bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NLRP3 participates in IL-17A-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in human nasal epithelial cells of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps
Authors: Zhang Ying , Zhang Zhipeng , Huang Xiaoyan , Yan Danqing , Wu Yuqi , Zhang Jian , Ye Jing , Luo Qing
Published: July 2024

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been reported to occur in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Various cytokines have been reported to promote EMT profiles. However, the relationship between IL-17A and EMT on human nasal epithelial cells (hNECs) have not been clarified. In this study, we detect the expression of IL-17A, NLRP3, TGF-β1, and EMT-related genes in nasal polyps (NPs) from CRSwNP and nasal tissues from control subjects using immunohistochemistry, real-time PCR, and western blot. Then, investigated the effect of IL-17A on EMT in hNECs and identified the role of NLRP3 and TGF-β1 signaling pathways in this process. In CRSwNP patients, the expression level of IL-17A, NLRP3, TGF-β1, and mesenchymal markers (Vimentin, α-SMA) were elevated, while the epithelial marker E-cadherin was diminished. Meanwhile, we noticed dose-dependent induction by IL-17A of up-regulation of Vimentin, α-SMA, NLRP3, and TGF-β1 and down-regulation of E-cadherin in hNECs. Inhibiting the TGF-β1 signaling pathway can block the process of EMT. The inhibitor of NLRP3 not only reduced NLRP3 expression induced by IL-17A but also inhibited TGF-β1 production and reversed the EMT. We discovered that IL-17A-induced EMT might be associated with NLRP3/TGF-β1 signal pathway. A potential role of NLRP3 inhibitor has been identified as limiting EMT in CRSwNP induced by IL-17A. Moreover, the study will help provide better strategies for treating CRSwNP.
The relationship between optimism-pessimism and fear of Artificial Intelligence in young adults from four Arab countries: The mediating effect of seeing a dark future
Authors: Khoury Ghida Al , Hallit Rabih , Malaeb Diana , Sakr Fouad , Dabbous Mariam , Merdad Nisma , Rashid Tabassum , Amin Rizwana , Jebreen Kamel , Zarrouq Btissame , Alhuwailah Amthal , Shuwiekh Hanaa Ahmed Mohamed , Hallit Souheil , Fekih-Romdhane Feten , Obeid Sahar
Published: July 2024

Objectives
This study aimed to assess fear of AI in relation with optimism and pessimism, along with the mediating effect of dark future
Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted between June and December 2023, and enrolled 1849 participants from four Arab countries: Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, and Palestine.
Results
The results of the mediation analysis showed that dark future fully mediated the associations between pessimism and fear of AI and between optimism and fear of AI; higher pessimism was significantly associated with more dark future, whereas more dark future was significantly associated with higher fear of AI. Higher optimism was significantly associated with less dark future, and more dark future associated with higher fear of AI. Pessimism and optimism were not directly associated with fear of AI in both models.
Conclusion
This study suggests that pessimism and optimism can influence one’s fear of artificial intelligence through his perception of a dark future. This can be helpful in developing future research concerning attitude towards Artificial intelligence and has a role when it comes to clinical implication concerning the treatment of fear of artificial intelligence and its acceptance.
Knowledge, attitude and perception of Italian dental students toward HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer and vaccination: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Musella Gennaro , Liguori Simone , Cantile Tiziana , Adamo Daniela , Coppola Noemi , Canfora Federica , Blasi Andrea , Mignogna Martina , Amato Massimo , Caponio Vito Carlo Alberto , Mignogna Michele Davide , Leuci Stefania
Published: July 2024

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide and is a leading cause of oropharyngeal cancer. This study aimed to carry out a KAP survey on HPV infection, HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer and HPV vaccination among dental students.
Methods: Through an online self-administered questionnaire, data on dental students' sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes and perceptions concerning HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer, infection and vaccination were acquired for a total of 82 questions.
Results: A total of 412 dental students completed the questionnaire. The general knowledge rate was 69.5%. In terms of perception, the students provided good insight into their future role in combating HPV disease. Regarding attitudes, most participants felt comfortable talking about HPV topics with patients; however, only approximately 50% of them were inclined to recommend the vaccine regardless of sex. Compared with male and first-year students, female and last-year degree students demonstrated more positive attitudes and perceptions, respectively.
Conclusions: This study revealed that dental students have a solid understanding of and positive attitudes toward and perceptions of HPV+ oropharyngeal cancer and its prevention, highlighting their readiness to incorporate HPV prevention into their practice. This emphasizes the key role of the dental profession in addressing oropharyngeal cancer and HPV-related diseases and promoting awareness of the HPV vaccine among the population.
Clinical Relevance: By increasing dental students' awareness of HPV, they may be better equipped to educate patients about HPV, promote vaccination, and implement preventative measures. Additionally, the study highlights the need for targeted educational interventions to improve knowledge and attitudes, to enhance the overall public health impact.
Non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol shows a dose-response relationship with coronary artery lesions in patients with acute coronary syndromes
Authors: Yang Xueyuan , Li Kui , Xu Guanxue , Wen Jiaojiao , Xiao Hong , Chen Lei , Yang Changlong , Chen Yuxuan , Liu Yanmiao , Zhao Yongchao , Shi Bei , Ma Yi
Published: July 2024

