bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NTRK rearranged spindle cell neoplasm of the uterine cervix: a rare case report and literature review
Authors: Jiang Xiaoxia , Zhang Shao , Wu Lin , Li Zheng
Published: March 2024

Background
Neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase (NTRK) rearranged spindle cell neoplasm is an emerging group of molecularly defined rare soft tissue tumors, often presenting with a monotonous spindle cell morphology, infiltrative growth, and co-expression of S-100 and CD34 proteins by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Accurate diagnosis necessitates the combination of morphology, immunohistochemistry, and molecular test results, with next-generation sequencing (NGS) as the gold standard. Here, we present a rare case of NTRK rearranged spindle cell neoplasm of the uterine cervix and review the literature to highlight the current understanding of the diagnosis and treatment of the rare disease.
Case presentation
A 49-year-old perimenopausal woman presented with menorrhagia for more than a month. A biopsy of the cervix revealed a cervical spindle cell neoplasm with a tendency to be an isolated fibrous tumor. A total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy was performed and the surgical pathology suggested NTRK rearranged spindle cell neoplasm, while NGS confirmed TFG-NTRK3 fusion gene. Postoperatively, the patient refused larotrectinib maintenance therapy for economic reasons and had no sign of recurrence or metastasis at 31 months of follow-up.
Conclusion
We presented the first case of cervical spindle cell neoplasm with TFG-NTRK3 gene rearrangement and retrieved 22 cases of NTRK rearranged spindle cell neoplasm of the uterine cervix from literature. The most prevalent type of gene fusion was TPM3-NTRK1, and almost all cases demonstrated S-100 and CD34 positivity by IHC. Surgery remains the initial treatment of choice and tyrosine receptor kinase (TRK) inhibitors may serve as a promising target therapy for patients with recurrence or metastasis disease.
Revealing relationships between levels of air quality and walkability using explainable artificial intelligence techniques
Authors: Jo Joonsik , Choi Minje , Kwak Juhyeon , Fan Yee Van , Lee Seungjae
Published: March 2024

Based on the global interest in environmental and health issues related to air pollution, this study addresses the impact of air quality on walking and related factors in cities. This study analyzes the impact of air quality on pedestrian volume in Seoul, Korea, and the relationship between these two variables. In this study, an Artificial Intelligence (AI) model was first built to predict pedestrian volume using various urban environmental variables. Then, using Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) techniques, various factors affecting pedestrian volume were post-analyzed and the interaction between pedestrian volume and air quality was identified. The results of the study show that air quality indicators have a high variable importance in predicting pedestrian volume, and when the indicators improve above a certain level, pedestrian volume is rapidly activated. In addition, the concentration of fine dust does not have a significant effect on the increase in pedestrian volume on weekdays and in urban centers where essential travel occurs, whereas in neighbourhood parks, pedestrian volume elastically decreased due to the deterioration of air quality, and this phenomenon was more pronounced when the fine dust rating was downgraded. Finally, the sensitivity of walking variation by air quality was analyzed in consideration of population characteristics in neighbourhood parks. In general, it was confirmed that women were more vulnerable to air quality than men, and young adults were relatively more vulnerable to air quality than children and the elderly in the age group, and this difference appeared differently depending on regional characteristics.
Untargeted Metabolomics Reveal Signatures of a Healthy Lifestyle
Authors: Pathmasiri Wimal , Rushing Blake R. , McRitchie Susan , Choudhari Mansi , Du Xiuxia , Smirnov Alexsandr , Pelleigrini Matteo , Thompson Michael J. , Sakaguchi Camila A. , Nieman David C. , Sumner Susan J.
Published: March 2024

This cross-sectional study investigated differences in the plasma metabolome in two groups of adults that were of similar age but varied markedly in body composition and dietary and physical activity patterns. Study participants included 52 adults in the lifestyle group (LIFE) (28 males, 24 females) and 52 in the control group (CON) (27 males, 25 females). The results using an extensive untargeted ultra high-performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS) metabolomics analysis with 10,535 metabolite peaks identified 486 important metabolites (variable influence on projections scores or VIP ≥ 1), 118 most important library matched metabolites (VIP ≥ 1 and p ≤ 0.05 for group fold differences ≥ │1.8│), and 16 significantly enriched metabolic pathways that differentiated LIFE and CON groups. A novel metabolite signature of positive lifestyle habits emerged from this analysis highlighted by lower plasma levels of numerous bile acids, an amino acid profile characterized by higher histidine and lower glutamic acid, glutamine, β-alanine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, and proline, an elevated vitamin D status, higher levels of beneficial fatty acids and gut microbiome catabolism metabolites from plant substrates, and reduced levels of N-glycan degradation metabolites and environmental contaminants. This study established that the plasma metabolome is strongly associated with body composition and lifestyle habits. The robust lifestyle metabolite signature identified in this study is consistent with an improved life expectancy and a reduced risk for chronic disease.
Study on the lithium power battery thermal runaway and prevention technology
Authors: Wen Kai , Fu Xingfeng , Jiang Hai
Published: March 2024

