bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Candida auris induces phagocytosis, reactive oxygen species production and inflammation through TLR2, TLR4 and Dectin-1 dependent signaling in macrophages
Authors: Duan Zhimin , He Yanzhi , Wang Jianing , Chen Xu , Chen Qing , Li Min
Published: April 2023

Candida auris is an important fungal pathogen with high rates of transmissibility, mortality and drug resistance. However, studies on its pathogenicity, host-pathogen interactions and macrophage immune responses against C. auris are still limited. This study compared the immune response induced by Candida albicansand C. auris, and explored the inflammation mechanisms of macrophages induced by C. auris. Macrophages showed lower phagocytosis rate, reactive oxygen species production and expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β against C. auris when compared with C. albicans. To further study the mechanism of inflammatory response induced by C. auris, macrophages were stimulated with C. auris for different concentration and duration. The expression and secretion of IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β stimulated by C. auris depended on the activation of TLR2, TLR4, Dectin-1 and downstream signaling pathways. TLR2, TLR4 and Dectin-1 participated in the recognition and phagocytosis of C. auris. We found Dectin-1 was the most important receptor in mediating phagocytosis, while TLR4 was the most critical receptor in influencing inflammatory response. Overall, the study revealed that C. auris induced a lower level of phagocytosis, ROS production and pro-inflammatory factors expression than C. albicans, and TLR2, TLR4 and Dectin-1 played important role in C. auris induced inflammation.
Application of improved image restoration algorithm and depth generation in English intelligent translation teaching system
Authors: Bin Wu
Published: April 2023

The difficulty of English book translation lies in the need to recognize English characters in a complex background and perform accurate classification and translation. Based on the deep generative model, this paper constructs an intelligent translation system for English books based on machine learning and proposes an improved image restoration algorithm based on LSGAN on the basis of the image restoration algorithm based on DCGAN. Moreover, this paper optimizes the structure of the LSGAN network to a certain extent, improves the stability of the network, combines context loss and perceptual loss to find the most suitable generated image for filling. In addition, based on the VAE and GAN network structure, this paper proposes an improved image restoration algorithm based on VAE-GAN to improve the integrity of English characters and perform intelligent recognition. Finally, this paper analyzes through the experimental form, and after setting the identification object, the model constructed in this paper is used for translation, the translation accuracy and classification accuracy rate are calculated, and the performance analysis is performed after the statistical data. From the research results, it can be seen that the artificial intelligence model constructed in this paper has certain practical effects.
Filtering property of myelinated internode can change neural information representability and might trigger a compensatory action during demyelination
Authors: Das Sarbani , Maharatna Koushik
Published: April 2023

Applying system analysis techniques with already published data of 6 Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) and 2 Central Nervous System (CNS) fibers we show that 1) a myelinated Internode (INS) is a low-pass filter permitting only a certain maximum spiking rate of an Action Potential (AP) train – the Neural Code Capacity (NCC), to propagate through it, 2) NCC of a fiber is a linear function of the g-ratio (r/ro) and γ=ro/L, where L, r and ro are the length, inner- and outer radius of an INS respectively, 3) L, r and the number of myelin turns (M) of an INS are linearly interdependent both for PNS and CNS fibers, 4) since different states of neural stimuli are coded by the spiking rate of an AP train, this filtering property explains how a stimulus information could be modified/disrupted during pathological conditions involving demyelination. Further, we show that instead of the traditional viewpoint that INS geometry is optimized to maximize Conduction Velocity (CV) of an AP, if we take a viewpoint that it is optimized for maximizing representability of the stimuli (the NCC) a fiber is meant to carry, then shortening of INS observed during demyelination is manifestation of a compensatory mechanism necessary to preserve the NCC of a fiber. Subsequently, we show that this new viewpoint is not only consistent with the experimental findings until now, but also can explain the hitherto unexplained experimentally observed phenomenon of non-unform distribution of INS and associated change in diameter of Nodes of Ranvier (NR) along an axon.
Intelligent recognition of English fuzzy text and teaching based on parallel projection and region expansion
Authors: Wang Ling
Published: April 2023

The most important and difficult point of English fuzzy text is how to effectively improve boundary segmentation and character classification. Traditional fuzzy text recognition models are often difficult to accurately identify the characteristics of fuzzy English text. In order to improve the effect of English fuzzy text recognition, based on machine learning technology, this paper combines parallel projection and region expansion technology to construct an English fuzzy text intelligent recognition system. Moreover, based on the idea of region growth, this paper expands the triangular facets of the same processing area onto the same plane, then recalculates the associated texture points, and uses the rotation and translation method to wrap the two-dimensional vector texture on the surface of the three-dimensional model, which effectively solves the problem of entanglement of the two-dimensional vector map on the three-dimensional model when the texture information is insufficient, and realizes the intelligent recognition of fuzzy English characters with the support of the intelligent database. In addition, this paper designs a controlled experiment to analyze the recognition effect. The research results show that the model constructed in this paper works well.
Microplastics in snow from protected areas in Hokkaido, the northern island of Japan
Authors: Ohno Hiroshi , Iizuka Yoshinori
Published: April 2023

