bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Value of global longitudinal peak systolic strain derived by 2-D speckle tracking in detection of obstructive coronary artery disease
Authors: Areed Mohamed Fayez , Yossof Mahmoud Abdo , Wadie Moheb
Published: April 2023

Background:
Early detection of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) using Peak Systolic global longitudinal strain derived by 2-D Speckle Tracking in patients with chronic stable angina.
75 patients with chronic stable angina were enrolled in this cross sectional study, (Mean age was 56.69 ± 6.96 y, 35 were males), 42.7 % were diabetic and all patients were assessed by thorough history taking, clinical examination,12 lead surface ECG, conventional, speckle Echocardiography and coronary angiography in Mansoura specialized medical hospital from march 2017 to October 2017
Results:
Statistically significant decrease was found in GLS-Avg values in patients with obstructive CAD when compared to patients with normal coronary angiography (p<0001) and in patients with 3 or more risk factors when compared to patients with one or two risk factors (p=0.014), And when syntax score was increasing among patients with obstructive CAD a significant decrease in median GLS-Avg values was noted (p<0.001), but when regional systolic strain values were compared to affected coronary arteries no significant difference was found (p=0.844) i.e almost identical correlation between affected segments by speckle tracking and obstructed arteries by coronary angiography.
Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that GLS-Avg was found as a predictor for CAD disease in patients with chronic stable angina (p=0.028 with odds ratio 31.4 and 95% CI (1.85-535))
ROC curves were established and cutoff value was determined for GLS-Avg as -16 with 89.8% sensitivity and 100% specificity
Conclusion:
longitudinal strain derived by speckle tracking can be used as non-invasive simple test for evaluation of patients with chronic stable angina and as a predictor for presence or absence of obstructive CAD
Post-acute COVID-19 in three doses vaccinated autoimmune rheumatic diseases patients: frequency and pattern of this condition
Authors: Silva Clovis Artur Almeida da , Kupa Leonard de Vinci Kanda , Medeiros-Ribeiro Ana Cristina , Pasoto Sandra Gofinet , Saad Carla Gonçalves Schahin , Yuki Emily Figueiredo Neves , Landim Joaquim Ivo Vasques Dantas , Léda Victor Hugo Ferreira e , Correia Luisa Sacchi de Camargo , Sartori Artur Fonseca , Martins Carolina Campagnoli Machado Freire , Ribeiro Carolina Torres , Waridel Filipe , Martins Victor Adriano de Oliveira , Shinjo Samuel Katsuyuki , Andrade Danieli Castro Oliveira , Barros Percival Degrava Sampaio , Neto Eduardo Ferreira Borba , Aikawa Nadia Emi , Bonfá Eloísa
Published: April 2023

Background: Data on post-acute COVID-19 in autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARD) are scarce, focusing on a single disease, with variable definitions of this condition and time of vaccination. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency and pattern of post-acute COVID-19 in vaccinated patients with ARD using established diagnosis criteria.
Methods: Retrospective evaluation of a prospective cohort of 108 ARD patients and 32 non-ARD controls, diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection (RT-PCR/antigen test) after the third dose of the CoronaVac vaccine. Post-acute COVID-19 (≥4 weeks and >12 weeks of SARS-CoV-2 symptoms) were registered according to the established international criteria.
Results: ARD patients and non-ARD controls, balanced for age and sex, had high and comparable frequencies of > 4 weeks post-acute COVID-19 (58.3% vs. 53.1%, p=0.6854) and > 12 weeks post-acute COVID-19 (39.8% vs. 46.9%, p=0.5419). Regarding > 4 weeks post-acute COVID-19, frequencies of ≥3 symptoms were similar in ARD and non-ARD controls (54% vs. 41.2%, p=0.7886), and this was also similar in > 12 weeks post-acute COVID-19 (68.3% vs. 88.2%, p=0.1322). Further analysis of the risk factors for > 4 weeks post-acute COVID-19 in ARD patients revealed that age, sex, clinical severity of COVID-19, reinfection, and autoimmune diseases were not associated with this condition (p>0.05). The clinical manifestations of post-acute COVID-19 were similar in both groups (p>0.05), with fatigue and memory loss being the most frequent manifestations.
Conclusion: We provide novel data demonstrating that immune/inflammatory ARD disturbances after third dose vaccination do not seem to be a major determinant of post-acute COVID-19 since its pattern is very similar to that of the general population. Clinical Trials platform (NCT04754698).
WITHDRAWN: Analysis of heterogeneity in subpopulations of breast cancer using single-cell RNA sequencing
Authors: li guifa
Published: April 2023

