bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alfosbuvir plus Daclatasvir for Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection in China
Authors: Hua Rui , Kong Fei , Li Guangming , Wen Xiaofeng , Zhang Yuexin , Yang Xingxiang , Meng Chenxin , Xie Wen , Jiang Yongfang , Wang Xiaozhong , Han Xueji , Huang Yan , Mao Qing , Wang Jiefei , Guan Yujuan , Chen Jiayu , Ma Yingjie , Xiong Qingfang , Ma Hong , Yan Xuebing , Rao Huiying , Zhao Yingren , Sun Tong , Zhu Liying , Mao Xiaorong , Lian Jianqi , Deng Guojiong , Xin Yongning , Wang Yifei , Ye Yinong , Xu Bin , Gao Hainv , Tan Youwen , Li Dongliang , Yang Dongliang , Su Minghua , Zhang Xiaomeng , Min Jie , Shi Xinsheng , Wei Lai , Niu Junqi
Published: May 2023

Background and aims
A pan-genotypic and effective treatment regimen for patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains an unmet medical need in China. Alfosbuvir is a novel potent HCV NS5B polymerase inhibitor in development for the treatment of chronic HCV infection. We conducted a phase 3 study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of alfosbuvir in combination with daclatasvir in Chinese patients with HCV infection.
Methods
All patients received 600 mg alfosbuvir tablets plus 60 mg daclatasvir tablets once daily for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was a sustained virologic response 12 weeks after the end of treatment (SVR12). A follow-up visit was done at week 4 and 12, and those who achieved SVR12 were followed up at post-treatment week 24.
Results
Of the 326 patients who received at least one dose of the study treatment, 321 (98.5% [95% CI 96.5–99.5%]) achieved SVR12, which was superior to the historical SVR12 rate of 88% (p < 0.0001). The SVR12 rates were similar regardless of most baseline characteristics. The most common adverse event (≥ 10%) was hypercholesterolemia. Serious adverse events (SAEs) were reported in 25 (7.7%) patients, none of which was judged to be related to the study treatment. The majority of adverse events (AEs) were mild to moderate in severity.
Conclusions
Alfosbuvir plus daclatasvir for 12 weeks was highly effective and safe in Chinese patients infected with HCV genotype 1, 2, 3, or 6, suggesting this regimen could be a promising option for HCV treatment in China irrespective of genotype.
Perturbation and stability of PAM50 subtyping in population-based primary invasive breast cancer
Authors: Staaf Johan , Veerla Srinivas , Hohmann Lennart , Nacer Deborah , Vallon-Christersson Johan
Published: May 2023

PAM50 gene expression subtypes represent a cornerstone in molecular classification of breast cancer and are included in risk prediction models to guide therapy. We aimed to illustrate the impact of included genes and biological processes on subtyping while considering a tumor’s underlying clinical subgroup defined by ER, PR and HER2 status. To do this we used a population-representative and clinically annotated primary breast tumor cohort of 6233 samples profiled by RNA sequencing and applied a perturbation strategy of excluding co-expressed genes (gene sets). We demonstrate how PAM50 nearest centroid classification depends on biological processes present across, but also within, ER/PR/HER2 subgroups and PAM50 subtypes themselves. Our analysis highlights several key aspects of PAM50 classification. Firstly, we observed a tight connection between a tumor’s nearest and second nearest PAM50 centroid. Additionally, we show that second-best subtype is associated with overall survival in ER-positive, HER2-negative, and node negative disease. We also note that ERBB2 has little impact on PAM50 classification in HER2-positive disease regardless of ER-status, and that the Basal subtype is highly stable in contrast to the Normal subtype. Improved consciousness of the commonly used PAM50 subtyping scheme will aid in our understanding and interpretation of breast tumors that have seemingly conflicting PAM50 classification when compared to clinical biomarkers. Finally, our study adds further support in challenging the common misconception that PAM50 subtypes are distinct classes by illustrating that PAM50 subtypes in tumors represent a continuum that may have clinical implications.
Metasurface-enabled Broadband All-Optical Edge Detection in Visible Frequencies
Authors: Aydin Koray , Tanriover Ibrahim , Dereshgi Sina Abedini
Published: May 2023

Image processing is of fundamental importance for numerous modern technologies including AR/VR glasses, autonomous driving, and biometric identification. In recent years, due to increasing demand for real-time, continuous data processing, metamaterial and metasurface based all-optical computation techniques emerged as a promising alternative to digital computation. Most of the pioneer research focused on all-optical edge detection as a fundamental step of image processing. Metasurfaces have been shown to enable real time edge detection with low to no power consumption. However, the previous demonstrations were subjected to the several limitations such as need for oblique-incidence, polarization dependence, need for additional polarizers, narrow operation bandwidth, being limited with processing in 1D, operation with coherent light only, and requiring digital post-processing. Here, we propose and demonstrate metasurfaces for 2D isotropic and polarization independent edge detection based on Fourier optics principles that overcome aforementioned limitations and challenges. Our proposed metasurface platform consists of co-centric metallic rings that enable carefully chosen spatial transmission profile matching the Fourier transformation of the second-order differentiation. We experimentally confirm polarization-independent, broadband edge detection with high transmission efficiency under both coherent and incoherent illumination along the visible frequency range. Additional simulations and measurements in the near-IR wavelength range confirmed edge detection by the same metasurface, indicating broadband operation capability. Our approach addresses several challenging tasks at once and therefore paves the path towards the application of metasurfaces for real-life image processing and all-optical computation tasks.
Relationship of thyroid function with renal hemodynamics and cholesterol metabolism in proteinuric kidney disease: A pilot study
Authors: Iwazu Yoshitaka , Kotani Kazuhiko , Sugase Taro , Nagata Daisuke , Yamada Toshiyuki
Published: May 2023

