic appliances.
Synaptic-like coupling of macrophages to myofibers regulates muscle repair
Authors: Tripathi Gyanesh , Dourson Adam , Wayland Jennifer , Khanna Sahana , Hoffmann Megan , Govindarajan Thirupugal , Morales Fabian Montecino , Queme Luis , Millay Douglas , Jankowski Michael P.
Published: October 2024

Peripheral injury responses essential for muscle repair and nociception require complex interactions of target tissues, immune cells and primary sensory neurons. Nociceptors and myofibers both react robustly to signals generated from circulating immune cells, which promote repair, growth, and regeneration of muscle while simultaneously modulating peripheral sensitization. Here, we found that macrophages form a synaptic-like contact with myofibers to hasten repair after acute incision injury and to facilitate regeneration after major muscle damage. Transient chemogenetic activation of macrophages enhanced calcium dependent membrane repair, induced muscle calcium waves in vivo, elicited low level electrical activity in the muscles and enhanced myonuclear accretion. Under severe injury, macrophage activation could also modulate pain-like behaviors. This study identifies a novel mechanism by which synaptic-like functions of macrophages impacts muscle repair after tissue damage.
Damage Control Stabilization of the pelvis in patients “in extremis”
Authors: Grechenig Peter , Hohenberge Gloria , Schwarz Angelika , Koutp Amir , Schroedter Rene , Lindahl Jan , Puchwein Paul , Gänsslen Axel
Published: October 2024

Introduction:
Immediate posterior pelvic ring stabilization is the prerequisite for pelvic packing. In patients “in extremis”, often no adequate positioning or imaging is available. Percutaneous application of a stabilizing K-wire or even a screw at the posterior pelvic ring can give adequate stability without an increased risk damage to surrounding structures, when respecting classical landmarks.
Materials and Methods
In 10 human adult whole-body cadavers, a percutaneous application of a 2.8mm K-wire was performed with only an a.p. image intensifier x-ray available. The classical entry point for iliosacral screw fixation was used. Control imaging, including a.p., Inlet and Outlet views confirmed the position of the K-wire using an Arcadis© Orbic 3D C-arm (SIEMES; Solothum, Switzerland).
Results
In 16 of 20 hemipelves (80%), in all three standard radiographic planes, the K-wire was in the expected anatomic position. Malposition was observed as usually too anterior positioning of the wire in relation to the sacrum.
Conclusions
Using standard landmarks, percutaneous application of K-wires into the posterior pelvic ring using only a.p. x-rays was found to be safe with few mal-placements. The complication rate is comparable to mal-placement of pelvic C-clamp pins. This technique is feasible in patients in extremis.
AI-Powered Simulation Models for Estimating the Consolidation Settlement of Shallow Foundations
Authors: Jagan J , Samui Pijush
Published: October 2024

The shallow foundations are one of the commonly used, cost-effective and versatile substructure in the infrastructure and geotechnical society. The consolidation settlement is one of the influential parameters for the design purpose of the shallow foundation. This study utilized the AI based models like Deep Neural Network (DNN), Random Forest (RF) and Gradient Boosting Machine (GBM) for the prediction of Sc. In order to forecast the Sc, different soil conditions such as void ratio, compression index, density and the load were considered as the input criteria and their respective settlement is the output. These adopted AI driven models, provide better results with higher precisions. The output produced by the adopted models were considered for different statistical assessments, specifically, DNN model outperforms the other models in terms of precision (R2 = 0.9992) and less errors (RMSE = 0.6404). Moreover, the rank analysis, Taylor diagram and the reliability index were also computed for justifying the capability of the developed AI models.
Single-level lumbar osteoporotic compression fracture treated with unilateral approach percutaneous vertebroplasty via intervertebral foramen-A retrospective controlled study
Authors: Li Tao , Wang Zhihong , Zhang Tonghui , Tang Jin , Li Xugui , Xie Wei , Zhao Zhou , Huang He , Liu Liu , Gao Xuewei , Ji Peng
Published: October 2024

