bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leveraging Natural Language Processing to Evaluate Young Adults’ User Experiences with a Digital Sleep Intervention for Alcohol Use
Authors: Griffith Frances , Ash Garrett , Augustine Madilyn , Latimer Leah , Verne Naomi , Redeker Nancy , O'Malley Stephanie , DeMartini Kelly , Fucito Lisa
Published: March 2024

Evaluating user experiences with digital interventions is critical to increase uptake and adherence, but traditional methods have limitations. We incorporated natural language processing (NLP) with convergent mixed methods to evaluate a personalized feedback and coaching digital sleep intervention for alcohol risk reduction: ‘Call it a Night’ (CIAN; N = 120). In this randomized clinical trial with young adults with heavy drinking, control conditions were A + SM: web-based advice + active and passive monitoring; and A: advice + passive monitoring. Findings converged to show that the CIAN treatment condition group found feedback and coaching most helpful, whereas participants across conditions generally found advice helpful. Further, most participants across groups were interested in varied whole-health sleep-related factors besides alcohol use (e.g., physical activity), and many appreciated increased awareness through monitoring with digital tools. All groups had high adherence, satisfaction, and reported feasibility, but participants in CIAN and A + SM reported significantly higher effectiveness than those in A. NLP corroborated positive sentiments across groups and added critical insight that sleep, not alcohol use, was a main participant motivator. Digital sleep interventions are an acceptable, novel alcohol treatment strategy, and improving sleep and overall wellness may be important motivations for young adults. Further, NLP provides an efficient convergent method for evaluating experiences with digital interventions.
Intraspecific trait variation in seedlings reveals independence between leaf and root traits but a lack of an independent "collaboration axis" belowground
Authors: Schaffer-Morrison Samuel , Ibanez Ines , Weemstra Monique , Petri Lais , Umana Maria Natalia
Published: March 2024

Plant functional traits, both above- and belowground, help determine resource acquisition strategies. While global trends at the interspecific level suggest independence between leaf and root traits, there are ecological and evolutionary reasons to expect different patterns of variation within species. We investigate whether the same functional dimensions observed across species also exist intraspecifically using tree seedlings. Three functional dimensions represent the resource-acquisition strategies aboveground and belowground, and mycorrhizal collaboration belowground. We ask: (1) Do the same three above- and belowground trait axes exist within species and are they independent from each other, and (2) are traits explained by environmental conditions? We collected root and leaf traits on 131 seedlings from four common, naturally occurring species across eight sites in a temperate, deciduous broadleaf forest in the USA. We measured traits defining the resource-acquisition strategies - specific leaf area, leaf nitrogen, root nitrogen, and root tissue density – and those defining the collaboration axis - specific root length and root diameter. In addition, we measured light conditions for each seedling and soil nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) to examine the relationship between traits and abiotic conditions using a novel multivariate regression analysis approach. We found that above- and belowground traits segregated into independent functional axes and that the collaboration axis merges with the belowground resource-acquisition axis. Furthermore, we found limited associations between abiotic factors and traits. Our findings suggest that within species there might be additional constraints to adjust to soil conditions, and therefore impact response to environmental change.
Morphological and biochemical analysis of the CNTs-induced in-vitro culture of Moringa oleifera
Authors: Bibi Anam , Khan Raham Sher , Gul Karim , Ullah Atta , Aizaz Muhammad , Shah Syed Muhammad Shafi , Usman Muhammad , Iqbal Aneela , Khan Mubarak Ali
Published: March 2024

The current research work was designed to study the effects of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on morphological and phytochemical profile of in vitro culture of Moringa oleifera. The surface sterilized Moringa seeds were cultured on MS basal medium containing different concentrations of carbon nanotubes (0, 20, 50, 80 and 100 mg/l) and incubated at 25 ± 1°C for germination, and/or callus induction and regeneration. Similarly, the germinated in vitro plants were analysed for biochemical analysis and phytohormones level. The results showed that earlier germination (after 3 days) was recorded on CNTs-fortified medium and the highest used concentration (100 mg/l) of CNTs resulted in 100% germination of the explants. Similarly, in case of callogenesis, we found that as we increased the CNTs concentrations from lower to higher, we obtained higher percentage in callus formation and highest fresh (3.081 ± 0.005 g) and dry weight (1.64 ± 0.0012 g) were recorded on the media with 100 mg/l of CNTs. The induced calli were subjected to regeneration and the best results in the highest number of shoot (5 ± 0.57), shoot length (11 ± 0.57 cm), highest number of leaves (24), highest root number (12 ± 0.57), and root length (9.8 ± 0.35) were all observed on 100 mg/l CNTs-media. The spectrophotometric analysis of the total soluble sugars, proline, flavonoids, and phenolic contents revealed that the highest flavonoids were found on 50 mg/l concentration of CNTs, while the highest sugars, proline, and phenolics were observed on 100 mg/l of CNTs. The phytohormones, indole acetic acid (IAA, salicyclic acid, and gibberellic acid) were quantified. CNTs affected the level of IAA, however SA and GA were not significantly affected by the use of CNTs in the MS media. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first trial in determining the impact of CNTs on the morphological and biochemical characteristics of the medicinally important plant, M. oleifera, where the application of CNTs caused a growth promoting effect on moringa plant and triggered the biosynthesis of essential plant metabolites.
The impact of group membership on punishment versus partner rejection
Authors: Loustau Trystan , Glassman Jacob , Martin Justin W. , Young Liane , McAuliffe Katherine
Published: March 2024

