bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early Warning and Predicting of COVID-19 Using Zero-inflated Negative Binomial Regression Model and Negative Binomial Regression Model
Authors: Zhou Wanwan , Huang Daizheng , Liang Qiuyu , Huang Tengda , Wang Xiaomin , Pei Hengyan , Chen Shiwen , Liu Lu , Wei Yuxia , Qin Litai , Xie Yihong
Published: May 2024

Background It is difficult to detect the outbreak of emergency infectious disease based on the exiting surveillance system. Here we investigate the utility of the Baidu Search Index (BSI) in the early warning and predicting the epidemic trend of COVID-19.
Methods The daily number of cases and the Baidu Search Index of 8 keywords (weighted by population) from December 1, 2019 to March 15, 2020 were collected and analyzed with times series and Spearman correlation with different time lag. Zero-inflated negative binomial regression and negative binomial regression model was used to predict the epidemic trend.
Results The Baidu Search Index of all keywords in Wuhan was significantly higher than Hubei (excluded Wuhan) and China (excluded Hubei). Before the causative pathogen was identified, the search volume of “Influenza” and “Pneumonia” in Wuhan increased with the number of new onset cases, their correlation coefficient was 0.69 and 0.59, respectively. After the pathogen was public but before COVID-19 was classified as a notifiable disease, the search volume of “SARS”, “Pneumonia”, “Coronavirus” in all study areas increased with the number of new onset cases with the correlation coefficient was 0.69~0.89, while “Influenza” changed to negative correlated (rs: -0.56 ~ -0.64). After COVID-19 was closely monitoring, the BSI of “COVID-19”, “Pneumonia”, “Coronavirus”, “SARS” and “Mask” could predict the epidemic trend with 15 days, 5 days and 6 days lead time, respectively in Wuhan, Hubei (excluded Wuhan) and China (excluded Hubei). The number of cases would increase 1.84 and 4.81 folds, respectively in Wuhan and Hubei (excluded Wuhan) from 21 January to 9 February if without the implementation of comprehensive intervention measures.
Conclusion The BSI could be used in the early warning and predicting the epidemic trend of COVID-19, but the search keywords changed in different period. Considering the time lag from onset to diagnosis, especially in the areas with medical resources shortage, internet search data can be a highly effective supplement of the existing surveillance system.
Long-term outcomes of relapsing polychondritis: A multicenter study
Authors: Jafarpour Mehdi , Seyedmardani Seyedmostafa , Khabbazi Alireza , Sahebari Maryam , Saberivand Maryam , Faezi Tahereh , Esalatmanesh Kamal , Myrfeizi: Zahra ,   Sousan Kolahi1, Hajialilo Mehrzad , Hosseinpoor Sarah , Salesi Mansour , Saemi Maryam
Published: May 2024

Relapsing polychondritis (RPC) is a systemic immune mediated disease characterized by recurrent episodes of inflammation in various cartilage-rich areas. RPC may cause extensive tissue destruction and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. In this multicenter study, we considered the remission status and long-term outcomes of RPC in patients who were followed-up in six referral rheumatology centers in Iran. Outcomes of disease was assessed by remission status and RPC induced damage. A total of 29 patients with RPC were examined for enrollment in the study, and 26 patients with a minimum follow-up period of 6 months were included in the RPC outcome analysis. Median time to control of symptoms and sustained remission were 5 and 23 weeks, respectively. Prednisolone was discontinued in 8 (30.8%) patients and medication-free remission was achieved in 7 (23.1%) patients. Regarding the disease course, 34.6% of patients had a relapsing-remitting course, 42.3% had a monophasic course, and 23.1% had an always-active course. Despite extensive treatment with immunosuppressive medications, RPC induced damage was developed in 21 (80.8%) patients. Ear deformity and osteoporosis were the most common RPC induced damage. Long-term remission and medications-free remission in RPC is accessible. However, RPC related damage occur in majority of patients.
Forward optimization of integrated energy system scheduling considering economy and environment
Authors: Wang Wei , Zhang Hua , Su Jiao , Jiang Tao , yan Jijing , Zhu Ziwei , Xia Yaoxuan
Published: May 2024

