bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tight anastomosis of the pancreaticojejunostomy during pancreaticoduodenectomy may cause late acute pancreatitis
Authors: Tsunematsu Masashi , Yanagaki Mitsuru , Hamura Ryoga , Shirai Yoshihiro , Ishizaki Shunta , Onda Shinji , Igarashi Yosuke , Furukawa Kenei , Haruki Koichiro , Ikegami Toru
Published: June 2024

Purpose: To investigate risk factors for late acute remnant pancreatitis after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD), we propose using the suture pitch calculated by the diameter of the main pancreatic duct and the number of sutures in the pancreatic duct-to-mucosa anastomosis.
Methods: This study included 142 patients who underwent elective PD. The suture pitch was calculated using the following formula: main pancreatic duct size × π ÷ number of sutures. Late acute pancreatitis was defined as acute pancreatitis that occurred >30 days after PD. We retrospectively evaluated clinical parameters to identify predictors of late acute remnant pancreatitis.
Results: Late acute remnant pancreatitis occurred in seven patients, and the 5- and 10-year cumulative incidence rates were 8.5% and 12.7%, respectively. A narrow suture pitch was significantly associated with male sex (p=0.037), younger age (p=0.003), a soft pancreas (p<0.001), a narrow pancreatic duct stent (p<0.001), a narrow main pancreatic duct (p<0.001), and late acute remnant pancreatitis (p=0.006). In the multivariate analysis, a narrow suture pitch was a significant independent risk factor for late acute remnant pancreatitis (p=0.041), but not for postoperative pancreatic fistula (p=0.106).
Conclusion: To prevent late acute remnant pancreatitis, the pancreatic duct-to-mucosa anastomosis should not be sutured too tightly. (196 words)
Functional architecture of the forebrain cholinergic system in rodents
Authors: Zaborszky Laszlo , Varsanyi Peter , Alloway Kevin , Chavez Candice , Gielow Matthew , Gombkoto Peter , Kondo Hideki , Nadasdy Zoltan
Published: June 2024

The basal forebrain cholinergic system (BFCS) participates in functions that are global across the brain, such as sleep-wake cycles, but also participates in capacities that are more behaviorally and anatomically specific, including sensory perception. To better understand the underlying organization principles of the BFCS, more and higher quality anatomical data and analysis is needed. Here, we created a “virtual Basal Forebrain”, combining data from numerous rats with cortical retrograde tracer injections into a common 3D reference coordinate space and developed a “spatial density correlation” methodology to analyze patterns in BFCS cortical projection targets, revealing that the BFCS is organized into three principal networks: somatosensory-motor, auditory, and visual. Within each network, clusters of cholinergic cells with increasing complexity innervate cortical targets. These networks represent hierarchically organized building blocks that may enable the BFCS to coordinate spatially selective signaling, including parallel modulation of multiple functionally interconnected yet diverse groups of cortical areas.
Bioequivalence evaluation of dexamethasone palmitate injections by intravenous injection in healthy Chinese volunteers: A 2-period crossover trial
Authors: Wang Bingna , Huang Chen , Xu Lang , Fu Xihua , Su Jianfen
Published: June 2024

Dexamethasone palmitate injection is mainly used in the treatment of severe rheumatoid arthritis.This study aimed to compare the bioequivalence and safety profiles of two (1 mL,:4 mg) dexamethasone palmitate injections in the fasting arm for healthy Chinese volunteers. A random, open, single-dose, two-preparations, two-sequences, two-period crossover design was conducted. Twenty-four healthy volunteers participated in the study. Each participant received an intravenous injection of either the test (imitation) or reference (original) formulation of dexamethasone palmitate in the fasting arm during each study period, with a 7-day washout period between administrations. The results showed that, under fasting condition, the pharmacokinetic parameters of the test and reference formulations were within the acceptable limits for bioequivalence. The 90% confidence intervals for the ratios of Cmax and AUC0 − t and AUC0−∞ fell within the bioequivalence range of 80–125%, achieving 100% power. No serious adverse events were observed, and no participants withdrew from the study. All safety parameters remained within normal limits throughout the study. The imitation preparation of dexamethasone palmitate injections is bioequivalent to the original formulation when administered as a single intravenous injection under fasting condition to healthy Chinese volunteers. This finding supports the interchangeability of the imitation and original formulations, potentially offering a cost-effective alternative in clinical practice. This study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (registration number: CTR20211598; date of registration: July 13, 2021).
The correlation between Hepatic Controlled Attenuation Parameter (CAP) value and Insulin Resistance (IR) was stronger than that between Body Mass Index, Visceral Fat Area and IR
Authors: Li Zhouhuiling , Liu Renjiao , Gao Xinying , Hou Dangmin , Leng Mingxin , Zhang Yanju , Du Meiyang , Zhang Shi , Li Chunjun
Published: June 2024

