bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanical Evaluation of Touching Motion on the Skin Surface Elasticity by Indentation
Authors: Lu Chao , Sakuma Atsushi , Kitagawa Atsuko , Cui Shenglin , Kimura Hajime
Published: September 2024

This study aimed to develop a non-invasive technique for skin elasticity assessment and facilitate the prevention, nursing, and treatment of skin tears through an interdisciplinary study of skin-touching deformation behavior.
First, to study the elasticity of the skin of the elderly, the skin indentation modulus on the forearms of 28 elderly individuals aged ≥ 75 years was measured.
According to the measurements, the identified skin modulus ranges from 2.45-60 kPa.
Two-layer skin models were constructed based on the measurements and related references.
By analyzing these two models, an estimated model was proposed to assess the elasticity of the upper part of the skin by indentation.
In this study, the spherical indentation was considered relevant to finger palpation.
Subsequently, the touching deformation behavior of the skin was computationally analyzed using various failure criteria to determine the effective positions of stress indices in the two-layer skin structure.
Additionally, the collapse behavior of the skin is discussed for nurses to reduce skin tears, and it is concluded that patients with high skin elasticity should avoid tensile-related treatments, and those with low elasticity should avoid compression-related treatments.
BMP2 Pan-Cancer Analysis in Multiple Tumor Types of TCGA Datasets *
Authors: Liu Fangran , CHUNG Patrick Ho Yu , Wu Ka Chun , Lee Victor
Published: September 2024

This BMP2 is an indispensable gene in bone development and repair across vertebrates. The relation between BMP2 expression level and tumor genesis/progression has been reported previously. In this study, we use The Cancer Genome Atlas datasets (TCGA) to explore possible effect of BMP2 in different tumors. Among many tumor types in TCGA datasets, BMP2 has a higher expression level in tumor tissues in contrast with corresponding normal tissues in CHOL, GBM, HNSC, KIRC, LIHC patients. On the other hand, BMP2 has a lower expression in tumor tissues when compared to corresponding normal tissues in patients of BLCA, BRCA, COAD, KICH, LUAD, LUSC, PRAD, READ, THCA, UCEC tumors. Among ECSA, LIHC, LUHC, PAAD, THCA patients, a higher BMP2 expression level was related with a less overall survival time. In UVM tumor, higher BMP2 expression level correlated with less disease-free survival times. BMP2 have different expression in different stages of KIRC, THCA patients. Further BMP2 genetic alteration analysis revealed that gene mutation and amplification are the two most common genetic alteration in most TCGA datasets tumors. BMP2 genetic alteration has an impact on ACC, LGG, CESC, LIHC, PRAD, THYM, UCEC prognosis. The expression level of BMP2 has a positive correlation with tumor-associated ﬁbroblast inﬁltration in BRCA, HNSC, LIHC, LUSC, MESO, OV, PCPG, PRAD, SARC, SKCM, TGCT, THCA, THYM, UCEC, UVM tumors. The protein interaction plot showed that BMP2 virtually interacted with ACVR2A, BMP4, BMPR2, BMPR1A, BMPR1B, CALR and HSPA5 proteins. Further Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis result shows that BMP2 has the closest relation with TGF-β signaling pathway. In conclusion, this Pan-cancer study has unraveled the expression of BMP2 among various TCGA tumors, the related biological mechanism as well as the tumor-related prognosis.
Post-Operative Bleeding in the Bariatric Population – The Role of Serial Hemoglobin Labs
Authors: Markesbery Katherine , Meister Katherine , Tymitz Kevin , Kerlakian George , Fellner Angie
Published: September 2024

There are several initiatives to target different facets of peri-operative care maximize the value of the care we provide. There is one area of our peri-operative care where protocol driven recommendations are lacking– post-operative laboratory tests. Some institutional studies have shown that post-operative day one laboratory tests are rarely abnormal and rarely intervened on. Currently, our enhanced bariatric surgery recovery protocol at TriHealth has a very strong focus on post-operative VTE prophylaxis. This includes multiple hemoglobin laboratory tests in the first few post-operative days to guide our VTE prophylaxis regimen and possibly identify patients with post-operative bleeding. The purpose of this study was to investigate the necessity of serial hemoglobin laboratory tests in our post-operative bariatric population and help identify significant patient symptoms that can guide clinicians to pursue further laboratory investigation. We conducted a retrospective cohort study evaluating all patients who underwent primary and revisional bariatric surgery at TriHealth facilities from January 2016 to December 2021. We categorized patients into two groups for analysis: patients who received a blood transfusion and patients who did not receive a blood transfusion but had a significant hemoglobin drop over 3g/dL. We found that there is a strongly significant difference in the symptoms of anemia in patients who eventually require transfusion compared to patients who do not require transfusion with a significant post-operative hemoglobin drop. Our research suggests that bariatric patients with post-operative bleeding requiring transfusion will “declare” themselves with significantly higher heart rates and with significant symptoms of anemia.
Diffusion Tensor Imaging of Rat Rotator Cuff Muscle with Histopathological Correlation: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Lo James , Berry David B. , Tang Qingbo , Cheng Xin , Toto-Brocchi Marco , Du Jiang , Ward Samuel R. , Ma Yajun , Chang Eric Y.
Published: September 2024

