bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrasound and clinicopathologic feature based model for early prediction of pathologic response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer: A case-control study
Authors: Jiang Tian , sui lin , yan yuqi , Ou Di , chen chen , Ni chen , Lai Min , Wang Liping , Yang Chen , Li Wei , Chen Liyu , Xu Dong
Published: August 2023

Objective : The objective of this study was to develop a model combining ultrasound (US) and clinicopathological features for early prediction of pathological response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in breast cancer.
Methods ： From October 2020 to March 2022, 304 breast cancer patients who underwent NAC in our Hospital were enrolled in this retrospective study. US and clinicopathological characteristics were collected from all patients in this study, and characteristics obtained by using univariate analysis at p<0.05 were subjected to multivariate analysis, and then the conventional US and clinicopathological characteristics independently associated with pathologic complete response (PCR) from the analysis were used to develop US models, clinicopathological models and their combined models by the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC), accuracy, sensitivity and specificity to assess their predictive efficacy.
Results: The combined model had an AUC of 0.818, a sensitivity of 78.79%, a specificity of 74.15%, and an accuracy of 75.81% for early prediction of PCR to NAC in breast cancer, which was significantly better than the clinicopathological model (AUC=0.733) and the US model (AUC=0.758). In addition, seven features were screened as independent predictors, namely T-stage, lateral acoustic shadow, margin, calcification, blood flow score, HER2 expression, and maximum diameter reduction rate.
Conclusions ： Lateral acoustic shadowing, calcification, margin, blood flow score, maximum diameter reduction rate measured by US, as well as clinical T-stage and HER2 expression are independent predictors of obtaining PCR after NAC in breast cancer patients, The conventional US combined with clinicopathological features to construct a combined model has a good diagnostic effect for early prediction of PCR in breast cancer and is expected to be a useful tool to assist clinicians in effectively determining the efficacy of NAC in breast cancer patients.
Lactate kinetics-oriented fluid resuscitation Strategy for lowering the application of catecholamine of septic shock in children
Authors: Wang Yi , Wang Weikai , Zhang Hua , Wang Ying , Guo Zhangyan , Ma Le , Zhou Yong , Du Yanqiang , Liu Li
Published: August 2023

Sepsis is a leading cause of mortality for children wordwide. Some studies suggested that initial hyperlactacidemia and central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO2) are associated with mortality in sepsis. Our objective was to compare whether SCVO2-oriented resuscitation strategies and lactate kinetics oriented resuscitation strategies differ in mortality in children with septic shock. 250 children diagnosed with septic shock between January 2017 and October 2021 were enrolled in this study, and they were randomly assigned to two groups, ScvO2-oriented group (n = 125) and lactate kinetics-oriented group (n = 125). The Trial Registration Number was 20230068 and the date of registration was June 1, 2023. The primary endpoint was the 28-day mortality, and the secondary endpoints included the mechanical ventilation time, 6 h and 12 h success rate of the resuscitation, intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stay time, the vasoactive inotropic score (VIS) and rate of arrhythmia. There were no significant differences in baseline data and 28-day mortality between the two groups. However, the norepinephrine(NE) dose was lower in the lactate kinetics-oriented group than that in the ScvO2-oriented group at both the 2nd and 3rd day. 6 h success rate of the resuscitation in the lactate kinetics-oriented group was significantly higher than that in the ScvO2 -oriented group (P = 0.037). Conclusions: Compared with the ScvO2-oriented group, the lactate kinetics-oriented group could improve the success rate of the resuscitation in the early stages of septic shock and reduce the application of catecholamine.
A Study of patients' awareness about anesthesia; A comparative study between two hospitals (Al-Mujtahid - Tishreen Al-Askari)
Authors: Ali Ali Mohsin , Habib Ali Basel , Ali Diaa Haj , Rakmani Najwa
Published: August 2023

Background:
Anesthesia is one of the vital and very important procedures in surgical operations, as it helps to relieve pain and reduce stress on the body during surgery, which helps to improve surgical results and reduce the risk of infection. Anesthesia is of great importance before surgeries.
Research Materials and Methods: A survey research was conducted using the analytical descriptive method in the hospital (Al-Mujtahid - Tishreen Al-Askari), starting from May 2023 AD until August 2023 AD, when the sample size that was calculated was (600) patients and medical files were used. The data were analyzed using the statistical analysis program (SPSS) version No. (24) and considering the variable as statistically significant when the value of the significance level (P-Value) is less than (0.05).
Results: about half of the participants in the study were previously familiar with anesthesia, but a very small percentage of them were aware of the existence of problems related to anesthesia. There were medium percentages of patients anxious about anesthesia, with varying levels of anxiety for various reasons, most of which were related to vomiting, pain, headache, and hallucinations after surgery.
Conclusion: The general public is not aware of the functions performed by anesthesiologists, we need new ideas to educate members of society in general about the important role of anesthesiologists in the medical system as a whole.
Unique Measure for Time-Dependent Random PDEs
Authors: Varner Gregory
Published: August 2023

This paper proves the uniqueness of measure for time-inhomogeneous random
dynamical systems that exhibit particular controllability and coupling
conditions. This is done by extending a result for uniqueness of measure for timehomogeneous
Markov processes to the time-inhomogeneous case, showing that
the Markov process is exponentially mixing in the dual-Lipschitz norm. It is then
shown that the 2D Navier-Stokes equations on the sphere with a time-dependent
deterministic force and a ”kick”-type random perturbation satisfy the conditions
and thus have a unique limiting measure.