In order to the issue of preventing Thermal runaway of power battery, the thermal generation model of power battery was established, and the model was modified based on the experimental data. On the basis of simulation calculation, the scheme of preventing Thermal runaway of battery module and battery pack was designed, and samples were made for test. The results of test and simulation calculation were very consistent, which confirmed the accuracy of the simulation calculation model, the results of Thermal runaway test also prove that the measures designed to prevent Thermal runaway are effective and meet the design requirement.
A Robust Method for Malware Analysis Using Stacking Classifiers and Dendrogram Visualization
Authors: Nallabala N.Naveen Kumar
Published: March 2024

Malware analysis is a vital and challenging task in the ever-changing cyber threat landscape. Traditional signature-based methods cannot keep up with the fast-paced evolution of malware variants. This underscores the need for developing a more effective malware classification tool helping in exploring new research directions with solutions. In this research work firstly, we present a comprehensive assessment on malware classification using dendrogram clustering techniques. This work proposes, a robust approach to malware analysis by constructing dendrogram that groups malware samples which works based on their ancestral relationships. Semantic analysis of the code also provides deeper insights into the malware’s behavior and functionality, enabling more precise identification. These methods help to detect new variants as well as enhance the recognition of existing malware families. Our proposed model results shows that, the robustness in accuracy and False Positive Rate when compared with other existing models.
Human promoter CpG islands contain primate-specific repeats, cluster and resist reprogramming
Authors: Mohan Kommu , Anne Anuhya , Kumar Lov , Chaillet J Richard
Published: March 2024

Imperfect tandem repeats (TRs) of ≥400nt are associated with 365 human 5’-genic CpG islands (TR-CGIs). Most are clustered at chromosome ends, with a high density across chromosome 19. These genes are enriched in neurodevelopmental/behavioral disorders and show interindividual variation in methylation levels. A subset of TR-CGIs is highly methylated and remains so during reprogramming to primed iPSCs, but become unmethylated in naïve PSCs, as do imprinting control regions (ICRs). Transcript levels correlate with methylation for some TR-CGI genes. TR-CGIs occur as orthologs in primates, but the corresponding mouse promoter-CGIs are without TRs and unmethylated. Thus, non-imprinted TR-CGIs accompanied primate evolution, with unique ability to acquire methylation during embryonic development and resist reprogramming to a pluripotent stem cell state.
An Efficient Speech Synthesizer – A Hybrid Monotonic architecture for text-to-speech using VAE & LPC-net with independent sentence length
Authors: NAVEENKUMAR NALLABALA
Published: March 2024

In this research, it is suggested that a hybrid architecture for text-to-speech, which is named it as Efficient Speech Synthesizer. ESS optimizes all the parameters through a consistent, end-to-end training process that enables fast and efficient speech synthesis of exceptional quality without depending on the length of the sentences. ESS is powered by combining feed-forward approaches like Variational Auto Encoders and Linear Predictive Coding techniques. These techniques give monotonic limitations to the sequence alignment with almost no increase in computation. The present research focuses on TTS model with low complexity, low latency which is suitable for both high-end and low-end computational devices like IoT and smart Phones.
Role of Transposable Elements in behavioral traits: insights from six genetic isolates from North-Eastern Italy
Authors: Modenini Giorgia , Mercuri Giacomo , Abondio Paolo , Nardone Giuseppe Giovanni , Santin Aurora , Tesolin Paola , Spedicati Beatrice , Pecori Alessandro , Pianigiani Giulia , Concas Maria Pina , Girotto Giorgia , Gasparini Paolo , Mezzavilla Massimo , Boattini Alessio
Published: March 2024

Background
A significant fraction of mammalian genomes is derived from transposable element (TE) sequences, constituting about half of the human genome, in which retrotransposons such as Alu, LINE-1 and SVA are particularly represented and some of them also have functional roles. Germline transposition of these elements generates polymorphisms between individuals and may be used to study association with phenotypes, inter-individual differences and natural selection. Italy presents an increased number of isolated villages and subpopulations when compared to other European groups, and these isolates provide a desirable study subject to understand the genetic variability of the Italian peninsula. Therefore, we focused on studying the association between polymorphic TEs, behavioral traits (tobacco use and alcohol consumption) and Body Mass Index (BMI) variations, which could lead to an increased risk of developing addiction-related or metabolic diseases, such as tobacco use disorder, alcoholism and obesity.
Results
We identified 12,709 polymorphic TEs in 589 individuals from six isolates: Principal Component Analysis and Admixture showed that while closely related to other European populations, the isolates tend to cluster amongst themselves and are dominated by drift-induced ancestral components. When performing association tests with GEMMA, several TEs were deemed as significantly associated with a behavioral trait (tobacco use or alcohol consumption) or with BMI variations. Finally, some of the significant TEs also act as expression/alternative splicing quantitative trait loci.
Conclusions
These results suggest that polymorphic TEs may significantly impact inter-individual and inter-population phenotypic differentiation, while also effectively functioning as variability markers and potentially having a role in susceptibility to medical conditions. In light of these results, isolates could be used as a “laboratory” to investigate this impact and further our understanding about the role of TEs on the human genome.
Chlorine/Chlorine dioxide-based Process for Decontamination of different Pesticides from Drinking Water Resources
Authors: Badawy Mohamed I. , Ali Mohamed Eid Mohamed
Published: March 2024

