bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pelvic CT as a First-line Imaging Tool for Diagnosis of Perianal Abscess: A Single-center Retrospective Study
Authors: Li Jun , Wei Jiaqi , Wu Yujiao , Huang Weizheng , Yang Xiangdong , Li Yaling
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND Pelvic CT is a safe, accurate, economical, and effective tool for preoperative imaging diagnosis. However, the clinical value of pelvic CT in the preoperative diagnosis of perianal abscess remains to be further assessed.
METHODS In this retrospective study, we analyzed data from patients with perianal abscesses treated in our hospital's department of anorectal department from March 1, 2023, to June 30, 2023. All patients were examined by pelvic CT before the operation, and the type, location, and internal opening of the perianal abscess were recorded intraoperatively. Taking the actual results observed during the operation as the reference standard, the differences between the diagnosis results of pelvic CT and the actual results during the operation were compared, and the diagnostic value of pelvic CT before perianal abscess surgery was analyzed.
RESULTS Finally, 33 patients were included, and the actual intraoperative results were ①type of perianal abscess: 19 cases were deep abscess and 14 cases were superficial abscess.②Location of perianal abscess (lithotomy position): 7 were located in the left anterior, 2 in the right anterior, 8 in the left posterior, 4 in the right posterior, 2 in the anterior center, 8 in the posterior center, 1 in the left center, and 1 in the right center. ③The internal opening of perianal abscess: 8 were at 0-3 o'clock position (including 3 o'clock position), 20 cases were at 3-6 o'clock position (including 6 o'clock position), 4 cases were at 6-9 o'clock position (including 9 o'clock position), 1 cases were at 9-12o'clock position (including 12 o'clock position). Pelvic CT diagnostic accuracy: ①type of perianal abscess: 19 cases of deep abscess, 19 cases were consistent with the reality; for 14 cases of superficial abscess, 14 cases were consistent with the actual, and the accuracy was 100%. ②Regarding the location of the perianal abscess, 31 of the 33 cases were consistent with reality, with an accuracy of 93.94%. For the internal opening of the perianal abscess, 27 of the 33 cases were consistent with reality, with an accuracy of 81.82%.
CONCLUSIONS Pelvic CT can conveniently, quickly, and accurately determine the perianal abscess type, location, and internal opening. Compared with other imaging tools such as perianal ultrasound and MRI, pelvic CT has apparent advantages, such as being painless, fast, and economical, and is expected to become a first-line imaging tool for preoperative diagnosis of perianal abscess. We look forward to more large-sample, multicenter, high-quality clinical studies to confirm this conclusion and prepare for its entry into the guidelines for diagnosing and treating perianal abscesses.
Left Atrial Myxoma Presenting as Infective Endocarditis in a Young Woman
Authors: Masuyama Shinji , Inoue Takehiko , Ichihara Tetsuya
Published: July 2024

Cardiac myxomas are the most common primary myocardial tumors, accounting for one-third to one-half of all postmortem cases and approximately three-quarters of all surgically treated tumors. We present here the case of a 29-year-old young woman with no previous medical history who had an abscess infiltrating a myxoma of the left atrium that went into surgical remission. Differential diseases for left atrium masses may include thrombosis, vegetations, and tumors. These masses are at risk for left ventricular flutter and embolism. However, definitive diagnosis by imaging is difficult, especially in the presence of comorbidities, which play an important role in determining the course of treatment.
Microalgae-Based Dosimetry for Monitoring Blue Light Exposure
Authors: Habib Léa , Mounsef Jihane Rahbani , Michael-Jubeli Rime , Abboud Marie , Tfayli Ali , Lteif Roger
Published: July 2024

Blue light therapy is increasingly used to treat various skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, and neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Yet, excessive blue light exposure can also negatively impact human health by disrupting circadian rhythms, generating free radicals, and damaging skin barrier function. Quantifying personal blue light exposure is therefore essential for optimizing therapeutic efficacy while preventing side effects. However, current blue light dosimetry techniques require complex, expensive instrumentation, making routine monitoring impractical.
In this feasibility study, we explored the potential for developing a blue-light dosimeter that uses the color changes of photodegraded microalgae to measure blue light doses relevant for phototherapy. Two fiber-coupled light-emitting diodes (LEDs), one emitting at 415 nm and the other at 455 nm, were used. A Schizochlamyssp. strain of microalgae exhibited a photobleaching response upon blue light irradiation, with color changes quantitatively linked to exposure dose.
This approach enables real-time monitoring and assessment of blue light exposure in a variety of contexts, including the workplace, the home, and healthcare facilities, in a cost-effective and user-friendly way.
Physiotherapy management of rotator cuff-related shoulder pain in Germany is broadly consistent with recommended practice: An observational study
Authors: Alwins Christine , Smythe Andrew , Balzer Julia
Published: July 2024