MSC Classification: 35Q30 , 60H15 , 60J05 , 93C20 , 35R01 , 60J99
A Guidance System for Robotic Welding Based on an Improved YOLOv5 Algorithm with a RealSense Depth Camera
Authors: Li Maoyong , Huang Jiqiang , Xue Long , Zhang Ruiying
Published: August 2023

Vision-based automatic welding guidance technology plays an essential role in robotic welding. A laser vision sensor (LVS) relies on manual intervention to guide the robot when near the workpiece, which reducesthe autonomy of the welding robot and productivity. To solve this problem, a robot welding guidance system based on an improved YOLOv5 algorithm with a RealSense Depth Camera was proposed. A coordinate attention (CA) module was embedded in the original YOLOv5 algorithm to improve the accuracy of weld groove detection. The center of the predicted frame of the weld groove in the pixel plane was combined with the depth information acquired by a RealSense depth camera to calculate the actual position of the weld groove. Subsequently, the robot was guided to approach and move over the workpiece. Then, the LVS was used to guide the welding torch installed at the end of the robot to move along the centerline of the weld groove and complete welding tasks. The feasibility of the proposed method was verified by experiments. The maximum error was 2.9 mm in guiding experiments conducted with a distance of 300 mm between the depth camera and the workpiece. The percentage error was within 2% in guidance experiments conducted with distances from 0.3 m to 2 m. The system combines the advantages of the depth camera for accurate positioning within a large field and the LVS for high accuracy. Once the position of the weld groove of the workpiece to be welded has been determined, the LVS combined with the robot can easily track the weld groove and realize the welding operation without manual intervention.
Musashi-2(MSI2) promotes neuroblastoma tumorigenesis through targeting MYC-mediated G6PD transcriptional activation
Authors: Jiang Ping , Zhang Ting , Wu Bin , Li Xiaoqing , Fu Mingpeng , Xu Banglao
Published: August 2023

Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most deadliest pediatric solid tumor due to its rapid proliferation. Aberrant expression of MYCN is deemed as the most remarkable feature for the predictive hallmark of NB progression and recurrence. However, the phenomenon that only detection of MYCN in the nearly 20% of NB patients hints that there should be other vital oncogenes in the progression of NB. Here, we firstly show that Musashi-2(MSI2) mRNA is augmented by analyzing public GEO datasets in the malignant stage according to International Neuroblastoma Staging System (INSS) stages. Although accumulating evidences uncover the emerging roles of MSI2(Musashi-2) in several cancers, the regulatory functions and underlying mechanisms of MSI2 in NB remain under-investigated. Herein, we identified that high-expressed MSI2 and low-expressed n-Myc group accounts for 43.1% of total NB clinical samples (n = 65). Meanwhile, MSI2 expression is profoundly upregulated along with NB malignancy and negatively associated with the survival outcome of NB patients in the NB tissue microarray (NB: n = 65;Ganglioneuroblastoma [GNB]: n = 31; Ganglioneuroma [GN]: n = 27). In vitro, our results revealed that MSI2 promoted migration, invasion, and proliferation of NB cells via enhancing pentose phosphate pathway. Mechanistically, MSI2 upregulated the key enzyme Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) via directly binding to 3'-untranslated regions (UTRs) of c-Myc mRNA to facilitate its stability, resulting in enhancing pentose phosphate pathway. Our findings reveal that MSI2 promotes pentose phosphate pathway via activating c-Myc-G6PD signaling, suggesting that MSI2 exhibits a novel and powerful target for the diagnosis and treatment of NB.
Application of pseudo-3D sub-bottom profile imaging technology in small submarine target detection
Authors: Li Tianguang , Huang Zhiqing , Zhang Xiaobo , Meng Fansheng , Pei Yifan , Guo Jiali
Published: August 2023

The sub-bottom profiler is a valuable tool for obtaining high-resolution shallow stratigraphic data in marine geological and geophysical surveys. To detect and acquire the structural characteristics of small submarine objects, we developed a data processing method that utilizes 2D data to construct a 3D structural model. We conducted application experiments using sub-bottom profile detection data from Chuanshan Islands, which were explored using China's most advanced unmanned exploration platform and commercial shallow formation profiling system. To generate high-resolution 3D seafloor structure models from recorded 2D sub-bottom profile data sets, we designed an optimal data processing sequence consisting of two stages: 2D data processing and 3D data processing. The 2D data processing stage includes spectrum analysis, band-pass filtering, matching filtering, time-varying gain, and surge correction. The 3D data processing stage includes ping location reallocation, static correction, and feature layer information extraction. In the final pseudo-3D sub-bottom profile time slice, the amplitude variation near the target body is very obvious. To further improve the precision of target body characterization, we used ArcScene 10.0 to create a 3D sub-bottom profile formation model spatial database. We constructed a submarine 3D formation structure model to show the 3D structural characteristics of the target body in detail, and identified a seabed target body measuring 6.4m × 9.2m × 10m.
Influenza activity and regional mortality for non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Kinslow Connor , Liu Yi , Zuev Konstantin M. , Chaudhary Kunal R. , Wang Tony J.C. , Donalek Ciro , Amori Michael , Cheng Simon K. , Wang Yuankun
Published: August 2023

