bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Controlled release of hydrogel-encapsulated adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells-conditioned medium promotes functional liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in a rodent model of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease
Authors: Kasahara Naoya , Teratani Takumi , Doi Junshi , Yokota Shinichiro , Shimodaira Kentaro , Kaneko Yuki , Ohzawa Hideyuki , Sakuma Yasunaru , Sasanuma Hideki , Fujimoto Yasuhiro , Urahashi Taizen , Yoshitomi Hideyuki , Yamaguchi Hironori , Kitayama Joji , Sata Naohiro
Published: June 2024

Background
Surgical excision is a key therapeutic approach for liver tumors with curative potential. However, hepatic steatosis can lead to delayed liver regeneration and higher post-operative complication risk. Globally, the prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is increasing, and there is an urgent need to develop innovative therapies that promote liver regeneration following hepatectomy for this disease. Mesenchymal stem cells conditioned medium (MSC-CM) is considered a rich source of paracrine factors that can repair tissues and restore the function of damaged organs. Meanwhile, hydrogels have been widely recognized to load MSC secretome and achieve sustained release. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of hydrogel-encapsulated MSC-CM on liver regeneration of partial hepatectomy (PHx) in a rodent model of diet-induced hepatic steatosis.
Methods
Male Lewis rats were fed with a methionine and choline–deficient diet. After 3 weeks of feeding, PHx was performed and were randomly allocated into two groups that received hydrogel-encapsulated MSC-CM or vehicle via the intramesenteric space of superior mesenteric vein (SMV) perfused area immediately after PHx.
Results
The number of each TUNEL- and cleaved caspase-3 positive nuclei in hepatocytes at 9 hours after PHx were significantly decreased in the MSC-CM group, suggesting that MSC-CM suppressed apoptosis. MSC-CM increased serum immunoregulatory cytokine interleukin 10 and interleukin 13 at 30 hours after PHx. The regeneration of the remnant liver at 30 and 168 hours after PHx was significantly accelerated, and the expressions of proliferating cell nuclear antigen were significantly enhanced in the MSC-CM group. Additionally, mitotic figures and cyclin D1 expression decreased and hepatocyte size increased in the MSC-CM group, implying that this mode of regeneration was mainly through cell hypertrophy rather than cell division. Gene ontology analysis on differentially expressed genes exhibited a significant depletion for genes involved in sensory perception of smell in the MSC-CM group. MSC-CM treatment significantly increased hepatic ATP and β-hydroxybutyrate content at 168 hours after PHx, indicating that MSC-CM fosters regeneration not only in volume but also in functionality.
Conclusions
MSC-CM represent a novel therapeutic approach for patients with MASLD requiring PHx.
Remote Sensing Detection and Geological Verification of the Qiaobei Town-Suqian Fault: A Case Study of the Sihong Section
Authors: Wu Hao , Xu Zhiying , Wang Cheng , Sheng Jian , Zhu Yinan , Wang Jian
Published: June 2024

The Tan-Lu Fault Zone, a significant geological structural boundary in Eastern China, has historically been the source of numerous major earthquakes. This study zeroes in on a pivotal branch of this fault zone—the Qiaobei Town-Suqian Fault, situated in Sihong County. Present knowledge regarding the seismic activity patterns and potential hazards of this fault segment is somewhat restricted. Through the synthesis of remote sensing technology and field investigations, this paper endeavors to precisely delineate the geographical distribution of the Qiaobei Town-Suqian Fault in the vicinity of Sihong, aiming to provide scientific backing for regional earthquake risk evaluation and disaster prevention initiatives.
Using the Behaviour Change Wheel and Theoretical Domains Framework in the Co-Design of a Recycling Intervention Implemented in a Rural Australian Public Hospital
Authors: Letts Alexander , Knight Kay , Halliday Daniel , Singleton Judith
Published: June 2024

