bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toward quantitative characterization of simulated earthquake- cycle complexities
Authors: Wang Shiqi
Published: April 2024

Earthquake cycle simulations based on the rate-and-state friction formulation are evolutions of nonlinear dynamical systems (NDS). The term “cycle” implies an overall stable structure that is a phase-space attractor naturally traced out by trajectories of NDS as it evolves. Quantitatively characterizing these attractors should be a basis for measuring complexities of the simulated earthquake cycles, i.e. to determine if and how regular or chaotic they are. I first revisit the textbook-standard quasi-dynamic spring-slider system from an NDS perspective, explicitly showing the attractors, their relationship with the parameters of the NDS, and how they can be characterized taken advantage of their low-dimensionality while aiming to extend the analysis to high-dimensionality. I evaluate two approaches, computing the Lyapunov exponents (LEs) and measuring correlation dimensions, with the simple spring-slider and earthquake-cycle examples whose phase-space attractors can be visually verified. I conclude LEs are too inconvenient and computationally expensive to use whereas measuring correlation dimensions is an easy and effective approach even with highly non-uniform time sampling present in all simulations. For earthquake-cycle simulations, an attractor reconstruction is performed based on Taken’s theorem to corroborate my correlation-dimension results. The current method is limited in its ability to detect chaos in a dichotomous manner, which illuminates the direction for future study. An improving ability to quantitatively characterize earthquake-cycle simulations as an overall stable structure offers new opportunities to understand exotic seismic observations such as slow-slip events and enables more informative comparison with real data, particularly from paleoseismology, which could have far-reaching implications in earthquake forecasting.
Revolutionizing Outcomes: Endoscopic Ultrasound-guided Gallbladder Drainage Using Innovative Electrocautery Enhanced-Lumen Apposing Metal Stents for High-risk Surgical Patients
Authors: Chon Hyung Ku , Lee Yun Chae , Kim Tae Hyeon , Lee Seung Ok , Kim Seong-Hun
Published: April 2024

This study evaluated the outcomes of endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD) using novel electrocautery-enhanced lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS) in high-risk patients with acute cholecystitis (AC). Between January 1, 2021, and November 30, 2022, 58 high-risk surgical patients with AC underwent EUS-GBD with the novel electrocautery-enhanced LAMS. The technical success rate was 94.8% (55/58), with one case of duodenal perforation requiring surgery with complete stent migration and two of partial stent migration into the gallbladder. However, the clinical success rate was 100% (55/55). Recurrent AC occurred in 3.6% of the cases (2/55), managed with double pigtail plastic stents alongside the LAMS. Early AEs observed in 1.8% (1/55) due to stent obstruction. Late AEs occurred in 5.4% (3/55), including two cases of cholangitis and one of stent obstruction. For 33 patients followed over 6 months, LAMS maintenance was sustained in 30 cases. Two patients underwent double-pigtail plastic stent replacement after LAMS removal, and one underwent LAMS removal during surgery following tumor stage regression after chemotherapy for cholangiocarcinoma. The novel electrocautery-enhanced LAMS demonstrated high technical and clinical success rates in high-risk surgical patients with AC, maintaining effective gallbladder drainage with AEs during long-term follow-up, thus highlighting its efficacy and safety in challenging patients.
TRIM28 promotes tumor growth and metastasis in breast cancer by targeting the BRD7 protein for ubiquitination and degradation
Authors: Xue Changning , Meng Hanbing , Niu Weihong , Li Mengna , Wei Jianxia , Chen Shipeng , Zheng Lemei , Duan Yumei , Deng Hongyu , Tang Faqing , Fan Songqing , Tan Ming , Xiong Wei , Zhou Ming
Published: April 2024

Purpose: BRD7 is downregulated and functions as a tumor suppressor in many types of cancers including breast cancer, and the dysregulation of BRD7 expression is closely related to the development and progression of breast cancer. Whereas little attention has been focused on the regulation of BRD7 protein levels in breast cancer, which needs to be further elucidated.
Methods: The protein stability of BRD7 in breast cancer cells and BRD7 protein level in breast cancer tissues was examined by Western Blotting. The potential E3 ubiquitin ligase proteins that interact with the BRD7 was screened by coimmunoprecipitation combined with mass spectrometry analysis in MDA-MB-231 cells. We proved the interaction between BRD7 and TRIM28 through Co-IP and immunofluorescence assays. The effects of TRIM28 on the BRD7 protein stability and ubiquitination level was investigated by qPCR , Western Blot and Co-IP assay. CCK-8 and clone formation assays were carried out to assess the effect of TRIM28 on proliferation ability of breast cancer ells. Transwell assay and wound healing assay were used to investigate the effect of TRIM28 on breast cancer cell invasion and migration. Flow cytometry was used to detect the effect of TRIM28 on cell cycle and apoptosis of breast cancer cells. In addition, we confirmed effect of TRIM28 on tumor growth and metastasis by xenograft and metastatic mouse models. We designed some recovery assays to explore the role of recovery BRD7 in TRIM28-mediated promotion of malignant progression of breast cancer in vivo and in vitro. Finally, the clinical significance of TRIM28 and BRD7 was proved by immunohistochemistry.
Results: In this study, we demonstrated that BRD7 was an unstable protein and might be regulated by ubiquitination in breast cancer; furthermore, we found that tripartite motif protein 28 (TRIM28) could directly bind to BRD7 and promote its ubiquitination and degradation by functioning as a potential E3 ubiquitin ligase. Moreover, TRIM28 promoted cell proliferation, migration, invasion, xenograft tumor growth and metastasis, thus playing an oncogenic role in breast cancer. Furthermore, the restoration of BRD7 expression in breast cancer significantly reversed the promotional effects of TRIM28 on malignant progression both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, TRIM28 was highly expressed in the biopsy tissues of breast cancer, and its expression was negatively correlated with BRD7 expression and positively correlated with TNM stage and poor prognosis of BC patients.
Conclusions: Our findings provide a novel mechanism by which TRIM28 significantly facilitates BRD7 ubiquitination and degradation, thus promoting breast cancer malignant progression. Targeting the TRIM28/BRD7 axis might be a novel potential strategy for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.
Culinary Comfort: Understanding the Connection between Food and Well-being
Authors: Yasmeen Bushra , Iftikhar Ifra , Fischer Florian
Published: April 2024