Given the finite nature of fossil fuels and their adverse environmental impacts, establishing a new sustainable energy system has become an urgent issue today. In order to reduce the carbon emissions of integrated energy systems(IES) and optimize the operational costs, this paper proposes an optimized scheduling of comprehensive energy systems considering both economic and environmental factors to meet the demand for renewable energy generation regulation and improve energy utilization efficiency. In the paper, a comprehensive demand response model of user energy consumption behavior is first constructed to ensure the safe operation of the power system. Based on this model, a joint operation model of Power-to-Gas (P2G) and Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) systems, as well as operational constraints of natural gas and hydrogen mixed P2G devices, are considered. By introducing a carbon trading mechanism and minimizing total costs as the objective, a day-ahead low-carbon economic scheduling model for the system is established. To address the uncertainty of customer demand response, robust optimization theory is adopted, and the problem is reformulated as a linear programming problem using duality theory for solution using commercial solvers. Simulation results demonstrate that this scheduling strategy can improve the economic benefits of power plants while reducing renewable energy consumption and power plant risks, promoting the sustainable development of integrated energy systems. This day-ahead economic scheduling strategy for integrated energy systems is of great significance for constructing a low-carbon, efficient energy system.
It Takes a Village: an ethnographic study on how undergraduate medical students use each other to learn clinical reasoning at the workplace
Authors: Ruczynski Larissa IA , de Pol Marjolein HJ van , Hashmi Shiba , Vos Erwin JH , Fluit Cornelia RMG , Schouwenberg Bas JJW
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND
When students learn with – and from – other students, it is called peer-assisted learning (PAL). How undergraduate students use their peers for their clinical-reasoning learning process remains unclear. This research therefore explores the question: ‘How is PAL manifested in the clinical learning environment of undergraduate medical students with regard to developing clinical-reasoning skills?’ Two sub-questions are formulated: (1) Which categories of PAL are identifiable within the clinical learning context of undergraduate students developing clinical-reasoning skills? And (2) How do different factors in this context influence PAL at the workplace for the development of clinical-reasoning skills by students?
METHODS
Focused ethnography and a combination of template and open coding was used to gather and analyze qualitative data.
RESULTS
Twenty semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine students, four residents and seven clinical supervisors. A total number of 31.5 hours were used for five clinical observations. Three categories were used to elaborate on the data: (1) The role of PAL in the clinical-reasoning learning practice, (2) The role of different actors during PAL and (3) The PAL environment.
CONCLUSION
Students utilize each other to enhance various clinical-reasoning skills. The complexity of the clinical context is represented in this research. Three topics of discussion are identified that need to be acknowledged: (1) the design of the PAL environment, (2) the shifting roles of peers when they enter clinical practice, and (3) the individualistic tendencies of students. Future research could focus on stimulating and facilitating PAL among the next generation of students and integrating PAL into the clinical practice workflow.
Development of a Thrombin-antithrombin Complex Detection Kit and Study in Venous Thromboembolism Complicated by Cervical Cancer
Authors: Qiu Yanru , Han Shuang , Ji Yu , Lu Zhixian , Huang Xuan
Published: May 2024

Background
Our study successfully developed an assay kit for thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT) and demonstrated the predictive value of plasma TAT concentration in the development of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with cervical cancer.
Methods
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 177 patients with cervical cancer who received treatment at the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University in Wuxi City from July 1, 2023 to October 1, 2023. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of cervical cancer patients and their VTE risk factors. The patients were divided into two groups: 27 cases with VTE (Thrombosis group) and 150 cases without VTE (Non-thrombotic group). Additionally, the patients were classified into four stages based on tumor stage: 42 cases of stage I, 45 cases of stage II, 62 cases of stage III, and 28 cases of stage IV. The control group consisted of 80 healthy patients undergoing medical check-ups. Thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT), fibrinolytic enzyme-α2-fibrinolytic inhibitor complex (PIC), thrombomodulin (TM), and tissue-type plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 complex (t-PAIC) were detected using quantitative chemiluminescence immunoassay. The study assessed the variations in thrombotic marker levels among cervical cancer patients of different stages through a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.
Results
The TAT reagent demonstrated a detection limit of 0.048 ng/mL, with a linear R value of 0.9997, indicating high accuracy and precision. The reagent's accelerated stability was also excellent, with deviations of less than 10%. Furthermore, the correlation coefficient of this method with Hyson Mecon was R2 = 0.9683. Notably, in patients with cervical cancer, TAT and PIC levels were found to be elevated compared to those of the healthy population. Cervical cancer patients who developed thrombosis had significantly elevated levels of TAT and fibrinogen degradation products (FDP) compared to those who did not. Furthermore, patients with stage III-IV cervical cancer exhibited higher levels of the six markers than those with stage I-II during staging. Notably, the combination of four or six markers significantly improved the sensitivity and specificity of the diagnosis, as demonstrated by the ROC curves.
Conclusion
Our developed TAT test kit has excellent performance and low cost, making it a clinically valuable tool for widespread use. Elevated TAT levels have significant predictive value for thrombosis occurrence in cervical cancer patients. The combination of t-PAIC, TM, TAT, PIC, D-dimer(D-D), and FDP markers is superior to using a single marker for diagnosing VTE in patients with malignant tumors. Screening cervical cancer patients for the six markers is essential to aid in active prophylaxis, determine optimal treatment timing, and implement nursing interventions to improve prognosis, reduce venous thrombosis incidence and mortality, and prolong survival time.
Effect of nano zinc oxide coating on grape freshness and quality of its molasses
Authors: Jamali Vahid , Emamifar Aryou , Beiginejad Hadi , Moradi Mohammad. , Rasouli Mousa
Published: May 2024