Purpose. Nephrotic syndrome and hypothyroidism are respectively reported to influence renal hemodynamic and hypercholesterolemia. However, the relationship of proteinuria-associated thyroid function with renal hemodynamics and cholesterol metabolism has yet to be determined in a simultaneous analysis of thyroid, renal and cholesterol variables. We investigated the hypothesis that the changes in thyroid hormones by proteinuria may contribute to changes in lipid metabolism and renal hemodynamics by proteinuria.
Methods. Twenty-nine patients (17 men) with proteinuric kidney disease (mean age 46 years) were enrolled in a pilot study. Data for serum free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), total cholesterol, and filtration fraction (FF; assessed by para-aminohippuric acid clearance) were used in variable-adjusted correlation analyses.
Results. The patients had the following data (mean ± standard deviation): urinary protein 5.18 ± 3.28 g/day, FT3 2.18 ± 0.44 pg/mL, FT4 1.03 ± 0.26 ng/dL, FF 0.27 ± 0.07, and total cholesterol 327 ± 127 mg/dL. There was a significant positive correlation of FT3 with FF (β = 0.58, P = 0.01) and a significant inverse correlation of FT4 with total cholesterol (β = -0.40, P = 0.01).
Conclusions. The proteinuria associated reduction in serum thyroid hormone levels may be involved in a part of hypercholesterolemia and the impaired glomerular function due to nephrotic syndrome. Further studies of these relationships are required.
Omicron variant BA.1, BA.5, BQ.1.1, and XBB.1.5 Neutralizing Antibodies Following BNT162b2 BA.4/5 versus mRNA-1273 BA.1 Bivalent Vaccination
Authors: Hladunewich Michelle , Yau Kevin , Kurtesi Alexandra , Qi Freda , Delgado-Brand Melanie , Tursun Tulunay , Hu Queenie , Dhruve Miten , Kandel Christopher , Enilama Omosomi , Levin Adeera , Jiang Yidi , Hardy William , Yuen Darren , Perl Jeffrey , Chan Christopher , Leis Jerome , Oliver Matthew , Colwill Karen , Gingras Anne-Claude
Published: May 2023

Neutralization of Omicron subvariants by different bivalent vaccines have not been well evaluated. This study characterized neutralization against Omicron subvariants in 98 individuals receiving dialysis or with a kidney transplant receiving the BNT162b2 (BA.4/BA.5) or mRNA-1273 (BA.1) bivalent COVID-19 vaccine. Neutralization against Omicron BA.1, BA.5, BQ.1.1, and XBB.1.5 increased by 8-fold one month following bivalent vaccination. In comparison to wild-type (D614G), neutralizing antibodies against Omicron-specific variants were 7.3-fold lower against BA.1, 8.3-fold lower against BA.5, 45.8-fold lower against BQ.1.1, and 48.2-foldloweragainst XBB.1.5. Viral neutralization was not significantly different by bivalent vaccine type for wild-type (D614G) (P=0.48), BA.1 (P=0.21), BA.5 (P=0.07), BQ.1.1 (P=0.10), nor XBB.1.5 (P=0.10). Hybrid immunity conferred higher neutralizing antibodies against all Omicron subvariants. Given that both BNT162b2 (BA.4/BA.5) and mRNA-1273 (BA.1) induced similar neutralization against all Omicron subvariants, this suggests that bivalent vaccines confer protection even when they are antigenically divergent from the circulating variant.
Why Do People Hurt Themselves? A study of aggression toward self in drug dependence
Authors: Xin Yong , Fu Haojie , Xin Wei , Wang Bin , Zhong Xiao , Hu Ruilin , Zhang Xiaoqian , Liu Chuanjun
Published: May 2023

Background: The negative consequences of drug addiction can include increased aggression, and previous research has suggested a correlation between drug addiction and self-harm. However, the relationship between childhood trauma, self-aggression, and drug addiction has not been extensively investigated.
Methods: The present study to explore the influence of childhood trauma on self-aggression in drug users under the age of 16, used the benefits and barriers model. The study analyzed the distal factors of self-aggressive intention in compulsory drug addicts and examined the mediating role of sense of life meaning as a barrier factor and sensation seeking as a benefit factor. To collect data, the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), the Presence of Meaning in Life (MLQ-P), the Brief Sensation Seeking Scale (BSSS), and Aggression toward Self Scale (ATS) were administered to 625 male compulsory detoxification patients in a Sichuan compulsory detoxification facility.
Results: The results showed no significant difference in self-aggression between methamphetamine and heroin addicts and identified a significant mediating effect of MLQ-P as a barrier factor and BSSS as a beneficial factor in predicting self-aggression.
Conclusions: This study confirmed the applicability of the benefits and barriers model in the drug addicts, and proposed a parallel mediation model of CTQ affecting ATS with MLQ-P and BSSS as mediator variables. It can provide a theoretical basis for intervention in the recovery of drug addicts.
The Emotions, Coping Strategies and Learning Behaviours of Medical Students during Quarantine Period of COVID-19
Authors: Tanriover Ozlem , Peker Sukran , Hidiroglu Seyhan , Kitapcioglu Dilek , Gülpınar M. Ali
Published: May 2023