Snowfall is regarded as a carrier of airborne microplastics (MPs). Deposited snow can function as a temporary reservoir for atmospheric MPs. Nevertheless, knowledge and understanding of microplastics in snow remain sparse. This study investigates the abundance, composition, size, and shape of microplastics in snow specimens from various nature preservation areas and also from urban sites in Hokkaido. Various polymeric-type microplastics with mostly fragment shapes were detected among the specimens. Results demonstrated that MP abundance generally decreases concomitantly with increasing remoteness of sampling sites. Observed features of microplastics at different locations and their relation to geographical settings have indicated that the ubiquitously observed fine particles (mainly alkyd, ethylene-vinyl acetate, and polyethylene) are attributable to long-distance atmospheric transportation, while the rubber and larger particles especially found near highways and cities are from local sources of plastic.
Assessing the barriers and enablers to the implementation of the diagnostic radiographer musculoskeletal X-ray reporting service within the NHS in England: A Systematic literature review
Authors: Lockwood Paul , Burton Christopher , Woznitza Nicholas , Shaw Theresa
Published: April 2023

Introduction: The United Kingdom (UK) government's healthcare policy in the early 1990s paved the way for healthcare professionals to adopt wider clinical practice roles, resulting in the skills mix development and implementation of diagnostic radiographers' X-ray reporting service in clinical practice. Current clinical practice within the public UK healthcare system reflects the same pressures of increased demand in patient imaging and limited capacity of the reporting workforce (radiographers and radiologists) as in the 1990s. This study aimed to identify, define and assess the implementation of the diagnostic radiographer X-ray reporting service in the National Healthcare System (NHS) in England, which have impacted the implementation and expansion of this advanced practice.
Methods: Multiple independent databases were searched, including PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE; Embase; CINAHL, and Google Scholar, as well as journal databases (Scopus, Wiley), healthcare databases (NHS Evidence Database; Cochrane Library) and grey literature databases (OpenGrey, GreyNet International, and the British Library EthOS depository). A combination of keywords, Boolean logic, truncation, parentheses and wildcards with inclusion/exclusion criteria and a time frame of 1995-2022 was applied. The resulting literature was assessed against Joanna Briggs Institute's critical appraisal checklists. The results were displayed in a PRISMA flow chart and a thematic matrix.
Results: The wide and diverse range of data (n=241 papers) identified barriers and enablers of implementation, which were categorised into measures of macro, meso, and micro levels, and thematic categories of context, culture, environment, and leadership.
Conclusion: The literature since 1995 has reframed the debates on implementation of the radiographer reporting role and has been instrumental in shaping clinical practice and behaviours. There has been clear influence upon both meso (professional body organisations) and macro-level (governmental/health service) policies and guidance, that have shaped change at micro-level NHS Trust organisational levels. There is clear evidence of a shift in culturally intrenched legacy perspectives within and between different meso-level professional bodies around skills mix acceptance and role boundaries. This has helped shape capacity building of the reporting workforce and radiographer technical skills development. All of which have contributed to conceptual understandings of the skills mix workforce within modern radiology services and helped improve downstream patient diagnosis, treatment and management outcomes.
Implications for practice: The findings of this study can help to inform and support implementation strategies and facilitation of the diagnostic radiographer X-ray reporting service in NHS clinical practice.
Interobserver agreement in assessment of chest radiographs for the diagnosis of pneumonia between residents and radiologists in a pediatric emergency department: The role of patient and resident characteristics
Authors: Shlayer Tali , Benacon Michael , Glick Yair , Yakubovich Daniel , Sharon Nechama
Published: April 2023

Background Chest radiograph is often considered to be a standard procedure for diagnosis of pneumonia; however, its interpretation shows considerable variability among observers.Aims This study goal is to assess the extent of agreement between pediatric residents and board-certified radiologists in interpretation of chest films for detection of pneumonia and to evaluate the impact of resident’s experience, patient’s age and signs of infection on this phenomenon.Methods 935 patients with suspected pneumonia admitted to the pediatric emergency department at a non-tertiary medical hospital in Israel during 2019–2021 were included in this study. All patients had chest radiographs interpreted by a resident and a radiologist. Interobserver agreement was assessed using Kappa and prevalence-adjusted bias-adjusted kappa (PABAK) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results were stratified by resident experience (junior or senior), patient’s age (≤ 3 or > 3 years), white blood cells (≤ 15,000 or > 15,000 cells/mL), C-reactive protein (≤ 5 or > 5.0 mg/dL) and temperature (< 38.0°C or ≥ 38.0°C).Results Moderate agreement between pediatric residents and radiologists was demonstrated for diagnosis of pneumonia (kappa = 0.45). After adjustment for disease prevalence, the extent of agreement increased to near-substantial (PABAK = .59, 95% CI 0.54–0.64). The extent of agreement was higher for children over three years and in patients without clinical or biochemical features of pneumonia, especially when diagnosis of pneumonia was ruled out.Conclusions Second reading of chest radiographs by an experienced radiologist should be considered particularly for patients below age of three years and those with signs of infection and an initial diagnosis of pneumonia.
Synthesis of ultra pure Co3Sn2S2 crystals
Authors: Gao Hong-Jun , Lv Senhao , Guo Hui , Yang Jiangang , Zhu Ke , Zhao Lin , Li Yan , Guzman Roger , Kong Xianghua , Xian Guoyu , Cheng Qiuzhen , Zheng Qi , Huang Li , Xing Yuqing , Chen Hui , Zhao Zhen , Qi Qi , Pan Lulu , Song Linxuan , Shen Chengmin , Zhao Dongliang , Lin Xiao , Pennycook Stephen , Zhou Wu , Ji Wei , He Jun , Zhou Xingjiang , Yang Haitao
Published: April 2023

