bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of simultaneous longitudinal incision of the external carotid artery in standardized carotid endarterectomy
Authors: chen Fuye , zhang Licheng , Peng Tao , Xin Zhengxue , Wang Xinzhi
Published: August 2024

Objective: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of longitudinal incision of external carotid artery(ECA) during standardized carotid endarterectomy(CEA).
Materials and methods:A retrospective study was conducted on 30 patients with simultaneous internal and external carotid artery stenosis who were evaluated by carotid ultrasound and Transcranial Doppler(TCD) and neck CT angiography(CTA) or DSA in Liaocheng Second People's Hospital from January 2020 to January 2022. All patients underwent internal and external carotid endarterectomy under intraoperative TCD monitoring. Carotid ultrasound and TCD reexaminations were performed 3 months, 12 months, and 18 months post operation. Restenosis of the carotid artery and cerebral blood perfusion were evaluated.
Results: There were 22 men and 8 women in 30 cases,including 2 cases with mild stenosis of the ECA, 15 cases with moderate stenosis, and 13 cases with severe stenosis. All patients underwent surgeries smoothly and no perioperative complications occurred. There were no cases with stenosis in 3 months, 3 cases present stenosis in 12 months, and 3 cases present stenosis in 18 months post operation. Cerebral ischemia stroke occurred 18 months after surgery in 1 case. Cerebral blood perfusion improved in all patients after surgery. The restenosis rate of the carotid arteries was 16.7% and the ischemic stroke rate was 3.3% after 18 months’ follow-up.
Conclusion: Simultaneous longitudinal incision of the ECA in standardized carotid endarterectomy is a safe and effective surgical method. It not only restores the normal anatomical structure of the external carotid artery, but also effectively hinder carotid artery restenosis and occlusion rate, improves cerebral blood perfusion especially in patients with poor compensation of intracranial collateral circulation, and thus reduces the occurrence of ischemic stroke events.
Analysis of clinical features of 261 cases of early esophageal cancer with leukoplakia as the main manifestation
Authors: Li Guang-chun , Qi Xing , Kuang Jiang-ying , Zheng Yu-ping , Chen Zhao-sheng , Zhang Zhen , Zhang Dong-dong , Guo Jian-qiang , Wu Hong-lei
Published: August 2024

Summarize and analyze the clinical characteristics of early esophageal cancer mainly manifested by leukoplakia.The clinical features between complete leukoplakia type and mixed type of early esophageal cancer have some differences as well as commonalities in the meantime. The lesions have clear borders, irregular patterns, and uneven thickness of leukoplakia, which occur mostly in the background of the mottled esophagus, and the location of the lesions is predominantly in the middle and lower parts of the esophagus. Pathologic findings of complete leukoplakia-type lesions were predominantly low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia and high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (M1), and mixed lesions were predominantly high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (M1) and intra-intrinsic invasive squamous cell carcinoma (M2). Complete leukoplakia-type lesions are relatively young and the lesion area is smaller than that of mixed lesions, the lesion morphology is mostly IIa, the surface IPCL is mostly invisible under NBI magnification, and the Lugol's iodine staining is lightly stained or unstained. Mixed lesions tend to occur in older patients, the lesion area is larger than the other, the lesion morphology tends to show IIa + IIb, NBI magnification of the surface IPCL is more likely to be visible, and Lugol's iodine staining tends to be unstained.
Internet Quality across Public Health Centre in Indonesia: Access and Barriers
Authors: Aisyah Dewi Nur , Setiawan Agus Heri , Lokopessy Alfiano Fawwaz , Mayadewi Chyntia Aryanti , Endryantoro M Thoriqul Aziz , BSc Viktor Wibowo , BSc Sarah Disviana , BSc Indra Laksana , MSc Mohammad Aviandito , Manikam Logan , Kozlakidis Zisis
Published: August 2024

Background
Primary health care (Puskesmas) is an integrated healthcare service that serves to improve individual health, preventing and curing disease, and also providing health promotion in Indonesia. To support these roles, the provision of technology infrastructure in Puskesmas is highly important, including the availability of internet connection. Thus, assessing the availability and quality of internet connection among Puskesmas is essential to understand the capacity of Puskesmas to undergo its role in providing optimum health service for the community.
Objective
This paper provides a thorough examination of the quality of internet connectivity and its relevant information technology infrastructure in Indonesian Puskesmas.
Methods
A cross-sectional survey was taken throughout all Puskesmas (10,382) in 34 provinces in Indonesia, using an online questionnaire. Categorization was done to analyze internet quality level results.
Results
A total of 10,378 public health centres (99.96%) participated in this study, with 745 (7.18%) did not have internet access, 1,487 (14,33%) have limited internet access, 5,567 (53.64%) have sufficient internet access, and 2,579 (24.85%) have sufficient and fast internet access. Moreover, 832 Puskesmas (8.02%) do not have 24-hour electricity, 44,196 (43.7%) have CPU with i3 specifications, 43,044 (42.56%) have 512 GB hard disk capacity, and 67,272 (66,5%) uses antivirus.
Conclusions
Although 79% of Puskesmas in Indonesia already had sufficient internet access, 21% still have limited and insufficient access. To ensure universal internet availability, it is essential to build collaborative support among internet providers and government to foster the availability and utilisation of internet satellites, high-quality computers, and electrical power to support internet connectivity.
Depression severity and neuropsychiatric symptoms among late-life depression patients in nursing homes: A moderated mediation model of sleep quality and resilience
Authors: Zhu Ziping , Yan Yuanjiao , Chen Danting , Shi Yanhong , Huang Chenshan , Lin Rong , Li Hong
Published: August 2024