Objective: The aims of this study were to identify the emotions of medical students during quarantine period, to clarify how they coped with this new situation and to find out whether learning behaviors changed due to pandemic.
Participants: Quarantined medical students participating in the distance education program of a medical school during the pandemic.
Methods: In this descriptive study we have utilized online questionnaire in gathering the information. The Positive and Negative Affect Scale was also used to find out the emotion spectrum of medical students.
Results: In our sample, medical students mostly had negative emotions. The students with high negative affect scores were unable to cope with stress and unable to use emotional regulation strategies which impacted their learning behaviors.
Conclusions: The emotions should be explicitly reflected in medical education and the students should be supported in coping with these emotions as part of their professional growth and well-being.
Discerning the roles of various reactive oxygen species on PFOA degradation
Authors: Yang Jin , Xiao Ye , Wang Yue , Tang Qin , Zhu Xiaomin , Zhang Weihua , Qiu Rongliang
Published: May 2023

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a widely distributed persistent organic pollutant in the environment. In recent years, various advanced oxidation processes (AOP) have been explored to degrade PFOA in aqueous solution, but the roles of reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as hydroxyl radical (·OH), superoxide anion radical (O2·−), and hydroperoxide anion (HO2−) on PFOA degradation were not clear or with even controversial conclusions. Here, we investigated three AOP systems, including the catalytic hydrogen peroxide process, the electro-Fenton system, and the anodic oxidation process, capable of producing different ROS, for PFOA degradation. Essentially no fluoride ion was detected after the reaction if only homogeneous free ·OH, O2·−, and HO2− were present in the system indicating their ineffectiveness in PFOA degradation. Further experiments demonstrated that valence band holes (h+) and adsorbed hydroxyl radicals (·OH) on the anode surface governed the electrochemical mineralization of PFOA. In addition, the simultaneous TOC removal and defluorination by anodic oxidation degradation using a boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrode implied that the intermediates of PFOA degradation were rapidly decomposed on the electrode surface. This research provides insights on the role of ROS during PFOA degradation by AOP technologies.
Predicting postpartum hemorrhage in women undergoing planned cesarean section: a multicenter retrospective cohort study in Japan
Authors: Yamaguchi Tomoko , Kyozuka Hyo , Ito Momoka , Hiraiwa Tsuyoshi , Murata Tsuyoshi , Sugeno Misa , Ito Fumihiro , Suzuki Daisuke , Fukuda Toma , Yasuda Shun , Keiya Fujimori , Nomura Yasuhisa
Published: May 2023

Background Given Japan’s unique social background, it is critical to understand the current risk factors for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) to effectively manage the condition, especially among specific groups. Therefore, this study aimed to clarify the current risk factors for blood loss during planned cesarean section (CS) in Japan.Methods This multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted in two tertiary maternal-fetal medicine units in Fukushima, Japan and included 1,133 women who underwent planned CS between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2022. Risk factors for PPH (of > 1000 g, > 1500 g, and > 2000 g) were assessed using multivariate logistic regression analysis, considering variables such as maternal age, parity, assisted reproductive technology (ART) pregnancy, pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), uterine myoma, placenta previa, gestational age at delivery, birth weight categories, and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP). Multivariate linear regression analyses were conducted to predict PPH risk during planned CS.Results ART pregnancy, pre-pregnancy BMI (25.0–29.9 kg/m2), placenta previa, and uterine myoma increased PPH risk at various levels. Maternal smoking increased the risk of > 2000 g PPH (adjusted odds ratio: 11.6, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.85–46.9). Multivariate linear analysis showed that advanced maternal age (B: 75 g; 95% CI: 21–128 g), ART pregnancy (B: 163 g; 95% CI: 50–275 g), pre-pregnancy BMI of 25.0 to < 30.0 kg/m2 (B: 94 g; 95% CI: 22–167 g), uterine myoma (B: 189 g; 95% CI: 89–288 g), placenta previa (B: 558 g; 95% CI: 453–662 g), and birth weight > 3,500 g (B: 173 g; 95% CI: 44–303 g).Conclusions Considering a patient’s social background may help predict bleeding in planned CSs and help improve patient safety.
Effect of bleeding to Actinidia arguta (Sieb. & Zucc) Planch. ex Miq. on plant growth, physiological characteristics and fruit quality
Authors: jiang yaxuan , Lei Pei , Ma Le , Dong Kun , Zhang Yu , Zhao Jia , Guo Xinyu , Liu Jianxin , Li Wei , Tao Lei , Meng Fanjuan
Published: May 2023

Bleeding, as particularly serious phenomenon in A. arguta, has an important effect on plant growth and development. In the study, to study the effects of bleeding on the growth and development of leaves and fruits after the occurrence of bleeding, we chose as Actinidia arguta (Sieb. & Zucc) Planch. ex Miq. Results revealed that bleeding damaged the leaf structure. The physiological indexes of plants after bleeding were detected and analyzed. The relative electrical conductivity and malondialdehyde (MDA) of leaves increased in treatment. Nitro blue tetrazolium chloride (NBT) and 3,3-diaminobenzidine (DAB) staining showed that reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation was obvious in leaves after bleeding. The chlorophyll content, Tr (transpiration rate), Pn (net photosynthetic rate), Ci (intercellular CO2 concentration) and Gs (stomatal conductance) of plants were also decreased. The pulp and the seed water content decreased after the damage. The fruit vitamin C, soluble sugar content and soluble solids content (SSC) decreased after the damage, but the titratable acid content had no significant difference. Therefore, the bleeding will affect the physiological indexes of A. arguta, and our study lay a theoretical basis for understanding the physiological changes of A. arguta after bleeding.
Modeling and optimization of PEA- combined grinding aids effect in grinding circuit of cement ball mill
Authors: fatahi Rasoul , Pournazari Ali , Ghorbani Habib , Shah Majid Parvez , tazik Saeed Hosseini , Abdollahi Hadi
Published: May 2023