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique that can be used to assess microstructural features of skeletal muscle that are related to tissue function. Although widely used, direct correlations between DTI derived metrics such as fractional anisotropy and spatially matched tissue microstructure assessed with histology have not been performed. This study investigated the relationship between scalar-based DTI measurements and histologically derived muscle microstructural measurements in rat rotator cuff muscles. Despite meticulous co-localization of MRI and histology data, negligible correlations were found between DTI metrics and histological measurements including muscle fiber diameter, cross-sectional area, and surface-to-volume ratio. These findings highlight the challenges in validating DTI with histology due to requirements in anatomical co-localization, necessity of high-quality histology, and consideration of diffusion measurement scales. Our findings underscore the need for further research with optimized imaging parameters to enhance our knowledge regarding the sensitivity of DTI to important features of muscle microstructure.
Comparison of in-hospital complication rates after transcatheter aortic valve replacement in patients with bicuspid versus tricuspid aortic valves: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zhu Tingxi , Luo Jiawei , Huang Xuan , Liu Lulu , Li Kehan , He Wei , Zhou Xiaobo , Guo Yingqiang , Yang Xiaoyan
Published: September 2024

Background:
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has become a popular alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) for patients with valvular heart disease (VHD), particularly for those with aortic anomalies.
Objectives:
The study aimed to compare the risks of post-TAVR complications between patients with bicuspid and tricuspid aortic valves and to identify associated risk factors.
Methods:
The association between complications and valve type (bicuspid or tricuspid) was assessed. The study also explored various combinations of factors to understand their impact on complications. Separate analyses were conducted to identify specific risk factors for each complication.
Results:
Out of the 1154 eligible patients, 508 had bicuspid aortic valves (BAV) and 646 had tricuspid aortic valves (TAV). The study identified 40 cases of acute kidney injury, 134 instances of new-onset permanent pacemaker implantations, 129 occurrences of paravalvular leak, and 30 device failures. The comprehensive logistic regression revealed no statistically significant association between complications and valve type (ORs: 0.52 (95%CI, 0.23–1.09) for acute kidney injury, 1.29 (95%CI, 0.87–1.92) for permanent pacemaker implantation, 1.29 (95%CI, 0.82–2.02) for paravalvular leak, and 0.54 (95%CI, 0.22–1.23) for device failure). Total bilirubin (TBIL), albumin (ALB), age, and New York Heart Association (NYHA) scores, among other factors, were associated with specific post-TAVR complications.
Conclusions:
The incidence of acute kidney injury, new permanent pacemaker implantations, paravalvular leaks, and device failures did not differ significantly between patients with BAV and TAV following TAVR. Specific risk factors for these complications were identified, highlighting the importance of careful clinical monitoring in post-TAVR management.
Prevalence and factors associated with water, sanitation and hygiene (wash) deprivation among children in Nigeria
Authors: Victor Chima , Kupoluyi Joseph Ayodeji , Oyinlola Funmilola Folasade , Tekun Segun , Anyanyo Ifeyinwa Uzoamaka
Published: September 2024

Background: Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) remain fundamental public health components critical for children's survival, growth, and development. In Nigeria, children under 18 years are most deprived of WASH, with about 70 per cent lacking access to facilities. There is paucity of information on factors associated with WASH deprivation in Nigeria, especially in the context of children. Hence, this study examine the factors associated with water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) deprivation among children 0-17 years in Nigeria.
Method: A secondary analysis of the 2021 Nigeria Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) was conducted to assess deprivations in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) for children, along with associated determinants. A merged dataset comprising a total of 22,058 weighted observations from both the under-five children and children aged 5-17 years was used for this study.
Frequency tables, pie charts and bar graphs were used to examine regional variations child health deprivation. Chi-square statistical test was performed to determine associated factors with child health deprivation in Nigeria at p-value of less than 0.05 level of significance.
Results: This study found that at least one-third of children in Nigeria were deprived of either one or more of water, sanitation or hygiene. Specifically, 32% were deprived of water, 40% were deprived of hygiene facilities and 67% were deprived of sanitation facilities. Across all regions of the country, more children were deprived of sanitation when compared to water and hygiene. Overall, wealth index and geopolitical zone significantly influenced access and availability of WASH facilities for children in Nigeria. Specifically, the education of the household head and wealth index are associated with access to sanitation facilities, place of residence is significantly associated with availability of water while access to hygiene facilities is significantly associated with the sex of the household head.
Conclusion: The study concludes that there is a correlation between factors and the increased likelihood of children experiencing water, sanitation and hygiene deprivation. Although the influence of these factors increases based on determinants and varies by regional dimensions, there are still insufficient implementation practices where deprivation is minimal, and this is influenced by household and other factors.
Applicability evaluation technology for steel small diameter pipes containing external surface corrosion defects
Authors: Li Qiang , Zhang Laibin , Wang Junqiang , Liang Qiang , Wei Donghong , Liu Xinling , Wang Tao
Published: September 2024

