bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PIEZO1 targeting in macrophages boosts phagocytic activity and foam cell apoptosis in atherosclerosis
Authors: Pourteymour Shirin , Fan Jingxue , Majhi Rakesh Kumar , Guo Shuyuan , Sun Xin , Huang Zhen , Liu Ying , Winter Hanna , Bäcklund Alexandra , Skenteris Nikolaos-Taxiarchis , Chernogubova Ekaterina , Werngren Olivera , Li Zhaolong , Skogsberg Josefin , Li Yuhuang , Matic Ljubica , Hedin Ulf , Maegdefessel Lars , Ehrenborg Ewa , Tian Ye , Jin Hong
Published: July 2024

The rising incidences of atherosclerosis have necessitated efforts to identify novel targets for therapeutic interventions. In the present study, we observed increased expression of the mechanosensitive calcium channel Piezo1 transcript in mouse and human atherosclerotic plaques, correlating with infiltration of PIEZO1-expressing macrophages. In vitro administration of Yoda1, a specific agonist for PIEZO1, led to increased foam cell apoptosis and enhanced phagocytosis by macrophages. Mechanistically, PIEZO1 activation resulted in intracellular F-actin rearrangement, elevated mitochondrial ROS levels and induction of mitochondrial fragmentation upon PIEZO1 activation, as well as increased expression of anti-inflammatory genes. In vivo, ApoE−/− mice treated with Yoda1 exhibited regression of atherosclerosis, enhanced stability of advanced lesions, reduced plaque size and necrotic core, increased collagen content, and reduced expression levels of inflammatory markers. Our findings propose PIEZO1 as a novel and potential therapeutic target in atherosclerosis.
The value of coronary calcium score in predicting clinical outcomes in patients with chronic coronary syndrome
Authors: Elnagar Basma , Habib Marwa , Elnagar Rehab , Khalfallah Mohamed
Published: July 2024

Background
Coronary artery atherosclerosis and calcification are the precursors to the development of coronary artery disease and its complications. Coronary artery calcium scoring (CACS) is useful as a risk-stratification tool in coronary artery disease.
Objective
The current study was designed to identify the relationship between CACS and major adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with stable coronary artery disease.
Methods
The study was conducted on 435 patients with stable ischemic heart disease. The patients were classified into two groups according to their CACS; group I (n: 220 patients) whose calcium score was mild to moderate < 400, and group II (n: 215 patients) whose calcium score was high ≥ 400. All patients were closely monitored for two years to assess major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).
Results
After 2 years of follow-up, MACE drastically increased in group II in the form of unstable angina, myocardial infarction, demand for PCI, and heart failure. Multivariate regression analysis showed that age ≥ 55 years, Framingham risk score > 10, CACS ≥ 400, body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2 and the proximal lesions of the vessels were the independent risk factors for major cardiac events.
Conclusion
The coronary calcium score is a distinct feature of coronary atherosclerosis, and a score of 400 or higher is a reliable noninvasive predictor of the progression of coronary artery diseases and their consequences, including MACE.
Blood urea nitrogen to left ventricular ejection fraction ratio: a predictor of in-hospital outcomes in STEMI patients
Authors: Xie Linfeng , Chen Jing , Li Yuanzhu , Shen Jian , Li Xiang , Yang Yuan , Liu Gang , Chen Yintao , Huang Bi , Luo Suxin
Published: July 2024