Background Depression severity significantly influences neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS), yet the underlying mediating and moderating mechanisms of this relationship remain insufficiently explored. Methods We employed cluster sampling to select 414 LLD patients from 42 nursing homes across nine cities in Fujian Province, China. Mediation and moderation analyses were conducted using the PROCESS macro model to determine the interactions between depression severity, sleep quality, resilience, and NPS. Results The findings indicate that NPS prevalence among LLD patients in nursing homes is substantial. Sleep quality partially mediated the relationship between depression severity and NPS. Additionally, resilience moderated both the direct and indirect effects within the mediation model, highlighting its significant role in mitigating the impact of depression severity on NPS. Conclusion The results underscore the importance of targeting sleep quality and resilience in clinical interventions for LLD patients in nursing homes. Enhancing sleep quality and resilience could potentially disrupt the link between depression severity and NPS, thereby improving patient outcomes.
Do You Copy? Trunk Mimicry During Play in African Savanna Elephants
Authors: Cordoni Giada , Hecker Martin , Crippa Valentina , Aldama Beatriz Gallego , Santos Santiago Borragán , Norscia Ivan
Published: August 2024

The basic forms of motor and possibly emotion replication include behavioral contagion (BC) and rapid motor mimicry (RMM). RMM - mainly demonstrated during play - occurs when an individual perceives and rapidly (< 1sec) replicates the exact motor sequence of another individual. We collected data on an African Savanna Elephant (Loxodonta africana; N=15) group housed at the Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabárceno (Spain) on play target movements (PTM) of both trunk and head. We demonstrated the presence of RMM. Elephants that were more prone in mimic others’ PTM were also more prone to play after observing others playing (play-contagion). RMM - as BC - can enhance action coordination between players. As RMM was associated with more offensive play patterns than unreplicated PTM, RMM may allow competitive play sessions to occur, possibly replacing agonistic interactions. Neither individual (age, sex) nor social (affiliation levels) factors modulated the RMM. These findings can be related to the elephant high tolerance levels and the wide presence of play across age (including adults) and sex. Concluding, African elephants have the potential to share their affective states (emotional contagion) via RMM which is relevant to the investigation of the evolution of empathy in mammals including humans.
Coproparasitological survey on Gastrointestinal Parasites in wild and Captive Green Iguanas (Iguana iguana) of Trinidad and Tobago.
Authors: Gafoor Waheeda. K. , Tardieu Laura
Published: August 2024

The Green iguana (Iguana iguana) is a popular wildlife species in the LAC region and similar to other reptiles, it has been recognized as being host of various parasites and diseases. Despite this significance, few studies address and coproparasitology and epidemiology of these species in the Caribbean region. This study investigates the presence of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites in both captive and wild Green iguana populations in Trinidad and Tobago. A total of 52 faecal samples were obtained from wild (n = 26) and captive (n = 26) iguana populations across both islands and then analysed for parasite egg presence. Results indicate no significant difference between the captive status and sex for parasite load and diversity between captive and wild iguanas. Overall, most individuals exhibited two types of parasite egg in their faeces (Oxyurids and Ascarids), with three distinct parasite egg types identified (Ascarids, Oxyurids and Tapeworms). This study reveals the parasite load and diversity of GI parasites in Trinidad and Tobago iguana populations, offering insights crucial for wildlife disease and conservation management in the region.
Influence of false lumen status on systemic inflammatory response triggered by acute aortic dissection
Authors: Kimura Naoyuki , Machii Yojiro , Hori Daijiro , Mieno Makiko , Eguchi Naoki , Shiraishi Manabu , Yamaguchi Atsushi , Matsumoto Kenji , Tanaka Masashi
Published: August 2024

We aimed to investigate the influence of false lumen (FL) status on systemic inflammatory response triggered by acute aortic dissection (AAD) using cytokine profiling. The study included 44 AAD patients. Patients were divided between those with a thrombosed FL (Group T, n=21) and those with a non-thrombosed FL (Group P, n=23). On-admission serum concentrations of 29 cytokines were compared between unmatched and propensity-score matched (n=10 pairs) FL groups and a control group (non-ruptured thoracic aortic aneurysm, Group C, n=20). Unmatched analysis showed twelve cytokines differed between groups and fell into three categories: Category A (increased expression in both FL groups: IL-6, IL-10, IL-15, G-CSF); Category B (increased expression only in Group P: IL-1Ra, IL-1β, IL-8, IL-12p70, GM-CSF); and Category C (others: IP-10, VEGF-A, eotaxin). The increases in Category A and Category B cytokines in Group T were attenuated, but not significantly, compared to their increases in Group P. Propensity-score matching analysis revealed a similar expression pattern with respect to all four Category A cytokines, four Category B cytokines (IL-1β, IL-1Ra, IL-12p70, and GM-CSF), and two Category C cytokines (IP-10 and VEGF-A). A robust inflammatory response occurs in patients with AAD, but the response is attenuated when the FL is thrombosed.
Empty stomach sensation and Bothersome hunger sensation: Two Relevant Clinical Manifestations in Patients with Dyspepsia
Authors: Téllez Francisco Alejandro Félix , Troche José María Remes , Viramontes Ana Luisa Mateos , Avilés Alex René Sandoval , Álvarez Héctor Ricardo Ordaz , Velasco José Antonio Velarde Ruiz , Rendón Ángel Ricardo Flores
Published: August 2024