With the continuous operation of oil and gas stations and petrochemical equipment, corrosion defects of steel small diameter pipes of different degrees have been found one after another, which has led to pipeline cracking and media leakage and other problems, which have increasingly attracted the attention of the oil and gas and chemical enterprises. In order to ensure the safe operation of the small diameter pipes with external surface corrosion defects, the influence law of the size of corrosion defects on the bearing capacity of the small diameter pipes was studied by finite element analysis and test simulation method, and the damage mechanism and failure form were analyzed, and the failure pressure prediction formula of the small diameter pipes with defects was fitted. It provides technical guidance for the applicability evaluation of corrosion-containing steel small diameter pipes in oil and gas chemical stations or installations.
Learning the Therapeutic Targets of Acute Myeloid Leukemia through Multiscale Human Interactome Network and Community Analysis
Authors: Sivanathan Suruthy , Hu Ting
Published: September 2024

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is caused by proliferation of mutated myeloid progenitor cells. The standard chemotherapy regimen does not efficiently cause remission as there is a high relapse rate. Resistance acquired by leukemic stem cells is suggested to be one of the root causes for relapse. Therefore, there is an urgency to develop new drugs for therapy. Repurposing approved drugs for AML can provide a cost-friendly, time-efficient, and affordable alternative. The multiscale interactome network is a computational tool that can identify potential therapeutic candidates by comparing mechanisms of the drug and disease. Communities that could be potentially experimentally validated are detected in the multiscale interactome network using the algorithm CRank. In this research, we identify therapeutic candidates for AML and their mechanisms from the interactome, and isolate prioritized communities that are dominant in the therapeutic mechanism that could potentially be used as a prompt for pre-clinical research to focus on biological functions and mechanisms that are associated with the disease and drug. The results from the interactome and its combination with the prioritized communities are evaluated through literature search and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis.
BCAA was more closely associated with visceral fat area than subcutaneous fat area in patients of type 2 diabetes mellitus：a cross-sectional study
Authors: Cai Xinghua , Li Wenmin , Wang Liang , Shi Yingying , Gao Jie , Wang Hongping , Lei Tao , lu Jun
Published: September 2024

Background
Branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) has been reported to be associated with obesity, the association of BCAA with visceral fat area (VFA) and subcutaneous fat area (SFA) remained unclear in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted in 284 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Enzyme-linked immunospecific assay was used to measure levels of seral BCAA and branched-chain keto acid (BCKA). VFA and SFA were measured with bioimpedance analysis method. The association between BCAA and VFA was obtained using Pearson correlation and multivariable linear regression analysis.
Results
There were significant differences in the means of body mass index, waist circumstance, SFA and VFA among the three groups divided by BCAA tertiles (all p < 0.05). Compared to patients with lower levels of seral BCAA (the lower tertile group), the means of VFA and SFA were significantly larger in middle and upper tertile groups (all P < 0.05). However, the differences in above obesity parameters were nonsignificant according to various BCKA tertiles. Pearson correlation analysis also demonstrated that BCAA levels were positive associated with each obesity parameter (p < 0.05). Nevertheless, multivariable linear regression analysis showed that levels of seral BCAA were correlated with VFA, BMI and WC (all p < 0.05) rather than SFA after adjusted for other confounders.
Conclusions
levels of seral BCAA were more closely correlated with VFA than SFA, prospective studies should be warranted to further explore the mechanism mediating BCAA and visceral fat accumulation in Human beings.
Evaluation of training models for intraventricular neuroendoscopy
Authors: Senger Sebastian , Lepshokov Magomed , Tschernig Thomas , Cinalli Guiseppe , Oertel Joachim
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Structured surgical education has become increasingly important in recent years. Intraventricular neuroendoscopic procedures have been widely established. However, training surgical skills with these techniques is crucial for young residents due to the potential harm to adjacent tissue. Therefore, we evaluated two different training models.
Methods: Participants in two different international workshops were trained on a prefixed cadaver model and on a living murine intraabdominal model. Crucial neuroendoscopic techniques such as membrane perforation and tissue biopsy were performed. A blinded questionnaire evaluated both models.
Results: Sixty-three participants were trained on the animal model. Forty of these were trained on the cadaver model. The training effect was evaluated almost equally, with 8.5/10 for the animal model and 8.9/10 for the cadaver model. The tissue properties were rated higher regarding realism in the animal model, whereas the anatomic realism was rated higher in the cadaver model.
Conclusion: The animal model is a valid alternative to cadaver models for teaching endoscopic neurosurgical skills. This model benefits from the simulation of real surgical tissue properties, including bleeding. The low costs and availability of this technique make it more ubiquitous and can help train further generations of neurosurgeons.
Utility of ultrasound grading classification in assessing acute appendicitis severity in children
Authors: Honma Hitoshi , Masuda Yu , Miyamoto Ryosuke , Kondou Remi , Kato Shoko , Kaneko Kenitiro
Published: September 2024