Background
Healthcare waste is growing annually at a rate of 2–3% globally with negative implications for environmental and population health. Improving recycling of non-contaminated healthcare waste can reduce carbon emissions and landfill use with consequent financial and health co-benefits. This paper reports the development of a co-designed behavioural change recycling intervention in a small, rural hospital in Queensland, Australia. The aim was to reduce the amount of potentially recyclable or reusable non-contaminated waste currently ending up in landfill.
Methods
This study utilised co-design to develop a behavioural change intervention informed by an evidence-based, theoretical framework – the integrated Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) and Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). This study was undertaken in a 20-bed rural Queensland Health hospital and included hospital staff in the co-design of a recycling intervention. The waste streams chosen were commingled recycling stream and waste accepted by the Containers-for-Change recycling scheme. Two co-design workshops were held onsite at the hospital on 2nd June (n = 8) and 3rd August 2023 (n = 6) followed by a visit to the hospital on 31st August 2023 to implement the recycling intervention. Final data collection was undertaken at the end of November 2023.
Results
The co-designed intervention comprised placing commingled bins (grey with yellow lids) and CFC bins (grey with white lids) at points of recyclable waste generation with signage and ‘train-the-trainer’ education sessions with the green champions. Over the 3-month post-intervention data collection period there was a reduction of 1.25t for the general waste stream, 0.1042t of recyclable waste was recycled through the newly introduced CFC scheme, and an increase of 0.07t of commingled recyclable waste after the intervention. In summary, across a three-month period, this co-designed recycling intervention reduced CO2e by 2t. This equates to a reduction of 13,652 km of car travel in an Australian sedan or light SUV. Importantly, it also diverted approximately 3,000 plastic bottles and 866 aluminium cans from landfill.
Conclusions
Despite the small number of participants in the two co-design workshops, combining co-design with an evidence-based theoretical framework (BCW + TDF) produced a robust, fit-for-purpose, recycling intervention that led to behaviour change (recycling).
Perception of concern and associated factors during the COVID-19 pandemic: an epidemiological survey in a Brazilian municipality
Authors: Barbosa Adriano Pires , Batista Marília Jesus
Published: June 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted mental health. This cross-sectional study analyzed the perception of concern related to the pandemic in the population of Jundiaí-SP in June 2020. Participants consisted of residents of households selected by probability sampling and individuals with respiratory symptoms who sought Basic Health Units (UBS). The participants underwent rapid testing for SARS-CoV-2 and answered a questionnaire. The outcome was the perception of concern and the independent variables were socioeconomic characteristics, behavioral variables, signs and symptoms, and rapid test results. Bivariate analysis was performed and variables with p<0.20 were included in a binary logistic regression model (p<0.05) using SPSS 20.0. A total of 2,432 individuals participated in the study, including 1,181 from UBS and 1,251 from households. Females (OR:1.42; CI:1.18-1.71), black and mixed race participants (OR:1.40; CI:1.15-1.71), participants with an income up to 3 minimum wages (MW) (up to 1 MW: OR:2.58; CI:1.80-3.70; 1 to 3 MW: OR:1.64; CI:1.35-1.98), and younger participants (18-39 years: OR:3.07; CI:2.39-3.94; 40-59 years: OR:2.42; CI:1.89-3.10) were more concerned. Greater concern was perceived by more vulnerable individuals, regardless of testing positive for COVID-19. Knowledge of the concerns caused by the pandemic is important to prevent more serious mental health conditions.
Experimental Study of Rock Fracture Behavior under Direct Tension using Three-Dimensional Digital Image Correlation
Authors: Guo Xiaoxiao , Tang Yang , Liu Jianfeng , Chen Cancan , Zhang Hailong , Zhang Fan , Okubo Seisuke
Published: June 2024

Understanding the mechanical characteristics of rocks when subjected to direct tension is crucial for assessing the stability of rock formations. Within the scope of this research, a series of tests was conducted using Tage tuff to assess the deformation behavior and crack extension of rock under direct tension. The axial, lateral, and shear strain fields as well as crack propagation, localized deformation behavior, and failure mode of the rocks were analyzed using three-dimensional digital image correlation method. The results showed that the axial strain fields on the specimen surface were heterogeneous, with different locations and localization occurring in the pre-peak stage, which was similar to the evolution of shear strain, whereas the lateral strain only showed slight changes. The crack extension direction was inferred, indicating that both tensile and shear stress occurred in the tests. Furthermore, different stress–strain responses were observed for the inside and outside of the localized bands. Then, the surface patterns of specimen failure were scanned and analyzed to assess the failure mode and residual strength of the specimen under direct tensile stress. Finally, the results of direct tension, uniaxial compression, and Brazilian split tests for Tage tuff were compared, and the complete stress–strain curve of uniaxial tension (UT) was simulated using a nonlinear-variable-compliance constitutive equation. This study provides a deeper understanding into the damage behavior of rocks under direct tension.
Experimental Determination of Gas-Liquid Interfacial Tension for POE ISO 10/R-134a Mixtures Using the Maximum Bubble Pressure Method
Authors: Pizarro-Recabarren Rodrigo A. , Ferreira Júlio C. A. , Barbosa Jader
Published: June 2024

This paper presents the development of an experimental apparatus designed for measuring the interfacial tension of a POE ISO 10/R-134a mixture under varying solubility conditions using the maximum bubble pressure method (MBPM). The apparatus features two capillary tubes immersed in a liquid volume against which a vapor bubble expands to determine interfacial tension. Key parameters of the MBPM, including bubble formation frequency and chamber volume, were meticulously fine-tuned for accurate calibration. Calibration was performed using a water/N2 mixture within the same apparatus, and the results were validated against established literature data. The experimental setup exhibited high sensitivity to bubble formation frequency, requiring precise maintenance at a constant rate of 1.0 Hz. Notably, the two-capillary model demonstrated superior performance compared to classical constant-adjusted models. A satisfactory fit for the R-134a/POE ISO 10 system was achieved with a mixing-law coefficient of r=1/7, highlighting significant deviation from ideal mixture behavior (r=1)
Application of minimally invasive dermabrasion in deep second-degree facial burn wounds during the early postburn stage
Authors: Zhang Chuwei , Li Zihan , Zhang qingrong , Jiang Ming , Zhu zhihan , Wang Bolin , Zhang Xunrui , Zhu Xihua , Qi Jun , Cai Yuhui , Wang lei , Hu Kesu , Zhang Yi
Published: June 2024