The removal of pesticides from drinking water sources is an important research topic. The current study was to comprehensively investigate chlorine (Cl2)/chlorine dioxide (ClO2)-based AOPs for oxidation of five pesticides. The factors affecting the degradation rate of different five pesticides were investigated. The kinetic study for degradation of two organophosphorus pesticides (OPPS) and three phenylurea herbicides was carried out. It was found that OPPs degradation by Cl2 is preceded faster in alkaline media, while phenylurea degradation is favourable at pH 7. The data obtained reveals the faster degradation of herbicides than OPPs using different oxidation process. The results reveal that combined UV/ClO2 system is an efficient and feasible alternative due to synergistic effect between UV and ClO2. The FU/oxidant values for the removal of chlorotoluron, maloran, pataren, bromophos and crucuron were calculated. The data obtained indicated that there is a synergistic improvement for advanced oxidation process (AOPs) efficiency removal of the studied pesticides.
Development and Validation of the Adult Sedentary Behavior Reduction Intention Questionnaire based on the Theory of Planned Behavior
Authors: Ye Jing , Yang Lili L. , Li Yaqin , Yang Yuting , Chen Siqing , Deng Shunfeng , Peng Zhihang , Zhou Tao , Yuan Qiao , Wang Chengcheng
Published: March 2024

Background
Sedentary behavior is gradually becoming the mainstream trend in people’s lifestyles, with a significant increase observed worldwide and across all age groups. The measure of adults’ intention to reduce sedentary behavior provides a significant reference for the intervention strategies. However, the measurement tool is lacking. Given that the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) serves as a robust psychosocial theory framework, widely applied in predicting various health behaviors, this study aims to extend this theory into the realm of sedentary behavior by developing and validating a questionnaire to evaluate adult intentions of reducing their sedentary behavior.
Methods
A preliminary item pool for the questionnaire was created through a literature review, followed by two rounds of Delphi expert consultation and a small-sample pilot study, resulting in the initial version of the questionnaire. A total of 316 adults with an average daily sedentary behavior duration of ≥6 hours were involved in the survey to determine its psychometric properties using reliability analysis, content validation, and confirmatory factor analysis.
Results
An initial version of the questionnaire with four dimensions (behavioral intention, subjective norms, attitudes, and perceived behavioral control) and 16 items was obtained. Subsequent psychometric property validation results showed that the overall Cronbach’s α coefficient for the questionnaire was 0.967, with Cronbach’s α coefficients for each dimension ranging from 0.911 to 0.950. The item-level content validity index (I-CVI) ranged from 0.813 to 1. The adjusted model indices were c2/df = 2.931, GFI = 0.906, AGFI = 0.857, IFI = 0.976, NFI = 0.965, TLI = 0.968, CFI = 0.976, and RMSEA = 0.078, all of which met the fitting criteria.
Conclusions
A theory-driven instrument is suitable for its use with Chinese adults to assess their level of intentions and the factors affecting the sedentary behavior, which provides the basis for future intervention studies.
Neuroprotective role of selenium nanoparticles against behavioral, neurobiochemical and histological alterations in rats subjected to chronic restraint stress
Authors: Elfakharany Sarah A. , Eskaros Samir S. , Azhary Nesrine M. El , Abdelmonsif Doaa A. , Zeitoun Teshreen M. , Ammar Gamal A.G. , Hatem Youssef A.
Published: March 2024

Chronic stress induces changes in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) showed promising results in several neurological animal models. The implementation of SeNPs in chronic restraint stress (CRS) remains to be elucidated. This study was done to determine the possible protective effects of selenium nanoparticles on behavioral changes and brain oxidative stress markers in a rat model of chronic restraint stress. 50 rats were divided into three groups; control group (n = 10), untreated CRS group (n = 10) and CRS-SeNPs treated group (n = 30). Restraint stress was performed 6 hrs./day for 21 days. Rats of CRS-SeNPs treated group received 1, 2.5 or 5 mg/kg SeNPs (10 rats each) by oral gavage for 21 days. Rats were subjected to behavioral assessments and then sacrificed for biochemical and histological analysis of the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Prefrontal cortical and hippocampal serotonin levels, oxidative stress markers including malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and caspase-3 were assessed. Accordingly, Different doses of SeNPs showed variable effectiveness in ameliorating disease parameters, with 2.5 mg/kg dose of SeNPs showing the best improving results in all studied parameters. The present study exhibited the neuroprotective role of SeNPs in rats subjected to CRS and proposed their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects as the possible mechanism for increased prefrontal cortical and hippocampal serotonin level, ameliorated anxiety-like and depressive-like behaviors and improved prefrontal cortical and hippocampal histological architecture.
Climate signals recorded by Picea wilsonii tree-ring density over 220 years in the eastern section of Qilian Mountain, China
Authors: Zhang Jing , Ma Long , Liu Tingxi , Sun Bolin , Wei Yingnan , Zhang Ziyue
Published: March 2024