Background
Accurate assessment of acute appendicitis severity is important for planning treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the utility of ultrasound (US) grading classification in assessing acute appendicitis severity in children.
Methods
We retrospectively studied pediatric patients diagnosed with acute appendicitis using US. US findings were classified into four grades based on the internal structure, and the clinical findings were compared among them. We also compared the frequency of complicated appendicitis (CA) among US grades in patients who underwent early appendectomy (EA).
Results
In total, 124 pediatric patients with acute appendicitis were enrolled. The mean age was 11.7 years, and 74 patients were male. Fifty-seven patients were classified as Grade Ⅰ-Ⅱ, and 67 patients were classified as Grade Ⅲ-Ⅳ. Grade III-IV patients were significantly younger, had lower body weights, and longer duration of symptoms than Grade I-II patients. Grade III-IV patients also had significantly higher body temperatures, pediatric appendicitis scores, white blood cell counts, and C-reactive protein levels on admission. In the EA cases, most CA cases were Grade III-IV (90.3%).
Conclusions
US grading classification may be useful for assessing the severity of acute appendicitis in children and assisting in making treatment decisions.
Frame-based stereotactic biopsies of brainstem lesions – Monocentric comparison of the transfrontal and the suboccipital-transcerebellar approach over a 16-year period
Authors: Kaes Manuel , Neumann Jan-Oliver , Beynon Christopher , Naser Paul V. , Kiening Karl , Krieg Sandro M. , Jakobs Martin
Published: September 2024

Objective
Both the transfrontal and the suboccipital-transcerebellar approach are frequently used trajectories for frame-based stereotactic biopsies of brainstem lesions. Nevertheless, it remains unclear which approach is more favorable in terms of complications, diagnostic success and outcome, especially considering the location of the lesion within the brainstem. This study compared the safety and diagnostic yield of these two approaches. Furthermore, a brainstem zone model was created to answer the question, whether there is a favorable approach depending on the location of the lesion in the brainstem.
Methods
A retrospective analysis of 84 consecutive cases of frame-based stereotactic biopsies for brainstem lesions via either transfrontal or suboccipital-transcerebellar approaches over a 16-year period was performed. Clinical and surgical data regarding trajectories, histopathology, complications and outcome was collected. The brainstem was divided in anatomical zones to compare the use of the two approaches depending on the location of the lesions.
Results
A total of n = 84 cases of stereotactic biopsies for brainstem lesions were performed. In 36 cases the suboccipital-transcerebellar approach was used, while in 48 cases surgery was performed via the transfrontal approach. The patient’s demographic data were comparable between the two approaches. Overall diagnostic yield was 90.5% (93.8% transfrontal vs. 86.1% suboccipital, p = 0.21, Risk Difference (RD) 0.077, CI [-0.0550, 0.2090]). Complications occurred in 11 cases (total complication rate: 13.1%; 12.5% transfrontal vs. 13.9% suboccipital, p = 0.55, RD 0.014, CI [-0.1607, 0.1327]). The brainstem model showed a more frequent use of the suboccipital approach in lesions of the dorsal pons. The transfrontal approach was used more frequently in mesencephalic targets. No significant differences in terms of complications and diagnostic yield were observed, even though complications in medullary lesions appeared higher using the transfrontal approach.
Conclusions
This study showed, that if the approaches are used for their intended target locations there are no significant differences between the transfrontal and the suboccipital-transcerebellar approach for frame-based stereotactic biopsies of brainstem lesions in terms of diagnostic yield and safety. Therefore, our data suggests that both approaches should be considered for stereotactic biopsy of brainstem lesions.
Evaluation of surface soil quality and land suitability for agricultural soils affected by soil erosion
Authors: USMAN Suleiman , Jayeoba James O , AMANA Sani M.
Published: September 2024

Globally, soil erosion is an important environmental factor affecting most agricultural lands, particularly dryland areas where vegetation cover is limited. This study, based on two assessments, was aimed at addressing the physical impact of soil erosion in dryland areas of Kebbi State, Nigeria. Soil erosion was assessed from the visual appearance of different erosion types and their resulting deposition patterns. In the first assessment, six types of soil erosion were evaluated: sheet, rill, gully, winnowing, mass-movement and dry-mechanical. These six types of soil erosion have slight, moderate or severe degrees of impact. Additionally, eight different shapes of rill and gully erosion were classified based on their physical appearance and the nature of their surface soil textures: C, I, J, S, U, V, X and Y. The V, U and Y categories described gully erosion under a uniform sand-silt soil texture, whereas the C, I, J, S and X categories described rill erosion under a sandy loam soil texture. In the second assessment, erosion was classified according to its category and degree of impact for soil quality and land suitability descriptions under the proposed specific visual soil erosion approach (VSEA). The physical soil quality classes Sq1, Sq2, Sq3, and Sq4 or Sq5 describe the surface soil conditions of the study sites at very slight, slight, moderate and highly moderate or severe degrees of impact, respectively. Ls1, Ls2, Ls3, Ls4 and Ls5 are the land suitability classes of good land, moderately good land, poorly good land, very poor land and bad land, respectively. Erosion significantly affected the potential productivity of agricultural soils (226 cm to 555 cm width and 116 cm to 213 cm depth) in the study area. However, important social factors such as poverty, overgrazing, lack of management skills, corruption and poor environmental government policy likely contributed significantly to the initiation and occurrence of surface soil erosion at the affected sites. It was very clear that the physical surface soil was damaged and that sustainable management was necessary.
Emergency Lifesaving Surgical Approaches in a Case of Homicidal Cut-Throat Trauma- Case report
Authors: Soundararajan Anand Shankar , Krishna Kesava Phani
Published: September 2024