Background:
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States and worldwide. While influenza illness is known to be particularly dangerous for frail and elderly patients, the relationship between influenza illness and outcomes in cancer patients remains largely unknown.
Methods:
The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database was queried to identify patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) diagnosed between 2009 and 2015. Influenza-like illness (ILI) activity, provided by the Outpatient Influenza-like Illness Surveillance Network of the Center of Disease for Control and Prevention, was merged with the SEER dataset on the state-month level. Regional monthly mortality rates were compared during low versus high flu months.
Results:
202,485 patients with NSCLC from 13 SEER-reporting states were included in the analysis. 53 of 1,049 state-months (5.1%) had high flu activity. Monthly mortality rates during low and high flu months were 0.041 (95% CI 0.041 – 0.042) and 0.051 (95% CI 0.050 – 0.053), respectively (RR = 1.24 [95% CI 1.21 – 1.27]). The association between ILI activity and mortality was observed at the individual state level and in all clinical and regional subgroups.
Conclusion:
Increased influenza activity is associated with higher mortality rates for NSCLC patients. Vaccine-directed initiatives and increased awareness amongst providers will be necessary to address the growing but potentially preventable burden of influenza-related cancer deaths in the U.S.
Long-time preservation of correlations through the interactions among cavities as engineered environments
Authors: Berrada Kamal , Eleuch H
Published: August 2023

In this present manuscript, we explore the possibility to preserve and manipulate of classical and quantum correlations initially present in a system of qubits, where each qubit is immersed in a cavity that is interacted with another cavity as an engineered environment. We consider the qubit entropy, entanglement of formation, quantum discord, and classical correlation for Markovian and non-Markovian regimes. We find that the correlations can be maintained and enhanced during the dynamics, which is a useful dynamical feature, by adjusting the strength coupling constant between cavities for weak- and strong- coupling regime (W- and S-CR). In particular, we have found that, for the case of perfect cavities, high values of correlations can be achieved during the evolution with respect to the strength coupling between cavities. The obtained results can provide more hints for future studies on the control of correlations with optimal conditions. By a specific selection of the model parameters, long-time preservation of correlations can be achieved without being affected by the decoherence.
“Lakshya” A Novel Virtual Laboratory based on Django framework to conduct experiments in the area of Machine Learning, Signal processing and Communication
Authors: Shivaprasad  , S Dinesha A
Published: August 2023

Practical laboratories are essential for advancing students' professional aspirations because they allow them to learn by doing. The paper proposes creating a virtual lab(V-lab) to improve students' learning and observational skills and prepare them for the workplace. Excellent instructions on how to carry out experiments with legitimate client inputs are provided by V-lab. Students can perform experiments in the fields of machine learning, signal processing, and digital communication by visiting to the website https://lakshya.vcetputtur.ac.in. The intelligent webserver designed had been used frequently by third year Electronics and Communication students of VCET, Puttur to conduct Digital Signal Processing Laboratory and Advanced Communication Laboratory experiments. Final year undergraduate students pursuing projects in the area of ML found this website helpful, as it provided information about Classification report, Confusion matrix and Accuracy in one step. A Comparative study of various ML algorithms (Available in VLab) applied on Iris flower and Lung cancer dataset is provided in results and discussion section to justify the use of V-Lab in ML area. Results shows RBF based SVM classifier produced best accuracy when applied on iris flower dataset. Logistic regression classifier produced superior results compared to other ML algorithms when applied on lung cancer symptoms dataset. The website does not require sign-up credentials, free to use.
Mapping nanoscale carrier confinement in polycrystalline graphene by terahertz spectroscopy
Authors: Bøggild Peter , Whelan Patrick , De Fazio Domenico , Pasternak Iwona , Thomsen Joachim , Zelzer Steffen , Mikkelsen Martin , Booth Timothy , Diekhöner Lars , Sassi Ugo , Johnstone Duncan , Midgley Paul , Strupinski Wlodek , Jepsen Peter Uhd , Ferrari Andrea
Published: August 2023

Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) can be used to map spatial variations in electrical properties such as sheet conductivity, carrier density, and carrier mobility in graphene. Here, we consider wafer-scale graphene grown on germanium by chemical vapor deposition with non-uniformities and small domains due to reconstructions of the substrate during growth. The THz conductivity spectrum matches the predictions of the phenomenological Drude-Smith model for conductors with non-isotropic scattering caused by backscattering from boundaries and line defects. We compare the charge carrier mean free path determined by THz-TDS with the average defect distance assessed by Raman spectroscopy, and the grain boundary dimensions as determined by transmission electron microscopy. The results indicate that even small angle orientation variations below 5° within graphene grains influence the scattering behavior consistent with significant backscattering contributions from grain boundaries.
Maltreatment of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico: associations with social capital and loneliness
Authors: Giraldo-Rodríguez Liliana , Manrique-Espinoza Betty , Rivera-Almaraz Ana , Salinas-Rodríguez Aarón
Published: August 2023

