bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validación externa de las escalas Wagner, Texas, Sinbad y San Elián para amputación mayor en sujetos con pie diabético de un Hospital Nacional
Authors:   , Gallardo Alburqueque Luis Alberto
Published: February 2024

Objetivo: Comparar la capacidad pronóstica para amputación mayor a 6 meses de seguimiento de las escalas Meggitt Wagner, Universidad de Texas, SINBAD y San Elián en pacientes de un hospital público peruano. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio cohorte retrospectivo e incluimos pacientes que ingresaron a la Unidad de Pie Diabético con seguimiento hasta 6 meses desde ingreso para la ocurrencia de amputación mayor. Calculamos el Área bajo la curva ROC (ABCROC) de cada escala, comparamos escalas por pares y determinamos la categoría o puntaje de mayor rendimiento. Resultados: Se incluyeron a 342 sujetos de los cuales la edad media fue de 60 años y dos de cada tres eran varones. El 9.6% presentó amputación mayor a 6 meses de seguimiento. El AUROC de la escala San Elián fue de 0.90, de la Universidad de Texas fue 0.81, de Meggit Wagner fue 0.80 y de SINBAD 0.74. El punto de corte o categoría de mayor discriminación es el puntaje 18 en San Elián, el estadío Texas 3D, la categoría Wagner 4 y un puntaje 5 de SINBAD. Conclusión: El pronóstico de amputación mayor a seis meses de las escalas de Texas y San Elián fue bueno y el de las escalas de Wagner y SINBAD fue moderado. Es prioritario reforzar la formación de equipos multidisciplinarios en los centros de referencia para utilizar con eficiencia los resultados de cualquiera de estas escalas.
Replacing n,n-diethyl-p-phenylenediamine(DPD) with polyvinyl alcohol for the non-hazardous determination of trace oxidizing agents in water
Authors: Liu Dibo
Published: February 2024

For decades, n,n-diethyl-p-phenylenediamine (DPD) has been used as a color indicator to detect strong oxidizing agents that can oxidize iodide in aqueous solutions. However, many consumer products that use this method are easily accessible and often used without proper waste disposal. In the present study, a novel method was developed based on the special optical properties of a red-colored complex formed by polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and triiodide (I3-) generated from the oxidation of iodide. Using peracetic acid (PAA) as a test oxidizing agent, a liquid reagent containing 1% PVA and 0.1 g/L potassium iodide (KI) in 0.1 M pH 5.0 phosphate buffer showed strong linearity between absorption value at 485 nm and PAA concentration (≤ 5 mg/L). Test strips soaked in this liquid reagent and dried showed inconsistent color reaction with PAA, and the sensitivity was insufficient. In comparison, solid reagent in combination with effervescent powder performed with sufficient consistency and sensitivity in the reaction with PAA. The test in the form of effervescent powder has great potential to be developed into a green consumer product due to the non-hazardous properties of PVA. The health risks associated with KI can be largely reduced and should be warned for consumers.
Deep learning assisted single particle tracking for automated correlation between diffusion and function
Authors: Hatzakis Nikos , Kaestel-Hansen Jacob , de Sautu Marilina , Saminathan Anand , Scanavachi Gustavo , Correia Ricardo , Nielsen Annette Juma , Bleshoey Sara , Boomsma Wouter , Kirchhausen Tomas
Published: February 2024

Sub-cellular diffusion in living systems reflects cellular processes and interactions. Recent advances in optical microscopy allow the tracking of this nanoscale diffusion of individual objects with an unprecedented level of precision. However, the agnostic and automated extraction of functional information from the diffusion of molecules and organelles within the sub-cellular environment, is labor-intensive and poses a significant challenge. Here we introduce DeepSPT, a deep learning framework to interpret the diffusional 2D or 3D temporal behavior of objects in a rapid and efficient manner, agnostically. Demonstrating its versatility, we have applied DeepSPT to automated mapping of the early events of viral infections, identifying distinct types of endosomal organelles, and clathrin-coated pits and vesicles with up to 95% accuracy and within seconds instead of weeks. The fact that DeepSPT effectively extracts biological information from diffusion alone illustrates that besides structure, motion encodes function at the molecular and subcellular level.
Simultaneous determination of 37 pesticides in fresh and processed button mushroom Agaricus bisporus (Lange) Imbach
Authors: Bhandari Tulasi , Kaithamalai Bhuvaneswari , Angappan Suganthi , Gurudevan Thiribhuvanamala , Padmanaban Geetha , Chellamuthu Selvi , Venkidusamy Muralitharan , Palanisamy Karthik , Chelladurai Anusha Veeran
Published: February 2024

An efficient modified QuEChERS procedure was established for the simultaneous determination of 37 pesticides in fresh and processed button mushroom by employing GC/ GC-MS and LC-MS/MS. The effectiveness, reliability and accuracy of the method were assessed through various validation parameters such as linearity, LOD, LOQ, precision, accuracy, uncertainty, and matrix effect. The linearity calibration for all the selected pesticides in both LC-MS/MS and GC were ≥0.970. The LOD and LOQ values obtained were 0.003 and 0.01 µg g-1 respectively. The recoveries obtained were in the acceptable range (71.69 to 117.90%) with RSD less than 20 per cent. Matrix effect and uncertainty for all target compounds were in the acceptable range. Monitoring of button mushrooms collected from markets revealed the presence of cypermethrin residues in four of the samples tested out of 25 fresh button mushroom samples.
Recent and Projected Changes in Global Climate May Increase Nicotine Absorption and the Risk of Green Tobacco Sickness.
Authors: Ziska Lewis , Parks Robbie
Published: February 2024