Objective
To explore the therapeutic effect of minimally invasive dermabrasion in deep second-degree facial burn wounds during the early postburn stage.
Methods
Thirty-five patients with deep second-degree facial burn wounds were treated with minimally invasive dermabrasion using the hydrodynamic debridement system within 2–4 days after injury. Then, wounds were covered with human biological dressings. We observed the wound infection rate, wound healing time and healing quality after debridement. Level of Evidence: Level V, therapeutic study.
Result
In this group of 35 patients with deep second-degree facial burn wounds, no infection was observed after debridement. The wound healing time was 9–17 days with an average healing time of 12.26 ± 2.15 days. The wound healing quality was satisfactory. The healing scars of the burn wounds were assessed using the Vancouver Scar Scale and had an average score of 0.86 ± 0.84.
Conclusions
Minimally invasive dermabrasion during the early postburn stage can reduce wound infection, prevent wound deepening, shorten wound healing time, improve wound healing quality, and reduce the occurrence of pigmentation and scar hyperplasia contracture deformity. Therefore, minimally invasive dermabrasion during the early postburn stage is of great significance in the treatment of deep second-degree facial burn wounds.
Lateral approach for regenerative surgery of intrabony defects associated with edentulous alveolar ridge/third molar removal: A prospective case series
Authors: Hromčík Filip , Halusková Adéla , Hollá Lydie Izakovičová
Published: June 2024

Background
This study evaluated the clinical efficacy of the lateral approach, designed explicitly for unchallenged isolated intrabony defects associated with edentulous alveolar ridges, combined with an enamel matrix derivative (EMD) and bovine-derived bone grafting in the regenerative surgical treatment.
Methods
Seven intrabony defects distal to the lower second molar were treated using a lateral approach combined with EMD and bone grafting. The primary parameters measured were clinical attachment level (CAL) and pocket probing depth (PPD). Clinical outcomes were assessed 6 months post-surgery and compared with the baseline values.
Results
Pocket closure and primary wound healing occurred in 100% of cases, and no complications were reported in terms of flap dehiscence, graft exposure, or suture failure. At the 6-month re-evaluation, the initial median CAL of 6 mm (interquartile range: 5–8 mm) was reduced to 3 mm (3–5 mm). The corresponding median PPD was reduced from 6 mm (6–8 mm) to 4 mm (3–5 mm). The differences were statistically significant for both primary parameters (p <0.05).
Conclusions
The lateral approach is a valid technique for the surgical treatment of intrabony defects associated with the edentulous ridge. This method seems particularly suitable for distal intrabony defects in the lower second molars, which frequently develop after third molar extraction.
Study Registration
This study was not intended as a clinical trial and according to https://grants.nih.gov/policy/clinical-trials/definition.htm is not considered a clinical trial, since its main purpose is “solely to refine measures”. The registration was therefore not required by the Ethics Committee approving the study protocol.
Application of Bedside Small-group Problem-based Learning in Clinical Practice Teaching of Dermatology
Authors: Tang Xianfa , Wang Wenjun , Shen Songke , Tang Huayang
Published: June 2024

Background and aims
The problem-based learning (PBL) teaching model has significant advantages in inspiring and improving clinical thinking among medical students. Bedside teaching has always been regarded as one of the ideal clinical teaching modes. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of bedside small-group PBL on dermatologic teaching in medical students.
Methods
Fifty interns (undergraduates) were randomly divided into the study and control groups. The study group received bedside PBL teaching while the control group received traditional bedside teaching. The teaching effectiveness of the two groups was evaluated by the computer-based case simulations (CCS), the mini clinical evaluation exercise (mini-CEX) and students’ satisfaction surveys.
Results
The average CCS score of the study group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05). For the mini-CEX, the medical interviewing skills, clinical judgment, counseling skills, organizational efficiency and overall clinical competence in study group significantly higher than those of the control group (P < 0.05). The overall satisfaction, stimulation of active learning, improvement of clinical skills, facilitation of counseling skills and enhancement of teamwork were higher than those of the control group (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
The bedside small-group PBL teaching model can not only stimulate the actively learning for undergraduates, but also improve their clinical reasoning, counseling skills and overall clinical competence, which can be served as a training system of dermatological clinical practice for medical undergraduates.
Relationship between quantitative tracheal geometry and clinical course in various types of vascular ring
Authors: Fukushima Naoya , Maeda Jun , Yoshimura Yukihiro , Shibuya Kazuhiko , Nagamine Hiroki , Miura Masaru
Published: June 2024

Purpose
To investigate the relationship between quantitative tracheal geometry and clinical course among various types of vascular ring and to identify factors correlating with symptom presentation.
Methods
Patients with vascular ring diagnosed between April 2010 and December 2022 were included. All the patients were classified as type 1 (complete double aortic arch); type 2 (incomplete double aortic arch); type 3 (circumflex aorta); type 4 (right aortic arch and aberrant left subclavian artery with a left retroesophageal diverticulum of Kommerell); or type 5 (mirror-imaged right aortic arch with retroesophageal aortic diverticulum). Their clinical characteristics and quantitative variables on computed tomography (CT) imaging were compared.
Results
Of the 50 patients enrolled, type 1 tended to have a smaller luminal tracheal diameter at the level of the ring. The median symptom-free survival time was shortest in this group (16.0 days [95% confidence interval (CI): 9.4–51.0]), followed by type 3 (138.0 days [95% CI 0.0–851.4]). Type 1 (hazard ratio [HR]: 10.7; 95% CI: 1.8–23.9; P = 0.001), type 3 (HR: 4.5; 95% CI: 1.4–14.2; P = 0.011), and the percentage of tracheal narrowing in the anteroposterior projection (HR: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.79–0.97; P = 0.010) were significantly associated with symptom presentation in the time-dependent course.
Conclusions
Aortic arch encircling the entire circumference in type 1 and high-pressure vasculature in front of the vertebral body in types 1 and 3 may contribute to raising the risk of symptom presentation.
Cloud Scaling Policies Verifier System driven by STORM Model Checker
Authors: Jawaddi Siti Nuraishah Agos , Amran Rayhan Asyraff , Ismail Azlan
Published: June 2024