Purpose. Social distancing measures to contain the transmission of COVID-19 had some unwanted effects, such as loneliness, particularly in older adults. Furthermore, it is known that loneliness is a risk factor for elder abuse, while social capital could be a protective factor. This study examined the association between social capital, loneliness, and maltreatment of older Mexican adults during the COVID-19 lockdown. Methods. We used data from the wave 4 of the Study on Global Aging and the Health of Adults in Mexico (SAGE-Mexico). The maltreatment was evaluated with the Geriatric Mistreatment Scale. Social capital was measured at individual level, and two dimensions (structural and cognitive) were examined. Loneliness was assessed by 3-item UCLA Loneliness Scale. A logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between abuse, social capital, and loneliness. Results. The prevalence of maltreatment of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico was 9.8%. Social capital, structural-cognitive (OR=0.60; 95% CI: 0.37-0.94), or only cognitive (OR=0.46: 95% CI: 0.29-0.72), was associated with a lower probability of suffering abuse, while loneliness was associated with a higher likelihood (OR=2.36, CI95%: 1.59-3.49). Conclusions. Social capital can be a protective factor against older adult abuse when social distancing measures derive from a public health policy. Health professionals, social assistance services, and those who draw up public policy must consider that loneliness is a factor associated with the maltreatment of older persons and that restrictive measures must be accompanied by initiatives that promote the availability and accessibility of community help and other forms of social interaction.
Risk Factors of Non-motor Symptoms in Different Stages of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Jiang Jinlan , Jin Wei , Lv ZhaoShun , Xu Zi tong , Liang Feng ling , Li Lihong
Published: August 2023

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder and non-motor symptoms can affect the treatment nature of PD.
Aims: To investigate the clinical features and NMSs at different Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) stages among patients with PD, and the risk factors of common NMSs.
Methods: We collected the clinical characteristics of 193 PD patients and used binary logistic regression analysis to evaluate the risk factors of NMSs among three groups based on H&Y stage.
Results: The results showed that 87.05% of PD patients had more than one NMS. Clinical features varied across three groups including disease duration, right upper limb onset, motor subtypes, antiparkinson drugs administration and Levodopa equivalent daily dose (LEDD). Autonomic disorders were the most common NMSs in which the prevalence of constipation was the highest. For risk factors of NMSs, antiparkinson drugs were dominant. Longer disease duration was a risk factor for pain and urinary dysfunction at early stage, respectively. Gender and LEDD by disease duration might be associated with depression and orthostatic hypotension at intermediate stage, respectively.
Conclusions: Pain and constipation were the most common NMSs in PD patients. Chinese PD patients often turn to Chinese Medicine, especially acupuncture, to treat NMSs such as pain. Our study will help clinicians to accurately judge the possibility of PD patients developing certain NMSs and their risk factors at different H&Y stage, and to guide medication regimen to a certain extent, so as to better manage patients.
Technical system for mud loss analysis and diagnosis in drilling engineering to prevent reservoir damage
Authors: Zhang Heng , Wang Mingwei , Gao Yong , Nie Wancai , Wang Xiaofei , Li Song
Published: August 2023

Mud loss, the most serious formation damage in oil and gas well drilling engineering, is also an unresolved technical issue. To prevent mud loss, it is necessary to accurately understand and identify three key factors of mud loss, including the location of the loss, the time of occurrence, and the severity of the loss. The diagnosis of mud loss is a prerequisite for the proper formulation of mud loss control techniques. It emphasizes the integration of pre-drilling, drilling and post-analysis information to describe, characterize and predict potential loss zones. A mathematical model for loss probability evaluation was developed based on the theory of engineering fuzzy mathematics. It combines logging anomaly features and engineering data to predict the location of losses from drilling mud, and develops a loss formation identification method. Hydraulic fracture deformation is predicted by stress-sensitive experiments and numerical simulations, and the severity of the loss channels is quantitatively evaluated. Loss pressure models have been developed based on mud loss mechanisms, and loss pressures for hydraulic fracture creation, connection and extension have been applied to identify loss mechanisms and types. Mud losses can be identified by unusual engineering characteristics, including sudden changes in drilling times, cuttings, and mud logging. Real-time logging parameters can be used to monitor the loss process and predict loss trends. A framework for loss diagnosis techniques has been developed, which can help in successful mud loss control.
Dam failure risk analysis of earthen and rockfill dam systems: an approach based on a combination of an Interpreted Structural Model and a Bayesian Network with parameter learning
Authors: Li Yanlong , Zhang Yuchun , Wang Ting , Yin Qiaogang , Shi Ning , Xu Zengguang , Liu Yunhe
Published: August 2023