As a ferromagnetic topological semimetal with a strong anomalous Hall effect (AHE), Co3Sn2S2 has been extensively explored for manipulating the topological state via the changed magnetic order as well as device applications connecting dissipationless spin and charge transport1-3. However, the main challenge is the improvement of the crystal quality, which is crucial for enhancing physical properties including AHE, carrier mobility, and magnetoresistance4,5. Here, we report the synthesis of ultra pure Co3Sn2S2 single crystals with an ultra low impurity density by an innovative crystal-sourced chemical vapor transport (CS-CVT) approach, achieving ultrahigh anomalous Hall angle (AHA) of 40%, carrier mobility and magnetoresistance (MR) of 10490 cm2V-1s-1 and 2500%, respectively. These values represent a huge improvement on previously reported highest values of either pristine or doped Co3Sn2S2 (of 33%, 2600 cm2V-1s-1, and 180% respectively)4,6. Equally importantly, the anomalous Hall conductivity (AHC) of our crystals reached 1600 Ω-1cm-1, which is larger than the theoretically predicted value of 1310 Ω-1cm-1 from the integral of Berry curvature7. Observation of an ultranarrow flat band and topological surface states near the Fermi level provides good microscopic understanding of this gigantic anomalous Hall effect. Our high-quality magnetic topological materials are expected to facilitate a full understanding of the strong electronic correlation and may perhaps lead to the discovery of a quantum AHE in the 2D limit.
Internal transcribed spacer region typing of Trichophyton interdigitale isolated from Japanese patients
Authors: Hiruma Junichiro , Nojo Honoka , Tsuchihashi Hitoshi , Noguchi Hiromitsu , Hiruma Masataro , Harada Kazutoshi , Kano Rui
Published: April 2023

Trichophyton interdigitale, an anthropophilic species, is one of the main causative agents of tinea unguium and tinea pedis. T. interdigitale and the zoophilic species T. mentagrophytes are morphologically and physiologically very similar. Isolates of the T. interdigitale/T. mentagrophytes complex from around the world have been classified into more than 10 internal transcribed spacer (ITS) genotypes. In this study, we isolated T. interdigitale from Japanese patients and investigated which ITS type was more common. The ITS regions of 29 clinical isolates of T. interdigitale and one clinical isolate of T. mentagrophytes were sequenced. The phylogenetic analysis of the ITS region sequences revealed that the 29 isolates of T. interdigitale belong to ITS type II of T. interdigitale. The one clinical isolate of T. mentagrophytes was in the same cluster with ITS type II* of T. mentagrophytes. One terbinafine-resistant strain of T. interdigitale also belonged to ITS type II of T. interdigitale.
All-biomass Cellulose/Casein Adsorbent Fabricated via the "Green Solvent System" of Ionic Liquid for the Efficient Removal of Cu(II), Cd(II) and Pb(II)
Authors: Qian Liwei , Chen Haonan , Zhang Sufeng , Yang Yuxuan , Zhang Lulu , Yang Miaoxiu , Song Wenqi , Nica Valentin
Published: April 2023

The development of all-biomass adsorbents capable of effectively removing metal ions from wastewater is urgently required in accordance with the trend toward sustainable development and the requirements for environmental protection. In this study, a strategy was proposed to achieve convenient preparation of cellulose/casein composite hydrogel adsorbents (CE/CA) via adopting ionic liquid (IL) as a corporate solvent. The favorable solubility of IL and its negligible vapor pressure enabled the CE/CA to obtain a honeycomb-shaped surface structure while recycling IL in the material preparation process through simple vacuum evaporation technology. Consequently, the CE/CA exhibited a rapid adsorption rate (≤ 90 min) and extremely high adsorption capacities (≥ 230 mg g-1) toward Cu(II), Cd(II), and Pb(II), respectively. As indicated by the results of adsorption model fitting and XPS analysis, the binding of the CE/CA to the metal ions was primarily achieved through chemisorption and monolayer adsorption, and both cellulose and casein contributed to the high adsorption capacity of adsorbent through chelation. Lastly, the metal ions were removed at different concentrations (≥ 2 mg L-1) in simulated wastewater using the CE/CA. The results confirm that the aqueous solution treated with adsorbent can meet the safe drinking level standard (US EPA).
Development and validation of a tool to assess researchers’ knowledge of human subjects’ rights and their attitudes toward research ethics education in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Madaney May M. , Fässler Margrit
Published: April 2023