Interpreting the stochastic behavior of cloud scaling policies formalized and verified with a model checker, using an independent visualization tool can be time-consuming as several manual steps need to be taken to visualize the behavior. This is because the existing model checker presents verification results through text-based descriptions and line charts depicting probabilities or rewards against investigated variables. However, with the line charts, the user can only analyze the probabilities or rewards instead of the behavior. To address this, we propose a cloud scaling policies verifier system that utilizes the extensible STORM model checker to automatically visualize the behavior of the verified model and the verification results. Additionally, the system architecture integrates the desktop local environment with the Docker container environment using open-source technologies including StormPy, PyQt, Networkx, and Matplotlib to enable replication and innovation for future research. Moreover, the system has undergone evaluation through functional and integration testing, demonstrating its effectiveness. Finally, it has been demonstrated that the system can be utilized not only for checking and verifying various cloud scaling policies but also for other decision-making policies beyond cloud scaling.
Dissection of QTLs underlying the genetic basis of drought resistance in wheat: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Ruihui , Shakir Arif Mehmood , Geng Miaomiao , Tian Jiahao
Published: June 2024

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the most important cereal crops, with its grain serving as a predominant staple food source on a global scale. However, there are many biotic and abiotic stresses challenging the stability of wheat production. Among the abiotic stresses, drought is recognized as a significant stressor, and poses a substantial threat to food production and quality throughout the world. Raising drought tolerance of wheat varieties through genetic regulation is therefore considered as one of the most effective ways to combat the challenges caused by drought stress. Meta-QTL analysis has demonstrated its effectiveness in identifying consensus QTL regions in wheat drought resistance in numerous instances. In this study, we present a comprehensive meta-analysis aimed at unraveling the drought tolerance genetic basis associated with agronomic traits in bread wheat. Extracting data from 34 previously-published studies, we aggregated a corpus of 1291 Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) pertinent to wheat drought tolerance. Then the translation of the consensus genetic map yielded a comprehensive compendium of 49 distinct MQTLs, each associated with diverse agronomic traits. Prominently featured among the MQTLs were MQTLs 1.1, 1.7, 1.8 (1D), 4.1 (4A), 4.6 (4D), 5.2 (5B), 6.6 (6B) and 7.2 (7B), distinguished as pivotal MQTLs offering significant potential for application in marker-assisted breeding endeavors. Altogether, a total of 66 putative candidate genes (CGs) related drought tolerance was identified. This work illustrates a translational research approach in transferring information from published mapping studies to genomic regions hosting major QTLs governing key agronomical traits in wheat.
Functional changes in the dorsal attention network in perimenopausal women: a resting-state functional MRI study
Authors: Liu Ningning , Zhang Yue , Fu Weiqing , Liu Huijun
Published: June 2024

Objective: To evaluate the functional changes of the dorsal attention network (DAN) in perimenopausal women using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and
the relationship between sex hormones and cognitive function.
Methods: A total of 25 perimenopausal women and 25 premenopausal women underwent sex hormone level, scale, and cognition assessments, as well as magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI) scans. The resting state fMRI data were acquired using a 3.0 Tesla magnetic resonance scanner, and the differences in DAN functional connection between these two groups were evaluated by independent component analysis (ICA). Gray matter volume (GMV) values of brain regions (regions of interest [ROI]) with differences in DAN functional connection were extracted, and the differences in GMV between the two groups were compared. Correlation analysis was performed between the connection strengths of the DAN functional connection and GMV values of ROIs with sex hormone levels and clinical and neuropsychological assessments in the two groups.
Results: Compared with the premenopausal group, the brain regions with enhanced functional connection in the perimenopausal group were the right inferior parietal lobule (IPL) and the right angular gyrus (AG) in the DAN. There were no differences in GMV values between the two groups. Correlation analysis showed that connection strengths of the right IPL negatively correlated with the estradiol level and positively correlated with the reaction time of the STROOP color-word test in perimenopausal women.
Conclusions: The ICA demonstrated that the DAN functional changes may stimulate the brain's compensatory mechanisms to compensate for physiological and psychological problems in women during the reproductive transition period. Our findings provide evidence for understanding the changes in brain function in perimenopausal women.
Retrospective analysis of non-invasive prenatal testing results in 8237 pregnant women in Luohe District
Authors: Yang Shaozhe , Zhuang Yuan , Xin Shuwen , He Yanqi , Fu Xiuhong
Published: June 2024