Background. Dermal transfer of nicotine during tobacco harvest can increase green tobacco sickness (GTS), characterized by nausea, vomiting, headache and dizziness. Rainfall and temperature are established etiological factors known to increase prevalence of GTS. We aimed to analyze recent and projected trends in these factors for major tobacco growing regions to assess potential exacerbation in GTS occurrence.
Methods. We analyzed climate parameters, including trends in temperature and precipitation metrics during the tobacco harvest period for Southern Brazil; Yunnan Province, China; Andhra State, India; and North Carolina, USA (~50-year period). We applied Shared Socio-economic Pathways (SSPs) based scenarios for CMIP6, (SSPs of 1-2.6, 3-7.0 and 5-8.5 from 2020 to 2100). Established protocol for nicotine dermal patches and temperature was used as a proxy to estimate potential nicotine absorption with rising temperature.
Results. For three locations, cumulative maximum temperatures during harvest season and temperature extremes increased significantly since the 1970s. For all locations, cumulative rainfall during the harvest season also rose. Projected maximum temperatures for the harvest season increased at SSP 3-7.0 and 5-8.5 projections through 2100 for all locations. Estimates of nicotine skin absorption with rising temperature indicate significant increases for both recent changes (since the 1970s) in three of the four locations, and for all locations for the SSP projections of 3-7.0 and 5-8.5 from 2020 to 2100.
Conclusions. This study across multiple continents, highlights a potential link between recent and projected anthropogenic change and potential increases in GTS risk. Under SSP 5-8.5, nicotine absorption could increase by ~50% by the end of the century, which may have widespread impacts on the incidence of GTS, especially among younger tobacco workers.
Funding. Research Initiatives in Science and Engineering (RISE), provided $80,000 USD for support of this area of study. RMP was funded by NIEHS R00 ES033742. Data were sent to all co-authors and individuals listed in the acknowledgments who reviewed the manuscript. LHZ had full access to all the data in the study and had final responsibility for the decision to submit for publication.
Extremely high-performance production of Functional Soybean Oligosaccharides by advanced fed-batch fermentation with high cell density
Authors: Wang Yuhang , Lu Weiwei , Zhang yixin , Wang Liping
Published: February 2024

Soybean whey, which is a byproduct of soybean processing, is known to contain a significant quantity of functional low molecular weight substances that are challenging to separate, such as soybean oligosaccharides. This study aims to explore the high-density fermentation process of yeast PL08 fermentation process as a potential method for purifying functional soybean oligosaccharides from soybean whey, by constructing a fermentation kinetics model of PL08 cell growth, sucrose consumption, and ethanol production. The logistic model and the Luedeking-Piret model were used to analyze the data using nonlinear data fitting techniques. The linearity of the models resulted in a high coefficient of determination (R2) value of 0.98, indicating the method's effectiveness and reliability. At the 30-hour mark, the batch fermentation procedure exhibited a purity of functional oligosaccharides at 94.12%, accompanied by a simultaneous increase in ethanol concentration to 3.0% vol. In light of the results obtained from kinetic studies, a 10L exponential feeding culture was conducted, demonstrating successful maintenance of alcohol concentration below 0.10% vol. Furthermore, the maximum biomass concentration reached 50.01 g/L, while the functional soybean oligosaccharides achieved a peak purity of 95.59% within a 21-hour period.
Influence of depth and translucency on the color matching of single-shade resin composites: An in vitro study
Authors: Fernandes-e-Silva Paula , Furtado Marcieli Dias , Silva Adriana Fernandes da , Piva Evandro , Boscato Noeli , Rosa Wellington Luiz de Oliveira da
Published: February 2024

Objectives To evaluate whether the depth and translucency of the restoration influence the color matching of single-color composite resins.
Materials and methods Cylindrical cavities (2-and-4 mm depths) were prepared in acrylic teeth (n=10). Restorations were performed with single-shade resin composites (OC: Omnichroma, Tokuyama; VU: Vittra APS Unique, FGM) and a control multi-shade (EO: Estelite Omega, Tokuyama). The color matching was measured in instrumental analysis (CIEDE2000 color difference formula (ΔE00)) and visual analysis. The translucency of discs (2-and-4mm thickness) was obtained by ΔE00.
Results Restoration depths affected the ΔE00 values of OC and VU (p<0.05). The ΔE00 values were lower for 4-mm depth and higher for OC and VU (p< 0.05). In the visual analysis, the restoration depths did not influence the color matching. No statistically significant differences were found for each resin at different depths. VU and OC showed higher translucency scores than EO. At 2 mm, OC showed higher translucency values and there was no difference between OC and VU at 4 mm (p <0.05).
Conclusions The color matching of OC and VU was influenced by depth (instrumental analysis). While the OC had a similar color matching to EO at both depths, VU had the best color matching in both depths in the visual analysis. Single-shade materials had greater translucency than EO at different depths, and the translucency decreased with increasing depth.
Clinical significance The results of the instrumental and translucency analysis suggest that the color matching may vary with increasing depth of the single-shade resin.
Offsetting Burnout Among Medical Cadets During Internship Year: The Role of Empowerment, Continuous Appraisal, Psychological and Career Counseling. An 18-Months Successful Experience in a Tertiary Medical Center.
Authors: Shoham Reut , Robinson Hanni , Yehiel Noy , Robinzon Vered , Frenkel Yael Nir , Segal Gad
Published: February 2024