Background
Dyspepsia, characterized by symptoms in the gastroduodenal region, poses diagnostic challenges despite Rome IV criteria.
Aim
This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of two underreported symptoms, Empty Stomach Sensation and Bothersome Hunger Sensation, in dyspeptic patients, and their association with the disorder of gut-brain interaction.
Methods
A cross-sectional study surveyed 1,211 individuals in northwest Mexico, assessing dyspeptic symptoms with pictograms and a 7-point Likert scale. Logistic regression analyzed associations between dyspepsia, Empty Stomach Sensation, and Bothersome Hunger Sensation.
Results
Dyspepsia prevalence was 39.1%, being overlap syndrome the most common (42.7%) phenotypic presentation. Empty Stomach Sensation prevalence in dyspeptic patients was 43.8% versus 12.6% in non-dyspeptics (p < 0.001). Bothersome Hunger Sensation prevalence in dyspeptics was 25.4% compared to 5.6% in non-dyspeptics (p < 0.001). Both symptoms were associated with epigastric pain syndrome, postprandial distress syndrome, overlap syndrome, anxiety disorders and other gastroduodenal symptoms.
Conclusions
Empty Stomach Sensation and Bothersome Hunger Sensation, though prevalent in dyspeptic patients, are often overlooked. Strengths of this study include its large sample size and comprehensive assessment of symptoms. Limitations include the lack of diagnostic endoscopy and long-term follow-up. Future research should explore the underlying mechanisms of these symptoms and their implications for clinical management.
Primary Renal Lymphoma: A Single-Center Study of 14 Cases
Authors: Wang Tao , Zhai Hongyun , Ding Xiaohui
Published: August 2024

Objective
Primary renal lymphoma (PRL) is defined as a non-Hodgkin lymphoma(NHL)restricted to kidneys without extensive nodal disease. The literature on epidemiology and outcome in PRL is rare.
Methods
We re-examined the findings from cases previously diagnosed with renal lymphoma at the Department of Urology, People’s Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China, between January 2009 and January 2022. Fourteen cases were identified that met the diagnostic criteria of PRL. Clinical information, including follow-up data, was collected from medical records.
Results
A total of 14 PRL patients were eligible for the study. Among these patients, there were 7 males and 7 females with an average age of 60.4 years. All cases were unilateral, with 6 cases involving the left kidney and 8 cases involving the right kidney. Eleven patients underwent radical nephrectomy, and two patients underwent partial nephrectomy, all of which were completed successfully. The subtypes included 8 cases of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL), 5 cases of extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma༈MZBL༉, and 1 case of extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma. Among the 14 patients, 9 received 4–6 cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy postoperatively. Four patients were treated with the R-CHOP regimen, 4 patients received the CHOP regimen, and 1 patient with extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma was treated with COP-L combined with chidamide. As of June 2022, 7 patients were alive and 7 had died. Of the 5 patients who did not receive adjuvant chemotherapy.The progression-free survival (PFS) had a median duration of 33 (19–66) months. The overall survival (OS) had a median duration of 38 (20–72) months.
Conclusions Primary renal lymphoma is a rare lymphoma. In this
study, we desscribe demographic,clinical,and pathological
characteristics of PRL and factors affecting survival among these
patients.
DLBCL is the most common histological subtype. Nephrectomy combined with R-CHOP is recommended for treatment, with early diagnosis being crucial for improving patient outcomes.
Antibiotic Susceptibility and Risk Factors for Listeriosis in Women with Spontaneous Abortion in Ugandan Tertiary Hospitals: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Ssentongo Emmanuel , Kasujja Musa , Musinguzi Ronald , Kanika Jean Claude , Bivako Rachael , Kintu Mugagga , Byonanuwe Simon , Enyamitoit Ralph Samson , Okurut Emmanuel
Published: August 2024

Background
Listeriosis, caused by Listeria monocytogenes, poses significant health risks globally, particularly among pregnant women. Despite its established impact in other regions, its prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility patterns in Uganda, especially among women experiencing spontaneous abortion, remain understudied.
Objective
This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence, antibiotic susceptibility, and associated risk factors of listeriosis among women admitted with spontaneous abortion in Ugandan tertiary hospitals.
Methods
A total of 384 women from Jinja and Kayunga Regional Referral Hospitals were included. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, obstetric history, and dietary habits were collected using structured interviews and high vaginal swab cultures. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed, and logistic regression analysis was used to assess risk factors.
Results
The prevalence of listeriosis among participants was 11.2%. L. monocytogenes showed high susceptibility to Vancomycin (88.37%) and Clindamycin (81.40%), but significant resistance to Ampicillin (81.40%) and Amoxicillin (76.74%). Risk factors significantly associated with listeriosis included lack of formal education (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 7.0, 95% CI: 1.779–27.655), multiple abortions (aOR = 3.3, 95% CI: 1.486–7.427), and consumption of soft cheese, ice cream, yogurt, or ghee (aOR = 4.3, 95% CI: 1.331–14.082).
Conclusion
This study provides critical insights into the prevalence, antibiotic resistance patterns, and risk factors for listeriosis among Ugandan women with spontaneous abortion. Findings underscore the need for targeted public health interventions and antibiotic stewardship to mitigate the impact of this infection.
Prolonged Oropharyngeal Mother's Own Milk Administration to Extremely Preterm Infants: The POP-MOM Study – A Quasiexperimental Study
Authors: Guedes Flávia Magalhães , Volkmer Desirée de Freitas Valle , Scheeren Marôla Flores Cunha , Ferreira Cristina Targa , de Oliveira Mariana González
Published: August 2024

