bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mediastinal Cryobiopsy for Pathological Diagnosis of Fibrosing Mediastinitis-Associated Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: You Ya-Ting , Zuo Hao , Li Jing-Meng , Zhu Xian-Bo , Zhang Jing , Fu Wan-Lei , Huang Zan-Sheng , Herth Felix J. , Fan Ye
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Fibrosing mediastinitis is a benign but fatal disorder characterized by the proliferation of fibrous tissue in the mediastinum, causing encasement of mediastinal organs and extrinsic compression of adjacent bronchovascular structures. FM-associated pulmonary hypertension (FM-PH) is a serious complication of FM, resulting from the external compression of lung vessels. Pathologic assessment is important for etiologic diagnosis and effective treatment of this disease. Case Presentation: A 59-year-old male patient presented at our hospital and was diagnosed with FM-PH. He declined surgical biopsy that is the reference standard for pathologic assessment, in consideration of the potential risks. Therefore, an endobronchial ultrasound examination was performed, which identified the subcarinal lesion. Under ultrasound guidance, four needle aspirations were carried out, followed by one cryobiopsy. Histopathological examination of transbronchial needle aspiration specimens was inconclusive, while samples from cryobiopsy suggested a diagnosis of idiopathic FM. Further immunophenotyping demonstrated the infiltration of lymphocytes, macrophages, and FOXP3-positive cells in FM-PH. Conclusion: Mediastinal cryobiopsy might be a novel and safe option for FM-PH patients who are unwilling or unsuitable for surgical procedure.
Review of the genus Eotilla Schuster, 1949 (Hymenoptera: Typhoctinae, Eotillini) 2: species from Chile
Authors: BROTHERS DENIS J. , TORRÉNS JAVIER
Published: January 2024

The Eotillini primarily occur in Argentina, Bolivia and Chile. This paper treats the Chilean species of Eotilla Schuster, 1949. In addition to E. mickeli Schuster, 1949, six new species are described, based on males: E. ferruginea Brothers & Torréns sp. nov., E. punctata Brothers & Torréns sp. nov., E. setosa Brothers & Torréns sp. nov., E. fidalgoi Brothers & Torréns sp. nov., E. packeri Brothers & Torréns sp. nov. and E. pallidipes Brothers & Torréns sp. nov.. The previously unknown female of E. mickeli is also described. The distributions of both genera of Eotillini and their possible evolutionary history and zoogeography as related to the uplift of the Andes Mountains are briefly discussed.
Multiracial identity and social support: Navigating the monoracial paradigm of race
Authors: Cardwell Megan E.
Published: January 2024

Following a racialized encounter, especially one that is racist or discriminatory, individuals often turn to those in their racial ingroup for social support. However, ingroup racial membership lines may be blurred for those with one Black parent and one White parent. The purpose of this study is to examine Black-White multiracial individuals’ experiences navigating the monoracial paradigm of race when seeking racialized support. Guided by Critical Multiracial Theory, I take a self-reflexive Interpretative Phenomenology Approach to explore the racialized support-seeking experiences of 15 Black-White biracial adults in the U.S. Results reveal a unique support seeking process that is influenced by the monoracial paradigm of race. Implications and opportunities for future research are discussed.
Multilevel Discrete Outcome Modeling for Crash Severity: A Novel Approach for Crash Severity Models
Authors: Hossain Md Julfiker , Pais Namitha , Ivan John N. , Zhao Shanshan , Wang Kai , Ravishanker Nalini
Published: January 2024

Combining a total crash count model and a crash severity probability model simultaneously to predict crashes by severity is challenging because crash count models are implemented at an aggregate scale, that is, by sites (segments or intersections), while crash severity probability models are at a disaggregate scale, that is, by crashes or persons (drivers or occupants). This study develops a multilevel discrete outcome modeling framework to estimate crash counts by severity for California, U.S., rural four-lane divided highways by estimating and combining three models: a univariate count model for total crashes at the site level predicts total crash counts; an ordered logit discrete outcome crash severity prediction model at the crash-level predicts proportion of crashes by severity; and a proportional regression connection model that predicts proportion of groups of drivers and vehicles to connect the other two models. The combination of all three models provides crash counts by severity at the site level considering both aggregate and disaggregate factors. The prediction from the multilevel discrete outcome model is compared with predictions made by traditional univariate count models by severity for accuracy and transferability using estimation and validation data. Based on the estimation data, the multilevel discrete outcome model predicts injury and fatal crashes more accurately than the univariate count model. For validation data, the multilevel model has slightly better prediction accuracy for minor and possible injuries. Finally, the calibration factor indicates the multilevel discrete outcome model is more transferable than the univariate count model.
Correlation between the changes of brain amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation and cognitive impairment in patients with neuropsychiatric lupus
Authors: Ma Yue , Tie Ning , Ni Sha , Ma Xueying , Qiao Pengfei
Published: January 2024

Purpose

To explore the relationship between brain function changes and clinical serological indicators and behavioral cognitive assessment in patients with neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE), and understand the pathogenesis of NPSLE from the perspective of imaging.

Methods

The resting-state functional imaging data, clinical serological, and behavioral cognitive assessment scores of 28 patients with NPSLE and 22 healthy controls (HC) were prospectively collected. The resting-state amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) values obtained from the analysis and processing were correlated with the serological data and behavioral cognitive assessment scores to determine the relationship between these data.