Breast cancer is a complex disease with high levels of intra-tumor heterogeneity. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) can identify the gene expression profile of different cell subpopulations, revealing key subpopulations that drive tumor progression and therapeutic resistance. We analyzed single-cell RNA-seq data from 26 primary tumors from three major clinical breast cancer subtypes. We inferred copy number variation (CNV) and identified 8 clusters of malignant epithelial cells, with Cluster 1 being the most widely present in breast cancer. We identified 28 subpopulations based on gene-expression profiles, with five subpopulations shared by multiple patients. We identified specific ligand-receptor interactions between different subpopulations and identified key pathway-associated prognostic markers, including EPHA3, JAML, LCK, and SEMA3B, which could serve as potential biomarkers. The tumor microenvironment plays a significant role in tumor growth and metastasis. Targeting proteins involved in the interaction between cancer cells and the microenvironment, including ALCAM, CD6, and Adgre5, has shown promise in preclinical cancer models. This study could provide valuable information to identify biomarkers for individualized cancer therapy, which is challenging due to high levels of intra-tumor heterogeneity.
Research on the spatial correlation and formation mechanism between traditional villages and rural tourism
Authors: Li ZiYang , Yang MeiYu , Zhou XianLan , Li ZhiGang , Li HaiDong , Zhai FeiFei , Zhang Yan , Zhang Yunxing
Published: April 2023

In recent years, the survival and development of traditional villages in China have been serious challenges. Rural tourism is regarded as an important way to solve rural problems, and the combination of rural culture and tourism has become a new power point for rural development. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the spatial distribution structure between traditional villages and rural tourism. In this paper, rural tourism was represented by the rural tourism characteristic village (RTCV), and Henan Province, China, was taken as a study area to analyze the distribution pattern and spatial correlation of rural tourism and traditional village (TV) and discuss the relationship between the spatial correlation and regional natural environment and socioeconomic factors. The results show that the coupling of the spatial correlation between RTCVs and TVs in Henan was clear. They could be divided into 5 regions based on geographical factors. In addition, the research summarized 4 typical spatial structures between TVs and RTCVs in Henan based on the regional symbiosis theory, and the spatial pattern formation mechanism of TVs and RTCVs was discussed based on three driving mechanisms. The spatial structure of the two can provide reference value for other developing countries and regions to achieve sustainable rural development.
Why do Older Adults Decline Participation in Research? Results from Two Deprescribing Clinical Trials
Authors: Strayer Thomas , Hollingsworth Emily , Shah Avantika , Vasilevskis Eduard , Simmons Sandra , Mixon Amanda
Published: April 2023

Background Heterogenous older adult populations are underrepresented in clinical trials, and their participation is necessary for interventions that directly target them. The purpose of this study was to evaluate reasons why hospitalized older adults declined participation in two deprescribing clinical trials.Methods We report enrollment data from two deprescribing trials, Shed-MEDS (non-Veterans) and VA DROP (Veterans). For both trials, inclusion criteria required participants to be hospitalized, age 50 or older, English-speaking, and taking five or more home medications. Eligible patients were approached for enrollment while hospitalized. When an eligible patient or surrogate declined participation, the reason(s) were recorded and subsequently analyzed inductively to develop themes, and a Chi-square test was used for comparison.Results Across both trials, 1226 patients (545 non-Veterans and 681 Veterans) declined enrollment and provided reasons, which were condensed into three themes: (1) feeling overwhelmed by their current health status, (2) lack of interest or mistrust of research, and (3) hesitancy to participate in a deprescribing study. A greater proportion of Veterans expressed a lack of interest or mistrust in research (42% vs 26%, chi-square value = 36.72, p < .001); whereas a greater proportion of non-Veterans expressed feeling overwhelmed by their current health status (54% vs 35%, chi-square value = 42.8 p < 0.001). Across both trials, similar proportion of patients expressed hesitancy to participate in a deprescribing study, with no significant difference between Veterans and non-Veterans (23% and 21%).Conclusions The inclusion of older adults in clinical trial research broadens its impact. Understanding the reasons older adults decline participation can inform future strategies to engage this multimorbid population.
A Data-driven Approach to Revamp the ACO Risk Adjustment Model
Authors: Park Yubin , Buchan Kevin , Piconne Jason , Sim Brandon
Published: April 2023

Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) involve groups of healthcare providers
who voluntarily come together to deliver coordinated, high-quality care to aligned
beneficiaries. Many ACOs, such as the Medicare Shared Savings Program and the
ACO REACH program, can participate in alternative payment models that differ
from the prevalent Fee-for-Service model. In these alternative payment models,
providers and payers share financial risk to align the ACOs’ financial incentives
with the dual aims of reducing the total cost of care and improving the quality
of care. In other words, ACOs could profit by keeping their patients healthy and
preventing unnecessary hospitalization. However, to make this financial structure
work as intended, there needs to be a Risk Adjustment (RA) model to change
reimbursement proportional to a beneficiary’s risk; otherwise, ACOs may enroll
only healthy patients, i.e., adverse selection. While most ACOs adopt RA models
for this reason, the original RA methodology has mostly stayed the same over
the last several decades. As a result, some ACO participants have found ways to
“game” the system: to receive disproportional payments for the risk they bear.
To mitigate the waste, the federal government has added various post-adjustment
mechanisms, such as mixing the risk-adjusted benchmark with historical spending,
adjusting by a coding intensity factor, capping risk score growth rate, and
incorporating health equity incentives. Unfortunately, those mechanisms build
on top of each other in nonlinear and discontinuous ways, causing their actual
effects - and efficacy - to be difficult to disentangle and evaluate. In this paper,
we will summarize our lessons from operating one of the most successful ACOs in
the nation to help rebuild the RA model based on a data-driven approach. Next,
we outline the characteristics of an ideal RA model. Then, we propose a new one
that addresses such requirements, eliminating the need for a multi-step process
involving nonlinear and discontinuous staging. Finally, we provide experimental
results by applying this model to our ACO data and comparing them with the
current RA implementation.
Application of Hadoop Cloud Platform Based on Soft Computing in Financial Accounting Budget Control
Authors: Shuxiang Zhang
Published: April 2023