Background.
Following graduation from school of medicine, Israeli medical cadets complete a 12-months training period in hospitals. This year, their jump-start of career, has profound influence on their future contribution to our national workforce. The crisis in the healthcare system begins in this group of physicians, with burnout, sense of personal and professional uncertainty and disorientation resulting from the nature of their changing environment.
Methods.
In the largest Israeli tertiary hospital, we established an education authority, overseeing cadets as trainees rather workers. We offer them constructed, personalized psychological and counselling services with continuous process of appraisal. All is taking place in a designated unit within our education authority. During an 18-month period we followed their monthly feedbacks relating to their satisfaction, learning experience and level of socialization with their peers and superiors.
Results.
Statistically significant improvement of monitored parameters was evident, with interns stationed in the surgical departments (n = 86) showing the highest degree of improvement: the extent of acquiring new knowledge and competencies [Likert questionnaire results (1 to 5 LQR) went from 2.2 ± 1.0 to 3.3 ± 1.42 ; p < 0.005]; experience from the absorption process into the department [LQR from 2.6 ± 1.2 to 3.5 ± 1.56 ; p = 0.04], degree of motivation to recommend peers to apply for residency [LQR from 2.3 ± 1.0 to 3.1 ± 1.6 ; p = 0.05] and the experience of being accepted to the department by the staff nurses [LQR from 2.7 ± 1.3 to 3.5 ± 1.1 ; p = 0.03].
Conclusions.
An ongoing process of appraisal, empowerment, psychological and career counseling seems promising in the relenting effort to withhold the burnout process of young physicians. We suggest that a policy of constructing in-hospital education authorities will give rise to similar efforts that will take place in more hospitals and for other physicians' populations, e.g. residents and senior physicians.
Family With Sequence Similarity 83, Member A (FAM83A) inhibits ferroptosis via wnt/β-catenin pathway in Lung Squamous Cell Cancer
Authors: Lu Ming , Wang Cong , Zhang Jing , Wang Hongjiao , Chen Ruixue
Published: February 2024

Background
FAM83A function in LUSC is largely unknown. We detected its prognosis and regulation role in LUSC.
Methods
The bioinformatics methods were performed initially to predict the expression level and prognostic value of FAM83A mRNA in LUSC. In vitro experiments, such as western blot, colony formation and cell viability assay, lipid ROS, MDA and GSH/GSSG and 4-HNE assay were used for the mechanism validation.
Results
Results from TCGA and Oncomine databases revealed that FAM83A mRNA expression level was significantly higher in LUSC than that in normal lung tissue. TCGA and GEO databases and our database revealed that FAM83A expression level was independent prognostic factor for both OS and PFS. Besides, FAM83A was significantly associated with higher ability of growth and clonogenicity. Mechanically, FAM83A could promote LUSC cell growth by inhibiting ferroptosis via activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Rescue experiment demonstrated the inhibition of wnt/β-catenin pathway could counteract the function of FAM83A.
Conclusion
FAM83A was overexpressed in LUSC and it could serve as a prognosis prediction biomarker for LUSC. FAM83A promotes LUSC cell growth by inhibiting ferroptosis via activating wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which provides a new potential therapeutic target for LUSC treatment.
The C2 isthmus screw provided sufficient biomechanical stability in the setting of atlantoaxial dislocation
Authors: Lu Minming , Wang Zhenqiang , Yuan Bo , Tang Yifan , Gu Changjiang , Zhou Shengyuan , Chen XiongSheng
Published: February 2024

Background. The emerging of the C2 isthmus screw fixation technique is gaining popularity in the setting of atlantoaxial dislocation or other conditions requiring fixation of C2. However, the biomechanical stability of this fixation is poorly understood.
Purpose. To compare and elucidate the biomechanical stability of C2 pedicle screw (C2PS), C2 isthmus screw (C2IS) and C2 short isthmus screw (C2SIS) fixation techniques in atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD).
Method. A three-dimensional finite element model (FEM) from occiput to C3 was established and validated from a healthy male volunteer. Three FEMs, C1 pedicle screw (PS)-C2PS, C1PS-C2IS, C1PS-C2SIS were also constructed. The range of motion (ROM) and the maximum von Mises under flexion, extension, lateral bending and axial rotation loading were analysed and compared. The pullout strength of the three fixations for C2 were also evaluated.
Result. C1PS-C2IS showed the greatest decrease in ROM with flexion, extension, lateral bending and axial rotation. C1PS-C2PS showed the least ROM reduction under all loading condition than both C2IS and C2SIS. The C1PS-C2PS model had the largest von Mises under all directions followed by C1PS-C2SIS, and lastly the C1PS-C2IS. Under axial rotation and lateral bending loading, the three models showed the largest and least von Mises stress respectively. The stress of the three models was mainly located in the connection of the screw and rod. Overall, the maximum pullout strength for C2PS, C2IS and C2SIS were 729.41N, 816.62N, 640.54N respectively.
Conclusion. In patients with atlantoaxial dislocations, the C2IS fixation provided comparable stability, with no significant stress concentrations. Furthermore, the C2IS had sufficient pullout strength when compared with C2PS and C2SIS. C2IS is an effective and safe fixation modality in the treatment of atlantoaxial dislocations.
Unraveling the Independent Role of METTL3 in m6A Modification and Tumor Progression in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Pu , Wei Lingyu , Du Bin , Qin Kai , pei Zhen , Zheng Jinping , Wang Jia
Published: February 2024