Results

The average age of the patients of the NPSLE group was older than that of the HC group; significant differences in education level, Auditory Verbal Learning Test Hua Shan Version (AVLT-H), and Trail Making Test scores were observed between the two groups. The NPSLE group demonstrated increased brain activity in the insula, precentral gyrus, and superior temporal gyrus, and decreased brain activity in the superior parietal gyrus. The ALFF value of the insula positively correlated with the Anti-β2gp1 antibody and negatively correlated with the anti-nucleosome antibody and the AVL-recall (RC) score. The ALFF of the precentral gyrus negatively correlated with the AVL-immediate recall (I). The ALFF value of the superior temporal gyrus negatively correlated with the AVL-RC score. The left superior parietal gyrus positively correlated with the c-reactive protein. The right superior parietal gyrus positively correlated with the System Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index and negatively correlated with the AVL-I score.

Conclusion

Patients with NPSLE show different brain activity changes in different brain regions, and the abnormal brain regions are correlated with certain lupus antibodies, inflammatory factors, and cognitive assessment, thereby suggesting that the correlation between the three could provide novel insights into the pathogenesis of NPSLE.
The dynamic properties and performance of the bellows-type hydraulic inerter-based dynamic anti-resonance vibration isolator
Authors: Teng HD , Gao X
Published: January 2024

Aiming to effectively isolate disturbance vibrations for heavy machines with low frequencies, a novel bellows-type hydraulic inerter-based dynamic anti-resonance vibration isolation (I-DAVI) isolator is proposed, which consists of a primary supporting bellows container and an additional inerter subsystem comprising horizontal bellows and inertial mass, and the incompressible oil liquid is filled in the vacuum of both bellows as the working medium. First of all, the mathematic model of the presented I-DAVI device is established, and then the vibration transmissibility for the systems under force excitation and motion excitation are derived. The relevant results indicate that the anti-resonance appears at specific frequency, creating near-zero energy transmission and significantly reducing vibration transmission to the base or machines. Through the nondimensionalization analysis, the four parameters including the inertial mass ratio, damping ratio, ratio of effective cross-section areas, and number of the inerter subsystem completely dominate the isolation characteristics of the proposed device. Subsequently, a comparison study is carried out between systems with and without inertial mass located at the end of the additional horizontal bellows, and furthermore the operating mechanism of the I-DAVI is explained clearly. It is proven that the inerter-based DAVI isolator exhibits high static and low dynamic stiffness characteristics, which cause the resonance frequency of the isolation system to shift toward lower frequency without changing the static bearing stiffness and also reduce the peak value of the transmissibility. The further numerical simulation verifies that the optimal isolation effectiveness at the anti-resonance frequency is attributed to the dynamic equilibrium between the elastic restoring force of the primary bellows and the internal hydraulic pressure. In practice, the bellows-type hydraulic inerter-based I-DAVI isolator device investigated in this study is suitable for machines with the narrowband low-frequency vibration, such as the marine turbines.
A physics merged deep neural network-based prediction method for jet turbulent mixing noise
Authors: Bai Baohong , Zhang Yingzhe , Li Xiaodong , Gao Junhui
Published: January 2024

Turbulent mixing noise is a vital component of jet noise, and its rapid, accurate prediction has always been persistently pursued. Recent advancement in machine learning has been applied to jet noise prediction. However, these applications are pure curve fitting and lack physical constraints. In this study, a physics-merged deep neural network (PMNN)-based prediction method was developed for turbulent mixing jet noise by merging the physics of the jet noise. This deep neural network (DNN)-based method employed recent advancements in jet turbulent mixing noise containing large- and fine-scale turbulence structures. Two simple rational functions for large- and fine-scale turbulent noise similarity spectra were proposed to replace the original complex similarity spectra functions and incorporated into the DNN-based prediction method. For comparison, we present two data-driven DNN-based prediction methods (DDNN). The first DDNN method used the sound pressure level (SPL) as the output of neural networks, directly establishing the nonlinear relationship between the input features and SPL. In the second DDNN method, the dominant modes of the jet noise spectra extracted using the proper orthogonal decomposition method were merged with DNN. These DNN-based methods were then trained using a set of experimental data over a wide range of jet operating conditions. Their performance was evaluated and compared. It was evident that all these DNN-based methods were capable of predicting turbulent mixing noise reasonably well. In contrast to the DDNN methods, the PMNN method could provide insights into the jet turbulent mixing noise components. It demonstrates that the turbulent mixing jet noise spectra at the mid polar angle is generated by the large-scale noise component at low-frequency range and by the fine-scale noise component at high-frequency range.
Impact of Program Changes Including Telemedicine and Telephonic Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Preventing 30-Day Hospital Readmission for Patients in a Care Transitions Program
Authors: Takahashi Paul Y. , Thorsteinsdottir Bjorg , McCoy Rozalina G. , Ramar Priya , Canning Rachel E. , Hanson Gregory J. , Baumbach Lori J. , Chandra Anupam , Philpot Lindsey M.
Published: January 2024

Introduction/Objectives:

To describe health outcomes of older adults enrolled in the Mayo Clinic Care Transitions (MCCT) program before and during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to unenrolled patients.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of adults (age >60 years) in the MCCT program compared to a usual care control group from January 1, 2019, to September 20, 2022. The MCCT program involved a home, telephonic, or telemedicine visit by an advanced care provider. Outcomes were 30- and 180-day hospital readmissions, emergency department (ED) visit, and mortality. We performed a subgroup analysis after March 1, 2020 (during the pandemic). We analyzed data with Cox proportional hazards regression models and hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% CIs.