This article designs a Hadoop cloud platform system based on soft computing, and makes optimization research on its budget control application in financial accounting, stabilizing its solid position in financial accounting budget control. Based on this, the article improves the scheduling algorithm of the data migration module in the system, thereby optimizing the basic performance of the data migration module. By integrating the Hadoop cloud platform with the soft computing system, and using the Hadoop cloud platform to process big data, the system's query efficiency is fully demonstrated. This article also introduces the definition and theory of financial accounting budget control, combined with relevant budget control policies, and comprehensively summarizes the development status of a company's main business. Based on the era background of big data information technology innovation, we proposes an optimization strategy for comprehensive business budget management of an enterprise. The optimization plan addresses various issues mentioned above. By focusing on various aspects of enterprise budget management and strengthening the implementation of budget control processes, a comprehensive evaluation system for balanced budget management has been established, effectively resolving the above issues.
An experimental study on lung deposition of inhaled 2 µm particles in relation to lung characteristics and deposition models
Authors: Rissler Jenny , Sjögren Madeleine Peterson , Linell Julia , Hurtig Amalia , Wollmer Per , Löndahl Jakob
Published: April 2023

Background. The understanding of inhaled particle respiratory tract deposition is a key link to understand the health effects of particles and the efficiency for medical drug delivery via the lung. However, there are few experimental data on particle respiratory tract deposition, and the existing data deviates considerably when comparing results for particles >1 µm.
Methods. We designed an experimental set-up to measure deposition in the respiratory tract for particles >1 µm, more specifically 2 µm, with careful consideration to minimise forseen errors. We measured the deposition in seventeen healthy adults (21–68 years). The measurements were performed at tidal breathing, during three consecutive 5-minute periods while logging breathing patterns. Pulmonary function tests were performed, including the new airspace dimension assessment (AiDA) method measuring distal lung airspace radius (rAiDA). The lung characteristics and breathing variables were used in statistical models to investigate to what extent they can explain individual variations in measured deposited particle fraction. The measured particle deposition was compared to values predicted with whole lung models. Model calculations were made for each subject using measured variables as input (e.g., breathing pattern and functional residual capacity).
Results. The measured fractional deposition for 2 µm particles was 0.60 0.14, which is significantly higher than predicted by any of the models tested, ranging from 0.37 0.08 to 0.53 0.09. The multiple-path particle dosimetry (MPPD) model most closely predicted the measured deposition when using the new PNNL lung model. The main individual variability in measured particle deposition was best explained by breathing pattern and distal airspace radius (rAiDA) at half inflation from AiDA. All models underestimated inter-subject variability even though the individual breathing pattern and functional residual capacity for each participant was used in the model.
Conclusions. Whole lung models need to be tuned and improved to predict the respiratory tract particle deposition of micron-sized particles, and to capture individual variations – a variation that is known to be higher for diseased lungs. Further, the results support the hypothesis that the AiDA method measures dimensions in the peripheral lung and that rAiDA, as measured by the AiDA, can be used to better understand the individual variation in the dose to healthy and diseased lungs.
Secular Trend of Non-Communicable Chronic Disease Prevalence throughout the life span who endured Chinese Great Famine (1959–1961)
Authors: He Xiaoxue , Shi Xiaojuan , Pan Degong , Wang Huihui , Zhang Xue , Pu Lining , Luo Mingxiu , Li Jiangping
Published: April 2023

Background: Famine is a risk factor for non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs), which account for over 80% of deaths in China. The effect of famine on the prevalence of NCDs in terms of various age groups, time periods and cohorts is currently poorly understood.
Objective: This study aims to explore long-term trends in the impact of China’s Great Famine (1959–1961) on NCDs in China.
Methods: This study used data from the 2010–2020 China Family Panel Longitudinal Survey across 25 provinces in China. The subjects were aged 18–85 years, and the total number of subjects was 174,894. The prevalence of NCDs was derived from the China Family Panel Studies database (CFPS). An age-period-cohort (APC) model was used to estimate the age, period and cohort effects of NCDs in 2010–2020 and the effect of famine on the risk of NCDs in terms of cohort effects.
Results: The prevalence of NCDs increased with age. Additionally, the prevalence did not clearly decrease over the survey period. Regarding the cohort effect, people born in the years adjacent to the famine period had a higher risk of NCDs; additionally, females, those born in rural areas, and those who lived in provinces with severe famine had a higher likelihood of NCDs.
Conclusions: Experiencing famine at an early age or the experience of famine in a close relative’s generation (births after the onset of famine) are associated with an increased risk of NCDs. Additionally, more severe famine is associated with a higher risk of NCDs.
Tarlov cyst with self-healing cauda equina syndrome following combined spinal-epidural anesthesia: a case report
Authors: Chen Zhexuan , Lin Chuxi
Published: April 2023