Background
Hepatic controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) value is a novel marker for quantifying hepatic fat accumulation. Insulin resistance (IR) plays a major role in the pathogenesis and natural history of hepatic steatosis. This study aimed to investigate the possible relationship between CAP value and IR.
Methods
This study included a total of 420 patients with overweight or obesity who came to the obesity clinic at Tianjin Union Medical Center. Vibration-controlled transient elastography examination was conducted to detect CAP and liver stiffness measurement (LSM) values. Body composition, including visceral fat area (VFA), and body fat mass (BFM), was evaluated by the direct segmental multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). The associations between CAP value, body mass index (BMI), VFA, BFM and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were analyzed.
Results
CAP value was positively associated with HOMA-IR (r = 0.568, P < 0.001), the strength of which was much stronger than BMI, VFA, and BFM. In multivariate linear regression, CAP value and HOMA-IR showed a significant positive association (adjusted β = 0.015, 95% CI: 0.007–0.022, P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis suggested no significant interaction between CAP value and HOMA-IR across age, BMI, LSM, hypertension, and sex groups (all P for interaction > 0.05).
Conclusions
Hepatic CAP value is more remarkably than other obesity markers associated with HOMA-IR in individuals with overweight or obesity, regardless of age, BMI, LSM, hypertension, and sex.
The associated between ALDH2 rs671 polymorphism and clinical prognosis in alcohol- related hepatocellular carcinoma after curative resection
Authors: Ko Chih-Jan , Wang Wen-Lung , Lin Hung-Yu , Hsieh Pei-Min , Chen Szu-Ying , Lin Steven Yu , Chou Li-Wei , Chen Yaw-Sen , Huang Yu-Wei , Ho Wen-Chao , Lin Chih-Wen
Published: June 2024

Background
Whether ALDH2 rs671 polymorphism predicts clinical prognosis in alcoholic liver disease (ALD)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after hepatectomy remains unclear.
Aims
This study aims to investigate the association between ALDH2 rs671 polymorphism and HCC recurrence and mortality in patients with ALD-related HCC who underwent hepatectomy. We also explored the risk factors for HCC recurrence and mortality in this population of patients.
Methods
This prospective cohort study enrolled 238 ALD-related HCC patients underwent hepatectomy from 2011 to 2022 at the E-Da Hospital, I-Shou University. Data analyses were finalized on October, 2023. Alcoholism was defined as consuming over 20 g of ethanol each day for at least 5 years. Patients with HBsAg-positive or/and HCV-positive status were excluded. ALDH2 rs671 polymorphism was analyzed. The endpoint was HCC recurrence and overall mortality.
Results
Of the 238 patients enrolled, 196 (82.4%) were men, and the mean (SD) age was 62.3 (10.2) years. HCC recurrence occurred in 70 patients, and 64 patients died. ALDH2 rs671 polymorphism was significantly associated with HCC recurrence and mortality. The 10-year cumulative HCC recurrence and mortality rates were significantly higher in patients with the ALDH2 rs671 genotype GA/AA relative to those with the ALDH2 rs671 genotype GG. In the Cox proportional analyses, the ALDH2 rs671 genotypes GA/AA (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.66, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.59–4.43, P < 0.001) and AST ≥ 40 IU/L (HR: 1.93, 95% CI: 1.18–3.17, P = 0.009) were significantly associated with increased HCC recurrence. Furthermore, the ALDH2 rs671 genotype GA/AA (HR: 2.02, 95% CI: 1.17–3.49, P = 0.012) and age ≥ 65 years (HR: 1.67, 95% CI: 1.01–2.78, P = 0.048) were significantly associated with increased mortality.
Conclusions
The ALDH2 rs671 genotype GA/AA is significantly associated with unfavorable clinical prognosis in ALD-related HCC after hepatectomy.
Interaction of PHGDH with IGF2BP1 facilitates m6A-dependent stabilization of TCF7L2 mRNA to confer multi-drug resistance in gastric cancer
Authors: Chen Shuyi , Liu Dan , Liu Yi , Long Zhaobo , Wu Ying , Zhong Yue , Zhao Jun , Wu Tong , He Wenfang , Cao Tianyu , Fan Daiming , Wu Kaichun , Li Tingyu , Lu Yuanyuan , Zhao Xiaodi
Published: June 2024

Background
Multi-drug resistance (MDR) remains a significant barrier to effective chemotherapy and results in poor prognosis of gastric cancer (GC) patients. Exploring the mechanism of MDR is of great significance for identifying biomarkers of resistance and developing new treatment strategies.
Methods
The combination of multi-omics and bio-informatics analysis with experimental validation was adopted to explore the mechanism of MDR in gastric cancer (GC). Multi-omics analysis includes transcriptome (RNA-Seq) and proteome (iTRAQ-MS and HLC-MS) analysis. Bio-informatics analysis includes a series of differential analysis, enrichment analysis, correlation analysis, survival analysis and molecular docking. Experimental validation includes quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR), Western blot, immunofluorescence (IF), immunohistochemistry (IHC), multiplex immunohistochemistry (mIHC), CCK−8 assay, Clone formation experiment, Flow cytometry, Luciferase reporter assay, RNA stability assay, co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP), Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), RNA pull down assay and animal studies.
Results
In our study, we found that phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH), the key rate-limiting enzyme in the serine synthesis pathway, was significantly up-regulated in MDR GC cells. PHGDH, acting its non-canonical function, was found out to promote MDR by promoting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway mediated by transcription factor 7 like 2 (TCF7L2), a pivotal transcription factor in the Wnt pathway. Specifically, PHGDH stabilized TCF7L2 mRNA by interacting with insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein 1 (IGF2BP1), a key m6A reader. PHGDH/IGF2BP1 interaction was m6A-dependent and led to the enhanced TCF7L2 mRNA stability and thus its up-regulation. Moreover, TCF7L2 bound to the PHGDH promoter and regulated PHGDH expression, acting in a feedback way.
Conclusions
The PHGDH/IGF2BP1-TCF7L2 axis plays a vital role in the MDR of GC and correlates with poor prognosis.
MEN1-mediated CD44 alternative splicing depression is required for ferroptosis during lung cancer suppression
Authors: Bangming Jin , Pan Ting , Zhu Jiamei , Wang Ziming , Tang Dekun , Wang Xuyan , Yang Yunqiao , Teng Yin , Tian Qianting , Dan Guixue , Chen Chaochun , Wang Houmei , Zhang Tuo , Guo Bing , Chen Tengxiang
Published: June 2024