Background
Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) has gained extensive adoption worldwide for screening chromosomal abnormalities like trisomy 21. Nevertheless, controversies persist surrounding the screening efficacy of NIPT among diverse risk groups of pregnant women and its capability to detect sex chromosome aneuploidies. This study evaluates the screening performance of NIPT for various risk groups of pregnant women and its efficacy in detecting sex chromosome aneuploidies by retrospectively analyzing the NIPT results of 8,237 pregnant women in the Luohe region of China.
Methods
A total of 8237 cases of NIPT screening conducted between January 2020 and June 2023 in the Luohe region were analyzed. This study examined the clinical data, screening results, prenatal diagnostic outcomes, and follow-up results to evaluate the efficacy of NIPT using indicators such as positive predictive value, false positive rate, false negative rate, sensitivity, and specificity. Discrepancies in NIPT positivity rates among pregnant women with different risk factors and the screening efficacy of NIPT for autosomal aneuploidies and sex chromosomal aneuploidies were compared.
Results
Among 8237 pregnant women screened, 114 cases (1.38%) were identified as high-risk for chromosomal aneuploidies. All NIPT-positive pregnant women received fetal chromosomal results through amniocentesis chromosomal karyotype or fetal genetic testing after miscarriage. The positive rate of NIPT in the high-risk factor group was not statistically different from that in the moderate-risk factor group, but both were higher than in the low-risk factor group. The positive rate of NIPT increased with maternal age. NIPT demonstrated a positive predictive value, false positive rate, sensitivity, and specificity of 52.63% (60/114), 0.66% (54/8177), 100.00% (60/60), and 99.34% (8123/8177), respectively, for detecting chromosomal aneuploidies. Although the positive predictive value of NIPT for sex chromosome aneuploidies was lower than that for autosomal aneuploidies, there were no statistically significant differences in sensitivity, false positive rate, and other parameters.
Conclusions
NIPT is effective in screening for fetal aneuploidies involving both autosomes and sex chromosomes.
Correlation between Imaging Features of Pure Ground-Glass Opacities and Pathological Subtypes of Lung Minimally Invasive Adenocarcinoma and Precursor Lesions
Authors: Zhu Yan-qiu , Yan Cui , Tang Wen-jie , Duan Ya-ni , Chen Xiu-zhen , Dong Yun-xu , Guo Yue-fei , Liu Wei-min , Qin Jie
Published: June 2024

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between imaging features of pure ground-glass opacities (pGGOs) and the pathological subtypes of MIA and precursor lesions. A retrospective analysis was conducted on data from 1521 patients diagnosed with GGOs as lung adenocarcinoma or precursor lesions between January 2015 and March 2021. The pGGOs were categorized into AAH/AIS and MIA groups. Clinical information and CT imaging features were collected. Statistical analysis, logistic regression, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were performed. A total of 127 patients with 139 pGGOs were included. Maximum radiodensity, minimum radiodensity, mean radiodensity, variance, and skewness showed significant differences between the two groups. Maximum radiodensity and maximum cross-sectional area were identified as risk factors for pathology. The logistic regression model yielded an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.747 (95% CI, 0.666–0.816) for predicting pathological subtypes. The intensity features of pGGOs were found to be significantly different between AAH/AIS and MIA groups. Maximum radiodensity and skewness were independent risk factors for pathology. However, these features did not exhibit satisfactory diagnostic efficiency.
Inequalities in the use of dental services by people with and without disabilities in Brazil: A National Health Survey
Authors: Costa Francine dos Santos , Santos Luany Possebom dos , Chisini Luiz Alexandre
Published: June 2024

The present study aimed to evaluate if social, racial, and gender inequalities affect disproportionally the use of dental services by people with and without disabilities in Brazil. Dependent variable of the study was the use of oral health services. The outcome was stratified by gender, race, and social variables. Analysis using complex measures of inequality (Slope Index and Concentration Index of Inequality) was performed. Of 145,580 adults evaluated, 7.7% reported disability. The proportion of adults without disabilities who used dental services in the last 12 months was higher (45.4%; 95%CI 44.2–46.1) than adults with disabilities (33.9%; 95%CI 32.0-35.9). There was an absolute difference of 40 percentage points (SII − 0.40; CI95%(-0.45;-0.36) in the use of oral health services between poorer and richer people with disabilities. Absolute and relative inequalities were identified in the use of oral health services, considering the education of the head of the family and family income, with similar results for people with and without disabilities. High inequality is observed concerning race. Racial minorities (Black, Brown, Yellow, and Indigenous) without disabilities presented a higher use of dental services over 12 months than racial minorities with disabilities. Thus, social and racial inequities negatively affect individuals with and without disabilities.
Hidden suicides. Comparing drug death rates in Canada and Australia
Authors: Snowdon John , Rockett Ian R. H. , Caine Eric D.
Published: June 2024

