bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Promoting physical activity through supervised vs motivational behavior change interventions in breast cancer survivors on aromatase inhibitors (PAC-WOMAN): protocol for a 3-arm pragmatic randomized controlled trial
Authors: Carraça Eliana V. , Rodrigues Bruno , Franco Sofia , Nobre Inês , Jerónimo Flávio , Ilharco Vítor , Gabriel Fernanda , Ribeiro Leonor , Palmeira António L. , Silva Marlene N.
Published: July 2023

Background

Aromatase inhibitors (AI) are frequently used to treat hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer, but they have multiple adverse effects (e.g., osteoporosis, arthralgia), resulting in premature therapy discontinuation/switch. Physical activity (PA) can attenuate these negative effects and improve quality of life (QoL). However, most cancer survivors fail to perform/sustain adequate PA levels, especially in the long-term. Theory-based interventions, using evidence-based behavior change techniques, aimed at promoting long-term behavior change in breast cancer survivors are effective, but remain scarce and fail to promote self-regulatory skills and better-quality motivations associated with sustained PA adoption. This paper describes the design of the PAC-WOMAN trial, which will test the long-term effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of two state of the art, group-based interventions encouraging sustained changes in PA, sedentary behavior, and QoL. Additional aims include examining the impact of both interventions on secondary outcomes (e.g., body composition, physical function), and key moderators/mediators of short and long-term changes in primary outcomes.

Methods

A 3-arm pragmatic randomized controlled trial, involving a 4-month intervention and a 12-month follow-up, will be implemented, in a real exercise setting, to compare: 1) brief PA counseling/motivational intervention; 2) structured exercise program vs. waiting-list control group. Study recruitment goal is 122 hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer survivors (stage I-III), on AI therapy (post-primary treatment completion) ≥ 1 month, ECOG 0–1. Outcome measures will be obtained at baseline, 4 months (i.e., post-intervention), 10 and 16 months. Process evaluation, analyzing implementation determinants, will also be conducted.

Discussion

PAC-WOMAN is expected to have a relevant impact on participants PA and QoL and provide insights for the improvement of interventions designed to promote sustained adherence to active lifestyle behaviors, facilitating its translation to community settings.

Trial registration

April 20, 2023 – NCT05860621.

April 21, 2023 – https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/ZAQ9N

April 27, 2023 – UMIN000050945.
The effect of music intervention in decreasing pain and anxiety during outpatient hysteroscopy procedure: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials
Authors: Abd-ElGawad Mohamed , Abdelsattar Nada K. , Kamel Mohamed Abdelmonem , Sabri Youstina Amin , Fathy Ethar Mohamed , El-Moez Noha Abd , Abdellatif Yasmeen Saeed , Metwally Ahmed A
Published: July 2023

Background

Hysteroscopy is a common outpatient procedure but procedural pain limits its use. Music could be used as a pain-relieving intervention. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the effect of music on pain and anxiety during outpatient hysteroscopy.

Methods

Four electronic databases were searched: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library, from inception to September 2022. We included only the Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) that investigated the effect of music on women who underwent outpatient hysteroscopy in reducing pain and anxiety levels compared to no music. We assessed the quality of included RCTs using the risk of bias tool 1 reported in the Cochrane Handbook of Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Data were pooled as the Mean Differences (MDs) with a 95% Confidence Interval (CI) in a random-effects model, using Review Manager 5.3 software. Also, we assessed the evidence of the results using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE).

Results

Three RCTs (540 women) were included. Music significantly reduced visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores as well as State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scores compared to controls (MD = -1.28; 95% CI [-2.19, -0.36]; P = 0.007) and (MD = -3.91; 95% CI [-6.98, -0.85]; P = 0.01) respectively. Also, the decrease in VAS score for pain was significantly greater in the music group (MD = 1.44; 95% CI [0.44, 2.45]; P = 0.005). However, the change in STAI showed no significant difference between the two groups. The GRADE ratings for all outcomes were very low.

Conclusion

Music is a potentially promising method for controlling pain for patients undergoing outpatient hysteroscopy; however, its effect in controlling anxiety is controversial.
Rapid identification of chemical components in Xuelian granule by UHPLC-Q-orbitrap-HRMS based on enzyme activity in vitro
Authors: Taximaimaiti Xiatiguli , Abdulla Rahima , Xin Xuelei , Zhao Yuan , Liu Yi , Aisa Haji Akber , Deng Deqiang , Wu Tao
Published: July 2023

Background

Xuelian granule (XL), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, has been used for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy for a long time as a hospital preparation. Because the active ingredients in the XL that can help to treat diabetic nephropathy are still unclear, which limits the interpretation for its pharmacological mechanism, further development and subsequent study on the material basis of its efficacy.

Methods

In this study, a screening method based on inhibition activity against aldose reductase (AR) was employed for activity-directed chemical analysis of XL using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography combined with quadrupole-orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-orbitrap-HRMS) technique.

Results

A total of 178 compounds, including 46 terpenes, 47 organic acids, 25 flavonoids, 29 phenylethanoid glycosides, and 31 other types, were tentatively identified from XL which might responsible for its AR inhibition activity.