Global climate change has had a profound impact on the ecological environment and economic and social development. Therefore, research revealing the pattern of climate change over a long historical period is urgently needed. This paper analyses and studies the characteristics of climate change in the typical area of the eastern Qilian Mountains (Xinglongshan area) over more than two centuries using the chronological data of the maximum latewood density of Picea wilsonii in this area. Correlation analysis of the modern hydroclimatic data revealed that there was a significant positive correlation between the chronology and the mean annual temperature (r = 0.77, P < 0.001). Based on these data, we reconstructed the mean annual temperature of the study area for the period of 1801–2020. Characteristic analysis revealed that the reconstruction results of the mean annual minimum temperature are reliable. The study area has experienced 3 warm periods and 3 cold periods in the past 220 years, during which the cold period in the 19th century and the warm period in the 20th century were both consistent with recorded historical data. The cycle analysis results showed that the reconstructed mean annual temperature series exhibited cycle distribution characteristics of 11 ~ 16a, 36 ~ 45a, and 65 ~ 70a. In addition, large-scale spatial correlation analysis revealed that the reconstructed series could also reveal the climate change characteristics of the area around Xinglong Mountain. The mean annual temperature series for typical areas in the eastern section of the Qilian Mountains reconstructed in this paper reveal the climate change characteristics of this area during the historical period and provide references for global climate change studies.
Creating Trauma and Disaster Informed Schools and Systems of Care for Underserved Youth through Mental Health Awareness Training in Puerto Rico
Authors: Orengo-Aguayo Rosaura , Stewart Regan W. , Sanfiorenzo Tania del Mar Rodríguez , González Karen G. Martínez
Published: March 2024

Climate change is disproportionately impacting the most vulnerable communities around the world and children are particularly at risk of experiencing adverse mental health impacts. Training the mental health and allied workforce in evidence-based models of care for affected youth is imperative. Mental health awareness training (MHAT) offers: 1) psychoeducation about various mental health topics, 2) tips and resources to help youth cope, and 3) referral information to connect youth with services. MHATs that are trauma and disaster-informed have been lacking, especially in Puerto Rico, a US territory severely impacted by extreme weather events. Our team at the [Removed for Masked Review] used a Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR) approach and partnered with two local universities in Puerto Rico [Removed for Masked Review] after the devastation of Hurricane Maria in 2017. Our collaborative needs assessment led to the following goals: 1) providing evidence-based, disaster and trauma-informed mental health awareness training; 2) identifying and connecting youth to mental health services; 3) implementing the first-ever, school-based telepsychiatry consultation program on the island; and 4) creating social media mental health awareness marketing campaigns to disseminate culturally and linguistically tailored resources. Over four years our team offered evidence-based, culturally and linguistically tailored MHATs including: Psychological First Aid (PFA), Trauma Informed Care (TIC), Suicide & Crisis Prevention and Response, Skills for Psychological Recovery (SPR), and Secondary Traumatic Stress and Self Careto 9,236 individuals utilizing in person and virtual training modalities. A total of 652 Puerto Rican youth were identified and referred to mental health services. Our trauma and disaster-informed mental health awareness training program was featured by the US Surgeon General as a potential model to help meet the mental health needs of disaster affected youth due to climate change.
Copper Oxide Nanoparticles (CuO NPs) prepared from Chitosan extract for antibacterial activity
Authors: Kadhim Faisal J. , Bedoui Mohamed Hedi
Published: March 2024

This research succeeded in the prepared of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) via mixing (Cu2NO3) salt with chitosan extract using a hydrothermal method. The CuO NPs play a dominant role in the antibacterial process, eliminating microbes and producing an environment free of diseases. CuO NPs were examined via (XRD), (FE-SEM), UV-visible and PL spectrum. The XRD results showed a crystal size of (9.3 to 18) nm with face center cubic (FCC) structure for CuO NPs, and the diffraction peaks can be assigned with good crystal quality for CuO NPs. In addition, the FE-SEM results revealed a small grain size of CuO NPs — around 15 to 33 nm. UV-visible spectra show the energy band gap is 1.8 eV. The inhibition of zones, which were 40 mm for gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) and 40 mm for gram-negative bacteria (Klbesia), was used to determine the antibacterial qualities of CuO NPs.
Mechanical, Morphological and Thermal Properties of Thermoplastic Copolyester Elastomer Composites Filled with Calcite
Authors: Sucu Yunus Emre , Doganci Merve Dandan
Published: March 2024

In this study, the effects of different concentrations of stearic acid-coated calcite (CaCO3) on the mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of thermoplastic polyester elastomer (COPE or TPE-E) were investigated. At the same time, COPEs, which consist of process wastes, that are qualified as PIR (postindustrial recycled), were physically recycled. 100% recycled polymer composites were obtained by blending the physically recycled COPE polymer with stearic acid-coated calcite at different concentrations. COPE composites (virgin and PIR) containing different concentrations of calcite (5 to 30%wt) were prepared by melt compounding. It has been determined that mechanical properties such as flexural strength and modulus increase with calcite concentration, while tensile strength decreases at higher concentrations owing to the stronger interfacial relations between polymer matrix and stearic acid-coated calcite. It was observed that the thermal properties of the composite increased with the calcite filler concentration. Morphological studies revealed a good dispersion of calcite fillers at lower concentrations in the polymer matrix.
Integration of ATAC-seq and RNA-seq Reveals the Dynamics of Chromatin Accessibility and Gene Expression in Zoysiagrass Response to Drought
Authors: Shen Liangying , Li Shuwen , Ai Ye , Zhang Jiahang , Qi Zewen , Xu Lixin , Han Liebao , Chao Yuehui , Wang Mengdi
Published: March 2024