Background
The in-hospital mortality of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) remains as high as 4–12%. Heart and kidney are closely linked, and both renal and cardiac function have been confirmed to be associated with the prognosis in patients with STEMI. This study intends to evaluate the prognostic value of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) to left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ratio (BLR) in STEMI patients.
Methods
From January 2015 to January 2023, 2435 consecutive STEMI patients were enrolled. The primary endpoint was in-hospital all-cause mortality and the second endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) including cardiovascular death, nonfatal stroke, and nonfatal myocardial infarction. The predictive value of BLR was compared with BUN, LVEF, traditional markers and scores (GRACE score and TIMI score) by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, the area under the curve (AUC) were compared by DeLong test. Then patients were divided into two groups based on the cut-off value of BLR determined by Youden index and compared the in-hospital mortality and MACE. The association between BLR and endpoints was investigated by Cox regression.
Results
Totally 2435 patients were included in our study, among which 90 (3.70%) patients died and 110 (4.52%) MACEs were collected. The non-survivors had significantly higher BUN level and lower LVEF value. The AUCs and DeLong test showed that the predictive value of BLR was significantly higher than BUN, LVEF, creatinine, NT-proBNP, and troponin I but was comparable to GRACE score and TIMI scores. The optimal cut-off value of BLR was 12.54 with a sensitivity of 75.6% and a specificity of 67.6%. The in-hospital mortality and MACE was significantly higher in high BLR group (8.23% vs. 1.37% for in-hospital mortality and 9.44% vs. 1.99% for in-hospital MACE, all p < 0.001). After multivariable adjustment, BLR ≥ 12.54 was still independently associated with higher in-hospital mortality (HR = 1.948, 95%CI 1.143, 3.318, p = 0.014) and MACE (HR = 1.720, 95%CI 1.066, 2.774, p = 0.026).
Conclusion
BLR is an important prognostic index to identify patients at high risk of in-hospital prognosis in STEMI patients and the prognostic value was comparable to or even higher traditional scores.
Trial registration
ChiCTR1900028516 (http//www.chictr.org.cn).
High-temperature invariant and Deformation-durable h-BN/PVA Nanocomposite for Highly-reliable Humidity Sensor enabling Morse Code Communication and Real-Time Wireless Respiratory Monitoring
Authors: iqbal shahzad , Khan Shenawar Ali , Ruqia Bibi , Sardar Syed Adil , Kim Woo Young
Published: July 2024

Nowadays, two-dimensional (2D) materials with layered structures and high surface area are highly appealing in humidity sensing applications. Boron nitride emerges as a promising material owing to its exceptional mechanical strength, chemical resistance, and thermal stability. Herein, flexible humidity sensors based on 2D hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) were synthesized by sonication-assisted exfoliation to introduce oxygen-rich groups to its surface. This process resulted in h-BN nanoflakes with 50–180 nm sizes. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), a well-known hydrophilic polymer, was used as the polymer matrix to disperse the h-BN nanoflakes, and the resulting nanocomposite was coated on a flexible interdigitated electrode as a sensing layer. The sensor's response was measured between 10 to 90%RH of humidity levels, and the maximum change in capacitance from 2.2 nF to 79.3 nF, at 1 kHz was recorded with fast response and recovery times of 3.5 s and 4 s, respectively. Moreover, the h-BN/PVA nanocomposite shows remarkable stability under various conditions, such as bending, high temperature, and longer periods, highlighting its durability. The developed sensor was successfully tested in practical applications such as respiratory and proximity-sensing, real-time wireless monitoring for Internet of Things (IoT) applications, and Morse code communication.
Correlation between airway size and imaging examination in OSAHS patients
Authors: Bie Yuanzhi , Zhou Qian , Ding dong , Ren xiuqin , Wan guanglun , Wang yinfeng , Sun jingwu , Sun jiaqiang , Qi xiaoyu
Published: July 2024

Background
The relationship between polysomnography (PSG) and three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) hasn't been well investigated in Obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) .
Objectives
By analyzing PSG and 3D-CT, we obtain anatomical factors that affect the severity of OSAHS.
Methods
78 OSAHS patients were retrospectively analyzed who were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China from January 1, 2022 to November 1, 2023. All of them had completed PSG and upper airway 3D-CT. The correlation between PSG and 3D-CT parameters was analyzed in these OSAHS patients.
Results
The study showed that body mass index (BMI) was significantly correlated with the diameter of soft palate (r = 0.359, p < 0.05). Apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was significantly correlated with soft palate diameter (r = 0.258, p < 0.05). Mean blood oxygen saturation (MSaO2%) was significantly correlated with the length of soft palate (r= -0.330, p < 0.05). The lowest blood oxygen saturation (LSaO2%) was significantly correlated with the airway area at the level of free edge of epiglottis (r = 0.266, p < 0.05). The cumulative time of oxygen saturation below 90% (CT90) was significantly correlated with the length of soft palate (r = 0.271, p < 0.05). CT90 was positively correlated with the diameter of soft palate (r = 0.269, p < 0.05). Other upper airway anatomical parameters, such as distance from uvula to epiglottis (UED), uvula diameter (UD), posterior pharyngeal wall thickness (PWD), hard palate horizontal airway area (HPA), uvula apex horizontal airway area (UA), hyoid horizontal airway area (HA), were not clearly correlated with AHI and blood oxygen saturation.
Conclusion and significance
The severity of OSAHS is mainly affected by the diameter and length of the soft palate, and the treatment of soft palate is the key to the surgical treatment of OSAHS. In patients with low minimum blood oxygenation, the treatment should focus on expanding the airway area in the plane of the free edge of the epiglottis.
Development of core pain management indicators for hospitalized patients: a Delphi study
Authors: Zhou Yang , Zeng Biyun , Peng Fangmin , Guo Yabin , Liu Xiaotong , zhou Yang
Published: July 2024