Background: Rotator cuff-related shoulder pain (RCRSP) is a disabling cause of shoulder pain commonly encountered by physiotherapists internationally. Current clinical practice guidelines recommend conservative management (education, exercise, activity modification, analgesia) prior to consideration of imaging and interventional care (injections/surgery). Previous research from the United Kingdom, Belgium, and the Netherlands, Italy, Australia, and France show that current physiotherapy practice is broadly consistent with guideline recommendations, with some key differences in practice between nations. In contrast to these countries, primary qualification of physiotherapists in Germany is not academically based, but a three-year program of vocational training. It is unknown to what extent German physiotherapists are consistent with providing recommended management for RCRSP, and if this differs from practice shown in other countries.
The aim of this study was to investigate the adherence to recommended management for RCRSP in German physiotherapists and compare the findings to practice in other countries.
Methods: An English case vignette-based questionnaire, which had been applied in other studies, was translated, and adapted into German context. An online cross-sectional survey was conducted from January 2022 to March 2022. Relationships between different data were analysed using a Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. A qualitative content analysis was conducted for the open-ended questions.
Results: One hundred and ninety-two German physiotherapists responded to the survey. Results showed that most physiotherapists would use exercise therapy (99,0%;190/192) and education (99,0%;190/192) as part of management of RCRSP, consistent with guideline recommendations. Non-academically trained physiotherapists were more likely to use interventions with insufficient evidence (i.e., electrotherapy, taping) (73.0%;111/152), (Pearson-Chi-square = 6.88, p = 0.011). Views on the design of specific parameters of exercise therapy (i.e., type of exercise, dosage etc.) varied widely within the cohort, but were comparable with findings from the other nations.
Conclusions: German physiotherapy management for RCRSP is broadly consistent with recommendations of current evidence, but heterogeneity exists in the specific recommendations when considering exercise type and dosage. Compared to similar international studies, German physiotherapists provided less research based clinical reasoning to their management choices and non-academically trained German physiotherapists were significantly more likely to recommend interventions with unclear or missing evidence.
Trial Registration: German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00030955). Retrospectively registered 05 January 2023.
Maternal factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding failure: A community-based cross-sectional study in the north of Iran
Authors: Akbarian-rad Zahra , Nikbakht Hossein-Ali , Nikpour Maryam , Roudbari Jamileh Aqatabar , Zabihi Fahimeh , Dooki Mohammadreza Esmaeili
Published: July 2024

Background
To improve exclusive breastfeeding, we have to resolve challenges for mothers and babies. This study aims to determine the maternal factors causing to failure in exclusive breastfeeding.
Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted on all infants who had attended the healthcare centers for their first 6-month vaccinations, from 2019 to 2021 in xxx, xxx. Maternal factors including demographic, social, and midwifery information were collected using a checklist. Failure of exclusive breastfeeding was defined as using anything other than breast milk, such as pacifiers, bottles, sugar water, or complementary feeding for infants during the first 6 months of age. Binary Logistic analysis examined the influence of predictor variables on exclusive breastfeeding. The significance level was considered at P < 0.05.
Result
Out of the 1,400 infants at the end of the study, 413 29.5% were exclusively breastfed. Multivariate regression showed education level OR: 1.42, P = 0.003 and urban residence OR: 1.89, P < 0.001 were associated with increased discontinuation, while term pregnancy OR: 0.47, P = 0.008 served as a preventive factor. Breastfeeding education OR: 6.7, P = 0.067 and breast problems OR: 6.4, P = 0.082 had a 6-fold effect on the decrease and increase of discontinuation of exclusive breastfeeding, respectively, although this relationship was not statistically significant.
Conclusion
This study showed preterm delivery, higher education and living in urban area can increase the probability of failure of exclusive breastfeeding. These findings provide valuable insights for healthcare professionals and policymakers working to promote and support exclusive breastfeeding.
Photobiomodulation therapy facilitates transplantation of dental pulp stem cells for spinal cord injury
Authors: Zhang Xinran , Zhu Biao , Tang Lu , Yang Wenwen , Su Lin , Li Haotian , Zhao Ying
Published: July 2024

Background Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) have been demonstrated as ﻿a therapeutic ﻿strategy for spinal cord injury (SCI). However, post-traumatic response following SCI leads to activation of oxidative stress and mitochondrial function, which affects the survival rate of grafted cells. Photobiomodulation therapy is noninvasive ﻿option promoting regeneration and repair in SCI. ﻿This study aimed to probe whether PBMT would regulate the survival and differentiation of transplanted DPSCs in the model of SCI.
Methods ﻿Firstly, the protective effects of PBMT were investigated in vitro using DPSCs induced by H2O2. ﻿The anti-apoptotic effect was characterized using TUNEL staining, flow cytometry, western blot and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Then, a retroviral system was applied to establish DPSCs co-expressing luciferin and green fluorescent protein (GFP) (named as Luc-GFP-DPSCs) to trace transplanted cells in vivo. ﻿The survival status of engrafted DPSCs was assessed through bioluminescence imaging (BLI) after the cell transplantation. Behavioral tests and histological staining were carried out to observe the injury recovery and immunofluorescent staining was used to clarify the differentiation of transplanted DPSCs in mice model of SCI.
Results ﻿The results revealed the protective effects of PBMT on H2O2-induced DPSCs cell death in vitro. PBMT could relieve apoptosis and oxidative stress of DPSCs. Meanwhile, the study ﻿revealed that PBMT treatment significantly promoted survival and neural differentiation of grafted DPSCs in vivo. PBMT assisting DPSCs transplantation could achieve better results in functional recovery than cellular transplantation alone.
Conclusions ﻿PBMT facilitates the potential repair and regeneration of transplanted DPSCs in SCI.
Shale Gas Resource Potential and Accumulation Model of the Middle Jurassic Yangye Formation in the Piedmont Zone of the Southwestern Margin of the Tarim Basin, Northwest China
Authors: Wumaier Amina , Wu Chao , Ao Haichao , Yang Mancang
Published: July 2024