Conclusion

This is the first study for a systematic, rapid, and accurate qualitative analysis of XL. This research provides a scientific and experimental basis for further researches on pharmacodynamics material basis and quality control of XL.
Varenicline and counseling for vaping cessation: a double-blind, randomized, parallel-group, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Caponnetto Pasquale , Campagna Davide , Ahluwalia Jasjit S. , Russell Christopher , Maglia Marilena , Riela Paolo Marco , Longo Carmelo Fabio , Busa Barbara , Polosa Riccardo
Published: July 2023

Background

Vaping cessation is virtually unexplored. The efficacy and safety of varenicline for vaping cessation has not been studied and rigorous research is required to advance best practice and outcomes for people who use electronic cigarettes (EC) and want to quit. The objective is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of varenicline (1 mg BID, administered for 12 weeks, with follow-up to week 24) combined with vaping cessation counseling in exclusive daily EC users intending to quit vaping.

Methods

Design: Double-blind, randomized, parallel-group, placebo-controlled trial.

Setting: The study took place at a University-run smoking cessation center.

Participants: People who exclusively use ECs daily and intend to quit vaping.

Intervention: A total of 140 subjects were randomized to either varenicline (1 mg, administered twice daily for 12 weeks) plus counseling or placebo treatment (administered twice daily, for 12 weeks) plus counseling. The trial consisted of a 12-week treatment phase followed by a 12-week follow-up, nontreatment phase.

Main outcomes and measures: The primary efficacy endpoint of the study was biochemically validated continuous abstinence rate (CAR) at weeks 4 to 12. Secondary efficacy end points were CAR at weeks 4 to 24 and 7-day point prevalence of vaping abstinence at weeks 12 and 24.

Results

CAR was significantly higher for varenicline vs placebo at each interval: weeks 4–12, 40.0% and 20.0%, respectively (OR = 2.67, 95% CI = [1.25–5.68], P = 0.011); weeks 4–24, 34.3% for varenicline with counseling and 17.2% for placebo with counseling (OR = 2.52, 95% CI = [1.14–5.58], P = 0.0224). The 7-day point prevalence of vaping abstinence was also higher for the varenicline than placebo at each time point. Serious adverse events were infrequent in both groups and not treatment-related.

Conclusions

The findings of the present RCT indicate that inclusion of varenicline in a vaping cessation program for people who use electronic cigarettes and intending to quit may result in prolonged abstinence. These positive findings establish a benchmark of intervention effectiveness, may support the use of varenicline combined with counseling in vaping cessation programs, and may also help guiding future recommendations by health authorities and healthcare providers.

Trial registration

The study has been registered in EUDRACT with Trial registration ID: 2016-000339-42.
Impacts of heavy smoking on non-coding RNA expression for patients with esophageal carcinoma
Authors: Wen Qin , Mao Xinlan , Shi Xinling , Wang Yuting , Wang Jianming
Published: July 2023

Background

Smoking is a well-recognized risk factor for esophageal carcinoma, but the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. Previous studies have demonstrated the predictive value of non-coding RNA (ncRNA) for the prognosis of esophageal carcinoma; however, the expression of smoking-related ncRNAs has not been systematically characterized. Herein, we comprehensively assessed the hazard of heavy smoking and its impact on ncRNA expression patterns in patients with esophageal carcinoma.

Methods

Transcriptome and clinical features of patients with esophageal carcinoma were acquired from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Cox regression analysis was employed to calculate the hazard ratio (HR) of smoking behavior. Differential expression analysis was conducted with the “edgeR” package. The smoking-related RNA regulatory network was based on lncRNA‒miRNA and miRNA‒mRNA pairs and visualized by Cytoscape 3.7.1. We applied Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses for functional annotation. Univariate and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression analyses were used for model construction. We applied Kaplan‒Meier analysis with a log-rank test for survival analysis, with group comparison by the Wilcoxon signed ranked test.

Results

Heavy smoking contributed to the poor overall survival of esophageal carcinoma, with an HR of 3.167 (95% CI: 1.077–9.312). A total of 195 lncRNAs and 73 miRNAs were differentially expressed between patients with or without smoking behavior. We constructed smoking-related RNA regulatory networks, and functional annotation enriched a series of cancer-related pathways. We generated a smoking-related prognostic risk score and found that patients with a high score had a poor prognosis. Fourteen out of 23 immune cell types differentially infiltrated into a distinct risk group, while no correlation was observed between the risk score and immune cells.

Conclusion

Altogether, we profiled smoking-related ncRNA expression patterns and constructed an RNA regulatory network, providing a landscape of smoking-related molecular mechanisms of esophageal carcinoma. The smoking-related risk score, which was related to prognosis, revealed that tobacco smoking could suppress tumor immunity via the ncRNA mechanism.
Vitamin D promotes epithelial tissue repair and host defense responses against influenza H1N1 virus and Staphylococcus aureus infections
Authors: Liao Shumin , Huang Yanhong , Zhang Jinxiu , Xiong Qinglan , Chi Mengshi , Yang Liang , Zhang Junhang , Li Liang , Fan Yunping
Published: July 2023

Background

Early studies indicated that vitamin D (VD) exerted pleiotropic extra-skeletal effects in the airway, but the definite linkage between VD deficiency and airway host responses remains unclear.