Results:

Of the 1,012 patients total, 354 were in the MCCT program and 658 were in the usual care group with a mean (SD) age of 81.1 (9.1) years overall. Thirty-day readmission was 16.9% (60 of 354) for MCCT patients and 14.7% (97 of 658) for usual care patients (HR, 1.24; 95% CI, 0.88-1.75). During the pandemic, the 30-day readmission rate was 15.1% (28 of 186) for MCCT patients and 14.9% (68 of 455) for usual care patients (HR, 1.20; 95% CI, 0.75-1.91). There was no difference between groups for 180-day hospitalization, 30- or 180-day ED visit, and 30- or 180-day mortality.

Conclusions:

Numerous factors involving patients, providers, and health care delivery systems during the pandemic most likely contributed to these findings.
Influence of Brand Origin on Consumer Buying Behaviour in the Indian Context
Authors: Kanchan Prateek
Published: January 2024

The origin of brands across geographies has always remained a fascination for many consumers around the world. Although easing of restrictions on borders has made almost any brand made anywhere in the world find a convenient place to be sold at any other geographic location far or distant, the craze in some consumers of having an ‘imported’ brand still remains, although that brand may have been manufactured nearby within their country in a franchisee manufacturing unit which the consumer never knows. The phenomenon called as acquiring an ‘imported’ brand has got re-defined with the easing of WTO restrictions since 2001, whereupon there is no restriction on anything sold anywhere after being manufactured anywhere in the world. This article looks into the various aspects related to the consumer buying behaviour for so-called imported or foreign origin brands and to what extent this imported tag or foreignness tag plays a role in making consumers like it.
Au nanodyes as enhanced contrast agents in wide field near infrared fluorescence lifetime imaging
Authors: Chacko Neelima , Motiei Menachem , Suryakant Jadhav Suchita , Firer Michael , Ankri Rinat
Published: January 2024

The near-infrared (NIR) range of the electromagnetic (EM) spectrum offers a nearly transparent window for imaging tissue. Despite the significant potential of NIR fluorescence-based imaging, its establishment in basic research and clinical applications remains limited due to the scarcity of fluorescent molecules with absorption and emission properties in the NIR region, especially those suitable for biological applications. In this study, we present a novel approach by combining the widely used IRdye 800NHS fluorophore with gold nanospheres (GNSs) and gold nanorods (GNRs) to create Au nanodyes, with improved quantum yield (QY) and distinct lifetimes. These nanodyes exhibit varying photophysical properties due to the differences in the separation distance between the dye and the gold nanoparticles (GNP). Leveraging a rapid and highly sensitive wide-field fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLI) macroscopic set up, along with phasor based analysis, we introduce multiplexing capabilities for the Au nanodyes. Our approach showcases the ability to differentiate between NIR dyes with very similar, short lifetimes within a single image, using the combination of Au nanodyes and wide-field FLI. Furthermore, we demonstrate the uptake of Au nanodyes by mineral-oil induced plasmacytomas (MOPC315.bm) cells, indicating their potential for in vitro and in vivo applications.

Graphical abstract
I-GLAD: a new strategy for fabricating antibacterial surfaces
Authors: Qu Chuang , Rozsa Jesse , Running Mark , McNamara Shamus , Walsh Kevin
Published: January 2024

The paper uses inverted glancing angle deposition (I-GLAD) for creating antibacterial surfaces. Antibacterial surfaces are found in nature, such as on insect wings, eyes, and plant leaves. Since the bactericidal mechanism is purely physical for these surfaces, the antimicrobial resistance of bacteria to traditional chemical antibiotics can be overcome. The technical problem is how to mimic, synthesize, and scale up the naturally occurring antibacterial surfaces for practical applications, given the fact that most of those surfaces are composed of three-dimensional hierarchical micro-nano structures. This paper proposes to use I-GLAD as a novel bottom-up nanofabrication technique to scale up bio-inspired nano-structured antibacterial surfaces. Our innovative I-GLAD nanofabrication technique includes traditional GLAD deposition processes alongside the crucial inverting process. Following fabrication, we explore the antibacterial efficacy of I-GLAD surfaces using two types of bacteria: Escherichia coli (E. coli), a gram-negative bacterium, and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), a gram-positive bacterium. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) shows the small tips and flexible D/P (feature size over period) ratio of I-GLAD nanoneedles, which is required to achieve the desired bactericidal mechanism. Antibacterial properties of the I-GLAD samples are validated by achieving flat growth curves of E. coli and S. aureus, and direct observation under SEM. The paper bridges the knowledge gaps of seeding techniques for GLAD, and the control/optimization of the I-GLAD process to tune the morphologies of the nano-protrusions. I-GLAD surfaces are effective against both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, and they have tremendous potentials in hospital settings and daily surfaces.
Unraveling IL-17 and IL-22 role in occult hepatitis C versus chronic hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Elbaz Sherif , Mousa Nasser , Elmetwalli Alaa , Abdel-Razik Ahmed , Salah Mohamed , ElHammady Amr , Abdelsalam Mostafa , Abdelkader Eman , El-wakeel Niveen , Eldars Waleed , El-Emam Ola , Elbeltagy Ahmed , Shaheen Mohamed , El-Zamek Hossam , Mousa Eman , Deiab Ahmed , Elgamal Ayman , Habib Alaa
Published: January 2024

