bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the accuracy of cone-beam computed tomography image segmentation of isolated tooth roots based on the dynamic threshold method
Authors: Su Sha , Liu Yu-meng , Zhan Li-ping , Gao Si-yuan , He Cai , Zhang Qing , Huang Xiao-feng
Published: October 2023

Objective

Accurate quantification of the root surface area (RSA) plays a decisive role in the advancement of periodontal, orthodontic, and restorative treatment modalities. In this study, we aimed to develop a dynamic threshold-based computer-aided system for segmentation and calculation of the RSA of isolated teeth on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and to assess the accuracy of the measured data.

Method

We selected 24 teeth to be extracted, including single-rooted and multi-rooted teeth, from 22 patients who required tooth extraction. In the experimental group, we scanned 24 isolated teeth using CBCT with a voxel size of 0.3 mm. We designed a computer-aided system based on a personalized dynamic threshold algorithm to automatically segment the roots of 24 isolated teeth in CBCT images and calculate the RSA. In the control group, we employed digital intraoral scanner devices to perform optical scanning on 24 isolated teeth and subsequently manually segmented the roots using 3-matic software to calculate the RSA. We used the paired t-test (P < 0.05) and Bland-Altman plots to analyze the consistency of the two measurement methods.

Results

The results of the paired t-test showed that there was no significant difference in the RSAs obtained using the dynamic threshold method and the optical scanning image reconstruction (t = 1.005, P = 0.325 > 0.05). As per the Bland-Altman plot, the results were evenly distributed within the region of ± 1.96 standard deviations of the mean, with no increasing or decreasing trends and good consistency.

Conclusion

In this study, we designed a computer-aided root segmentation system based on a personalized dynamic threshold algorithm to automatically segment the roots of isolated teeth in CBCT images with a voxel size of 0.3 mm. We found that the RSA calculated using this approach was highly accurate, and a voxel of 0.3 mm in size could accurately display the surface area data in CBCT images. Overall, our findings in this study provide a foundation for future work on accurate automatic segmentation of tooth roots in full-mouth CBCT images and the computation of RSA.
Prevalence of paratuberculosis in cattle based on gross and microscopic lesions in Ethiopia
Authors: Mohammed Temesgen , Mamo Gezahegne , Zewude Aboma , Sirak Asegedech , Gumi Balako , Ameni Gobena
Published: October 2023

Background

Paratuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP), is a chronic progressive granulomatous enteritis mainly affecting domestic and wild ruminants worldwide. Although paratuberculosis could be prevail in Ethiopia, there is a scarcity of epidemiological data on paratuberculosis in the country. Thus, this study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of paratuberculosis based on gross and microscopic lesions in cattle slaughtered at ELFORA Abattoir, central Ethiopia. Small intestines and associated lymph nodes of 400 apparently healthy cattle which were slaughtered at ELFORA export abattoir were examined for gross and microscopic lesions of paratuberculosis. The microscopic lesions were classified into four grades (I-IV) based on the type and number of cells infiltrated into the lesion. The prevalence of paratuberculosis was estimated on the basis of gross as well as microscopic lesion of paratuberculosis.

Results

The prevalence of paratuberculosis was 11.25% (95% Confidence interval, CI = 0.083–0.148) on the basis of gross lesion. However, relatively lower prevalence (2.0%, 95% CI = 0.01, 0.039) was recorded based on microscopic lesion. The gross lesions were characterized by intestinal thickening, mucosal corrugations and enlargement of associated mesenteric lymph nodes. On the other hand, the microscopic lesions were characterized by granuloma of different grades ranging from grade I to grade III lesions.

Conclusions

The present study indicated the occurrence of paratuberculosis in cattle of Ethiopia based on the detection of gross and microscopic lesions consistent with the lesion of paratuberculosis. The result of this study could be used as baseline information for future studies on the epidemiology and economic significance of paratuberculosis.
CRISPR-Cas12a test strip (CRISPR/CAST) package: In-situ detection of Brucella from infected livestock
Authors: Dang Sheng , Sui Humujile , Zhang Shuai , Wu Dongxing , Chen Zeliang , Zhai Jingbo , Bai Meirong
Published: October 2023

Background

Brucellosis is a common zoonotic disease caused by Brucella, which causes enormous economic losses and public burden to epidemic areas. Early and precise diagnosis and timely culling of infected animals are crucial to prevent the infection and spread of Brucella. In recent years, RNA-guided CRISPR/Cas12a(Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats and its associated protein 12a) nucleases have shown great promise in nucleic acid detection. This research aims to develop a CRISPR/CAST (CRISPR/Cas12a Test strip) package that can rapidly detect Brucella nucleic acid during on-site screening, especially on remote family pastures. The CRISPR/Cas12a system combined with recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA), and lateral flow read-out.