Background: Pain is one of the most common symptoms of hospitalized patients. Currently, the hospital-wide incidence of pain ranges from 37.7% to 84%, and the severity of pain during hospitalization is closely related to the prognosis and the quality of hospital care. Effective and accurate monitoring of pain occurrence and intervention is an indispensable step to improve overall performance and patient satisfaction. Currently, the pain management system in the nursing field has not been integrated with the information system, and there are too many indicators, different grading standards, and clinical generalization is not strong. The existing indicators lack specificity and sensitivity, lack of pain management for hospitalized patients related indicators, prone to the problem of imbalance in pain care management.
Objective: To construct high-sensitivity, concise, scientific, and easy-to-implement pain management core indicators for hospitalized patients, providing a reference basis for standardizing pain management during hospitalization.
Methods: First, based on the literature review and hospital evaluation criteria, the core indexes of pain management were collected, screened, and determined, and the framework of the index system was established to form the draft of the core indexes of pain management. Then, core indicators of inpatient pain management were determined by Delphi expert correspondence.
Results: Two rounds of expert consultation were issued 16 questionnaires, all recovered, with a questionnaire response rate of 100%. The results show that the experts are highly motivated. In addition, the average authority coefficient (CR) of 16 experts was 0.972, indicating consistency between expert opinions used and determined. The concordance of the two rounds of expert correspondence was 0.170~0.279 (p < 0.05), and the range of the coefficient of variation (CV) was 0~0.3, which indicated that the concordance among the members of the expert group was excellent and the results were reliable. After 2 rounds of Delphi expert letters, the final determination of 6 in-patient pain management core indicators, included pain screening rate within 8hours of admission, incidence of Pain, Incidence of moderate to severe pain, intervention rate for moderate to severe pain, reassessment rate of moderate to severe pain, and patient satisfaction with pain management.
Conclusion: This study Delphi method to identify six key indicators of pain management in hospitalized patients. The indicators were specific, scientific, concise, and useful for clinical practice, the indexes were extracted and monitored automatically, which provided the basis for improving the quality of pain nursing.
Knowledge of self-care intervention on sexual and reproductive health and its associated factors among women in internally displaced persons camps of North Central Nigeria
Authors: Okorafor Kwala Adline , OYINLOLA FUNMILOLA FOLASADE , ADETUTU OLUFEMI MAYOWA , Leopold Ouedraogo
Published: July 2024

Background
This study assessed individual and household characteristics associated with knowledge and use of self-care practices, including condom use to prevent pregnancies, test blood pressure, use emergency contraception, and pregnancy test among women in IDP camps in FCT Abuja and Benue State. There is limited information on the knowledge and use of self-care practices for women in displaced populations and increased adverse maternal and child health outcomes in this context.
Methods
This was a cross-sectional study which used a quantitative approach. We purposively selected IDP camps in Abuja and Benue State as the main IDP camps for people displaced by the Boko Haram insurgency and farmers-herders crises in the northern parts of Nigeria. A systematic random sampling was used to select women of reproductive age (15-49 years) in this study. The sample size was 842. Data collection was collected through a survey and an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data were analysed using SPSS statistical software through frequency distribution, Chi-square statistical test and binary logistic regression model.
Results
More than three-quarters of the respondents knew about self-care interventions for sexual and reproductive health interventions, with 44% self-testing for pregnancy, 77% for use of condom for preventing STI/HIV, and 17% for emergency contraception. The results showed that individual and household characteristics were associated with the different self-care practices for SRH needs. At the multivariable analysis, the results indicated that age of respondents (aOR=0.52; CI=0.28-0.99), Islamic religion (aOR=2.42, CI: 1.69-3.45), unemployed women (aOR=10.95, CI: 2.33-51.63), and at the household level, women whose husbands’ earnings were less than #35,000 were significantly associated with self-care practices for SRH needs (aOR=2.62; CI:1.59-4.32).
Conclusion
The study revealed that self-care practices of women in IDP camps in northern Nigeria were influenced by their individual and household socio-economic and demographic characteristics. Although, women who lived in the IDP camp knew about self-care intervention but very few knew about self-testing for pregnancies. It is therefore recommended that people who live in the IDPs should be educated on pregnant self-testing to meet their sexual reproductive health needs.
Applying State-of-the-Art Artificial Intelligence to Simulation-based Education: A Study of Comparative Educational and Operational Benefits
Authors: Campbell Krystle K. , Holcomb Michael J. , Vedovato Sol , Young Lenora , Danuser Gaudenz , Dalton Thomas O. , Jamieson Andrew R. , Scott Daniel J.
Published: July 2024