Background
This study investigates the complex interaction between individuals’ culinary tastes, at-home dining habits, and their broader impact on general well-being and relationships dynamics. An all-encompassing tool for assessing the impact of dietary choices on emotions of coziness, social interaction, and general wellness, the multi-dimensional Culinary Comfort and Connection Index (CCCI) focuses on traditional home-cooked meals in particular.
Methods
We used an online-based survey to validate the CCCI. With a Cronbach alpha of 0.844, this scale is reliable and valid. It covers a wide range of aspects including self-care advocacy, traditional values, and a preference for handmade food. We performed descriptive and stratified analyses and tested correlations. A significance level of 0.05 was chosen. We used Pearson Chi-Square and Likelihood Ratio tests.
Results
The CCCI shows complicated patterns when analyzed with respect to gender, education level, and family income that demonstrate the myriad of factors impacting people’s views on food and its relationship to health. While some patterns do emerge, the results imply that dietary choices do not necessarily correlate with overall health.
Conclusions
The research highlights the complex interaction between cultural, societal, and personal elements in determining perspectives on nutrition and health by drawing on theoretical models like Bronfenbrenner’s Societal-Ecological Model and the Theory of Planned Behavior.
Metformin prevents glucocorticoid-induced trabecular meshwork damage and intraocular pressure elevation via activating mitophagy
Authors: Xu Lijuan , Gang Xiaorui , Tao Zhou , Han Jialing , Zhao Yin , Zhang Xinyao , Ren Ruiyi , Song Shuning , Qi Binyan , Mao Huiyan , Yang Jingjing , liang Yuanbo
Published: April 2024

Purpose: We investigated the preventive effects of metformin (MET) on glucocorticoid-induced intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation in mice and cellular damage to human trabecular meshwork cells (HTMC).
Methods: Male C57BL/6J mice received a 9-day preventive treatment of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) or MET, followed by synchronous dexamethasone sodium phosphate (DEX) treatment for 19 days. A PBS group served as the negative control. MET's preventive effect on DEX-induced ocular hypertension in C57BL/6J mice was examined, focusing on IOP, fibrosis, and trabecular aqueous humor outflow (AHO) ultrastructure. HTMC were pre-stimulated with MET for 24 h, then exposed to DEX with MET for five days. Immunofluorescence and western blotting analyzed protein expression in the trabecular meshwork, and flow cytometry analyzed reactive oxygen species content.
Results: DEX significantly increased IOP from the 5th day until the 4th week's end (all p <0.05) in the PBS+DEX group, whereas MET partially neutralized this elevated IOP. The PBS+DEX group exhibited upregulated fibrotic markers in the AHO, which MET+DEX mitigated in trabecular tissues. DEX disrupted the HTMC cytoskeleton, whereas MET facilitated its recovery, induced more autophagosomes, and promoted biological activities of mitophagy and mitochondrial fusion.
Conclusion: MET prevents glucocorticoid-induced trabecular meshwork damage by inducing mitophagy, hinting at potential benefits for primary open-angle glaucoma.
A Network Analysis of ICD‐11 Complex PTSD in the Iranian Population Exposed to Trauma
Authors: mohammadi zahra , Dehghani Mahmood , Lavasani Fahimeh Fathali , Farahani Hojjatollah , Ashouri Ahmad , Omidbakhsh Zahra
Published: April 2024