People often display ingroup bias in punishment, punishing outgroup members more harshly than ingroup members. However, the impact of group membership may be less pronounced when people are choosing whether to stop interacting with someone (i.e., partner rejection). In two studies (N = 1667), we investigate the impact of group membership on both response types. Participants were assigned to groups based on a “minimal” groups paradigm (Study 1) or their self-reported political positions (Study 2) and played an incentivized economic game with other players. In this game, participants (Responders) responded to other players (Deciders). In the Punishment condition, participants could decrease the Decider’s bonus pay. In the Partner Rejection condition, participants could reject future interactions with the Decider. Participants played once with an ingroup member and once with an outgroup member. To control for the effects of intent and outcome, scenarios also differed based on the Decider’s Intent (selfish versus fair) and the Outcome (equal versus unequal distribution of resources). Participants punished outgroup members more than ingroup members, however group membership did not influence decisions to reject partners. These results highlight partner rejection as a boundary condition for the impact of group on responses to transgressions.
The relation of job stress to mental health of junior high school teachers and the related mechanisms in Post-pandemic era
Authors: Wang Saidi , Pu Linjie , Yu Jie , Li Jiansheng
Published: March 2024

This study focuses on the mental health of junior high school teachers and its influencing mechanism in the post-epidemic era. By integrating job stress, work-life balance and job satisfaction into the theoretical framework of mental health, this study systematically discusses the influencing mechanism of junior high school teachers' mental health. It is found that job stress has a significant impact on teachers' mental health, while job stress does not affect teachers' mental health through work-family balance, and only when job satisfaction moderates work-family balance can the intermediary role of work-family balance be established. This study not only enriches the theoretical system of teachers' mental health, but also provides practical basis for education administrators to improve teachers' mental health in the post-epidemic era.
High-temperature superconductivity of ternary Y–Hf–H compounds under high pressure
Authors: Wang Yanqi , Jin Yuanyuan , Yang Fulong , Zhang Jinquan , Zhang Chuanzhao , Kuang Fangguang , Ju Meng , Li Song , Cheng Shubo
Published: March 2024

Compressed ternary alloy superhydrides are currently considered to be the most promising competitors for high-temperature superconducting materials. Here, the stable stoichiometries in the Y-Hf-H ternary system under pressure are comprehensively explored and four fresh phases are found: Pmna-YHfH6 and P4/mmm-YHfH7 at 200 GPa, P4/mmm-YHfH8 at 300 GPa and P-6m2-YHfH18 at 400 GPa. The four Y-Hf-H ternary phases are thermodynamically and dynamically stable at corresponding pressure. In addition, structural features, bonding characteristics, electronic properties, and superconductivity of the four ternary Y-Hf-H phases are systematically calculated and discussed. Among them, the superconducting transition temperatures (Tc) are significantly enhanced as the hydrogen content and the contribution of H atoms to the density of states at the Fermi level increase. The P-6m2-YHfH18 with high hydrogen content exhibits a high Tc value of 130 K at 400 GPa.
Light increases resistance of thylakoid membranes to thermal inactivation
Authors: Lovyagina Elena , Luneva Oksana , Loktyushkin Aleksey , Semin Boris
Published: March 2024

In the region of slightly acidic pH (рН 5.7), the manganese cluster in oxygen-evolving complex of photosystem II (PSII) is more resistant to exogenous reductants (Semin et al. 2015). The effect of such pH on the heat inactivation efficiency of the electron transport chain (O2 evolution and 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol reduction) in PSII membranes and thylakoid membranes was investigated. Under thylakoid membranes illumination accompanied by lumen acidification, their resistance to heat inactivation increases. In the presence of protonophores, the rate of heat inactivation increases, which seems to be associated not with the protonophore mechanism, but with structural and/or functional changes in membranes. In PSII membrane preparations, the efficiency of the oxygen evolution inhibition at pH 5.7 is also lower than at pH 6.5. The role of reactive oxygen species in thermal inactivation of photosynthetic membranes was investigated using a lipophilic cyclic hydroxylamine ESR spin probe.
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Urban Park Dusts from Lagos, Nigeria: Pollution levels, Sources and Exposure Implications.
Authors: Adeniran Jamiu Adetayo , Odediran Emmanuel Toluwalope , Ogunlade Benjamin Toba , Adeagbo Toheeb , Akanbi Omodamola , Adesina Olusola Adedayo
Published: March 2024