Background
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. Non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), encompassing all potentially atherogenic cholesterol, correlates significantly with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Recent guidelines have endorsed non-HDL-C as a therapeutic target for lipid-lowering therapy in patients with CVD. However, few studies have examined the relationship between non-HDL-C levels and coronary artery disease extent in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). This study aimed to investigate the relationship between non-HDL-C levels and coronary artery disease extent in patients with ACS and assess its predictive value.
Methods
This cross-sectional study, conducted at the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, included 1,695 patients with ACS who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) between May 1, 2019, and May 1, 2023. Patients were grouped based on non-HDL-C tertiles, as follows: T1 (non-HDL-C < 3.22, n = 577), T2 (3.22 ≤ non-HDL-C < 4.33, n = 553), and T3 (4.33 ≤ non-HDL-C index, n = 565). Coronary artery disease extent was quantitatively assessed using the Gensini score, categorised into low (< 50) and high groups (≥ 50) according to the median. The primary outcome was a high Gensini score.
Results
In the overall ACS population, multifactorial logistic regression (odds ratio [OR] = 1.20; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.10–1.31; P < 0.001), adjusted for potential risk factors, identified non-HDL-C as an independent risk factor for high Gensini scores. Subgroup analyses, adjusting for potential risk factors, revealed similar findings across sexes, ages (elderly or non-elderly), and DM status (diabetic or non-diabetic) among patients with ACS. Restrictive cubic spline analysis showed a dose-response relationship between non-HDL-C and high Gensini scores. Incorporating non-HDL-C into the baseline risk model had an incremental predictive effect on high Gensini scores in patients with ACS.
Conclusions
Non-HDL-C levels showed a dose-response relationship with coronary artery disease severity in patients with ACS, indicating predictive potential for coronary artery disease in this population.
Comparative study between high and low dose methylene blue infusion in septic cancer patients. A randomized, blinded, controlled study
Authors: Shaker Ehab Hanafy , Soliman Ahmed M , Bedewy Ahmed A , Elrawas Mai Mohamed
Published: July 2024

Purpose: septic shock is a common threat, and is the primary cause of death in almost all critical care units. Management protocols and guidelines are continuously updated. The early use of methylene blue in different doses as adjunctive to vasopressors has promising results.
Methods: This double-blind, randomized, controlled trial comprised 90 patients equally divided into 3 groups: Group A received a 100ml 0.9% Nacl placebo over a 20-minute period; Group B received Methylene blue (MB) bolus of 1 mg/kg in 100ml 0.9% Nacl; and Group C received MB bolus of 4 mg/kg in 100ml 0.9% Nacl during the same period.
Groups B and C were given a 0.25 mg/kg/hour infusion of MB for 72 hours after the bolus dose. All patients were started on noradrenaline at an infusion rate of 0.1-0.2 microgram/kg/min and were adjusted accordingly to maintain MAP ≥ 65 mmHg. Time of vasopressor discontinuation was the primary outcome while total doses of vasopressors, ventilation days, vasopressors free days, total ICU stay, total hospital stay and mortality rate were the secondary outcomes.
Results: Groups B and C had significantly lower noradrenaline dosages compared to Group A (P value <0.05), however no significant difference between Group B and Group C was found. Groups B and C exhibited significantly decreased time to vasopressor termination, mechanical ventilation days, vasopressor free days at 28 days, ICU duration of stay, and hospital stay in comparison to Group A (P value <0.05). However, there was no significant difference between Groups B and C. No discernible difference in the mortality rates between groups was found.
Conclusion: In septic shock, early adjunctive low dose MB delivery decreased the need for noradrenaline. Time to vasopressor stop, number of days without vasopressors (28 days), days of mechanical ventilation, duration of intensive care unit & hospital stay were all decreased. No significance between either high or low MB doses while no significant adverse effects were noted.
Ethics: After approval of the ethical committee at National Cancer Institute (NCI) - Cairo University [Institutional Review Board Number AP2307-501-058] and prospectively registered at clinicaltrials.gov [NCT 06005558].
Investigation of the relationship between breast cancer and clinical symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome: a case-control study
Authors: Hemati Afsaneh , Amini Leila , Hashemi Esmat Al-Sadat , Haqhani Shima
Published: July 2024

Background
Despite the overlap between the clinical symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and many known risk factors for breast cancer, the relationship between PCOS and breast cancer remains unknown. Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of determining the relationship between breast cancer and the clinical symptoms of PCOS.
Method
This case-control study was conducted on 285 women with breast cancer and 285 healthy women referred to three centers in Tehran in 2023. Both the case and control groups were matched in terms of age and body mass index. The data collection tool in this study was a researcher-made data registration form, that was completed in person by qualified individuals. A history of PCOS was identified according to the Rotterdam criteria. Data were analyzed using an independent t-test, a chi-square test, and a logistic regression model.
Results
The mean age of the participants in the case group was 43.05 ± 4.92 years and that of the control group was 42.78 ± 5.06 years. The two groups showed a statistically significant difference in terms of PCOS history (p < 0.001). After adjusting for confounding variables, the logistic regression model showed that women with PCOS had a significantly higher chance of developing breast cancer (OR:3.677, 95%CI:1.529–8.840, P = 0.004) Among PCOS symptoms, women with a history of hirsutism had a higher chance of developing breast cancer (OR:188.2, 95% CI:1.014–4.720, P = 0.046).
Conclusion
The findings of the present study show that polycystic ovary syndrome is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
Characterization of Trends in Preoperative Hemoglobin A1c Testing Prior to Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Hamid Safraz A. , Graetz Elena , Zolfaghari Emily J. , Schultz Kurt , Schneider Eric B. , Gibbs Karen E.
Published: July 2024