Grapes play a significant role as providers of phenolic, anthocyanin, and ascorbic acid, all of which are acknowledged for their considerable biological significance. The objective of this study was to investigate the possible utilization of nano zinc oxide coating for preserving the freshness of grapes and properties of its molasses. Nano zinc oxide suspension at three level of concentrations (0.0, 0.5, and 1.0% w/v) was carried out through a three-stage spraying process, which encompassed the flowering stage, the unripe stage, and the ripening stage, occurring 20 days prior to the harvest. Grape samples were stored at 4 ºC for 35 days. pH, titratable acidity, weight loss, Brixº, total phenolic, anthocyanin and ascorbic acid content, antioxidant activity, color indexes (L*, a*, b*), total viable count of bacteria, total yeast and mold count, and sensory analysis were evaluated at day 0, 7, 21, and 35. The pH, weight loss, Brixº, color index b*, total viable bacteria and total mold and yeast count of grape samples were increased over time. While titratable acidity, total phenolic, anthocyanin and ascorbic acid content, antioxidant activity, color indexes L*, a*, and sensory score were decreased. The results of this study suggested the use of 0.5% W/V of nano zinc oxide coating to enhance the grape freshness during storage.
Ultrasonography, contrast-enhanced ultrasonography and contrast- enhanced computer tomography features of hepatic sarcomatoid carcinoma and hepatic sarcoma: a retrospective study of 23 cases
Authors: Long Xingyun , Wu Jie , Liu Han , Kong Wentao , Huang Danqing
Published: May 2024

Background
Hepatic sarcomatoid carcinoma (HSC) and hepatic sarcoma (HS) are rare malignancies. Without pathology, the differential diagnosis between these two tumors are difficult due to their frequent overlaps in clinical presentations and imaging features. Currently, there are limited analyses about the ultrasound (US), contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and contrast-enhanced computer tomography (CECT) characteristics of HSC and HS. Therefore, the purpose of our study is to evaluate the value of US, CEUS and CECT on the differential diagnosis between HSC and HS.
Methods
From 2015 to 2022, a total of 23 patients with HSC (n = 11) and HS (n = 12) are included in this retrospective study. We analyze the clinical, pathological, and imaging data of these patients. Analysis of differences is performed to determine the consistent and distinctive features.
Results
HSCs have a considerably higher prevalence of chronic hepatitis (p = 0.005) and cirrhosis (P = 0.027) than HSs, while metastases are more prevalent in HSs (P = 0.005). The lesion size of HSCs (8.1 ± 2.2 cm) is slightly larger than that of HSs (6.2 ± 3.4 cm). On conventional US, the characteristics of HS and HSC are similar. On CEUS, HSC can be differentiated from HS by heterogeneous rim-like enhancement with necrotic zone during arterial phase (AP). Notably, for different pathological types of HS, the presence of enhancement in AP on CECT can be used to distinguish hepatic fibrosarcoma from hepatic liposarcoma.
Conclusion
HSC and HS generally present as masses with hypo-echoic and hypo-vascularity. HSC usually presents heterogeneous density. The degree of enhancement, the time of wash-out start, and the presence of necrotic areas may contribute to distinguish the different pathological types of HS.
Analysis of Global Disease Burden and Global Health Inequality Trends Related to Cardiovascular Diseases Associated with Low-Fiber Diet: Based on the 1990-2019 GBD Database
Authors: Lu Mengkai , Zhang Muxin , Hao Jiaqi , Guan Xiuya , Zhang Zhiyuan , Hu Yuanlong , Cui Xinhai , Sun Bowen , Li Chao , Xu Wanli
Published: May 2024

Objective: Analyzing the association between low-fiber diet and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) using the 1990-2019 Global Burden of Disease (GBD) database, this study also examines trends in health inequality.
Methods: The 2019 GBD data, including DALYs and ASDR related to CVD from low-fiber diets, were utilized. Disease mapping visualized global, regional, and national burdens, while measures like SII and CI assessed inequality.
Results: The burden of CVD from low-fiber diets slightly increased from 1990 to 2019, with higher DALY numbers in males. India, China, and Indonesia had the highest DALY numbers in 2019. Southeast Asia had the highest advantage in DALY rates and ASDR for CVD attributed to a low-fiber diet among all regions globally, with 431.2 (95% UI: 250.7 - 612.1) and 453.6 (95% UI: 263.9 - 640.1) respectively. Low SDI countries had lower ASDR, while high SDI countries controlled their ASDR. Inequality decreased between low-income and high-income countries in CVD burden.
Conclusion: Low-fiber diet is associated with CVD, showing regional and gender differences. International health inequality related to this burden is gradually reducing. Findings support the development of targeted strategies for preventing and intervening in CVD, improving global cardiovascular health, and reducing health inequality.
Formulation, optimization, in vitro and in vivo evaluation of Nateglinide-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers for enhanced bioavailability.
Authors: Tiwari Shradha , Dange Yuvraj , Honmane Sandip , Saralayaa Mahesh , Gattani Surendra , Wadher Shailesh , Sarda Rohit , Mahaparale Paresh
Published: May 2024