Dust serves as a primary source and reservoir for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in metropolitan areas worldwide. Therefore, this research investigated the pollution levels, origins, and exposure threats linked with PAHs in dust sampled from twenty vehicle parks in Lagos, Nigeria -one of the fastest growing African cities. Diverse PAH origins were identified with positive matrix factorization (PMF) technique and diagnostic ratios. Total PAH concentrations ranged from 4.81 µg/g to 8.48 µg/g. Four-ring PAHs, particularly Fluoranthene (Flan), were the most prevalent, with concentrations ranging from 0.26 µg/g to 1.33 µg/g in Lagos parks. Benzo(k)fluoranthene from road traffic sources, emerged as the leading PAHs among the seven considered cancer-causing PAHs, ranging from 0.31 µg/g to 0.99 µg/g. The PMF model identified eight sources of PAHs, including biomass combustion, gasoline vehicle exhaust, coke oven emissions, lubricating oil burning, unburnt fossil fuel, diesel combustion, petrol combustion, and fugitive dust. Applying the probabilistic cancer risk model, Lagos average cancer risk from chosen vehicle parks was calculated as 1.27 x 10− 5 for children and 1.41 x 10− 5 for adults, falling within acceptable risk levels.
The association between loneliness and mental health disorders in older people after the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Araújo Odete , Sousa Lia , Sampaio Francisco , Sequeira Carlos , Teixeira Laetitia
Published: March 2024

Background
Acknowledging the exacerbated impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health status of the general population, particularly the older population, this study aimed to explore the association between loneliness and mental health disorders in older people after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods
A cross-sectional survey using the SHARE database was conducted from June to August 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Results
The sample comprised 847 participants, including 393 (46.4%) men, with an overall mean age of 74.6 years (sd = 6.7 years). Concerning mental health indicators, 441 (52.1%) reported feelings of nervousness, 384 (45.3%) experienced sadness or depression, 349 (41.2%) encountered sleeping difficulties, and 280 (33.1%) reported experiencing loneliness often or some of the time. The results revealed increased loneliness feelings for women who had worse health, increased fear of falling, dizziness, heightened fatigue, anxiety, depression, and concurrent health and sleep problems. Notably, age and medication had no impact on feeling lonely.
Conclusions
The pandemic has adversely affected the mental well-being of older population. These findings provide valuable insights for the development of targeted strategies to prevent mental health problems.
Unraveling the tumor-promoting role of wildtype Isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) in human gliomas
Authors: Li Xiang , Tao Yiran , Lyu Yuan , Li Junqi , Liang Wulong , Liu Wanqing , Hu Nan , Jing Zhou , Li Zian , De Xiao , Dai Lirui , Zheng Yuqian , Shi Zimin , Hu Weihua , Zhou Shaolong , Shan Qiao , Fu Xudong , Wang Xinjun
Published: March 2024

Isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) mutations are discovered in most grade Ⅱ gliomas (71%-78%), grade Ⅲ gliomas (62%-78%) and secondary glioblastomas (88%), and have received lots of attention in recent years. However, the tumor-promoting role of wildtype IDH1 still need to be further investigated. In this article, we found wildtype IDH1 mRNA and protein levels were both elevated in glioma by using bioinformatic analysis, Besides, IDH1 mutation reduced the expression of wildtype IDH1 in U87-R132H cell line. Furthermore, the expression of wildtype IDH1 also increased along with the increase of clinical grades of glioma. Cell function and signaling pathways enrichment analyses were enriched in metabolic processes, phosphatase complex, TCA, DNA replication, p53 signaling pathway, Notch signaling pathway, et al. Single-cell sequencing analysis revealed that high expression of wildtype IDH1 correlated with cell cycle, metastasis, EMT, proliferation, invasion, stemness, and DNA damage. Besides, wildtype IDH1 promoted GBM cell viability, migration, and radioresistance in vitro. Wildtype IDH1 was significantly relevant with diagnosis, prognosis, and survival probability of glioma patients. Therefore, wildtype IDH1 could be an underlying target for glioma therapy.
Accurate Method for Estimating Wall-Friction based on Analytical Wall-Law Model
Authors: Zhou Lei , Wang Duo , Cao Bochao , Xu Hongyi
Published: March 2024

A novel method is proposed for accurately determining the local wall friction through the near-wall measurement of time-average velocity profile in a Type-A turbulent boundary layer (TBL). The method is based on the newly established analytical wall-law in Type-A TBL. The direct numerical simulations (DNS) data of turbulence on a zero-pressure-gradient flat-plate (ZPGFP) is used to demonstrate the accuracy and the robustness of the approach. To verify the reliability and applicability of the method, a two-dimensional particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurement was performed in a ZPGFP TBL with the low-to-moderate Reynolds number (Re). Via utilizing the algorithm of single-pixel ensemble correlation (SPEC), the velocity profiles in the ZPGFP TBL were resolved at a significantly improved spatial resolution, which greatly enhanced the measurement accuracy and permitted to accurately capture the near-wall velocity information. The accuracy of the approach is then quantitatively validated for the high Reynolds number turbulence by the ZPGFP TBL data. The research demonstrates that the current method can provide the precise estimation of wall friction with a mean error of less than 2%, which not only possesses the advantage of its insensitivity to the absolute wall-normal distance of the measuring point, but also is capable of providing an accurate prediction of wall shear stress based on fairly sparse experimental data on the velocity profile. The current study demonstrates that the wall shear stress can be accurately estimated by a velocity even at a single-point either measured or calculated in the near-wall region.
A novel posterior keratoconus with osteogenesis imperfecta by mutation in COL1A1
Authors: Wu Hui , Shi Xiaoru , Shi Hui , Liu Lei , Xu Hui , Hou Lulu , Huang Rong , Wang Chunmei , Jia Hui
Published: March 2024