Background
Irrespective of baseline diabetes status, preoperative hemoglobin A1c (A1C) influences perioperative care in patients undergoing metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS). Accordingly, the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) endorses that patients undergoing MBS should receive a preoperative A1C test. We aimed to assess the proportion of MBS patients who received a preoperative A1C test and determine whether baseline diabetes status influences receipt of a test.
Methods
We queried the 2017 to 2022 MBSAQIP database for patients undergoing open, laparoscopic, or robotic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or sleeve gastrectomy. Using descriptive methods, we compared the clinical and demographic characteristics of patients who received a preoperative A1C test with patients who did not. We performed logistic regression analysis using diabetes status as a predictor variable and receipt of a test as the outcome, covarying for sociodemographic and clinical factors.
Results
We identified 996,217 patients who underwent RYGB or sleeve gastrectomy between 2017 to 2022. The average age of the cohort was 43.8 years (SD = 11.9) and 81.0% were female. Overall, 45.7% received a preoperative A1C test. The proportion who was tested increased over the six-year study period, from 35.5% in 2017 to 56.0% in 2022. Compared to those who were not tested, patients who were tested were more likely to have several cardiopulmonary comorbidities, including COPD (1.4% vs 1.2%, p < 0.001), PE (1.4% vs 1.2%, p < 0.001), sleep apnea (39.3 vs. 36.4%, p < 0.001), HTN (47.1% vs 44.0%, p < 0.001), and MI (1.2% vs. 1.0%, p < 0.001), though the differences in proportions were small and may not be clinically significant. Compared to patients who did not have diabetes or had diabetes controlled by diet alone, patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes had 77% increased odds of receiving a A1C test (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.77, p < 0.001); insulin dependent patients had 113% increased odds (aOR 2.13, p < 0.001).
Conclusion
Despite society recommendations endorsing measurement of preoperative A1C prior to MBS, less than half of patients undergoing MBS between 2017 and 2022 received a preoperative A1C test. Additionally, there were differential patterns in testing based on diabetes status. Preoperative glycemic evaluation is an area for continued quality improvement.
Effects of glacial melting on physiological performance of Macrocystis pyrifera in the Fjord of the Mountains, Magellanic Sub-Antarctic ecoregion, Chile
Authors: Coral-Santacruz Diana , Méndez Fabio , Marambio Johanna , Haye Pilar , Bahamonde Francisco , Mansilla Andrés
Published: July 2024

The Magellanic Sub-Antarctic ecoregion (MSE) was covered by ice during the Last Glacial Maximum (21,000 years ago), with consecutive advance and retreat of ice masses since the Quaternary. Currently, this ecoregion supports a wide range of flora and fauna, with an important variety of endemic species present in the archipelagic region of fjords and channels of the MSE. However, anthropogenic climate change has accelerated global warming, exacerbating glacier melt in the last decade. In this study, we evaluated the effect of glacial melting on the ecophysiology of Macrocystis pyrifera, a brown macroalga that forms underwater forests and is considered a keystone species susceptible to environmental change. Tissue samples were collected from apical and basal fronds of young individuals from three M. pyrifera populations located in the Fjord of the Mountains (FMO) (51º10'53"S, 73º17'08"W) and measurements of electron transport efficiency (Alpha), maximum relative rate of electron transport (rETRmax), saturation point (Ek), chlorophyll-a (Chl-a), chlorophyll-c (Chl-c), and fucoxanthin (Fucox) performed. Significant differences in photosynthetic response between apical and basal fronds were detected in populations directly affected by glacier melt relative to the population not influenced by glacial melt. Apical fronds exhibited better acclimatization to high light, turbidity, and temperature variations, while basal fronds demonstrated acclimatization to low irradiance levels, resulting in high rETRmax responses. Significant differences were detected in pigment concentrations at the site without glacier influence between apical and basal fronds. Our findings indicate that M. pyrifera employs a photo-acclimation strategy in fronds to mitigate physiological susceptibility to extreme environmental conditions.
Posttraumatic stress disorder is a risk factor for migraine: two-sample Mendelian randomization and bioinformatic analysis
Authors: Li Mi , Wang Xian , Cao Yu , Yan Le , Li Kai
Published: July 2024