Methods

142 cases of clinical data from Department of Otolaryngology, the Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, were collected to characterize the relationship between VD deficiency and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Based on the clinical observations, 2.5-D airway epithelial organoids cultured at the air–liquid interface (ALI) were used to simulate the effects of VD treatment in the development of airway epithelium and the modulation of the host responses against influenza H1N1 virus (representing viral infections) and Staphylococcus aureus (representing bacterial infections) infections in the airway. The intrinsic mechanisms of VD deficiency underlying epithelial remodeling were mapped by transcriptomic as well as proteomic analyses.

Results

In this study we observed prevailing VD deficiency among inpatients suffering from CRS, a common disease predominantly characterized by epithelial impairment and remodeling. Relative to control organoids cultured without VD, long-term incubation with VD accelerated basal cell proliferation during nasal epithelial development. Under infectious conditions, VD treatment protected the organoids against influenza H1N1 virus and Staphylococcus aureus invasions by reinforcing the respiratory host defenses, including upregulation of LL37, suppression (or inhibition) of proinflammatory cytokines, strengthening of epithelial integrity, and mucociliary clearance. In silico analysis of transcriptomics and proteomics suggested that VD modulated the epithelial development and remodeling, involving epithelial cell proliferation/differentiation, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), and cytokine signaling in the immune system, as well as responses to microbe, cell junction organization, and extracellular matrix organization via PTEN signaling, independent of TGF-β signaling.

Conclusions

Our findings emphasize the importance of managing VD deficiency in clinical settings for the sake of alleviating pathological epithelial remodeling. Vitamin D promotes epithelial tissue repair and host defense responses against influenza H1N1 and Staphylococcus aureus infections.
Does breast cancer policy meet the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in Australia? a review
Authors: Christie Vita , Riley Lynette , Green Deb , Snook Kylie , Henningham Mandy , Rambaldini Boe , Amin Janaki , Pyke Chris , Varlow Megan , Goss Sally , Skinner John , O’Shea Ross , McCowen Deb , Gwynne Kylie
Published: July 2023

Objective

To evaluate if existing Australian public policy related to screening, diagnosis, treatment and follow up care for breast cancer addresses the needs of and outcomes for Indigenous1 women?

Methods

This review of policy employed a modified Delphi method via an online panel of experts (n = 13), who were purposively recruited according to experience and expertise. A series of online meetings and online surveys were used for data collection. The aims of the study were to: Identify all existing and current breast cancer policy in Australia;  Analyse the extent to which consideration of Indigenous peoples is included in the development, design and implementation of the policy; and Identify policy gaps and make recommendations as to how they could be addressed. The policies were evaluated using ‘A Guide to Evaluation under the Indigenous Evaluation Strategy, 2020’.

Results

A list of current breast cancer policies (n = 7) was agreed and analysed. Five draft recommendations to improve breast cancer outcomes for Indigenous women were developed and refined by the panel.

Conclusions

Current breast cancer policy in Australia does not address the needs of Indigenous women and requires change to improve outcomes.
Mitochondria in endothelial cells angiogenesis and function: current understanding and future perspectives
Authors: Luo Zhen , Yao Jianbo , Wang Zhe , Xu Jianxiong
Published: July 2023

Endothelial cells (ECs) angiogenesis is the process of sprouting new vessels from the existing ones, playing critical roles in physiological and pathological processes such as wound healing, placentation, ischemia/reperfusion, cardiovascular diseases and cancer metastasis. Although mitochondria are not the major sites of energy source in ECs, they function as important biosynthetic and signaling hubs to regulate ECs metabolism and adaptations to local environment, thus affecting ECs migration, proliferation and angiogenic process. The understanding of the importance and potential mechanisms of mitochondria in regulating ECs metabolism, function and the process of angiogenesis has developed in the past decades. Thus, in this review, we discuss the current understanding of mitochondrial proteins and signaling molecules in ECs metabolism, function and angiogeneic signaling, to provide new and therapeutic targets for treatment of diverse cardiovascular and angiogenesis-dependent diseases.
Flexible upscaling of laboratory PCR testing capacity at the Robert Koch Institute during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic
Authors: Krause Eva , Michel Janine , Puyskens Andreas , Hofmann Natalie , Rinner Thomas , Biere Barbara , Dorner Brigitte G. , Skiba Martin , Schaade Lars , Nitsche Andreas
Published: July 2023

Background

Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, laboratories worldwide have been facing an unprecedented increase in demand for PCR testing because of the high importance of diagnostics for prevention and control of virus spread. Moreover, testing demand has been varying considerably over time, depending on the epidemiological situation, rendering efficient resource allocation difficult. Here, we present a scalable workflow which we implemented in our laboratory to increase PCR testing capacity while maintaining high flexibility regarding the number of samples to be processed.