Purpose
Nateglinide belongs to the meglitinide class, oral hypoglycemic drug used in the treatment of insulin-resistant (Type II) diabetes mellitus. Potential constraints associated with NTG delivery include poor aqueous solubility, short action time, and quick elimination, which causes variable bioavailability. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to develop and optimize NLCs formulations to improve the oral bioavailability and efficient delivery of NTG.
Method
NLCs were prepared by a modified HPH method using a box Behenken design approach. Glyceryl Monostearate and Miglyol 812, Acrysol EL 135 were chosen as solid lipid, liquid lipids, and surfactant respectively. Obtained NLCs were characterized for physicochemical properties, in-vitro drug release studies and pharmacokinetic parameters.
Result
NTG-NLCs exhibited small particle size ranging from 142.8 ± 1.67 to 252.7 ± 2.17 nm zeta potential in the ranging from 13.53 mV to 30.93 mV, Polydispersibility index of 0.343±0.071 to 0.417 ±0.058. The average encapsulation efficiency for the NLCs was 89.99%. Optimized NTG-NLC showed particle size 142.8 nm, zeta Potential, 30.93 mV, drug loading 16.04%, and entrapment efficiency 93.48 %. In a pharmacokinetic study, the relative oral bioavailability of nateglinide-NLC was increased by 3.77 times than that of pure nateglinide and 1.54 times than Glinate 60 marketed nateglinide formulation. The half-life of the drug was prolonged by 1.6 times. The solubility and bioavailability of nateglinide is enhanced, coupled with its prolonged release.
Conclusion: NTG-NLC prepared by the modified HPH method is a promising technique to enhance in vitro drug release, bioavailability, and pharmacokinetics.
Comprehensive transcriptome, miRNA and kinome profiling and its clinical translation for personalized lung cancer therapy
Authors: Zhong Shen , Börgeling Yvonne , Zardo Patrick , Jonigk Danny , Borlak Jürgen
Published: May 2024

Background: Lung cancer (LC) is the second most frequently diagnosed cancer worldwide and basic research identified oncogenic driver mutations which sparked the development of kinase-inhibitor (KI) based therapies. However, less than10% of LC patients carry driver mutations, and the majority of patients are not recommended for first-line KI-treatment. Importantly, sustained proliferative signalling is common to all cancers. Therefore, we searched for signalling networks across different histological types of LC, and performed comprehensive transcriptome, miRNA and kinome profiling to detect aberrant kinases for targeted therapies based on a patient’s individual needs.
Methods: We performed molecular pathology, transcriptomics and miRNA profiling across ninety-five well-characterised LC patients and validated results by considering cross-linking immunoprecipitation-sequencing data. We independently confirmed the results by evaluating the TCGA data of N=524 adeno- and 497 squamous cell carcinomas. We used the PamGene platform to investigate kinome profiles, and established significance of KI by evaluating published siRNA and CRISPR-mediated mRNA knockdown and cell viability data in human LC cell lines.
Results: We identified 439, 1240, 383 and 320 significantly upregulated genes for adeno, squamous, neuroendocrine and metastatic cases, and there are 1092, 1477, 609 and 1267 downregulated DEGs. Based on gene enrichment analysis and validated miRNA-gene interactions, we constructed networks specific for adeno-, squamous, neuroendocrine and metastatic LC. Additionally, molecular profiling revealed 137 significantly upregulated kinases (range 2 to 26-fold) of which 65 and 72, respectively are tyrosine and serine-threonine kinases while 6 kinases carry driver mutations. Irrespective of the histological type of LC there are 21 kinases commonly upregulated. Bioinformatics decoded tumour specific miRNA-gene networks, and we identified kinases which function as master regulators at the apex of signalling networks. Typically, the networks consisted of 14, 9, 16 and 19 highly regulated kinases in adeno-, squamous, neuroendocrine and metastatic LC, and by considering regulatory networks, rational selection of KI-based therapies in patients with acquired drug resistance becomes feasible. Finally, gene knock-down studies confirmed inhibition of cell viability in a panel of human lung cancer cell lines.
Conclusions: Our study broadens the perspective of precision oncology in LC, and we propose a framework to bypass acquired drug resistance.
Impact of a multi-level, multi-component intervention to improve elementary school physical education on student cardiorespiratory fitness: an application of the parametric g-formula
Authors: Thompson Hannah R. , Madsen Kristine A. , Nguyen Caroline , McKenzie Thomas L. , Picciotto Sally
Published: May 2024

Background: School physical education is an important population-level health intervention for improving youth fitness. The purpose of this study is to determine the causal impact of New York City’s PE Works program on student cardiorespiratory fitness.
Methods: This longitudinal study (2014-2019) includes 581 elementary schools (n=315,999 4th/5th-grade students; 84% non-white; 74% who qualify for free or reduced-price meals). We apply the parametric g-formula to address schools’ time-varying exposure to intervention components and time-varying confounding.
Results: After four years of staggered PE Works implementation, 49.7% of students per school (95% CI: 42.6%, 54.2%) met age/sex-specific cardiorespiratory fitness standards. Had PE Works not been implemented, we estimate 45.7% (95% CI: 36.9%, 52.1%) would have met fitness standards. Had PE Works been fully implemented in all schools from the program’s inception, we estimate 57.4% (95% CI: 49.1%, 63.3%) would have met fitness standards. Adding a PE teacher, alone, had the largest impact (6.4% (95% CI: 1.0, 12.0) increase).
Conclusion: PE Works, which included providing PE teachers, training for classroom teachers, and administrative/teacher support for PE, positively impacted student cardiorespiratory health. Mandating and funding multilevel, multicomponent PE programs is an important public health intervention to increase children’s cardiorespiratory fitness.
Development and application of an immuoperoxidase monolayer assay for the detection of PRRSV
Authors: LI peng , GUAN Chunxiao , WANG Liping , WANG Huajian , SUN Guopeng , HE Jinjiao , LIU Xingyou , WANG Xuannian
Published: May 2024