Background
Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) after Combined Spinal-Epidural Anesthesia(CSEA) is a rare disease that most of the time need surgery to relieve spinal cord compression.
Case Presentation
A 34-year-old male patient underwent a procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids (PPH) under CSEA. Anesthesia and surgery were uneventful. However, the patient gradually experienced urinary retention, lower abdomen and back pain, changes in bowel habits and neurological dysfunction of the lower limbs when the catheter was removed. It was later determined that the patient had Tarlov cyst at the left S1 level in the sacral canal. Finally, the patient completely recovered 20 days after drug conservative therapy onset.
Conclusion
This case suggests that CES might occur even after ordinary CSEA. The risk factors are drug neurotoxicity to ropivacaine and Tarlov cyst, which helped to accumulate ropivacaine. The development of ultrasound-guided CSEA and an ultrasound atlas of the spinal canal are required.
“I just wanted more”: Hereditary cancer syndromes patients’ perspectives on the utility of circulating tumour DNA testing for cancer screening
Authors: Bombard Yvonne , Adi-Wauran Ella , Clausen Marc , Shickh Salma , Gagliardi Anna , Denburg Avram , Oldfield Leslie , Sam Jordan , Reble Emma , Krishnapillai Suvetha , Regier Dean , Baxter Nancy , Dawson Lesa , Penney Lynette , Foulkes William , Basik Mark , Sun Sophie , Schrader Kasmintan , Karsan Aly , Pollett Aaron , Pugh Trevor , Kim Raymond
Published: April 2023

Hereditary cancer syndromes (HCS) predispose individuals to a higher risk of developing multiple cancers. However, current screening strategies have limited ability to screen for all cancer risks. Circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) detects DNA fragments shed by tumour cells in the bloodstream and can potentially detect cancers early. This study aimed to explore patients’ perspectives on ctDNA’s utility to help inform its clinical adoption and implementation. We conducted a qualitative interpretive description study using semi-structured phone interviews. Participants were purposively sampled adult HCS patients recruited from a Canadian HCS research consortium. Thirty HCS patients were interviewed (n=19 women, age range 20s-70s, n=25 were white). Participants were highly concerned about developing cancers, particularly those without reliable screening options for early detection. They “just wanted more” than their current screening strategies. Participants were enthusiastic about ctDNA’s potential to be comprehensive (detect multiple cancers), predictive (detect cancers early) and tailored (lead to the personalized clinical management). Participants also acknowledged ctDNA’s potential limitations, including false positives/negatives risks and experiencing additional anxiety. However, they saw ctDNA’s potential benefits outweighing its limitations. In conclusion, participants’ belief in ctDNA’s potential to improve their care overshadowed its limitations, indicating patients’ support for using ctDNA in HCS care.
High frequency of fibular aplasia, tibial campomelia and oligosyndactyly syndrome in Peru
Authors: Gutierrez-Baca Wendy , Dongo-Cornejo D'karlo , Barriga Hugo Abarca
Published: April 2023

The fibular aplasia, tibial campomelia, oligosyndactyly (FATCO) syndrome is characterized by the variable leg anomalies. The genetic etiology of this disease has not been determined to date; however, it has been suggested that the genetic inheritance is autosomal dominant. The frequency of presentation globally is infrequent and this is the main reason for the low number of patient reports. We report the unusually high presentation of 14 Peruvian patients diagnosed at a single center with the clinical features of FATCO syndrome over a 13-year period. We compare and discuss the clinical and radiological data of our patients with those of the 14 cases described worldwide. In addition, the demographic characteristics, family history, sex, age, and concomitant anomalies are analyzed.
Prevalence of functional dependence and chronic diseases in the noninstitutionalized Brazilian elderly: an analysis by dependence severity and multimorbidity pattern
Authors: Reis Wanderley Matos , Ferreira Luciano Nery , Molina-Bastos Cynthia Goulart , Bispo-Junior José Patrício , Reis Helca Franciolli Teixeira , Goulart Bárbara Niegia Garcia
Published: April 2023