Methods

We compared the performance of five automated extraction instruments, using dilutions of SARS-CoV-2 cell culture supernatant as well as clinical samples. To increase PCR throughput, we combined the two duplex PCR reactions of our previously published SARS-CoV-2 PCR assay into one quadruplex reaction and compared their limit of detection as well as their performance on the detection of low viral loads in clinical samples. Furthermore, we developed a sample pooling protocol with either two or four samples per pool, combined with a specifically adapted SARS-CoV-2 quadruplex PCR assay, and compared the diagnostic sensitivity of pooled testing and individual testing.

Results

All tested automated extraction instruments yielded comparable results regarding the subsequent sensitivity of SARS-CoV-2 detection by PCR. While the limit of detection of the quadruplex SARS-CoV-2 PCR assay (E-Gene assay: 28.7 genome equivalents (ge)/reaction, orf1ab assay: 32.0 ge/reaction) was slightly higher than that of our previously published duplex PCR assays (E-Gene assay: 9.8 ge/reaction, orf1ab assay: 6.6 ge/reaction), the rate of correctly identified positive patient samples was comparable for both assays. Sample pooling with optimized downstream quadruplex PCR showed no loss in diagnostic sensitivity compared to individual testing.

Conclusion

Specific adaptation of PCR assays can help overcome the potential loss of sensitivity due to higher levels of PCR multiplexing or sample dilution in pooled testing. Combining these adapted PCR assays with different sample processing strategies provides a simple and highly adjustable workflow for resource-efficient SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics. The presented principles can easily be adopted in a variety of laboratory settings as well as be adapted to pathogens other than SARS-CoV-2, making it feasible for any laboratory that conducts PCR diagnostics.
An automated method for stem diameter measurement based on laser module and deep learning
Authors: Wang Sheng , Li Rao , Li Huan , Ma Xiaowen , Ji Qiang , Xu Fu , Fu Hongping
Published: July 2023

Background

Measuring stem diameter (SD) is a crucial foundation for forest resource management, but current methods require expert personnel and are time-consuming and costly. In this study, we proposed a novel device and method for automatic SD measurement using an image sensor and a laser module. Firstly, the laser module generated a spot on the tree stem that could be used as reference information for measuring SD. Secondly, an end-to-end model was performed to identify the trunk contour in the panchromatic image from the image sensor. Finally, SD was calculated from the linear relationship between the trunk contour and the spot diameter in pixels.

Results

We conducted SD measurements in three natural scenarios with different land cover types: transitional woodland/shrub, mixed forest, and green urban area. The SD values varied from 2.00 cm to 89.00 cm across these scenarios. Compared with the field tape measurements, the SD data measured by our method showed high consistency in different natural scenarios. The absolute mean error was 0.36 cm and the root mean square error was 0.45 cm. Our integrated device is low cost, portable, and without the assistance of a tripod. Compared to most studies, our method demonstrated better versatility and exhibited higher performance.

Conclusion

Our method achieved the automatic, efficient and accurate measurement of SD in natural scenarios. In the future, the device will be further explored to be integrated into autonomous mobile robots for more scenarios.
A framework for precision “dosing” of mental healthcare services: algorithm development and clinical pilot
Authors: Knights Jonathan , Bangieva Victoria , Passoni Michela , Donegan Macayla L. , Shen Jacob , Klein Audrey , Baker Justin , DuBois Holly
Published: July 2023

Background

One in five adults in the US experience mental illness and over half of these adults do not receive treatment. In addition to the access gap, few innovations have been reported for ensuring the right level of mental healthcare service is available at the right time for individual patients.

Methods

Historical observational clinical data was leveraged from a virtual healthcare system. We conceptualize mental healthcare services themselves as therapeutic interventions and develop a prototype computational framework to estimate their potential longitudinal impacts on depressive symptom severity, which is then used to assess new treatment schedules and delivered to clinicians via a dashboard. We operationally define this process as “session dosing”: 497 patients who started treatment with severe symptoms of depression between November 2020 and October 2021 were used for modeling. Subsequently, 22 mental health providers participated in a 5-week clinical quality improvement (QI) pilot, where they utilized the prototype dashboard in treatment planning with 126 patients.

Results

The developed framework was able to resolve patient symptom fluctuations from their treatment schedules: 77% of the modeling dataset fit criteria for using the individual fits for subsequent clinical planning where five anecdotal profile types were identified that presented different clinical opportunities. Based on initial quality thresholds for model fits, 88% of those individuals were identified as adequate for session optimization planning using the developed dashboard, while 12% supported more thorough treatment planning (e.g. different treatment modalities). In the clinical pilot, 90% of clinicians reported using the dashboard a few times or more per member. Although most clinicians (67.5%) either rarely or never used the dashboard to change session types, numerous other discussions were enabled, and opportunities for automating session recommendations were identified.