Background
The association between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and migraine is a matter of particular concern in clinical practice. Migraine can manifest as the initial somatic symptom of PTSD, one of its sequelae, or even serve as a significant obstacle to effectively treating PTSD. Additionally, individuals with migraines are more susceptible to developing PTSD. Consequently, this study employed bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to investigate the causal relationship between PTSD and migraine while utilizing bioinformatics to analyze their mechanistic connection.
Methods
We identified single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with migraine and PTSD through genome-wide association studies (GWASs) conducted by independent consortia. Then, we used these SNPs as instrumental variables to estimate the causal effects of migraine on PTSD and vice versa. MR analysis was performed using the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method. The MR‒Egger method and the weighted median method were employed to assess the robustness of the findings. Additionally, disease targets associated with both PSTD and migraine were identified by searching the DisGeNET and OMIM databases. The Venny 2.1 software tool was utilized to determine the intersections among these targets, which were then imported into the STRING database for constructing a PPI network. Subsequently, the Cytoscape 3.7 software tool was used for visualization and analysis of the network. Furthermore, common targets were imported into Metascape for Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis.
Results
MR analysis revealed a substantial causal association between PTSD and migraine;however, currently, there is no definitive causal link established between aura migraines or nonaura migraines and PTSD. A total of 107 targets were found to be common to both PTSD and migraine patients. Subsequently, a PPI network comprising 92 nodes connected by 845 edges was constructed based on these shared disease targets. Enrichment analysis revealed their involvement in various BPs, CCs, and MFs. Additionally, the analysis indicated their association with 12 KEGG signaling pathways.
Conclusion
These results revealed a causal relationship between PTSD and migraine and suggested that further investigations into the mechanisms and specific targets involved in PTSD and migraine should focus particularly on aspects such as neurodegenerative changes, inflammation and the CAMP pathway.
Optimizing Half Precision Winograd Convolutions on Multi-Core Vector Processors
Authors: Xu Jinwei , Jiang Jingfei , Li Yalin , Su Huayou , Yang Xi , Gao Lei
Published: July 2024

Winograd-based algorithm is currently one of the optimization methods in convo-lutional computation. It can effectively reduce the number of multiplications and computational complexity. This paper proposes a Winograd-based convolution accuracy compensation method for low precision vector processor based on the architecture of low precision multi-core vector processors. And The we implement a multi-level parallel optimization scheme for Winograd-based convolution on the multi-core vector processor. The proposed low precision compensation scheme for Winograd-based convolution can effectively improve the adverse effects of accuracy loss caused by Winograd-based convolution on low precision platforms. The implemented parallel optimization scheme develops parallelism from different dimensions, and effectively improves computational performance. The experimental results show that the proposed parallel optimization method achieves a performance acceleration of 26.81 ∼ 131.18 times compared with the fast con-volution implementation in NNPACK. Compared with direct convolution on the same platform, it can achieve an acceleration ratio of 1.18 ∼ 3.28 times.
Smart Driver Assistance: Real-Time Drowsiness Detection Leveraging Facial Cues with MediaPipe and OpenCV
Authors: Reddy Ariveeti Karthikeya , Khan Ibrahim Ahmed , T Neethu C , Thampi Lidiya Lilly , A Aswathy M , Kumar Abhishek , Kumar Sunny
Published: July 2024

The primary aim of this research is to identify driver drowsiness to prevent car accidents and improve road safety. This study explores and proposes potential solutions to mitigate drowsiness-related accidents and enhance overall road security by monitoring the driver's eye, mouth, and head movements, which are key indicators of drowsiness. An algorithm has been developed to track these movements. The study involves analyzing CNN models and computer vision models for eye detection, yawn detection, and head movement, with the objective of identifying the most effective approach among the models. For building CNN models, we use the MRL Eye Dataset and YawDD datasets for eye and mouth tracking. The performance of the models developed using these datasets will be assessed based on various metrics such as accuracy and loss. We achieved an accuracy of 84.53\% using the CNN approach for the MRL Eye Dataset, while for the YawDD Dataset, we obtained an accuracy of 96.42\%. Despite these impressive results, CNN techniques encounter several challenges, including poor performance in low light conditions, varying outcomes for different ethnicities, and unreliability in dynamic environments. To address these challenges, we utilize Dlib and MediaPipe for tracking facial landmarks. By leveraging these techniques, we can simultaneously monitor head movement, eye movements, and detect yawns. Between Dlib and MediaPipe, we prefer MediaPipe due to its capability to detect the 3D coordinates of key points.
Characteristics of Anopheles gambiae s.l larval breeding sites and spatiotemporal analysis of malaria transmission risk in Djilakh, a hotspot village in central Senegal
Authors: Ndiaye Assane , Morlighem Camille , Diène Aminata Niang , Kane Moussa , Diallo Abdoulaye , Tahirou Fassiath , Nourdine Mohamed Abderemane , Sarr Pape Cheikh , Konaté Lassana , Faye Ousmane , Gaye Oumar , Niang El Hadji Amadou , Linard Catherine , Sy Ousmane
Published: July 2024