Ferroptosis is a characteristic form of cell death triggered by excessive iron-dependent reactive oxygen species (ROS) and plays an important role in suppressing tumor development. Although MEN1-regulated cell-cycle arrest, apoptosis, and cell senescence have been considered foremost barriers to lung tumorigenesis, its other functions, such as RNA splicing regulation, are also important for its tumor suppression activity. Here, MEN1 was found to facilitate lipid ROS generation and sensitizes lung cancer cells to ferroptosis by depressing alternative CD44 pre-mRNA splicing. CD44 variant isoforms are highly expressed and correlated with poor prognosis in human lung cancers. Loss of Men1 profoundly accelerates the progression of Kras-mutant driven lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), which is associated with the accumulation of CD44 variant isoforms found in a KrasG12D;Men1-specific deficient mouse model. Mechanistically, MEN1 maintains a relatively slow RNA polymerase II (Pol II) elongation by controlling the release of Pol II-associated factor 1 (PAF1) from the CD44 gene body, which in turn prevents the inclusion of CD44 variable exon (CD44v). Furthermore, CD44v6-interfering peptides effectively abrogate the growth and metastasis of established Kras-mutant LUAD and MEN1-deficient tumors by activating ferroptosis. The efficacy of CD44v6 peptides was stronger than that of erastin, a ferroptosis inducer, in MEN1-deficient tumors. Collectively, our study unveils a novel way of tumor suppression based on MEN1 regulation of CD44 alternative splicing, ROS production and ferroptosis.
Qualitative Parameters and Deterioration Kinetics of Palm Oil, Shea Butter and Their Blend Use for Frying Cheese
Authors: Kolawole Muftaudeen Taoheed , Ibrahim Adio Tayo , Ogundolie Frank , Adams Moses Dele , Olajugbagbe Temidayo Emmanuel , Titilayo Gbadanmosi Idayat
Published: June 2024

We investigated changes in the quality of palm oil, shea butter and their blend as affected by repeated usage in deep frying of cheese were investigated. Palm oil, shea butter and their blend (1:1 w/w) were used in repeated deep frying of cheese at 150oC for 15 minutes, repeated eight times, repeated for six (6) consecutive days Changes in oil quality indices such as free fatty acid, peroxide value, p-anisidine value, color index, iodine value, acid value, saponification value, specific gravity and refractive index were determined. Kinetic rate and Arrhenius equation were used to determine deterioration rate and activation energy Data were analyzed using ANOVA and regression at α==0.05. The free fatty acid value of palm oil (6.09% − 8.03%), shea butter (2.12% − 2.91%) and blend (3.30% − 4.50%) increased significantly. Palm oil recorded a high value of peroxide (6.20 meqO2/kg), while the lowest value was recorded by shea butter (3.20 meqO2/kg), the p-anisidine value of palm oil was higher (91.77) after the sixth frying cycle than shea butter (11.00) and their blend (46.17). Slight decrease in iodine value was observed in the blend (4.89–3.82), while palm oil decreased sharply (4.73–0.90). A high smoke point was recorded for shea butter (222.7oC and 226.4 oC), palm oil (204.30C and 218.2oC) and the blend oil (212.2oC and 216.6°C) within the six frying cycles.
The Prognostic Correlation of Heart rate variability and body weight status in liver cancer patients
Authors: Huang Qingqing , Liang Xiping , Feng Changyan , Adhikari Vishnu Prasad , Quan Xi , Yu Huiqing
Published: June 2024

Background
Weight status play an important role in the evolution and prognosis of cancer patients; however alterations of autonomic nervous system (ANS) caused by cancer may be the associated symptoms in cancer-related weight change.
Objective
The aim of this study is to identify the influence of weight status on ANS and determine whether ANS can be used as an index for early detection and prediction of weight changes in liver cancer patients with HRV.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective analysis of clinical data for newly diagnosed liver cancer from 2017 to 2022 in China. The authors conducted clinical and ECG data of liver cancer with special emphasis on advances ECG and the BMI aspect.
Results
Both BMI and KPS were lower in the liver cancer group compared to benign tumor patients and healthy controls (p ≤ 0.001). Liver cancer patients were more likely to have a history of diabetes (p = 0.005) and hepatitis B virus infection (p ≤ 0.001) compared to non-liver cancer patients. Moreover, the HRV indices and variations remained low in liver cancer patients Additionally, the mean average levels of SDNN and VLF bands in liver cancer remained significantly low (p ≤ 0.005). The results reveal that a lower BMI, lower VLF index, together with history of HBV infection positively correlated in liver cancer patients. The study reveals that HRV indices is associated with BMI in liver cancer patients with lesser body weight. As predicted, the LF and LF/VLF scores had correlation with lower BMI in the liver cancer patients (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
In liver cancer patients, decreased HRV was associated with a lower BMI independent of other con-founders. The role of HRV as a potential index for predicting cancer-related weight loss and improving the survival time of liver cancer patients are promising but require further validation in future studies.
Study on the inflammatory microenvironment of Epstein‒Barr virus-infected Hodgkin's lymphoma
Authors: Li Hongyu , Li Bingyu , Li Xun
Published: June 2024