Introduction: The 11th revision of the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) includes a new disorder, complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD), which is a heterogeneous condition, and identification of its core symptoms may inform how to conceptualize the heterogeneity. The network approach to psychopathology enables the investigation of the structure of disorders at the symptom level, which allows for the analysis of direct symptom interactions. The main objectives of the present study were to explore Complex PTSD symptom structure and identify key symptoms of Complex PTSD in the Iranian population exposed to trauma.
Methods: Participants consisted of 463 people referred to comprehensive health centers in Tehran from September to December 2023 with psychopathological syndromes. Complex PTSD symptoms were assessed using the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ) and International Measurement of Exposure to Traumatic Event checklist. Network analysis was applied to identify the most central symptoms (nodes) and associations between symptoms (edges) by the graphical LASSO algorithm and the EBCglasso method for network estimation.
Results: The results showed that the network of estimated symptoms has perfect accuracy and stability, and the most central symptoms of Complex PTSD in Iranian culture were feelings of failure and feelings of worthlessness. Furthermore, "long-term upset" was the link between PTSD symptoms and DSO.
Conclusions: Feeling of failure and feeling of worthlessness were the most central symptoms in the Complex PTSD network, and they can be predictive of other symptoms of Complex PTSD. The long-term upset also uniquely predicts co-occurring symptoms of PTSD and DSO. These symptoms should be prioritized in theoretical and treatment models of Complex PTSD.
Acquisition of Fc-afucosylation of PfEMP1-specific IgG is age-dependent and associated with clinical protection against malaria
Authors: Lopez-Perez Mary , Seidu Zakaria , Larsen Mads , Nouta Jan , Wuhrer Manfred , Vidarsson Gestur , Ofori Michael , Hviid Lars
Published: April 2024

Protective immunity to malaria depends on acquisition of parasite-specific antibodies, with Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) being one of the most important target antigens. The effector functions of PfEMP1-specific IgG include inhibition of infected erythrocyte (IE) sequestration and opsonization of IEs for cell-mediated destruction. IgG glycosylation modulates antibody functionality, with increased affinity to FcγRIIIa for IgG lacking fucose in the Fc region (Fc-afucosylation). We report here that selective Fc‑afucosylation of PfEMP1-specific IgG1 increases with age in P. falciparum-exposed children and is associated with reduced risk of anemia and parasitemia, independent of the IgG levels. A similar association was found for children having PfEMP1-specific IgG1 inducing multiple effector functions against IEs. Our findings provide new mechanistic insights regarding protective immunity to malaria and highlight the importance of cell-mediated destruction of IgG-opsonized IEs.
Predictors and Prognosis in Perioperative Complications and Survival among Elderly Hip Fracture Patients with Paroxysmal or Permanent Atrial Fibrillation: a nested case–control study
Authors: Li Wei , Min Ao ying , Zhao Wei , Li Weining , Li Shuhan , Ran Saidi , Fu Mingming , Kou Junkai , Yv Qili , Wang Zhiqian , Hou Zhiyong
Published: April 2024

Background
A dearth of data exists concerning atrial fibrillation (AF) during the perioperative stage of non-cardiothoracic surgery, particularly orthopaedic surgery. Therefore, given the frequency and significant impact of AF in the perioperative period. We need to make sure the prognosis of paroxysmal and permanent AF and the predictors of perioperative paroxysmal AF.
Methods
An examination of hip fracture patients at the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, who had been hospitalized from January 2018 to October 2020 in succession, was conducted retrospectively. To determine independent risk factors for paroxysmal AF in elderly hip fracture patients, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were employed. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve demonstrated the correlation between all-cause mortality in the non-AF, paroxysmal AF, and permanent AF groups. An assessment of the correlation between baseline factors, complications, and all-cause mortality was conducted through univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards analysis.
Results
Enrolling 1,376 elderly patients with hip fractures, we found 1,189 in the non-AF group, 103 in the paroxysmal AF group, and 84 in the permanent AF group. Of the 1376 patients, the majority were female (70.3%) with an average age of 79.51 years, and the majority of them were over 75 years of age (72.5%) - the majority.
Kaplan-Meier plots revealed a significantly lower overall survival rate in elderly individuals suffering from hip fracture, as well as especially permanent AF. Based on our COX regression analysis, we found that the main risk factors for all-cause death in elderly patients with hip fracture combined with AF patients were concomitant pulmonary infection, hyponatremia, permanent AF and age.
Elderly patients with hip fracture combined with paroxysmal AF group showed a higher incidence of perioperative complications, such as hypertension, COPD and ACCI were independent risk factors for paroxysmal AF in elderly patients with hip fracture.
Conclusions
The prevention of paroxysmal AF in elderly patients with hip fractures is of paramount importance. And avert complications and potential mortality also significant, elderly patients with hip fracture, particularly those with permanent AF, must be given suitable perioperative care to avert the risks of pulmonary infection and hyponatremia.
Enhancing the Quality of 2D and 3D Image Using Block Matching 3D and Fuzzy Hybrid Model Based on Random Noise Reduction
Authors: Biswas Priyankar , Bushra Nushrat Zahan , Islam A.T.M. Saiful , Shiddiki Abdul Hai
Published: April 2024