Objective
Accreditation bodies are driving competency-based education in healthcare, prompting curriculum reform. Simulation-based education (SBE) addresses challenges curriculum reform has uncovered, like lack of standardization in bedside teaching. This study explores the impact of an AI-powered Automated System Protocol (ASP) for grading students' post-encounter notes in Clerkship OSCEs, comparing it to the legacy human grader system.
Methods
The ASP, utilizing GPT-4, mapped rubric items to prompts. Analyzing post-encounter notes from 684 medical students across four academic years, we compared ASP with legacy Standardized Patient Evaluator (SPE) grades. Time efficiency, cost savings, and ROI analyses assessed educational and financial implications.
Results
Significant cost savings and efficiency gains were observed utilizing GPT-4 in comparison to SPEs. The Cost of Investment for ASP totaled $69,112 over 1,150 hours. Comparing ASP to three SP graders yielded $13,112 in increased costs and initial time investment was required. However, beyond development time ASP execution-only, compared to legacy, showed an ROI of 589.44%, saving $47,877 with 87.5% time efficiency. ASP-execution versus three MD graders demonstrated an even stronger ROI of 797.09%.
Conclusion
Implementing ASP in medical education provides substantial time and cost savings, enhancing ROI compared to legacy grading models. These findings highlight significant cost savings and efficiency improvements achievable through ASP implementation, positioning automated assessment as an innovative force shaping the future of medical education. By liberating human resources from manual grading and enhancing the immediacy of feedback, this approach contributes to a more efficient, effective, and engaging learning experience.
Outcomes of Sclerokeratoplasty in Severe Ocular Surface Disease
Authors: Loya-Garcia Denise , Jimenez-Collado David , Jimenez-Corona Aida , Pedro-Aguilar Lucero , Morales Norma , Navas Alejandro , Valdez-Garcia Jorge E. , Graue-Hernández Enrique O
Published: July 2024

Sclerocorneal grafts are procedures considered in cases with extensive corneal and scleral tissue destruction. The study aims to describe sclerokeratoplasty outcomes in severely diseased eyes. We performed a retrospective review of clinical records. Demographic characteristics, medical history, surgical indications, aetiology of perforation, visual outcomes, complications associated with the surgical procedure, and ocular integrity at the end of the follow-up were obtained. Wilcoxon-signed rank tests and Mann-Whitney tests were used to compare complications between groups and outcomes at final follow-up. Survival analysis was performed to analyse vision preservation and global integrity and presented in Kaplan-Meier curves. 40 eyes from 40 patients with a mean age of 48.83 ± 18.85 years and a mean follow-up of 21.13 ± 33.92 months were included in the study. Median corrected visual acuity before and after the procedure remained at 2.8 logMAR. Twenty-seven eyes presented complications. The most common complications were a persistent epithelial defect in 11, hypertension in 10, and perforation in 8 eyes. More than half of the eyes (67.5%) presented with either one or more of all complications after corneoscleral graft. No significant differences were found regarding age, gender, or DM history. Concerning perforation, a significant difference was found between infectious and non-infectious only in the presentation of ocular hypertension (p = 0.048). Vision was preserved in 72.5% of the eyes, with a median survival probability of 4.12 years. Preservation of the ocular integrity was achieved in 85% of the eyes, with a median survival probability of 12 years. Sclerokeratoplasty despite being challenging and technically demanding followed by defiant complications, in some situations such as infectious keratitis and autoimmune diseases, is likely a procedure that salvages the eye and preserves vision.
Analysis of Microbial and Nematode Communities in the Apple Replant Disease Complex
Authors: Ali Shawkat , Fuller Keith , Yurgel Svetlana , forge tom , Levaesque Vicky , Mazzola Mark
Published: July 2024