METTL3 and METTL14 are considered to faithfully form the m6A writing complex in a 1:1 ratio, regulating the fate of mRNA by adding m6A modifications. However, recent studies have shown inconsistent expression and prognostic value of METTL3 and METTL14 in some tumors, suggesting that they may not be faithful in tumors. Pan-cancer analysis based on TCGA data reveals significant differences in expression, function, tumor burden correlation, and immune correlation between METTL3 and METTL14, especially in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Knockdown of METTL3 significantly inhibits the cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo in ESCC EC109 cells, while the impact of METTL14 knockdown on proliferation is limited, and it cannot abolish the expression of METTL3 protein. mRNA-seq results indicate that METTL3 independently regulates the expression of 1615 genes, while only 776 genes are co-regulated by METTL3 and METTL14. Furthermore, through immunofluorescence co-localization, it is observed that METTL3 and METTL14 have certain inconsistencies in cellular localization. HPLC-MS results show that METTL3 independently binds to the Nop56p-associated pre-rRNA complex and mRNA splicing complex, separate from METTL14. Through bioinformatics and various omics studies, we have preliminarily discovered that METTL3 independently regulating tumor cell proliferation, and the participation in mRNA splicing may be a critical molecular mechanism. Our study provides an experimental basis and theoretical foundation for further understanding of the m6A writing complex and tumor therapy targeting METTL3.
Identification of genetic modifiers enhancing B7-H3-targeting CAR T cell therapy against glioblastoma through large-scale CRISPRi screening
Authors: Li Xing , Sun Shiyu , Zhang Wansong , Liang Ziwei , Fang Yitong , Sun Tianhu , Wan Yong , Ma Xingcong , Zhang Shuqun , Xu Yang , Tian Ruilin
Published: February 2024

Background Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly aggressive brain tumor with a poor prognosis. Current treatment options are limited and often ineffective. CAR T cell therapy has shown success in treating hematologic malignancies, and there is growing interest in its potential application in solid tumors, including GBM. However, current CAR T therapy lacks clinical efficacy against GBM due to tumor-related resistance mechanisms and CAR T cell deficiencies. Therefore, there is a need to improve CAR T cell therapy efficacy in GBM.
Methods We conducted large-scale CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) screens in GBM cell line U87 cells co-cultured with B7-H3 targeting CAR T cells to identify genetic modifiers that can enhance CAR T cell-mediated tumor killing. Flow cytometry-based tumor killing assay and CAR T cell activation assay were performed to validate screening hits. Bioinformatic analyses on bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing data and the TCGA database were employed to elucidate the mechanism underlying enhanced CAR T efficacy upon knocking down the selected screening hits in U87 cells.
Results We established B7-H3 as a targetable antigen for CAR T therapy in GBM. Through large-scale CRISPRi screening, we discovered genetic modifiers in GBM cells, including ARPC4, PI4KA, ATP6V1A, UBA1, and NDUFV1, that regulated the efficacy of CAR T cell-mediated tumor killing. Furthermore, we discovered that TNFSF15 was upregulated in both ARPC4 and NDUFV1 knockdown GBM cells and revealed an immunostimulatory role of TNFSF15 in modulating tumor-CAR T interaction to enhance CAR T cell efficacy.
Conclusions Our study highlights the power of CRISPR-based genetic screening in investigating tumor-CAR T interaction and identifies potential druggable targets in tumor cells that confer resistance to CAR T cell killing. Furthermore, we devised targeted strategies that synergize with CAR T therapy against GBM. These findings shed light on the development of novel combinatorial strategies for effective immunotherapy of GBM and other solid tumors.
mCodeGPT: Enhancing Cancer Research through Zero-Shot Information
Extraction from Clinical Free Text Data
Authors: Jiang Xiaoqian , Zhang Kai , Huang Tongtong , Malin Bradley , Osterman Travis , Long Qi
Published: February 2024