To elucidate the shale gas resource potential and accumulation model in the complex structural zone on the piedmont of the southwestern margin of the Tarim Basin, this study conducted geological surveys, core descriptions, organic shale geochemistry, X-ray diffraction (XRD) on shale reservoirs, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to investigate the characteristics of the source rocks and reservoirs in the Middle Jurassic Yangye Formation in the southwestern Tarim Basin. This study establishes a shale gas accumulation model of the study area and identifies a favourable area for shale gas exploration. The results showed that the total organic carbon (TOC) content of the Yangye Formation source rocks ranges from 0.51%-2.68%, with an average value of 1.41%, the hydrocarbon generation potential (S1 + S2) ranges from 0.0411–4.5625 mg/g, with an average value of 1.7706 mg/g, and the chloroform bitumen “A” content ranges from 0.002%-0.177%, with an average value of 0.090%. Organic matter mainly consists of type II1 kerogen. Overrall, the Yangye Formation exhibits moderate to good mature source rocks, with estimated resources reaching 1029.51×108 m3. The porosity of the reservoirs is between 1.18% and 1.47%, the permeability is between 0.000480 and 0.001778 mD, and the brittle mineral content is 55.18%. The types of microscopic reservoir spaces are mainly primary intergranular pores and intragranular pores. The “monocline-retention” type and “syncline core type” shale gas accumulation models are developed for the study area. Therefore, it is recommended to conduct shale gas exploration in the northern monocline of the study area and the deep part of the Jurassic intermountain basin, which are areas where the oil and gas preservation conditions are good.
Portable UV-C Device to Treat High Flow of Infectious Aerosols Generated during Clinical Respiratory Care
Authors: Vincent Richard , Rapoport David , Balchandani Priti , Borrello Joseph , Schotsaert Michael , Karlicek Robert , Laghlali Gabriel , Warang Prajakta , Park Seokchan , Singh Gagandeep , Morgan Isabella , Paredes James , Rathnasinghe Raveen , Wolf Jacob , Garcia-Sastre Adolfo
Published: July 2024

Respiratory interventions including noninvasive ventilation, continuous positive airway pressure and high-flow nasal oxygen generated infectious aerosols may increase risk of airborne disease (SARS-CoV-2, influenza virus) transmission to healthcare workers. We developed/tested a prototype portable UV-C254 device to sterilize high flows of viral-contaminated air from a simulated patient source at airflow rates of up to 100 l/m. Our device consisted of a central quartz tube surrounded 6 high-output UV-C254 lamps, within a larger cylinder allowing recirculation past the UV-C254 lamps a second time before exiting the device. Testing was with nebulized A/PR/8/34 (H1N1) influenza virus. RNA extraction and qRT-PCR showed virus transited through the prototype. Turning on varying numbers of lamps controlled the dose of UVC. Viability experiments at low, medium and high (100 l/min) flows of contaminated gas were conducted with 6, 4, 2 and 1 lamp activated (single-pass and recirculation were tested). Our data show 5-log reduction in particle forming units from a single lamp (single- pass and recirculated conditions) at high and low flows. UVC dose at 100 l/m was calculated at 11.6 mJ/cm2 single pass and 104 mJ/cm2 recirculated. The protype device shows high efficacy in killing nebulized influenza virus in a high flow of contaminated air.
Olanzapine for young PEople with aNorexia nervosa (OPEN): Results of a feasibility study
Authors: Said Olena , Stringer Dominic , Filiz Ece Sengun , Mutwalli Hiba , Bektas Sevgi , Akkese Melahat Nur , Kellermann Vanessa , Ireland Katie , Tyrrell-Bunge Elizabeth , Beishon-Murley Demelza , Khor Joel W. T. , Allman Lee , Barker Joanna , Kotze Nicus , Carter Ben , Simic Mima , Sually Dilveer , Bentley Jessica , Young Allan H. , Madden Sloane , Byford Sarah , Landau Sabine , Lawrence Vanessa , Treasure Janet , Schmidt Ulrike , Nicholls Dasha , Himmerich Hubertus
Published: July 2024

Background Despite the availability of evidence-based treatments for anorexia nervosa (AN), remission rates are moderate, and mortality is high. Olanzapine is used for treatment-resistant AN even though the evidence is limited. Its effect on eating disorder (ED) psychopathology, its efficacy and tolerability, and its acceptability and adherence rate are unclear.Methods We assessed the feasibility of a future definitive trial on olanzapine in young people with AN in an open-label, one-armed feasibility study that aimed to include 55 patients with AN or atypical AN aged 12–24 who gained < 2 kg within at least one month of treatment as usual (TAU) during outpatient, inpatient, or day-care treatment. Time points for assessments were at baseline, 8 weeks, 16 weeks, and 6 or 12 months. We estimated the following planning parameters: Recruitment rate (number of patients who agreed to take olanzapine/number eligible), adherence rate (number adhering to treatment/number recruited) and attrition rate (number completing study assessments/number recruited). In addition, two effect size parameters were estimated: Mean change in body mass index (BMI) and mean change in ED psychopathology.Results Fifty-two people were pre-screened (June 2022 to May 2023; 10 study sites in England). 15 were ineligible (2 not approached for other reasons). Of the 35 eligible, 15 declined or did not take part for other reasons. Thus, 20 participants were recruited and started olanzapine (recruitment rate: 20/35 = 57%). 15 out of 20 (75%) continued olanzapine for ≥ 16 weeks, and 13 participants (65%) remained in the trial until follow-up (either 6 or 12 months). Participants experienced, on average, a decrease over time in their Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) Global scores (0.07 per week, N = 20) and an increase in BMI during (0.08 kg/m2 per week, N = 20) treatment with olanzapine plus TAU.Conclusions Possible reasons for the recruitment difficulties and the low adherence rate include the high clinical workload of ED services during the COVID-19 pandemic and the reluctance of patients to agree to take olanzapine under the relatively restricted conditions of a clinical study.Trial registration: International standard randomised controlled trial register number: ISRCTN80075010. Registration date: 27/04/2022.
Investigating the Influence of Exchange-correlation Effects and the Hubbard Term on the Electronic Bands of Defected Cu2o: a Dft Study
Authors: Idowu Ibrahim Ismail , Mohammed Lawal , Umar Sadiq , Uzairu Ahmad , Yusuf Bashir , Itas Yahaya Saadu
Published: July 2024