Background: Previous studies have assessed the safety of short-term application of oropharyngeal colostrum to preterm infants for 5-7 days. These studies revealed no differences in necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) rates, infection, death, or feeding at discharge.
Research aims: This study aimed to investigate the association between prolonged oropharyngeal mother's own milk (POP-MOM) administration (from birth to oral transition) and the prevalence of receiving mothers’ own milk and head growth at discharge or survival without morbidities in extremely preterm (EPT < 30 weeks) infants.
Methods: The study design is quasiexperimental, with an intervention group using POP-MOM administration and a historical control group before implementing this practice. The intervention group received POP-MOM as soon as it became available and continued until the oral transition of feedings was achieved. All EPT infants admitted to the NICU without contraindications to human milk were included. The main outcome measured was receiving any volume of the mother's own milk (MOM) at discharge. The secondary outcomes assessed were insufficient head growth (head circumference < P3) at discharge and preterm-related morbidities, including severe intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH≥3), chronic lung disease (CLD), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), sepsis, and cystic periventricular leukomalacia (PVL).
Results: The study included 217 EPT infants, 120 patients in the control group, and 97 in the intervention group. No antenatal or clinical differences were observed between the two groups. Of the total number of infants, 189 (87.0%) survived in the NICU, and at the time of discharge, 171 (90.4%) were breastfed at least once a day. After implementing the POP-MOM protocol, there was an increased likelihood of receiving any volume of MOM at discharge in extremely preterm infants (RR=1.10, 95% CI=1.02-1.21; p=0.01). The intervention group also had lower rates of insufficient head growth (RR=0.47; 95% CI 0.23-0.98; p=.04). We did not observe complications as a result of implementing this practice.
Conclusions: Prolonged administration of the oropharyngeal mother's milk protocol was associated with an increased frequency of infants receiving any MOM volume and improved head growth at NICU discharge.
Study registration: This study is registered under the number 61359516.1.0000.5330 at the Brazilian Federal Research Registration Platform.
Establishment of an efficient pathologic diagnostic platform using core needle biopsy for salivary gland carcinoma
Authors: Kobayashi Kenya , Yoshimoto Seiichi , Omura Go , Matsumoto Yoshifumi , Sakai Azusa , Eguchi Kohtaro , Sakai Toshihiko , Honma Yoshitaka , Matsumoto Fumihiko , Kawazu Masahito , Saito Yuki , Ryo Eigitsu , Yatabe Yasushi , Moti Taisuke
Published: August 2024

Purpose:
A major problem in establishing treatment strategies for salivary gland cancer is the difficulty of preoperative histologic typing. In recent years, genetic evaluation has become essential for salivary gland tumor diagnosis. The core needle biopsy (CNB) allows a small piece of the center of the tumor to be taken intact and analyzed in detail. The purpose of this study was to clarify the efficacy and the limitations of CNB in the preoperative diagnosis, and to establish a generalizable preoperative histologic typing platform.
Methods: Paired preoperative 20-gauge core needle biopsy (CNB) and surgical specimens from 41 patients with malignant salivary gland tumors were reviewed. Morphological evaluation, immunohistochemical evaluation, and break-apart fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay were performed as histologic typing methods for CNB. The quality of biopsy specimens, diagnostic accuracy, and immunostaining concordance rates between biopsy and surgical specimens were analyzed.
Results: For CNB, 95% (39/41) of the specimens were of high quality, allowing adequate morphologic, immunohistologic, and genomic analysis. Two patients had unanalyzable specimens due to cystic fluid or tumor firmness. Overall, 75% (31/41) had correct preoperative histologic typing. Compared to other histologic types, carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (CXPA) and salivary duct carcinoma arising from CXPA had a significantly lower concordance rate for histologic typing (50% vs. 89.6%, p=0.016) and poorer HER2 immunostaining concordance rates between CNB and surgical specimens (60% vs. 0%, p=0.001). There were no recurrences due to tumor seeding after CNB.
Conclusions: Detailed analysis of CNB specimens allows for highly accurate determination of salivary gland carcinoma histologic type with molecular diagnosis. However, careful histologic typing is necessary in pathologically heterogeneous tumors.
Characterizing Gene Therapy Medicinal Products Post-Marketing Safety Reports based on WHO Pharmacovigilance Database, VigiBase
Authors: Lim Min-Jung , Paek Eunah , Shin Ju-Young
Published: August 2024