BackgroundPosterior keratoconus is a rare, non-progressive corneal condition in the posterior surface of the cornea. Also known as keratoconus posticus, it is characterized by thinning of the posterior cornea without ectasia of the anterior cornea. Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a rare inherited connective tissue disease affecting collagen production. The manifestations in OI patients have not been well studied in the case of keratoconus, especially posterior keratoconus. Here, we observe that a clinical patient has the syndrome of OI caused by mutations in the COL1A1 genes and Descemet membrane detachment.Case presentationWe report a 27 years old Chinese male with skeletal deformity and hirsutism complained of blurred vision in his left eye for one month. He had hearing loss in his both ears 6 years ago. There were many times of bone fragility history. Cardiac ultrasound indicated cardiac insufficiency. On examination, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/40 in the right eye and light perception in the left eye. Slit lamp examination of the left eye showed corneal edema, paracentral corneal thinning without ectasia of the anterior cornea and a peripheral circular band of corneal opacity which was sharply demarcated. Examination of the right eye was normal except a peripheral circular band of corneal opacity as the same as the left eye. Topographic analysis of the cornea has further shown that there are in fact anterior surface changes in posterior keratoconus, including paracentral steepening in the area of the posterior corneal depression with gradual peripheral flattening. Ultrasound biomicroscopy has been shown the local anterior bulging of the posterior corneal surface, thinning of the superior stroma, a central Descemet’s detachment and enhanced stromal reflectivity corresponding to the stromal opacity seen in circumscribed posterior keratoconus. The diagnosis of posterior keratoconus accompanied with bilateral peripheral circular corneal degeneration was made and the patient underwent penetrating keratoplasty of the left eye. After the operation, both anatomic and visual development success were obtained. However, the patient was suffering from overall dysplasia. We speculated that it might be a systemic syndrome. So we performed gene testing of blood samples from patient and his family members after obtaining their informed consent. The results indicated a mutation in the COL1A1 gene (NM_000088.4:exon7:c.572_573 delins AA: p.G191E).ConclusionsThis is the first report which covers posterior keratoconus occurring in patient with OI. This novel report reminds us the importance of taking eye examinations into consideration in systemic syndrome.
Influence of pores on the fatigue life of welded joints and investigation of acceptance criteria defined in standard documents
Authors: Jung Matthias , Fenzl René
Published: March 2024

Inner defects in welded joints constitute concurrent sites for fatigue failure in welds, especially when high fatigue resistance is enforced at weld toe and root. Existing standards limit the size of pores and other inner defects proportional to the sheet or weld thickness, but for larger dimensions cutoff values are in place. This leads to overly high acceptance criteria when it comes to thicker sheets, as e.g. used for wind turbine towers. To analyze the influence of pores on the fatigue life, specimens with targeted pore sizes larger than the usually accepted were tested under fatigue loading. In the present study a numerical model for fatigue assessment was developed based on the experimental results, which allowed to further vary pore sizes and locations. It is shown, that for larger weldments the acceptable pore size can be increased without large reductions in fatigue life. But, the location of the pore with regard to the specimens surface has shown to have a large influence – an effect that is currently not considered in common weld quality documents.
IIW Document No.: XIII-2994-2023
Molecular and biological characterization of infectious full- length cDNA clones of two viruses in Paris yunnanensis, including a novel potyvirus
Authors: Lan Pingxiu , He Peng , Mu Aiqiu , Cao Mengji , Wang Yun , Zhou Guohua , Chen Xiaojiao , Cai Hong , Li Fan
Published: March 2024

Paris yunnanensis, also named as Rhizoma Paridis in the Chinese Pharmacopeia, is a perennial Chinese medicinal herb commonly grown in Southwest China. In recent years, this plant has been found to be infected with many viruses. Using high-throughput sequencing (HTS) and Sanger sequencing, we obtained the complete genome sequences of three capillovirus isolates and one potyvirus isolate. Genomic and phylogenetic analysis results revealed that these three capillovirus isolates and the Paris polyphylla chlorotic mottle virus, a newly reported capillovirus, are the same virus belonging to the genus Capillovirus. The newly found potyvirus isolate shares 52.4-68.9% nucleotide sequence identity with other known potyviruses and thus, is grouped into the bean common mosaic virus subgroup. Based on the nucleotide sequence identity, we consider this virus is a novel potyvirus species and name Paris potyvirus 5 (ParPV-5) as its common virus name, Potyvirus shilinense as its species name. To characterize their biological features, two infectious clones, representing the two viruses, have been constructed through homologous recombination or yeast homologous recombination, respectively. Agrobacterium-mediated inoculation assay results showed that the Paris polyphylla chlorotic mottle virus (PpCMV) can infect P. yunnanensis, Nicotiana benthamiana, N. tabacum var. Xanthi nc, Cucurbita moschata, and Capsicum annuum, while the potyvirus can infect N. benthamiana, Cucumis sativus L., and Bidens pilosa L. A total of 179 field P. yunnanensis leave samples from four counties were detected using RT-PCR, the result showed that ParPV-1 is uncommon in Paris yunnanensis but PpCMV is an preponderant species in some surveyed regions.
Development and externally validated prediction model of individualization of FSH starting dose in the depot GnRH agonist protocol for the early follicular phase
Authors: Fan Wenqian , Ye Tian , Du Linqing , Tian Lifeng , Kong Huijuan
Published: March 2024