Background
Researchers must adhere to ethical and scientific standards in their research involving human subjects; therefore, their knowledge of human subjects’ rights is essential. A tool to measure the extent of this knowledge is necessary to ensure that studies with participants are conducted ethically and to enhance research integrity. Currently, no validated instrument is available for such an assessment. Therefore, the primary purpose of this study is to develop a reliable and valid instrument to assess researchers’ knowledge of human subjects’ rights in clinical settings, as well as a reliable and valid measure of their attitudes toward clinical research ethics education in Saudi Arabia.
Methods
The current study involves the development of a questionnaire about the rights of human subjects in research and the researchers’ attitudes toward research ethics education. The content was developed based on an extensive review of research ethics guidelines. A panel of experts tested the questionnaire for face validity (n = 5) and content validity (n = 8). The reliability of the questionnaire was established by a split-half reliability coefficient and item analysis among a sample (n = 301) of clinical researchers.
Results
Face validity demonstrated that the questionnaire was quick to complete and easy to answer. The global content validity indices (S-CVIs) were greater than 0.78 for all questionnaire sections; the split-half reliability coefficient was 0.755 for knowledge items; Cronbach's alpha was 0.77 for researchers' attitudes, showing good internal consistency. The difficulty index ranged from 12.0–98.7% for all knowledge items. Most questions were at an acceptable level of reliability and discrimination criteria. The final version of the questionnaire contained 89 items, distributed as 15 questions on demographic and professional characteristics, 64 questions items on knowledge, and 10 items on attitudes.
Conclusions
The questionnaire is a valid and reliable tool to assess biomedical researchers’ knowledge of human subjects’ rights and their attitudes toward research ethics education. This instrument could help address the gap in researchers’ knowledge of the rights and facilitate the development of educational intervention programs to set appropriate learning objectives.
Spectrum of Presentation, Diagnosis, and Clinical Outcome of Central Nervous System Tuberculosis: A case series in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University
Authors: Siddik Sahariar Hossain , Ahmed Khandakar Rashed , Hasan S M Shiam , Tasnim Zarin , Zaman Asad , Yasmin Roksana , Sarwar M Golam , Monsur Mahin , Ahmed Foysal , Sultana Rezvey , Sumaiya Towhida Sultana
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is highly prevalent in Bangladesh. The affection of the central nervous system(CNS) is one of the most dangerous manifestations of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. This may take the form of either tubercular meningitis (TBM), tuberculoma, or spinal arachnoiditis. CNS tuberculosis (CNS-TB) carries high morbidity and mortality among all forms of TB. The diagnosis is difficult and often delayed due to the varied and non-specific presentation. Aside from clinical indicators, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diagnostic indicators include mononuclear pleocytosis, low sugar levels, and high protein concentrations. It is possible to confirm Mycobacterium tuberculosis in CSF using staining, culture methods, and molecular analysis, but it is difficult. Advanced radiological imaging techniques can often be very helpful in making presumptive diagnoses, but they do not always yield confirm diagnoses.
Aim: In our case series, we aimed to highlight the spectrum of presentation of CNS tuberculosis, diagnostic challenges, and initial response to anti-TB drugs.
Material and Methods: We report a case series of six patients with CNS tuberculosis admitted to the neurology department between 2022 and 2023. Four of them were prospectively reviewed and two retrospectively. Data on presentation, diagnostic workup, and treatment were analyzed.
Result: We presented six cases of CNS TB from 2022 to 2023. Four cases among six had only TBM, two cases had concomitant intracranial tuberculoma and two cases had tuberculosis in the extracranial site. The most common presentation were fever, altered consciousness level, and constitutional symptoms. CSF study was done and revealed increased total protein in all six cases, lymphocytic pleocytosis in 66.67% of cases, a low sugar level in 50% of cases, and raised ADA level in 66.67% of cases. MTB was detected in a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in one case and was none positive for AFB stain and culture. MRI with contrast showed meningeal enhancement in all six cases, hydrocephalus in 66.67% of cases, and infarction and tuberculoma in 33.33 % of cases. Brain biopsy for histopathological confirmation was not done. All of them had an anti-tubercular therapy and reported good clinical responses at 21-day-follow up.
Conclusion: CNS TB should be diagnosed primarily based on compatible clinical features, morphological findings on brain MRI, and CSF findings. In Bangladesh, CNS TB should always be considered an important differential diagnosis in patients with prolonged fever and headache, as well as altered consciousness level, and treatment should be initiated immediately on the basis of strong clinical suspicion, rather than waiting for laboratory confirmation.
Synovial sarcoma of Female Urethra: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Cui Wei , Liao Yuanjian , Su Peng , Yang Hua , Zhang Neng
Published: April 2023

Synovial sarcoma (SS) is a rare malignant soft tissue sarcoma that originates from primitive mesenchymal cells with epithelial differentiation potential. It is most commonly found in the limbs and trunk，In the urinary system, it is mostly found in the kidneys. However, synovial sarcomas originating from the external urethra are extremely rare. Only one case of synovial sarcoma arising from the vulvar urethral orifice has been reported previously, and we report a second case of synovial sarcoma of the urethral orifice. This study reports a case of an elderly female patient with synovial sarcoma originating from the external urethral orifice. Urethral haemorrhage was noted after activity, with visible carnivorous haematuria. Physical examination revealed a vulvar tumour measuring approximately 3cmx4cm, Combined with the histopathological and immunohistochemical findings, synovial sarcoma was finally considered. In addition, this report reviews the literature from 1966 to the present. A total of 16 vulvar synovial sarcomas were identified and analyzed.
Elevated Respiratory Complications following Robotic-Assisted Lobectomy: A National Cohort Analysis of 26,140 Cases
Authors: Huang Ruijian , Xiao Yue , Jiang Feng , Chen Yanfei , Su Cunhua , Zhou Jifang
Published: April 2023