Background
Zoysiagrass is renowned for its drought resistance and serves as an exceptional domestic turfgrass in China. However, the changes in chromatin accessibility during drought in zoysiagrass are not well understood.
Methods
We assessed the drought tolerance of six ecotypes zoysiagrass varieties based on their growth characteristics and physiological traits under drought conditions. Additionally, we utilized an integrated multi-omics strategy, encompassing whole-genome sequencing (WGS), RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), Assay for Transposase Accessible Chromatin using high-throughput sequencing (ATAC-seq), and RT-qPCR verification experiments, to gain a deeper understanding of the chromatin accessibility patterns linked to gene expression in response to drought stress in zoysiagrass.
Results
The correlation analysis between proline levels and drought tolerance in zoysiagrass revealed that the variety 'X4' exhibited notably high drought resistance compared to the other six zoysiagrass varieties. The KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that zoysiagrass responded to environmental stress by regulating stress response and antioxidant defense pathways. Notably, the expression levels of genes Zja03G031540 and Zja11G000860 were notably increased in the 'X4' zoysiagrass genotype with improved drought tolerance compared to the 'X1' zoysiagrass genotype with reduced drought tolerance. This study suggested that 63 high-confidence genes related to drought stress and 6 motifs regulating drought responses were unearthed. The study discovered a positive correlation between ATAC-seq peak intensity and gene expression levels. The expression of high-confidence genes was linked to zoysiagrass resistance evaluation and phenotypic traits, implying that these genes are involved in responding to external drought stress.
Conclusions
This study combined ATAC-seq and RNA-seq technologies for the first time to identify drought-related genes expression in zoysiagrass, elucidating the grass adaptation to environmental stress and the regulatory mechanisms underlying stress responses, and laying the groundwork for zoysiagrass improvement and breeding.
A Novel Smartphone Application for Real-Time Localization and Tracking for Visually Impaired Individuals
Authors: Bougheloum Loubna , Salah Mounir Bousbia , Bettayeb Maamar
Published: March 2024

This paper aims to address the distinctive challenges faced by individuals with visual impairment concerning mobility and safety. It presents an advanced Android application named "Follow Me," developed using the MIT App Inventor platform. The primary objective of this application is to tackle these challenges by delivering real-time tracking and location sharing features for visually impaired individuals. Leveraging the capabilities of modern smartphones, this innovative app enables the continuous transmission of SMS messages containing the user's current location to a designated guardian. By following principles of design focused on the user's needs, the application's interface prioritizes accessibility and adaptability, guaranteeing a seamless experience for visually impaired users. Notably, it seamlessly integrates with Google Voice Assistant, allowing users to effortlessly activate or deactivate the tracking system using voice commands. The paper encompasses a comprehensive evaluation, including usability assessments, trials of SMS communication, location and tracking tests, and a comparative analysis with previous tracking systems and commercial applications. This ground-breaking application, "Follow Me," holds significant promise in enhancing the lives of individuals with visual impairments.
Vestibular schwannoma microneurosurgery in patients over 70: a single institution experience and proposal of a treatment algorithm
Authors: Michelini Silvia , Campione Alberto , Carpineta Ettore , Fraschetti Flavia , Scavo Carlo Giacobbo , Boccacci Fabio , Cacciotti Guglielmo , Stati Giovanni , Roperto Raffaelino , Alomari Amer A. , Mastronardi Luciano
Published: March 2024

Background. Elderly patients with vestibular schwannoma (VS) are commonly observed. Object. Retrospective analysis of 25 patients aging ≥ 70 operated on in our neurosurgical department for unilateral VS.
Methods. American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) Grade I-II patients and Grade III with life-threatening tumors were enrolled. Karnofsky Performance Status Scale (KPS) was used for evalutation of the quality of life. The House-Brackmann (HB) scale for facial nerve (FN) outcome was used. Tumor size was categorized according to Koos’ classification. A retrosigmoid approach was used in all cases, except one in which a translabyrinthine approach was performed. Surgical removal graduation: total (GTR), near total (NT>95%), subtotal (ST>90%). Results. Mean age: 74,4 years (70-83); 28% ASA I, 56% ASA II, 16% ASA III. Mean tumor size: 2,7cm (1,5-4,2cm). GTR/NT resection: 68%, ST 32%. Mortality was zero. Long-term FN results: HBI 68%, HBII 8%, HBIII 12%; HB IV 12% (4 cases preoperatively). Transient complications occurred only in large VS. Re-growth of residue after ST was observed in 3 cases, treated with SRS in 2 cases and observed in 1.
Conclusions. An algorithm of treatment of vestibular schwannoma in the elderly is proposed. In particular, in patients in general good conditions, age does not appear to be a major contraindication for microsurgery of VS. Long-term FN results are satisfactory and the complication rates are acceptable.
General trends in irrigation practice during endodontic treatment among general dental practitioners in Malaysia.
Authors: bhatia shekhar , Chiew Kai Qi , Lim XIn Ni , Chhabra Naveen
Published: March 2024