Medical imaging has become an important research field that embraces a great variety of sciences. Imaging is the central science of measurement in the diagnosis and treating diseases. The effort of technological progress has made possible human imaging starting from a single molecule to the whole body. A new strategy for suppressing random noise in medical images has been proposed in this research. This methodology is founded on a fuzzy filter which follows BM3D (Block Matching 3D) and fuzzy hybrid model. In this comprehensive study, we address the challenges posed by random noise in 2D and 3D images through a unique approach of image denoising. As high-quality medical imaging (Ultrasound, CT-Scan and MRI) is required to obtain a quick and accurate diagnosis. But the problem is that the image can frequently be contaminated by several types of noises including speckle noise, salt & pepper noise, and Gaussian noise. For RGB and grayscale images, some traditional fuzzy membership function is adeptly employed to eliminate these random noises. But here, our proposed research methodology also encompasses 2D and 3D techniques for medical and non-medical image denoising. This research contributes to advancing the field, offering insights into effective strategies for enhancing the quality and accuracy of images crucial for diagnostic and treatment purposes.
Baby-friendly management of neonatal jaundice – a qualitative study among healthcare professionals in Hong Kong
Authors: HUI Lai Ling , FUNG Genevieve Po Gee , IP Patricia Lai Sheung , DENG Han Bing , CHOW Ka Ming , YEUNG Karene Hoi Ting , LAU Esther YY , ROLLINS Nigel C , NELSON Edmund Anthony S.
Published: April 2024

Background Neonatal jaundice (NNJ) management protocols and perceptions on NNJ could play important roles in establishing and sustaining breastfeeding. This study aimed to assess how the monitoring and management of NNJ impacts on breastfeeding among Hong Kong Chinese.Methods We extracted and collated interview content related to NNJ, its management and impact on breastfeeding in public and private healthcare sectors from a qualitative study focusing on barriers and facilitators to sustain exclusive breastfeeding among paediatricians, obstetricians, doctors from Maternal and Child Health Centres, midwives, nurses and private lactation consultants.Results From the sharing of twenty-two participants, we identified cultural- and setting-specific barriers to sustaining breastfeeding related to NNJ. Misconceptions about the causes and concerns about the consequences of NNJ among both mothers and healthcare providers was linked with infant formula supplementation to both prevent and treat NNJ in Hong Kong. In baby-friendly public healthcare sectors, barriers to breastfeeding may arise from time-consuming and perceived over-cautious NNJ monitoring as well as mother-baby separation during hospitalisation for phototherapy.Conclusions Opportunities to further support breastfeeding could be achieved through baby-friendly prevention and management of NNJ at individual, institution, and policy levels, including baby-friendly accreditation of private hospitals in Hong Kong.
GPS-based smartphone integrated travel diary and time-use data collection: challenges and lessons learned
Authors: Tabasi Maliheh , Siripanich Amarin , Khan Nazmul Arefin , Auld Joshua , Rashidi Taha Hossein
Published: April 2024

Travel behaviour and time-use data are two vital data sources for travel demand modelling. Travel behaviour is traditionally collected through household travel surveys, enhanced by using GPS-aware smartphone apps for passive location data collection. However, recruiting individuals willing to install these apps with sustained motivation to continue participation has been a critical challenge. This paper shares insights from a travel and time-use data collection procedure in Chicago and Sydney using the Fourstep app. Social media platforms were utilised as a solution to recruit participants in Chicago, where an international market research company failed to accomplish the task. This paper also discusses the challenges we faced and suggests ways to overcome them, offering valuable guidance to researchers in recruiting participants for smartphone application-based data collection. It also offers an analysis of travel, time-use, and multitasking behaviours based on the data collected from the Chicago and Sydney samples.
Clinical outcomes of Short Rod Technique in transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion surgery through Wiltse approach: A case series report
Authors: Pu Lianjie , Chen Kai , Tan Zhen , Luo Beier , Yang Mingyuan , Mao NingFang
Published: April 2024

Objective
We present for the first time a novel entry point of pedicle screws (Short Rod Technique, SRT), which can avoid superior facet violation and has been verified as a safe screw placement method. The objective of this study is to report the clinical outcomes of SRT in transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) surgery through Wiltse approach.
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed the clinical outcomes of 64 patients who received SRT through Wiltse approach with a minimum of 2 years of follow-ups. Demographics, clinical outcomes and radiological parapmeters were recorded and analyzed.
Results
Less total postoperative drainage volume before removall (27.88 ± 10.27), shorter days of removal of drainage (1.08 ± 0.27) was observed in SRT through Wiltse approach. In addition, patients felt less wound pain after the surgery, improving their HRQOL. Upper adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) was found in 2 petients at final follow-up, and they also received revision surgery. Both back pain, leg pain and ODI improved after the surgery; however, due to the ASD patients, the mean value of leg pain and ODI were greater at final follow-up than they’re at post-operation. Less change of LL was observed at final follow-up than it at post-operation with significant difference. Compared with increase of SS at post-operation, SS decreased at final follow-up with significant difference of change of SS. PT decreased at post-operation, while it was found to be increased at final follow-up. PI remained constant before and after the surgery with no significant difference of change of PI. Sagittal alignment also tended to be imbalanced with the change of SVA signficantly greater at final follow-up than it at post-operation. In addition, due to the two cases of ASD, the loss of disc hight and change of slippage distance of upper adjacent segment were signficantly greater at final follow-up than they’re at post-operation. More degeneration of intervertebral disc was also observed at final follow-up.
Conclusion
Application of SRT through Wiltse approach in TLIF surgery has been validated as an effective technique with good clinical outcomes, especially for reducing the blood loss and postoperative wound pain and improving patients’ HRQOL. The present study provides spinal surgeons with a novel method for performing TLIF surgery.
Estimating Thresholds of Natural Vegetation for the Protection of Water Quality in South African Catchments
Authors: Locke Kent Anson
Published: April 2024