This study investigates the structural and electronic properties of defected Cu2O using density functional theory (DFT) within the Quantum Espresso package, incorporating plane wave and pseudopotential methods. The analysis includes three exchange-correlation functionals: Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof (PBE), Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof revised for solids (PBEsol), and local density approximation (LDA), with and without the Hubbard term (U=8.5 eV for Cu and O). The study reveals that PBE and PBEsol underestimate the experimental lattice constant 'b' while PZ-LDA provides values closer to the experimental data. The lattice parameters for PBEsol (b = 7.6940 Å) and PZ-LDA (b = 7.7006 Å) were observed to deviate from the initial lattice parameter (b = 8.5040 Å). Bond distances, such as Cu-O and O-O, are overestimated across all functionals, with PBE yielding the highest values (Cu-O = 1.9082 Å, O-O = 3.8027 Å) compared to PZ-LDA (Cu-O = 1.9077 Å, O-O = 3.8018 Å) and PBEsol (Cu-O = 1.8652 Å, O-O = 3.7406 Å). The Cu-Cu bond distance showed a modulated pattern with LDA underestimating these values (Cu-Cu = 3.1776 Å). Bond angles in the structure also varied, with angles such as Cu5∠O11∠Cu6, Cu5∠O11∠Cu7, and Cu6∠O11∠Cu7 showing significant deviations across functionals. The inter-atomic distances at the vacant site also exhibited noticeable changes post-relaxation, particularly with PBEsol and LDA, where the distances between Cu atoms such as Cu11 to Cu21 (2.4855 Å), Cu06 to Cu16 (2.4855 Å), and Cu06 to Cu11 (2.6653 Å) differed from the initial values (3.006 Å). The inclusion of the Hubbard term notably impacted the band structure, improving the band gap values for all functionals. The Fermi energy (eV) for PBE (1.97 eV), PBEsol (1.05 eV), and LDA (1.27 eV) showed varied deviations. The study highlights the Jahn-Teller distortion effect, particularly at the Cu-Cu bond length at the oxygen vacant site, and underscores the importance of Cu 3dxz, 3dyz, and O 2s orbital hybridization in forming the defected Cu2O band gap. The research therefore, underscores the necessity of accounting for exchange-correlation effects and the Hubbard term in accurately modeling defected Cu2O, contributing to a deeper understanding of its electronic properties and guiding future doping investigations.
Persistent Proatlantal Intersegmental Artery(PPIA):Are Consideration Based On MSCTA
Authors: Qin Xiao , Yang Xinju , Mao Yi , Wang Shunan
Published: July 2024