Background

Cytokines play a crucial role in regulating the function of the immune system by controlling the production, differentiation, and activity of immune cells. Occult hepatitis C virus (OHCV) infection can lead to liver damage, including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. This study investigates the immunopathogenic impact of the cytokines IL-17 and IL-22 in OHCV infection compared to chronic hepatitis C (CHC) infection.

Methods

We studied three groups of patients: 35 with OHCV, 100 untreated patients with CHC, and 30 healthy control subjects. All subjects underwent physical examination and biochemical testing. We used the sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method to measure serum IL-17 and IL-22 levels in all groups.

Results

Compared to the occult and control groups, the CHC group had significantly higher serum IL-17 levels (p < 0.001). The occult group also had higher serum IL-17 levels compared to the control group (p < 0.0001). There were no significant differences in IL-22 levels across the research groups. In the OHCV group, individuals with moderate inflammation (A2-A3) had significantly higher serum IL-17 levels than those with minimal inflammation (A0-A1), while in the CHC group, this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.601). Neither the occult nor the CHC groups showed a correlation between serum IL-22 and inflammatory activity. There was no significant correlation between the levels of IL-17 or IL-22 and the stage of fibrosis/cirrhosis in either group. ROC curves were calculated for serum IL-17 and IL-22 levels and occult HCV infection, with cut-off values set at ≤ 32.1 pg/ml and < 14.3 pg/ml for IL-17 and IL-22, respectively. The AUROC (95%CI) was significantly higher for IL-17 than IL-22 (0.829 (0.732–0.902) vs. 0.504 (0.393–0.614), p < 0.001), suggesting that IL-17 has a stronger correlation with infection risk than IL-22.

Conclusion

This study suggests that IL-17 may be involved in the immunopathogenesis of OHCV infection, especially in patients with moderate inflammation.
A gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI-based model using LI-RADS v2018 features for preoperatively predicting Ki-67 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Liang Yingying , Xu Fan , Mou Qiuju , Wang Zihua , Xiao Chuyin , Zhou Tingwen , Zhang Nianru , Yang Jing , Wu Hongzhen
Published: January 2024

Purpose

To construct a gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI (EOB-MRI) -based multivariable model to predict Ki-67 expression levels in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using LI-RADS v2018 imaging features.

Methods

A total of 121 patients with HCC who underwent EOB-MRI were enrolled in this study. The patients were divided into three groups according to Ki-67 cut-offs: Ki-67 ≥ 20% (n = 86) vs. Ki-67 < 20% (n = 35); Ki-67 ≥ 30% (n = 73) vs. Ki-67 < 30% (n = 48); Ki-67 ≥ 50% (n = 45) vs. Ki-67 < 50% (n = 76). MRI features were analyzed to be associated with high Ki-67 expression using logistic regression to construct multivariable models. The performance characteristic of the models for the prediction of high Ki-67 expression was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curves.

Results

The presence of mosaic architecture (p = 0.045), the presence of infiltrative appearance (p = 0.039), and the absence of targetoid hepatobiliary phase (HBP, p = 0.035) were independent differential factors for the prediction of high Ki-67 status (≥ 50% vs. < 50%) in HCC patients, while no features could predict high Ki-67 status with thresholds of 20% (≥ 20% vs. < 20%) and 30% (≥ 30% vs. < 30%) (p > 0.05). Four models were constructed including model A (mosaic architecture and infiltrated appearance), model B (mosaic architecture and targetoid HBP), model C (infiltrated appearance and targetoid HBP), and model D (mosaic architecture, infiltrated appearance and targetoid HBP). The model D yielded better diagnostic performance than the model C (0.776 vs. 0.669, p = 0.002), but a comparable AUC than model A (0.776 vs. 0.781, p = 0.855) and model B (0.776 vs. 0.746, p = 0.076).

Conclusions

Mosaic architecture, infiltrated appearance and targetoid HBP were sensitive imaging features for predicting Ki-67 index ≥ 50% and EOB-MRI model based on LI-RADS v2018 features may be an effective imaging approach for the risk stratification of patients with HCC before surgery.
The comparison of corneal higher-order aberration and surgically induced astigmatism between the clear corneal incision and the limbus tunnel incision of posterior chamber implantable collamer lens implantation
Authors: Dan Ting-Ting , Liu Tai-Xiang , Luo Hong-yang , Liao Yi-Lu , Li Zong-Ze
Published: January 2024

Background

This study aimed to compare the corneal high-order aberrations and surgically induced astigmatism between the clear corneal incision and limbus tunnel incision for posterior chamber implantable collamer lens (ICL/TICL) implantation.