Background:
The progress made in the fight against malaria has resulted in a reduction of the burden in Senegal on a national scale. Transmission levels tend to be low overall, but there is considerable spatial heterogeneity, which necessitates the identification of the factors responsible for regional or local disparities in order to accelerate the elimination process. The objective of this study is to demonstrate the impact of the functionality of larval breeding sites on the evolution of malaria risk in Djilakh, a hotspot village beloging to Mbour health district in central Senegal.
Methods
This study cover the period from 2013 to 2017. Cartographic and biological data collection occurred during the rainy season (June-November), with three outings per year. Only malaria cases confirmed by RDT (rapid diagnostic test) were considered. Rainfall data were gathered at the synoptic station of the Mbour department. To assess the impact of larval breeding sites on malaria transmission, logistic regression and Poisson models were employed. Some data were analysed using Excel, with cumulative means and frequencies calculated. The QGIS Desktop 2.2.0 mapping software was used to create the maps.
Results
The results of this study demonstrate that the deposits explored in this village correspond to natural temporary ponds, characterised by clayey and clayey-sandy soils. A review of data on meteorology and malaria morbidity indicates that malaria transmission is influenced by precipitation. The correlation between malaria morbidity and breeding site positivity varied throughout the rainy season, depending on the size and stability of breeding sites. Additionally, the results indicate that the type of land use and its spatial distribution play an important role in estimating the risk of malaria transmission in the village. The incidence of malaria cases is significantly higher in hamlets situated in close proximity to larval breeding sites, exhibiting a gradual decline with increasing distance from these hamlets.
Conclusions
The findings of this study represent a preliminary step towards a more comprehensive understanding of the environmental factors influencing the persistence of residual malaria transmission in Senegalese hotspot villages, despite the deployment of various vector control measures. The results of this study indicate a need for targeted control actions in identified risk areas in order to better control the malaria endemic.
Correlating p53 immunostaining patterns with somatic TP53 mutation and functional properties of mutant p53 in triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Kang Jun , Kim Meejeong , Lee Miseon , Lee Ahwon , Choi Byung-Ock , Park Woo-Chan , Kim Sung Hun , Lee Jieun
Published: July 2024

Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining pattern of p53 has been recognized as a potential surrogate marker for TP53 mutations across diverse cancer types. Nevertheless, interpretative criteria for p53 IHC expression as a predictive tool for TP53 mutation in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) have not been established yet. A total of 113 TNBC cases were analyzed for p53 IHC pattern and somatic TP53 mutation using whole exome sequencing. Functional properties of TP53 mutations were determined using the National Cancer Institute (NCI) TP53 database. P53 IHC staining patterns fell into three distinct categories: nuclear overexpression (n = 58), absence of staining indicating null pattern (n = 40), and wild-type expression (n = 15). The cutoff for predictive p53 nuclear overexpression was determined to be 80%. This threshold correlated strongly with TP53 mutations. Notably, nuclear overexpression had a positive predictive value (PPV) of 83% for missense or in-frame mutations, while the null pattern showed a PPV of 85% for detecting nonsense, frameshift, or splicing mutations. Furthermore, p53 overexpression was significantly linked to missense mutations within the DNA-binding domain (DBD) exhibiting gain-of-functon(GOF) or dominant-negative effect (DNE). Cases exhibiting both nuclear overexpression and cytoplasmic expression (n = 5) were correlated with nonsense or frameshift mutations affecting the DBD, NLS, or splice sites. Subclonal p53 staining patterns observed in 7 cases were found to be associated with TP53 mutations. Our study proposes newly defined criteria for interpreting p53 immunostaining patterns in TNBC, potentially allowing for the prediction of TP53 mutation types and their functional implications.
Using shock index, pediatric age adjusted (SIPA) to predict prolonged length of stay in perforated appendicitis
Authors: Barone-Camp Alexandra , Louiselle Amanda , Bothwell Samantha , Diaz-Miron Jose , Hills-Dunlap Jonathan , Gosain Ankush , Blakely Martin , Acker Shannon
Published: July 2024

Purpose
Hospital length of stay (LOS) following admission for appendicitis is difficult to predict. Shock index, pediatric age adjusted (SIPA) accurately identifies severely injured trauma patients and predicts mortality among children admitted to the ICU. Our aim was to determine if elevated SIPA at presentation, and time to normalization of SIPA, can identify children with perforated appendicitis and predict hospital LOS.
Methods
This was a retrospective cohort study of children 1–17 years admitted to a quaternary care referral center with appendicitis after appendectomy in 2021. The primary outcomes were presence of perforated appendicitis and hospital LOS. Generalized linear regressions were performed. Covariates included in all models were age, sex, fecalith, initial temperature, and time from diagnosis to OR.
Results
We included 169 patients; 53 (31.4%) had perforated appendicitis. After adjustment, elevated SIPA was associated with presence of perforated appendicitis (p = 0.0002) and longer LOS (p < 0.0001). A patient presenting with appendicitis and elevated SIPA had 5.447 times higher odds of having perforated appendicitis (95% CI: 2.262, 13.826), a mean hospital LOS 2.047 times longer (95% CI: 1.564, 2.683), a mean time to toleration of regular diet 4.995 times longer (95% CI: 2.914, 8.918), and a mean duration of antibiotics that is 1.761 times longer (95% CI: 1.383, 2.243) than a patient with normal SIPA.
Conclusion
In children with appendicitis, elevated SIPA at presentation is associated with higher risk of perforation. These findings support the incorporation of SIPA during triage of patients with appendicitis and counseling families after surgery.
A Deep Learning-Based Pipeline for Segmenting the Cerebral Cortex Laminar Structure in Histology Images
Authors: Wang Jiaxuan , Gong Rui , Heidari Shahrokh , Rogers Mitchell , Tani Toshiki , Abe Hiroshi , Ichinohe Noritaka , Woodward Alexander , Delmas Patrice J.
Published: July 2024