In this study, while introducing the new combination of by-products of petrochemical companies as a GAs and their combination with water, the optimization and modeling of essential parameters affected by GAs in ball mills have been discussed. According to Central Composite Design, the experiment was designed and implemented with Response Surface Methodology, and a quadratic model for regression analysis (R2 = 0.969) was developed. The effects of essential parameters, including feed rate of the mill, Blaine and dosage rate of GAs, were investigated to find the best efficient conditions and were found to be 121ton/hr: 388.578 l/t and 3650 cm2/gr, respectively. Under these conditions, the power consumption of the mill was found to be 4228.61 kW. Also, optimal conditions were established in industrial grinding processes. The results demonstrated that mill feed rate capacity changes could be obtained at approximately 12.69%. Sieve residue under 90µ in different fractions shows that grinding aid usage has raised the fineness product of the mill by inserting cement PSD and Blaine in a suitable range. Also, using the study done in two similar cement ball mills in the same cement plant, almost 1000000-ton cement was produced.
Central nervous system (CNS) Varicella Zoster encephalitis and vasculopathy in an immunocompetent patient Case Report
Authors: Ghapar Amirul Ab , Zakaria Nurul Izzati , May Low Huik , Yahya Noor Hidayah , Salim Iffah
Published: May 2023

Background Varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection, which affects the central nervous system (CNS) in adult patients, may occur with or without concurrent shingles. CNS manifestations include encephalitis and vasculopathy, the latter often manifesting as stroke due to ischaemic lesions involving small arteries. Immunocompromised individuals and those of advanced age are more prone to develop severe disease and also CNS involvement following VZV infection. We present a case of VZV encephalitis and vasculopathy, its symptoms and physical findings that should raise clinical suspicion of the disease, and its treatment and prognosis.Case presentation A 61-year-old man who presented to the emergency department with shingles and altered mental status was diagnosed with encephalitis and ischaemic stroke. Intravenous acyclovir was administered. VZV DNA and serology was detected in his CSF. Enhanced computed tomography (CT) of the brain showed multifocal non-enhancing hypodensities in cortical and subcortical areas. A diagnosis of VZV CNS encephalitis and vasculopathy was made and intravenous acyclovir was continued for 21 days and a short course of prednisolone was prescribed. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain on subsequent follow-up showed cortical haemorrhage in the remaining areas, but this was less compared to the initial imaging.Conclusion Neuroimaging can detect ischaemic stroke and detection and VZV CSF PCR is a reliable diagnostic tool, as shown in this case. Antiviral treatment and short-term steroid administration can improve outcome. This clinical case highlights the importance of recognition and challenge in the diagnosis of VZV CNS vasculopathy in immunocompetent patients.
Adverse effects of the long-term use of an N95 mask in healthcare workers
Authors: Takami Hiroki , Mitsuhashi Takashi , Nomura Tomohisa , Sugita Manabu , Usuda Daisuke
Published: May 2023

Purpose Healthcare workers must take stringent infection control measures against coronavirus disease. Previous reports have indicated that N95 masks cause fatigue, discomfort, and physical symptoms, such as headaches. We aimed to comparatively analyze the effect of the use of surgical and N95 masks for long hours on the performance of healthcare workers.Methods Healthy healthcare workers at an emergency department were subjected to a performance test program comprising four tests conducted before and after wearing a surgical mask/N95 mask for at least 4 h, and the results were compared.Results The study included 17 (male, 8 [47.1%]) healthcare workers. The age ranged from 22 to 32 (mean, 26.6) years. For each test, the rate of change in the percentage of correct responses, rate of decline in reaction time, and rate of decline in reaction time for correct responses were calculated before and after wearing the two types of masks. There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of decline in reaction time between the masks for all tests. However, there was a trend toward a high rate of decline in the alphanumeric detection test.Conclusion Using an N95 mask for 4 h continuously did not adversely affect work efficiency. Although prolonged work under conditions of discomfort should be avoided, it is unlikely that N95 masks will directly adversely affect the performance of healthcare workers.
Lateral parabrachial FoxP2 neurons regulate respiratory responses to hypercapnia
Authors: Kaur Satvinder , Nicole Lynch , Sela Yaniv , Lima Janayna , Thomas Renner , Bandaru Sathyajit , Saper Clifford
Published: May 2023