Methods

A total of 127 eyes from 73 myopic patients underwent ICL V4c implantation, with 70 eyes receiving clear corneal incisions and 57 eyes receiving limbus tunnel incisions. The anterior and back corneal surfaces were measured and the Root Mean Square of all activated aberrations (TRMS) was calculated, including higher-order aberration (HOA RMS), spherical aberration Z40, coma coefficients (Coma RMS) Z3−1 Z31, and surgically induced astigmatism (SIA). The measurements were taken preoperatively and postoperatively at 1 day, 1 week, and 1, 3, and 6 months. In this study, the corneal higher-order aberration was estimated as the Zernike coefficient calculated up to 5th order. The measurements were taken at a maximum diameter of 6.5 mm using Pentacam.

Results

One week after the operation, the corneal back Z31 of the clear corneal incision group was 0.06 ± 0.06, while the limbus tunnel incision group showed a measurement of 0.05 ± 0.06 (p = 0.031). The corneal back Z40 of the clear corneal incision group was -0.02 ± 0.25, compared to -0.04 ± 0.21 in the limbus tunnel incision group (p = 0.01). One month after the operation, the corneal back SIA of the clear corneal incision group was 0.11 ± 0.11, compared to 0.08 ± 0.11of the limbus tunnel incision group (p = 0.013), the corneal total SIA of the clear corneal incision group was 0.33 ± 0.30, compared to 0.15 ± 0.16 in the limbus tunnel incision group (p = 0.004); the clear corneal incision group exhibited higher levels of back astigmatism and total SIA than the limbus tunnel incision in the post-operation one month period. During the 6- month post-operative follow-up period, no significant difference in Z31, Z40, and other HOA RMS data was observed between the two groups. The total SIA of the corneal incision group and the limbus tunnel incision group were 0.24 ± 0.14 and 0.33 ± 0.32, respectively (p = 0.393), showing no significant difference between the two groups 6 months after the operation.

Conclusion

Our data showed no significant difference in the high-order aberration and SIA between clear corneal incision and limbus tunnel incision up to 6 months after ICL-V4c implantation.
Estimating the global prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: AL Wachami Nadia , Guennouni Morad , Iderdar Younes , Boumendil Karima , Arraji Maryem , Mourajid Yassmine , Bouchachi Fatima Zahra , Barkaoui Mohamed , Louerdi Mohamed Lahbib , Hilali Abderraouf , Chahboune Mohamed
Published: January 2024

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major public health problem. The present study aims to provide a global and regional estimate of the prevalence of COPD based on spirometry according to the two most widely used diagnostic criteria of COPD: fixed ratio (FR) and lower limit of normal (LLN).

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of the literature according to PRISMA guidelines. MEDLINE, Web of Sciences, and Scopus databases were searched to identify studies on the spirometry-based prevalence of COPD in individuals aged 40 years and older. The meta-analysis was performed using MedCalc 19 software.

Results

In total, 42 of the 3393 studies reviewed were eligible for inclusion. The overall prevalence of COPD in people aged 40 years and older was 12.64% (95% CI 10.75%-14.65%) and 7.38% (95% CI 5.47% − 9.55%) based on FR and LLN criteria, respectively. By gender, men had a higher prevalence of COPD compared to women (15.47%; 95% CI 12.22%-19.02% for men versus 8.79%; 95% CI 6.94%-10.82% for women). Using the LLN criteria, the prevalence of COPD in both sexes was almost identical (8.67%; 95% CI 8.44%- 8.90% for men and 8.00%; 95% CI 6.42% − 9.73% for women). We reported a high prevalence of COPD among smokers and the elderly by both definitions of airway obstruction. Regional prevalence estimates using the FR definition indicate that the highest COPD prevalence was recorded in the Americas and the lowest was recorded in the Eastern Mediterranean region. Using the LLN definition, the highest prevalence was recorded in the Southeast Asian region and the lowest prevalence was recorded in the American region. The most common COPD stage was stage II, with a prevalence of 50.46%. The results indicate a huge lack of prevalence data in the African and Eastern Mediterranean region. The results were given using a random-effect model due to the high heterogeneity between studies.

Conclusion

Results show that the prevalence of COPD differs according to the diagnostic criteria used. In addition, management and prevention strategies targeting risk factors for COPD are certainly needed to reduce the global burden of this chronic respiratory disease.
Evaluation of complications and quality of life of patient after surgical extraction of mandibular impacted third molar teeth
Authors: Gojayeva Gunay , Tekin Gorkem , Saruhan Kose Nesrin , Dereci Omur , Kosar Yasin Caglar , Caliskan Gizem
Published: January 2024

Background

The aim of our study is to evaluate the postoperative complications after the extraction of impacted third molar teeth and to investigate the effects of these complications on the quality of life of patients.

Methods

Demographic, clinical, and radiological evaluations were conducted, covering factors like age, gender, and tooth position. Clinical measurements, pain and edema assessments, and quality of life evaluations through OHIP-14 scores were performed. Preoperative and postoperative mouth opening, trismus, alveolitis and dehiscence were evaluated.

Results

A total of 100 patients were included in our study. No significant gender-based differences were found in measurements, pain, or swelling. There was no statistically significant difference between the preoperative and postoperative results of difference A-C, difference B-E, difference A-D, and difference mouth opening. Procedure duration correlated positively with age, alveolar osteitis, trismus, and swelling. Postoperative quality of life, assessed by OHIP-14, demonstrated a negative correlation with age and trismus. It was observed that the gender and the tooth positions of the patients had no effect on the severity of postoperative pain and edema.