Background
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), caused by porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), is a highly contagious disease with high morbidity and mortality that affects the global swine industry. So far, there is still a widespread dissemination of PRRSV with obvious genetic variations in swine population, resulting in huge economic losses annually. Therefore, accurate laboratory diagnosis is needed to quickly confirm PRRSV infection.
Results
An immunoperoxidase monolayer assay (IPMA) was developed for the specific and sensitive detection of PRRSV based on a broad-spectrum anti-PRRSV monoclonal antibody (mAb) 28F6. The mAb 28F6-based IPMA could specifically detect PRRSV and possessed no cross-reactions with CSFV, PCV2, and PEDV. Sensitivity analysis showed that the limit of detection of the IPMA reached 10− 2.25 TCID50/100 µL. There was no significant difference in the detection of PRRSV of different passages with different batches of mAb 28F6, indicating that the IPMA had good repeatability. In addition, the IPMA could recognize a number of PRRSV variants including field strains such as BJ-4, HN07-1, and NADC30-like strain, as well as vaccine strains like HuN4-F112, JXA1-R, TJM-F92, GDr180, VR2332, CH-1R, and R98. Validation of the IPMA showed that it was in 100% consistency with qRT-PCR on the detection of 108 clinical samples.
Conclusions
The IPMA could meet the demand for the specific and sensitive detection of PRRSV, which is helpful for accurate monitoring and early warning of PRRSV infections.
Construction of a comprehensive management plan for patients undergoing radical prostatectomy based on the pender model: A delphi method study
Authors: Yu Chen , Fang Guo , Luqiang Zhou , Siyue Li , Xingliang Yang , Ji Zheng
Published: May 2024

Purpose
Constructing a comprehensive management plan for prostate cancer surgery patients based on the Pender health promotion model, to guide clinical nurses in implementing rehabilitation, education, and follow-up work for prostate cancer surgery patients, and to provide a basis for formulating prostate cancer nursing guidelines.
Methods
On the basis of literature research and expert group meetings, a comprehensive management draft for prostate cancer surgery patients based on the Pender model is constructed. Use the Delphi method for two rounds of expert inquiry, and modify the entries according to the expert inquiry opinions.
Results
In the first round of inquiry, 21 experts were consulted. The effective recovery rate was 95.23%; In the second round, 20 experts were consulted, and the effective recovery rate was 100%. The expert authority coefficient is 0.88, the coefficient of variation for each item in the second round is 0-0.19, the Kendall harmony coefficient is 0.197 (p < 0.001), and the mean importance assignment is 3.80-4.95. Finally, a comprehensive management plan for prostate cancer surgery patients based on the Pender model was formed, including 4 first-level indicators, 15 second-level indicators, and 42 third-level indicators.
Conclusions
The comprehensive management plan for prostate cancer surgery patients based on the Pender model developed through research is scientific and reliable, which can provide reference for nursing research and practice of prostate cancer surgery patients.
A Novel Index Weight Determination Method for Improving Objectivity
Authors: Ma Zifei , Li Qinghua , Li Wengang , He Yun , Yang Juan , Li Yang , Li Jing , Jiang Rong
Published: May 2024

The index weight determines the scientificity and rationality of the comprehensive evaluation results. However, the traditional index calculation method, which is scored directly by decision-makers, excessively depends on the degree of experience and knowledge accumulation of decision-makers. Different decision-makers’ understandings of the index have great differences and fuzziness, which makes the weight calculation results biased or even wrong due to the influence of human subjective factors. To solve this problem, this paper considers that the index weight value contains the decision-makers’ personal subjective information and common objective information, and then proposes a weight calculation approach to improve the objectivity of the index based on the Superiority of Neighboring Objectives and the Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition, which can eliminate the subjective information in the weight value and obtain a more objective weight value. Finally, the rationality and objectivity of the proposed method are verified by comparing them with the classical AHP, subjective weighting method and objective weighting method.
Investigating the association between cataract patients and the risk of herpes zoster in a cohort study
Authors: Lai Shih-Wei , Kuo Yu-Hung , Liao Kuan-Fu
Published: May 2024