Background
Each controlled ovarian hyperstimulation(COH) protocol has its own unique mechanism and hormone pattern. The depot GnRHa protocol has a deeper down-regulation effect and favourable clinical pregnancy rates, the predictive model of the optimal follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) starting dose in the early follicular phase depot GnRH agonist (EFDGa) protocol has not been reported. Our study was made to explore predictive indicators for determining the optimal FSH starting dose in patients undergoing ovarian stimulation with the EFDGa protocol in assisted reproductive technology (ART), and to develop and validate a nomogram prediction model for the starting dose of FSH.
Methods
This retrospective study included 2733 cycles who underwent fresh cycle transplantation at two large teaching hospitals in China from January to December 2022: center 1 (Reproductive Medicine Center of first affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University) provided the data for modelling (n = 938) and internal testing (n = 400), and center 2 (Reproductive Medicine Center of Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital) provided the data for external testing (n = 1109). Patient demographics, including age, anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels, baseline endocrine profile, and body mass index (BMI), along with information on ovulation stimulation, were collected. Univariate and multivariate linear regression models were used to identify factors influencing the FSH starting dose. A nomogram for the ideal FSH starting dose was developed based on these factors and validated internally and externally. Bland and Altman plots and paired t-tests were conducted to verify the concordance and RMSE between groups.
Results
Univariate analysis revealed that patient age, BMI, baseline FSH, AMH, and antral follicle count (AFC) were indicators of FSH starting dose. The regression model for predicting FSH starting dose was determined as: Initial dose of FSH = 45.984 + 1.728 * AGE (years) + 5.131 * BMI (kg/m²) + 2.455 * bFSH (IU/ml) − 6.697 * AMH (ng/ml) – 3.339 * AFC. Bland and Altman analysis showed good agreement in the internal validation (bias: 0.629, SD of bias: 36.83, 95%LoA: -71.55–72.81 IU). Furthermore, validating the model on external cohort confirmed that nomogram prediction model is an accurate predictor of FSH starting dose ((bias: -1.428, SD of bias: 43.21, 95%LoA: -85.11–82.15 IU).
Conclusions
We established a model for effectively predicting the ideal FSH starting dose, with the nomogram model providing an intuitive representation of the data. The predictive model demonstrates practical utility, effectively initiating a proper ovarian response and preventing adverse ovarian reactions or the occurrence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. As more IVF cycles are being generated in the future, this model will be valuable in clinicians using basic parameters to assess proper initial dose of FSH.
Outcomes of Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Wedge Resection Using a Non-Crushing Clamp and Continuous Sutures Plus Hemovac Drains Versus Staplers Plus Conventional Chest Tube: A Comparative Study
Authors: Fazlıoğlu Mithat
Published: March 2024

OBJECTIVES.
In thoracoscopic surgery, we described wedge resection of the parenchyma with clamps and subsequent use of hemovac drains and compared it with the standard technique of using staplers and conventional chest tubes.
METHODS.
Fifty-nine patients who underwent thoracoscopic wedge resection between 2018 and 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups according to the surgical and drain types: stapler plus chest tube (S-ct, n = 27) and clamp plus hemovac drain (C-hd, n = 32). Air leak duration, postoperative drainage time, hospital stay duration, and total medical costs were also investigated.
RESULTS.
There were no significant differences in patient characteristics between both groups. The operation time was longer in Group C-hd (median 70 min versus median 60 min, p = 0.115). Prolonged air leak rates were similar between the two groups (11.1% and 12.5% in Groups S-ct and C-hd, respectively). The air leak duration and postoperative drainage time were not statistically significantly different between both groups (p = 0.872 and p = 0.176, respectively). The VAS scores on the first postoperative and day were significantly lower in Group C-hd (p = 0.02, and p = 0.02, respectively). Pain requiring additional treatment was significantly higher in Group S-ct (33.3% vs. 9.4%, p = 0.04). Total medical cost was statistically significantly higher in Group S-ct (median 371.7 vs. 191.6 dollars, p < 0.001).
CONCLUSION.
In thoracoscopic surgery, wedge resection of the parenchyma with clamping and subsequent use of a hemovac drain are comparable to the standard technique of using staplers and conventional chest tubes regarding short-term results and better economic results. Hemovac drainage can reduce postoperative pain.
The combination of the 18F-FDG and 18F-FP-DTBZ PET for early diagnosis of cerebral glucose metabolism and dopaminergic dysfunction in Parkinson's disease
Authors: li shuang , Lu Jie , Lu Wei-Zhao , Song Tian-Bin , Zhang Chun , Yang Chang
Published: March 2024