Conclusions

As the age of the patients increases and the duration of the procedure increases, the rate of postoperative complications increases and it is concluded that the quality of life decreases significantly.
Oral symptoms in dying nursing home patients. Results from the prospective REDIC study
Authors: Sandvik Reidun K. N.M. , Husebo Bettina S. , Selbaek Geir , Strand Gunhild , Patrascu Monica , Mustafa Manal , Bergh Sverre
Published: January 2024

Background

The mouth is a central organ for communication and fluid intake, also for dying nursing home patients. This study describes the prevalence and severity of oral symptoms from nursing home admission until the day of perceived dying and the day of death.

Methods

A prospective, longitudinal cohort study including 696 patients who were admitted to 47 Norwegian nursing homes in 35 municipalities. During the first year of their stay, 189 died (27%), of whom 82 participants were assessed on the day they were perceived as dying and 134 on the day of death. Mouth care, nutrition, and bedsores were assessed with the Residents’ Assessment Instrument for nursing homes (RAI-NH) and palliative care (RAI-PC). Pain intensity was assessed with the Mobilization-Observation-Behaviour-Intensity-Dementia-2 Pain Scale (MOBID-2).

Results

The proportion of patients with ≥ 6 oral symptoms increased from 16% when perceived as dying to 20% on the day of death (P = 0.001). On the day of death, xerostomia (66%), dysphagia (59%), and mastication problems (50%) were the most frequently observed oral symptoms. Only 16% received mouth care every hour and 12% were in pain during this procedure. Compared to people without dementia, those with a diagnosis of dementia at admission (N = 112, 86%) had xerostomia and mastication problems more frequently (50% vs. 73%; 32% vs. 56% (P = 0.038), respectively) on the day of death.

Conclusions

The high extent of oral symptoms such as xerostomia, dysphagia, and mastication problems underline the need for systematic assessment and improved oral palliative care for dying nursing home patients with dementia.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01920100 08/08/2013. First submission to BMC oral 15/03/2023.
Copper nanoparticles and silver nanoparticles impair lymphangiogenesis in zebrafish
Authors: Jing YuanYuan , Tai ZhiPeng , Liu Jing-Xia
Published: January 2024

Lymphatic system distributes in almost all vertebrate tissues and organs, and plays important roles in the regulation of body fluid balance, lipid absorption and immune monitoring. Although CuNPs or AgNPs accumulation has been reported to be closely associated with delayed hatching and motor dysfunction in zebrafish embryos, their biological effects on lymphangiogenesis remain unknown. In this study, thoracic duct was observed to be partially absent in both CuNPs and AgNPs stressed zebrafish larvae. Specifically, CuNPs stress induced hypermethylation of E2F7/8 binding sites on CCBE1 promoters via their producing ROS, thereby leading to the reduction of binding enrichment of E2F7/8 on CCBE1 promoter and its subsequently reduced expression, then resulting in defective lymphatic vessel formation. Differently, AgNPs stress induced down-regulated CCBE1 expression via down-regulating mRNA and protein levels of E2F7/8 transcription factors, thereby resulting in defective lymphatic vessel formation. This study may be the first to demonstrate that CuNPs and AgNPs damaged lymphangiogenesis during zebrafish embryogenesis, mechanistically, CuNPs epigenetically regulated the expression of lymphangiogenesis regulator CCBE1 via hypermethylating its promoter binding sites of E2F7/8, while AgNPs via regulating E2F7/8 expression. Meanwhile, overexpression of ccbe1 mRNA effectively rescued the lymphangiogenesis defects in both AgNPs and CuNPs stressed larvae, while overexpression of e2f7/8 mRNA effectively rescued the lymphangiogenesis defects in AgNPs rather than CuNPs stressed larvae. The results in this study will shed some light on the safety assessment of nanomaterials applied in medicine and on the ecological security assessments of nanomaterials.
Therapeutic effect and mechanism of Yougui Wan in rats with intervertebral disk degeneration
Authors: Ma She , Liu Kan , Yang Jing-yan , Huang Ren-jun , Yu Dong
Published: January 2024

Objective

To explore the potential mechanism of Yougui Wan on deformed lumbar intervertebral disk structure in rats.

Methods

Thirty male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into 3 groups, with 10 rats in each group. The animals in the blank control group were healthy rats without specific treatment, and those in the model group and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) group were used to establish the intervertebral disk degeneration (IDD) model by puncturing the annulus. Four weeks after modeling, rats in the TCM group were administered Yougui Wan by gavage for 2 consecutive weeks. Serum interleukin-6 (IL-10), macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels were measured by ELISA, and the protein expression levels of collagen II and Notch1 in intervertebral disk tissues were examined by Western blotting. Apoptosis was detected by the TUNEL method.

Results

Compared with those in the blank group, IL-10, MIF and TNF-α levels in the model group and TCM group were increased (P < 0.05), the protein expression levels of collagen II were decreased, and the protein expression levels of Notch1 were increased. Compared with those in the model group, the levels of IL-10 in the TCM group were increased (P < 0.05), the levels of MIF and TNF-α were decreased (P < 0.05), the protein expression levels of collagen II were increased, and the protein expression levels of Notch1 were decreased.