BackgroundDespite the advancements in knowledge about health care for the elderly, important gaps persist regarding the effects of chronic diseases as epidemiological markers of the state of functional dependence. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of the severity of functional dependence in the Brazilian elderly and its association with chronic diseases and to verify the patterns of multimorbidity by dependence status.MethodsThis cross-sectional analytical study used data from the 2013 National Health Survey conducted in Brazil. The dependent variables were moderate and severe functional dependence in basic activities of daily living (BADLs) and instrumental ADLs (IADLs). The independent variables were defined based on the questions applied to measure each morbidity in a self-reported manner and asked as “Has a doctor ever diagnosed you as having (each disease)? Multimorbidity was considered present for the elderly with ≥ 2 chronic morbidities simultaneously. The association between functional dependence on BADLs and IADLs separately by severity and the independent variables was verified from crude and adjusted estimates of the point prevalence ratios and their 95% confidence intervals using the regression model Poisson with robust variance. To group diseases into patterns, exploratory factor analysis was used.ResultsBADLs with moderate dependence were prevalent in 25% of the elderly aged > 80 years. Among the severely dependent, these corresponded to > 40%. For IADLs, the percentage remained high, especially for elderly individuals at an early age, approximately 60% for moderate dependence and 70% for severe dependence. When changing the condition from moderate to severe dependence in BADLs, in the presence of other mental illnesses and stroke, the probability of dependence increased more than four times in the case of other mental illnesses and more than five times for stroke. There was a linear trend for dependence severity, both moderate and severe, whereas for severe dependence on IADLs, this same factor maintained a linear trend toward an increase in probability as the number of diseases simultaneously increased.ConclusionsChronic diseases are associated with functional dependence, with greater emphasis on mental illnesses and stroke, in severe disability, considering their acute negative effects.
Intelligent recognition of English characters based on point cloud data model and artificial intelligence recognition
Authors: Li Xi
Published: April 2023

Currently, there are many character string segmentation algorithms, and these algorithms all have the common advantages of good versatility. However, they require a lot of calculations, path searches, etc., which lead to complex algorithm structures and high time and space complexity. This paper proposes an intelligent recognition model of English characters based on point cloud data model and artificial intelligence recognition. Moreover, this paper designs a data point reduction algorithm to eliminate and filter data points in the curve and surface fitting process, and uses comparative experiments to verify that the algorithm can reduce the number of data points used for fitting curves and surfaces while ensuring fitting accuracy, and improve fitting efficiency. In addition, this paper uses the processed point cloud data and the extracted and parsed two-dimensional engineering drawing data to improve the expression of the B-spline curve with the theoretical support of the B-spline curve and the B-spline surface. Finally, this paper designs a control experiment to analyze the performance of the model. The research results show that the model constructed in this paper has certain reliability.
Biological nitrogen fixation by legume cover plants in oil palm plantations: calibration of the ureide technique and effects of plantation age and soil nitrate
Authors: McNeill Ann , Pipai Rachel , Unkovich Murray , Banabas Murom , Nelson Paul N.
Published: April 2023

1. Background and Aims
To sustainably manage N in oil palm systems quantities of N fixed by cover legumes need to be understood. Current values are scarce, based on shoot N measures and do not include litter which releases nitrate as it decomposes. We aimed to quantify N2 fixed by legumes under oil palm systems in PNG and to determine if soil nitrate influenced dependence on N2 fixation (Ndfa).
2. Methods
The ureide technique for estimating tropical legume Ndfa was calibrated for Calapogonium mucunoides, Pueraria phaseoloides and Mucuna pruriens using 15N isotope dilution, and then used to assess Ndfa for legume cover under oil palms (2-25 years old) in Papua New Guinea. Amounts of fixed N in above-ground legume biomass (shoot plus litter) were calculated incorporating % groundcover. Soil nitrate under the legume litter was also measured.
3. Results
Legume Ndfa was highly negatively correlated with soil nitrate concentration but independent of palm age. Legume groundcover, shoot and litter dry matter, and quantity of fixed N were greater under oil palms less than 5 years old, decreasing under older plantations where solely C. caeruleum was present. DM and N content of litter were similar to shoots for legumes in plantations less than 6 years old.
4. Conclusion
The calibrated ureide technique can be used, together with estimates of annual legume N accumulation, to quantify N input from legume groundcover during the life cycle of oil palm plantations and other tropical ecosystems, in order to support more sustainable management of N.
Comprehensive Analysis of Single and Double Gate Organic Phototransistor
Authors: Bashir Ishrat , Amin S. Intekhab , Majeed Lubna , Rasool Zuber , Anand Sunny
Published: April 2023

In this work, we have done the comparative analysis of Single Gate and Dual Gate pentacene-based organic phototransistors (OPT). The opto-electrical simulations were done using 2-D Silvaco TCAD ATLAS device simulator. The SG-OPT and DG-OPT were simulated to provide deeper insight into behaviour of the two from both device physics perspective and quantitative standpoints. We have conducted an evaluation of both OPTs on account of the various important performance parameters at different electrical and optical bias over a wide spectral range. Our results shows how these different configurational OPT designs can influence the essential performance parameters while observing the variations in drain current, Current density, Energy band Diagrams and the various essential performance parameters such as Responsivity, photosensitivity, spectral response, quantum efficiency etc.
Impacts of oral health condition on the quality of life of hospitalized cardiac patients Oral health and quality of life of hospitalized cardiac patients
Authors: Corrêa Natália Castro , Ferreira Meire Coelho , Cutrim Rodrigo Costa , Tavarez Rudys Rodolfo Jesus , Lira Lyrian Lorena Freire , Leal Plínio da Cunha , Silva Robinson Sabino , Araújo Adriana Sanches Garcia , Dibai Daniela Bassi
Published: April 2023