Background
The national use of robotic-assisted lobectomy is on the rise. Comparative data from the national contemporary retrospective cohort is lacking. The aim of this study was to estimate the risk of perioperative complication rate for patients who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS), robotic-assisted lobectomy compared to open lobectomy.
Methods
Eligible admissions were identified from the hospital administrative data collected between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2019, and identified lobectomy wherein VATS, robotic-assisted or open lobectomy surgery occurred. We used propensity score matching and inverse probabilistic weighting to account for selection bias. Survey-specific logistic and quantile regression models were applied to determine the difference between minimal invasive surgical procedures for adverse perioperative outcomes compared to the open approach.
Results
We identified 26,140 eligible cases of which 5,337 (20.4%), 12,680 (48.5%), and 8123 (31.1%) underwent RL, VL, and OL. We found that both RL and VL were associated with lower overall complication rates, shorter lengths of stay, and fewer mortality risks. RL was associated with significantly elevated risks for perioperative respiratory complications (aOR 1.10, 95%CI 1.02–1.19, p = 0.010) despite the lower risk for bleeding events (aOR 0.81, 95%CI 0.72–0.92, p = 0.001) when compared to VL.
Conclusion
While we found relatively low rates of perioperative complications for VL, and RL compared to OL, higher respiratory complication rates in RL is concerning. Such findings are useful in shared decision-making regarding surgical approaches with prospective patients.
Parasites of invasive pink salmon, Oncorhynchus gorbuscha (Walbaum, 1792) (Actinopterygii: Salmonidae), in the Kandalaksha Bay of the White Sea
Authors: Sokolov Sergey , Ieshko Evgeny , Gordeeva Natalia , Gorbach Vyacheslav , Parshukov Aleksey
Published: April 2023

Pink salmon, Oncorhynchus gorbuscha (Walbaum, 1792), a native of the North Pacific Ocean, is an invasive fish species rapidly expanding in the North Atlantic, the adjacent waters of the Arctic Ocean, and rivers in their watersheds. We investigated the species composition of parasites and the structure of parasite communities of the introduced pink salmon in Kandalaksha Bay of the White Sea in 2021. The parasites were identified using morphological and genetic methods. A total of 14 parasite species were recorded. The core species of the parasitic fauna of the introduced pink salmon in the Kandalaksha Bay were Clistobothrium montaukense Ruhnke, 1993, ʽDiphyllobothriumʼ spp., Scolex polymorphus (plerocercoids), Brachyphallus crenatus (Rudolphi, 1802), Derogenes varicus (Müller, 1784), Lecithaster salmonis Yamaguti, 1934 (adults), Anisakis simplex (Rudolphi, 1809) sensu stricto (juvenile III) and Hysterothylacium aduncum (Rudolphi, 1802) (juveniles III and IV). Plerocercoids of C. montaukense were first detected in fish from the polar waters of the Northern Hemisphere. We provided the first evidence that the Pacific genetic lineage of A. simplex sensu stricto occurs in European marine waters. In 2021, there was a noticeable increase in the mean abundance of the third-stage juveniles of Anisakis in the White Sea pink salmon compared to the period of 1990s-early 2000s. We conclude that the pink salmon occupies the same trophic niche in the new region of its introduction as in the native range.
The effects of electronic head-mounted displays in vision rehabilitation for patients with tunnel vision
Authors: Xu Dongye , Yu Manrong , Zheng Changyue , Ji Shunmei , Dai Jinhui
Published: April 2023

Purpose: To investigate the effect of a new head-mounted electronic visual aid-Acesight on improving visual function and daily activities in patients with tunnel vision.
Methods: 57 patients with tunnel vision participated in this study. The visual field (VF), visual acuity (VA), search ability, time of finding people from the side (TFPS), walking ability and the subjective feelings of patients with and without Acesight were measured.
Results: 15 (36%) patients thought Acesight was “helpful,” 16 (28%) thought it was “a little help,” and 26 (46%) believed that it was “not helpful.” The proportion of people aged < 60 years found Acesight helpful was higher. When wearing Acesight, the average horizontal VF diameter (°) (35.54[8.72]) and vertical VF diameter (°) (26.63[5.38]) were larger than those without visual aids (20.61[9.22], 18.19[6.67]) (P all < 0.001). The average TFPS before and while wearing the Acesight was 1.77s(0.32) and 1.19s(0.29), respectively (t = 14.28, P < 0.001). The average search times, number of collisions, walking speeds when wearing the Acesight were not statistically different from those without visual aids (P all > 0.05).
Conclusion: More than half of patients with tunnel vision found the Acesight helpful, and a higher proportion of those aged < 60 years old found it helpful. Acesight can expand the horizontal and vertical VF of patients with tunnel vision and can enable patients to detect objects coming from the side earlier.
Open surgery with a lateral neck approach in cases of foreign body impaction that penetrating the neck through the oesophagus: single- centre experience
Authors: Xu Feng , Shen Na , Liu Danzheng
Published: April 2023