Purposes
World suicide rates are underestimated, largely due to misclassification of suicides. Our study aimed to compare recent changes in rates of suicide and of deaths that could have been ‘hidden suicides’ in Canada and Australia, where drug death rates are relatively high. When suicides are mis-coded (using ICD-10) it is most commonly as unintentional, unknown cause (R99) or event of undetermined intent (EUI).
Method
Statistics Canada and the Australian Bureau of Statistics provided underlying cause-of-death data regarding deaths between 2000 and 2022, coded as natural, or of unknown cause, or external cause (including suicides, accidents, and events of undetermined intent). Rates in the two nations were compared, with particular focus on ‘deaths from drug self-intoxication’.
Results
Graphs show changes in drug death rates in Canada and Australia between 2000 and 2022. By 2017, Canada’s rate was double Australia’s. Their suicide rates (total and drug) were similar but Canada’s declined after 2019. R99 and EUI death rates were higher in Canada; EUI drug death rates are now low in both.
Conclusion
There is evidence of high rates of ‘hidden’ drug suicide in Canada. Insufficient research has been conducted regarding background factors that lead people to self-intoxicate and thus (in many cases) kill themselves. Stringent policies regarding establishing intentionality have resulted in misclassification of drug suicides as unintentional. Better integration between addiction and mental health services and assiduous investigation of drug overdose deaths (including increased use of psychological or verbal autopsy) will help identify overdose suicides and facilitate preventive strategies.
The Internet Use and the Fear of Infection with Covid-19
Authors: Xiao Youzhi
Published: June 2024

Purpose
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the accurate and timely information plays an important role in alleviating fear and panic. The internet provides the convenience for information acquisition and circulation, however, the massive and untruthful information exists in the internet at the same time, which makes the functions of internet use in Covid-19 pandemic undetermined. Therefore, we test the relationship between the internet use and the fear of infection with Covid-19.
Methods
We utilize the Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS) in the year of 2021 and the ordered-logit model.
Results
We find that the higher frequency of using the internet significantly increase the individuals fear of infection with Covid-19. The effects are more evident among the females and individuals with the average income. The plausible channels show that using the internet is the main source for individuals acquiring the information, decreases the trust for the medias and the face-to-face social activities with others, then thereby increasing the individuals fear of infection with Covid-19. Furthermore, we find that using the internet improves the probability of getting Covid-19 vaccine and changes the individuals attitudes towards the measures adopted by the government to prevent the Covid-19.
Conclusions
We find that the information in internet may amplify the panics during the cocial public events.
Recommendations for the use of biomarkers for the management of adults with sepsis: a scoping review
Authors: Mateos-Haro M , Garcia-Santa-Vinuela A , Molano-Franco D , Solá I , Gordo-Vidal F , Martín-Delgado MC , Lopez-Alcalde J , Zamora J
Published: June 2024

Background
Biomarkers are invaluable tools for clinicians to optimise patient care at the bedside. The information derived from clinical guidelines plays a pivotal role in establishing evidence-based practices. However, a synthesis and appraisal of the recommendations for the use of biomarkers in adults with sepsis is lacking. Our aim is to identify, describe and display in an Evidence Gap Map (EGM) the clinical guidelines with recommendations on the use of biomarkers for the management of adults with sepsis.
Methods and findings
: This is a scoping review. We searched for guidance documents (GD) in Medline, Guidelines International Network, Pan American Health Organization, Trip Database and UpToDate from 2016 to July 2022. Two reviewers independently applied the eligibility criteria and extracted data. We used the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation-II (AGREE II) tool to assess the quality of the included documents. We displayed the recommendations in an EGM. We found eight GD, mostly oriented for the general population (75.0%). Only half of these documents had a robust methodology (scored above 50.0% in the AGREE II 'Rigour of development' domain). We extracted 28 recommendations from these GD, of which 17 (60.7%) were developed using GRADE. The recommendations targeted a total of five biomarkers, with 25 (89.2%) recommendations focused on a single biomarker. Lactate and procalcitonin were the most frequent, mainly for prognostic purposes (85.8%) and treatment monitoring (46.4%). Most recommendations pointed to using the biomarker (85.7%) with a strength graded as strong (14/28; 50.0%) or conditional (12/28; 42.8%).
Conclusions
This scoping review identified and evaluated the GD and the recommendations on using biomarkers for managing adults with sepsis. A robust methodology was observed in a few GD. The consistency of the recommendations was low, and only a few biomarkers, such as lactate and procalcitonin, were addressed, mostly for prognosis. The role of the biomarkers for sepsis needs to be better evaluated. Moreover, enhancing the methodological quality of guideline development is essential to generate more valid and robust recommendations, which could significantly contribute to the optimization of patient care.
Indigenous bio-coagulant assisted electrocoagulation process for the removal of pollutants from brewery wastewater : optimization by using Response Surface Methodology (RSM)
Authors: Garomsa Firomsa Sufa , Mehari Yenealem , Desta Wendesen Mekonin , Bidira Firomsa
Published: June 2024

Industrial wastewaters present a challenge with conventional treatments because of their low biodegradability and high levels of organic matter. Wastewater from human activities, particularly from brewery industries, is a significant source of pollution. A substantial amount of effluent is used during the brewing process and discharged into the environment. Large volumes of both biodegradable and non-biodegradable substances found in brewery effluent make them suitable for the natural coagulant-assisted electrocoagulation process. The treatment options available today are highly harmful and not economical. To solve this problem and provide a simple method of treating brewery wastewater, the Bio coagulant assisted electrocoagulation process was created. The performance of bio-coagulant-assisted electrocoagulation was studied, considering parameters such as pH, time, current, and bio-coagulant dosage. The bio-coagulant-assisted electrocoagulation process removed COD (99.01%), BOD (99.09%), TDS (99.02%), and) at an ideal pH of 7, a current of 0.5 Ampere, a time of 40 minutes, and power consumed (0.54kwh/m3 with a constant dose of 0.75 g/l Nacl as electrolytes. The results also showed that indigenous bio-coagulant-assisted electrocoagulation processes was effective and uses less power in removing pollutants from brewery wastewater. Furthermore, the bio-coagulant-assisted electrocoagulation parameters employed by the study were statistically customized by using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The value of a dependent variable is identified by regression analysis with a design expert (RSM) using the specified values of the independent variables.
Malakoplakia involving the maxilla: A case report and a review of the literature
Authors: Roark Spencer , Bruett Carter , Dominger Martin , Freedman Paul , Reich Renee
Published: June 2024