Results

We selected the conserved gene bp26, which commonly used in Brucella infection detection and compared on Genbank with other Brucella species. The genomes of Brucella abortus 2308, Brucella suis S2, Brucella melitansis 16 M, and Brucella suis 1330, et al. were aligned, and the sequences were found to be consistent. Therefore, the experiments were only performed on B. melitensis. With the CRISPR/CAST package, the assay of Brucella nucleic acid can be completed within 30 min under isothermal temperature conditions, with a sensitivity of 10 copies/μl. Additionally, no antigen cross-reaction was observed against Yersinia enterocolitica O:9, Escherichia coli O157, Salmonella enterica serovar Urbana O:30, and Francisella tularensis. The serum samples of 398 sheep and 100 cattle were tested by the CRISPR/CAST package, of which 31 sheep and 8 cattle were Brucella DNA positive. The detection rate was consistent with the qPCR results and higher than that of the Rose Bengal Test (RBT, 19 sheep and 5 cattle were serum positive).

Conclusions

The CRISPR/CAST package can accurately detect Brucella DNA in infected livestock within 30 min and exhibits several advantages, including simplicity, speed, high sensitivity, and strong specificity with no window period. In addition, no expensive equipment, standard laboratory, or professional operators are needed for the package. It is an effective tool for screening in the field and obtaining early, rapid diagnoses of Brucella infection. The package is an efficient tool for preventing and controlling epidemics.
Clinical significance of tumor deposits in gastric cancer after radical gastrectomy: a propensity score matching study
Authors: Song Xiaohai , Liu Kai , Liao Xuliang , Zhu Yunfeng , Peng BoQiang , Zhang Weihan , Zhao Linyong , Chen Xiaolong , Yang Kun , Hu Jiankun
Published: October 2023

Objective

The value of tumor deposits (TDs) in the prognosis and staging of gastric cancer (GC) is still under debate. This study aims to evaluate the prognostic value of TDs and the best ways to incorporate TDs in the TNM classification of GC.

Methods

Patients (n = 3460) undergoing curative gastrectomy for GC in the West China Hospital from 2005 to 2017 were retrospectively reviewed and divided into two groups according to the TD status (positive vs. negative). Later, clinicopathological features and overall survival (OS) between the two groups were compared. Thereafter, the associations between the presence of TD and other clinicopathological factors were evaluated through logistic regression. In addition, univariate and multivariate Cox regression were conducted for determining prognostic factors. The possibility of selection bias was reduced through conducting the 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) analysis. The modified classification systems proposed previously that incorporated TDs into the TNM staging system were assessed.

Results

There were 10.5% of patients (362/3460) diagnosed with TDs. TDs were significantly related to unfavorable factors such as advanced T stage and N stage and independently associated with poor prognosis. The 5-year OS of patients with TDs was significantly lower than that of patients without TDs (31.0% vs. 60.9%, P < 0.001), whereas higher than that of patients with peritoneal metastasis (31.0% vs. 5.0%, P < 0.001). In patients receiving chemotherapy, the 5-year OS of patients with TDs was also significantly lower than that of patients without TDs (42.0% vs. 50.9%, P = 0.026). Moreover, the system incorporating TDs in the TNM classification as metastatic lymph nodes outperformed others.

Conclusions

TDs are related to the aggressive characteristics and are an independent prognostic factor for GC. Incorporating TDs in the TNM classification as the metastatic lymph nodes increases the accuracy in predicting prognosis.
Molecular mechanism of vimentin nuclear localization associated with the migration and invasion of daughter cells derived from polyploid giant cancer cells
Authors: Fan Linlin , Zheng Minying , Zhou Xinyue , Yu Yongjun , Ning Yidi , Fu Wenzheng , Xu Jing , Zhang Shiwu
Published: October 2023

Background

Polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs), a specific type of cancer stem cells (CSCs), can be induced by hypoxic microenvironments, chemical reagents, radiotherapy, and Chinese herbal medicine. Moreover, PGCCs can produce daughter cells that undergo epithelial–mesenchymal transition, which leads to cancer recurrence and disseminated metastasis. Vimentin, a mesenchymal cell marker, is highly expressed in PGCCs and their daughter cells (PDCs) and drives migratory persistence. This study explored the molecular mechanisms by which vimentin synergistically regulates PGCCs to generate daughter cells with enhanced invasive and metastatic properties.

Methods

Arsenic trioxide (ATO) was used to induce the formation of PGCCs in Hct116 and LoVo cells. Immunocytochemical and immunohistochemical assays were performed to determine the subcellular localization of vimentin. Cell function assays were performed to compare the invasive metastatic abilities of the PDCs and control cells. The molecular mechanisms underlying vimentin expression and nuclear translocation were investigated by real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, cell function assays, cell transfection, co-immunoprecipitation, and chromatin immunoprecipitation, followed by sequencing. Finally, animal xenograft experiments and clinical colorectal cancer samples were used to study vimentin expression in tumor tissues.

Results

Daughter cells derived from PGCCs showed strong proliferative, migratory, and invasive abilities, in which vimentin was highly expressed and located in both the cytoplasm and nucleus. Vimentin undergoes small ubiquitin-like modification (SUMOylation) by interacting with SUMO1 and SUMO2/3, which are associated with nuclear translocation. P62 regulates nuclear translocation of vimentin by controlling SUMO1 and SUMO2/3 expression. In the nucleus, vimentin acts as a transcription factor that regulates CDC42, cathepsin B, and cathepsin D to promote PDC invasion and migration. Furthermore, animal experiments and human colorectal cancer specimens have confirmed the nuclear translocation of vimentin.