Purpose
To present a novel surgical strategy for the management of lumbar spine osteoporotic vertical compression fracture (OVCF).
Methods
182 patients with lumbar single segment OVCF who underwent PVP surgery between June 2020 and June 2021 were included in this retrospective study. Of them, 104 (as members of the bilateral group) received conventional bilateral puncture, while 78 (as members of the unilateral group) underwent unilateral PVP through the intervertebral foramen. Imaging results, follow-up clinical indicators, and perioperative period parameters were compared between the two groups.
Results
Both patient groups underwent the treatment effectively, with 39 instances in the bilateral group and 27 cases in the unilateral group reporting bone cement leakage; no serious issues, such as spinal cord or nerve injury, occurred. The unilateral group experienced shorter hospital stays, shorter X-ray exposure times during surgery, and lower overall costs (P < 0.05) than the bilateral group. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups for any of these measures, which included postoperative ambulation time, hospitalization duration, and bone cement injection volume, distribution, and leakage. Two patient groups were followed for a total of 24–48 months, with an average follow-up of 31.97 ± 7.15 months. In the event that the patient breaks another bone while being monitored, the follow-up will terminate. For both patient groups, there was a significant decrease (P > 0.05) in VAS and ODI scores over time, and a significant increase (P < 0.05) in Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores over time; however, there was no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) in VAS, ODI, and JOA scores between the two groups at the corresponding time intervals. Comparing imaging data from postoperative patients in both groups to preoperative findings, there was a decrease in the local Cobb angle (P < 0.05) and an increase in the height of the anterior border of the injured vertebra (P < 0.05). At the comparable time point, there was no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) in the anterior vertebral edge height and local Cobb angle between the two groups. The unilateral group's learning curve had a steeper slope.
Conclusion
While there is a learning curve associated with modified unilateral puncture PVP treatment for lumbar OVCF, it can also optimize surgical procedures and save expenses while achieving inspiring therapeutic outcomes.
Effect of different positions during surgical preparation on postoperative nausea and vomiting after thyroidectomy
Authors: GAO Liangliang , Tan Aiping , Lu Xinyu , Zhu Yi , Xu Yidan , Wei Lei
Published: October 2024

Study objective:
Despite being one of the most common adverse effects following thyroidectomy, there are currently no known effective preventive or therapeutic measures for postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). The purpose of this prospective randomised controlled trial is to assess if there is any correlation between postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients having thyroidectomy and the 20° Trendelenburg posture during surgical preparation.
Methods
180 patients undergoing elective thyroidectomy who were between 18 and 65 years old were randomly assigned to either the Trendelenburg position group or the supine position group. The patients were placed in the 20° Trendelenburg position following the induction of anesthesia in the Trendelenburg position group (TP group), and they were placed back in the supine position prior to the skin incision. The patient in the supine position group (SP group) remained in that position after anesthesia induction. The primary endpoint is the incidence of PONV within 24 hours after thyroidectomy. Secondary endpoints are systolic blood pressure at various times after induction of anesthesia, severity of nausea and vomiting, incidence of vomiting, incidence of nausea, severity of nausea, number of postoperative rescue antiemetics, and time to first vomiting within 24 hours after thyroidectomy.
Results
PONV occurred in 23.3% patients in TP group and 42.2% patients in SP group, TP group had significantly lower incidence and severity of PONV compared to SP group (P = 0.032) within 6 hours postoperatively. The occurrence and severity of PONV between 6 and 24 hours were not different between the two groups (P > 0.05). At three, five, and seven minutes after induction of anesthesia, SBP was significantly lower in the supine group than in the Trendelenburg group (P < 0.05). The incidence of nausea, the incidence of vomiting, and the number of rescue antiemetics in the TP group were lower than those in the SP group within 6 hours (P < 0.05). Kaplan-Meier curves showed that the time to first vomiting was longer in the TP group than in the SP group (P = 0.021).
Conclusion
The 20° Trendelenburg position during surgical preparation effectively reduced the incidence and severity of PONV within 6 hours, but had no effect on the incidence and severity of PONV between 6 and 24 hours after thyroidectomy.
Trial registration:
Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2400084076, registered date: 10/05/2024), http://www.chictr.org.cn
The effect of RPLP1 on the proliferation and metastasis of neuroblastoma cells under the regulation of c-MYC
Authors: Qian Bo , Qian Ling , Ye Mingtang , Da Min , An Jia , Fang Yongjun , Mo Xuming , Sun Jing
Published: October 2024