Malakoplakia is a rare inflammatory disorder which typically occurs in immunocompromised patients secondary to impaired bactericidal activity of macrophages. While this entity commonly arises in the genitourinary and gastrointestinal tracts, lesions of the head and neck have been reported only rarely, with oral cavity involvement reported in 3 cases. The most common presentation of head and neck malakoplakia is that of a cutaneous flesh-colored papule or nodule. This case report, however, illustrates the first time malakoplakia is identified affecting the maxilla and maxillary alveolar ridge mucosa. Histochemical and immunohistochemical stains are presented and include positivity for PAS, von Kossa stain, iron stain, and CD68 and negativity for GMS and Gram stains, indicating an inability to demonstrate microbial infection. Thus, clinicians and pathologists alike should be aware of malakoplakia as a pathologic entity when forming differential diagnoses, particularly in immunosuppressed individuals.
The impact of the FOXL2 gene on ovarian granulosa cells KGN
Authors: Zhang Yuzhu , Wang Yu , Gu Yuan , Liu Yang , Liu Guohua , Wu Jun , Bai Nan
Published: June 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the impact of JNK regulation on the FOXL2 gene in ovarian granulosa cells KGN.
Materials and methods: Bioinformatics methods were employed to identify the main pathogenic gene FOXL2 in ovarian cancer. KGN cells were randomly divided into control and experimental groups, with the experimental group treated with different concentrations of JNK inhibitors (0.1, 1, 5, 10, 50 μM) and the control group receiving an equal volume of DMSO and incubated for 12 hours. The MTT assay was utilized to assess the proliferative capacity of KGN cells treated with JNK inhibitors. A cell scratch test was conducted to evaluate their migration ability. Cell RNA was extracted, reverse transcribed into cDNA, and qRT-PCR was employed to measure the mRNA expression levels of FOXL2. Protein was extracted and Western blot was used to determine the expression levels of FOXL2 protein.
Results: JNK inhibitors at concentrations of 1, 5, 10, and 50 μm all led to a decrease in FOXL2 expression. Conclusion: The FOXL2 gene exerts an influence on KGN cells through JNK regulation.
Geochemistry of bimodal volcanic rocks suites of Mekane Selam area, Northwestern Ethiopian volcanic plateau
Authors: Alehegn Habtamu Alemu , Desta Minyahl Teferi
Published: June 2024

The geochemistry of volcanic rocks in the Mekane Selam area was characterized by trace and major elements geochemistry. The area comprises alkali and transitional basalts with felsic volcanic rock products. Relatively lower contents of MgO wt% (4.88–9.83) and compatible trace elements (e.g. Ni 22–74 ppm and Cr 47–184 ppm) indicate that the basaltic rocks have undergone some degree of fractionation except for anomalously high MgO (11.28 wt%), Cr (988 ppm), and Ni (487 ppm) of the highly alkali basaltic rocks. Chondrite normalized REE spider plots of the study area basaltic rocks show enrichment of Pb and slight depletion of Rb and K and that of the trachytic and rhyolitic rocks show depletion of P, Ti, Sr with the uniform flat trend of other trace elements and REE. The existence of Eu anomaly i.e. slight depletion of Eu is observed in trachytic and rhyolitic rocks. The MgO vs SiO2 and other compatible and incompatible trace elements indicate fractional crystallization, crustal contamination, and magmatic mixing processes that play a significant role in the formation and evolution of the different volcanic rocks in the area.
MRCN: Enhanced Coherence Mechanism forNear Memory Processing Architectures
Authors: Kabat Amit Kumar , Pandey Shubhang , Venkatesh TG
Published: June 2024

In Near Memory Processing (NMP), processing elements(PEs) are placed near the 3D memory, reducing unnecessary data transfers between the CPU and the memory. However, as the CPUs and the PEs of the NMP use a shared memory space, maintaining coherency between them is a challenge. Most current literature relies on maintaining coherence for fine-grained or coarse-grained instruction granularities for the offloaded code blocks. We understand that for most NMP-offloaded instructions, the coherence conflict is low, and waiting for the coherence transaction hinders the performance. We construct an analytical model for an existing coherence strategy called CONDA, which is within 4% accuracy. This model indicates the key parameters responsible - the granularity of offloaded code, probability of conflicts, transaction times, and commit time. This paper identifies the prospective optimizations using the analytical model for CONDA. It proposes a new coherence scheme called MRCN: Monitored Rollback Coherence for NMP. MRCN addresses the coherence issue while eliminating unnecessary re-executions with limited hardware overhead. The MRCN is evaluated on synthetic as well as Rodinia benchmarks. The analytical results are within 4% accuracy of the simulation results. The MRCN shows improvement of up to 25% over CONDA strategy for the same benchmark under different execution conditions.
Memory B cell responses induced by pneumococcal conjugate vaccine schedules with fewer doses: analysis of a randomised-controlled trial in Viet Nam
Authors: Ong Darren , Thanh Phan Van , Temple Beth , Toh Zheng Quan , Nguyen Cattram , Vientrung Kien , Nguyen Hoang Van Anh , Dai  Vo Thi Trang , Bright Kathryn , Tran Hau Phuc , Higgins Rachel , Cheung Yin Bun , Nguyen Thuong , Mulholland Kim , Licciardi Paul
Published: June 2024