Many of South Africa’s water quality problems are directly attributable to the negative impacts of anthropogenic land use transformations, including urban and agricultural expansion. To mitigate these impacts, the preservation of an adequate amount of natural vegetation within catchment areas is an important management strategy. However, it is unclear how much natural vegetation cover is required to provide adequate levels of protection, nor at which scale(s) this strategy would be most effective. Accordingly, regression analysis was used to model relationships between water quality (measured using Nemerow’s Pollution Index) and metrics of natural vegetation at multiple scales across a sample of sub-catchments located within South Africa’s Eastern and Western Cape provinces. With conspicuous outliers removed, the models were able to explain between 69 and 82% of variation in the sample. Moreover, a statistically significant, nonlinear, and inverse relationship was found between proportions of natural vegetation cover and pollution levels. This relationship was strongest when measured (1) across the whole catchment and (2) within a 200 m riparian buffer zone. The models further indicated that approximately 80 to 90% natural vegetation cover was necessary at these scales to maintain water quality at ecologically acceptable levels. Additional nonlinear thresholds estimated using breakpoint analysis suggested that if proportions of natural vegetation fall below 45% (across the whole catchment) and 60% (within a 200 m riparian buffer zone) a dramatic increase in pollution levels can be expected.
Flood Susceptibility Mapping to Identify the Vulnerable Areas in the Adayar River Basin at Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Authors: ASAITHAMBI MANIMARAN , Poddar Aritra , Varatharajan Gayathri , Aryan Aditya
Published: April 2024

The Adayar River Basin in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, is plagued by recurring inundation events, posing substantial hazards to human settlements and critical infrastructure. In response, this research endeavors to develop a flood susceptibility map to pinpoint regions within the basin prone to flooding. Leveraging Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and employing the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) methodology via GIS software, an array of spatial and non-spatial variables influencing flood susceptibility were meticulously examined and weighted. By integrating diverse hydrological, geological, and meteorological parameters and applying AHP's pairwise comparison, a holistic understanding of flood susceptibility was attained. The GIS approach enables visualizing spatial patterns and identifying high-risk flood areas. In this paper, the flood susceptibility map has been characterized into five different classes which include Very High region, High region, Moderate region, Low region, and Very Low region, based on this characterization a total of 40 vulnerable areas have been identified with 10 very high susceptible areas followed by 16 highly susceptible areas and 14 moderately susceptible areas.
WITHDRAWN: Parental Nutrition Literacy, Dental Anxiety and Children's Oral Health-Related Quality of Life: A Close Look
Authors: GONUL Busra ASLAN , CICEK Betul
Published: April 2024

Background
Oral health problems in early childhood are an important public health problem that affects both children and families. Factors such as parental socioeconomic status, education level, and nutritional habits play a critical role in determining children's oral health. Therefore, this study aimed to examine parental nutritional literacy and its impact on parental dental anxiety and child OHRQoL.
Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted with 459 parents of children aged 3–6 living in the Central Anatolia Region of Turkey. Data collection tools were sociodemographic form, Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS), Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) and Evaluation Instrument of Nutrition Literacy on Adults (EINLA). Data were analyzed in SPSS, using Student’s t test, Chi square test, and binary logistic regression models.
Results
High total parental nutrition literacy score (OR 4.01, 95% CI 1.60–10.50; p = 0.003) and sub-scales of GNK (OR 2.37, 95% CI 1.38–4.08; p = 0.002), and FLNL (OR 2.47, 95% CI 1.52–4.00; p < 0.001) were associated with high OHRQoL of children. Moreover, parents with higher total nutrition literacy scores, GNK, and RCI subscale had 61%, 51%, and 42% lower risks of MDAS, respectively.
Conclusion
Parental nutrition literacy is associated with their dental anxiety and child OHRQoL. Increasing parental nutritional literacy levels can contribute to oral health by enabling them to be a correct role model for their children. Therefore, raising parents' awareness of nutritional literacy and oral health can improve quality of life and help prevent oral health problems.
Prediction of metastatic and recurrence in prostate cancer patients based on BMP-related differential gene indicators in prostate cancer bone metastases
Authors: Qiu Ju , Hu Jianpeng
Published: April 2024