Conclusion

P62-dependent SUMOylation of vimentin plays an important role in PDC migration and invasion. Vimentin nuclear translocation and overexpressed P62 of cancer cells may be used to predict patient prognosis, and targeting vimentin nuclear translocation may be a promising therapeutic strategy for metastatic cancers.
DNMT1 SNPs (rs2114724 and rs2228611) associated with positive symptoms in Chinese patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Ping Junjiao , Wan Jing , Huang Caiying , Yu Jinming , Luo Jiali , Xing Zhiqiang , Luo Xingguang , Du Baoguo , Jiang Tingyun , Zhang Jie
Published: October 2023

Objective

Schizophrenia is a serious mental disorder with complex clinical manifestations, while its pathophysiological mechanism is not fully understood. Accumulated evidence suggested the alteration in epigenetic pathway was associated with clinical features and brain dysfunctions in schizophrenia. DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), a key enzyme for DNA methylation, are related to the development of schizophrenia, whereas the current research evidence is not sufficient. The aim of study was to explore the effects of gene polymorphisms of DNMTs on the susceptibility and symptoms of schizophrenia.

Methods

The study was case–control study that designed and employed the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition (DSM-5) as the diagnostic standard. 134 hospitalized patients with schizophrenia in the Third People's Hospital of Zhongshan City from January 2018 to April 2020 (Case group) as well as 64 healthy controls (Control group) from the same region were involved. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of DNMT1 genes (r s2114724 and rs 2228611) and DNMT3B genes (rs 2424932, rs 1569686, rs 6119954 and rs 2424908) were determined with massARRAY. Linkage disequilibrium analysis and haplotype analysis were performed, and genotype and allele frequencies were compared. The Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium was tested by the Chi-square test in SPSS software (version 20.0, SPSS Inc., USA). The severity of clinical symptoms was assessed by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). The correlation between DNMT1 genes (rs 2114724 and rs 2228611) and DNMT3B genes (rs2424932, rs1569686, rs6119954 and rs2424908) and clinical features was analyzed.

Results

There were no significant differences in genotype, allele frequency and haplotype of DNMT1 genes (rs 2114724 and rs 2228611) and DNMT3B genes (rs 2424932, rs 1569686, rs 6119954 and rs 2424908) between the case and healthy control group. There were significant differences in the PANSS total positive symptom scores, P3 (hallucinatory behavior), P6 (suspicious/persecution), G7 (motor retardation), and G15 (preoccupation) in patients with different DNMT1 gene rs 2114724 and rs 2228611 genotypes. The linkage disequilibrium analysis of gene polymorphic loci revealed that rs 2114724–rs 2228611 was complete linkage disequilibrium, and rs 1569686–rs 2424908, rs 2424932–rs 1569696 and rs 2424932–rs 2424908 were strongly linkage disequilibrium.

Conclusion

The polymorphisms alteration in genetic pathway may be associated with development of specific clinical features in schizophrenia.
Anterior cingulate cortex regulates pain catastrophizing-like behaviors in rats
Authors: Jee Hyun Jung , Zhu Elaine , Sun Mengqi , Liu Weizhuo , Zhang Qiaosheng , Wang Jing
Published: October 2023

Negative pain expectation including pain catastrophizing is a well-known clinical phenomenon whereby patients amplify the aversive value of a painful or oftentimes even a similar, non-painful stimulus. Mechanisms of pain catastrophizing, however, remain elusive. Here, we modeled pain catastrophizing behavior in rats, and found that rats subjected to repeated noxious pin pricks on one paw demonstrated an aversive response to similar but non-noxious mechanical stimuli delivered to the contralateral paw. Optogenetic inhibition of pyramidal neuron activity in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) during the application of repetitive noxious pin pricks eliminated this catastrophizing behavior. Time-lapse calcium (Ca2+) imaging in the ACC further revealed an increase in spontaneous neural activity after the delivery of noxious stimuli. Together these results suggest that the experience of repeated noxious stimuli may drive hyperactivity in the ACC, causing increased avoidance of subthreshold stimuli, and that reducing this hyperactivity may play a role in treating pain catastrophizing.
An accurate DFT study within conformational survey of the d-form serine−alanine protected dipeptide
Authors: Chahkandi Behzad , Chahkandi Mohammad
Published: October 2023

The conformational analysis of n-formyl-d-serine-d-alanine-NH2 dipeptide was studied using density functional theory methods at B3LYP, B3LYP‒D3, and M06‒2X levels using 6‒311 + G (d,p) basis set in the gas and water phases. 87 conformers of 243 stable ones were located and the rest of them were migrated to the more stable geometries. Migration pattern suggests the more stable dipeptide model bears serine in βL, γD, γL and the alanine in γL and γD configurations. The investigation of side‒chain‒backbone interactions revealed that the most stable conformer, γD–γL, is in the β‒turn region of Ramachandran map; therefore, serine-alanine dipeptide model should be adopted with a β‒turn conformation. Intramolecular hydrogen bonding in β‒turns consideration by QTAIM disclosed γD–γL includes three hydrogen bonds. The computed UV‒Vis spectrum alongside of NBO calculation showed the five main electronic transition bands derived of n → n* of intra‒ligand alanine moiety of dipeptide structure.
Promoting kidney health in people with type 2 diabetes: part 1
Authors: Murphy Fiona , Byrne Gobnait
Published: October 2023