Although CGRP neurons in the external lateral parabrachial nucleus (PBelCGRP neurons) are critical for cortical arousal in response to hypercapnia, activating them has little effect on respiration. However, deletion of all Vglut2 expressing neurons in the PBel region suppresses both the respiratory and arousal response to high CO2. We identified a second population of non-CGRP neurons adjacent to the PBelCGRP group in the central lateral, lateral crescent and Kölliker-Fuse parabrachial subnuclei that are also activated by CO2 and project to the motor and premotor neurons that innvervate respiratory sites in the medulla and spinal cord. We hypothesize that these neurons may in part mediate the respiratory response to CO2 and that they may express the transcription factor, Fork head Box protein 2 (FoxP2), which has recently been found in this region. To test this, we examined the role of the PBFoxP2 neurons in respiration and arousal response to CO2, and found that they show cFos expression in response to CO2 exposure as well as increased intracellular calcium activity during spontaneous sleep-wake and exposure to CO2. We also found that optogenetically photo-activating PBFoxP2 neurons increases respiration and that photo-inhibition using archaerhodopsin T (ArchT) reduced the respiratory response to CO2 stimulation without preventing awakening. Our results indicate that PBFoxP2 neurons play an important role in the respiratory response to CO2 exposure during NREM sleep, and indicate that other pathways that also contribute to the response cannot compensate for the loss of the PBFoxP2 neurons. Our findings suggest that augmentation of the PBFoxP2 response to CO2 in patients with sleep apnea in combination with inhibition of the PBelCGRP neurons may avoid hypoventilation and minimize EEG arousals.
Mind wandering enhances predictive processing
Authors: Vékony Teodóra , Farkas Bence , Brezóczki Bianka , Mittner Matthias , Csifcsák* Gábor , Simor* Péter , Nemeth* Dezso
Published: May 2023

This study investigated the potential adaptive aspects of mind wandering (MW), a common phenomenon in which individuals shift their attention from external tasks to internal thoughts. Despite the well-documented negative effects of MW on cognitive performance and links to psychiatric conditions, there is a scarcity of direct evidence of its potential benefits. In our preregistered study, we simultaneously assessed visuomotor task performance as well as the capability to extract probabilistic information from the environment while assessing task focus (on-task vs. MW). We found that MW facilitated the extraction of hidden, but predictable patterns from a stream of visual inputs. Moreover, MW influenced speed/accuracy tradeoff by shifting participants towards a faster but less accurate response style. These findings suggest that MW may have functional relevance in human cognition and everyday functioning by shaping behavior and predictive processes. Overall, our results highlight the importance of considering the adaptive aspects of MW, and its potential to enhance cognitive abilities.
The effect of percussion, diuresis and inversion therapy on retrograde intrarenal surgery success for lower renal pole stones: a prospective randomized controlled study
Authors: Sarioglu Caglar , Senel Samet , Uzun Emre , Polat Muhammed Emin , Ceviz Kazim , Odabas Oner , Koudonas Antonios
Published: May 2023

Inversion of the patient, forced diuresis after hydration, and mechanical percussion technique was developed for lower renal pole (LRP) stones with extracorporeal shock wave (ESWL) by considering the geometric obstacles to reverse the factors that complicate the removal of stones. In this study, we aimed to analyze the effect of percussion, diuresis and inversion (PDI) therapy on the success rates of retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) for the LRP stones. 114 patients who underwent RIRS for LRP stones < 2cm were included in this study. Patients' age, gender, body mass index (BMI), preoperative double J (DJ) stent presence, ESWL history, operation time, stone size, number, density, number (single or multiple), side (left-right), infundibulopelvic angle (IPA), infundibular length (IL), infundibular width (IW) and success status were recorded prospectively. The patients were divided into two groups. One group received RIRS procedure only (non-PDI group) and the other group received PDI therapy after the RIRS procedure (PDI group). Two groups were compared in terms of the parameters above. PDI was performed to 60 (52.6%) patients, and not performed to 54 (47.4%) patients. The success rate (58.3%) for the PDI group was higher than the non-PDI group (25.9%), and this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, stone size (OR = 1.306; 95% CI = 1.019–1.674; p < 0.001), IU (OR = 1.702; 95% CI = 1.383–2.096; p < 0.001) and not performing PDI therapy (p < 0.001) OR = 9.455; 95% Cl = 2.426–10.853; p = 0.001) were revealed to be independent risk factors for failure. In conclusion, PDI therapy increases the success rates of RIRS performed for the LRP stones.
Activation of CTNNB1 by deubiquitinase UCHL3 mediated stabilization facilitates bladder cancer progression
Authors: liu tao , fan mengqi , xie Xiao-Xiao , shu qipeng , du xuehua , qi lingzhi , zhang xiaodong , zhang minghui , du runlei , li shangze
Published: May 2023

The catenin beta 1 gene (CTNNB1) plays a crucial role in the malignant progression of various cancers. Emerging studies have suggested that its hyperactivation is closely related to the occurrence and development of bladder cancer(BCa). Here, we report that UCHL3(Ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L3), a deubiquitinating enzyme promotes the development of bladder cancer through Wnt signaling pathway by interacting with and stabilizing CTNNB1 in vitro and in vivo. GSEA analysis showed that UCHL3 was highly associated with Wnt signaling pathway, and it was validated by luciferase reporter assays and RT-PCR, which found that its functions depend on its deubiquitinating activity. We also found that the overexpression of UCHL3 boosted the bladder cancer cells proliferation, invasion and migration, while the depletion of UCHL3 in bladder cancer cells delayed the tumor tumorigenesis in vitro and in vivo. Especially, Uchl3-deficient mice were less susceptible to bladder tumorigenesis. Additionally, UCHL3 was highly expressed in bladder cancer and associated with advanced clinicopathological parameters. These findings provided direct insight into the molecular mechanism of the functions of UCHL3 in bladder cancer, and provided new target for therapeutic approach against bladder cancer.
Use of Neuromuscular Blockade for Neck Dissection and Association with Iatrogenic Nerve Injury
Authors: Smith Joshua D. , Mentz Graciela , Leis Aleda M. , Yuan Yuan , Stucken Chaz L. , Chinn Steven B. , Casper Keith A. , Malloy Kelly M. , Shuman Andrew G. , McLean Scott A. , Rosko Andrew J. , Prince Mark E.P. , Tremper Kevin K. , Spector Matthew E. , Schechtman Samuel A.
Published: May 2023