The use of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) schedules with fewer doses are being considered to reduce costs and improve access, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. While several studies have assessed their immunogenicity, there are limited data on their potential for long-term immune protection, as assessed by pneumococcal serotype-specific memory B cell (Bmem) responses. This study aimed to compare Bmem responses following reduced-dose (0 + 1 and 1 + 1) schedules of PCV10 and PCV13 in Vietnamese infants from our randomised-controlled trial. Following vaccination at 12 months of age, Bmem levels for most serotypes peaked seven days post-vaccination and were higher in magnitude for the 1 + 1 than 0 + 1 schedules and for PCV13 than PCV10. Furthermore, Bmem did not wane as rapidly as IgG levels by 24 months of age. Further studies are needed to assess the use of Bmem as markers of long-term protection against pneumococcal carriage and disease, which is crucial to generate data for immunisation program decision-making.
Application of Adherence Scale and WeChat-based Continuing Nursing to Improve the Therapeutic Efficacy of Peg-IFN in CHB Patients
Authors: Qin Yanghua
Published: June 2024

Objective: To explore the effects of applying the eight-item Morisky Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) combined with WeChat-based continuing nursing on improving adherence and immunological response in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) undergoing pegylated interferon (Peg-IFN) therapy.
Methods: A total of 156 patients diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B and initiating Peg-IFN treatment in our outpatient department from January to December 2018, who returned for follow-up after 12 weeks of treatment, were included in the study. Based on MMAS-8 evaluation results, patients were categorized into high-adherence and low-adherence groups. The high-adherence group received routine education and nursing, while the low-adherence group received WeChat-based continuing nursing. Adherence was reassessed using MMAS-8 after 48 weeks of treatment, and Peg-IFN treatment's immunological response was assessed based on laboratory indicators.
Results: Compared with baseline, at 12 weeks of treatment, the high-adherence group exhibited an immunological response rate of 44.9% (35/78), whereas the low-adherence group had a response rate of only 30.8% (24/78), showing a statistically significant difference between the groups (p<0.05, Fisher's exact test). By the 48th week of treatment with WeChat-based continuing nursing, the MMAS-8 scores were 7.0±0.6 and 7.1±0.6 in the high-adherence and low-adherence groups, respectively, with no statistically significant difference (p=0.20). There were no significant differences between the groups in immunological response rate, HBeAg seroconversion rate, or clinical cure rate.
Conclusion: In the outpatient treatment of chronic hepatitis B with Peg-IFN, the application of the adherence scale combined with WeChat-based continuing nursing not only improves patient adherence but also enhances clinical treatment outcomes.
Practice implications: Using classical scales and new media tools can help outpatient care providers deliver better care services and improve the treatment outcomes for chronic diseases.
Cerebrovascular burden and its association with Ménière’s disease: a case-control study
Authors: de Sousa Francisco Alves , Tarrio João , Moreira Bruno , Pinto Ana Nóbrega , Meireles Luís , Rego Ângela
Published: June 2024

Purpose No universally accepted model describes Ménière´s disease (MD) pathogenesis. Nevertheless, the vascular hypothesis for MD has recently been revisited. The objective was to compare the cerebrovascular burden of MD patients with controls.Methods Patients were evaluated concerning magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of small-vessel disease (SVD), cortical strokes and baseline comorbidities. Analyses were performed comparing MD and age-matched controls.Results A total of 145 patients were enrolled (70 MD and 75 controls). The MD group showed higher mean SVD scores (SVD-3: 0.56 ± 0.9 in MD vs 0.29 ± 0.6 in controls, p = 0.041; SVD-3 low-Fazekas: 1.10 ± 0.8 in MD vs 0.71 ± 0.7 in controls, p = 0.002; SVD-3 low-EPVS: 1.21 ± 0.9 in MD vs 0.76 ± 0.8 in controls, p = 0.002; SVD-3 low-Fazekas + low-EPVS : 1.79 ± 0.9 in MD vs 1.21 ± 0.9 in controls, p < 0.001). This association persisted after confounder adjustment for age, sex and comorbidities (OR:1.746, p = 0.045 for SVD-3; OR:2.495, p = 0.002 for SVD-3 low-Fazekas; OR: 2.234, p = 0.001 for SVD-3 low-EPVS; OR: 2.428, p < 0.001 for SVD-3 low-Fazekas low-EPVS). Neither the presence of cortical strokes (10% in MD vs 4% in controls, p = 0.154) nor comorbidities significantly differ between groups (p > 0.05).Conclusions This is the first study to compare MD with controls according to cerebrovascular burden. Cerebrovascular dysfunction may influence the incidence of MD. Further studies supporting the relationship of cerebrovascular disease with MD are needed.