Conclusions

It is possible to model and identify the extent to which mental healthcare services can resolve depressive symptom severity fluctuations. Implementation of one such prototype framework in a real-world clinic represents an advancement in mental healthcare treatment planning; however, investigations to assess which clinical endpoints are impacted by this technology, and the best way to incorporate such frameworks into clinical workflows, are needed and are actively being pursued.
Personalized nutrition therapy in critical care: 10 expert recommendations
Authors: Wischmeyer Paul E. , Bear Danielle E. , Berger Mette M. , De Waele Elisabeth , Gunst Jan , McClave Stephen A. , Prado Carla M. , Puthucheary Zudin , Ridley Emma J. , Van den Berghe Greet , van Zanten Arthur R. H.
Published: July 2023

Personalization of ICU nutrition is essential to future of critical care. Recommendations from American/European guidelines and practice suggestions incorporating recent literature are presented. Low-dose enteral nutrition (EN) or parenteral nutrition (PN) can be started within 48 h of admission. While EN is preferred route of delivery, new data highlight PN can be given safely without increased risk; thus, when early EN is not feasible, provision of isocaloric PN is effective and results in similar outcomes. Indirect calorimetry (IC) measurement of energy expenditure (EE) is recommended by both European/American guidelines after stabilization post-ICU admission. Below-measured EE (~ 70%) targets should be used during early phase and increased to match EE later in stay. Low-dose protein delivery can be used early (~ D1-2) (< 0.8 g/kg/d) and progressed to ≥ 1.2 g/kg/d as patients stabilize, with consideration of avoiding higher protein in unstable patients and in acute kidney injury not on CRRT. Intermittent-feeding schedules hold promise for further research. Clinicians must be aware of delivered energy/protein and what percentage of targets delivered nutrition represents. Computerized nutrition monitoring systems/platforms have become widely available. In patients at risk of micronutrient/vitamin losses (i.e., CRRT), evaluation of micronutrient levels should be considered post-ICU days 5–7 with repletion of deficiencies where indicated. In future, we hope use of muscle monitors such as ultrasound, CT scan, and/or BIA will be utilized to assess nutrition risk and monitor response to nutrition. Use of specialized anabolic nutrients such as HMB, creatine, and leucine to improve strength/muscle mass is promising in other populations and deserves future study. In post-ICU setting, continued use of IC measurement and other muscle measures should be considered to guide nutrition. Research on using rehabilitation interventions such as cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) to guide post-ICU exercise/rehabilitation prescription and using anabolic agents such as testosterone/oxandrolone to promote post-ICU recovery is needed.
Results of arthroscopic treatment for anteroinferior shoulder instability using a single anterior working portal using birdbeak
Authors: Yamak Kamil , Cetin Onur , Aydemir Omer
Published: July 2023

Background

The shoulder joint is the joint with the most dislocations in all joints. The arthroscopic surgery method is considered the gold standard because it creates less soft tissue damage, shorter hospitalization and surgery time, and less restriction of movement after surgery in shoulder instability. Anterior single portal technique has become popular recently. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the results of the anterior single portal repair technique using “birdbeak”. We try to evaluate if this technique is a reliable technique and has the same or more advantages of two portal arthroscopic surgery and make the surgery easier for surgeons.

Methods

In the total of 40 patients who underwent arthroscopic surgery for traumatic recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation between January 2017 and February 2020, this study included 19 patients with the surgical technique of arthroscopic isolated anterior labrum tear repair using a birdbeak from the anterior single working portal. Clinical results were evaluated with the Simple Shoulder Test (SST), Rowe Score for Instability (RWS) and Oxford Shoulder Instability Score (OSIS) tests before and after surgery. The relationship between the time to surgery after the first dislocation and clinical outcomes was also examined in the study. Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk tests were used to control the assumption of normality. In addition, Pearson correlation and Spearman correlation analyzes were used to test the relationship between the variables.

Results

The mean follow-up period of the 19 patients included in this study was 33.1 months. The mean time to surgery after the first dislocation was 18.4 months. The mean preoperative number of dislocations was 5.3. The mean number of anchors used in the repair was 2.1. No recurrent dislocations were observed after surgery. A significant difference was observed between preoperative and postoperative SST, RWS and OSIS scores (respectively, p = 0.000 < 0.001, p = 0.000 < 0.001, p = 0.000 < 0.001). There was no statistically significant relationship between the time elapsed after the first dislocation and the postoperative SST, RWS, OSIS scores (respectively, p = 0.43 > 0.05, p = 0.39 > 0.05, p = 0.31 > 0.05).

Conclusion

It has been observed that the repair technique applied using the “birdbeak” from the anterior single working portal is a successful treatment, and further studies are required due to the limited literature.
A general geometric transformation model for line-scan image registration
Authors: Fang Lei , Shi Zelin , Liu Yunpeng , Li Chenxi , Pang Mingqi , Zhao Enbo
Published: July 2023

A reasonable geometric transformation model is the key to image registration. When the relative motion direction between the line-scan camera and the object is strictly parallel to the planar object, it is possible to align the image by using the eight-parameter geometric transformation model of the line-scan image. However, it will be invalid when the relative motion direction is arbitrary. Therefore, a new general geometric transformation model of line-scan images is proposed for line-scan image registration in this paper. Considering the different initial poses and motion directions of the line-scan camera, the proposed model is established based on the imaging model of the line-scan camera. In order to acquire line-scan images to verify the proposed model, a line-scan image acquisition system was built. The method based on feature points is used to register the line-scan images. The experimental results show that the proposed geometric transformation model can align the line-scan image collected under arbitrary relative motion direction, not just the parallel case. Besides, the statistical errors of the image feature point coordinates are the best performance after registration. The accuracy of the registration results is better than that of other existing geometric transformation models, which verifies the correctness and generality of the geometric transformation model of the line-scan camera proposed in this paper.
IoV data sharing scheme based on the hybrid architecture of blockchain and cloud-edge computing
Authors: Zheng Tiange , Wu Junhua , Li Guangshun
Published: July 2023