Conclusion

Yougui Wan can inhibit the inflammatory response in IDD rats, reduce the degradation of extracellular matrix, reduce apoptosis in nucleus pulposus cells, and alleviate intervertebral disk degeneration. The mechanism may be related to the regulation of the Notch signaling pathway.
Demographic and clinical characteristics, seizure disorders, and antiepileptic drug usage in different types of corpus callosum disorders: a comparative study in children
Authors: Fu Ru-Huei , Wu Po-Yen , Chou I-Ching , Lin Chien-Heng , Hong Syuan-Yu
Published: January 2024

Background

This study aimed to investigate the demographic and clinical characteristics, types of seizure disorders, and antiepileptic drug usage among individuals with different types of corpus callosum disorders.

Methods

A total of 73 individuals were included in the study and divided into three groups based on the type of corpus callosum abnormality: hypoplasia (H), agenesis (A), and dysgenesis (D). Demographic data, including gender and preterm birth, as well as clinical characteristics such as seizure disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), severe developmental delay/intellectual disability, and other brain malformations, were analyzed. The types of seizure disorders and antiepileptic drugs used were also examined.

Results

The H group had the highest number of participants (n = 47), followed by the A group (n = 11) and the D group (n = 15). The A group had the highest percentage of males and preterm births, while the D group had the highest percentage of seizure disorders, other brain malformations, and severe developmental delay/intellectual disability. The A group also had the highest percentage of ADHD. Focal seizures were observed in all three groups, with the highest proportion in the A group. Focal impaired awareness seizures (FIAS) were present in all groups, with the highest proportion in the D group. Generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS) were observed in all groups, with the highest proportion in the H group. Different types of antiepileptic drugs were used among the groups, with variations in usage rates for each drug.

Conclusion

This study provided insights into the demographic and clinical characteristics, seizure disorders, and antiepileptic drug usage among individuals with different types of corpus callosum disorders. Significant differences were found between the groups, indicating the need for tailored management approaches. However, the study has limitations, including a small sample size and a cross-sectional design. Further research with larger sample sizes and longitudinal designs is warranted to validate these findings and explore the relationship between corpus callosum abnormality severity and clinical outcomes.
Development of a green synchronous spectrofluorimetric technique for simultaneous determination of Montelukast sodium and Bilastine in pharmaceutical formulations
Authors: Derayea Sayed M. , Badr El-Din Khalid M. , Ahmed Ahmed S. , Khorshed Ahmed A. , Oraby Mohamed
Published: January 2024

For the treatment of rhinitis and asthma, a combination of Montelukast sodium and Bilastine has just been approved. Based on the first derivative of synchronous fluorescence, the current work developed a green, highly accurate, sensitive, and selective spectroscopic approach for estimating Montelukast sodium and Bilastine in pharmaceutical dosage form without previous separation. The selected technique focuses on measuring the synchronized fluorescence of the studied medications at a fixed wavelength range (Δλ) = 110 nm, and using the amplitude of the first derivative's peak at 381 and 324 nm, for quantitative estimation of Montelukast sodium and Bilastine, respectively. The impacts of different factors on the referred drugs' synchronized fluorescence intensity were investigated and adjusted. The calibration plots for were found to be linear over concentration ranges of 50–2000 ng mL−1 for Montelukast sodium and 50–1000 ng mL−1 for Bilastine. Montelukast sodium and Bilastine have LODs of 16.5 and 10.9 ng mL−1, respectively. In addition, LOQs were: 49.9 and 33.0 ng mL−1, for both drugs, respectively. The developed method was successfully employed to quantify the two drugs in synthetic tablets mixture and in laboratory prepared mixtures containing varied Montelukast and Bilastine ratios. To compare the results with the published analytical approach, a variance ratio F-test and a student t-test were used, which revealed no significant differences.
Callovian corals from the Swiss Jura
Authors: Löser Hannes , Wetzel Andreas , Hostettler Bernhard
Published: January 2024

Twelve solitary and platy, colonial coral taxa assigned to the families Microsolenidae, Misistellidae, Montlivaltiidae, Rayasmiliidae, and Thamnasteriidae are described and illustrated from the Callovian (Ifenthal Formation, Herznach Member) of the area of Andil near Liesberg, about 20 km WSW of the town of Basel, Switzerland. The platy growth forms and the presence of five species of the superfamily Cyclolitoidea suggests that these corals lived under low-level light conditions.
Electrocardiogram prediction based on variational mode decomposition and a convolutional gated recurrent unit
Authors: Wang HongBo , Wang YiZhe , Liu Yu , Yao YueJuan
Published: January 2024