BackgroundCardiac patients are unaware that oral problems can negatively affect their quality of life.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study with individuals of both sexes hospitalized in a ward and a cardiac intensive care unit, where sociodemographic and clinical data were collected. An oral bedside inspection was carried out, and the Oral Health Impact Profile questionnaire with 14 questions (OHIP-14) was applied to assess the impact of oral health on quality of life, which addresses 07 dimensions: functional limitation, physical pain, psychological discomfort, physical limitation, psychological limitation, social limitation, and incapacity. The Mann-Whitney test was used to compare OHIP-14 and oral condition. Univariate and multivariate Poisson regression evaluated the factors suggestive of an impact on health-related quality of life. Data processing was performed in SPSS.ResultsEighty patients were examined, and 68.8% were men, 73.75% had tooth loss, and 21.25% used partial dentures. Edentulous individuals (p = 0.004), partially edentulous (p = 0.002), with the use of dental prostheses (p = 0.008), had worse quality of life concerning oral health, and the factors most suggestive of explanation for this negative impact were coronary fractures (RP adjust. 0.026) and use of prostheses (RP adjust. 0.009).ConclusionEdentulism, tooth loss, and coronary fractures were the clinical indicators of oral health that most impacted the quality of life of individuals with heart disease.
Mandibular reconstruction after excision of recurrent odontogenic keratocyst using a novel mandibular distraction osteogenesis method– a case report
Authors: Lin Haiyun , Zhong Xiaoxia , Nuo Zhou , Huang XuanPing
Published: April 2023

Background Odontogenic keratocyst is one of the most common benign odontogenic neoplasms with a high recurrence rate. Its resection has the potential to lead to mandibular segmental defects. In this case report, we describe a patient with odontogenic keratocyst who underwent radical resection using a novel distraction osteogenesis (DO) method to reconstruct mandibular segmental defect.Case presentation: This case report describes a 19-year-old woman with odontogenic keratocyst of the mandible that recurred after multiple curettages and eventually necessitated radical resection. Mandibular segmental defect after radical resection was reconstructed using a novel DO method that involved directly contacting the segment ends of the defect without the transport disk. However, the distractor broke during the retention period, and a molding titanium plate was used for fixation. This novel distraction method achieved mandibular reconstruction and restored mandibular function and contour.
Characteristics of blood morphological and biochemical indicators in men performing various physical activity in cold - preliminary report
Authors: Teległów Aneta , Mirek Wacław , Ptaszek Bartłomiej , Maciejczyk Marcin , Godawska Dorota , Marchewka Jakub
Published: April 2023

Background The study determined whether winter swimming (WS) and running (RUN) affected blood morphological and biochemical indicators in men in the winter swimming mid-season.Methods There were 3 groups of participants, 10 amateur males each: running + winter swimming (RUN + WS), WS, and control. The blood morphological and biochemical indicators were measured in all groups after adaptation to cold in winter.Results In the RUN + WS group compared with WS, a significant decrease in mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration by 102.12% (within standard limits) and in platelet distribution width by 303.14% was observed, with a significant increase in red blood cell distribution width by 84.54% (within standard limits). Renal function expressed by estimated glomerular filtration rate was higher in the RUN + WS group by 91.11% (within standard limits) compared with WS and uric acid concentration was reduced by 124.9%. In the RUN + WS group compared with control, a significant decrease in leukocyte count by 150.12% (within standard limits), in monocyte count by 121.95% (within standard limits), and in platelet distribution width by 288.22% was reported. The remaining indicators presented p > 0.05.Conclusions The investigated forms of physical activity had no negative effect on blood morphological or biochemical indicators in male amateurs in the winter swimming mid-season.
Belongingness in undergraduate medical student placements: an international comparison study
Authors: Daniels Rob , Pattyn Thomas , Schoenmakers Birgitte , Buramba Eric , Denis Kato
Published: April 2023

Background
Belongingness has been proposed as a potential proxy for legitimate peripheral participation in medical education. Previous studies have shown good internal and external validity for tools designed to measure this variable, with potential use measuring the effectiveness of clinical teaching environments. This study examined changes in belongingness in medical students between 2019 and 2021 during covid related restrictions, and compared levels of belongingness in medical students in Belgium and the United Kingdom.
Methods
This study used a validated assessment tool that was self-administered via an online survey platform. Anonymised data was collected from undergraduate medical students from all years of training and results compared with previous data collected in 2019.
Results
The belongingness assessment tool described here good internal and external validity in undergraduate medical students in United Kingdom and Belgium, identified statistically significant changes in Belongingness (as measured with this tool) in undergraduate medical students during Covid restrictions and identified statistically significant differences between medical students in Belgium and the United Kingdom.
Conclusions
These results suggest that belongingness in in undergraduate medical students fluctuates and varies both between different demographic groups and under different conditions. The ability to measure this key facet of educational development has potential to monitor teaching environments to ensure optimal learning conditions for all students.
Morphological description of the glochidia of Buldowskia suifunica (Bivalvia: Unionidae): External and internal structures and organ systems
Authors: Sayenko Elena M. , Nikischenko Viktoria E. , Dyachuk Vyacheclav A.
Published: April 2023