Background Safety assessments of gene therapy medicinal products (GTMPs) require comprehensive data collection from a variety of sources to ensure thorough evaluation. This study aimed to analyze the characteristics of adverse event (AE) reports for GTMPs, dividing them into Solicited Reports (SRs) and Unsolicited Reports (USRs), and to provide insights for developing effective pharmacovigilance strategies customized for GTMPs.Methods Individual case safety reports (ICSRs) collected from GTMPs were retrieved using VigiBase. We identified GTMPs approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) and/or European Medicines Agency (EMA) by December 31, 2022, and maintained their approval status as of July 28, 2023. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the ICSRs’ characteristics. The reported AEs were classified into System Organ Classes (SOCs) and Preferred Terms (PTs).Results A total of 12,180 ICSRs for 13 GTMPs were retrieved from VigiBase. Of these, 27.6% were SR and 72.4% USR. As the number of ICSRs increased, the proportion of USR tended to increase. Compared to the SR, consumer reports were much less common in the USR. The majority of the reported events were serious in both groups. In the drug-AE pairs, cytokine release syndrome and pyrexia were the most commonly reported in both the SR and USR. Meanwhile the most frequently reported SOCs were “Investigations” in SR and “Nervous system disorders” in USR, respectively.Conclusions Our study highlights the need for robust pharmacovigilance measures customized for GTMPs. The continued refinement of pharmacovigilance strategies customized for GTMPs is essential to ensure their safe and effective use.
Potential links between intense volcanism and the late-Archean “whiff” of oxygen
Authors: Watanabe Yasuto , Ozaki Kazumi , Harada Mariko , Matsumoto Hironao , Tajika Eiichi
Published: August 2024

The Archean Earth was characterized by a persistent weakly reducing atmosphere, while accumulated geological records suggest occurrence of transient atmospheric oxygenation events—whiff of oxygen—during the late Archean, the precise nature and causes of which remain elusive. We used a biogeochemical model to propose the eruption of large igneous provinces (LIPs) as a plausible mechanistic explanation for the transient oxygenation events in the late Archean atmosphere. Here we show that biogeochemical dynamics induced by LIP eruptions could have caused transient increase in the level of atmospheric oxygen (O2) for more than several million years. Notably, continental growth during the late Archean would have mitigated the conditions for transient oxygenation, suggesting that the late Archean Earth system approached a tipping point for permanent oxidation of the atmosphere. The late Archean atmosphere might have evolved dynamically through interactions with the ocean and the biosphere, modified by LIP eruptions.
Validity and Reliability of the Turkish Version of the Salzburg Emotional Eating Scale: A Psychometric Study
Authors: Gültekin Ayşenur , Bozkır Çiğdem
Published: August 2024

Background: The Salzburg Emotional Eating Scale (SEES) measures emotional eating by evaluating responses to both positive and negative emotions. This study aimed to establish the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the SEES (SEES-TR).
Method: The SEES was translated into Turkish and back-translated into English. The translated version was reviewed by experts and pretested on a preliminary sample. The final version was administered to 303 participants from Namık Kemal University. The data collected included demographic information and responses to the SEES and the Emotional Eating subscale of the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ). Reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha, McDonald's omega, and test-retest analyses. Validity was evaluated using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, along with content and surface validity.
Results: The SEES-TR demonstrated high internal consistency, with Cronbach's alpha values of 0.924 for the total scale and above 0.90 for the subscales. McDonald's omega values supported these findings. Test-retest reliability indicated stability over time. Exploratory factor analysis confirmed a four-factor structure corresponding to happiness, sadness, anger, and anxiety, which was further supported by confirmatory factor analysis. Content and surface validity were established through expert reviews and pretesting.
Conclusion: The Turkish version of the Salzburg Emotional Eating Scale is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing emotional eating behaviors in the Turkish population. This tool can be effectively used in both clinical and research settings to evaluate emotional eating in response to various emotional states.
Identification and validation of novel characteristic genes based on multi-tissue osteoarthritis
Authors: Zheng guihao , Ouyang yulong , Chen shuilin , Hu bei , Xu shuai , Sun guicai
Published: August 2024

Background Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by synovial inflammation, articular cartilage degradation, and subchondral bone changes. Currently, there are no reliable biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of OA. Therefore, exploring OA biomarkers is crucial for its prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.Materials and Methods The GSE51588, GSE12021, GSE55457, GSE56409, GSE114007, GSE168505, GSE169077, GSE55235, GSE129147, and GSE48556 datasets of patients with OA and normal control samples were obtained from the GEO database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in OA and normal controls were identified using R language. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and module analysis were performed to screen and filter key genes. Enrichment analyses were conducted to determine the biological functions and pathways of key DEGs and predict potential transcription factors. Machine learning models (XGBoost, LASSO regression, and SVM) were used to identify the best characteristic genes, and the intersection of hub genes was used as the final diagnostic genes. ROC analysis and nomogram were used to evaluate the diagnostic value of candidate genes. The expression levels of characteristic genes were validated in external GEO datasets containing cartilage, synovial membrane, and blood samples from patients. The expression levels of the key gene IRS2 in chondrocytes were further confirmed through in vitro experiments.Results Fifteen OA characteristic genes (IRS2, ADM, SIK1, PTN, CX3CR1, WNT5A, IL21R, APOD, CRLF1, FKBP5, PNMAL1, NPR3, RARRES1, ASPN, POSTN) were identified using three machine learning algorithms. Enrichment analysis indicated that abnormal expression of DEGs and hub genes may be mediated by extracellular matrix organization, extracellular structure organization, Relaxin signaling pathway, IL-17 signaling pathway, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, which are involved in OA occurrence. Four diagnostic genes (IRS2, WNT5A, PTN, POSTN) were highly correlated with OA. Validation data set analysis showed that IRS2 was down-regulated, while WNT5A, PTN, and POSTN were up-regulated in the experimental group compared to the normal group. qRT-PCR and WB results verified that the expression level of diagnostic gene IRS2 was consistent with bioinformatics analysis results.Conclusion This study integrates bioinformatics analysis and machine learning algorithms to identify and validate four promising biomarkers: IRS2, WNT5A, PTN, and POSTN. POSTN can be used as a biomarker for OA cartilage, and early diagnosis of PTN in OA deserves attention. WNT5A and IRS2 offer new diagnostic perspectives for OA.
Modified-liquid-liquid phase separation: A novel technique to synthesize 2-dimensional CuO nanosheets
Authors: Mahajan Abha , Saroja Ajay Piriya Vijaya Kumar , Sundara Ramaprabhu , Nagar Rupali
Published: August 2024