Purpose
Because the cases are quite scare, we aimed to review cases of foreign body impaction penetrating the neck through the oesophagus to analyze the characteristics of these cases. The open surgery skills of the surgeon, the treatment procedure and the surgeons’ experience in the rare diseases were analyzed.
Methods
We collected and analyzed all cases from 2015–2020 in our hospital. The surgical skill and procedures for fasting and anti-infection treatment was studied retrospectively. Following up was with telephone communication.
Results
Our series included fifteen cases. Tenderness in the pre-cervical site was a physical sign for screening. Thirteen cases underwent a lateral neck open surgery with the incision including the left side of neck and only two cases were incised from the right side of the neck. Pus was found 3 days after the impaction in one case, the shortest time observed in our series. the oesophageal laceration was only sutured primarily in 5 cases (33.33%) in all fifteen casas. After sufficient drainage (average more than 9 days), antibiotic treatment and fasting (normally 2–3 weeks), the patients gradually began changing to solid foods from fluids after complete blood count and oesophageal radiography result confirmations. No severe complications occurred, and all the patients have no swallowing dis-function and recovered well.
Conclusion
The surgery should be performed as soon as possible after impaction. The lateral neck approach surgery and the therapeutic procedure introduced in this article are safe and effective treatments.
Association of gynecomastia and fatty liver and epicardial fat in COVID-19 patients
Authors: Livani Somayeh , Fatemi Alireza , Aqerkakli Karim , Tabrizi Mohammad Mohajer
Published: April 2023

Objectives:We aimed to determine the association between gynecomastia, hepatic steatosis through liver density and epicardial fat thickness in CT-scans of COVID-19 patients.Methods and Materials:In this descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study, Gynecomastia, fatty liver and epicardial fat were measured using CT-scan. The collected data were analyzed using Graphpad Prism 9 software. A significance level of less than 0.05 was considered.Results:Among 341 men hospitalized with COVID-19 infection, 35 (10%) were admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) and 62 (18%) died. The prevalence of gynecomastia and fatty liver was 35% and 20% respectively. Patients' age had a direct positive correlation with mortality (r=0.21, P<0.001) and epicardial fat (r=0.28, P<0.001). Bilateral gynecomastia was not associated with mortality or ICU admission, the prevalence of fatty liver, and the amount of epicardial and retro-areolar fat. However, right-sided gynecomastia was associated with the prevalence of fatty liver (r=0.11 and P=0.05) and left-sided gynecomastia was associated with epicardial fat (r=0.14 and P=0.01). In this study, the prevalence of fatty liver was positively correlated to the amount of epicardial fat (r = 0.12, P = 0.02) and retro-areolar fat (r = 0.34, P < 0.001).Conclusion:Bilateral gynecomastia was not associated with mortality or ICU admission, prevalence of fatty liver, and epicardial and retro-areolar fat volume. But right-sided gynecomastia was associated with the prevalence of fatty liver and left sided gynecomastia was associated with epicardial fat. The amount of retro-areolar fat was recognized as a risk factor for the death of patients.
Identifying Suspicious Fishing Activity based on AIS Disabling Events
Authors: Agarwal Anmaya , Gala Jay , Mantha Saketh , Katariya Yash , Kanikar Prashasti
Published: April 2023

A staggering loss of US$10 billion to US$23 billion is incurred each year due to illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities along with a severe loss to biodiversity. The Automatic Identification System (AIS), is a tool used to track vessel activity and avoid collisions. It is now being used to detect IUU activities as well, but it has a major drawback as the AIS transponders could be disabled due to various reasons, either illegal or otherwise, hence reducing its effectiveness. According to Welch et al. (2022), more than 55,000 suspected intentional disabling events (> 4.9M hours) occurred between 2017 and 2019. Thus the need for much more sophisticated global surveillance has increased and algorithms to analyze such huge amounts of data are required. We present a machine learning solution based on historical data to detect vessels of interest using the AIS Disabling Events dataset obtained from the Global Fishing Watch combined with the Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) datasets containing details of vessels caught in IUU fishing activities previously within their respective regions. One of our best models is the XGBoost with cost-sensitive learning boasting a minority recall of 0.79 and a majority recall of 0.76.
Diagnostic Performance of Quantitative Flow Ratio in Non-ST Elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes in Comparison to Non-Hyperemic Pressure Ratios. A prospective study
Authors: Liontou Catherine , Kalogera Vasiliki , Oikonomou Dimitrios , Stalikas Dimitrios , Pappas Loukas , Triantafyllou Konstantinos
Published: April 2023