The rapidly growing collection of clinical free text data about cancer provides an unprecedented opportunity to harness rich, real-world insights for advancing cancer research and treatment. At the same time, there is a formidable challenge in efficiently extracting, standardizing, and structuring this vast and unstructured information to derive meaningful conclusions. In this paper, we address the problem of information extraction to standardize and structure such free text using Large Language Models (LLMs) following the minimal Common Oncology Data Elements (mCODE™) structure. We propose mCodeGPT, a state-of-the-art data standardization tool Cancer related clinical notes. mCodeGPT ingests Cancer ontology knowledge base, automatically generates prompts in a hierarchical manner to extract information within the ontology from the clinical notes, and outputs results in a structured, tabular format. The pipeline is completely zero-shot, meaning it is annotation-free and does not require model training. Our new tool simplifies the conventional labor-intensive process of data collection, annotating, model training, and fine-tuning. To overcome challenges inherent in common LLMs, such as token size limitations, hallucination, and suboptimal accuracy in information extraction, we have developed three distinct methodologies for hierarchical prompt engineering. We conducted rigorous evaluations of mCodeGPT's efficacy in the domain of Cancer clinical note generation and information extraction. Employing the GPT-3.5-turbo model, we generated a diverse set of 400 simulated clinical notes spanning various Cancer types. The effectiveness of our three proposed prompt generation methods was further assessed using both OpenAI models and a selection of open-source LLM models. The outcomes of our research underscore the proficiency of our pipeline, showcasing an impressive 96% accuracy in information extraction. We published mCodeGPT on GitHub for other researchers to use.
MRI and CT Imaging Characteristics in Parotid Tumors with False-Negative Fine-Needle Aspirations
Authors: Lee Hyun Jee , Lee Jong Hwan , Lee Min Kyeong , Kim Su Il , Lee Young Chan , Eun Young-Gyu
Published: February 2024

Backgrounds: Preoperative imaging, particularly with MRI and CT, plays a crucial role in distinguishing between benign and malignant parotid gland tumors, while the reliability of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) in diagnosing these masses remains a topic of debate.
Methods: Retrospective study involving 347 patients who underwent both FNA and preoperative imaging. Various imaging parameters were analyzed and statistically evaluated.
Results: Irregular shape and invasion were significantly associated with malignancy, even in patients with benign or unsatisfactory FNA results. False-negative FNA diagnosis rate was 10.6%.
Conclusion: Radiological imaging focusing on specific features can aid in differentiating benign from malignant parotid tumors, especially when FNA results are inconclusive. This can guide treatment decisions and the need for additional procedures such as frozen biopsies.
Associations between sarcopenia and depression in middle-aged and older adults: The moderating effect of smoking
Authors: Zhu Feiyun , Guo Jing , Zheng Weijun
Published: February 2024

Aims of this study were to estimate associations of sarcopenic status with depressive symptoms. We used mixed-effects linear model to estimate longitudinal association between sarcopenic status and rate of change in CES-D scores, and used Cox regression model to estimate the association between sarcopenic status and incident depression. Stratification analyses were performed when the interactions between sarcopenic status and covariates were significant. A total of 6522 participants were ultimately included. After adjusting for covariates, participants with possible sarcopenia (β = 0.117; 95% CI = 0.067 to 0.166; P < 0.001) and sarcopenia (β: 0.093;95% CI: 0.027–0.159; P < 0.001) had a faster increase in CES-D scores compared with normal individuals. Interactions between smoking and sarcopenic status were significant (P interaction < 0.05). We found significantly positive associations of sarcopenic status with CES-D scores in nonsmokers, but not in current and past smokers. Besides, compared with normal participants, those with possible sarcopenia (HR: 1.15; 95% CI = 1.05 to 1.27) and sarcopenia (HR: 1.28; 95% CI = 1.12 to 1.46) (P trend < 0.001) had elevated risks of incident depression. Sarcopenia is associated with a faster increase in CES-D scores and increased risks of depression among Chinese middle-aged and older adults. Stronger associations between sarcopenia and trajectory of CES-D scores were found in nonsmokers than in smokers.
Exploring prognostic survival factors in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer receiving PD-1 inhibitors
Authors: Ma Yue , Chen Shiyun , Dai Guanghai
Published: February 2024

Antitumor therapy has now entered the era of immunotherapy represented by programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) inhibitors, but predicting the prognosis of immunotherapy for pancreatic cancer (PC) remains challenging. The aim of this study was to evaluate the factors influencing the prognosis of PC patients who had received PD-1 inhibitor therapy. This study was a single-center, retrospective, observational study that was approved by the Ethics Committee of the General Hospital of the People's Liberation Army (Approval number S2021-228-03). We reviewed the medical records of patients with advanced PC treated with PD-1 inhibitors in the Department of Oncology of the PLA General Hospital between September 2015 and September 2022. Data from 126 patients were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional risk model analysis. p<0.05 was considered a statistically significant difference. The median overall survival (mOS) and median progression-free survival (mPFS) of 126 patients with advanced PC treated with PD-1 inhibitors were 12.1 months and 4.6 months, respectively. Independent predictors of significantly prolonged patient mOS were history of surgery (44.2 months vs. 10 months, p=0.022), absence of liver metastases (44.2 months vs. 6.4 months, p=0.034), and baseline CA19 -9 level ≤216.15 U/ml (18.5 months vs. 9.2 months, p=0.049). Independent predictors that significantly prolonged patients' mPFS were histologically intermediate/highly differentiated (5.5 vs. 3.2 months, p=0.022) and the use of PD-1 inhibitors at first-line treatment (5.1 vs. 1.5 months, p=0.001). Subgroup analyses found that low histologic differentiation was associated with earlier disease progression, and no history of surgery was associated with earlier patient death. This study suggests that history of surgery, absence of liver metastases, baseline CA19-9 level, and histologic intermediate/high differentiation can be used as a composite predictor of the efficacy of PD-1 inhibitors in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. However, further prospective clinical trials are needed for validation.
Nanoarchitectonics of Zanthoxylum armatum DC. Seed Derived Zinc Chloride Activated Carbon as Negatrode Material for Supercapacitor Applications
Authors: Bhattarai Deval Prasad , Shrestha Khem Raj , Homagai Puspa Lal , Shrestha Timila , Mishra Pawan Kumar , Oli Hari Bhakta , Awasthi Ganesh Prasad , Yu Changho , Shrestha Ram Lal (Swagat)
Published: February 2024