Objective: This study aimed to use 18F-FDG and 18F-FP-DTBZ PET to illustrate the correlation between cerebral glucose metabolism and nigrostriatal dopamine function and to investigate the precision of early Parkinson's disease (PD) diagnosis.
Methods: 18 healthy control participants and 32 patients with early PD were recruited for 18F-FDG and 18F-FP-DTBZ PET scans.
Results: Patients with PD exhibited significant 18F-FDG metabolic reduction in the frontal, parietal, and temporal cortex, as well as notable increased metabolism in the putamen, thalamus, pons, and cerebellum (all P < 0.05). Additionally, there was a notable reduction in 18F-FP-DTBZ uptake in the bilateral caudate, anterior putamen, and posterior putamen (all P < 0.005). The reduction of 18F-FP-DTBZ uptake in the bilateral caudate and anterior putamen positively correlated with the reduction in 18F-FDG uptake in the frontal cortical regions (r=0.352, 0.324, 0.300, and 0.314, respectively; all P < 0.05) and the parietal cortical regions (r=0.329, 0.303, and 0.330, respectively; all P < 0.05). The combination of the 18F-FDG and 18F-FP-DTBZ model exhibited the highest reliable prognostic performance, yielding an area under the curve of 0.979 (95% CI [0.948–1.00], P < 0.01).
Conclusions: Our study suggested that 18F-FDG and 18F-FP-DTBZ PET imaging was an excellent tool in differentiating PD from normal aging in the early stage of the disease.
Pharmacological activation of Sig-1R ameliorates pathological neuroinflammation in rats with diabetic neuropathic pain via the Akt/GSK-3β/NF-κB pathway
Authors: Cao Shan-shan , Shi Lei-lei , Zhang Yu-han , Shi Yong , Wang Xin , Yuan Shi-yu , Han Chao-jun , Liu Ji-ping
Published: March 2024

Diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP) is a common complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) and is characterized by spontaneous pain and neuroinflammation. The Sigma-1 receptor (Sig-1R) has been proposed as a target for analgesic development. It has anti-inflammatory properties and has been found to regulate DNP. However, it is not known whether Sig-1R can ameliorate pathological neuroinflammation in DNP. The present study used a rat model of DNP and a highly selective agonist of Sig-1R to assess the effects of the protein on neuropathic pain in rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The rats were divided into Control, Model, PRE-084 (0.3 mg/kg), PRE-084 (0.6 mg/kg), PRE-084 (1 mg/kg), and metformin (Met, 20 mg/kg) groups, with seven rats per group, and their body weight, fasting blood glucose, mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) and thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) were tested weekly for two weeks. After treatment with PRE-084, the pain thresholds in the DNP rats were significantly improved, together with pathological changes in the dorsal root ganglion, reductions in the serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, MOD, and prostaglandin E2, and the activity of superoxide dismutase was increased. The mRNA levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and cyclooxygenase 2 were reduced. Pharmacological inhibition of Sig-1R with BD1047 (10 µM) abolished Sig-1R-mediated activation of lipopolysaccharide-treated BV-2 microglial cells. It was also found that PRE-084 increased phosphorylation of serine/threonine protein kinase B (Akt) and glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) at Ser9, inhibiting nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB)-mediated neuroinflammation in the dorsal root ganglion, thus reducing DNP. The findings suggest that the effect of Sig-1R agonist PRE-084 on DNP may be to reduce the level of inflammation by downregulating Akt/GSK-3β/NF-κB signaling, thereby contributing to the treatment of the disease.
An aid diagnostic platform to detect the transition of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to Alzheimer's disease (AD) based on 48,116 AD and MCI patients
Authors: Song You-Qiang , LI JING , Li Siwen , Shea Yat-fung , Yue Ming , Zhu Pengfei , Zou Quan , Yuan Shuofeng , Chu Leung-Wing
Published: March 2024

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an incurable, progressive neurodegenerative disorder, necessitating early diagnosis and intervention. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) often precedes AD, but not all cases progress to AD, emphasizing the need for predictive biomarkers. We analyzed routine blood test data from 43,981 AD patients and 4,537 MCI subjects in Hong Kong hospitals (2000-2019). Among 31 shared biomarkers, five blood biomarkers (Hemoglobin, Hematocrit, Red blood cell related to oxygen carrying capacity, Neutrophils, and White blood cell related to immunity) significantly differentiated MCI from AD. Subjects were divided into four groups (Female 65 ~ 74, Male 65 ~ 74, Female 75 ~ 89, Male 75 ~ 89) to minimize gender and age bias. Models utilizing the five biomarkers along with machine learning yielded the highest accuracy in the Female 65 ~ 74 group (AUC of 0.76 on an independent test set). The other three models were trained with other biomarkers besides these 5 to optimize predictions, capturing models with AUC close to 0.70. We then constructed a platform predicting the risk of MCI converting to AD (MAP, http://lab.malab.cn/~lijing/MAP.html) to help physicians and MCI subjects with early diagnosis and prevention of AD. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the potential for accurate prediction of MCI to AD conversion using routine blood test data and machine learning, offering an economical and practical approach for early AD screening in MCI individuals.
A Case of Polyarteritis Nodosa with Positive Anti-Phospholipid Antibodies Presenting with Multifocal Myositis
Authors: Thu Ha Nguyen Thi , Le Chi Quynh , Hoang Thach Ngoc , Nguyen Giang Dinh , Van Anh Nguyen Thi
Published: March 2024