The incidence of chronic kidney disease is increasing internationally with risk factors for the condition being the same as those for type 2 diabetes. It is important therefore for nurses to use primary, secondary and tertiary prevention to minimise the incidence of chronic kidney disease when caring for individuals with type 2 diabetes. This article is the first of a two-part series on the interrelationship between these long-term conditions. This article, part 1, addresses the significance of primary prevention in promoting kidney health in adults living with type 2 diabetes, while part 2 will discuss the use of secondary and tertiary prevention relevant to these long-term conditions.
Clinical helpline: communicating and improving inpatient experience and safety using digital health records
Authors: Bennett-Day Sarah , Nice Cassia
Published: October 2023

The clinical telephone helpline discussed here is a communication channel for family members and caregivers whose loved ones are in hospital. It makes full use of the effect families can have on the care experience and complements standard visiting as well as when hospital visits are restricted. The helpline helps to meet family members' health information and emotional wellbeing needs and is a reciprocal patient safety communication channel. Three main benefits have been identified. Flrst, communication between patients, relatives, communities and staff is enhanced. The helpline provides comprehensive patient clinical updates to relatives and caregivers using live digital healthcare records, and person-centred care is facilitated by patient-specific information being obtained by helpline clinicians from relatives. Second, it releases time to care. The helpline runs remotely, away from wards, enabling ward-based clinicians to prioritise direct patient care. Finally, clinical staff who are unable to work directly within wards maintain their active engagement in care provision, supporting relatives, patients and their ward-based colleagues.
Unpicking disproportionate referrals
Authors: Foster Sam
Published: October 2023

Sam Foster, Executive Director of Professional Practice, Nursing and Midwifery Council, considers the data indicating over-referrals to fitness-to-practise processes for certain groups
Aetiological treatment of venous leg ulcers with compression therapy: real-life outcomes with two different procedures
Authors: Meaume Sylvie , Senet Patricia , Thomé Benoît , Aragno Victor-Alexandre , Bohbot Serge , Fortin Sophie , Boucley Isabelle , Michon-Pasturel Ulrique , Colboc Hester
Published: October 2023

Objective:

To evaluate the healing outcomes and costs associated with the aetiological management of venous leg ulcers (VLUs) treated with recommended multicomponent bandages (MCBs) and short-stretch bandages (SSBs).

Method:

This observational study is a retrospective comparative study (Level 2b), based on the French administrative healthcare database (Système National des Données de Santé, SNDS). It includes patients treated from onset with reimbursed MCBs and SSBs for a VLU episode, between July 2018 and September 2020. Although other compression systems, such as long-stretch bandages, are commonly used for the treatment of VLUs, they are not recommended by health authorities in France and thus, were not considered for this study. A binomial regression model was performed to estimate the adjusted relative risk of wound closure rates at three months for each group, based on potential confounding factors including, notably, age, sex, key comorbidities, and wound dressing size. The mean healthcare cost was calculated for patients whose VLUs healed within the study period.

Results:

The reimbursement data (including prescribed compression systems and nursing care) of the 25,255 selected patients were analysed in the study. There were no significant differences between the MCBs and SSBs groups when considering patient characteristics. The healing rates after three months' treatment, were 42% and 35% (p<0.001) in the MCBs and SSBs groups, respectively. When adjusting the statistical model, the chance of healing at three months was still 12% higher with MCBs compared with SSBs (p<0.0001). The median healing time was estimated at 115 (interquartile range (IQR): 60–253) days in the MCB group versus 137 (IQR: 68–300) days in the SSBs group. The average treatment cost per patient with a healed ulcer was €2875±3647 in the MCB group and €3580±5575) in the SSBs group (p=0.0179), due to lower hospital stay and nursing costs in the MCB group. Differences in wound characteristics between the two groups cannot be totally excluded, due to the limited content of the database in terms of clinical data, but should have been addressed, to some extent, through the study selection criteria and the chosen regression model.

Conclusion:

In this study, this SNDS analysis seemed to confirm that the healing outcomes achieved in real-life with MCBs were in line with those reported in clinical trials, and superior to SSBs, which reinforces the current position from the guidelines.
Accelerating the healing of hard-to-heal wounds with food supplements: nutritional analysis in the Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Koffi Didier Y , Konan Amoin G , Koné Valentin B , N'krumah Raymond T , Coulibaly Ismael Dognimin , Kaloga Mamadou , Kreppel Katharina , Haydon Daniel , Utzinger Jürg , Bonfoh Bassirou
Published: October 2023

Objective:

Hard-to-heal wounds are an important, yet often neglected, public health issue in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Malnutrition has been identified as a risk factor for prolonged healing times. However, nutritional supplements are not routinely provided for patients with hard-to-heal wounds, and so this study aimed to investigate their benefits.