Objective(s): This questionnaire study aimed to analyze the irrigation knowledge and current trends in irrigation practice during endodontic treatment among general dental practitioners (GDPs) in Malaysia.
Materials and Methods: A three-part self-administered questionnaire with multiple choice questions was distributed to dentists in Malaysia. Questions were segregated based on demographic data, irrigant selection and protocol, and other irrigation practices. Knowledge questions were marked based on a recommended answer by endodontists and the scores were analyzed among different groups with levels of experience using Kruskal-Wallis test.
Results: Out of 172 responses, knowledge scores of groups of practitioners with a different number of years of experience, the mean score of all respondents was 12.92 with a standard deviation of 2.774. For the scores of the groups of practitioners with different years of experience, Kruskal-Wallis test showed p=0.069.Sodium hypochlorite appeared as the most used irrigant. Most respondents routinely practiced smear layer removal using EDTA. Antibacterial capability and tissue dissolution were the main factors in irrigant selection. 65.6% of the GDPs claimed to change their irrigation protocol to suit different pulpal and periapical diagnoses. There was considerable variation regarding the type of irrigants used, irrigation protocol, concentration, volume, time spent for irrigation, irrigation needle usage, and additional adjunct methods used.
Conclusion(s): GDPs are currently following the recommended irrigation practices in terms of irrigant selection but there is scope for improvement in other aspects of irrigation practice. p>0.05 so years of experience is not a predictor for level of knowledge of irrigation protocol.
Long-term longitudinal changes in astigmatism and their effect on refraction development in Chinese clinical school-age children
Authors: Qin Zhuoer , zheng Qiaolan , Yu Xinping , Chen Jie , Chen Wuhe
Published: March 2024

Objectives
To investigate longitudinal changes in astigmatism in Chinese clinical school-age children and to explore the effect of astigmatism on refraction development.
Methods
The medical records of patients with long-term follow-up data from 2006 to 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients who were 6–10 years old at initial visit and 16 years old at last assessment were selected for analysis. The enrolled patients had a cylinder refraction of 0.75 or greater. Astigmatism was analyzed in clinical notation and vector notation (J0, J45). The related factors of changes in astigmatism and spherical equivalent per year and the interaction between the two were analyzed.
Results
A total of 3101 patients (median age 9 years at initial visit) were followed up for an average of 7 years (IQR, 6–8 years). Astigmatism increased with age in low astigmats (< 1.50 D, 0.025 D/y) and decreased with age in high astigmats (≥ 3.00 D, -0.048 D/y). The oblique astigmatism (J45, 0.005D/y) increased and with-the-rule (WTR) astigmatism (J0, -0.008D/y) decreased. Higher myopia of the SE at the initial visit was associated with a greater increase in astigmatism magnitude(p < 0.001). A higher magnitude of initial astigmatism was associated with less progression in spherical equivalent(p < 0.001).
Conclusion
In Chinese clinical school-age children, the longitudinal development of astigmatism from 6–10 to 16 years of age varied with baseline astigmatism. The presence of myopia at baseline was a risk factor for astigmatism progression. However, high astigmatism seems to prevent the progression of myopia.
“Prevalence of dental fluorosis in permanent teeth among school going children in Bhavnagar district – A cross sectional study“
Authors: MISHRA MAYUR
Published: March 2024

Dental fluorosis is a major endemic oral disease characterized by hypomineralization of enamel caused due to consumption of water containing high concentration of fluoride during developmental stages of teeth. Fluorosis is one of the severe public health problems in India.Bhavnagar district is one among them, where people are affected with dental and skeletal fluorosis.Aim:To assess the prevalence of dental fluorosis in permanent teeth among 06-12 years old school children in endemic fluoride areas of Bhavnagar district.Methodology:A cross-sectional study was carried out in Bhavnagar district to assess the prevalence of dental fluorosis among 1500 school children in the age group of 6-12 years. Data collected included estimation of fluoride in the drinking water supply and measurement of dental fluorosis in school children.Results:Among total population of 1500 children, 746 were males and 754 were females. It shows the prevalence of Dental Fluorosis among total population of 1500 children, out of which 304 (40.75%) were males with fluorosis & 338 (44.82%) were females with fluorosis. Chi square test Pearson’s correlation test were applied to obtain inferential data.Conclusion: Our findings showed that the risk of dental fluorosis was significantly higher in the areas showing more fluoride content in drinking water.
Engineering Coupled Consortia-Based Biosensors using Incoherent Feedforward Loops
Authors: Daniel Ramez , Huang Rongying , Kravchik Valeriia , Geva-Zatorsky Naama
Published: March 2024