Background
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is common in patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL). It can lead to a loss of immune function, greatly increasing the HL risk. Clinical characteristics of RLH (reactive lymphoid hyperplasia) group and HL group were analyzed, and differences in cell morphology and CD30 expression were detected.
Results
There were no differences in clinical features between the RLH and HL groups. In terms of immune cell activity, compared with the RLH group, the HL group exhibited decreased proportions of CD4 + T cells and NK cells in lymphocytes, while the proportions of CD8 + T cells and CD19 cells were increased. The average expression rate of PD-1 was 51.14%, which indicated high expression. The expression of immune response products were significantly increased, and the expression of RIP2 was significantly decreased. The expression rates of IL-1β, IFN-α, INF-γ, TNF-α, IL-10, IL-6, IL-18, IL-17A, IL-8, IL-12P70, MCP-1, IL-23 and IL-33 were all increased in the patient group. WP5095, hsa04061, R-HSA-6785807, M196, hsa05321, and GO: 0032675 were significantly enriched pathways.
Conclusions
The changes of immune factors and inflammatory factors may also provide ideas for continuing to explore the biological treatment of EB positive Hodgkin lymphoma.
The value of fluorescence imaging in the intraoperative localization of small neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas
Authors: Xi Shihang , Jiang Bin , Zheng Xingyuan , han Meng , Wang Xu , Wang Guannan , Jiang Yaqi , Fang Xiaosan , Qian Daohai , Muhammad Danish Irshad , Wang Xiaoming
Published: June 2024

Objective
To explore the effectiveness and safety of fluorescence imaging technology in the intraoperative localization of small neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas.
Methods
Indocyanine green fluorescence imaging technology was used in operation, and the specific process of indocyanine green administration was as follows: 25 mg of indocyanine green was dissolved in 10 ml of sterilized water for injection, and 1 ml of indocyanine green was injected rapidly through the peripheral vein during the laparoscopic exploration of the tumor, and the tumor was observed to show green fluorescence about 1 min later, and the tumor showed green fluorescence, which was regarded as the success of development, and laparoscopic pancreatic tumor local excision surgery was carried out under the guidance of the real-time fluorescence imaging, and postoperative monitoring of the amylase index of drainage fluid to observe whether there was a pancreatic fistula. Under the real-time guidance of fluorescence imaging, laparoscopic pancreatic tumor local resection was performed, and the amylase index of the drainage fluid was monitored after surgery to observe whether pancreatic fistula occurred or not and to record the tumor grade, surgical margins, and other pathological conditions.
RESULTS
The fluorescence imaging effect of the two patients was good, the lesion boundary was clear, and both of them completed the local resection of the tumor laparoscopically without pancreatic fistula, and the pathology suggested that the pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors were grade G1, and the margins of the surgery were negative.
CONCLUSION
Fluorescence imaging technology helps to localize small pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors intraoperatively with good safety.
The association between retinol metabolic activity and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma: an analysis based on bulk RNA sequencing and mendelian randomization
Authors: Chen Fuqing , Cai Yifan , Chen Xiangmei , Zhou Jianyin
Published: June 2024

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with a 5-year survival rate still below 20%. Alterations in the levels of metabolites involved in retinol metabolism (RM) have been observed during HCC progression. However, the precise mechanisms underlying the involvement of RM-related genes in HCC development remain elusive. In this study, we conducted comprehensive bulk RNA sequencing analysis using publicly available databases and identified significant enrichment of retinol metabolism pathways in HCC. Furthermore, through Mendelian randomization analysis, we elucidated the causal relationship between retinol metabolism and HCC development. Subsequently, employing clustering analysis based on RM-related genes and utilizing univariate Cox proportional hazards regression, we constructed a prognostic risk model for HCC patients. Finally, our investigation into RDH16—a pivotal gene implicated in RM disorders—unveiled its potential functional role. Collectively, these findings highlight the diagnostic and prognostic value of distinct features associated with retinol metabolism for identifying HCC patients who would benefit from timely treatment interventions and achieve optimal prognosis.
Inflammatory Indices for Overall Survival in Hemodialysis Patients: A multicenter cohort study
Authors: Chen Xinpan , Wang Gang , Yin Xiayan , Liu Wenhu , Li Dishan , Huang Hongdong
Published: June 2024