Freshwater mussels of the genus Buldowskia (Bivalvia, Unionidae) are distributed from the Amur River basin in Russia and China southward to the Korean Peninsula and some Japanese islands. This work is an integrative morphological study of Buldowskia suifunica glochidia from locations in the Primorsky Territory, the Russian Far East. Here, we first detected that glochidia taken from the same gill have asynchronous development. We characterized the external and internal morphology of the shell. Here, we described the morphology of sensory system that consists of hair cells as well as nonhair cells with in three stages of larval development (immature, intermediate and mature glochidia). We detected muscle system is composed of massive adductor and minor muscle bundles. The FMRFamidergic nervous system turned out to be a complex system includes basalcells (neurons), their neurites and anterior neurons. FMRFamide and tubulin was found in all neurons. For the 5-HT nervous system, we detected only four 5-HT-lir neurons in glochidia. We concluded that B. suifunica glochidial nervous system differ drastically from those of the larval comparable systems of marine and freshwater mollusks. However, the general outline of the structure of the sensory, muscular and nervous systems is still preserved within the taxon bivalves.
The Comparison of Accuracy between Traditional Logistic Regression and Gradient Boosting Classifier Model of Artificial Intelligence in Predicting Diabetes Kidney Disease in Chinese – A 4-year Longitudinal Study
Authors: Wu Chung-Ze , Lin Chung-Yu , Chen Fang-Yu , Kuo Chun-Heng , Chen Jin-Shuen , Pitrone Pietro , Huang Li-Ying
Published: April 2023

Background: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) has been increasing recently in Taiwan which causes 43% of the total population of dialysis. In the present study, our goal was to compare the accuracy of logistic regression (LR) and gradient boosting classification (GBC) of artificial intelligence in predicting diabetes kidney disease (DKD) in a Chinese cohort.
Methods: Totally, there were 365 men and 320 women with T2D enrolled and followed for four years. They were further divided into quintiles according to the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Both LR and GBC were used to estimate the future DKD. Simple correlation was applied to evaluate the correlation between factors and eGFR at the end of follow-up (eGFR-FU). Sixty percent participants, as training group, were randomly sampled. The others were the validation group. The equations obtained from the training group of both methods are applied to calculate the receiver operation curve (ROC) of the validation group.
Results: At the end of the follow-up, the eGFR-FU significantly different in both genders. The baseline eGFR is negatively related to age, duration of T2D, low density lipoprotein, ALT, systolic blood pressure, but positively related to fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and creatinine in men. In women, the relationship of FPG disappears. The ROC for LR is 0.88 and for GBC is 0.97 for men, and 0.82 and 0.94 for women, respectively. Both findings reach statistically significance.
Conclusion: In conclusion, GBC could provide a better prediction compared to traditional LR in patients with T2D followed up for 4 years.
Using orthogonal Bernoulli polynomials to solve the linear Stratonovich Volterra integral problem system
Authors: Beyranvand Zahra
Published: April 2023

Using orthogonal Bernoulli polynomials, this article describes a method for solving systems of linear Stratonovich Volterra integral equations (OBPs). With the use of operational basis functions (OBFs), their operational integration matrix (OIM), and their stochastic operational integral matrix (SOM), we are able to reduce the original system to a set of linear mathematical models with unknown coefficients. The estimated error associated with the suggested approach is presented. The paper concludes with two related numerical examples to illustrate the methodology’s applicability and its efficiency relative to standard numerical solutions.
Hot spots and trends in inadvertent perioperative hypothermia: a bibliometric and visualized study
Authors: yanyan yang , Luo Lu , Shang Xue , Wu Lei , Sun Zhirong
Published: April 2023

Purpose: Inadvertent perioperative hypothermia (IPH) is a common complication of anesthesia and surgical exposure. Although considerably increased attention has been paid to the role of IPH over the past decades, a systematical bibliometric analysis on this topic has not yet been performed. This study aimed to investigate current research hotspot and predict future trends in IPH research using bibliometric analysis.
Methods: The relevant literatures published from 2000 to 2022 were identified and selected from the Science Citation Index Expanded of Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). The VOSviewer and CiteSpace software were used to perform collaboration network analysis, co-citation analysis, co-occurrence analysis, and citation burst detection.
Results: 1685 publications (1450 articles and 235 reviews) from WoSCC were used for analysis and visualization. The United States has made the largest contribution in this field, with most publications (535, 31.8%), and closely collaborations with China and Canada. The most productive institution and scholar in this field were University of Sao Paulo (30, 1.8%) and Professor Braeuer (19, 1.13%), respectively. Anesthesia and Analgesia was the most productive journal. The top ten keywords based on the co-occurrence analysis are “hypothermia”, “cardiopulmonary bypass”, “body temperature, “anesthesia”, “surgery”, “cardiac surgery”, “damage control surgery”, “perioperative hypothermia”, “trauma”, “bleeding”. The emerging research hotspot might be “active warming “, “prewarming”, and “forced-air warming”.
Conclusion: This study analyzed the IPH using bibliometric and visual analysis. These results provide an instructive perspective on the current research and future directions and give a potential foundation for further research and clinical applications.
Endoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy: is assuming topical anti-glaucoma medications a contraindication?
Authors: Pace Gian Marco , Giombi Francesco , Muci Giovanna , Giunta Gianmarco , Pirola Francesca , Russo Elena , Ferreli Fabio , Vinciguerra Paolo , Mercante Giuseppe , Maria Alessandra Di , Spriano Giuseppe , Malvezzi Luca
Published: April 2023