The 2-dimensional materials are seeing an upsurge in research and various applications. In this work, the growth of cupric oxide (CuO) nanostructures in different morphologies is reported by employing modified-liquid-liquid phase separation (m-LLPS) technique. Here, two binary phases copper sulphate-polyethylene glycol (PEG) i.e. C&P and sodium hydroxide-PEG i.e. N&P are used in tandem and reduction of copper salt is employed. Sheet-like agglomerated growth could be restrained into nice flattened disks by merely modifying the interaction of binary phases in time. X-ray diffraction (XRD) for structural information, UV-Visible spectroscopy for optical bandgap estimation, micro-Raman spectroscopy for vibrational levels investigation, and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) as fingerprint for bond/ compound formation have been employed. The flat-disk CuO sample was used for detection of glucose. Limit of detection and limit of quantification levels were estimated and were found to be 4 mM and 13 mM, respectively. The mechanism of the modified-LLPS method leading to oriented growth from disoriented growth is discussed. By taking CuO as an example, a very simple concept of phase separation has been demonstrated to prepare 2-dimensional materials.
Efficacy of artificial intelligence preoperative planning for two patients who underwent bilateral hip joint replacement via anterior or posterior approaches for the same disease respectively
Authors: Zhu Jiaqing , Xia Tianwei , Hu Haibo , Shen Jirong
Published: August 2024

Objective
To summarize the diagnostic and treatment experiences of two patients who underwent bilateral hip joint replacement via anterior or posterior approaches for the same disease
Methods
Between August 2021 and April 2023, two patients with bilateral hip comorbidities were admitted. The ages of the patients were 58 and 46 years, the Harris scores were 31.3 and 34.0 on the anterior hip replacement side and 32.5 and 33.3 on the posterior hip replacement side, respectively, and the visual analog scale (Vas) was 5 on both sides. Anterior and posterior approach arthroplasties were performed on both sides of the patient's hip joints
Results
The patients' postoperative incisions healed well, with Harris scores of 45.5 and 53.0 on the anterior approach hip replacement side and 50.0 and 44.5 on the posterior approach hip replacement side at 1 week after surgery. At 3 months after surgery, the Harris scores on the side of anterior approach hip replacement were 95.0 and 91.0, respectively and the Harris scores on the side of posterior approach hip replacement were 90.5 and 83.5, respectively. The Vas score was 0 at 3 months after surgery, and no complications such as lower extremity venous thrombosis, dislocation, or infection occurred in either patient
Conclusion
For patients who undergo bilateral hip joint replacement surgery, anterior and posterior approaches can be adopted flexibly according to patient needs
Genome-wide identification and expression profiling analysis of the SPX gene family in Setaria italica
Authors: Meng Chaomin , Guo Haojie , Wang Cheng , Yang Furong , Du Bing
Published: August 2024

Background
In plant adaptation to adversity, phosphorus is pivotal and exerts a beneficial influence on both yield and quality formation in foxtail millet. Proteins containing SPX domains are essential for the maintenance of phosphate ion (Pi) balance in plants. However, the mechanisms that control phosphorus deficiency in foxtail millet are not yet fully understood.
Results
Through genome-wide analysis, we identified 15 members of the millet SPX gene family, which were categorized into four subfamilies (SPX, SPX-MFS, SPX-EXS, and SPX-RING) according to their structural characteristics. The genes encoding proteins with SPX domains were found on six out of the 9 chromosomes. Enrichment for multiple biotic and abiotic stresses, as well as hormone responses, was observed in the promoter regions of SiSPXs. Analysis of transcriptome data (RNA-seq) revealed diverse expression patterns among 15 genes encoding SPX-domain-containing proteins. Under low phosphate (Pi) stress, specific members, such as SiSPX3, and SiSPX9, showed a pronounced response.
Conclusions
The SPX gene primarily regulates phosphorus homeostasis and transport in foxtail millet by binding to the signal molecule InsP8.This study enhanced the comprehension of the millet SPX gene family, thereby advancing future biological investigations of SiSPX genes in millet. Additionally, it offers a selection of potential candidate genes for functional research on phosphate ion (Pi) nutrition in millet.
Randomized controlled trial on the efficacy of topical urea-based cream in preventing capecitabine-associated hand-foot syndrome
Authors: Wongkraisri Concord , Chusuwanrak Kriengkrai , Laocharoenkeat Apirom , Chularojanamontri Leena , Nimmannit Akarin , Ithimakin Suthinee
Published: August 2024