Background
Persistent proatlantal intersegmental artery (PPIA) is a rare permanent carotid-basilar anastomosis. Multi-slice spiral CT Angiography (MSCTA) has become the primary non-invasive imaging technique for evaluating cephalic and cervical vascular anatomy.
Purpose
To investigate the MSCTA imaging characteristics of PPIA and its clinical values, and then to provide a new classification method based on posterior circulation blood supply.
Material and Methods
The imaging and clinical data of 11 patients with PPIA diagnosed by MSCTA through combined head and neck scanning were analyzed retrospectively.
Results
The incidence of PPIA was 0.01%. Classification according to the starting position of PPIA revealed 2 cases (18.2%) of type I and 9 cases (81.8%) of type II. When classified according to the blood supply of posterior circulation, type 1 of PPIA had 4 cases (36.4%), type 2 had 4 cases (36.4%), type 3 had 1 case (9.1%), and type 4 had 2 cases (18.2%). Among the 11 PPIA patients, there were 11 cases of ipsilateral vertebral artery absence, 3 cases of contralateral vertebral artery dysplasia, 1 case of contralateral vertebral artery absence, 2 cases of persistent artery dysplasia, and 2 cases of basilar artery dysplasia. Additionally, there were 2 patients with aneurysms, 1 patient with cerebral infarction, and 1 patient with Pulmonary Arteriovenous Fistula (PAVF).
Conclusion
The new classification of PPIA is more conducive to evaluating posterior circulation blood supply and providing a more comprehensive imaging evaluation for interventional and surgical procedures. MSCTA can accurately diagnose PPIA and reduce the rate of missed diagnoses of other vascular diseases.
Pulmonary Lymphangiomatosis – insights into an ultra-rare disease
Authors: Polke Markus , Polke Nilab , Piel Stella , Brunnemer Eva , Wälscher Julia , Buschulte Katharina , Warth Arne , Heussel Claus Peter , Eichinger Monika , Frankenstein Lutz , Eichhorn Martin , Miliauskas Skaidrius , Herth Felix J.F. , Kreuter Michael
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary lymphangiomatosis (PL) is an ultrarare disease characterized by diffuse infiltration of the lung, pleura and/or mediastinum by abnormal lymphatic proliferation. Consented diagnostic or treatment approaches are not established. We therefore aimed to collect data on diagnostics and treatments in a cohort of patients with PL from a tertiary center for rare lung diseases.
METHODS: Clinical, radiological and outcome data from PL patients were collected retrospectively.
RESULTS: 12patients were diagnosed between 1996 and 2022 in our center. PL was diagnosed more commonly in female (58%), never smokers (75%) and younger patients (mean age 42 years). Main clinical symptoms comprised haem- and chyloptysis (58%) and dyspnea on exertion (83%). Pulmonary function was mostly restrictive (mean VC 59%) with impaired DLCO (mean 65%). Radiological assessment mainly showed mediastinal involvement (83%), and pleural effusion (67%), pleural thickening (67%) and bronchial wall thickening (67%) while interstitial changes were rare. Diagnosis was confirmed by surgical or transbronchial cryobiopsy. 8 patients were treated with sirolimus, 3 of these combined with a surgical intervention and in one case surgical intervention was necessary 9 month after initiation of sirolimus. Clinical and radiological improvement was demonstrated for all patients treated with sirolimus. 1 patient received a lung transplant due disease progression. Survival rates were 90 % after a mean follow up of at least 3 months.
CONCLUSION: This case series illustrates the variability of the clinical presentation of PL. Among our patients, those treated with sirolimus showed significant clinical, functional and radiological improvement. However, further investigation is needed to understand the pathogenesis of lymphangiomatosis in order to establish therapeutic approaches.
Impact of systematic screening for social determinants of health in a level IV neonatal intensive care unit
Authors: Lagatta Joanne , Hoffman Caitlin , Harris Melissa , Acharya Krishna , Malnory Margaret , Cohen Susan
Published: July 2024

Objective: To determine whether screening for social determinants of health (SDoH) in a level IV neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) could uncover additional family needs.
Methods: Secondary analysis of a prospective study in a level IV NICU. Participants filled out the Protocol for Responding to and Assessing Patients’ Assets, Risks and Experiences (PRAPARE) tool, which includes economic, housing, transportation, and safety questions. Questionnaires were completed via secure tablet; the research team notified social workers of reported needs. Illness and demographic characteristics were compared between families who did and did not report resource needs. Manual chart review assessed subsequent response to reported SDoH needs.
Results: Of 319 respondents, 61(19%) reported resource needs. Of 61 families, 88% received repeat social work encounter to re-assess for resources; 59% received new resource referrals.
Conclusions: Systematic SDoH screening can identify needs throughout the NICU stay, even among families already connected to social work support.
Association between adherence to diabetes diet and glycemic control among type 2 diabetes mellitus adult patients attending diabetes clinics in selected hospitals, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a health facility based unmatched case-control study.
Authors: Eyob Mahlet , Egata Gudina , Desalegn Yakob , Ahmed Abdurezak
Published: July 2024

Background
Suboptimal adherence to diabetes diet can drive the occurrence of diabetes complications. However, the association between adherence to diabetes diet and glycemic control was limited to non-analytical surveys and fasting blood sugar determinationin in low-income countries. This study was aimed to assess the association between adherence to diabetes diet and glycemic control among adult type 2 DM patients on follow-up in selected hospitals, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Methods
Hospital-based unmactched case-control study was conducted among 156 diabetes patients ( 104 controls and 52 cases ) from May to September 2022. Data were collected using pretested structured questionnaire .Blood sugar level was tested using HgA1c test. Cases were patients with HgA1c < 7% while controls had HgA1c ≥ 7%. Descriptive statistics was used to describe all relevant data. Binary logistic regression analysis was done to assess the association between glycemic control and adherence to diabetes diet and other predictors. Adjusted odds ratios alongside 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated to measure the strength of association between response and explanatory variables at p-value less than 0.05.
Results
A total of 156 type 2 diabetes patients were enrolled in this study. The mean (± SD) age of respondents was 52.65(± 9.94) and 51.04 (± 10.84) years among cases and controls respectively. In multivariable analysis, poor adherence to diabetes diet [(adjusted odds ratio(AOR) = 3.89,95%CI:(1.58,9.54)] and diabetes medication [(AOR = 3.74,95% CI:(1.42,9.85)], lack of dietary education [(AOR = 4.97,95% CI:(1.56,15.87)], patient’s income level of ≤ 2500 Ethiopian birr (ETB) [(AOR = 3.17,95%CI:(1.24,8.07)], presence of diabetes comorbidities [(AOR = 4.78,95%CI:(1.37,16.71)] and diabetes complications [(AOR = 5.11,95%CI:( (1.60,15.87)] were significant determinants of poor glycemic control.
Conclusion
Poor dietary and medication -adherence ,lack of dietary education, low economic status, presence of comorbidities ,and diabetes complications were determinants of poor glycemic control. Thus, health care providers should design appropriate interventions in line with modifiable determinants of poor glycemic control.
Risk Stratification in Colorectal Cancer: Nomograms Utilizing Inflammatory Factors and Immunological Hematological Indicators
Authors: Tang Jiadai , Xiang Mengying , Xiong Guangrui , Liao Yedan , Shen Xin , Li Rong , Zhang Ke , Li Zhengting , Xia Tingrong , Xie Lin
Published: July 2024