Background Cranial nerve injury is an uncommon but significant complication of neck dissection. We examined the association between the use of intraoperative neuromuscular blockade and iatrogenic cranial nerve injury during neck dissection.Methods This was a single-center, retrospective, electronic health record review. Study inclusion criteria stipulated patients > 18 years who had ≥ 2 neck lymphatic levels dissected for malignancy under general anesthesia with a surgery date between 2008–2018. Use of neuromuscular blockade during neck dissection was the primary independent variable. This was defined as any use of rocuronium, cisatracurium, or vecuronium upon anesthesia induction without reversal with sugammadex prior to surgical incision. Univariate tests were used to compare variables between those patients with, and those without, iatrogenic cranial nerve injury. Multivariable logistic regression determined predictors of cranial nerve injury and was performed incorporating Firth’s estimation given low prevalence of the primary outcome.Results Our cohort consisted of 925 distinct neck dissections performed in 897 patients. Neuromuscular blockade was used during 285 (30.8%) neck dissections. Fourteen instances (1.5% of surgical cases) of nerve injury were identified. On univariate logistic regression, use of neuromuscular blockade was not associated with iatrogenic cranial nerve injury (OR: 1.73, 95% CI: 0.62–4.86, p = 0.30). There remained no significant association on multivariable logistic regression controlling for patient age, sex, weight, ASA class, paralytic dose, history of diabetes, stroke, coronary artery disease, carotid atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and cardiac arrythmia (OR: 1.87, 95% CI: 0.63–5.51, p = 0.26).Conclusions In this study, use of neuromuscular blockade intraoperatively during neck dissection was not associated with increased rates of iatrogenic cranial nerve injury. While this investigation provides early support for safe use of neuromuscular blockade during neck dissection, future investigation with greater power remains necessary.
Stent strut dilation in branch pulmonary artery stenosis following stenting of arterial duct in duct dependent pulmonary circulation
Authors: KONETI NAGESWARA RAO , BAKHRU SHWETA , DHULIPUDI BHARGAVI , RAJAN SAILEELA , SREE NARAYANASWAMY
Published: May 2023

Objective To assess the feasibility and outcome of stent strut dilation after arterial duct stenting with associated branch pulmonary artery (BPA) stenosis.Background Stenting of arterial duct in infants with duct dependent pulmonary circulation is technically challenging. Presence of BPA stenosis is a relative contraindication for stent implantation.Methods Infants with duct dependent pulmonary circulation and associated BPA stenosis were assessed either by transthoracic echocardiogram alone or additional computerized tomography (CT) angiogram when required. Following ductal stenting, the stent struts of the stenosed BPA were crossed with an additional 0.014″ coronary guide wire and dilated using coronary balloons (2.0 or 2.5 mm in diameter).Results Seventeen (12 male) patients were considered for the procedure. The median age and weight were 27 days (range 2 to 94) and 2.6 kilograms (range 2.2 to 5) respectively. Fourteen patients (78%) underwent stent strut dilation after arterial duct stenting. Struts to left pulmonary artery was opened in 9 (64%) and right pulmonary artery in 5 (35%). The baseline saturation improved from 66.23 ± 8.9% to 89.29 ± 4.3% after successful strut dilation. Angiographic pulmonary flow improved in all cases. Stent strut dilation could not be done in 3 patients due to unfavorable anatomy. One patient had acute stent thrombosis and died in the hospital. Two others died during follow-up, during an acute febrile illness and gastroenteritis. All survivors underwent cardiac surgery and were on regular follow-up.Conclusions Strut dilation of BPA stenosis is feasible to augment pulmonary blood flow, following arterial duct stenting.
A DFT investigation on transition metal (Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Mo and Nb) doped Bismuth Ferrite Oxide (BiFeO3 ) for CO gas adsorption
Authors: Sambare Amogh , Pawar Ramkisan , Shirsat Mahendra
Published: May 2023

Using density functional theory, the structural and electronic configuration of transition metal atom (Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Mo, and Nb) doped BiFeO3(BFO) perovskite for adsorption of CO gas molecules have been studied in a systematic way. A detailed analysis of energy, geometry and an electronic configuration of transition metal atoms doped in A site of BFO perovskite structure towards CO adsorption is carried out. The CO gas molecule adsorption phenomenon on transition metal-doped BFO are investigated in terms of adsorption energy after geometry optimization, adsorption distance, charge density difference, and the spectrum of the density of states. Our results revealed that CO gas is chemisorbed on Mo-doped BiFeO3 perovskite structure. Also, calculation results indicates that CO preferably adsorbs on Mo-doped BiFeO3 with an adsorption energy of -1.0532 eV. Further results from the Density of states plot (DOS) suggest that Mo-doped BFO (010) can be introduced as a promising candidate in chemiresistive gas sensing devices for detecting CO gas molecule.
Effectiveness, and Safety of Eptinezumab in Episodic and Chronic Migraine Headache in the UAE: A retrospective study
Authors: Bader Yazan , Suliman Reem , Harb Mohamad , Santos Vanessa , Qaisi Ibrahim Al , Alsaadi Taoufik
Published: May 2023