Objective
This study aimed to determine the best inflammation and nutrition-related indicator for overall survival prediction in patients undergoing hemodialysis from 138 dialysis centers of Beijing.
Methods
This study included six indicators, for which optimal thresholds were calculated using an outcome-driven method. Kaplan-Meier estimator was utilized to evaluate OS, while multivariate Cox proportional hazard models and restricted cubic splines were employed to assess the relationship between these indicators and OS. C-index, receiver operating characteristic curves and decision curve analysis were used to evaluate the predictive ability of the different indicators.
Results
All indicators except for platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio were identified as independent predictors of OS. Among these indicators, the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) consistently demonstrated superior discriminatory ability in predicting outcomes among hemodialysis patients. The optimal cut-off value for PNI was determined to be 42.3. Each one-unit increase or standard deviation increase in PNI is associated with a 0.956-fold or 0.78-fold decrease in mortality risk.
Conclusions
PNI has demonstrated superior reliability as a prognostic indicator for hemodialysis patients compared to LCR, CAR, SII, PLR and NLR. The efficient assessment of PNI effectively identifies high-risk individuals and highlights its significance as a valuable prognostic tool in clinical settings.
Joint Optimization of Data Routing and Energy Cooperation for Multicastive WPT assisted Data Collection in WSNs
Authors: Jiang Yang , Gao Zhenguo , Wang Yakai , Amar Kaswan
Published: June 2024

In Energy Harvesting assisted Wireless Sensor Networks (EH-WSNs), Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) technology plays a vital role in extending network lifespan by enabling energy cooperation among nodes. Nevertheless, existing energy cooperation assisted data collection methods mostly focused solely on Point-to-Point (P2P) style WPT, overlooking the broadcasting nature of wireless radio signals, which offers the potential for multiple nodes to harvest energy simultaneously from a single radio signal. To best exploit the multicastive radio signals, this paper concentrates on harnessing multicastive WPT-based energy cooperation for optimizing data collection performance in WSNs, and inspects the underlying joint optimization of Data Routing and Energy Cooperation for Data Collection (DREC-DC) problem. Here the term \textit{multicastive WPT} is used to distinguish from the P2P-style WPT considered in previous works. To overcome the scalability limitations of centralized solutions, we proposed an efficient Distributed method based on Projected Subgradient Algorithm (DPSA) by formulizing and transforming the single-slot version DREC-DC problem into a strict convex form. For situations where relevant information in some upcoming time slots are available ahead through predictions, DPSA is extended to a sliding window style multi-slot version. Our DPSA is compared with a P2P style energy cooperation approach and some classic routing algorithms not involving energy cooperation for assessing its effectiveness. Simulation results demonstrate that our distributive multicastive-WPT based method leads to considerably higher data collection ability than others.
Tissue-Specific Quantification of Radiation-Induced Cervical Fibrosis and Correlation with Cervical Range of Motion
Authors: Dapper Hendrik , Waltenberger Maria , Pigorsch Steffi U. , Combs Stephanie E. , Bauermeister Katharina , Bauermeister Wolfgang
Published: June 2024

Background
Cervical fibrosis (CF) as a late consequence in patients after radiotherapy significantly impacts the long-term symptoms, functionality, and quality of life of these cancer patients due to a hardening process of different histological tissues. Modern Shear Wave Ultrasound Elastography now enables a differentiated analysis of the changes in various tissue types. In this study, tissue-specific changes in CF induced by radiation therapy in head and neck (ENT) cancer patients were quantified and correlated with cervical range of motion (CROM).
Materials and Methods
16 patients after radiation of the cervical lymphatic drainage were selected as the observation group (OG). Further, 16 people without radiation in the head and neck region were matched by gender, age, and BMI as the control group (CG). Stiffness measurements in kilopascal (kPa; 1 Pa = 1 N m− 2) were performed using shear wave elastography (SWE) to assess the elasticity of muscle, fascia, and subcutaneous tissue within and surrounding the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM). Specific parameters of the OG were compared to the CG and correlated with functional parameters and quality of life (QoL).
Results
The OG exhibited significantly higher stiffness values (Emean, Emax, Emin) across all tissue types than the CG, suggesting a tangible effect of radiation therapy on tissue stiffness. Muscle compartment analysis revealed the most significant stiffness differences. Thickness measurements indicated changes in the muscle and skin but not in the subcutaneous tissue. CROM measurements within the OG fell within normal ranges, suggesting a possible homogenizing effect of radiation treatment on CROM variability. Strong correlations were observed between age and specific stiffness measures, particularly in the OG group, indicating a broader impact of aging or radiation therapy on physiological measures. Significant correlations between tissue stiffness and CROM were found.
Conclusion
CF after radiotherapy occurs primarily in the muscle tissue and its fascia, with the hardening being about twice as pronounced as in the average population and becoming more pronounced with increasing age and correlates with CROM.
Applied in-situ gamma-ray spectrometry for evaluating erosion and fertilizer accumulation in the tropical soil around small isolated wetland
Authors: Moreira César Augusto , Govone José Silvio , Marchetti Victória , Furlan Lucas Moreira , Rosolen Vania
Published: June 2024