Synthetic multicellular systems offer the potential for performing complex biological tasks through coordinated cell-to-cell communication. However, the engineering of these systems faces challenges, including managing population ratios, cell growth rates, and asynchronous activity. To minimize the impact of these factors on the multicellular design, we developed coupled bacterial consortia designed for multi-marker detection by employing a stable shared quorum sensing signal, enabling the simultaneous initiation of their activities. The shared signal is driven by an incoherent feedforward loop (IFFL) gene circuit capable of generating a consistently low-level plateau-like signal that persists over 20 cell generations. This stability ensures a consistent synthesis rate of molecules and prevents unintended amplification during signal transduction, allowing for the efficient simultaneous initiation of activities among consortium members. We examined the consortia-based biosensor by monitoring Lactate and Heme in humanized fecal samples for 40 hours. Our findings provide insights into the IFFL system's dynamic response and long-term temporal stability, making them valuable for biotechnological applications. Particularly during the scaling of synthetic multicellular systems, where maintaining consistent cell density ratios among different strains within consortia is critical.
Effect of sample thickness on quantifying moisture content in oil-paper Insulation by terahertz characteristics and the corresponding correction method
Authors: Hu Jinlei , Yang Lijun , He Yuxin , Wang Ke , Jiang Tao , Wang Jianyi , Zhang Xiaoqin
Published: March 2024

Terahertz spectral characteristics are closely related to the moisture content in the transformer oil–paper insulation, which has great potential in nondestructive testing. However, the difference in the thicknesses of oil–paper insulation samples affects the spectral characteristics and the quantitative relationship between spectral characteristic values and moisture content, limiting the practical application of the quantitative relationship. In this study, the quantitative relationship between the moisture content and absorption coefficient integral eigenvalues of the three thicknesses of insulating paper is first experimentally investigated to reveal the influence of thickness on eigenvalues. Theoretical analyses are also conducted to analyze the factors affecting eigenvalues. This study also proposes that the maximum detectable absorption coefficient of the transmissive terahertz and the surface scattering are the main reasons for the differences in the eigenvalues. Finally, the methods of determining the integration interval through the maximum absorption coefficient and subtracting the surface scattering are proposed to eliminate the effect of thickness on eigenvalues. Thus, these terahertz eigenvalues become universally applicable in assessing the water content of insulating paper samples with different thicknesses.
Genetic Association of Serum Calcium, Phosphate, Vitamin D, Parathyroid Hormone, and FGF23 with the Risk of Aortic Stenosis
Authors: Zhao Qinghao , Nie Wenchang , Dong Jiaming , Zhang Bowen , Tang Gongzheng , Hong Shenda , Liu Jian
Published: March 2024

Aim: Disorders of mineral metabolism, including elevated levels of serum calcium, phosphate, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OH-VitD), parathyroid hormone (PTH), and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), have been reported in patients with calcific aortic valve stenosis (CAVS). However, evidence of the causal role of mineral metabolism in CAVS is still lacking. We aimed to investigate the causality between mineral metabolism and CAVS.
Methods: A systematic pipeline combining Mendelian randomization (MR), Steiger directionality test, colocalization analysis, protein-protein network, and enrichment analysis was applied to investigate the causal effect. Genome-wide association study (GWAS) and protein quantitative trait loci data for mineral metabolism markers were extracted from large-scale meta-analyses. Summary statistics for CAVS were obtained from two independent GWAS datasets as discovery and replication cohorts (n=374,277 and 653,867).
Results: In MR analysis, genetic mimicry of serum FGF23 elevation was associated with increased CAVS risk [ORdiscovery=3.081 (1.649-5.760), Pdiscovery=4.21×10-4; ORreplication=2.280 (1.461-3.558), Preplication=2.82×10-4] without evidence of reverse causation (Psteiger=7.21×10-98). Strong colocalisation association with CAVS was observed for FGF23 expression in the blood (PP.H4 = 0.96). Additionally, we identified some protein-protein interactions between FGF23 and known CAVS causative genes. Serum calcium, phosphate, 25OH-VitD, and PTH failed to show causal effects on CAVS at Bonferroni-corrected significance (all P>0.05/5=0.01).
Conclusions: Elevated serum FGF23 level is a causal risk factor for CAVS, and its mechanism of action in CAVS development may be independent of its function in regulating mineral metabolism. Hence, FGF23 may serve as a circulating marker and a promising preventive target for CAVS, warranting further investigation.
Nanozyme-Enhanced Injectable Hydrogel for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis
Authors: Wang Hui , Li Zuhao , Liu Jiaqi , Chang Haoran , Wang Jincheng , Song Shanliang , Zhao Yue , Zhao Xin
Published: March 2024

The tissue pathological changes of osteoarthritis (OA) encompass degenerative alterations in articular cartilage, peripheral bone proliferation, and synovial inflammation. The progression of OA is dramatically accelerated by the reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced apoptosis of chondrocytes and the inflammatory response of synovial macrophages. The bone joint microenvironment refers to the biological environment inside the bone joints, which impacts the survival and function of cells within the bone joints. The interaction between the imbalance of the microenvironment and excessive generation of ROS promotes the development of arthritis. To address this issue, we have developed an injectable hydrogel with catalase-mimic nanozyme activity as a therapeutic agent for OA. The prepared nanozyme-reinforced hydrogels capable of not only eliminating ROS and inflammatory cytokines but also inducing the transformation of M1 macrophages into M2 phenotype in the harsh microenvironment. The dual mechanism enhances the repair of cartilage and facilitates the reduction of osteophyte formation in OA by improving the microenvironment within the joints. Our research has introduced an innovative treatment strategy for the clinical management of OA, demonstrating significant potential for its application in treating OA.
Clinical characteristics of non-tuberculous mycobacterium in central China were analyzed based on the macropathogenic mNGS sequencing technology
Authors: Yang Feicheng , Liu Yu , Yang Yuzhong , Chen Si , Liu Xiaoying , Dai Penghui , Yang Zhou , Zhou Yan
Published: March 2024