The storage of green and renewable forms of energy from clean sources has gained considerable attention in the academic as well as industrial arena in the context of ongoing terrible global climatic change. Commonly used carbon nanomaterials are inadequate to address the demand for high-performance energy storage devices due to their high cost, processing difficulties and chances of toxicity. Consequently, facile bio-mass-derived activated carbon is getting more attention due to its high carbon content, more abundant in nature and easiness of processing with minimum toxicity. Here, in this study, we introduced a simple, sustainable approach for the synthesis of ZnCl2 activated hierarchical 3D network mesoporous/microporous Zanthoxylum armatum DC. carbon materials from its precarbonized seed powder at 600, 800 and 1000 °C, respectively. Physicochemical characterization of as-prepared materials was assessed by well-known standard techniques, and energy storage ability was studied in a three-electrode configuration. The electrochemical performance of different sample of zinc chloride activated carbon (ZAC-1000, ZAC-800 and ZAC-600) were compared. ZAC-1000 electrode exhibited the best gravimetric capacitance of 133 F g-1 in 1 A g-1 with 97.9 % cyclic stability at 10,000 cycles and ~50% rate capability. Based on the findings, highly efficient negative electrode (Negatrode) materials for supercapacitor applications synthesized from the bio-waste seed of Zanthoxylum armatum DC. could be useful for commercial applications.
Colostrum avoidance and its associated factors among mothers of children under the age of six months in Sekota Zuria Woreda, Waghimra Zone, Ethiopia
Authors: Mohammed Fitsum Zekarias , Desalegn Mulugeta , Dagnaw Abinet , Mohammed Sadat , Mulugeta Besufekad
Published: February 2024

Background
Colostrum avoidance deprives infants of the essential nutrients and immune protection provided by colostrum, making them more susceptible to deadly infections such as sepsis, pneumonia, and diarrhea. Ethiopia has one of the regional even not so the global highest overall BF rate (95.5%). However, it falls short of meeting the standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) for optimal breastfeeding.
Objective
This study aimed to assess colostrum avoidance and its associated factors among mothers of children under the age of six months in the Sekota Zuria Woreda of Waghimra Zone, Ethiopia, 2022.
Method and materials:
A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted between June 26th and July 30th of 2022 in the Sekota Zuria Woreda of Waghimra Zone, Ethiopia. The study included four hundred twenty-one mothers of children under the age of six months, selected using a multistage sampling technique. Once written consent was obtained from all of the participants, a pretested and reliability-checked questionnaire was employed to interview and gather data for analysis. During analysis, descriptive statistics and logistic regression models were employed to summarize and explore the statistical association between the dependent and explanatory variables. In the bivariate logistic regression analysis, variables with a P-value of < 0.25 were exported to the multivariate logistic regression model for further analysis. Finally, using a P-value of < 0.05 as an indicator of statistical significance, the Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) at 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) was calculated.
Result
In this study, 19.0% (95% CI: (15.0–22.8)) of mothers avoided colostrum. In addition, mothers who did not receive Antenatal Care (ANC) [AOR = 2.94, (95% CI: 1.1–7.8)], gave birth at home [AOR = 4.64, (95% CI: 2.0-10.75)], lacked participation in the Women’s Health Developmental Army (WHDA) [AOR = 4.71, (95% CI: 1.95–11.4)], gave pre-lacteal feds [AOR = 2.97, (95% CI: 1.23–7.1)], had insufficient knowledge [AOR = 3.02, (95% CI: 1.2–7.6)], and negative attitude toward colostrum feeding [AOR = 6.5, (95% CI: 3.0-14.2)] were more likely to avoid colostrum.
Conclusion
Contrary to the WHO and UNICEF recommendations, in Sekota Zuria Woreda, a substantial number of mothers avoided colostrum.
Association of impacted maxillary canines with root resorption of adjacent teeth. A Radiographic Retrospective Study
Authors: Alshawy Ebrahim , Alharbi Waleed
Published: February 2024

Background
The study aims to record the grade of resorption in maxillary teeth in patients with impacted maxillary canines.
Methods
We collected a number of 4500 panoramic radiographs from the Radiographic Department at the dental clinics of the College of Dentistry, Qassim University. Patients ≥ 12 years old with good-quality panoramic radiographs were included. The root resorption severity was categorized into 4 groups (no, mild, moderate, and severe resorptions). The location of the impacted maxillary canine was divided into 5 sectors. Chi-squared test was used to identify any significant differences between genders. The Kappa test was used to assess the Intra-rater reliability for the severity of root resorption. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05.
Results
A number of 19 impacted maxillary canines caused mild to severe resorption of the lateral incisors (n = 17, 89.5%) and central incisors (n = 2, 10.5%). The prevalence of root resorption of adjacent teeth was 17.3%. There were 12 males (66.7%) and 6 females (33.3%) affected with root resorption, with a significant difference detected (p = 0.01) between the two genders. Most of the root resorption occurred with impacted canines in sectors 1 and 2 (79%).
Conclusion
Impaction of maxillary canines occurred more in males than females. The root resorption occurred more frequently in male compared to female patients with highly significant differences. The most affected teeth were lateral incisors (89.5%).
A new construction of cyclic subspace codes
Authors: Han Yuqing , Cao Xiwang
Published: February 2024