Background:
Cut throat injuries are rare and require urgent surgical intervention to prevent life-threatening complications. This report highlights a unique case involving complex surgical repair of tracheal, esophageal, and vascular injuries following a homicidal assault, emphasizing the challenges and techniques used in managing such severe trauma.
Case Presentation:
A 45-year-old female presented with a severe cut throat injury after an alleged homicidal assault with a knife. The patient was in hypovolemic shock and required immediate resuscitation. Endotracheal intubation was performed through the transected tracheal segment, followed by surgical exploration in the operating room. Findings included partial transection of the carotid sheath, complete transection of the trachea, and oesophagus. Surgical repair involved using lateral prolene 5-O sutures for the carotid sheath, end-to-end oesophageal repair with absorbable 3-0 polygalactin sutures, and as tracheal repair was not possible posterior wall was approximated with 3-0 prolene and size 7 tracheostomy tube was inserted and secured. The patient was managed post-operatively in the ICU and was discharged in stable condition on the 25th day with psychiatric follow-up.
Conclusions:
This case underscores the importance of prompt airway management and surgical intervention in cut throat injuries. The meticulous repair of multiple structures and careful post-operative care were crucial in achieving a successful outcome. This report contributes to the limited literature on managing complex cut throat injuries and highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in such cases.
Do restorative strategy and delayed restoration improve the bond strength to Biodentine?: An in vitro study
Authors: Baena Eugenia , Escribano Nuria , Fuentes Victoria , Ceballos Laura
Published: September 2024

Background
Popularity of Biodentine use for vital pulp therapies requires to verify its bonding ability to other restorative materials. The null hypotheses were that different restorative materials and adhesive strategies did not influence shear bond strength (SBS) to Biodentine, nor its setting time.
Methods
204 plastic molds were filled with Biodentine, half set for 12 minutes and the rest for 7 days. Specimens were divided into 6 groups according to the strategy and material used to restore Biodentine (n = 17): 1) SE: Universal adhesive application in self-etch mode; 2) ER: Universal adhesive in etch and rinse mode 3) Bur: Roughening with a bur followed by SE; 4) Al2O3: Sandblasting with Al2O3 particles before SE; 5) RMGIC: Restoration with a resin modified glass ionomer; 6) SARC: Restoration with a self-adhesive resin cement. Groups 1 to 4 were restored with a flowable bulk-fill composite. Specimens were subjected to SBS, and mode of failure was determined. Additional specimens were evaluated under SEM-EDX. Data were analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis and U-Mann-Whitney tests (p < 0.05).
Results
Al2O3 and SARC groups showed 100% of pre-test failures. At 12 minutes setting, RMGIC group achieved the lowest SBS values. At 7 days setting, Bur group registered the lowest SBS, and the groups restored with universal adhesive achieved the highest values. SBS results for Bur and RMGIC groups were influenced by setting time.
Conclusion
Bur roughening or alumina sandblasting did not improve Biodentine adhesion to resin composite restorations, whereas the application of a universal adhesive achieved the higher SBS results regardless of the evaluated setting time.
Direct current electrical fields inhibit cancer cell motility in microchannel confinements
Authors: Naggay Benjamin Karem , Khomeijani-Farahani Saeed , Holle Andrew , Kemkemer Ralf
Published: September 2024

The capability of cells to sense and respond to endogenous electrical fields plays a crucial role in processes like nerve regeneration, wound healing, and development. In vitro, most cell types such as epithelial or endothelial cells respond to electrical fields by migrating along the corresponding electrical field vectors. This process is known as galvano- or electrotaxis. Here we report on the combined impact of micro-confinements and direct current electrical fields (dcEFs) on the motility of MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells using a self-developed, easy-to-use platform with microchannels ranging from 3 μm to 11 μm in width and 11 μm height. We found that MDA-MB-231 cells respond to exogenous electrical fields ranging from 100 mV mm-1 to 1,000 mV mm-1 with altered cell motility depending on the confinement size. Our data show an overall inhibited galvanotaxis in confinements, while in contrast an enhancing effect in unconfined galvanotaxis is found. The application of direct current electrical fields to microchannels not only caused a reduction in migration speed but also decreased the number of permeating cells. By applying 1,000 mV mm-1, not much above physiologically occurring EF-strength, single-cell permeation could be prevented in confinements of 5 μm and smaller.
Ocular First Diagnosis of Binocular Choroidal Lung Cancer Metastasis：A Case Report
Authors: Wang Qin , Zeng Feng
Published: September 2024