Background
Hand-foot syndrome (HFS) is a common adverse event of capecitabine causing treatment modifications. Topical urea cream can reduce sorafenib-induced hand-foot skin reaction. However, its benefit in preventing capecitabine-associated HFS was not seen early in the course and had been unknown with long-term use. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of urea cream for HFS prophylaxis throughout capecitabine treatment.
Methods
Patients with cancer who received capecitabine were randomized (1:1) to receive usual care alone or in combination with urea-based cream. The incidence and degree of HFS were assessed at each capecitabine cycle. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with any grade HFS. The secondary endpoints included the proportion of patients with severe (≥ grade 3) HFS, modifications in capecitabine because of HFS, and HFS onset.
Results
After a median of six capecitabine cycles, any grade HFS was reported by 68 of 109 patients (62.4%) who received usual care and by 60 of 107 patients (56%) who used urea cream (p = 0.36). The patients who received usual care and urea cream had similar proportions of grade 3 HFS occurrence [52 (47.7%) vs. 44 (41.1%), respectively, p = 0.34] and needed capecitabine modification because of HFS [20 patients (18.3%) vs. 17 patients (15.9%), respectively, p = 0.89], as well as similar HFS onset.
Conclusions
Urea-based cream did not prevent capecitabine-associated HFS, reduce capecitabine modification, and delay HFS onset. However, it had a tendency to lessen HFS severity, especially in the later cycles of capecitabine.
Clinical trial registration number
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05348278
Synergistic enhancement of chemical composition, fermentation characteristics, and microbial community dynamics in triticale silage by inoculation with Streptococcus bovis and Lactobacillus plantarum
Authors: Niu Yujie , Guo Yaya , Huang Rongzheng , Niu Junli , Wang Yan , Zhang Peng , Lu Qicheng , Zhang Wenju
Published: August 2024

Background
Whole-plant triticale is rich in starch, which can be partially degraded into soluble sugars required by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) during ensiling and is an important energy source for ruminant animals. However, few studies have reported the utilization of starch by LAB in triticale silages. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Streptococcus bovis and Lactobacillus plantarum on the chemical composition, fermentation characteristics, bacterial communities, and metabolic pathways of whole-plant triticale silage. Fresh triticale harvested at the milk stage was ensiled in sterile distilled water (CON), Streptococcus bovis (ST), Lactobacillus plantarum (LP), or a combination of S. bovis and L. plantarum (LS) for 3, 7, 15, or 30 days.
Results
During ensiling, the pH and water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) content in the inoculant groups were significantly lower than those in the CON group (P < 0.05), especially in the LS group (P < 0.05). After 7 days of ensiling, the ST and LS groups had lower (P < 0.05) starch content and higher (P < 0.05) concentrations of lactic acid (LA) and acetic acid (AA). Inoculation with S. bovis and L. plantarum, either alone or in combination, increased the abundance of LAB such as Lactobacillus and Pediococcus while reducing the abundance of Weissella, Rosenbergiella, Pantoea, Enterobacter, and Klebsiella. Metabolic function prediction analysis indicated that inoculation with S. bovis enhanced starch and sucrose metabolism during the early stages of ensiling. Streptococcus positively correlated with LA (P < 0.05) and AA but negatively correlated with starch content, pH, Propionic acid (PA), and LA/AA (P < 0.05).
Conclusions
S. bovis inoculation increased starch hydrolysis and carbohydrate metabolism during the early ensiling stages. Both S. bovis and L. plantarum synergistically improved the fermentation characteristics and microbial communities of triticale silage. Therefore, S. bovis can be used as an additive or for fast start-up to improve silage fermentation quality.
Testing of the Czech questionnaire for identifying children at risk of obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Vrankova Zuzana Marincak , Kratochvil Tomas , Villa Maria Pia , Linhartova Petra Borilova
Published: August 2024

This study aimed to create a Czech questionnaire for pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (POSA) risk screening, a first of its kind in the Czech Republic, where options for child polysomnography are limited. Compiling items from established English questionnaires and supplementing them with additional items, we designed the first version of the Czech questionnaire and tested it in a pilot study with parents of 30 children. After pilot feedback, a revised version with dichotomous and 5-item Likert scale questions was tested on another 70 children's parents. All children (7–12 years old) underwent a home sleep apnea test to record their apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). The second (40-item) version showed high reliability (93%), with 17 items identified as the most significant. Findings from the final 17-item SEN CZ questionnaire correlated positively with AHI (p < 0.001), demonstrating 84% sensitivity, 86% specificity, and 93% reliability. Three factors, namely breathing problems, inattention, and hyperactivity (characterized by multiple items), were identified to form a higher-order factor of POSA risk, which was further supported by the correlations of their total scores with AHI (p < 0.001). The resulting SEN CZ questionnaire can serve as a tool for POSA risk screening in the Czech Republic without the need to involve medical professionals.
Optimization of Z-shaped assembled mortise and tenon joint box culvert connection form
Authors: Yang Yuntao , Zhang Hong , Liu Longqi , Zhu Baolei , Song Bingjie
Published: August 2024