Background Cancer-associate inflammation and immunological hematological indicators could regard as contributing factors to promote for the progression of solid tumors. Methods This study aimed to construct nomograms with inflammatory factors and immunological hematological parameters to predict the prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC). Results The training cohort had a 66.25% prediction rate for distant metastasis. Nomograms were created to predict distant metastasis, overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS) using clinicopathologic features, inflammatory factors, and immunologic hematological indicators as baseline, and the consistency index (C index) scores of the three nomograms were 0.791 (95% CI, 0.745–0.838), 0.752 (95% CI, 0.699–0.806), and 0.687 (95% CI, 0.647–0.726) respectively. The consistency index (C index) scores for the three nomograms were 0.791 (95% CI, 0.745–0.838), 0.752 (95% CI, 0.699–0.806), and 0.687 (95% CI, 0.647–0.726), respectively. Calibration graphs demonstrated a good correlation between predicted and actual prognostic rates. Decision curve analysis (DCA) curves demonstrated that the predictive models had potential for clinical application. Subgroup analyses showed that the nomograms were favorable prognostic indicators for stage I-IV CRC patients(P < 0.05). Conclusion Single or combined hematological indicators are easy to obtain, feasible, and of high prognostic predictive values, so the nomograms constructed on the basis of cancer-associate inflammatory factors and immunological hematological indicators had good accuracies in predicting distant metastasis, OS and PFS in CRC patients, which could help clinicians to conduct risk stratification in CRC patients and assist in treatment decision-making, achieve better oncological outcomes ultimately.
Risk factors for recurrent urinary tract infections after endoscopic incision of ureterocele in infant
Authors: Wang Jinbin , Gao Qiang , Liu Qi , Tang Jiaxiang , Yang Binyi , Yu Jiabin , Sun Nianfeng , Zhao Yining , Geng Hongquan , Chen Zhoutong , Fang Xiaoliang , Lu Hongting
Published: July 2024

Objectives
Much dispute encompasses the treatment of ureterocele. Generally, in patients with ureterocele, endoscopic incision (EI) is recommended to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) or progressive hydronephrotic complications and preserve renal function. To clarify the impact of EI for ureterocele as an initial procedure, focusing on end points of postoperative recurrent febrile UTIs and need for second surgery.
Patients and Methods:
Between December 2006 and December 2019 primary EI was performed in 80 consecutive patients with ureterocele. We retrospectively investigated patient preoperative radiological and clinical data and postoperative radiological and clinical outcomes.
Results
All 80 patients who underwent EI were identified and included in our study, and EI was conducted at an average of 4.6 (IQR 2.5 to 8.5) months. Twenty-nine patients with ureterocele had postoperative recurrent febrile UTIs during the follow-up of 36 months, and 22 out of 29 patients were recommended secondary intervention. Initial recurrent febrile UTIs in most child occurred < 12 months after EI, the recurrent febrile UTIs-free rate after EI was 63.75%. The risk factor for recurrent febrile UTIs was VUR on postoperative VCUG, antibiotic prophylaxis treatment might be beneficial in preventing recurrent febrile UTIs after EI.
Conclusion
EI is optimal for instant ureterocele decompression, and it avoids a complete reconstruction in most patients. However, it is not a definitive approach in cases with postoperative VUR. Our study determined the critical period and risk factor for recurrent febrile UTIs after EI for the treatment of ureterocele.
Comparative diagnostic efficacy of shear wave and transient elastography in predicting the risk of esophagogastric varices and histological staging in patients with primary biliary cholangitis
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Meng Fankun , Hu Xing , Zhang Tieying , Han Xue , Han Jing , Ge Huiyu
Published: July 2024

Background
This study aimed to compare the diagnostic efficacy of shear wave elastography (SWE) with that of transient elastography (TE) in predicting the risk of esophagogastric varices and histological staging in patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC).
Methods
This single-center prospective study enrolled 77 patients with PBC diagnosed by liver biopsy following SWE and TE. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed for SWE-liver stiffness measurement (LSM) and TE-LSM to assess their diagnostic efficacy for histological staging ≥ stage 2, ≥ stage 3, and = stage 4. The diagnostic efficacy and accuracy of SWE-LSM were compared with those of the Baveno VI criteria for detecting esophagogastric varices. Additionally, the impact of different laboratory parameters on SWE-LSM was analyzed.
Results
We evaluated 77 patients (median age, 52 years (range: 16 − 75 years), 66 females). ROC curves constructed using TE-LSM and SWE-LSM demonstrated similar diagnostic efficacy for histological staging ≥ stage 2 (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.824 vs 0.823 for TE-LSM and SWE-LSM, respectively, p = 0.9764), ≥ stage 3 (AUC: 0.918 vs 0.907 for TE-LSM and SWE-LSM, respectively, p = 0.6443), and = stage 4 (AUC: 0.907 vs 0.902 for TE-LSM and SWE-LSM, respectively, p = 0.8763). Additionally, while there was no significant difference in the diagnostic efficacy between the two methods for detecting esophagogastric varices (95% confidence interval: -0.0366 − 0.287, p = 0.1296), SWE had a slightly higher diagnostic accuracy than TE (61.8% vs 76.4%). Transaminases and bilirubin levels had little influence on SWE-LSM.
Conclusion
SWE exhibited comparable performance to TE in predicting the risk of esophagogastric varices and histological staging.
Exploiting Question-Answer framework with multi-GRU to detect Adverse Drug Reaction on social media
Authors: Luo Jiao-huang , Yang Ai-hua
Published: July 2024

Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) stand out as a pressing challenge in public health and a critical aspect of drug discovery. The dilemma arises from the inherent impossibility of conducting a comprehensive evaluation of a drug before its market release, constrained by the limitations in scale and duration of clinical trials. Therefore, the post-marketing detection of ADRs in a timely and accurate manner becomes imperative. Adding to the complexity, a multitude of tweets harbor concealed information about adverse drug reactions, creating difficulties due to their concise, sporadic, and noisy content. To solve the problem, we regard ADR detection as a question-answer problem and introduces an innovative neural network framework with multiple GRU layers designed for extracting ADR-related information from tweets. The Von Mises–Fisher distribution (vMF distribution) is applied to derive keyword vectors through tweet sampling. An attention mecha-nism is employed to enhance the interaction between these keyword vectors and the word sequences within tweets. The credibility of word sequences is systematically evaluated based on the reliability of answer factors. To address concerns related to background information and training speed, we propose a quality assurance mechanism utilizing a GRU network due to its straightforward structure and efficient training capabilities. As a result of the training process, word sequences are mapped to a low-latitude vector space, generating corresponding answers. Experimental results obtained from two Twitter ADR datasets affirm that our Question-Answer Mechanism, leveraging multi-GRU architecture, significantly improves the accuracy of ADR detection in tweets. Our method achieved F1-scores of 81.3% and 73.3% on the two datasets, respectively, while consistently maintaining a higher recall.
The Influence of Body Mass Index on Efficacy and Outcomes of Percutaneous Transforaminal Endoscopic Surgery (PTES) for the Treatment of Lumbar Degenerative Diseases: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Zhuang Chenyang , Xu Yun , Qian Cheng , Lin Hong , Gu Yutong
Published: July 2024

Background
To investigate and quantify the influence of body mass index (BMI) on the efficacy and outcomes of percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic surgery (PTES), a novel minimally invasive surgical technique in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation (LDH).
Methods
A total of 55 patients suffering from single-level LDH with or without high iliac crest, scoliosis or calcification, who underwent PTES in our department from January 2019 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups according to BMI. The operative events of two groups including X-ray projection, operation time, blood loss and length of stay were compared. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were used to evaluate the clinical efficacy and outcomes of the surgery. Differences in complications and recurrences between two groups were also analyzed.
Results
55 patients were divided into obese and nonobese groups according to their BMI (33.03 vs 23.07). There was no significant difference in X-ray projection (times), operation time (mins), blood loss (mL) and length of stay (days) between two groups (7/5–11 vs 5/5–10, 58.17 ± 9.20 vs 53.65 ± 10.06, 6.41 ± 1.43 vs 5.50 ± 2.45, 3.17 ± 1.44 vs 2.96 ± 0.53, P > 0.05). Both groups demonstrated a significant decrease in ODI (12.01 ± 3.57% vs 67.16 ± 9.25%, 13.92 ± 4.24% vs 68.10 ± 9.27%, P < 0.05) and VAS (0.10 ± 0.48 vs 8.38 ± 0.94, 0.22 ± 0.56 vs 8.38 ± 0.86) at 24 months after the operation compared with which at the preoperative status. No significant difference in the improvement of the clinical outcomes was found between the two groups in ODI or VAS (P > 0.05).
Conclusions
With the simple orientation, easy puncture and reduced steps, PTES is an effective and safe method to both obese and normal patients with LDH.
Seed Availability and Bird Occurrence in Freshly Drilled Onion and Carrot Fields in Brazil
Authors: Santos Gustavo Souza , Casallanovo Fábio , Cione Ana Paola , Artal Mariana Coletty , Felici José Paulo , Paniago Mario del Giudice , von Blanckenhagen Felix , Vallon Martin , Ludwigs Jan-Dieter , Farrelly Eamonn , Kragten Steven , Maul Jonathan D.
Published: July 2024

Agricultural landscapes in Brazil provide habitat to various bird species, some of which may be exposed to pesticide-treated seeds that have not been fully incorporated into the soil during drilling. Understanding the dynamics and interactions between birds and freshly drilled fields is crucial for developing sustainable farming practices that balance agricultural food production with wildlife conservation. This study investigated the presence and abundance of birds and the availability of pesticide-treated seeds in four onion fields and seven carrot fields in the Brazilian State of Minas Gerais. Bird surveys were conducted using scan sampling and point count methods to observe diversity and behavior before and after crop drilling. For carrot and onion fields, the study found that seed incorporation rates varied according to the distance from the field edges, with close to the edge having lower rates. In carrot fields, bird monitoring showed a decrease in observed species and individuals on the day of drilling, with an increase in bird sightings after drilling. In onion fields, similar trends were observed, with the species composition changing after drilling and a significant decrease in species abundance on the day of drilling. None of the species found foraging in the field after drilling were granivorous or omnivorous. These findings indicated that carrot and onion fields offer limited food sources for granivore bird species due to high seed incorporation rates and intensive seedbed preparation. The research suggests that freshly drilled carrot and onion fields are generally unattractive to foraging birds, with low seed exposure and a reduced likelihood of contact with pesticides applied as a seed treatment.
Impact of Sociodemographic Disparities on Sarcopenia, Telomere Length, and Mortality in Patients with Liver Disease in the US Population
Authors: Kezer Camille , Kassmeyer Blake , Lennon Ryan , Rattan Puru , Kamath Patrick , Shah Vijah , Simonetto Douglas
Published: July 2024