Characterizing the anatomical structure and connectivity between cortical regions is a critical step towards understanding the information processing properties of the brain and will help provide insight into the nature of neurological disorders. A key feature of the mammalian cerebral cortex is its laminar structure, with the neocortex differentiated into up to six layers. Identifying these layers in neuroimaging data is important for providing a foundation for understanding the axonal projection patterns of neurons in the brain. These patterns can be seen in experiments using anterograde tracer or are reflected in the brain activity seen in layer-fMRI, etc. We studied Nissl-stained histological slice images of the brain of the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus), which is a new world monkey that is becoming increasingly popular in the neuroscience community as an object of study. We present a novel computational framework that first acquired the cortical labels using AI-based tools followed by a trained deep learning model to segment cerebral cortical layers. We cross-tested and compared our pipeline with the existing advanced pipeline.
Diastereomers of the anticancer peptide CIGB-300 with altered b-turn structures
Authors: Moya Celia Gonzalez , Rodriguez Rafael , Martínez Carlos S. Perez , Garay Hilda , Wiesent Julian , Gröger Stefan , Masforrol Yordanka , Perera Yasser , Perea Silvio E. , Balbach Jochen
Published: July 2024

The next-generation anti-tumor drug peptide CIGB-300, developed by the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), targets casein kinase 2 (CK2) and its substrates, implicating significant therapeutic potential in cancer treatment. A key focus of this study was to compare CIGB-300 and a primary synthetic byproduct, CIGB-300iso, which shares the amino acid sequence with CIGB-300 but was proposed to differ due to racemization. This study explores the synthesis, characterization, and structural elucidation of CIGB-300 and its isomer CIGB-300iso. A comprehensive NMR analysis of seven synthesized diastereomers including amino acid residues C15, H21, and C25 revealed that CIGB-300iso contains one D enantiomer at position H21. The structures of both isoforms derived from NMR constraints disclosed that the L and D enantiomers have an altered peptide supersecondary structure, with a β-turn type IV3 found in CIGB-300 and a type I β-turn in CIGB-300iso, significantly impacting the peptide's conformations, sidechain orientations and, potentially, its biological activity. These findings highlight the importance of enantiomerically pure peptides for the design and synthesis of drug peptides.
Intercellular adhesion boots collective cell migration through elevated membrane tension
Authors: Wegner Seraphine , Bijonowski Brent , Park Jongkwon , Bergert Martin , Teubert Christina , Diz-Muñoz Alba , Galic Milos
Published: July 2024

In multicellular systems, the migration pattern of individual cells critically relies on the interactions with neighboring cells. Depending on the strength of these interactions, cells either move as a collective, as observed during morphogenesis and wound healing, or migrate individually, as it is the case for immune cells and fibroblasts. Transducers of cell-cell adhesions, such as cadherins coordinate collective dynamics by linking the cytoskeleton of neighboring cells. However, whether intercellular binding alone triggers signals that originate from within the plasma membrane itself, remains unclear. To address this question, we designed photoswitchable cell-cell adhesions that selectively connect adjacent plasma membranes without linking directly to cytoskeletal elements. We find that these intercellular adhesions are sufficient to achieve collective cell migration. Here, linking adjacent cells increases membrane tension, which activates the enzyme phospholipase D2. The resulting increase in phosphatidic acid, in turn, stimulates the mammalian target of rapamycin, a known actuator of collective cell migration. Collectively, these findings introduce a membrane-based signaling axis as promotor of collective cell dynamics, which is independent of the direct coupling of cell-cell adhesions to the cytoskeleton.
Effects of vitamin A and D in cord blood on infantile eczema: A Bidirectional Cohort Study
Authors: Pu Rui , Zhang Shuangshuang , Li Xuening , Liu Ying
Published: July 2024

Background
The incidence of infantile eczema is increasing annually. However, the associations between cord blood vitamin A and D and infantile eczema have been less studied. This study aimed to explore the factors influencing vitamin A and D in neonatal cord blood and the effects of vitamin A and D in cord blood on infantile eczema.
Methods
Questionnaire surveys, vitamin A and D detection and outcome measures were administered to 118 pairs of pregnant women and newborns. Follow-up for infantile eczema patients was based on a structured questionnaire.
Results
Significant correlations were detected between the vitamin A and D levels in the cord blood and venous blood of women in the third trimester of pregnancy (r = 0.256 and 0.697, respectively; all P < 0.05). The vitamin A intake of pregnant women (OR = 0.381, 95% CI: 0.147–0.989) and consumption of more vegetables (> 1 time/day) during pregnancy (OR = 0.334, 95% CI: 0.124–0.902) improved the protection of cord blood vitamin A levels. Pregnant women who exercised more (> 1 h/day) (OR = 0.103, 95% CI: 0.028–0.379) and who consumed more vitamin D during pregnancy (OR = 0.332, 95% CI: 0.118–0.933) presented with a lower risk of having cord blood vitamin D levels ≥ 20 ng/mL. Higher cord blood vitamin D levels were an independent protective factor for infantile eczema within 6 months and within 12 months (OR = 0.896, 95% CI: 0.834–0.963; OR = 0.927, 95% CI: 0.869–0.990, respectively). However, cord blood vitamin A levels were not associated with infantile eczema within 6 months or 12 months of age.
Conclusions
This study demonstrated a positive correlation between cord blood and vitamin A and D levels in maternal venous blood in the third trimester of pregnancy. Cord blood vitamin D levels can affect the development of infantile eczema.
Exploring the Influence of Different Learning Activities on Medical Students' Psychological Pathways in Ultrasound Acquisition
Authors: Huang Yu-Ting , Kang Enoch Yi-No , Salcedo Daniel , Lin Che-Wei , Hu Kai-Chun , Hsu Chin-Wang , Cheng Chung-Yi , Huang Wen-Cheng
Published: July 2024