Background
Neuroblastoma (NB) metastasis in high-risk patients is the most common cause of poor prognosis, but the mechanism of cancer metastasis is still unclear. RPLP1 is a member of a group of proteins called ribosomal proteins that are associated with tumor occurrence and metastasis. However, the expression and potential function of RPLP1 in NB are still unclear.
Methods
Bioinformatics methods were used to identify RPLP1 as a potential prognostic factor for NB. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of RPLP1 in NB tissues and cell lines to determine the correlation between RPLP1 expression and clinicopathological features. In vitro, we identified the role and mechanism of RPLP1 in NB cell line tumor metastasis.
Results
We detected high levels of RPLP1 expression in NB samples and cell lines. High expression levels are associated with an increased risk of recurrence and metastasis. In vitro experiments have shown that overexpression of RPLP1 promotes the metastatic ability of NB cells; in RPLP1 knockout cells, the opposite is true. In addition, the dual-luciferase reporter gene results indicated that RPLP1 is a potential downstream gene of MYC. MYC can promote the proliferation of NB cells by regulating the expression of RPLP1 and enhance cell metastasis through the epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway.
Conclusion
In summary, our research revealed that RPLP1 is a potential biomarker and candidate therapeutic target for the poor prognosis of NB patients.
Defined neuroaspergillosis in immunocompetent patients following COVID-19 infection: two cases and literature review
Authors: Jianbo Chang , Ziyuan Liu , boju Pan , Jing Zhao , Ji Li , Dong Zhang , Guiren Ruan , Xiaojun Ma , Guojie Zhang , Xiao Zhang , Tao Mei , Ziyuan Fang , Junji Wei
Published: October 2024

In recent years, the advent of the SARS-Cov-2 pandemic has seen the emergence of neurological aspergillosis as a rare complication in immunocompetent patients infected with this pathogen. Neuroaspergillosis is a rare but serious infection of the central nervous system, typically observed in patients with compromised immune systems. This article presents a case series of two patients with aspergillosis associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection at Peking Union Medical College Hospital and offers a literature review on this topic. This study included two cases of neuroaspergillosis associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. A search was conducted on PubMed for reports of neuroaspergillosis related to SARS-CoV-2, and a literature review was subsequently performed. The study examined the characteristics of the patients, the clinical manifestations, the treatment, and the prognosis. The findings revealed that the primary symptoms of neuroaspergillosis associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection included impaired consciousness, focal neurological deficits, and headaches, with a high mortality rate. The clinical diagnosis and treatment of the disease were challenging due to the difficulty of early detection and diagnosis. This study reviews the mechanism, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment strategies of neuroaspergillosis in immunocompetent patients after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Furthermore, it discusses the clinical characteristics of the disease through two cases. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for effective management of the disease.
Prosthetic graft cut end aneurysm after total arch replacement: A case report
Authors: Furusawa Kohei , Kanaoka Yuji , Tanemoto Kazuo , Une Dai
Published: October 2024

Background
Closure of the cut end of prosthetic graft branch can also result in side branch aneurysms, depending on the method of ligation, which can lead to fatal complications
Case presentation
The patient was an 82-year-old man. He underwent total arch replacement (TAR) 13 years ago at another hospital for Stanford type A chronic aortic dissection. One branch of the four-branched graft for the arterial cannulation was ligated using silk thread after secession of extra-corporeal circulation. He was subsequently followed up at the outpatient department of the nearby hospital. A follow up CT scan revealed enlargement of the four-branched graft ligation site, and suture and closure of the prosthetic graft ligation site was performed under left thoracotomy. The edge of the ligated branch collapsed during dissection and was immediately clamped and closed. The Postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged from our hospital on postoperative day 13. The patient has been followed up without any complications including recurrence of aneurysm for 4 years since operation.
Conclusion
Healing mechanisms do not work in anastomosis between prosthetic grafts. The material used such as silk thread may deteriorate over time causing failure. Therefore, it is necessary to use polypropylene or polyester thread for suture and closure.