The risk factors of earthen and rockfill dams during operation are characterized by uncertainty, complexity, interaction, etc. The coupling of risk factors can be more accurately identified in the process of dam risk analysis. To effectively analyze the interactions between the influencing factors within the system, this paper proposes a method for analyzing the risk of earthen and rockfill dam failure based on a combination of the Interpretive Structural Model (ISM) and Bayesian network (BN) model with the parameter learning. Meanwhile, the parameter learning of the BN model using the EM algorithm reduces the subjectivity of expert evaluation. In this paper, we analyzed the interrelationships among accidents by using the ISM method through statistics and analysis of actual accident cases. We established a hierarchical structure diagram including a five-level structure to derive the direct, indirect, and fundamental factors that lead to accidents. The EM algorithm was introduced to learn Bayesian network parameters, and the probability of occurrence of each influencing factor of earthen and rockfill dam failure was obtained through BN inference, diagnosis, and sensitivity analysis. The three most important influencing factors leading to earthen and rockfill dam failure were identified as flood overtopping, insufficient spillway discharge capacity, and damage to the spillway structure. A multi-factor coupling analysis was also conducted on the earthen and rockfill dams, and the results showed that the risk of dam failure was greatly increased as a result of the coupling between the influencing factors. In addition, we also found that management issues play an important role in earthen and rockfill dam failures and are key influencing factors that cannot be ignored. This method can be effectively applied to identify and analyze the influencing factors of earthen and rockfill dam failure in China.
Deep Learning Pneumoconiosis Staging and Diagnosis System Based on Multi-stage Joint Approach
Authors: Liu Chang , Fang Yeqi , Xie YuHuan , Li Xin , Zheng Hao , Wu Dongsheng , Zhang Tao
Published: August 2023

Background: Pneumoconiosis has a significant impact on the quality of patient survival due to its difficult staging diagnosis and poor prognosis. This study aims to develop a computer-aided diagnostic system for the screening and staging pneumoconiosis based on a multi-stage joint deep learning approach using X-ray chest radiographs of pneumoconiosis patients.
Methods: In this study, a total of 498 medical chest radiographs, from the Department of Radiology of West China Fourth Hospital. The dataset was randomly divided into a training set and a test set at a ratio of 4:1. Following histogram equalization for image enhancement, the images were segmented using the U-Net model and staging was predicted using a convolutional neural network classification model. We first used Efficient-Net for multi-classification staging diagnosis, but the results showed that stage I/II of pneumoconiosis was difficult to diagnose. Therefore, based on clinical practice we continued to improve the model by using Res-Net 34 Multi-stage joint method.
Results: Of the 498 cases collected, the classification model using the Efficient-Net achieved an accuracy of 83% with a Quadratic Weighted Kappa (QWK) score of 0.889. The classification model using the multi-stage joint approach of Res-Net 34 achieved an accuracy of 89% with an area under the curve(AUC) of 0.98 and a high QWK score of 0.94.
Conclusions: In this study, the diagnostic accuracy of pneumoconiosis staging was significantly improved by an innovative combined multi-stage approach, which provides a reference for clinical application and pneumoconiosis screening.
Major Depressive Disorder is Associated with Mitochondrial ND6 T14502C Mutation in Two Han Chinese Families
Authors: Jing Pan , Yu Haihang , Wu Tingting , Yu Bihua , Liang Ming , Xia Tingting , Xu Xuewen , Xu Ting , Liu Lingjiang , Zhang Xiaobin
Published: August 2023

Background Globally, the World Health Organization ranks major depressive disorder (MDD) as the leading cause of disability. However, the diagnosis of MDD is unreliable. This study aimed to explore the possible association between mitochondrial ND6 T14502C mutation and major depressive disorder (MDD).Methods Clinical data were collected from two pedigrees, and detailed mitochondrial genomes were obtained for the two proband members. The assessment of the resulting variants included an evaluation of their evolutionary conservation, allelic frequencies, as well as their structural and functional consequences. Detailed mitochondrial whole genome analysis, phylogenetic, and haplotype analysis were performed on the probands.Results Herein, we reported the clinical, genetic, and molecular profiling of two Chinese families afflicted with MDD. These Chinese families exhibited not only a range of onset and severity ages in their depression but also extremely low penetrances to MDD. Sequence analyses of mitochondrial genomes from these pedigrees have resulted in the identification of a homoplasmic T14502C (I58V) mutation. The polymorphism is located at a highly conserved isoleucine at position 58 of ND6 and distinct mtDNA polymorphisms originating from haplogroups M10 and H2.Conclusions Identifying the T14502C mutation in two individuals with no genetic relation who exhibit symptoms of depression provides compelling evidence that this mutation may be implicated in MDD development. Nonetheless, the two Chinese pedigrees that carried the T14502C mutation did not exhibit any functionally significant mutations in their mtDNA. Therefore, the phenotypic expression of the T14502C mutation related to MDD may be influenced by the nuclear modifier gene(s) or environmental factors.
Short- and long-term outcomes after colonic stent insertion as a bridge to surgery in elderly colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Shiraishi Toshio , Tominaga Tetsuro , Ono Rika , Noda Keisuke , Hashimoto Shintaro , Oishi Kaido , Takamura Yuma , Nonaka Takashi , Hisanaga Makoto , Ishii Mitsutoshi , Fukuoka Hidetoshi , Takeshita Hiroaki , To Kazuo , Tanaka Kenji , Sawai Terumitsu , Nagayasu Takeshi
Published: August 2023