Background: Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is a rarely necrotizing vasculitis in childhood and is characterized by the inflammation of small and medium vessels affecting multiple organs. Although the presence of antiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies in PAN has been documented, there is limited data on the prevalence and understanding of pathogenesis and management for such co-incidence.
Case presentation: We herein reported that a 7-year-old boy without significant past medical history presented initially with high-grade fever, painful subcutaneous nodules, and ankle arthritis for 14 days prior to hospitalization. Biological findings revealed increased acute inflammatory biomarkers and no evidence of infection. The deep skin biopsy taken from the subcutaneous nodule proved leukocytoclastic medium-sized vasculitis suggestive of the PAN diagnosis. He eventually achieved a complete response with the use of intravenous corticosteroids (2 mg/kg/day) and subcutaneous methotrexate (15 mg/m2 body surface area (BSA)/week). However, the patient developed painfulness of bilateral proximal muscles and new-onset subcutaneous nodules of lower limbs after 1-week maintenance. Though the creatine phosphokinase (CPK) level was normal, the magnetic resonant imaging (MRI) showed multiple foci myositis of bilateral gluteal and femur regions. The serum level of D-dimer was remarkably elevated, and the lupus anticoagulant was positive. A combination of subcutaneous enoxaparin and pulsed cyclophosphamide (500 mg/m2 BSA) and three-day methylprednisolone (30 mg/kg/day) have contributed to a favorable outcome in this case. She further sustained remission on maintenance of gradually tapering doses of oral prednisolone and methotrexate.
Conclusions: We describe a case of PAN with the presence of aPL antibody manifesting with multifocal myositis. It is recommended that general testing for aPL antibodies should be undergone in patients with PAN, as well as other systemic vasculitis. Despite unusual co-incidence, aPL antibodies might worsen systemic vasculitis through thrombotic events, which clinicians should consider adequate coagulant therapeutics besides immunosuppressors.
Research on the Application of Heterotrophic Nitrification-Aerobic Denitrification Bacteria in Membrane Bioreactor (MBR)
Authors: zhai Tianrui , Zhao Tiantao , zhong Yuhao , Chen Peipei , Li Guojian , Teng Liang , Zhang Lijie , Liu Hao
Published: March 2024

The inoculation of heterotrophic nitrification-aerobic denitrification bacteria (HN-AD) in MBR facilitates the simultaneous nitrification and denitrification process. However, many HN-AD will be lost during operation. Therefore, this study compares the application results of enhancing MBR with a self-designed biological amplifier coupled with HN-AD against the performance of conventional MBR. Post-enhancement, the MBR achieved removal efficiency of 96.7% for NH4+-N (100 mg/L), 96.4% for COD(400 mg/L) in synthetic wastewater, with a 33% increase in the removal efficiency of TN(100 mg/L). Before enhancement, the dominant denitrifying genus of MBR was Thauera, with the highest abundance of 56.1%. After enhancement, the dominant bacterial in the MBR were Alcaligenes (48.4%) and Thauera (15.2%). In addition, the abundance of denitrification genes (nirK, norB, nosZ) increased in the enhanced MBR, which contributed to an improved TN removal efficiency. The use of biological amplifier effectively solved the problem of HN-AD loss in sewage treatment.
Comparative transcriptomics suggests a highly species-specific nature of the phenotypic plasticity associated with the outbreaks of the two main pest locusts.
Authors: Bakkali N. , Saadi S. , Badih A. , Bakkali M.
Published: March 2024

Background
Locust outbreaks cause devastation and are an important matter for fundamental research. They associate with a striking case of phenotypic plasticity; i.e., a gregarious phase versus solitarious phase polyphenism that affects most aspects of the locusts’ biology. However, changes in behaviour are the most notorious. Changes in gene expression dictate the phenotypic changes, behaviour is key to the locusts’ phase change, and the Central Nervous System (CNS) is essential to behaviour. Therefore, understanding and tackling the phenomenon requires studying the gene expression changes that the locusts’ CNS undergoes between phases. The genes that change expression the same way in different locusts would be ancestrally relevant for the phenomenon in general and those that change expression in a species-specific way would be relevant for species-specific understanding and tackling of the phenomenon.
Methods
Here, we use available raw sequencing reads to build transcriptomes using the same RNAseq pipeline and to compare the gene expression changes that the CNS of the two main pest locusts (Schistocerca gregaria and Locusta migratoria) undergo when they turn gregarious. Our aim is to find out about the species-specificity of the phenomenon, highlight the genes that respond in species-specific manner and those that respond the same way in both species.
Results
The locust phase change phenomenon seems highly species-specific, very likely due to the inter-specific differences in the biology and life conditions of the locusts. Research on locust outbreaks, gregariousness and swarming should therefore consider each locust species apart—as none seems representative of all locust species. Still, the 109 genes and 39 non-annotated sequences that change expression level the same way in the two main pest locusts provide sufficient material for functional testing in search for important genes, to better understand, or to fight against locust outbreaks. The genes that respond in a species-specific way provide material for understanding the differences between locust species and for looking for potential species-specific weapons against each of them. The still uncharacterized transcripts that change expression either in a species-specific or the same way between the two species provide material for functional testing and gene discovery.
Under-Five Child Mortality in Rural Areas of Ethiopia and its Determinants: A Mixed- Effects Analysis Using 2019 Mini Demographic Health Survey Data
Authors: Shiferaw Bisrat Zeleke , Getnet Masrie , Haile Gutama , Tura Gurmessa , Abamecha Fira , Birhanu Negaligh , Siraneh Yibeltal , Tamiru Dessalegn , Regassa Tadelle , Gambura Eyasu
Published: March 2024