Objective: Metagenomics next generation sequencing (mNGS) was used to investigate the pathogenic factors, epidemic characteristics and clinical characteristics of non-tuberculous mycobacterium in central China.
Methods：The pathological data of 320 patients with mycobacterium infection diagnosed in the Department of Pathology of Hunan People's Hospital from June 2019 to December 2023 were collected, including HE staining, acid-fast and fungal fluorescence staining, and macrogenetic pathoomics next generation sequencing (mNGS) detection to classify mycobacterium pathogens.
Results：Among 320 patients with mycobacterium detection, 249 were positive for mycobacterium tuberculosis and 71 were positive for non-mycobacterium tuberculosis. Thirteen non-tuberculous mycobacterium genera were identified in the samples from central China, including M. chelonis, M. avium complex group, M. abscess, M. Gordon, M. intracellular, M. tobacco-Kansas, M. paracondontium, M. Aubris, M. margherita, M. fortuitus, M. smegmatis and M. margherita.
Conclusion:Non-tuberculous mycobacterium infections gradually increased, and the clinical infection mode began to change from single strain infection to multi-strain combined complex infection. It was very difficult to distinguish non-tuberculous mycobacterium from mycobacterium tuberculosis by simple pathologic diagnosis. The application of mNGS contributed to solving this problem and improving the clinical diagnosis rate and early treatment.
Investigating Snoring Patterns and Characteristics among Residents in the Qingpu District
Authors: Li Yan , Zhang Qi , Wang Shengli , Bai Guangping
Published: March 2024

Objective: The primary objective of this research was to conduct polysomnography tests on individuals diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Syndrome (OSAHS) in the Qingpu suburb of Shanghai, China. The study entailed the examination of diverse sleep monitoring parameters linked to age, gender, and disease severity to thoroughly investigate snoring patterns among residents of the Qingpu District. The resulting research outcomes are intended to offer significant insights for formulating successful clinical treatment plans and strategies. Methods: Polysomnography was conducted on 90 snoring patients, and parameters including Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI), Oxygen Desaturation Index (ODI), Snoring Index (SI), AGE, GENDER, and Body Mass Index (BMI) were statistically evaluated. Results: Average values of AHI, ODI, SI, and BMI across different age groups were relatively high without significant variations. When examining gender differences, it was found that both men and women exhibited higher average Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) and Oxygen Desaturation Index (ODI), while notable discrepancies were not observed in Snore Index (SI), age, or Body Mass Index (BMI) between men and women.When stratified by the severity of OSAHS, box plots for AHI and ODI revealed a progressive rise in average values as OSAHS severity increased, culminating at severe stages. The correlation analyses indicated a robust positive relationship between AHI and ODI, with correlation coefficients r values of 0.30, 0.55, 0.77, and 0.84 for normal, mild, moderate, and severe OSAHS categories, respectively. Conclusion: Age did not significantly impact the mean values of AHI, ODI, SI, and BMI in residents of Qingpu, Shanghai. No substantial gender disparities were observed concerning snoring index, age of onset, and BMI. However, men exhibited a higher propensity for apnea and hypoxia compared to women, particularly in terms of AHI and ODI. The study highlighted a robust association between AHI and ODI, with the strength of this association increasing with OSAHS severity levels.
Quality characteristics and thermal behavior diversity of traditional crude shea (Vitellaria paradoxa Gaertn) butter from Burkina Faso
Authors: Goumbri Bertrand W. F. , Djang’eing’a Roland Marini , Semdé Rasmané , Mouithys-Mickalad Ange , Sakira Abdoul Karim , Yaméogo Gérard B. Josias , Somé Touridomon Issa , Danthine Sabine
Published: March 2024

The aim of this study was to establish a comparative analysis of the physicochemical and the thermal behavior (solid fat content (SFC) by p-NMR, and by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) of shea butter (SB) from Burkina Faso, related to different traditional extraction processes. Thirty-seven samples obtained from different localities were collected from local producers and analyzed for chemical indexes, unsaponifiable matter content (UMC), color, yellow index, fatty acids (FA) profile, and thermal behavior. Results showed that stearic acid and oleic acid were the most important FA but varied from 47.2 ± 0.2 to 51.0 ± 0.1%, respectively. Chemical quality variations among the 37 samples were observed: UMC (3.0 ± 1.0 to 12.0 ± 0.1%), peroxide value (4.6 ± 0.1 to 44.5 ± 0.2 meqO2/kg), iodine value by GC (50.5 to 64.2 g/100g), free fatty acids (1.1 ± 0.1 to 9.7 ± 0.1%). Statistically significant relationships were observed between thermal properties and chemical parameters. The results were subjected to clustering and principal component analysis (PCA). Results showed that a great diversity exists among crude shea butter samples from Burkina Faso which is due to both regional variation and difference in extraction processes. A standardization of the process could help to improve the quality.