Method:

This 9-month study was conducted in the Taabo Health and Demographic Surveillance System in the south-central part of Côte d'Ivoire. Patients with wounds (≥30mm2) were recruited. Treatment was standardised for inpatients (72%) and outpatients (28%). There were three intervention groups: supplemented with soy; orange flesh sweet potato (OFSP); or both. Another group was included without supplement, serving as control. General linear models were employed to assess the effects of log initial wound size, type of wound, food treatment group, haemoglobin, sex, age, place of treatment and body mass index on the rate of wound closure.

Results:

The cohort consisted of 56 patients, 41 of whom were placed in intervention groups, and the remainder as controls. Within the cohort, 37 (66%) patients suffered from Buruli ulcer, 15 (27%) from traumatic wounds and four (7%) from erysipelas. We found a significant effect (p=0.004) of diet supplemented with OFSP on the wound healing rate.

Conclusion:

OFSP is a nutritional rehabilitation supplement, characterised by a high content of beta-carotene and carbohydrates. It is associated with shortened wound healing times, reduced discomfort and reduced cost of wound care. Further research should investigate the effect of a diet rich in beta-carotene, in combination with standard medical care, on hard-to-heal wound healing in LMICs.
Use of a portable negative pressure wound therapy device on a hard-to-heal wound with exposed bone: a case study
Authors: Wen Clarissa Wong Yi , Nasir Fatini Aina Binti Mohamad , Charl Manjageeta Kaur , Jane Chew Ait , Abdullah Nur Sarimah Kamilia Hoo , Ping Lim Boon , Nair Harikrishna KR
Published: October 2023

This case study examines the effectiveness of using negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in the management of a hard-to-heal (chronic) wound with exposed ankle bone to reduce associated wound exudate and promote production of granulation tissue. A 60-year-old male patient who was able to attend wound follow-up diligently twice weekly for eight weeks, and weekly thereafter, was selected from a private hospital to take part. During each dressing change, the wound was cleansed with superoxidised cleansing solution, and minimal sharp debridement was performed. In the authors' opinion, the NPWT device used in this study is light and convenient for use in the community or home care setting. The NPWT wound dressing was connected to the NPWT machine via a connecting tube and the device then switched on using the default setting of a negative pressure of 125mmHg. Following the application of the NPWT device, the exposed ankle bone was successfully covered with healthy granulation tissue and healed within 20 weeks with minimal exudate formation in the wound. In the authors' opinion, NPWT is able to promote progress to wound healing; to minimise unnecessary dressing changes and, based on feedback from the patient, is comfortable to wear and when in use.
Spatially modulated erbium YAG laser as a treatment for diabetic ulcer
Authors: Chilgar Ram M , Andurkar Smita P
Published: October 2023

Objective:

Diabetic ulcers are a significant healthcare challenge, capable of diminishing quality of life, lengthening hospitalisation stay, and incurring substantial costs for patients and healthcare systems. Erbium-doped yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er-YAG) laser has been evolving as a prospective intervention for addressing wounds of various aetiologies. Despite this, the literature remains limited in appraising the effectiveness of laser therapy specifically in diabetic wounds. This study investigates the impact of employing a spatially modulated Er-YAG laser as a therapeutic approach for treating diabetic ulcers.

Method:

In a single-arm study conducted from November 2017 to April 2023, patients with hard-to-heal ulcers were treated in a two-step approach of wound debridement using Er-YAG laser for ablation and biostimulation through deep tissue resonance using RecoSMA (Multiline laser system, LINLINE MS, Latvia) laser technology. Ulcers received weekly laser treatment, together with routine care until healing occurred and were then followed up to observe any recurrence. The primary outcome measure was wound closure; the secondary outcome measures were time to closure, and the number of laser treatments required. Data related to sociodemographic details, size and number of diabetic ulcers, and number of sessions related to laser treatment were collected using a predesigned, pretested questionnaire before initiating the treatment.

Results:

A total of 59 patients attending the clinic during the study period with diabetic ulcers were included in the study. The mean wound surface area at baseline was 25.7cm2 (median: 12cm2). The average number of sessions of laser treatment required was 4.41, ranging from 1–11. The size of the ulcer reduced with each session of laser treatment. The diabetic ulcers healed completely at the end of the treatment, indicating the effectiveness of the Er-YAG/RecoSMA two-step approach.

Conclusion:

Spatially modulated erbium YAG laser is effective as a therapeutic approach for treating diabetic ulcers.
Applications of time series analysis in epidemiology: Literature review and our experience during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Tomov Latchezar , Chervenkov Lyubomir , Miteva Dimitrina Georgieva , Batselova Hristiana , Velikova Tsvetelina
Published: October 2023