Subspace codes have attracted a lot of attention in the last few decades due to their applications innoncoherent linear network coding, in particular cyclic subspace codes can be encoded and decoded moreefficiently because of their special algebraic structure. Using the union of several cyclic subspace codes, wepresent a family of cyclic subspace codes with minimum distance 2k − 2 and size seqk(qk − 1)s−1(qn − 1), where k|n, n/k ≥ 2s + 1, s ≥ 2, e = ⌈n/2sk⌉ − 1.
Exploring the Research Interest, Capacity and Culture of NHS Staff in South-East Scotland following the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: a Qualitative Study
Authors: Pribanova Magdalena , Chinn David J , Davey Fleur , Quirk Frances
Published: February 2024

Background
Research is a key driver in improving the quality of care in health settings. The UK Government has published its strategy to increase research within the National Health Service (NHS) and to implement lessons learned from the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. We have investigated the current research interest, culture, and capacity amongst staff in one small, non-teaching regional Health Board in Scotland to determine how research activity may be increased and how attitudes to research may have changed following the recent pandemic.
Methods
Semi-structured interviews (n = 28) were conducted with staff of all grades exploring the research culture at an organisational, team and individual level. Topics included perceived barriers and facilitators for engaging in research activities and the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on changes in attitude to research within the NHS. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using thematic analysis.
Results
Respondents comprised 7 nurses/midwives, 6 doctors/dentists, 3 allied health professionals, 3 other therapeutic and 9 admin/support staff. Some staff had research written into their job descriptions. All respondents identified similar facilitators and barriers to undertaking research, irrespective of their role or experience with research. Four key themes affecting research capacity and capability were time, resources, culture, and communication. Responses varied between staff grades where those who had research embedded as part of their training and professional role expressed more accepting views to undertaking research. Issues identified were the provision of protected time, skills training, practical support from research facilitators, active encouragement by managers of all grades, improved communication, the development of ‘champions’ working in clinical teams and the adoption of a research strategy at Board level. The pandemic had a negative impact on research activity but many respondents expressed an increased awareness of the importance of research as a priority in improving health outcomes during the pandemic.
Conclusions
The research interest and culture in our Health Board can be improved by addressing the four broad themes identified, thereby increasing research capacity in line with Government aspirations. The findings may have relevance for other small health providers that intend to respond to the call to increase their research profile.
Predict Radiation Enteritis in Patients Undergoing Radical Radiotherapy for Cervical Squamous Cell Carcinoma based on Inflammatory Parameters
Authors: Li Yanqing , Jiang Kaijun , Ju Yunhe , Ding Xiang , Xia Qun , Xia Yaoxiong , Ai Yiqin
Published: February 2024

Background
Radiation enteritis (RE) is an adverse event associated with radical radiotherapy (RT) for cervical carcinoma (CC). However, the risk of RE has not been well predicted. We hypothesized that inflammatory markers of pre-/post-treatment complete blood count (CBC)-derived parameters can improve the predictive accuracy for RE using machine learning.
Methods
Patients with cervical squamous cell carcinoma of stage IB2-IIIB receiving radical RT in our hospital from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2015, were included. Inflammatory markers of pre/post-treatment CBC-derived at the initial diagnosis and after RT were analyzed. A machine learning algorithm was used to develop a generalized linear model (GLM) for predicting RE risk.
Results
A total of 321 patients were eligible, of whom 39.3% (126/321) developed RE2 after RT, whether acute or chronic. The final predictive GLM for RE2 included an inflammatory marker, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR1) (P = 0.021); age (P = 0.148); stage (P = 0.017); and RT technique (P = 0.047). A nomogram was constructed based on GLM. Decision curve analysis verified the better predictive power of the model for net clinical benefit.
Conclusions
Our findings reveal a significant association between PLR1 and RE2. Additionally, a novel and holistic model incorporating both hematological inflammatory parameters and clinical variables has been devised, offering a practical tool for predicting RE prior to RT. Hence, these outcomes hold great potential in guiding healthcare professionals in their decision-making processes.
Pulmonary adverse reaction caused by furazolidone: A report of two cases and literature review
Authors: Zheng Cong , Cheng Yao , Huang Ping , Ren Zhuochao , Zheng Xiaochun , Xuan Zixue , Shen Bin , Yang Xiuli
Published: February 2024