Objectives: Bone metastasis is the leading cause of death in patients with advanced prostate cancer (PCa). The present study aimed to construct a prognostic risk model based on bioinformatics methods that can predict bone metastasis in prostate cancer, and investigated the effect of risk scores on prognosis and immune infiltration.
Methods: Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in bone metastases and primary PCa samples and intersected with BMP-related genes from the MisigDB database. Then LASSO regression analysis was used to establish the prognostic risk model. Independent prognostic factors for PCa bone metastases were identified by multivariate Cox regression analysis and a prognostic nomogram was created. The patients were further divided into high and low-risk groups according to median risk score, so as to compare functional enrichment analysis and immune cell infiltration between the groups.
Results: After the intersection of DEGs from PCa bone metastasis samples and BMP-related genes, four genes were screened by Lasso regression to construct a prognostic risk model. Multifactorial regression analysis identified risk score as an independent prognostic factor for PCa bone metastasis, and Kaplan–Meier curve showed that patients in the high-risk group were more likely to develop bone metastasis and biochemical recurrence(BCR). The risk score was also positively correlated with some prognostic related clinicopathological features. The DEGs of high-risk group were significantly enriched in the proliferation of epithelial cells and extracellular matrix bioprocesses by GO analysis, and also enriched in mesenchymal transition, inflammatory response, angiogenesis, and multiple tumor metastasis gene sets by GSEA analysis. In addition, the high-risk group possessed a higher degree of immune cell infiltration, CAFs, macrophages, Estimate scores, and stromal scores than the low-risk group.
Conclusion: The prognostic risk model of BMP-related genes constructed based on the GEO database can effectively predict the occurrence of PCa bone metastasis, and the high-risk score is closely related to the prognosis and immune infiltration of PCa patients.
The Effects of Multi-Theory Model based Behavior Change Intervention with Staircase Approach on Sedentary Lifestyle among Community-dwelling Older Adults： Study Protocol for A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Tuerdi Subinuer , Bu Xiumei , He Li , Yan Rong , Cui Yaoyi , Wang Xinghui , Dong Shanshan , Yang Jiayu , Li Feng , Li Yuewei
Published: April 2024

Background: Older people spend approximately 65-80% of their waking hours sedentary. It is concerning that fewer than 30 % of Chinese older adults participate in regular physical activity, indicating that sedentary lifestyles may be common among this population. The long-term presence of low energy expenditure during waking hours is detrimental to physical health and quality of life. Therefore, interventions targeting changes in sedentary lifestyles are necessary to improve health outcomes in older adults. An experimental study will be conducted to verify whether a sedentary lifestyle modification intervention based on the MTM and the staircase approach is more effective than conventional education in reducing sedentary time and improving physical activity levels, functional capacity, and quality of life among community-dwelling older people.
Methods:This community-based, parallel-arm, assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial aims to estimate the effect of Multi-Theory Model based behavior change intervention with staircase approach on sedentary lifestyle among community-dwelling older adults. A total of 56 participants will be enrolled in this study and randomly assigned to the intervention group (participants will receive multi-theory model-based stepped sedentary lifestyle change intervention) and the control group (participants will receive conventional behavioral change advice). Endpoints will be collected at baseline (T1), immediately after the end of intervention (T2), week 12 (T3) and week 18 (T4). The primary endpoint is the change in self-reported sedentary time (min/day). Secondary endpoints include the changes in different domain sedentary time, sedentary behavior characteristics including the longest continuous sedentary time and theprevalence of prolonged sedentary bouts(≥30min), step count,time spent in light-intensity physical activity and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, MCPAQ score, SPPB score, anthropometric parameters,blood pressure, SF-36score, and adverse events.
Discussion: Our research aims to facilitate the transition from sedentary behaviors to exercise behaviors of varying intensities and to maintain long-term behavioral change through a staircase approach in behavioral change interventions for older people with predominantly sedentary lifestyles. The goal is to promote healthy aging by reducing sedentary behavior and increasing levels of physical activity among older people in the community, thereby improving health-related quality of life and preventing functional decline and non-communicable diseases.
Trial registration: The trial was registered in the China Clinical Trial Registry on 25 Mar 2024 (ChiCTR2400082225)
Empagliflozin's role in reducing ventricular repolarization heterogeneity: Insights into cardiovascular mortality decline from the EMPATHY-HEART trial
Authors: Lauretti Cristiane , Antonio Graziella L. , Fernandes Ariana E. , Stocco Fernando G. , Girardi Adriana C. C. , Verrier Richard L. , Caramelli Bruno
Published: April 2024

Background: The incidence of myocardial infarction (MI) and sudden cardiac death (SCD) is significantly higher in individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) than in the general population. Strategies for the prevention of fatal arrhythmias are often insufficient, highlighting the need for additional non-invasive diagnostic tools. The T-wave heterogeneity (TWH) index measures variations in ventricular repolarization and has emerged as a promising predictor for severe ventricular arrhythmias. Although the EMPA-REG trial reported reduced cardiovascular mortality with empagliflozin, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigates the potential of empagliflozin in mitigating cardiac electrical instability in patients with T2DM and coronary heart disease (CHD) by examining changes in TWH.
Methods: Participants were adult outpatients with T2DM and CHD who exhibited TWH >80 µV at baseline. They received a 25mg daily dose of empagliflozin and were evaluated clinically including electrocardiogram (ECG) measurements at baseline and after 4 weeks. TWH was computed from leads V4, V5, and V6 using a validated technique. The primary study outcome was a significant (p<0.05) change in TWH following empagliflozin administration.
Results: An initial review of 6,000 medical records pinpointed 800 patients for TWH evaluation. Of these, 412 exhibited TWH above 80 µV, with 144 completing clinical assessments and 90 meeting the criteria for high cardiovascular risk enrollment. Empagliflozin adherence exceeded 80%, resulting in notable reductions in blood pressure without affecting heart rate. Side effects were generally mild, with 13.3% experiencing Level 1 hypoglycemia, alongside infrequent urinary and genital infections. The treatment consistently reduced mean TWH from 116 to 103 µV (p=0.01).
Conclusions: The EMPATHY-HEART trial preliminarily suggests that empagliflozin decreases heterogeneity in ventricular repolarization among patients with T2DM and CHD. This reduction in TWH may provide insight into the mechanism behind the decreased cardiovascular mortality observed in previous trials, potentially offering a therapeutic pathway to mitigate the risk of severe arrhythmias in this population.
Trial registration:
NCT: 04117763.
Unveiling the Lockdown Effects: Exploring Behavior, Dietary Habits and Weight Changes in Rural Egypt during COVID-19 Lockdown: A Cross-Sectional Retrospective Study
Authors: Saleh Mahmoud Reda , Abdelgaied Mohamed Y. , Galal Naira , Tarek Mai , Fouda Aya , Abdelkawy Khaled
Published: April 2024