Time series analysis is a valuable tool in epidemiology that complements the classical epidemiological models in two different ways: Prediction and forecast. Prediction is related to explaining past and current data based on various internal and external influences that may or may not have a causative role. Forecasting is an exploration of the possible future values based on the predictive ability of the model and hypothesized future values of the external and/or internal influences. The time series analysis approach has the advantage of being easier to use (in the cases of more straightforward and linear models such as Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving Average). Still, it is limited in forecasting time, unlike the classical models such as Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Removed. Its applicability in forecasting comes from its better accuracy for short-term prediction. In its basic form, it does not assume much theoretical knowledge of the mechanisms of spreading and mutating pathogens or the reaction of people and regulatory structures (governments, companies, etc. ). Instead, it estimates from the data directly. Its predictive ability allows testing hypotheses for different factors that positively or negatively contribute to the pandemic spread; be it school closures, emerging variants, etc. It can be used in mortality or hospital risk estimation from new cases, seroprevalence studies, assessing properties of emerging variants, and estimating excess mortality and its relationship with a pandemic.
Acute cholangitis: Does malignant biliary obstruction vs choledocholithiasis etiology change the clinical presentation and outcomes?
Authors: Tsou Yung-Kuan , Su Yi-Tse , Lin Cheng-Hui , Liu Nai-Jen
Published: October 2023

Time series analysis is a valuable tool in epidemiology that complements the classical epidemiological models in two different ways: Prediction and forecast. Prediction is related to explaining past and current data based on various internal and external influences that may or may not have a causative role. Forecasting is an exploration of the possible future values based on the predictive ability of the model and hypothesized future values of the external and/or internal influences. The time series analysis approach has the advantage of being easier to use (in the cases of more straightforward and linear models such as Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving Average). Still, it is limited in forecasting time, unlike the classical models such as Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Removed. Its applicability in forecasting comes from its better accuracy for short-term prediction. In its basic form, it does not assume much theoretical knowledge of the mechanisms of spreading and mutating pathogens or the reaction of people and regulatory structures (governments, companies, etc. ). Instead, it estimates from the data directly. Its predictive ability allows testing hypotheses for different factors that positively or negatively contribute to the pandemic spread; be it school closures, emerging variants, etc. It can be used in mortality or hospital risk estimation from new cases, seroprevalence studies, assessing properties of emerging variants, and estimating excess mortality and its relationship with a pandemic.
Reference values of gait parameters in healthy Chinese university students: A cross-sectional observational study
Authors: Yu Jin-Sheng , Zhuang Chen , Guo Wen-Xuan , Chen Jun-Jie , Wu Xiang-Ke , Xie Wei , Zhou Xing , Su Hui , Chen Yi-Xuan , Wang Li-Kang , Li Wen-Kai , Tian Kun , Zhuang Ru-Jie
Published: October 2023

Time series analysis is a valuable tool in epidemiology that complements the classical epidemiological models in two different ways: Prediction and forecast. Prediction is related to explaining past and current data based on various internal and external influences that may or may not have a causative role. Forecasting is an exploration of the possible future values based on the predictive ability of the model and hypothesized future values of the external and/or internal influences. The time series analysis approach has the advantage of being easier to use (in the cases of more straightforward and linear models such as Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving Average). Still, it is limited in forecasting time, unlike the classical models such as Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Removed. Its applicability in forecasting comes from its better accuracy for short-term prediction. In its basic form, it does not assume much theoretical knowledge of the mechanisms of spreading and mutating pathogens or the reaction of people and regulatory structures (governments, companies, etc. ). Instead, it estimates from the data directly. Its predictive ability allows testing hypotheses for different factors that positively or negatively contribute to the pandemic spread; be it school closures, emerging variants, etc. It can be used in mortality or hospital risk estimation from new cases, seroprevalence studies, assessing properties of emerging variants, and estimating excess mortality and its relationship with a pandemic.
Varicella-zoster virus meningitis with hypoglycorrhachia: A case report
Authors: Cao Li-Juan , Zheng Yi-Ming , Li Fan , Hao Hong-Jun , Gao Feng
Published: October 2023

Time series analysis is a valuable tool in epidemiology that complements the classical epidemiological models in two different ways: Prediction and forecast. Prediction is related to explaining past and current data based on various internal and external influences that may or may not have a causative role. Forecasting is an exploration of the possible future values based on the predictive ability of the model and hypothesized future values of the external and/or internal influences. The time series analysis approach has the advantage of being easier to use (in the cases of more straightforward and linear models such as Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving Average). Still, it is limited in forecasting time, unlike the classical models such as Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Removed. Its applicability in forecasting comes from its better accuracy for short-term prediction. In its basic form, it does not assume much theoretical knowledge of the mechanisms of spreading and mutating pathogens or the reaction of people and regulatory structures (governments, companies, etc. ). Instead, it estimates from the data directly. Its predictive ability allows testing hypotheses for different factors that positively or negatively contribute to the pandemic spread; be it school closures, emerging variants, etc. It can be used in mortality or hospital risk estimation from new cases, seroprevalence studies, assessing properties of emerging variants, and estimating excess mortality and its relationship with a pandemic.
Aggressive angiomyxoma of the epididymis: A case report
Authors: Liu Xu-Jie , Su Jia-Hao , Fu Qi-Zhong , Liu Ying
Published: October 2023