Gamma-ray spectrometry has great potential to enhance the understanding of tropical soil properties, including those under intensive agriculture. We utilized gamma-ray spectrometry to assess erosion and the potential accumulation of NPK fertilizer in soil intensively cultivated for sugarcane monoculture, surrounding a small isolated wetland. Conducted in southeastern Brazil, our study involved measurements at 899 soil surface points using gamma-ray spectrometry to detect emissions from radionuclides such as uranium (U238), thorium (Th232), and potassium (K40). Additionally, we measured the hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) at 42 points to evaluate the hydro-physical attributes of the soil surface. The γ-radiation exhibited a close relationship with soil texture, leaching, and prevailing chemical removal. Hydric erosion that affects upslope soil shows high Ksat and very low K. The results indicate that the low K radionuclide contents in the upper soil horizon surrounding the small wetland are attributed to advanced tropical pedogenesis intensified by hydric erosion, with a high correlation with soil texture. The spatial analysis indicates heterogeneity of eU, and to a lesser extent eTh, exhibited levels lower than those found in the parent material, saprolite, and upper soil layers from the weathering profile. This suggests that soluble fertilizers have limited impact on the concentration of the radionuclides in agricultural areas surrounding the small wetland. Significant mobility, particularly of eU, can be associated with pedogenesis. Gamma-spectrometry detected variations in the distribution of the autocorrelated eU and eTh, suggesting a complex bonding with Fe-oxides or clay contents influenced by the small wetland.
A Novel AIE-active Salicylaldehyde-Schiff Base Probe with Carbazole group for Al 3+ Detection in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Lv Chenyan , Hu Bowen
Published: June 2024

A donor-acceptor Schiff-base fluorescent probe BKS with chelation enhanced fluorescence (CHEF) mechanism was designed and synthesized via benzophenone(Acceptor), salicylaldehyde and carbazole(Donor) for Al 3+ detection, which exhibited typical aggregation-induced emission (AIE) characteristic. BKS probe could provide outstanding selectivity to Al 3+ with a prominent fluorescence “turn-on” at 545nm in a wide pH range of 2-11. Which was significantly lower than the standard of WHO [1-2] guidelines for drinking water. By the Job’s plot, the binding stoichiometry ratio of probe BKS to Al 3+ was determined 1:1. The proposed strategy offered a very low limit of detection at 1.486μM in THF/H20(V/V=1:4 HEPBS=10mM, pH=7.40) and a wider linear range of 0-500μM. Furthermore, the probe could hardly be interfered by other examined metal ions. The analysis of Al 3+ in real water samples with propriate recovery (100.72~102.85) with a relative standard deviation less than 2.82% indicated the accuracy and precision of BKS probe and the great potential in the environmental monitoring of Al 3+ .
Molecular modelling approaches for the identification of potent Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 inhibitors from Boerhavia diffusa for the potential treatment of chronic kidney disease
Authors: Kabilan Shanmugampillai Jeyarajaguru , Sivakumar Oviya , Kunjiappan Selvaraj , Pavadai Parasuraman , Sundar Krishnan
Published: June 2024

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a major global health issue affecting 10–14% of the global population. The current study used molecular modelling tools to identify potential bioactive compounds from the folk medicinal plant Boerhavia diffusa for the treatment of CKD. The target protein was identified as sodium/glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2), which has been linked to the development of CKD. Using IMPPAT database, twenty-five bioactive molecules from B. diffusa were identified and docked against the SGLT2 protein to determine their binding affinity. The molecular docking of the twenty-five compounds B. diffusa revealed that punarnavoside (-10.2 kcal × mol− 1), and flavone (-9.3 kcal × mol− 1) were potential drug candidates. Metabolites of punarnavoside were also predicted and re-docked with the same target. Among the metabolites, punarnavoside-1 exhibited a better docking score (-10.3 kcal × mol− 1). The pharmacokinetic and physico-chemical properties of the compounds were also predicted and assessed using web-based tools. Punarnavoside and flavone exhibited drug-like properties while having a lower toxicity profile. According to this study, the in-silico results of B. diffusa biomolecules were comparable to dapaglifozin, a standard CKD drug. As a result, punarnavoside and flavone are potent and safe SGLT2 inhibitors that could potentially be used in the treatment of CKD. Further experimental and clinical research is required to determine their efficacy and safety in the treatment of CKD.
Risk factors for bladder spasms after radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer: A prospective study
Authors: Yu Chen , Chaoyu Liao , Siyue Li , Luqiang Zhou , Fang Guo , Ji Zheng , Caiping Song
Published: June 2024

Background
Postoperative bladder spasms in prostate cancer patients have the potential to significantly impact their quality of life following surgery. It is essential to investigate the risk factors associated with bladder spasms in this patient population post-radical surgery to develop effective prevention strategies.
Methods
A prospective selection was conducted on 281 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy in our hospital from March 2022 to March 2024. They were divided into two groups based on whether bladder spasms occurred after surgery: the occurrence group (n = 130) and the non occurrence group (n = 151). Logistic regression analysis was performed on possible related factors to construct a column chart risk model. Another 43 prostate cancer patients who underwent radical surgery were selected to validate the model.
Results
The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative anxiety, postoperative body temperature above 37.4, and flushing fluid speed > 150 drops/min were independent risk factors for bladder spasms in prostate cancer patients after radical surgery (OR > 1), while robotic surgery were independent protective factors (OR = 0.563). A column chart prediction model was established based on the risk factors affecting postoperative bladder spasms, and internal validation was performed using Bootstrap method with 1000 repeated samples. The predicted values of the calibration curve were basically consistent with the actual values, and the Hosmer Lemeshow goodness of fit test was performed χ2 = 7.802, P = 0.453, the area under the ROC curve is 0.688 (95%CI: 0.626–0.750).
Conclusions
The occurrence of bladder spasms in prostate cancer patients after radical surgery is influenced by multiple factors, and the risk warning model established based on these factors has good predictive performance.
The potential therapeutic role of itaconate and mesaconate on the detrimental effects of LPS-induced neuroinflammation in the brain
Authors: Ohm Melanie , Hosseini Shirin , Lonnemann Niklas , He Wei , More Tushar , Goldmann Oliver , Medina Eva , Hiller Karsten , Korte Martin
Published: June 2024