Purpose
Quantitative Flow Ratio (QFR) is a new angiography-based coronary physiology tool aimed to evaluate functional relevance of intermediate coronary lesions. Aim of the study is to assess diagnostic performance of QFR in patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) in comparison to currently used non-hyperaemic pressure ratios (NHPRs).
Methods
In this prospective, single-centre study, coronary physiology of intermediate coronary stenoses of non-culprit vessels in patients presenting with NSTE-ACS was evaluated using NHPRs (iFR, DFR or RFR). Subsequently, QFR was computed offline by a QFR analyst blinded to the NHPR results. Diagnostic performance of QFR was assessed in comparison to NHPRs as reference standard.
Results
A total of 60 vessels with intermediate coronary stenoses was investigated. The NHPRs were used as follows: RFR 38%, DFR 47% and iFR 15% of the cases. The NHPR result was positive, showing significant lesion, in 19 cases. A significant correlation was found between NHPR and QFR (r = 0.84, p < 0.001). Classification agreement of the two methods (95%) and diagnostic performance of QFR in comparison to NHPR (AUC: 0.962 [0.914–1.00]) were both high. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of QFR in comparison to NHPR were 84.2%, 100%, 100% and 93.2% respectively.
Conclusion
QFR has high diagnostic performance in detecting functionally significant lesions of non-culprit arteries in patients with NSTE-ACS and multivessel disease. Due to its high negative predictive value, it can be used to safely avoid unnecessary invasive physiological assessment of these lesions.
Tittle: First drug-checking study at an electronic festival and fentanyl detection in the central region of Mexico
Authors: Cruz Silvia L. , Bencomo-Cruz Miguel , Medina-Mora María E. , Vázquez-Quiroz Fabiola , Bautista Clara Fleiz
Published: April 2023

Background: Perception of drug adulteration has increased in Mexico, but there is little research on adulterants and toxicity. The aim of this study was to identify drug composition in an electronic music outdoor festival nearby Mexico City.
Methods: The participants completed a questionnaire with demographic data, harm reduction strategies, drug-use patterns, history, and the drug they expected to find. We took a small sample of each substance and prepared it for drug checking. In the setting a two-section drug testing station was placed within the grounds of the festival. Interaction with participants occurred at the front part. Drug checking was conducted at the rear part. The service was free of charge, voluntary and confidential. Forty persons aged 22 to 48 years participated (mode= 28), of which 92.5% were male, most (82.5%) were single. Through the Substance Analysis Program of ReverdeSer Colectivo, we conducted the testing with the attendants that provided 51 drug samples, following ethical and biosafety protocols. We used colorimetry, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, and fentanyl immunoassay strips for sample analysis.
Results: Substances of choice among attendants were psychostimulants (MDMA and other amphetamine-like drugs) and hallucinogens. Most samples contained what the users expected plus adulterants. Main adulterants were methylene-dioxy-ethyl-amphetamine, methylene-dioxy-propyl-amphetamine, hydroxyamphetamine, and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor venlafaxine. Fentanyl was present in 2 out of 4 cocaine samples and in 14 of the 22 confirmed MDMA samples.
Conclusions: Some of the adulterants found pose serious health risks, especially fentanyl, amphetamine-like substances, and venlafaxine. Therefore, it is urgent to monitor these adulterants at electronic music festivals and to implement prevention, treatment, and harm reduction public policies. Naloxone distribution and drug-assisted therapies should be part of government programs in Mexico.
Central configurations in the general four body coplanar problem with different masses
Authors: Shoaib Muhammad , Benhammouda Brahim , Steves Bonnie A. , Sweatman Winston L.
Published: April 2023

A generic method for finding central configurations in the general four body coplanar problem with four different masses is derived. New families of non-symmetrical central configurations with non-equal masses are found and all known symmetrical four body non-collinear central configurations are shown to be derivable subsets using this generic model. In this model, three masses are distributed on the vertices of a triangle. Then the fourth mass is allowed to be at any other point in the plane forming either convex or concave central configurations. In this general setting, a necessary condition is derived for the existence of central configurations and for requiring the masses to be positive. Using both analytical and numerical techniques, regions of possible central configurations can be derived. The special cases of four body central configurations investigated include isosceles trapezoids, right trapezoids, right quadrilaterals, convex kites and concave kites. In most of these special cases, the number of parameters of the problem can be reduced from four to two and hence the regions of existence can be shown graphically. A number of cases both convex and concave with no symmetry restrictions or equality of masses were also investigated to demonstrate the generality of the method for finding central configurations in the general four body coplanar problem with four different masses.
Development of lung cancer risk prediction models based on F-18 FDG PET images
Authors: Choi Kaeum , Park Jae Seok , Noh Hyunju , Park Sun Hyo , Kim Hyun Jung , Kim Hae Won
Published: April 2023