Purpose Topical anti-glaucoma medications have been investigated on producing fibrotic changes on the conjunctival surface, undermining the functioning of the upper lacrimal drainage system. The aim of the study was to assess whether these effects may impair the effectiveness of dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) in patients affected by both glaucoma and nasolacrimal duct obstructions (NLDO).Methods Single-center observational retrospective study on endoscopic endonasal-DCR (EE-DCR) via posterior approach. Consecutive patients were enrolled in 2020–2023 and evaluated with proper questionnaires; resolution of epiphora and dacryocystitis were analyzed after 1 (T1) and 6-months (T2) from surgery. Surgical success was defined as anatomical (patency at irrigation, no recurring dacryocystitis) or complete (zeroing of Munk score)Results 17 patients (29 operated sides) were enrolled. Preoperatively, 92.1% (n = 27/29) presented severe (Munk 3–4) epiphora and 69.0% (n = 20/29) recurrent dacryocystitis. At T1, 51.72% (n = 15/29) referred residual epiphora (Munk ≥ 1) and 17.20% (n = 5/29) dacryocystitis. At T2, 34.5% (n = 10/29) still complained epiphora (Munk ≥ 1) and 6.9% (n = 2/29) symptoms of dacryocystitis. Difference of outcomes at aggregate and paired timepoints (except for T1 versus T2) resulted statistically significant (p < 0.05). At T2, 20 (69.0%) complete, 7 (24.2%) anatomical successes and 2 surgical failures (6.8%) were observed.Conclusions EE-DCR in patients suffering from NLDO despite the chronic uptake of anti-glaucoma topical medications guaranteed high rates of clinical relief from epiphora and remarkable decreases in the rates of recurrent dacryocystitis, appearing as a reasonable therapeutical strategy to improve disease-related quality of life.
Network Analysis of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Goodwin Grace J. , Moeller Stacey , Nguyen Amy , Cummings Jeffrey L. , John Samantha E.
Published: April 2023

Background:
Neuropsychiatric symptoms due to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) can decrease quality of life for patients and increase caregiver burden. Better characterization of neuropsychiatric symptoms and methods of analysis are needed to identify effective treatment targets. The current investigation leveraged the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center (NACC) Uniform Data Set (UDS) to examine the network structure of neuropsychiatric symptoms among symptomatic older adults with cognitive impairment.
Methods:
The network relationships of behavioral symptoms was estimated from Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire (NPI-Q) data acquired from 12,494 older adults with MCI and AD during their initial visit. Network analysis provides insight into the relationships among sets of symptoms and allows calculation of the strengths of the relationships. Nodes represented individual NPI-Q symptoms and edges represented the pairwise dependency between symptoms. Node centrality was calculated to determine the relative importance of each symptom in the network.
Results:
The analysis showed patterns of connectivity among the symptoms of the NPI-Q. The network (M=.28) consisted of mostly positive edges. The strongest edges connected nodes within symptom domain. Disinhibition and agitation/aggression were the most central symptoms in the network. Depression/dysphoria was the most frequently endorsed symptom, but it was not central in the network.
Conclusions:
Neuropsychiatric symptoms in MCI and AD are highly comorbid and mutually reinforcing. The presence of disinhibition and agitation/aggression yielded a higher probability of additional neuropsychiatric symptoms. Interventions targeting these symptoms may lead to greater neuropsychiatric symptom improvement overall. Future work will compare neuropsychiatric symptom networks across dementia etiologies, informant relationships, and ethnic/racial groups, and will explore the utility of network analysis as a means of interrogating treatment effects.
The Prognosis and Immunotherapy Prediction of Cuproptosis-Related Genes in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Su Xin , Yu Na , Zhou： JiaWei , Guo Jiayan
Published: April 2023

Background To determine the role of cuproptosis-related genes in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, and establish a new prognosis model and provide a novel therapeutic target.Methods We extracted gene expression, mutation information, and clinical data of HNSC patients through TCGA and GTEx. Then use R, GEEA, SPSS to analyze Cuproptosis-related genes, include differential gene expression, prognostic analysis, survival prediction analysis, correlation pathway analysis, and immune correlation analysis. The clinical samples were used for immunohistochemistry and PCR to verify the analytical results.Results We analyzed 39 normal samples and 469 HNSC to show the co-expression relationship between LncRNA and cuproptosis-related genes. A prediction model was established in predicting the survival rate and the survival period of patients. The expression of LIPT1 gradually increased with clinical grading, which was further verified by immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR. LIPT1 is an independent prognostic factor of HNSC, and may be related to the occurrence of HNSC. Immunocyte reduction and immune escape existed in LIPT1 over-expression group.Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that cuproptosis-related genes can predict the risk, progression and prognosis of HNSC. LIPT1 is related to the tumor grading of HNSC, and it can be used as an independent prognostic factor and a novel target for HNSC immunotherapy.