Despite advances in antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory treatment, inflammation and its consequences remain a major challenge in the field of medicine. Inflammatory reactions can lead to life-threatening conditions such as septic shock, while chronic inflammation has the potential to worsen the condition of body tissues and ultimately lead to significant impairment of their functionality. Although the central nervous system has long been considered immune privileged to peripheral immune responses, recent research has shown that strong immune responses in the periphery also affect the brain, leading to reactive microglia, which belong to the innate immune system and reside in the brain, and neuroinflammation. The inflammatory response is primarily a protective mechanism to defend against pathogens and tissue damage. However, excessive and chronic inflammation can have negative effects on neuronal structure and function. Neuroinflammation underlies the pathogenesis of many neurological and neurodegenerative diseases and can accelerate their progression. Consequently, targeting inflammatory signaling pathways offers potential therapeutic strategies for various neuropathological conditions, particularly Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, by curbing inflammation. Here the blood-brain barrier is a major barrier for potential therapeutic strategies, therefore it would be highly advantageous to foster and utilize brain innate anti-inflammatory mechanisms. The tricarboxylic acid cycle-derived metabolite itaconate is highly upregulated in activated macrophages and has been shown to act as an immunomodulator with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial functions. Mesaconate, an isomer of itaconate, similarly reduces the inflammatory response in macrophages. Nevertheless, most studies have focused on its esterified forms and its peripheral effects, while its influence on the CNS remained largely unexplored. Therefore, this study investigated the immunomodulatory and therapeutic potential of endogenously synthesized itaconate and its isomer mesaconate in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammatory processes. Our results show that both itaconate and mesaconate reduce LPS-induced neuroinflammation, as evidenced by lower levels of inflammatory mediators, reduced microglial reactivity and a rescue of synaptic plasticity, the cellular correlate of learning and memory processes in the brain. Overall, this study emphasizes that both itaconate and mesaconate have therapeutic potential for neuroinflammatory processes in the brain and are of remarkable importance due to their endogenous origin and production, which usually leads to high tolerance.
A cross-sectional survey of first-aid kit equipment in a family in Sichuan, China
Authors: WAN DAN , WAN LI , HE HAIYAN , ZHONG QIANMEI , JIANG QINGLI , YANG XIURU , ZHANG DAN
Published: June 2024

Purpose
To examine residents’ first-aid kit preparation and its influencing factors.
Design:
Cross-sectional survey.
Methods
A questionnaire survey was conducted among 449 permanent residents in Sichuan Province using convenience sampling. We examined participants’ demographic characteristics, self-efficacy, health literacy, and personality.
Findings:
Of the participants, 111 (24.7%) stocked a home first-aid kit. The most frequent supplies were disinfection supplies (91.9%), common medicines (86.5%), and dressing supplies (76.6%). Family per capita monthly income, medical expenses payment method, chronic diseases, general self-efficacy, and health literacy were influencing factors of family first-aid kit preparedness.
Conclusion
A multilevel and interactive emergency literacy education system should be established to improve residents’ abilities to prevent emergencies.
Actor and partner effects of factors influencing fear of cancer recurrence among cancer patients with radiotherapy and their family caregivers
Authors: Ge Rong , Wang Shuman , Xu Wenjie , Liu Qing , Zhang Yanhong , Zhu Yu , Wan Hongwei
Published: June 2024

Objective
Fear of cancer recurrence(FCR) poses a significant psychological challenge for patients undergoing radiotherapy and their family caregivers, affecting their overall well-being. This study examines the actor and partner effects of mindfulness, depression, and family avoidance of communication about cancer (FACC) on FCR of both patients and caregivers. This research contributes to the development of a dyadic intervention strategy for addressing FCR in psycho-oncology.
Methods
In a cross-sectional study, 265 inpatient cancer patients with radiotherapy and their family caregivers were sampled. Data on demographics, FCR, mindfulness, depression, and FACC were collected from both patients and caregivers in the final week of treatment. Actor-partner interdependence models through structural equation modeling were employed to analyze the actor and partner effects of mindfulness, depression, and FACC on FCR among patients and caregivers.
Results
The average FCR scores of 265 cancer patients with radiotherapy and family caregivers were 14.80 (SD = 6.85) and 15.56 (SD = 7.20), respectively. After adjusting for literacy, the Actor-partner interdependence models revealing that mindfulness, depression, FACC exerted a significant actor effect on FCR among both patients and caregivers. Three partner effects were found: caregivers’ mindfulness negatively predicted patient's FCR, caregivers' depression and FACC positively predicted the patient's FCR, patients’ FACC positively predicted caregivers’ FCR. However, patients' mindfulness and depression did not predict caregivers’ FCR.
Conclusions
The findings from this study suggest that future interventions should consider patients and caregivers as a unified entity. It is recommended to enhance mindfulness level, mitigate depression, and improve cancer-related communication to collectively reduce the FCR for both patients and caregivers.
Unicystic Ameloblastoma Masquerading as Vascular Lesion- A Case Report
Authors: Choudhary Aakriti , Sagar Parimala , Prasad Kavitha , Ranganath K.
Published: June 2024