Achieving efficient and secure sharing of data in the Internet of Vehicles (IoV) is of great significance for the development of smart transportation. Although blockchain technology has great potential to promote data sharing and privacy protection in the context of IoV, the problem of securing data sharing should be payed more attentions. This paper proposes an IoV data sharing scheme based on the hybrid architecture of blockchain and cloud-edge computing. Firstly, to improve protocol’s efficiency, a dual-chain structure empowered by alliance chain is introduced as the model architecture. Secondly, for the space problem characterized by data storage and security, we adopt distributed storage with the help of edge devices. Finally, to both ensure the efficiency of consensus protocol and protect the privacy of vehicles and owners simultaneously, we improve DPoS consensus algorithm to realize the efficient operation of the IoV data sharing model, which is closer to the actual needs of IoV. The comparison with other data sharing models highlights the advantages of this model, in terms of data storage and sharing security. It can be seen that the improved DPoS has high consensus efficiency and security in IoV.
Exploring the clinical application value of peripheral blood T lymphocyte subset in patients with asymptomatic omicron infection
Authors: Li Tuantuan , Xu Jing , Gao Yong , Wang XiaoWu , Xu Yuanhong
Published: July 2023

Objective

To investigate the clinical significance and value of peripheral blood T lymphocyte subset in patients with asymptomatic novel coronavirus variant strains infection (OMICRON).

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 281 patients with asymptomatic OMICRON infection who were admitted and isolated to the Fuyang Second People's Hospital from March to April 2022 was conducted. With 32 normal people as the control group, T lymphocytes of the two groups (CD3 + T, CD3 + CD4 + T, CD3 + CD8 + T) were analyzed and the differences between the two groups were analyzed. CD4 + T lymphocytes between patients with asymptomatic OMICRON infection and patients with mild COVID-19 infection in 2020 were analyzed and compared. Based on CD3 CD4 + T lymphocyte changes, lymphocyte reference range: CD3 CD4 + T lymphocyte count 404–1612/μL. Lower than 404 × 106/μL was defined as lymphocytopenia, patients were divided into the reduced group (138) and the normal group (143). The CT value of novel coronavirus nucleic acid (ORF1ab gene, N gene) and the time of viral shedding were compared between the two groups.

Results

Differences in number of CD3 + T cells, CD3 + CD4 + T cells, and CD3 + CD8 + T cells were significant between both groups (P < 0.05), which were significantly higher in the normal population than in the patients with asymptomatic OMICRON infection. There was no significant difference in CD4 + T lymphocytes between patients with asymptomatic OMICRON infection and patients with mild COVID-19 infection in 2020 (P < 0.05). The novel coronavirus nucleic CT value was significantly lower in the CD3CD4 + T lymphocyte-reduced group than in the CD3CD4 + T lymphocyte-normal group (P < 0.05). Moreover, the time of viral shedding was significantly longer in the reduced group compared with the normal group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The changing characteristics of the peripheral blood T lymphocyte subset count in patients with asymptomatic OMICRON infections can provide an important basis for the diagnosis and outcome of the asymptomatic OMICRON infection.
The RU_SATED as a measure of sleep health: cross-cultural adaptation and validation in Chinese healthcare students
Authors: Meng Runtang , Dong Lu , Dzierzewski Joseph M. , Mastrotheodoros Stefanos , Cao Menglu , Yu Bilin , Wang Jue , Gong Boxiong , Li Jingjing , Spruyt Karen
Published: July 2023

Background

The RU_SATED scale is a multidimensional instrument measuring sleep health, consisting of Regularity, Satisfaction, Alertness, Timing, Efficiency, Duration dimensions. We adapted and validated the Chinese RU_SATED (RU_SATED-C) scale.

Methods

The RU_SATED-C scale was developed through a formal linguistic validation process and was validated in an observational longitudinal survey design. Healthcare students completed the RU_SATED scale, Sleep Quality Questionnaire, and Patient Health Questionnaire-4 among two sites of Hangzhou and Ningbo, China. Psychometric assessments included structural validity, longitudinal measurement invariance, convergent and divergent validity, internal consistency, and test–retest reliability.

Results

A total of 911 healthcare students completed the RU_SATED-C scale at baseline (Time 1, T1) and follow-up (Time 2, T2) with an average time interval of 7 days + 5.37 h. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) confirmed a single-factor model and resulted in an acceptable model fit. The two-factor model previously found in the Japanese version fit better than the one-factor model, whereas the one-factor model fit had a better fit than the two-factor model found in the English version. Longitudinal CFA resulted in negligible changes in fit indices for four forms of increasingly restrictive models and supported that a single-factor model was equivalent over time. The data also endorsed longitudinal measurement invariance among the two-factor models found in the English and Japanese samples. The RU_SATED-C scale total score displayed a moderately strong negative correlation with sleep quality; however, negligible associations were observed with anxiety and depression. Ordinal Cronbach’s alpha and Ordinal McDonald's omega at T1 and T2 ranged from suboptimal to acceptable. The RU_SATED-C scale and all items were significantly correlated across time intervals.