Electrocardiogram (ECG) prediction is highly important for detecting and storing heart signals and identifying potential health hazards. To improve the duration and accuracy of ECG prediction on the basis of noise filtering, a new algorithm based on variational mode decomposition (VMD) and a convolutional gated recurrent unit (ConvGRU) was proposed, named VMD-ConvGRU. VMD can directly remove noise, such as baseline drift noise, without manual intervention, greatly improving the model usability, and its combination with ConvGRU improves the prediction time and accuracy. The proposed algorithm was compared with three related algorithms (PSR-NN, VMD-NN and TS fuzzy) on MIT-BIH, an internationally recognized arrhythmia database. The experiments showed that the VMD-ConvGRU algorithm not only achieves better prediction accuracy than that of the other three algorithms but also has a considerable advantage in terms of prediction time. In addition, prediction experiments on both the MIT-BIH and European ST-T databases have shown that the VMD-ConvGRU algorithm has better generalizability than the other methods.
Connected speech features in non-English speakers with Alzheimer’s disease: protocol for scoping review
Authors: Bose Arpita , Ahmed Samrah , Cheng Yesi , Suárez-Gonzalez Aida
Published: January 2024

Background

A large body of literature indicates that connected speech profiles in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) can be utilized for diagnosis, disease monitoring, and for developing communication strategies for patients. Most connected speech research has been conducted in English, with little work in some European languages. Therefore, significant drawback remains with respect to the diversity of languages studied, and how the fragmentation of linguistic features differs across languages in AD. Accordingly, existing reviews on connected speech in AD have focused on findings from English-speaking patients; none have specifically focused on the linguistic diversity of AD populations. This scoping review is undertaken to provide the currently reported characteristics of connected speech in AD in languages other than English. It also seeks to identify the type of assessments, methods to elicit speech samples, type of analysis and linguistic frameworks used, and micro- and macro-linguistic features of speech reported in non-English speakers with AD.

Method

We will conduct a scoping review of published studies that have quantitively assessed connected speech in AD in languages other than English. The inclusion criteria for the studies would be subject/s with a clinical diagnosis of AD. The search will include the electronic databases PubMed, Ovid-Embase, PsycINFO, Linguistic and Language Behaviour Abstracts (LLBA), and Web of Science up until March 2023. Findings will be mapped and described according to the languages studied, the methodology employed (e.g., patient characteristics, tasks used, linguistic analysis framework utilized), and connected speech profiles derived (e.g., micro- and macro-linguistic reported).

Discussion

The scoping review will provide an overview of languages studied in connected speech research in AD with variation in linguistic features across languages, thus allowing comparison with the established key features that distinguish AD patients from healthy controls. The findings will inform future research in connected speech in different languages to facilitate robust connected speech research in linguistically and ethnically diverse populations.
Potential anti-acne loaded nanogel formulations of Origanum majorana L. and Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat. essential oils
Authors: Kotb Eman A. , El-Shiekh Riham A. , Hassan Mariam , Abd-Elsalam Wessam Hamdy , El Tanbouly Nebal , El Senousy Amira Safwat
Published: January 2024

Acne is a highly prevalent skin disease with a great psychological impact on patients as self-perception, self-confidence, and depression. This work aimed to develop an anti-acne preparation from active anti-bacterial medicinal plants to circumvent the severe side effects and drug resistance commonly reported with topical erythromycin anti-acne preparations. Essential oils:Salvia officinalisL. (sage),Rosmarinus officinalisL. (rosemary),Commiphora myrrhaNees Engl. (myrrh),Origanum majoranaL. (marjoram),Pelargonium zonaleL. L’Hér. ex Aiton (geranium) andChrysanthemum morifoliumRamat. (chrysanthemum) were extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The anti-acne activities of the oils againstCutibacteriumacnes ATCC 6919 were evaluated by microdilution methods to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). The most active essential oils were loaded in a film-forming nanogel prepared with chitosan, pluronic F127 and glycerol in the ratio of 3:1:1, prior to investigation in a murine acne in vivo model. Marjoram and chrysanthemum oils showed the highest antimicrobial activity againstC. acnes(MIC = 0.156%v/vand 0.125%v/v, respectively). GC/MS of the actives showed that gamma-terpinene (26.46%) and terpinen-4-ol (22.24%) were the predominant constituents in marjoram, whereas chrysanthenone (32.79%) was the main component in chrysanthemum. The formulated essential oil-loaded film-forming nanogels of both oils exhibited significant anti-acne activity in mice via reducing the bacterial loads, activating the antioxidant nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway and inhibiting the inflammatory tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) pathway. Further studies should be designed to evaluate the clinical evidence for the use of marjoram and chrysanthemum oil products in acne treatment.

Graphical Abstract
The medieval bronze doors of San Zeno, Verona: combining material analyses and art history
Authors: Mödlinger M. , Bontadi J. , Fellin M. , Fera M. , Negri M. , Utz J. , Ghiara G.
Published: January 2024

The bronze doors of the Basilica of San Zeno in Verona, Italy, are a special case in art history research. They were made by several workshops during the twelfth century: stylistically, two to three workshops were assumed to produce the metal parts of the door. However, it is still unclear when exactly and if this interpretation can be supported by the chemical composition of the metal. In this research we aimed to verify the art history interpretation by identifying the alloy composition of each individual metal plate. The composition of the supporting wooden structures are discussed. A portable ED-XRF instrument and optical microscopes were used to analyse and document the doors non-invasively. The doors were also photographed to produce high resolution orthophotos and 3D models. We can confirm that the metal parts of the doors were made of leaded tin-bronze as well as leaded brass and mounted on a wooden structure mainly made of spruce and oak wood. Chemically, two/three different groups of alloys have been identified, which can be associated with two or three different workshops, and which largely correspond to the stylistic interpretation.