Background: The COVID-19 lockdown significantly impacted dietary habits and body weights globally, particularly in Egypt, where 57.03% of the population resides in rural areas, despite lack of information. The study examines the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on the weight changes of the rural Egyptian population through behavioral, physical, and dietary changes.
Methods: A cross-sectional online survey using Microsoft Forms was distributed in Delta regions in Egypt. The questionnaire used a modified version of the validated 14- items PREDIMED MedDiet Adherence Screener (MEDAS). The first part of the questionnaire addressed sociodemographic variables whereas the second one included questions related to dietary, behavioral and weight changes of participants. These changes were statistically tested for significance in relation to BMI, gender, home living, current job and family history of obesity.
Results: A total of 306 participated in the study (70% females, 13% obese, 95% living with family, 56% university students, and 36% with family history of obesity). Obese showed a significant increase in sweet intake whereas underweight and normal weight people displayed a significant decrease in eating desire. Both females and males showed significant increase in consumption of fruits and vegetables with significant decrease in soft drink. However, women showed a significant decrease in sport activity relative to men. Participants living with family showed an increase in sweet intake while those living alone explored an increase in meal frequency. Employers revealed a significant decrease in sport activities and people with family history of obesity reported more sleeping times than those without family history of obesity.
Conclusion: During Covid-19 quarantine, Egyptians' eating habits improved, but daily routines were disrupted. Raising awareness about obesity and providing guidance on maintaining activity, energy, and mood is crucial for future quarantine situations.
An interdisciplinary integrated specialized one-stop outpatient clinic for idiopathic intracranial hypertension – a comprehensive assessment of patient satisfaction
Authors: Bsteh Gabriel , Macher Stefan , Krajnc Nik , Marik Wolfgang , Michl Martin , Müller Nina , Zaic Sina , Harreiter Jürgen , Novak Klaus , Wöber Christian , Pemp Berthold
Published: April 2024

Background
Management of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is complex requiring contributions from multiple specialized disciplines. In practice, this creates considerable organizational and communicational challenges. To meet those challenges, we established an interdisciplinary integrated outpatient clinic for IIH with a central coordination and a one-stop concept. Here, we aimed to evaluate effects of this one-stop concept on subjective patient satisfaction and economic outcome in patients with IIH.
Methods
In a retrospective cohort study, we compared the one-stop era with integrated care (IC, 1-JUL-2021 to 31-DEC-2022) to a reference group receiving standard care (SC, 1-JUL-2018 to 31-DEC-2019) regarding subjective patient satisfaction (assessed by the Vienna Patient Inventory). Multivariate binary logistic regression models were used to adjust for confounders.
Results
Baseline characteristics of the IC group (n = 85) and SC group (n = 81) were comparable (female: 90.6% vs. 90.1%; mean age: 33.6 vs. 32.8 years, educational level: ≥9 years of education 60.0% vs. 59.3%; located in Vienna 75.3% vs. 76.5%). Compared to SC, management within IC concept was associated with significantly higher subjective patient satisfaction with the strongest effects observed in satisfaction with treatment accessibility and availability (beta = 2.05; p < 0.001). Subgroup analyses of patients with migration background and language barrier consistently indicated stronger effects of IC in these groups.
Conclusions
Interdisciplinary integrated management of IIH significantly improves patient satisfaction – particularly in socioeconomically underprivileged patient groups.
An interdisciplinary integrated specialized one-stop outpatient clinic for idiopathic intracranial hypertension – an assessment of sick leave, presenteeism, and health care utilization
Authors: Bsteh Gabriel , Macher Stefan , Krajnc Nik , Marik Wolfgang , Michl Martin , Müller Nina , Zaic Sina , Harreiter Jürgen , Novak Klaus , Wöber Christian , Pemp Berthold
Published: April 2024