Background Eptinezumab-jjmr is a humanized IgG1 immunoglobulin monoclonal antibody administered intravenously as a preventative migraine treatment. Previously conducted randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials exhibited significant reduction in monthly migraine frequency among adults experiencing episodic and chronic migraine. The present study seeks to expand upon the current findings and evaluate Eptinezumab-jjmr’s efficacy as a preventative migraine treatment for chronic and episodic migraine patients in the United Arab Emirates. This study is intended to represent the first real-world evidence study and will hopefully serve as a valuable complement to the existing literature on the subject.Methods This was a retrospective, observational, and exploratory study. The participants included within the study were adult (≥ 18 years) patients diagnosed with either episodic or chronic migraine. Patients were categorized according to their history of previous preventative treatment failure. For the final assessment of treatment efficacy, we included only patients with a minimum of 6 months of clinical follow-up data. Patients were assessed at baseline for their monthly migraine frequency and assessed again at months 3 and 6. The primary objective was to evaluate the efficacy of Eptinezumab-jjmr in reducing migraine frequency among chronic and episodic migraine patients.Results 100 participants were identified, of whom 53 patients completed the study protocol to month 6. 40 (75.5%) were female, 46 (86.8%) were Emirati locals, and 16 (30.2%) were pharmaceutically naïve, having never tried any prior preventative therapy. Additionally, 25 (47.2%) patients met the criteria for chronic migraine (CM), whereas the remaining 28 (52.8%) were diagnosed with episodic migraine (EM). The baseline monthly migraine frequency (MMD) was 12.2 (4.97) days across all participants, 15.6 (3.97) for CM patients, and 9.25 (3.76) for EM patients; by month 6, these frequencies reduced to 3.66 (4.21), 4.76 (5.32), and 2.68 (2.61), respectively. Overall, 58.5% of those enrolled experienced > 75% reduction in MMD frequency by month 6.Conclusion Patients enrolled in this trial experienced clinically significant reductions in MMD by month 6. Eptinezumab-jjmr was well tolerated with only one AE of note.
Incidence and Adverse Clinical Events of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis with Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Han In Sub , Baek Dong Hoon , Hong Seung Min , Lee Bong Eun , Lee Moon Won , Kim Gwang Ha , Song Geun Am
Published: May 2023

Purpose The aim of this study was to conduct a nationwide population-based study to estimate the incidence of primary sclerosing cholangitis in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC-PSC) and investigate healthcare use, medication use, surgery, cancer, and death as adverse clinical events of UC-PSC.Methods We identified incident cases of UC with (UC-PSC) or without PSC (UC-alone) between 2008 and 2018 using health insurance claims data in Korea. Univariate (crude hazard ratio [HR]) and multivariate analyses were performed to compare the risk of adverse clinical events between groups.Results Overall, 3.38% (487/14,406) patients developed UC-PSC. During a mean follow-up duration of approximately 5.92 years, the incidence of PSC in patients with UC was 185 per 100,000 person-years. The UC-PSC group showed statistically more frequent healthcare use (hospitalization and emergency department visits: HRs, 5.986 and 9.302, respectively; P < .001), higher immunomodulator and biologic use (azathioprine, infliximab, and adalimumab: HRs, 2.061, 3.457, and 3.170, respectively; P < .001), and higher surgery rate (resection of small bowel, operation for intestinal obstruction, and colectomy: HRs, 7.110, 9.728, and 2.940, respectively; P < .001) than did the UC-alone group. The UC-PSC group also showed significantly higher colorectal cancer and biliary tract cancer (HRs, 2.799 and 36.343, respectively; P < .001) and mortality (HR, 4.257) rates than did the UC-alone group.Conclusion Patients with UC-PSC have higher risks of colorectal cancer, biliary tract cancer, and death than do patients with UC-alone. Although considered a rare disease, managing this complex and costly disease requires recognition of the impact of increased burden on health care services.
Text line and word detection and recognition of historical Arabic manuscripts
Authors: Hakim Bouchal , Ahror Belaid
Published: May 2023

The old Arabic manuscripts are highly sought-after documents but very difficult to access. Digitization, and thus handwriting recognition, is a beneficial way to make these resources accessible. This paper presents an end-to-end approach to the offline recognition of ancient manuscripts. First, a crucial pre-processing step is to extract text lines and words by applying transfer learning on YOLO (You Only Look Once) architecture. Thus the segmentation problem is treated as a detection problem. Then for the recognition of old handwritten words, we propose ensemble learning techniques based on recurrent neural networks associated with the Connectionist Temporal Classification layer (CTC) combined to convolution networks with Squeeze-and-Excitation blocks. The presented work accurately detects lines of text and words, even when overlapping or touching words are present, and correctly identifies those with multiple connected components. We evaluate this approach on a collection of 20 pages for text line detection. Moreover, we introduce a new consistent and accurate dataset for word detection and recognition. We have achieved promising results with 98.1% and 94.38% F1-measure on the text line and word detection, respectively, with a character error rate recognition of 8.27%.
TFDF and TF-IDF in Financial Analysis
Authors: HASHEMI MEISAM , REZAEI MEHRAN , KAEDI MARJAN
Published: May 2023