Time series analysis is a valuable tool in epidemiology that complements the classical epidemiological models in two different ways: Prediction and forecast. Prediction is related to explaining past and current data based on various internal and external influences that may or may not have a causative role. Forecasting is an exploration of the possible future values based on the predictive ability of the model and hypothesized future values of the external and/or internal influences. The time series analysis approach has the advantage of being easier to use (in the cases of more straightforward and linear models such as Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving Average). Still, it is limited in forecasting time, unlike the classical models such as Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Removed. Its applicability in forecasting comes from its better accuracy for short-term prediction. In its basic form, it does not assume much theoretical knowledge of the mechanisms of spreading and mutating pathogens or the reaction of people and regulatory structures (governments, companies, etc. ). Instead, it estimates from the data directly. Its predictive ability allows testing hypotheses for different factors that positively or negatively contribute to the pandemic spread; be it school closures, emerging variants, etc. It can be used in mortality or hospital risk estimation from new cases, seroprevalence studies, assessing properties of emerging variants, and estimating excess mortality and its relationship with a pandemic.
Look Down Here: Poems on Curriculum Based Violence
Authors: Watson Marjanae
Published: October 2023

Watson discusses their series of poems that deconstruct language within legislation that references school curriculum, particularly those that deal with violence in schools.
Defending Weelaunee Forest: A Case Study of the Effectiveness of Peacebuilding Through Community Efforts
Authors: LeCore Sanaa
Published: October 2023

LaCore offers a reflection on creating their poem “Ode to Weelaunee Forest [Protectors]”. This poem addresses the conflict surrounding the development of “Cop City” within the Weelaunee Forest. The poem is constructed in a similar format like a cento poem where words or phrases are taken from other poems and made into a collage of words.
Scottish Devolution, Deconstruction, and Change
Authors: Higgins Josephine
Published: October 2023

Higgins considers Scottish devolution by critiquing the concept of devolution and the potential for future change inherent in its conception.
The Importance of Diplomacy in International Relations: Greeting Cards from World Leaders
Authors: Will Harper
Published: October 2023

Will muses on the roll interpersonal relations between world leaders play in international relations, doing so through a series of very personal, imagined greeting cards between key dignitaries.
Examining privilege, puzzlement and the problematic positioning of the ‘psychologist’ as internal consultant in psychologically-informed environments
Authors: Day Jonathan
Published: October 2023

Deliberate self-harm and the attribution of intentionality – that sufferers are choosing to harm themselves – have become dominant constructs within mainstream Western mental health care. The aim of this paper is to explore the author’s privileged positioning as internal consultant, whereby psychological knowledge was used to explain why a chronically excluded homeless adult refused an invitation to reside inside. The attribution of intention to an individual perceived as engaging in deliberate self-harm is explored over three psychological case discussions with staff. A critique is offered that psychologised attributions merely add to patients’ existing predicaments and psychosocial dismemberment. Scanlon and Adlam’s seminal work on reciprocal violence is referenced as a critique, that instead of choosing to harm oneself, subjects are communicating to carers their internalised experiences of interpersonal violation and neglect which have in turn given rise to violent states of mind. The paper could be used as a reflective aid to facilitate clinicians and scholars to consider how to digest violent and unthinkable material, and consider one’s own personal obstacles to thinking about unhoused minds and psychosocial dismemberment.
Scary Snakes and Cuddly Frogs: Exploring the Role of Storybooks in Children's Fear and Behavioral Avoidance of Animals
Authors: Conrad Megan , Hassabelnaby Raghad , Marcovitch Stuart , Boseovski Janet
Published: October 2023

Abstract: Animal fears are common, emerging in early childhood and often continuing into adulthood. This study explores the outcomes of positive and negative storybooks about animals on children's attitudes and behaviors. Ninety-six children (ages 4–8 years) were exposed to either negative or positive information about two animals (snakes and frogs) via age-appropriate storybooks, and fear beliefs and avoidance behaviors were then measured. Our results suggest that prior knowledge influences learning and behavior, with children exhibiting more fear towards snakes than frogs, regardless of condition. Accordingly, children who showed fewer fear beliefs were more likely to reach for the animals. In addition, storybook information impacts learning and fear, with children exhibiting more fear in the negative storybook conditions than positive storybook conditions. Storybook information also influenced behavioral avoidance, especially for snakes, with more children reaching for the snake when they received positive information rather than negative information. Additionally, across negative conditions, more children reached for the frog compared to the snake. Finally, parental and child characteristics were associated with more both self-reported fear and observed fear. Implications for parents and educators are discussed.
The Marian Turn in Newman's Idea of History
Authors: Lamb Rebekah
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: This essay examines the degree to which Newman's gradual assent to Marian dogma strengthened the aesthetic and spiritual dimensions of his philosophy of history from the 1840s, onward. Derivatively, it considers how the most fitting place to discern Newman's meditative idea of history is in his literary and devotional writings and not only in his expositions on doctrine and catechesis. The essay concludes by proposing that Newman's meditative approach to the question of history is saturated by the Marian habit of attention, of pondering the things of life in the heart, and stands in marked (and redressive) contrast to the emerging philosophies of power politics that have come to characterize late modernity.
Radical Democratic Citizen-Subjectivity: Scouting and Storytelling in Our Time
Authors: Rushing Sara , de Vries Karen
Published: October 2023