Purpose: Colonic stents have been inserted as a bridge to surgery in patients with resectable colorectal cancer, allowing bowel decompression for systemic assessment and better preparation to avoid stoma construction. However, reports of short- and long-term prognoses for elderly patients remain limited.
Methods: This retrospective study reviewed 175 consecutive patients who underwent colonic stent insertion for bowel obstruction followed by colorectal resection between 2016 and 2021. All cases were diagnosed with stage II/III pathologically. Patients were divided into those ³80 years old (Old, n=49) and those <80 years old (Young, n=126). Propensity score matching was applied to minimize selection biases, with 41 patients in each group matched and analyzed.
Results: Before matching, performance status was poorer (performance status 3: 26.5% vs 4.8%; p<0.001), postoperative complication rate was higher (36.7% vs 17.5%; p=0.009), adjuvant chemotherapy rate was lower (8.2% vs 53.2%; p<0.001), and hospital stay was longer (16 vs 13 days; p<0.001) in the Old group. After matching, adjuvant chemotherapy rate was lower (9.8% vs 39.0%; p=0.003) and hospital stay was longer (14 vs 12 days; p=0.029) in the Old group. However, postoperative complication rates were comparable between groups (31.7% vs 26.8%; p=0.808), as were 5-year relapse-free survival rate (42.9% vs 68.8%; p=0.200), overall survival rate (66.3% vs 87.7%; p=0.081), and cancer-specific survival rate (68.2% vs 87.7%; p=0.129).
Conclusions: Colorectal resection after colonic stent insertion is useful for elderly patients, with potential to reduce postoperative complication rates and achieve good long-term results with appropriate case selection.
On Chip Modulated Scattering Tag Operating at Millimetric Frequency Band
Authors: Chiele Irene Dal , Donelli Massimo , Iannacci Jacopo , Guha Koushik
Published: August 2023

A miniaturized modulated scattering technique (MST) tag able to operate at millimetric frequency bands is proposed in this work. In particular, the proposed tag operates like a RFID tag, but thanks to the MST technique it does not require a radiofrequency front end. The information is carried on by modulating an interrogating electromagnetic wave with a suitable change of load impedance of the tag antenna obtained by means of an electronic switch. With respect to standard RFID tags, characterized by limited operative range, MST tags can theoretically reach any operative range up to kilometers. In this work, all the components of the MST tag are directly designed on-chip leading to a very compact design. In particular, the tag has been designed to operate at millimetric frequency bands up to 70GHz. The preliminary experimental results are quite promising, and they demonstrated the capabilities and potentialities of this technique.
Multi-effects of temperature and particle size on the filter-feeding rate of brine shrimp Artemia at different growth stages and densities
Authors: Li Ke , Wang Yudie , Du Guoru , Yao Xueliang , Bao Haiyan , Han Xuekai , Sui Liying
Published: August 2023

Brine shrimp Artemia is able to filter particulate substances non-selectively and continuously, which make it an useful experimental animal in aquatic toxicological study. In this study, the filter-feeding rate (FFR) of Artemia franciscana at different temperatures (20℃/25℃/30℃) and densities (20/40/75/100 ind./100 mL at two earlier growth stages; 5/10/20 ind./100 mL at two later growth stages) on three unicellular algae (Chlorella vulgaris, Porphyridium purpureum, Phaeodactylum tricornutum) and two sizes of polyethylene balls (30 µm and 50 µm) was determined at Artemia four growth stages. The results showed that the FFR was positively correlated with the ambient temperature and Artemia body length, while it was negatively correlated with the Artemia density and particle size, and one way ANOVA analysis showed that the above factors mostly had significant effects on FFR (P < 0.05). And the favorable filtration particle size of Artemia increased with its body length. The equation of FFR in function of temperature, Artemia body length and density, and particle size was obtained using multiple linear regression analysis: FFR = 0.487*BL + 0.067*T-0.01D-0.064PS-1.508 (R2 = 0.513). Of these four variables, body length had the greatest effect on FFR, followed by ambient temperature and particle size, and Artemia density. The results of this study provide a valuable guidance for proper feeding in the controlled Artemia production and standardization of experimental protocol of ecotoxicity and fundamental Artemia research, as well as facilities the application of Artemia in aquaculture wastewater treatment.
Interfacial microstructures of Nb 3 Sn–NbTi joints fabricated via resistive welding
Authors: Sun Wanshuo. , Cheng Junsheng. , Wang Lei , Chen Shunzhong.
Published: August 2023