In order to effectively improve the longitudinal connection stability of prefabricated box culverts for highways, this paper proposes a new type of Z-shaped assembled mortise-tenon splicing box culvert for highway reinforced concrete structures. Using the finite element simulation software to simulate, the maximum deformation and stress concentration position of the side wall obviously appear at the end and armpit of the joint, that is, the connection part of the two culvert joints. Under the same filling condition, the most different mechanical properties between the integral box culvert and the assembled box culvert are located at the joint of the prefabricated culvert. According to the stress and deformation characteristics of culvert body, different joint height and joint length box culvert forms are designed and simulated and compared. It is concluded that the 1.8 m joint height and 0.5 m joint length have the most significant improvement on the mechanical properties of the splice culvert. Finally, a Z-shaped assembled mortise-tenon splicing box culvert with a reasonable structural form and a mortise-tenon structure of 1.25 m length was selected.
Role of tropical cyclones and salinity stratification in the expansion of a coastal marine heatwave
Authors: Rao Devanarayana R.M. , Dzwonkowski Brian , Fournier Severine , Lockridge Grant
Published: August 2024

Marine heatwaves (MHWs) during peak hurricane season can impact storm intensification, posing a significant threat to coasts and ecosystems. However, understanding of salinity stratification in the evolution of MHWs in river-dominated, hurricane-prone coastal regions is limited. Here, the event sequence leading to a large-scale coastal MHW in the Gulf of Mexico during the 2019 hurricane season was investigated. Both atmospheric and oceanic events coupled to drive the shelf-wide evolution of this full water-column MHW with surface heat fluxes, vertical mixing, and advection all contributing. In particular, several tropical cyclone events modified the vertical structuring of the MHW, and none intensified over the study region. During the decay phase, low salinity from freshwater discharge resulted in temperature inversions, leaving the bottom layer MHW preserved for an extended period. This study highlights the importance of salinity dynamics on MHWs and nearshore environmental conditions in intensity forecasting of landfalling storms.
Can We Monitor Seedling Stands Using Landsat Time Series?
Authors: Parvez RANA , MUINONEN Eero , TOLVANEN M. , CHOWDHURY Anwarul , VASTARANTA Mikko , Tokola Timo
Published: August 2024

Monitoring the status of seedling stands is crucial for determining whether seedlings have achieved the required density and height and assessing the need for weeding. We studied the potential of Landsat Time Series (LTS) data for monitoring young seedling stands in Liperi, eastern Finland. We assessed the ability of Normalized Burn Ratio (NBR) and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to estimate stand-level attributes like stem density, height, and identify the need for weeding of both broadleaved and coniferous trees. According to the results, the variation within a stand is typically very high, and thus it is difficult to give a single prediction for an entire stand. In our study, the indices could not capture the structural variation in seedling stands, although some trends could be found between NDVI and the number of coniferous trees (R2 = 0.22), height of the deciduous trees (R2 = 0.26) and height difference between coniferous and deciduous trees (R2 = 0.25). Our study also shows that the prediction of the need for weeding or tending using a binary decision-making process achieved an accuracy of 81% and a Cohen's kappa value of 0.55. Our study demonstrates that the LTS data can be used with a reasonable accuracy to monitor seedling stands characteristics.
Biomechanical performance of post-and-cores of polyetheretherketone and its composites
Authors: Wang Biyao , Huang Minghao , Zhang Kaige , Xu Yan , Zhang Xinwen , Shi Liye , Yan Xu
Published: August 2024

Background: Polyetherketoneketone (PEEK) and its fiber-reinforced composites have been indicated as ideal post-and-cores materials due to its mechanical properties. However, the laboratory evidences of post-and-cores restored with fiber-reinforced PEEK are lacking.
Material and Methods: A total of 120 extracted mandibular premolars were treated endodontically and divided into six groups restored with different post-and-core materials (N=20): (1) prefabricated quartz fiber-reinforced composite (QFRC), (2) polymer-infiltrated ceramic (PIC), (3) cobalt chromium (CoCr), (4) PEEK, (5) 30% glass fiber-reinforced PEEK (GFR-PEEK), and (6) 30% carbon fiber-reinforced PEEK (CFR-PEEK). Each group was then divided into two subgroups (n=10): static loading test and fatigue loading test. The static failure load (SFL) was analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with least-significant difference (LSD) multiple comparison tests. The fatigue failure load (FFL) and cycles for failure (CFF) were evaluated by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis (P<0.05). Stress distribution was analyzed by finite element analysis (FEA).
Results: The SFL of Groups PEEK and QFRC did not differ from each other, and both were lower than those of Groups CoCr, GFR-PEEK, and CFR-PEEK. In the fatigue loading test, Group CoCr exhibited the best survival; however, with the progression of fatigue, the survival probabilities of Groups PEEK and its composites were close to that of Group CoCr. In all groups apart from Group CoCr, the rate of repairable failure modes was higher than that of irreparable ones. Groups PEEK, GFR-PEEK, and CFR-PEEK exhibited lower maximum peak principal stress and better stress distribution than Group CoCr.
Conclusions: Customized post-and-cores manufactured with PEEK and its fiber-reinforced composites showed superior biomechanical performance, making them potential alternatives for the restoration of massive tooth defects.
Clinical relevance: This study provides a theoretical basis for clinicians to select post-and-core materials for different root canal morphology residual roots and helps to reduce the occurrence of complications such as root fracture and post core debonding.