Conclusion

The RU_SATED-C scale is an easy-to-use instrument with potentially valid data for the measurement of multidimensional sleep health. Use of the RU_SATED-C scale can help raise awareness of sleep health and could pave the way for important efforts to promote healthy sleep.
Gauge-and-compass migration: inherited magnetic headings and signposts can adapt to changing geomagnetic landscapes
Authors: McLaren James D. , Schmaljohann Heiko , Blasius Bernd
Published: July 2023

Background

For many migratory species, inexperienced (naïve) individuals reach remote non-breeding areas independently using one or more inherited compass headings and, potentially, magnetic signposts to gauge where to switch between compass headings. Inherited magnetic-based migration has not yet been assessed as a population-level process, particularly across strong geomagnetic gradients or where long-term geomagnetic shifts (hereafter, secular variation) could create mismatches with magnetic headings. Therefore, it remains unclear whether inherited magnetic headings and signposts could potentially adapt to secular variation under natural selection.

Methods

To address these unknowns, we modelled migratory orientation programs using an evolutionary algorithm incorporating global geomagnetic data (1900–2023). Modelled population mixing incorporated both natal dispersal and trans-generational inheritance of magnetic headings and signposts, including intrinsic (stochastic) variability in inheritance. Using the model, we assessed robustness of trans-hemispheric migration of a migratory songbird whose Nearctic breeding grounds have undergone rapid secular variation (mean 34° clockwise drift in declination, 1900–2023), and which travels across strong geomagnetic gradients via Europe to Africa.

Results

Model-evolved magnetic-signposted migration was overall successful throughout the 124-year period, with 60–90% mean successful arrival across a broad range in plausible precision in compass headings and gauging signposts. Signposted migration reduced trans-Atlantic flight distances and was up to twice as successful compared with non-signposted migration. Magnetic headings shifted plastically in response to the secular variation (mean 16°–17° among orientation programs), whereas signpost latitudes were more constrained (3°–5° mean shifts). This plasticity required intrinsic variability in inheritance (model-evolved σ ≈ 2.6° standard error), preventing clockwise secular drift from causing unsustainable open-ocean flights.

Conclusions

Our study supports the potential long-term viability of inherited magnetic migratory headings and signposts, and illustrates more generally how inherited migratory orientation programs can both mediate and constrain evolution of routes, in response to global environmental change.
Children sleep habits and their knowledge during COVID-19: the impact on quality of life
Authors: Hashem Mustafa M. , Yousof Shimaa Mohammad , Tesen Heba S. , Ahmed Alaa Ghanem , Fawzy Fatma , Elsemelawy Rofida , Hafez Menna Essam , Amer Ahmed Esmail Elsayed , Mekky Jaidaa F.
Published: July 2023

Background

Amid the coronavirus crisis, many aspects of children's lives had been compromised, among which were their sleep habits. The current study aimed to examine children's sleep habits and the children's knowledge of the pandemic and its impact on their quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using observational cross-sectional analysis based on web-based questionnaires and face-to-face interviews, Parents completed the children's sleep habits questionnaire (CSHQ) and the pediatric quality of life inventory (PedsQL-P), and the questionnaire regarding their children's knowledge about COVID-19.

Results

Among the total sample (n = 259), Children below the age of 6 (n = 52) showed statistically significant higher scores in the bedtime resistance, delayed sleep onset, and sleep anxiety subscales, while those older than the age of 12 (n = 50) showed a higher score in the sleep duration problem subscale and lower scores of physical, emotional and psychological functions. Finally, (71.4%) of the study population showed a high level of knowledge about the infectivity of the coronavirus and the fact that it is a pandemic.

Conclusions

Sleep problems are common among Egyptian children during the COVID-19 pandemic and have a significant impact on their quality of life.
Complex endoleak treatment after failed endovascular aortic repair
Authors: Raupach Jan , Masek Jan , Venugopal Sindharta , Renc Ondrej , Lesko Michal , Radovan Maly
Published: July 2023

Background

Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) has created new possibilities for patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs), and in recent years it has become tremendously popular. Use of EVAR in selected groups of patients allows mortality and morbidity to be reduced in comparison to open repair. However, complications such as endoleaks (ELs) can be of great concern and warrant urgent therapy to prevent sac rupture.

Case presentation

The case report presents urgent endovascular treatment of a high-risk type IA EL in a polymorbid 68-year-old patient 7 years after primary EVAR. The principle of treatment was parallel implantation of the proximal SG extension with the renal SG into the right renal artery (chimney technique). The subsequent type II collateral EL was treated by direct transabdominal AAA sac puncture and thrombin embolization.