Background
Acquiring proficiency in medicine typically necessitates a combination of foundational knowledge and hands-on experience. However, how do lecture and hands-on practice affect the psychological learning process in ultrasound education remains unclear. The purpose of this research was to test how the different learning activities associated with the psychomotor domain, elucidating their connections with cognitive and affective domains in the context of ultrasound education.
Method
This study is originally based on the post-course survey of the Parallel Ultrasound Hands-on (PUSH) trial. The survey was done by 127 third-year medical students with information regarding attending times and learning self-efficacy scale that consisted of 12 items with adequate reliability (Cronbach's α=0.9). A partial least square structural equation modeling was used for analyzing the data.
Results
Attending times of lecture was positively associated with cognitive (β=0.343; 95% CI: 0.093 to 0.567) and psychomotor domain (β=0.252; 95% CI: 0.066 to 0.452), but hands-on practice was only significantly associated with psychomotor domain (β=0.208; 95% CI: 0.043 to 0.376).
Conclusion
Lectures and hands-on practice exert varying impacts on medical students' psychological pathways involved in learning ultrasound. The combination learning design could be flexible at the time table of the course, but also be required with minimal attendance to the class.
Metamaterial Parameter Estimation by Machine Learning Method
Authors: Tiwari Shipra , Sharma Pramod , Ali Shoyab
Published: July 2024

Artificial neural network modeling is used to synthesize the metamaterial unit cell. Artificial neural networks are powerful tools to establish the relation between inputs and outputs parameters under highly nonlinear conditions. Artificial neural networks captured the synaptic weights according to their training data set. In artificial neural networks, the back propagation technique is the fastest learning method, which reduces the computer’s processing time and provides the best results under the nonlinear relationship between input and output. This work is divided into three parts. In the first part, we design a metamaterial unit cell, which is in the shape of square split rings. This shape is widely used to realize a metamaterial unit cell. In the second part, we develop a regression model using artificial neural networks to estimate the output resonance frequency when design parameters are used as input of artificial neural networks. In the last part, we use three different machine learning method to estimate the output parameter and then do the comparison in between them. Therefore, the objective of this research work is to develop a hypothesis using feed forward backpropagation method, Bayesian regularization and Elman backpropagation method, to find the resonance frequency when dimension of the metamaterial unit cell is given.
Charging Dynamic of Graphene Oxide-Water Interface Dominated by Sulfate Groups
Authors: Gudarzi Mohsen Moazzami , Sanjari Ali , Hosseini Mohammad , Aboutalebi Seyed Hamed
Published: July 2024

Graphene oxide (GO) has emerged as a versatile and technologically significant 2D material due to its chemical flexibility, allowing for sophisticated structural manipulation and efficient exfoliation from graphite oxide. Despite its extensive applications, the inconsistency in various aspects of GO processing, arising from unidentified factors that impact the precise chemical structure of GO, has significantly stalled progress in the field. Herein we show that the often-overlooked organosulfate groups play a decisive role throughout the entire GO lifecycle. Their influence extends from governing charging behaviour and self-assembly to impacting material properties, which in turn affect storage, processing, and applications. Detailed elemental analysis combined with modelling results reveal a high surface charge density, explaining the spontaneous exfoliation observed in widely used methods. Understanding the chemistry of GO enables us to tailor synthesis for enhanced material stability and ionic conductivity. Our results shed light on the electrical double layer around atomically thin membranes, paving the way for further exploration into 2D polyelectrolytes.
Assessment of serum Homocysteine levels in congenital heart disease and with rubella infection: A hospital- based case-control study in North Indian population
Authors: Tripathi Sumedha , Awasthi Shally , Tripathi Shalini , Jain Amita , Sharma Akhil
Published: July 2024