Objective
This cohort study aimed to elucidate whether cataract patients are at an increased risk of herpes zoster in Taiwan.
Methods
A cohort of cataract patients, aged 20–84 years, was assembled from electronic health records of Taiwan National Health Insurance Program spanning a period of eight years (2013–2020). A non-cataract group matched for sex, age, and comorbidities was also identified from the same database. The incidence rate of herpes zoster within the follow-up period was calculated between the two groups. The risk of herpes zoster was compared between the two groups using a Cox proportional hazards model, adjusting for potential confounders.
Results
The study included 1,299,685 individuals in the cataract group. The mean age was 64 years old and about 43.9% of study subjects were male. The non-cataract group had similar numbers of study subjects and comparable distributions in terms of sex and age. The incidence rate of herpes zoster was 10.84 per 1000 person-years in the cataract group and 6.36 per 1000 person-years in the non-cataract group (incidence rate ratio = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.69–1.72). After adjusting for potential confounders, the hazard ratio was 1.71 for herpes zoster in individuals with cataract when compared to those without cataract (95%CI = 1.69–1.73).
Conclusion
Our cohort study reveals that cataract patients are at an increased risk of developing herpes zoster. Our findings highlight the importance of considering the increased susceptibility to herpes zoster in cataract patients and the potential benefits of preventive measures such as vaccination.
Effect of 18F-FDG combined with 18F-AlF-NOTA-octreotide PET/CT imaging on the grading of neuroendocrine tumors.
Authors: Dong Qing , Xu Wengui , Zhu Lei , Liu Yang , Wang Jian , Liu Bingwang , Chen Kun , Wan Xing
Published: May 2024

Neuroendocrine tumors (NENs) are tumors derived from neuroendocrine cells and are commonly found in the pancreas, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and other tissues. Traditional imaging methods such as CT and MRI have certain limitations in the diagnosis of NENs, and can not provide information about the metabolic activity of tissues. Molecular imaging techniques, particularly positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT), are able to provide biological information about tumor metabolism, providing more comprehensive information for the diagnosis and treatment of NENs.
Objective
The aim of this study was to compare and evaluate the diagnostic performance of 18F-AlF-octreotide and 18F-FDG PET/CT in patients with neuroendocrine tumors (NENs) and the effect of different tumor grades on imaging agent uptake.
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 19 patients with NENs, in which 18F-AlF-octreotide and 18F-FDG PET/CT were used for imaging. The performance of the two imaging agents was evaluated by extracting or calculating the corresponding metabolic parameters and stratifying the patients with different grades.
Results
There were significant differences in metabolic parameters such as TSR, SUVmax, SUVmean and SULmax between the two imaging agents (P < 0.05), but the differences in other indicators were not statistically significant. For patients with different grades of NENs, 18F-AlF-octreotide showed higher sensitivity in G1 and G2 grades, while 18F-FDG showed better performance in G3 grades.
Conclusion
The results of this study indicate that 18F-AlF-octreotide and 18F-FDG PET/CT have different diagnostic manifestations according to different grades of NENs patients. In clinical practice, the heterogeneity of patients should be considered comprehensively, and appropriate imaging agents should be selected for diagnosis to improve the accuracy of NENs and the guidance of personalized treatment.
A Review Report on Real Time Health Condition Monitoring of Devices in Solar Power Transmission Systems
Authors: Kambhampati Venkata Govardhan Rao , Thalanki Venkata Sai Kalyani , Nittala Ramchandra
Published: May 2024

As renewable energy generation grows globally, real-time asset management is crucial, particularly for offshore and remote systems. Electric grids are rapidly adopting renewable energy generation. Currently, there is no cost-effective condition monitoring method for real-time assessment of renewable energy sources, enabling intelligent asset management decisions to optimise utilisation and prevent unforeseen problems. Transformers are key assets that connect renewable generation plants to the grid. If one fails, generation can be lost for a lengthy time. The transformer in an on-grid system steps up or down voltage as needed. Transformer monitoring is crucial to Smart Grids. Transformer monitoring also allows demand analysis—what each family, business, or commercial institution consumes, where it consumes more, and when demand peaks. By its nature most renewable generation is intermittent, which places increased stress on transformers. To achieve an efficient, better and reliable generation of solar energy, it is necessary to monitor the transformers and solar generation system continuously. Hence in this work, real time health condition monitoring of devices in solar power transmission systems is presented. This system monitors the devices in real time with the help of IoT. Understanding transformer health and performance with real-time monitoring allows developing and optimizing proactive maintenance strategies for improving the performance of solar power transmission systems.
Medial cortical bone thickness of the tibial diaphysis in osteoarthritic knees is related to lower extremity alignment and tibial morphology
Authors: Maeda Keisuke , Mochizuki Tomoharu , Tanifuji Osamu , Katsumi Ryota , Kobayashi Koichi , Kawashima Hiroyuki
Published: May 2024