Purpose
Drug-induced lung injury, defined as lung injury due to specific drug use, is an adverse reaction that occurs specifically in the pulmonary system, including the lungs, bronchi, pulmonary blood vessels, and pleura. There are currently few reports of furazolidone-mediated lung injury. We emphasize that when symptoms such as fever, cough, sputum production, chest tightness, increased eosinophils, interstitial changes in lung imaging with thickening of interlobular septa occur after the application of furazolidone, adverse pulmonary reactions caused by furazolidone can be considered.
Methods and results
We report a case series consisting of two patients with adverse pulmonary reactions occurring after the use of furazolidone and a current review of all previous reported adverse pulmonary reactions related to furazolidone.
Conclusion
As furazolidone may cause adverse pulmonary reactions, clinical vigilance is warranted to prevent adverse consequences. If this adverse reaction is found, furazolidone should be stopped in a timely manner. If the eosinophil count continues to be higher than normal after discontinuation, hormone therapy is needed.
A Month of Diagnostic Imaging Studies in an Acute Supportive/Palliative Care Unit
Authors: Mercadante Sebastiano , Grassi Yasmine
Published: February 2024

Aim: To assess the characteristics of patients who required imaging studies during admission to an acute supportive palliative care unit (ASPCU).
Methods: A consecutive number of patients who performed imaging studies during ASPCU admission in a month period was assessed. Epidemiological data, ongoing anticancer treatment, cancer diagnosis, reasons for admission, referral, type of imaging study, were recorded. Indications, findings, consequent actions for treatment, prognosis and discharge were also collected.
Results: Twenty-one of fifty-six patients admitted to ASPCU in the period taken into consideration underwent imaging studies. Pain and deterioration of the general condition were the most frequent indications for admission. Computed tomography (CT) was the most frequent imaging study performed. Indications for performing imaging studies depended on individual clinical needs. Findings suggested different clinical decisions, after a comprehensive oncological and palliative care assessment and family conference, the most frequent of which was to withdraw oncological treatments. The majority of patients underwent transition to palliative care and were discharged home or to hospice.
Conclusion: Imaging studies were of paramount importance for clinical treatment and decision-making process in an intensive ASPCU. There is the need to explore the need and the possible outcomes of imaging studies, as well cost-effectiveness in any ASPCU.
Convalescent Plasma for Critically-ill Covid-19 Patients
Authors: Aljatham Adel A. , Hashim Waleed T. , Almashiakhi Mohamad A. , Alharthy Abdulrahman M. , Alaklobi Faisal A. , Adam Mohammed , Elghazaly Assem A. , Mady Ahmed F. , Asad Daood S. , Aamr Hala , Alali Alaa H. , Abdlraheem Juhaina , Alhumaid Muhned S. , Aljatham Mohammed A. , Zawbaee Khalid I.
Published: February 2024

Background and aim:
Convalescent plasma (CP) was early and successfully used in management of covid-19 infection. This report aimed to document our experience with use of CP in two critically-ill covid-19 patients.
Main findings:
Patients presented with fever, dry cough and difficulty of breathing with reduced oxygen saturation, massive radiological lung involvement and deteriorated Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) Score. Use of two sessions of CP resulted in marked improvement of radiological and/or pulmonary findings. Both patients died of septic shock or thromboembolic events.
Conclusions
Use of CP may be associated with radiological and clinical improvement in critically-ill patients. However, it’s not related to better survival if used in late stages of the disease.
Feasibility and Tolerability of Reaching Accuracy Assessment using Virtual Reality in Subacute and Chronic Cerebellar Stroke
Authors: Du Khai , Benavides Leonardo , Isenstein Emily , Tadin Duje , Busza Ania
Published: February 2024

Objective To investigate the application of virtual reality (VR) with hand tracking in the rapid quantification of reaching accuracy at the bedside for patients with cerebellar stroke (CS).
Introduction Dysmetria, the inability to accurately estimate distance in motor tasks, is a characteristic clinical feature of cerebellar injury. Even though subjective dysmetria can be quickly detected during the neurological examination with the finger-to-nose test, objective quantification of reaching accuracy for clinical assessment is still lacking. Emerging VR technology allows for the delivery of rich multisensory environmental stimuli with a high degree of control. Furthermore, recent improvements in the hand-tracking feature offer an opportunity to closely examine the speed, accuracy, and consistency of fine hand movements and proprioceptive function.
Methods 30 individuals (10 CS patients and 20 age-matched neurologically healthy controls) performed a simple task that allowed us to measure reaching accuracy using a VR headset (Oculus Quest 2). During this task, the participant was asked to reach for a target placed along a horizontal sixty-degree arc. Once the fingertip passed through the arc, the target immediately extinguished. 50% of the trials displayed a visible, real-time rendering of the hand as the participant reached for the target (visible hand condition), while the remaining 50% only showed the target being extinguished (invisible hand condition). The invisible hand condition isolates proprioception-guided movements by removing the visibility of the participant’s hand. Reaching error was calculated as the difference in degrees between the location of the target, and where the fingertip contacted the arc.
Results Both CS patients and age-matched controls displayed higher average reaching error and took longer to perform a reaching motion in the invisible hand condition than in the visible hand condition. Reaching error was higher in CS than in controls in the invisible hand condition but not in the visible hand condition. Average time taken to perform each trial was higher in CS than in controls in the invisible hand conditions but not in the visible hand condition.
Discussion Reaching accuracy assessed by VR offers a non-invasive and rapid approach to quantifying fine motor functions in clinical settings. Furthermore, this technology enhances our understanding of proprioceptive function in patients with visuomotor disabilities by allowing the isolation of proprioception from vision. Future studies with larger cohorts and longitudinal designs will examine the quantitative changes in reaching accuracy after stroke and explore the long-term benefits of VR in functional recovery.