Conclusion

EL can be a cause for urgent intervention, but specific anatomic features often require specialized SG types which are not readily available. The chimney technique allows the use of immediately available stent grafts to address endoleak in the setting of impending abdominal aneurysm rupture.
A state-domain robust autonomous integrity monitoring with an extrapolation method for single receiver positioning in the presence of slowly growing fault
Authors: Yu Zhangjun , Zhang Qiuzhao , Zhang Shubi , Zheng Nanshan , Liu Keqiang
Published: July 2023

Single receiver positioning has been widely used as a standard and standalone positioning technique for about 25 years. To detect the slowly growing faults caused by satellite and receiver clocks in single receiver positioning, the Autonomous Integrity Monitoring with an Extrapolation method (AIME) was proposed based on the Kalman filter measurement domain. However, AIME was designed with the assumption of there is the same number of visible satellites at each epoch, which limits its application. To address this issue, this paper proposes a state-domain Robust Autonomous Integrity Monitoring with the Extrapolation Method (SRAIME). The slowly growing fault detection statistics is established based on the difference between the estimates of the state propagator and the posterior state estimation in Kalman filtering. Meanwhile, singular value decomposition is adopted to factor the covariance matrix of the difference to increase computational robustness. Besides, the relevant formulas of the proposed method are theoretically derived, and it is proven that the proposed method is suitable for any positioning model based on the Kalman filter. Additionally, the results of two experiments indicate that SRAIME can detect slowly growing faults in single receiver positioning earlier than AIME.
Risk factors and molecular epidemiology of canine rabies in Beijing
Authors: Wang Zhen , Liu Qingzhi , Mei Li , Guo Junlin , Gao Xiaolong , Zhang Bi , Cai Chang , Sun Yipeng , Feng Xiaoyu , Wang Yongqiang
Published: July 2023

Rabies is a serious public health problem in Asia and Africa. Approximately 99% of cases result from a bite by an infected dog. The high rabies risk countries are generally characterized by rapid urbanization; however, the prevalence and risk factors for rabies in urban dogs in developing countries remain unclear. Beijing, the capital of China, has been undergoing rapid urbanization, and implemented compulsory rabies immunization for dogs on October 1, 2014. We evaluated the effects of this immunization policy and investigated the dynamics and determinants of the spread of dog rabies virus (RABV) in Beijing. Between 2013 and 2018, the positive rate of rabies in biting dogs declined significantly; 79.6% of these were stray dogs. Reconstructed spatiotemporal diffusion for RABV presents a more central distribution within Beijing and a surrounding dissemination of virus lineage toward suburban areas, indicating that rabies is self-sustaining in Beijing. Continuous RABV phylogeographic reconstructions and logistic regression analysis of rabies cases revealed that rabies tended to remain in commercial areas, high-rise residences, demolition areas, and high-GDP, high-population and high-accessibility areas. Demolition areas, where many residents have abandoned their pets, are recognized as high-risk areas for rabies. Our findings reveal that the implementation of the immunization policy in Beijing has been effective in prevention and control of canine rabies, and because the prevalence of canine rabies results from multiple factors, emphasize the important role of multi-sectoral cooperation in rabies prevention and control.
Changes in Hepatic Fat Content by CT 1 Year After Sleeve Gastrectomy in Adolescents and Young Adults With Obesity
Authors: López López Ana Paola , Tuli Shubhangi , Lauze Meghan , Becetti Imen , Pedreira Clarissa C , Huber Florian A , Omeroglu Emre , Singhal Vibha , Misra Madhusmita , Bredella Miriam A
Published: July 2023

Context

Obesity is associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is an effective means of weight loss and improvement of NAFLD in adults; however, data regarding the efficacy of SG in the early stages of pediatric NAFLD are sparse.

Objective

To assess the impact of SG on hepatic fat content 1 year after SG in youth with obesity compared with nonsurgical controls with obesity (NS).

Design

A 12-month prospective study in 52 participants (mean age, 18.2 ± .36 years) with obesity, comprising 25 subjects who underwent SG (84% female; median body mass index [BMI], 44.6 [42.1-47.9] kg/m2) and 27 who were NS (70% female; median BMI, 42.2 [38.7-47.0] kg/m2).

Main outcome measures

Hepatic fat content by computed tomography (liver/spleen ratio), abdominal fat by magnetic resonance imaging.

Results

Mean 12-month decrease in BMI was greater in SG vs NS (−12.5 ± .8 vs −.2 ± .5 kg/m2, P < .0001). There was a within-group increase in the liver-to-spleen (L/S) ratio in SG (.13 ± .05, P = .014) but not NS with a trend for a difference between groups (P = .055). All SG participants with an L/S ratio <1.0 (threshold for the diagnosis of NAFLD) before surgery had a ratio of >1.0 a year after surgery, consistent with resolution of NAFLD. Within SG, the 12-month change in L/S ratio was negatively associated with 12-month change in visceral fat (ρ = −.51 P = .016).

Conclusions

Hepatic fat content as assessed by noncontrast computed tomography improved after SG over 1 year in youth with obesity with resolution of NAFLD in all subjects. This was associated with decreases in visceral adiposity.