Textual analysis in the realm of business depends on text processing techniques borrowed mainly from information retrieval. However, it is not a viable solution capable of developing in finance. We suggest developing financial homegrown techniques for processing textual data. Especially in the course of scoring words where standard techniques are incongruous in financial analysis. On that matter, we pursue two issues. First, we examine major information retrieval heuristics. We find TF-IDF a facile solution that falters in predicting trend and generates high errors on large numbers. Second, we work on a new heuristic satisfying financial concernments. We consider the relation between publication rate of information and their importance. The proposed heuristic provides results of unmatchable performance in both predicting trend and precision measures. In additional analysis, we optimize our scheme using Genetic algorithm in a machine learning approach and get greater precision. In comparison with TF-IDF, the proposed heuristic conduces to 38.5 percent lower error in closeness measures which is again reduced by 16.46 percent with the help of machine learning. Our findings suggest that financial textual analysis and information retrieval should go their separate ways.
Serial Document Layout Analysis Method Based on Improved Mask R-CNN Architecture
Authors: Zhao weidong , Zhang xiaoming , Li xujian
Published: May 2023

Document Layout Analysis plays an important part in understanding the content of the document and extracting OCR text. Existing methods rely primarily on parallel analytical and identification techniques. Based on the analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of parallel methods, this article proposes a Serial Classification Recognition Method based on the improved architecture of the Mask R-CNN. To be specific, an improved feature pyramid model SCBAM-FPN is proposed, which utilizes Spatial Attention Module and Channel Attention Module as well as Atrous Convolution to reduce the loss of local information in feature maps and expand the receptive field, thereby increasing the performance of FPN express ability. Experiments show that using SCBAM-FPN to replace the original feature pyramid network in Mask R-CNN improves the detection performance of Mask R-CNN network for multi-scale targets. In addition, in order to improve the accuracy of segmentation, a Mask edge correction algorithm is proposed, which combines the FCN semantic segmentation results with edge superpixel information and uses the Mask-IoU mechanism to perform edge corrections on Masks with scores of less than 90%. The serial classification recognition method utilizes the improved Mask R-CNN architecture to perform Document Layout Analysis. Firstly, the document image is recognized and the table is segmented. Secondly, the image after the split table is used to identify and segment the illustrations. Finally, identify the title and paragraph of the image after removing the table and the illustration. Although the serial classification and recognition method has a certain degree of decline in speed, this method solves the problem of competition among multiple attributes and improves the accuracy of recognition compared with existing methods. In this article, experiments that were conducted on three datasets show that the proposed method surpasses existing methods in terms of accuracy and efficiency.
A new Excess-1 circuit based High-Speed Carry Select Adder in 18 nm FinFET Technology
Authors: BATTINI JEEVAN , PASHYA NARAYANA , KOSARAJU SIVANI
Published: May 2023

Conventional carry select adder (CCSA) uses a multiplexer in the final stage to select either an excess-1 result or a normal result. To improve the delay and number of transistors a new topology is Proposed (PCSA) that uses only a single type of cell i.e., a 2 − 1 multiplexer. The 2 − 1 multiplexer is constructed in CMOS and TGL logic styles using 18nm FinFETs. The sub-blocks such as half adder and excess-1 circuit used in this PCSA is realized using only a 2:1 multiplexer. Due to the usage of a single type 2:1 multiplexer, the PCSA exhibits better circuit regularity. The new topology of PCSA is designed using FinFET-based TGL and CMOS styles. All the adders such 4- and 8-bit are designed, simulated, and analyzed using Cadence Virtuoso, ADEL, and ADEXL at 18nm FinFET technology. The result analysis reveals that the speed performance and the number of transistors of 8-bit PCSA are better by 44.02% and 4% respectively compared to existing adders.
Mesoderm/mesenchyme homeobox l as a potential target that orchestrates hepatic stellate cell activation
Authors: Ruan Jie , Xie Ying , Zhou Huifang , Su Libo , Liu Chao , Zhang Chaoqun , Sun Dianxing
Published: May 2023

Aim: Hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation is considered as a key event during the occurrence of liver fibrosis. Recent studies have shown that Mesoderm/mesenchyme homeobox l (Meox1) can promote organ fibrosis, such as in the skin and heart. We aimed to elucidate a potential role of the Meox1 during Hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation.
Methods: The human HSC cell line Lx-2 was employed as model to evaluate the function of Meox1 in HSC activation. The expression of fibrotic genes was measured, and proliferation, migration, cell cycle assays were performed.
Results: In this study, Meox1 was recognized as a positive regulated factor of HSC activation. Following transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-treated Lx-2 cells, the expression level of Meox1 was upregulated significantly. Meox1 knockdown mediated by small interference RNA (siRNA) was observed to inhibit TGF-β1-induced expression of HSC activation markers and fibrotic genes, including α smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen type I (collagen-I) and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2). Overexpression of Meox1 promoted HSC activation, as demonstrated by an increase in specific markers, including α-SMA, collagen-I and MMP-2 and enhancement of proliferation and migration. We also found that phosphorylation of Smad3 was elevated with forced expression of Meox1 in Lx-2 cells, whereas the TGF-β1 and total Smad3 protein levels were not changed. In addition, Meox1 could induce extension of the G1 phase and expression of the p21CIP1/WAF1 in Lx-2 cells.
Conclusions: Our results indicate that Meox1 could play a crucial role in HSC activation and potential participation in the canonical TGF-β1/Smad pathway.