Background: Management of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is complex requiring contributions from multiple specialized disciplines. In practice, this creates considerable organizational and communicational challenges. To meet those challenges, we established an interdisciplinary integrated outpatient clinic for IIH with a central coordination and a one-stop- concept. Here, we aimed to evaluate effects of this concept on sick leave, presenteeism, and health care utilization.
Methods: In a retrospective cohort study, we compared the one-stop era with integrated care (IC, 1-JUL-2021 to 31-DEC-2022) to a reference group receiving standard care (SC, 1-JUL-2018 to 31-DEC-2019) regarding economic outcome parameters assessed over 6 months. Multivariate binary logistic regression models were used to adjust for confounders.
Results: Baseline characteristics of the IC group (n=85) and SC group (n=81) were comparable (female: 90.6% vs. 90.1%; mean age: 33.6 vs. 32.8 years, educational level: ≥9 years of education 60.0% vs. 59.3%; located in Vienna 75.3% vs. 76.5%). Compared to SC, the IC group showed significantly fewer days with sick leave or presenteeism (-5 days/month), fewer unscheduled contacts for IIH-specific problems (-2.3/month), and fewer physician or hospital contacts in general (-4.1 contacts/month). Subgroup analyses of patients with migration background and language barrier consistently indicated stronger effects of the IC concept in these groups.
Conclusions: Interdisciplinary integrated management significantly improves the burden of IIH in terms of sick leave, presenteeism and healthcare consultations – particularly in socioeconomically underprivileged patient groups.
The Indirect Effect of Sleep Quality on Stress-Related Psychosocial Outcomes in Adolescents: An Investigation Across Genders
Authors: Koike Camila , Nestor Bridget , Baumer Andreas , Kossowsky Joe
Published: April 2024

Sleep is foundational for adolescent psychosocial outcomes though often compromised by normative developmental changes and external factors. This cross-sectional study examined sleep quality as a mechanism linking stress and psychosocial outcomes and explored gender differences. Adolescents (N = 246; Mage=15.8; 46.3% female) completed self-report measures assessing sleep quality and psychosocial outcomes. Structural equation modeling results indicated sleep quality accounted for 78.4% of the total effect of stress on school functioning (b=-0.45, p < 0.001) and 54.2% of the total effect of stress on pain (b = 0.14, p = 0.002). A larger indirect effect of sleep quality on school functioning (b=-0.26, p = 0.016) emerged for boys than girls, and the effect of sleep quality on pain was significant only for girls (b = 0.18, p < 0.001, 69.6% of total effect). Sleep quality explained a large proportion of the effect of stress on school functioning and pain. Sleep quality represents a modifiable transdiagnostic pathway that may buffer the effects of stress in adolescence.
Advancements and Comparative Analysis of Real-Time Face Recognition Systems
Authors: Saidakhmatov Mirolim
Published: April 2024

This paper investigates real-time face recognition methodologies within centralized computer vision systems, encompassing traditional techniques of facial recognition, deep learning frameworks, and cloud-based solutions. It explores optimization strategies aimed at enhancing model performance and efficiency. Through evaluation and comparative analysis, the study explains the strengths and limitations of each approach, providing valuable insights for practitioners and researchers. The findings contribute to the advancement of face recognition technology, offering guidance for future research endeavors and practical implementations in various real-world applications.
To eat like Liangzhu: isotopic investigation of diets in the Lower Yangtze area prior to and during the Liangzhu period (5300-4300 cal. BP)
Authors: Sheng Pengfei , Allen Edward , Huang Xiang , Zheng Xiuwen , Storozum Michael
Published: April 2024

This essay analyzes a robust body of C and N stable isotopes from human and animal collagen and plant remains (n = 423) in the area of Lower Yangtze River dating to 8000 − 4300 cal. BP, combined with new isotopic data recovered from the Zhelin site in Shanghai, to explore the dietary differences between coastal region the inland core area of the Liangzhu culture (5300 − 4300 cal. BP). Our results reveal that the periphery dwellers of the Liangzhu cultural area became increasingly reliant on a limited number of domesticated species over time, while maintaining a marked social differentiation of foodways that was potentially a result of the growing but unequal influence of populations from the core Liangzhu area.
TM-fuzzer: fuzzing autonomous driving systems through traffic management
Authors: Lin Shenghao , Chen Fansong , Xi Laile , Wang Gaosheng , Xi Rongrong , Sun Yuyan , Zhu Hongsong
Published: April 2024

Simulation testing of Autonomous Driving Systems (ADS) is crucial for ensuring the safety of autonomous vehicles. Currently, scenarios searched by ADS simulation testing tools are less likely to expose ADS issues and highly similar. In this paper, we propose TM-fuzzer, a novel approach for searching ADS test scenarios, which utilizes real-time traffic management and diversity analysis to search security-critical and unique scenarios within the infinite scenario space. TM-fuzzer dynamically manages traffic flow by manipulating non-player characters near autonomous vehicle throughout the simulation process to enhance the efficiency of test scenarios. Additionally, the TM-fuzzer utilizes clustering analysis on vehicle trajectory graphs within scenarios to increase the diversity of test scenarios. Compared to the baseline, the TM-fuzzer identified 29 unique violated scenarios more than four times faster and enhanced the incidence of ADS-caused violations by 26.26%. Experiments suggest that the TM-fuzzer demonstrates improved efficiency and accuracy.