Background
The purpose of this study was to clarify (1) the differences in cortical bone thickness (CBT) of the tibial diaphysis between healthy and osteoarthritic knees and (2) the influences of the femorotibial angle (FTA) and inclination of the medial compartment of the proximal tibia (MCT) on tibial CBT.
Methods
The study assessed 60 subjects with varus knee osteoarthritis (OA) (22 males and 38 females; mean age, 74 ± 7 years) and 53 healthy elderly subjects (28 males and 25 females; mean age, 70 ± 6 years). Three-dimensional estimated CBT of the tibial diaphysis was automatically calculated for 2752–11296 points using high-resolution measurements from CT. The standardized CBT was assessed in 24 regions by combining six heights and four areas. Additionally, the association between the CBT, each FTA, and MCT inclination was investigated.
Results
The OA group showed a thicker CBT in the medial areas than in the lateral areas of the proximal tibia, while the healthy group had a thicker lateral CBT. The medial-to-lateral ratio of the proximal tibia was significantly higher in the OA group than in the healthy group. The proximal-medial CBT correlated with FTA and MCT inclinations in the OA group.
Conclusions
This study demonstrated that varus osteoarthritic knees showed a different trend of proximal-medial CBT with associations in FTA and MCT inclination from healthy knees, possibly due to medial load concentration.
Association Between Sleep Duration and Osteoporosis in Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study in Taiwan
Authors: Hong-Jhe Chen , Kuo Yu-En , Kuo Terry B.J. , Yang Cheryl C.H. , Ou Hsun , Chen Tien-Yu
Published: May 2024

Objectives:
This study explored the association between sleep duration and osteoporosis risk in older adults aged > 65 years and investigated the influence of sex, heart rate variability, and sleep quality.
Methods:
In this cross-sectional study, osteosarcopenia screening was conducted among older adults in long-term care centers operated by Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital in Taiwan in 2019. Osteosarcopenia was diagnosed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Questionnaires explored the relationship between sleep duration and bone mineral density. Initially, data from 357 participants were collected, with missing data and participants under 65 years of age excluded, resulting in 326 participants for the final analysis.
Results:
This study involved 326 participants with a mean age > 80 years. Sleep duration < 4 h was significantly associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis (odds ratio: 2.30, 95% confidence interval: 1.15–4.57) regardless of sex. Additionally, heart rate variability (HRV) was not significantly associated with sleep quality or osteoporosis risk.
Conclusions:
Among older adults aged > 80 years, sleep duration < 4 h is associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis. HRV may not be an optimal indicator of sleep quality in this demographic.
The bidirectional prediction between chronotype and depression and its mediating model in a longitudinal study among adolescents
Authors: Cao Rui , Jia Yihui , Wang Yefei
Published: May 2024

Although many studies have confirmed the close association between chronotype and depression, the prediction between chronotype and depression, as well as the mechanisms of their influence are rarely investigated in adolescents. This study aimed to confirm the bidirectional prediction between chronotype and depression, and to exam the mediating effects of cognitive reappraisal, expressive suppression, and rumination on the association between chronotype and depression in adolescents. This was a longitudinal study over a 5-month period with 2 surveys (N = 634; 41.32% male, 58.68% female). Pearson correlation analysis was utilized to examine the relationship among all variables. Hierarchical regression analysis was conducted utilized to analyze the relationship between chronotype and depression. Conduct mediation analysis to exam the mediating roles of cognitive reappraisal, expressive suppression, and rumination on the association between chronotype and depression. Results showed that after controlling for gender, age (T1), age (T2), and depression (T1), chronotype at baseline negatively predicted depression 5 months later. After controlling for gender, age (T1), age (T2), and chronotype (T1), depression at baseline negatively predicted chronotype 5 months later. Chronotype indirectly predicted depression though cognitive reappraisal, expressive suppression, and rumination, but depression indirectly predicted chronotype though cognitive reappraisal, and rumination. This study found a bidirectional prediction between chronotype and depression, andthe underlying mechanism of the chronotype predicting depression and the underlying mechanism of depression predicting chronotype were different.
Deep-eutectic-solvent-based ultrasound-assisted extraction of polysaccharides from maca: Optimization using Taguchi methodology and comparison with the conventional method
Authors: Kim Eun Jeong , Kim Choon Young , Yoon Kyung Young
Published: May 2024

Deep eutectic solvent (DES) was used for the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of polysaccharides from maca. Extraction parameters affecting the extraction yield were experimentally identified and their significance was further investigated using the Taguchi method. DES prepared from choline chloride and urea afforded the highest yield (20.03%) and was chosen as the solvent for UAE. The optimal extraction parameters were: water content of 30% for DES, ultrasonic power of 300 W, and extraction time of 20. The extraction yield (26.28%) of maca polysaccharides (MPs) obtained using these extraction parameters was more than twice that of MPs obtained by hot-water extraction and UAE with water. Moreover, MPs obtained through DES-based extraction exhibited various biological functions such as inhibiting pancreatic α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities, delaying absorption of glucose and bile acid, and stimulating the probiotic. Therefore, DES can be used to extract polysaccharides from maca with biological action as a highly efficient and non-polluting alternative solvent.
Characteristics of Injuries Among Elite Badminton Players: A Systematic Review
Authors: Shaharudin Muhammad Iqbal , Muhamed Ahmad Munir Che , YUSOF Hazwani AHMAD
Published: May 2024