Background
Under-five-child mortality measures the number of deaths per 1,000 live births before five years of age are reached. It is an indicator of the child health status of a country and is considered one of the sovereign state development indicators. In general, rural areas are more vulnerable to under-five mortality and have a greater risk of child mortality than urban dwellers. In particular, this disparity is more observable in developing countries, including Ethiopia. Thus, the current study aimed to identify the determinants of under-five child mortality in rural Ethiopia.
Methods
- A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among 4425 mothers who were selected based on a Mini Ethiopian demographic and health survey conducted from March 21, 2019, to June 28, 2019. Two-level mixed effects logistic regression analyses were performed using R software (version 3.5.3). Two-level mixed effect bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. A p value of less than 0.05 and odds ratios with 95% CIs were used to assess the determinants of under-five-child mortality in the multivariate analysis.
Results
- A total of 4425 individuals were included in the analysis. A 2019 report from the Mini Ethiopian demographic and health survey showed that under-five mortality was 67 deaths per 1,000 live births. The mixed-effect analysis of the current study at the individual and community levels revealed that birth order (i.e., being at 5th and above) [AOR 1.45, 95% CI= (1.01, 2.10)], multiple pregnancies [AOR 7.37, 95% CI= (4.29, 12.73)], a short preceding birth interval (i.e., < 24 months) [AOR 2.93, 95% CI= (1.64, 5.25)], and being a resident of Gambella [AOR 4.2, 95% CI= (1.43, 12.40)], Benisahngul Gumuze [AOR 3.52, 95% CI= (1.22, 10.21)], and Harari [AOR 3.25, 95% CI= (1.01, 10.49)] were found to be factors associated with under-five mortality in rural settings in Ethiopia, with p values < 0.05.
Conclusion
The mixed-effects analysis revealed that infant birth order, multiple pregnancy, short preceding birth interval, and residence were significant predictors of under-five mortality in rural Ethiopia. Thus, to reduce under-five mortality and achieve the SDGs, specific interventional strategies that focus on determinants, particularly maternal reproductive health-related interventions, should be designed by policymakers at different levels. Nongovernmental organizations focusing on maternal and child health should also put more effort into rural settings to lessen under-five mortality.
Psychotropic Medication and Substance Use Among Lebanese Medical and Non-Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Saadeh Natalie , Dargham Tarek Bou , Talih Farid , Ghanimé Pia Maria , Morad Bassel , Aboukhater Diana , Ghadieh Justin , Succar Farid , Ardakani Jad
Published: March 2024

Background: Students in Lebanon are generally subject to a high level of stress given the economic and political instability in the country. Medical students in specific, and according to previous studies have a higher prevalence of psychiatric disorders that are attributed to their lifestyle, burnout, and long working hours.
Aims: To assess and examine the prevalence, predictors, and correlates of prescribed psychotropic drug use amongst medical students in Lebanon as compared to non-medical students. A secondary aim was to examine substance misuse among both groups.
Methods: This was an electronic, survey-based project. The survey comprised of 43 questions that provided information on demographic factors, mental health, psychiatric diagnoses, prescribed psychotropic medications, and lifestyle factors.
Results: The total number of participants included was 1,017. Our analysis showed no difference in the rates of prescribed psychotropic medication between the two groups; however, rates of generalized anxiety disorder (12.8%) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (4.4%) were significantly higher in medical students. Cannabis and recreational drug use was also significantly higher in medical students, while cigarette smoking was more prevalent in non-medical students. Our results showed an increase in prescribed psychotropic medication use in Lebanon.
Conclusion: Our findings align with international studies, emphasizing the pressing need for support and monitoring of Lebanese medical students vulnerable to heightened mental health issues, substance misuse, and increased psychotropic prescriptions. Stakeholders in medical education must address these concerns and raise awareness about medical students' mental health and substance abuse risks, impacting the epidemic of physician burnout.
Trunk symmetry indices can affect the risk of falling in older adults (Correlational study)
Authors: Ardakani Mohammad Karimizadeh , hemmasi kimiya
Published: March 2024

Background
According to the statistics of the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of aging people is increasing. Paying attention to the issues, needs and diseases of this stage is a social necessity to maintain health and functional ability. Falling is one of the most common causes of injury in aging people and affects their health. In this regard, it is necessary to diagnose and evaluate aging patients at risk of falling with noninvasive and low-cost methods. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between trunk symmetry indices and the risk of falling in aging men.
Methods
In the present study, 50 elderly men between 75 and 85 years old were selected. Then, height and weight were measured, and anatomical points were marked on the subjects in three views. To assess the risk of falling, time up and go and functional reach tests were used. Then, with the Photoshop program, the measurements of each line and the markings of each subject were calculated with the formula for each index. The data were analyzed in the SPSS program, and the normality of the data was considered for the relationships between the variables according to the Pearson correlation coefficient at a significance level of 95% (P ≤ 0.05), which was used to evaluate the ability of the indicators to predict the risk of falling. Simple linear regression was used.
Results
Finally, the anterior and posterior trunk symmetry indices and body posture indices were significantly related to the fall risk, except for the anterior trunk symmetry index, which was significantly related to the time up and go test (P ≤ 0.05), and the ability to predict the risk of falling.
Conclusion
The results of the present study show that the presence of asymmetries and structural changes in the posture of the trunk in all three anterior, posterior and lateral views during aging causes disturbances in the balance system of people and increases the risk of falling.