Ameloblastoma is a benign epithelial tumor of odontogenic origin which shows variations in its presentation that intrigue us. We report a case of unicystic ameloblastoma which presented, clinically and radiographically mimicking features of a vascular lesion. Patient reported with the chief complaint of pain and swelling in his left lower-third of the face. The investigations performed gave a diagnosis dilemma and hence deciding on appropriate investigations played a pivotal role to enable precise diagnosis of the lesion and also facilitated us surgeons to decide on the treatment plan.
Limit sets near a cusp-fold singularity in a class of 3D non-smooth vector fields
Authors: Euzébio Rodrigo Donizete , Romero Angie Tatiana Suárez
Published: June 2024

We consider a class of three-dimensional non-smooth vector fields presenting a {\it cusp-fold singularity}. We develop a local approach to classify the limit sets of points positioned near the cusp-fold. The results state the existence of center manifolds connecting to the cusp-fold, the absence of isolated periodic orbits of any kind and sufficient conditions for the asymptotic stability of the cusp-fold. The results bring new, relevant material to the subject of structural stability and bifurcations of co-dimension one in three-dimensional non-smooth vector fields.
Mathematics Subject Classification (2020) MSC 34A36 · 34C05 · 37C27
Provision of Adolescent Mental, Sexual and Reproductive Health Services and Technical Efficiency of Health Facilities in the Use of Resources Mobilized to Provide ASRH Services in Niger: The Case of Maradi and Niamey Regions
Authors: Ibrahim Nassirou , Silva Roxane Borgès  Da , Diarra Aïssa , Fenny Ama Pokuaa , Nonvignon Jacob , Amenah Michel Adurayi , Oumarou Saidou , Tapsoba Ludovic Deo Gracias , Gladzah Annick , Agyepong Irene Akua , Ensor Tim
Published: June 2024

Background
In developing countries, many organizations are attempting to implement interventions to improve adolescent mental, sexual, and reproductive health (ASRH). One of the challenges to implementing these interventions is the efficiency of the use of available resources. Unfortunately, very few or in the case of some of the most resource-constrained contexts such as Niger, no efficiency studies are yet available. To bridge this knowledge gap, this study examined the provision of adolescent mental, sexual, and reproductive health services in Niger. It also analysed the technical efficiency and determinants of public health facilities in providing adolescent sexual and reproductive health services.
Method
The study was a cross-sectional survey of 160 health facilities (rural and urban) providing ASRHs in the Niamey and Maradi regions. The data were collected from May 31 to June 24, 2022. To examine the supply of mental health and sexual and reproductive health services, a descriptive frequency analysis was conducted. Then, to determine the technical efficiency scores of the health facilities, a stochastic frontier analysis based on the translog function was performed. A fractional logit regression was performed to analyse the determinants of the technical efficiency of the health facilities.
Results
More than 89% of the health facilities surveyed reported offering sexual and reproductive health services to adolescents in the Maradi and Niamey regions. However, the provision of mental health services remains very mixed, with only one in 10 facilities offering these services in the Maradi and Niamey regions. The stochastic estimation indicates an average technical efficiency score of 45%. The health facilities with higher-than-average scores were in rural areas and were run by men.
Conclusion
Given that the results indicated a limited provision of mental health services, action needs to be taken to alleviate this issue. Training for health personnel in the management of adolescents suffering from mental disorders. A low technical efficiency score indicates that health facilities can perform better. One way to improve the technical efficiency score is to equip health facilities with rooms for adolescents. Another way is to set up a well-stocked, functional pharmacy stocked with products related to sexual and reproductive health services.
Evaluating undersampling techniques in the prediction of potential congenital syphilis cases using real data from Pernambuco, Brazil
Authors: Leite Morgana Thalita da Silva , Rocha Élisson da Silva , Teixeira Igor Vitor , Melo Flávio Leandro de Morais , Endo Patricia Takako
Published: June 2024

Syphilis can be transmitted congenitally and may cause serious consequences forthe child if not treated. The Programa Mãe Coruja Pernambucana (PMCP) is a brazilian public health program that helps pregnant women and saves data that can be used for prediction of potential congenital syphilis cases, through machine learning models. Only one work was found that predicts congenital syphilis through machine learning. This research uses a different methodology that evaluates undersampling in prediction. Random Undersampling, UnderSampling Based on Clustering (SBC) and NearMiss were used. The data was preprocessed and undersampling applied, generating different balanced datasets to train and test different machine learning models and different metrics for evaluation. Undersampling discarded data evaluation and analysis of distribution of the best attributes were applied to evaluate undersampling in best models. In models results, NearMiss trained models had high metrics, and very low in the discarded data. SBC models had smaller metrics, and in the discarded data went lower. Random Undersampling models had the lowest metrics, however in the discarded data showed similar results. The distribution of best attributes of NearMiss models were not similar to the original, contrary to Random Undersampling and SBC. NearMiss models had best results in the models, through this work evaluation showed that they cannot generalize the PMCP data and have not a representative distribution of the original data. Random Undersampling models had the lowest metrics but showed consistency through the evaluations, and thus are recommended for the congenital syphilis prediction.