Purpose: To explore the early diagnosis and multidisciplinary treatment of choroidal metastatic tumors.
Methods: In this paper, we report a case of bilateral choroidal metastasis of lung cancer who was first diagnosed with ocular symptoms. The patient was a 38-year-old woman with blurred vision in both eyes, dark shadows in front of her eyes, and headache for 2 weeks.
Results: She was diagnosed with multiple metastases of lung adenocarcinoma after complete funduscopic examination, ultrasound of the eye, OCT, FFA, and systemic examination.
Conclusion: choroidal metastatic tumors are the most common malignant tumors in the eye, and are commonly found in metastases from breast cancer and lung cancer. However, due to clinical rarity and lack of characteristic manifestations in early stage, it is easy to be misdiagnosed and underdiagnosed, especially when the first diagnosis is based on ocular symptoms. Therefore, an early and comprehensive systemic examination isnecessary.
Retroperitoneal Single Port vs Transperitoneal Multiport Robot Assisted Partial Nephrectomy (RAPN) in Patients with Highly Hostile Abdomens, a tertiary referral center comparative analysis
Authors: Lambertini Luca , Pacini Matteo , Calvo Ruben Sauer , Anguiano Juan Ramon Torres , Cannoletta Donato , Pettenuzzo Greta , Maida Fabrizio Di , Valastro Francesca , Mari Andrea , Bignante Gabriele , Lasorsa Francesco , Haberal Hakan Bahadir , Zucchi Alessandro , Minervini Andrea , Crivellaro Simone
Published: September 2024

Purpose
To explore perioperative and functional outcomes in a cohort of patients with highly hostile abdomens treated with retroperitoneal single port vs transperitoneal multiport robot assisted partial nephrectomy.
Materials and Methods
Clinical and surgical data of all consecutive patients treated with Transperitoneal Multiport and Retroperitoneal Single-Port Robot Assisted Partial Nephrectomy between March 2019 and January 2024 were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed. The presence of “hostile abdomen” was defined as personal history of at least one major abdominal surgery. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess independent predictors of Trifecta achievement.
Results
Overall, clinical and surgical data of 247 consecutive patients were prospectively collected, of these 71 met the inclusions criteria and were retrospectively analyzed. No differences emerged in baseline features. Previous surgery proximity to the site of partial nephrectomy was found comparable among groups (p = 0.21). Retroperitoneal single port group showed a significantly lower operative time (171 vs 235 min, p = 0.02) and estimated blood loss (70 vs 100 cc, p = 0.04) while open conversion was significantly higher (9.3%) in case of multiport treatment (p = 0.001). A significative lower rate of major postoperative complications (7.1 vs 16.3%, p = 0.03) as well as 90-days readmissions (p = 0.04) was found in case of single port retroperitoneal procedures. Adjusting for age, BMI and CCI, retroperitoneal single port approach was confirmed as independent predictor of Trifecta achievement (OR 1.62 CI 1.18–2.35 p = 0.01).
Conclusion
Single port retroperitoneal approach confirmed valuable perioperative outcomes reducing the major complication rate and minimizing the overall surgical impact on patients as compared to the multiport transperitoneal group.
FOLFOXIRI for First-Line Treatment of Unresectable Colorectal Cancer with Liver Metastases in a Resource-Limited Setting
Authors: Hao Vuong Dinh Thy , Tri Phan Minh , My Doan Tien , Anh Le Tuan , Trung Lam Viet , Bac Nguyen Hoang , Vuong Nguyen Lam
Published: September 2024

Purpose
FOLFOXIRI is a standard treatment for unresectable colorectal cancer (CRC) liver metastases. However, limited data exists on its safety and effectiveness in low-to-middle income countries (LMICs). This prospective study addresses this gap in a Vietnamese LMIC setting.
Methods
We enrolled 92 patients with unresectable CRC liver metastases between 2022 and 2023. All patients received FOLFOXIRI every two weeks, with routine G-CSF prophylaxis to prevent neutropenia. A multidisciplinary team (MDT) assessed diagnoses and treatment responses. Outcomes were R0/R1 resection rate, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), adverse events (AEs), and recurrence-free survival (RFS) for surgical patients.
Results
The median patient age was 56 years, with a male predominance (70.7%). The primary tumors were located in the left colon (42.4%), rectum (37%) and right colon (20.7%). Thirty-two patients (34.8%) experienced severe (grade 3 or higher) AEs, with thrombocytopenia (13.1%) and anemia (9.8%) being the most frequent. Most patients (72/87, 82.9%) achieved a partial response. The ORR and DCR were 85.1% and 95.4%, respectively. Fifty-seven patients (62%) achieved resectability, and 54 (58.7%) underwent radical surgery. The R0/R1 resection rate was 88.9%. The median PFS and OS for all patients were 13 and 22 months, respectively. The median RFS of surgical patients was 14 months.
Conclusions
FOLFOXIRI improves the response rates, R0/R1 resection rates, and survivals for patients with CRC liver metastases. Future research is neccessary to improve prognosis of patients while minimizing toxicities.
Trial registration number:
NCT05362825 dated 5th May 2022
CMIP6 Projected Trend of Winter and Summer Variation in Arctic Cyclones over the 21st Century
Authors: Song Jia ning , Xu Ying , han zhejyu , wu jie
Published: September 2024