Nb3Sn and NbTi superconducting joints were fabricated successfully via resistive welding technology. After long periods of heat treatment, Nb3Sn joints with a Nb3Sn block that surrounded Nb3Sn wires were prepared. The Nb3Sn block was welded together with the NbTi wires to form a joint without intermediate layers between them. The shortest path to conduct the superconducting current contributed to improving joint performance and reducing joint resistance. We investigated microstructural changes in Nb3Sn–NbTi superconducting joints. This type of joint has two interfaces: the interface between the Nb3Sn wires and the Nb3Sn block and the interface between the Nb3Sn block and the NbTi wires. Both interfaces are essential for conducting the superconducting current. We can improve our understanding of the underlying mechanism in the current path by investigating the microstructures of these joints. Results showed that Nb3Sn was welded together with NbTi, and the joint exhibited excellent performance. The resistance of the joint was lower than 2×10− 13 Ω under a background field of 1.25 T, which can meet most applications of Nb3Sn magnets.
Nutritional comparison and evaluation of two macroalgae, Sargassum ilicifulium and Padina australis, as partial substitution with fish meal in practical diets of Asian sea bass juvenile (Lates calcarifer)
Authors: Morshedi Vahid , Gamoori Reza , Yilmaz Sevdan , Hamedi Shirin , Ghasemi Ahmad , Shapawi Rossita
Published: August 2023

In this study, we used Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) with initial weight of 29.0 ± 1.0 g as the model organism to investigate the effects of dietary Sargassum ilicifolium and Padina australis on various aspects of growth and immune response. We formulated three diets in which fish meal (FM) was gradually replaced by S. ilicifolium (SIM) and P. australis meal (PAM) at a substitution level of 6% (SIM 6 (S6) and PAM 6 (P6)). The control diet (C) did not contain any macro algae. Our findings revealed that the group given the P6 diet exhibited significantly higher growth and feed utilization than the control group (P < 0.05). Our findings indicate that the inclusion of P. australis in the diet had a significant impact on red blood cells (RBC), haemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), white blood cells (WBC), lymphocytes, neutrophils, and cholesterol (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the S. ilicifolium diet resulted in significantly higher levels of total protein and triglyceride in the fish as compared to the other groups (P < 0.05). Our study showed that the group fed with 6% P. australis had significantly higher levels of immunoglobulin and lysozyme in both skin mucus and serum compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the group fed with 6% S. ilicifolium exhibited significantly higher levels of serum immunoglobulin (P < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences in alternative complement activity and serum lysozyme among all treatment groups (P > 0.05). After evaluating the activity of digestive enzymes, including protease, lipase, and amylase, we observed no significant differences among the treatment groups (P > 0.05). Additionally, we measured the expression levels of growth-related genes, such as insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), lysozyme (LZ), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Our findings indicate that the P6 group had significantly higher expression levels of these genes compared to all other treatment groups (P < 0.05). In conclusion, our research demonstrates that incorporating Padina australis into the diet of Asian seabass juveniles and partially replacing fish meal has positive effects on their immune system and growth performance.
D3 lymph node dissection improves survival outcomes in patients with cT2 colorectal non-well-differentiated adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wang Liming , Song Bolun , Chen Yinggang , Hirano Yasumitsu
Published: August 2023

Background: The extent of lymphadenectomy appropriate for patients with cT2 colorectal cancer (CRC) remains controversial. This study was conducted to compare survival outcome of patients with cT2 CRC after D3 or D2 lymph node dissection (LND).
Methods: Qualifying subjects (N=590) had undergone radical colorectal resections for cT2 CRC and weregrouped by tumor histological type as either well-differentiated (WDA) or non-well-differentiated (nWDA) adenocarcinoma. Each group was further stratified as D3 or D2 LND, according to extent of lymph node dissection. Propensity score matching (PSM) was applied to balance potential confounding factors, identifying independent prognostic risk factors by Cox regression analysis. Primary outcome measures were overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS) and relapse-free survival rate (RFS).
Results: Prior to PSM, OS and CSS differed significantly (p=0.001 and p=0.021, respectively) for D3 and D2 LND subsets of the nWDA group. Estimated hazard ratios (HRs) for OS and CSS were 3 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.3-6.8; p=0.0084) and 3.2 (95% CI: 1-10; p=0.047), respectively in the D3 LND subset. After matching, significant differences in OS (p=0.007) and CSS (p=0.012) were also observed, with corresponding estimated HRs of 4 (95% CI: 1.2-14; p=0.028) and 16 (95% CI: 1.2-220; p=0.034). In the WDA group, D2 and D3 LND procedures displayed similar favorable prognoses before and after matching. Postoperative complications emerged as independent risk factors for prognosis in the WDA group of patients with cT2 CRC.
Conclusions:
D3 LND improved survival outcomes in patients with non-well-differentiated cT2 colorectal adenocarcinoma. In patients with well-differentiated cT2 adenocarcinoma, D3 LND was preferential to reduce perioperative complications.
Life satisfaction, Hope and Self Esteem among Working and Non-working Parous married women living in joint families
Authors: Mishra Rupa , Gupta Shubhangi
Published: August 2023