Objective
Circulating homocysteine and Rubella infection are independent risk factors for congenital heart disease (CHD). The primary objective of the study was to assess the association of serum homocysteine levels in cases of CHD and healthy controls and the secondary objective was to assess the association of serum homocysteine levels with rubella infection among CHD cases.
Methods
This case-control study was conducted in King George’s Medical University, Lucknow. Total 245 echo-graphically confirmed cases of CHD and age-gender matched 245 healthy controls of aged 0–11 months were recruited from the outpatient clinic and wards of paediatric and cardiology department and controls were recruited from immunization clinic of the hospital. Samples were tested for rubella specific IgM and IgG antibody and homocysteine levels using enzyme-linked-immunosorbent-assay.
Results
From July 2022 - December 2023, 245 cases of CHD and 245 healthy controls were recruited. The mean (SD) age of the cases were 4.40 ± 3.34 months and controls were 4.33 ± 3.63. In cases, 70.20% males were recruited while 68.57% in controls. The mean serum homocysteine levels (µmol/L) in CHD cases were 15.70 ± 7.6 while in controls 9.51 ± 3.1 (p = < 0.0001). Within CHD cases, 7.8% (19/245) were found seropositive for rubella infection. The crude odd ratio of homocysteine levels against seropositive rubella infection was 1.08 (95% CI 1.02–1.14) as compare to seronegative.
Conclusion
Levels of serum homocysteine in cases of CHD were significantly higher as compared to controls, whereas among CHD cases, those who had rubella seropositive showed significantly higher serum homocysteine levels.
The Impact of Demographics and Comorbidities on Fall Incidence and Prevalence in Older Adults
Authors: Namoos Asmaa M , Thomson Nicholas , Bradley Sarah , Aboutanos Michel
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Falls among older adults are more than mere accidents; they are a silent epidemic, profoundly impacting the health and well-being of millions of older adults worldwide. This study examines the incidence and prevalence of falls among individuals aged 65 and above, focusing on the influence of demographic factors and comorbid conditions such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cancer, and obesity.
Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from the TriNetX network at Virginia Commonwealth University Health System (VCUHS) from 2019 to 2023. The study population included 16,400 individuals aged 65 and above who presented with fall-related trauma. Data on demographics, clinical diagnoses, procedures, and comorbid conditions were analyzed using descriptive statistics to evaluate the incidence and prevalence of falls.
Results: The mean age of the study population was 77.3 years, with a higher proportion of females (60.97%) compared to males (39.02%). Despite the larger number of female participants, incidence and prevalence of falls were highest among individuals aged 65-69 years, and fall rates were notably higher among males compared to females. This suggests that while fewer in number, males in our study experienced falls more frequently. Patients with hypertension had the highest incidence proportion (56.67%) and prevalence (75.75%) among comorbid conditions.
Conclusions: Falls among older adults are significantly influenced by demographic factors and comorbid conditions. Hypertension, in particular, is associated with the highest fall risk. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to manage comorbidities and reduce fall risks among older adult patients.
Impact of Masculine Identity on Racing Engagement Among Young Motorcyclists in Penang, Malaysia
Authors: Hussin Zalmizy , Ahmad Siti Rohana
Published: July 2024

Background

Illegal motorcycle racing has become increasingly prevalent among young individuals as a means of seeking excitement and self-expression. This research aimed to explore the prevalence of self-perceived illegal motorcycle racers and the impact of masculine identity on their participation in racing activities.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2020 to January 2021. Participants completed self-administered questionnaires, including the Conformity to Masculine Norms Inventory-22 (CMNI-22), to measure masculine identity levels. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine the association between masculine identity and participation in illegal racing.

Results

A total of 400 individuals with a mean age of 18.5 years (SD ± 13.4) participated in the study. The average duration of engagement in street racing was 1.3 years (SD ± 1.13). Among the participants, 57.5% identified themselves as active racers, while the remaining 42.5% either observed the races or took part in convoys exclusively. The mean score for masculine identity was 31, with scores ranging from 21 to 45.2. The results showed that participants with high levels of masculine identity were four times more likely to engage in racing (95% confidence interval (CI) 3.57, 6.12; P = 0.001) compared to those with low levels of masculine identity.

Conclusion

Promoting positive masculinity through education, engagement in safe activities, and highlighting role models with qualities like kindness and responsibility may help foster healthy behaviours and well-being among youth.
Role of Plasmonic Metal-semiconductor Heterostructure in Photo Catalytic Hydrolysis and Degradation of Toxic Dyes
Authors: Khanam Shomaila , Rout Sanjeeb Kumar
Published: July 2024

Plasmonic metal-semiconductor heterostructure has become the most
prominent content for water splitting by photocatalytic means. It is thought to be an
effective, clean, and affordable energy source. Hydrolysis, water splitting, and
destruction of organic dyes have all demonstrated the high efficiency of LSPR
formation by these materials. A noble metal combined with a low bandgap
semiconductor makes for the perfect photocatalyst. In this case, both semiconductors
and noble metals can absorb visible light. They are prone to producing positive and
negative pairs and inhibit their recombination, causing the resulting electron-hole pairs
to interact with the chemicals in the immediate environment, thereby increasing
photocatalytic activity. The strong SPR's combined effect with the efficient separation
of photogenerated electrons and holes supported by noble metal particles can be
credited with the increased photocatalytic activity. It has become a useful method for
overcoming the limitations of conventional photocatalysts and promoting
photocatalytic mechanisms.

This book chapter has three main goals: briefly describing plasmonic dynamics,
explaining the preparation techniques, analyzing the key characteristics of the
plasmonic metal nanostructure that influence photocatalysis, summarizing the reported
literature, and offering an in-depth explanation of the four fundamental plasmonic
energy transfer process.