Using the simulation results from the CMIP6 global climate models, we calculate the projected changes of different kinds of Arctic cyclones (ACs)in the 21st century and examine the characteristics related to the Arctic cyclones under two shared socio-economic pathways (SSP1-2.6, SSP5-8.5). There is a significant decline of ACs during winter over southern Greenland, the Barents Sea, and the Gulf of Alaska. The number of Arctic cyclones has a significant circular decrease along the Arctic over most of the continent region in summer. By the end of the 21st century, the proportion of weaker, large-radius, and long-lifespan ACs will increase. The number of extreme Arctic cyclones will decrease in the future. However, the trend in the intensity of Arctic cyclones depends on the measure of cyclone intensity we use. Weaker baroclinic instability in the future is the primary reason for the decline of cyclone density in winter, but the situation in summer is more complicated. The number of Arctic cyclones in summer is affected by various factors like tropopause polar vortex and mid-latitude cyclones entering the Arctic. The positive anomaly of Eady growth rate can also cause the explosive growth of cyclones over the ocean.
Biodiversity of predaceous ladybird beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) in jackfruit ecosystem from the Gangetic Alluvial Zone of West Bengal, India
Authors: MAJUMDER TAMOGHNO , Roy Kusal , Naskar Manish Kumar , Adak Aloy
Published: September 2024

A potentially profitable crop, jackfruit has a large market. Insect pests of jackfruit not only reduce the production but also affect their food quality. For the biocontrol of various insect pests, ladybird beetles are important group of insects having immense potential. That’s why an extensive survey was conducted in jackfruit fields in 2023 to determine the prevalence of common ladybird beetles. A total of 1301 specimens of ladybirds were collected from six different sites in the Gangetic Alluvial Zone of West Bengal. Thirteen different ladybird species belonging to 12 genera of 5 tribes and 2 sub-families were recorded. The following 7 species belonged to sub-family Coccinellinae and tribe Coccinellini: Illeis confusa, Coccinella transversalis, Megalocaria dilatata, Anegleis cardoni, Micraspis discolor, Propylea dissecta, Cheilomenes sexmaculata. Only one species namely Novius pumilus represents tribe Noviini of the sub-family Coccinellinae. Three species from tribe Chilocorini of sub-family Coccinellinae: Chilocorus nigrita, Chilocorus circumdatus, Brumoides suturalis were documented. Only one species namely Jauravia pallidula represents tribe Sticholotidini of the sub-family Coccinellinae. One species Ortalia vietnamica belonged to sub-family Ortaliinae and tribe Ortaliini. Three species viz., C. nigrita, A. cardoni and N. pumilus are maximally observed and illustrated here with diagnostic notes to facilitate their identification.
Prediction of particulate matter pollution using a long short-term memory model in Zhejiang Province, China
Authors: Hasnain Ahmad , Hashmi Muhammad Zaffar , Bhatti Uzair Aslam , Wei Geng , Jinru Liu , Asif Muhammad
Published: September 2024

The quality of life in cities is impacted by air pollution, which is one of the most dangerous environmental problems that humans confront. Strategies for evaluating and alerting the public to expected dangerous levels of air pollution can be developed using particulate matter (PM) forecasting models. Precise assessments of pollutant concentrations and forecasts are essential components of air quality evaluations and serve as the cornerstone for right strategic decisions. In the current study, the Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) model, a deep learning approach, was employed to forecast PM pollution along with the meteorological variables in Zhejiang Province, China. The performance of the model was evaluated based on the cross-validation (CV), root mean squared error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE) and determination coefficient R2. According to our findings, the model performed well in predicting PM10 (R2 = 0.76, RMSE = 11.51 µg/m3 and MAE = 8.74 µg/m3) and PM2.5 (R2 = 0.74, RMSE = 7.06 µg/m3 and MAE = 5.41 µg/m3) concentrations. Moreover, from 2019 to 2022, there was a downward trend in PM concentrations, but Zhejiang Province saw an increase in PM levels in 2023. These results are reliable and motivate more efforts to reduce air pollution in the future.
Evaluation of Pulmonary Function in Long-Term Follow-Up After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy
Authors: Şahin Hatice , Şahin Murat , Bülbüloğlu Ertan , Kuş Celal , Akkök Burcu , Atilla Nurhan
Published: September 2024

Aim: Obesity is one of the most important health problems in the world. It affects all systems, especially the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Laparoscopic bariatric surgery is an effective method in the treatment of obesity and can improve respiratory functions. We aimed to evaluate the effects of surgery on pulmonary function in patients with obesity.
Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on a group of patients who underwent bariatric surgery. Pre- and postoperative pulmonary function tests were compared. Patients were stratified based on smoking status and presence of comorbidities.
Results: The study included 51 patients (82.4% female) with a mean age of 51.90 ± 11.57 years. Significant weight loss and reductions in BMI were observed postoperatively. Pulmonary function tests demonstrated significant improvements in FEV1, FEV1%, PEF, and MEF25-75 after surgery. These improvements were consistent across different subgroups, including smokers, non-smokers, patients with and without comorbidities.
Conclusion: Bariatric surgery is associated with significant improvements in pulmonary function in obese patients, regardless of smoking status or comorbidities.
Synergic impact of Aerosols and Humidity on Lightning Activity: Inference from Global Study
Authors: Umakanth Nandivada , Lal Deen Mani , Srivast Manoj Kumar
Published: September 2024