Abstract: This essay explores how the figure of the good citizen might be reimagined in terms of a citizen-subjectivity that is up to the demands of our times (neoliberalism, climate apocalypse, and rising authoritarianism). Theorizing “citizen-subjectivity” as a way-of-seeing-and-being in power/knowledge relations, we engage recent work by Donna Haraway and William Connolly to explore potential figures of radical citizen-subjectivity, focusing on the figure of “the scout.” In conversation with Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Grrrrl Scouts and honey bee scouts, we argue for the need to tell tales of the body politic differently, in form, content, and cast of characters.
Nonlinear absorptance of single-layer HfO2 coatings: investigating the impact of thermal and laser annealing
Authors: Atkočaitis Erikas , Keršys Martynas , Kičas Simonas , Grašytė Vaida , Melninkaitis Andrius
Published: October 2023

In this study we explore optical absorptance of single-layer hafnia dielectric coatings deposited on fused silica by ion beam sputtering technique. We investigate both linear and nonlinear absorptance by varying the laser intensity of 10 ps pulses at a 1 MHz repetition rate across wavelengths of 1064 nm, 532 nm, and 355 nm. Significant differences were observed between the as-deposited and thermally treated coatings. The as-deposited sample exhibited diminishing absorptance, while the thermally treated coatings showed an increase in absorption. Furthermore, our study delves into the strong impact of the pump wavelength on the nonlinear response. These findings bear potential significance in enhancing our understanding of the long-term effects in optical coatings. This understanding could prove crucial in the context of fatigue or laser-induced damage.
Photonic thermal switch via metamaterials made of vanadium dioxide-coated nanoparticles
Authors: He Mingjian , Guo Xue , Qi Hong , Lu Lu , Tan Heping
Published: October 2023

In this work, a photonic thermal switch is proposed based on the phase-change material vanadium dioxide (VO2) within the framework of near-field radiative heat transfer (NFRHT). The switch consists of two metamaterials filled with core–shell nanoparticles, with the shell made of VO2. Compared to traditional VO2 slabs, the proposed switch exhibits a more than two times increase in the switching ratio, reaching as high as 90.29% with a 100 nm vacuum gap. The improved switching effect is attributed to the capability of the VO2 shell to couple with the core, greatly enhancing heat transfer with the insulating VO2, while blocking the motivation of the core in the metallic state of VO2. The proposed switch opens pathways for active control of NFRHT and holds practical significance for developing thermal photon-based logic circuits.
Cross-spectral purity of the Stokes parameters in random nonstationary electromagnetic beams
Authors: Laatikainen Jyrki , Friberg Ari T. , Setälä Tero
Published: October 2023

We consider cross-spectral purity in random nonstationary
electromagnetic beams in terms of the Stokes parameters representing
the spectral density and the spectral polarization state. We show that
a Stokes parameter being cross-spectrally pure is consistent with the
property that the corresponding normalized time-integrated coherence
(two-point) Stokes parameter satisfies a certain reduction formula.
The current analysis differs from the previous works on cross-spectral
purity of nonstationary light beams such that the purity condition is
in line with Mandel’s original definition. In addition, in
contrast to earlier works concerning the cross-spectral purity of the
polarization-state Stokes parameters, intensity-normalized coherence
Stokes parameters are applied. It is consequently found that in
addition to separate spatial and temporal coherence factors the
reduction formula contains a third factor that depends exclusively on
polarization properties. We further show that cross-spectral purity
implies a specific structure for electromagnetic spectral spatial
correlations. The results of this work constitute foundational
advances in the interference of random nonstationary vectorial
light.
Modelling the mass adoption of mobile payment for e-hailing services using SEM-MGA
Authors: Long Siyu , Al Mamun Abdullah , Yang Qing , Gao Jingzu , Hussain Wan Mohd Hirwani Wan , Shami Sayed Samer Ali Al
Published: October 2023

Secured financial transactions can now be conveniently made via mobile devices for various products and services, such as e-hailing. However, limited research exists on the factors influencing the adoption of mobile payments specifically for e-hailing services, despite the growing interest in mobile payments in China. This cross-sectional study quantitatively assessed the influence of perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, social influence, facilitating conditions, perceived security, and lifestyle compatibility on the intention to adopt and the actual adoption of mobile payment for e-hailing services. An online self-administered survey was conducted, involving 413 respondents from China. The results revealed a significant positive influence of perceived ease of use, social influence, facilitating conditions, and perceived security on the intention to adopt mobile payment. Additionally, the study found that the intention to adopt mobile payment positively influenced the actual adoption of mobile payments. Meanwhile, perceived usefulness and lifestyle compatibility demonstrated an insignificant influence on the intention to adopt mobile payments. Subgroup analysis further revealed gender-based differences, indicating that the influence of the intention to adopt mobile payment on the adoption of mobile payment for e-hailing services varied significantly between male and female respondents. Furthermore, the influence of facilitating conditions on the intention to adopt mobile payment for e-hailing services also differed significantly among respondents of different age groups. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the factors influencing the adoption of mobile payment for e-hailing services and provide insights for service providers and policymakers in promoting its adoption.