Background: We aimed to evaluate whether the degree of F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake in the lungs is associated with an increased risk of lung cancer and develop lung cancer risk prediction models using metabolic parameters on F-18 FDG positron emission tomography (PET).
Methods: We retrospectively included 585 healthy individuals who underwent F-18 FDG PET/CT scans for a health check-up. Individuals who developed lung cancer within 5 years of the PET/CT scan were classified into the lung cancer group (n=100); those who did not were classified into the control group (n=485). Clinical factors including age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and smoking history were collected. The standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR) and metabolic heterogeneity (MH) index were obtained in the bilateral lungs. Logistic regression models with clinical factors, SUVR and MH index were generated to quantify the probability of lung cancer development. The prediction models were validated using internal data set (n=210).
Results: The lung SUVR and lung MH index in the lung cancer group were significantly higher than those in the control group (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). In the combined prediction model 1, age, sex, BMI, smoking history, and lung SUVR were significantly associated with lung cancer development (age: OR 1.07, p <0.001; male: OR 2.08, p=0.015; BMI: OR 0.93, p =0.057; current or past smoker: OR 5.60, p <0.001; lung SUVR: OR 1.13, p <0.001). In the combined prediction model 2, age, sex, BMI, smoking history, and lung MH index showed a significant association with lung cancer development (age: OR 1.06, p<0.001; male: OR 1.87, p=0.045; BMI: OR 0.93, p =0.010; current or past smoker: OR 4.78, p<0.001; lung MH index: OR 1.33, p<0.001). In the validation data, combined prediction model 1 and 2 exhibited very good discrimination (area under the receiver operator curve [AUC]: 0.867 and 0.901, respectively).
Conclusion: The metabolic parameters on F-18 FDG PET are related to an increased risk of lung cancer. Metabolic parameters can be used as biomarkers that provide information independent of clinical parameters related to lung cancer risk.
Urbanization Level and Tempo (Speed) in Tigray Regional State, Ethiopia
Authors: Tekulu Fikre Belay
Published: April 2023

The study attempts to study the level and tempo or speed of urbanization in the Tigray regional state based on census data from 1994–2013 in Ethiopia. The level of urbanization at the regional level was found in 1994, 2007, and 2020 at 14.9%, 19.5%, and 26.7% respectively. Whereas the level of urbanization varies among the zones of the region, the higher level of urbanization was recorded in the Eastern zone followed by the Western, Central, and Southern Zone of Tigray. The tempo of urbanization was found 0.9 percent per annum at the regional level and the highest speed or tempo of urbanization shown was recorded in the Eastern zone of Tigray. The unbalanced urbanization among the zones results in socio-economic challenges. The study recommends several policy interventions given in the conclusion part aimed at judicious urbanization suitable for sustainable development.
Evaluation of Oxygen Extraction Rate As A Guide Red Blood Cell Transfusion Strategy in Intensive Care Unit: A Protocol For A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Tüzen Ahmet Salih , Aksun Murat , Şencan Atilla , Girgin Senem , Gölboyu Birzat Emre , Kırbaş Gizem , Şanlı Ozan
Published: April 2023

Background

Restrictive and liberal transfusion approaches to hemoglobin targets have used when deciding on red blood cell transfusions in patients who do not have acute bleeding and have a hemodynamically stable course in the ICU. However, physiologic trigger points that evaluate tissue oxygenation when deciding on blood transfusion in patients have also been among the important topics of research in recent years. In this study, we will evaluate the O2ER, which is an important indicator of the balance between oxygen delivery and consumption in tissues. Whether oxygen extraction rate can be used as a trigger for blood transfusion will be determined by clinical outcomes in ICU patients. If physiologic transfusion targets are feasible, the risks of unnecessary transfusions can be avoided with individualized targets. Also, the decision to transfuse blood can be made without delay in patients requiring red blood cell transfusion.

Methods/Design

We will perform a prospective, single-center, observational cohort study of 65 patients receiving red blood cell transfusions in the intensive care unit. Markers such as CaO2, CcvO2, O2ER, AV-O2 difference and NIRS will be measured before and 15 minutes after transfusion. We will investigate whether blood transfusion is really necessary and the frequency of transfusion-related events occur in patients with an O2ER ratio less than 30% and equal to 30% or above. All patients will be followed up to 90 days after transfusion. Ethics committee approval was obtained from Izmir Katip Celebi University Non-Interventional Clinical Studies Institutional Review Board. All patients must provide written informed consent prior to enrollment in the study.

Discussion

The existence of a direct relationship between individualized, patient-based oxygen extraction rates and the decision to transfuse red blood cells and reduce transfusion-related complications may imply that physiologically based blood transfusion targets should be established and routinely incorporated into existing transfusion decision-making protocols.
Trial registration number
NCT05798130
An intrusion detection algorithm based on convolutional long-short-term-memory and auto-encoding
Authors: Tang Mingwei , Cui Jiyuan , Jiang Zhongyuan
Published: April 2023

An intrusion detection algorithm based on deep learning is one of the hot topics in this field. In spite of some important research results, some shortcomings remain. In addition, the lack of labeled training data makes it more difficult to detect unknown attacks. High-dimensional and massive data will reduce the detection accuracy of the model and increase its complexity during training. Moreover, the phenomenon of data imbalance can seriously affect classification accuracy and degrade detection performance for rare attacks. In order to deal with the above problems, an intrusion detection algorithm based on convolutional long-short-term-memory and auto-encoding (CLAE) is proposed. Firstly, we design an encoder network module consisting of two CNN layers and one LSTM layer. The encoder network can encode raw data and output compressed one-dimensional vectors. Secondly, a decoder network module is designed. The decoder network has all layers symmetrical to the encoder network. In order to recover the original input data, this module is able to learn high-level features. And then, an attention residual block is designed in this paper to extract the key information from the data. As a result of ARB, more important features can be identified, redundant features can be filtered, feature learning of the model can be made more efficient, and intrusion detection accuracy can be improved significantly. Finally, using the NSL-KDD dataset and UNSW-NB15 dataset, CLAE’s superiority in detecting unknown attacks is demonstrated. The experimental results show that the proposed model CLAE can achieve state-of-the-art results compared to other models.