The aim of the current study is to investigate if there are differences in hope, life satisfaction, and self-esteem between working and non-working married women living in joint families. The sample had 144 parousmarried women working as well as non-working women living in joint families. The age range was 24–55 years. Participants were from urban and rural areas. The hope scale, life satisfaction scale, and self-esteem scale were used. Results showed that there are considerable differences in hope, life satisfaction, and self-esteem between working and non-working married women living in joint families. Self esteem and life satisfaction have a significant positive relationship with hope. Therapies and counselling may help improve self-esteem and life satisfaction. Findings have vital implications for practice and underscore the requirement to help and encourage married women in their lifestyle. The results highlight the need for mental well-being promotion and also prevent low self-esteem in non-working women as an appropriate response to enhance their hope and life satisfaction. There is a requirement to be hopeful and positive in order to deal with low self-esteem and low life satisfaction.
Transcatheter ventricular septal defect closure with LifetechTM Konar-MF occluder in infants under ten kilograms with only using venous access
Authors: Ece İbrahim , Bağrul Denizhan , Kavurt Ahmet Vedat , Terin Harun , Torun Gülşah , Koca Serhat , Gül Ayşe Esin Kibar
Published: August 2023

Transcatheter closure of VSD remains a complex procedure in infants with technical challenges and carries the risk of significant complications, due to its complex anatomical morphology and closed proximity to the atrioventricular valves and the conduction system. In this article, we presented transcatheter VSD closure in infants under ten kilograms using the Lifetech Konar-MF device via only venous route without TEE guidance and arterial access. Between January 2020 and January 2023, a total of 34 patients weighing less than 10 kg who underwent transcatheter VSD closure antegradely with Lifetech Konar-MF device were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 8.1 (3.5–35) months. Average weight was 6.5kg (range 4.5–10 kg). VSD was perimembranous in 27 patients (79.4%). Successful device placement was achieved in all 34 patients. However, device embolization occurred in three patients. One of the patients was successfully implanted with a one size larger device, the surgical closure was performed other two cases. TR occurred in seven patients (20.6%) after releasing devices. None of the patients developed complete heart block. Right bundle branch block developed in two patients. Residual shunt was observed in 9 patients (six small, two moderate and one large). During follow-up, residual shunt disappeared in six of these patients and only mild residual shunt remained in the other four patients which have not required any further intervention. Transcatheter closure of VSD with Lifetech Konar-MF device is safe and effective in infants less than ten kilograms via only venous access with a high success rate and low complication rate. In these patients, transcatheter VSD closure can be performed by excluding the risk of complications that may occur due to AV loop formation, arterial intervention, endotracheal intubation and TEE use.
New infinite classes of 0-APN power functions over F2n
Authors: Zhou Huijuan , Zhuo Zepeng , Chen Guolong
Published: August 2023

Constructing new families of APN functions is an important but difficult topic. Up to now, only 6 infinite families of power APN functions and 14 infinite families of APN polynomials are found. In order to study APN functions, partially APN functions have attracted plenty of researchers’ particular interests recently. Yoshiara demonstrated CCZ equivalence between APN power functions can transform the cyclotomic equivalence problem in characteristic 2. And then Dempwolff generalized Yoshira’s result to any characteristic p. In this paper, we propose several new infinite classes of 0-APN power functions over F2n by using the multivariate method and resultant elimination. And the exponents of the power functions comes from the study of partially APN functions by Budaghyan et al. Furthermore, with the help of Magma experiments and established conclusions, we show that these 0-APN power functions are CCZ-inequivalent to the known ones.
MSC Classification: 12E05 , 94C10
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Health Professions Students on Mentorship: a cross-sectional study at a sub-Saharan African medical school
Authors: Tamale Elvis , Atuhairwe Irene , Ssemwogerere Arnold , Muhimbura Brian , Atimango Lorna , Malinga Paddy Derrick , Mulungi Jonathan , Ssekitto Joseph , Naigaga Josephine , Kintu Timothy Mwanje , Masood Kiran Mitha , Ohuruogu Victor , Ngonzi Joseph
Published: August 2023

Background Mentoring is “a process for the informal transmission of knowledge, social capital, and support perceived by the recipient as relevant to work, career, personal, or professional development”. Students pursuing health-related courses need access to mentorship and its benefits during their formative academic and career states. However, in Sub-Saharan Africa, many institutions have not fully embraced this despite the benefits of mentorship.Aim The primary purpose of this study was to assess medical students’ knowledge about mentorship and explore their attitudes and practices toward mentorship.Methodology We held an online cross-sectional study utilizing a pre-tested self-reported questionnaire targeting health professional students in the faculty of medicine under close supervision and review by the Dean Faculty of Medicine Mbarara University of Science and Technology. The collected data were coded and summarized using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.Results Two hundred eighty-three (283) students participated in this study. Of this group, 79.9% were aware of mentorship, 61% were willing to commit 1–2 hours a week for mentorship, and Zoom was the preferred mode of communication; 98.2% expressed the need for a structured student-led hybrid mentorship program.Conclusion Mentorship at Mbarara University of Science and Technology was considered necessary by health professions students in the Faculty of Medicine.Recommendation Future studies should explore accessibility to mentorship and the effectiveness of existing mentorship processes.