The study analysed the impact of aerosol (represented by aerosol optical depth, AOD) and relative humidity (RH) on lightning activities (LA) for distinct five locations around the world: South Africa (R1, 50N to -10S, 90E to 180E), North-western South America (R2, 20N to 50S, -770W to -670 W), Indonesia (R3, 100N to 17.50N, 1000E to 1090E), South America (R4, 310S to 210S, -610W to -530W) and North America (R5, 290N to 340N, -960W to -810W). Based on the study, it was found that the LA is not uniformly associated with AOD or RH individually, rather their synergic impact defines the LA. Results reveal that the association between RH and LA is weaker when AOD is high, such as for regions R1 and R3, whereas it was substantially intense when RH dominates (regions R4 and R5). Based on the study, it was concluded that the humidity per aerosol is critical in lightning formation and is more effective in assessment of the LA than aerosol or humidity alone.
Detection of hidden defects inside polymer tubes using anomaly detection with generative adversarial neural network based on terahertz scanning images
Authors: Kim Heon-Su , Kim Sang-Il , Kim You-Gwon , Park Dong-Woon , Lee Jong-Min , Kim Hak-Sung
Published: September 2024

Defects hidden inside a perfluoroalkoxy (PFA) polymer tube were detected using a generative adversarial network (GAN) for terahertz (THz) imaging based on anomaly detection (AnoGAN). The THz signals were analyzed with respect to the size and angle of the defects in the PFA sheets and tubes. The anomaly score distribution was derived based on the degree of deviation. THz images with defects can be classified within a 1% error based on the anomaly score distribution of the THz imaging data. Additionally, the AnoGAN model successfully distinguished the outlier regions of the normal images from the defective images.
Ocean–Atmosphere Feedbacks Key to NAO Decadal Predictability
Authors: Patrizio Casey , Athanasiadis Panos , Smith Doug , Nicolì Dario
Published: September 2024

Evidence has emerged that the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) may be predictable on decadal timescales, which may greatly benefit society given the significant climate anomalies that accompany the NAO. However, the mechanisms behind the apparent decadal predictability of the NAO, including the role of ocean–atmosphere interactions, have not yet been pinned down. In this study, the decadal prediction skill for the NAO and the interactions with the underlying ocean are assessed in retrospective forecasts spanning 1960–2020 using eight different decadal prediction systems (DPSs) and observation-based data. We find considerable spread in NAO skill across the DPSs and critically, that this is linked to differences in the representation of ocean–NAO interactions between the systems. Evidence is shown that NAO skill is related to a positive feedback between subpolar SSTs and the NAO, which varies in strength between DPSs, yet may still be too weak even in the most skillful systems compared to an observational estimate. We also report evidence that the positive feedback is opposed by a delayed negative feedback between the NAO and the ocean circulation, which is used to further explain the disparities in NAO skill across systems. Our findings therefore suggest that North Atlantic ocean–atmosphere interactions are central to NAO decadal predictability.
Bioinformatics Analysis of the Microsporidia sp. MB Genome: A Malaria Transmission-blocking Symbiont of the Anopheles arabiensis Mosquito
Authors: Ang’ang’o Lilian M. , Herren Jeremy K. , Bishop Özlem Tastan
Published: September 2024

Background
The use of microsporidia as a disease-transmission-blocking tool has garnered significant attention. Microsporidia sp. MB, known for its ability to block malaria development in mosquitoes, is an optimal candidate for supplementing existing malaria vector control methods due to its sustainability over generations, via both vertical and horizontal transmission, coupled with minimal adverse effects on the mosquito host. The sequencing and assembly of the Microsporidia sp. MB genome from infected An. arabiensis has been recently reported, with a relatively compact genome of 5.9 Mbp.
Results
Here, we further describe the genome of Microsporidia sp. MB, highlighting its primary genome features, gene content, and protein function. The genome consists of 2247 genes, primarily encoding enzymes. We also show that the symbiont has retained most of the genes associated with the glycolytic pathway, unlike its counterparts in the Enterocytozoonida group. Genes involved in the RNA interference pathway were identified, suggesting a probable mechanism for suppressing host immune responses against the symbiont.
Conclusion
This study breaks down the structure of the newly sequenced Microsporidia sp. MB genome and highlights key components of the genome involved in the survival, metabolism and replication of the symbiont using a wide set of computational tools. Establishing a reference genome for this symbiont is the first step in understanding its biology and sets up future host-symbiont-parasite interaction studies.
Assessing the Stage-Period-Discharge Framework for Modeling Highly Unstable Rating Curves: A Case Study at the UHE Peti Carrapato Streamflow Gauging Station, Brazil
Authors: Eleutério Iago , Silva Francisco , Costa Veber
Published: September 2024

In the context of water resource management, it is known that the direct measurement process of flow rates in natural watercourses tends to be costly and time-consuming, making it common to work with indirect measurements by the so-called rating curve, which is not error free. Therefore, the general objective of this work was to evaluate the applicability of the Bayesian method called Stage-Period-Discharge (SPD) for assessing rating curves in hydraulically unstable river gauge stations, comparing two different approaches to heteroscedastic modeling of structural errors existing in the literature, as well as evaluating the information transfer capability between validity periods. To this end, a case study was conducted at UHE Peti Carrapato, a station with a high degree of hydraulic instability operated since 1954 and with 14 validity periods. The results indicated that a linear error model was the most suitable because it was more parsimonious. It was also observed that the transfer of information between validity periods, although it showed gains relative to prior knowledge, was impacted by significant errors in the context of prediction, which can be explained by the high degree of instability of the selected station.