Background
Badminton is a fast-paced sport that has captivated more than 700 million people globally. Competing in badminton requires a high level of skill and strategic thinking, encompassing attributes such as agility, quick reaction times, endurance, spatial awareness, and strength. Despite its non-contact nature, badminton frequently results in injuries, encompassing both overuse injuries and acute traumatic incidents. The game requires a high level of physical fitness and involves intricate movements that place excessive strain on the upper extremities, lower extremities, and trunk region. This review aimed to identify the characteristics of musculoskeletal injuries in elite badminton players.
Methods
A systematic search through the electronic bibliographic databases, Web of Science (WoS), Scopus, ClinicalKey, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar in the past ten years between 2013 and 2023. Studies reported on elite badminton players, and the characteristics of injuries were included. The study's development followed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. It was registered in the PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews). Quality assessment was performed using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS) and Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP).
Results
The study included 11 eligible articles. The result indicated that more than 40% of badminton players reported having injuries. More cases of lower extremity injury were reported, followed by upper and trunk regions. Tendinopathy, sprain, and strain are the most common injuries sustained by badminton players.
Conclusions
Early identification of athletes susceptible to injury risk is key to formulating a successful injury prevention initiative. Identifying the characteristics of injuries can offer valuable evidence for healthcare professionals, sports institutes, and coaches to implement injury prevention strategies for athletes.
The effect of rare earth element cerium on electrocrystallization and microstructure of nickel deposits
Authors: Xu Yang-tao , Li Yan-hong , Peng Yin , Zhong Zhi-qiang , Xue Yu
Published: May 2024

To meet the demand for high-quality, precisely controllable organizational structure of high-end nickel foil, this study employed cerium rare earth as an additive to improve the quality of the nickel deposition layer in industrial electrolytes. The effects of adding different concentrations of CeCl3 (ranging from 0 g·L-1 to 1.0 g·L-1) on the electrocrystallization behavior of nickel deposition were investigated using linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and chronoamperometry (CA). Additionally, the impact of CeCl3 on the surface morphology and crystal structure of nickel deposits was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results indicated that adding 0.8 g L-1 CeCl3 not only promoted the electro-deposition process of nickel, accelerating the nucleation rate and shortening the nucleation relaxation time, thereby refining the grain size of the deposited layer, but also improved the structure of the coating, facilitating grain refinement. Surface morphology and micro-area composition analysis revealed that adding 0.8 g L-1 CeCl3 enhanced the preferred orientation of the nickel deposition layer, resulting in a more uniform distribution of crystal-face preference on the surface of the deposition layer and multi-directional growth. The apparent quality of the nickel deposition layer was improved, with a uniform and smooth surface and finer grains. Detection found that the cerium content in the deposition layer was extremely low, which did not affect the purity of the nickel deposition layer.
The Glucose Transporter 5 Enhances CAR-T Cell Metabolic Function and Anti-tumour Durability
Authors: O'Connor Roddy , Valentić Bakir , Kelly Andre , Shestov Alexander , Gan Zhiyang , Shen Feng , Chatoff Adam , Jaccard Alison , Crispim Claudia , Scholler John , Heeke Simon , Snyder Nathaniel , Ghassemi Saba , Jones Nicholas , Gill Saar
Published: May 2024

Activated T cells undergo a metabolic shift to aerobic glycolysis to support the energetic demands of proliferation, differentiation, and cytolytic function. Transmembrane glucose flux is facilitated by glucose transporters (GLUT) that play a vital role in T cell metabolic reprogramming and anti-tumour function. GLUT isoforms are regulated at the level of expression and subcellular distribution. GLUTs also display preferential selectivity for carbohydrate macronutrients including glucose, galactose, and fructose. GLUT5, which selectively transports fructose over glucose, has never been explored as a genetic engineering strategy to enhance CAR-T cells in fructose-rich tumour environments. Fructose levels are significantly elevated in the bone marrow and the plasma of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) patients. Here, we demonstrate that the expression of wild-type GLUT5 restores T cell metabolic fitness in glucose-free, high fructose conditions. We find that fructose supports maximal glycolytic capacity and ATP replenishment rates in GLUT5-expressing T cells. Using steady state tracer technology, we show that 13C6 fructose supports glycolytic reprogramming and TCA anaplerosis in CAR-T cells undergoing log phase expansion. In cytotoxicity assays, GLUT5 rescues T cell cytolytic function in glucose-free medium. The fructose/GLUT5 metabolic axis also supports maximal migratory velocity, which provides mechanistic insight into why GLUT5-expressing CAR-Ts have superior effector function as they undergo “hit-and-run” serial killing. These findings translate to superior anti-tumour function in a xenograft model of AML. In fact, we found that GLUT5 enhances CAR-T cell anti-tumour function in vivo without any need for fructose intervention. Accordingly, we hypothesize that GLUT5 is sufficient to enhance CAR-T resilience by increasing the cells’ competitiveness for glucose at physiologic metabolite levels. Our findings have immediate translational relevance by providing the first evidence that GLUT5 confers a competitive edge in a fructose-enriched milieu, and is a novel approach to overcome glucose depletion in hostile tumour microenvironments (TMEs).