Background & Aims: Sarcopenia is common in patients with liver disease and both sarcopenia and short telomeres are associated with mortality, however their relationship in patients with liver disease remains unknown.
Methods: A cohort of 16,072 adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1999-2006 was analyzed. Liver disease was defined by aminotransferases and classified into etiology-based categories. Sarcopenia was defined by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. All analyses were conducted separately on each multiple imputation data set and combined via Rubin’s rules. P-values for group comparisons were calculated by testing logistic regression parameter estimates. Cox proportional hazards regression was used for mortality analysis with mortality data available until 2015.
Results:Sarcopenia was present in 9.5% of patients with liver disease. Age, race, income, education, physical inactivity, and certain medical comorbidities were associated with sarcopenia. Patients with liver disease and sarcopenia had significantly shorter telomeres than patients with liver disease without sarcopenia when unadjusted for age. The interaction between telomere length and sarcopenia was significantly associated with all-cause mortality.
Conclusions: The implications of telomere length on all-cause mortality in patients with liver disease varied by age and sarcopenia status. Shorter telomeres appear to be more highly associated with increased mortality in older patients without sarcopenia.
Electromechanical response and numerical analysis of d31 piezoelectric macro-fiber composite based on microscopic characterisation
Authors: Liu Jianjun , Xu Guosheng , Gu Shanmao
Published: July 2024

We establish a representative volume element (RVE) model and investigate the electromechanical coupling between the electric and mechanical fields in d31 piezoelectric macro-fiber composite (MFC) through numerical simulation methods. The average equivalent performance parameters characterization of d31 MFC is formulated by following the finite element homogenization methodology previously proposed for shear d15 MFC. When varying the direction of RVE constraints, the distribution of various physical fields (with a focus on stress, strain, electric displacement, electric field intensity, potential, and polarization field) is significantly affected. When the RVE is subjected to unidirectional constraints only, the distribution of each physical field is relatively uniform. However, when it is simultaneously subjected to constraints from two directions, there are significant differences in the variations of each physical field, exhibiting a non-uniform distribution. Based on the constitutive relationship of d31 MFC provided in the reference framework, the equivalent performance parameters of d31 MFC are evaluated in the RVE when the volume fraction of piezoceramic ranges from 20–80%. Specifically, the effects of interdigital electrodes and flexible substrates on the effective elastic modulus, piezoelectric coefficient, and dielectric coefficient are analyzed. These researches provide theoretical support for the preparation of d31 MFC with different performance parameters.
Dynamical behaviors of vector localized wave solutions for the coupled modified Korteweg-de Vries equations
Authors: Chen Yi-Xin , Wang YuFeng , Yang ShengXiong , Zhang Xi , Gao YiTian
Published: July 2024

Under investigation in this paper is the coupled modified Korteweg-de Vries equations. Based on Lax pair and Darboux transformation, various vector localized wave solutions are derived and analyzed. We notice that the localized waves have different dynamical behaviors in several components, for example, the bell-shaped soliton and flat-top soliton, or the bell-shaped soliton and two-peak soli-ton, are obtained in two components, respectively. Furthermore, the interactions between two solitons are different in distinct components. In addition, the vector breather and rogue wave solutions are constructed. Especially, the various structures of first-order rogue waves are observed, such as the two-peak rogue waves and flat-top rogue wave, or the dark rogue waves and bright rogue waves. Finally , the vector second-order rogue wave solutions are derived and the strong or weak interaction patterns of second-order rogue waves are achieved.
Downregulation of TMTC4 expression is associated with improved prognosis in sarcoma
Authors: Li Zihan , Tian Yihao
Published: July 2024

Osteosarcoma is the most common bone tissue tumor. The expression of Transmembrane and Tetratricopeptide Repeat Containing 4 (TMTC4) in osteosarcoma has never been reported. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to study the significance of TMTC4 in the prognosis of sarcoma. Screening the expression level of downstream genes after interleukin-11 receptor alpha (IL11RA) knockout in osteosarcoma through Gene Expression Synthesis (GEO) database. Use The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and cloud data to further analyze the expression level and influence of TMTC4 in sarcoma and subgroup analysis. PCR was used to detect the expression level of TMTC4 among human osteoblast hFOB1.19 and human Osteosarcoma cells MG-63, U2OS and Saos-2, and CCK-8 was used to detect cell proliferation levels. Through GSE191215 database, 11 down-regulated genes such as TMTC4 were screened. KM curve shows that sarcomas with low TMTC4 expression level can show higher survival rate. The results of enrichment analysis showed that the low expression level of TMTC4 might be related to IMMUNOREGULATORY and ANTIGEN_ ACTIVATES. Methylation analysis showed that the methylation level of TMTC4 was increased in sarcomas. In addition, the expression level of TMTC4 in the Osteosarcoma group (MG-63, U2OS, Saos-2) was significantly higher than in hFOB1.19 and inhibition of TMTC4 expression impedes Osteosarcoma cell proliferation. Our results show that TMTC4 is an important biomarker in patients with sarcoma, and its low expression level is related to the improvement of the prognosis of sarcoma.