Apple replant disease (ARD) is a complex issue caused by various fungal, oomycetes pathogens and parasites which can differ in their abundance between sites within a geographic region. Knowledge of the specific etiology of ARD at a particular site is required in order to develop commercially viable soil management strategies to combat specific/individual components of the disease. In this study we analyzed the soil from six ARD sites for the presence of fungal, bacterial and oomycetes communities and plant parasitic nematodes. Five fungal, and 17 bacterial classes were differentially represented in the microbiomes from different locations. Mortierellomycetes was the most abundant fungal taxa represented followed by Sordariomycetes.Mortierella exiguaa fungal endophyte was the most abundant fungal amplicon sequence variant (ASV) in the core microbiome. Proteobacteria was the most prevalent phylum identified in orchard soils. Several potential phytopathogenic fungi involved in ARD and endophytes includingFusarium oxysporum, F. solani,Nectria ramulariae, Ilyonectria robustaandNectriaceaewere identfied in the orchard soil.Pythium attrantheridium (Globisporangium attrantheridium),P. monospermumandP. ultimum(Globisporangium ultimum) were the most abundant oomycete taxa identified in these soil samples. Six different groups of plant-parasitic nematodes were found across the six orchards soil. Root-lesion nematodes,Pratylenchusspp., which are commonly associated with ARD, were identified in all orchards soil at population densities ranging from 12 to 33/100 cm3soil. This research contributes valuable understanding of the ARD complex as the apple industry needs alternative approaches to combat the disease.
Halpeh Extract-Derived Gold Nanoparticles: A Dual Force Against Microbes and for Phytochemical Enhancement
Authors: Dahaz Ehsan , Asadi Samer , Lashgari Somayeh
Published: July 2024

The increasing resistance of pathogenic microorganisms to conventional antibiotics has led to a growing interest in alternative antimicrobial agents. In this study, the antimicrobial activity (antibacterial and antifungal) of aqueous and methanolic extracts of Halpeh plant and gold nanoparticles synthesized using the extract of this plant was investigated. Additionally, the effect of different concentrations of synthesized gold nanoparticles on the phytochemical properties (antioxidant and reducing ability) of Halpeh plant extract was examined. The results of UV-Vis (Ultraviolet-Visible Spectroscopy), XRD (X-Ray Diffraction Analysis), TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy), SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy), and FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) tests on gold nanoparticles confirmed their synthesis. SEM and TEM images showed that the gold nanoparticles were spherical in shape with an average size of 22.89 nm. According to the results, the methanolic extract exhibited significantly higher antibacterial and antifungal activity compared to the aqueous extract, with the maximum inhibition zone diameters observed for Escherichia coli (14 mm) and Aspergillus niger (15 mm). Moreover, the antimicrobial activity of gold nanoparticles showed that these nanoparticles have relatively good ability to inhibit gram-negative bacteria, with the largest inhibition zone diameters observed for Escherichia coli (18 mm) and Aspergillus niger (20 mm). The antioxidant and reducing power activity (phenolic flavonoids content) of Halpeh plant extract treated with different concentrations of synthesized gold nanoparticles increased with increasing nanoparticle concentrations up to 60 ppm (IC50 = 9.94 µg/ml and reducing power = 16.85 mMFe2+/mg sample), and decreased at higher concentrations.
An Oceanic Mechanism for Geyser Formation on Enceladus
Authors: Abdulah Daniel , Kang Wanying
Published: July 2024

The tiger stripes of Enceladus are a sequence of four parallel and evenly-spaced fissures 130~km long which erupt water from a global subsurface ocean out into space. We present the first theory of their formation which links the observed surface to yet unexplored features of the oceanic environment below. Given one initial fissure, topography on the underside of the ice shell rubs periodically against the ocean due to the satellite's libration. This motion excites internal gravity waves which propagate down and reflect at a bottom boundary, reimpacting the underside of the shell at a fixed distance away from primary fissure. This impact generates heat through wave breaking which melts the ice, forming the next fissures in a chain of parallel stripes. We solve for the internal wave field, energy dissipated, and ice melted using linear gravity wave analysis, extending previous literature on gravity wave conversion. The dissipation predicted by the analytical theory matches nonlinear simulations using the MITgcm, especially when the flow remains subcritical. Dissipative regimes where new fissures can form are identified. Maintaining that formation occurs at the observed 35 km spacing, we discuss implications for ocean depth and stratification.
Impact of Virtual Simulation vs. Video Refresher Training on NRP Simulation Performance: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Umoren Rachel , Gray Megan , Chitkara Ritu , Josephsen Justin , Lee Henry , Strand Marya , Sawyer Taylor , Ramachandran Shalini , Weiner Gary , Zaichkin Jeanette , Kan Peiyi , Pantone Gina , Ades Anne
Published: July 2024

Objective
To assess the impact of NRP virtual simulations (eSim™), video or no refresher training, on simulation performance, six months after a provider course; and to evaluate eSim™ acceptability.
Study Design:
In this multi-site randomized controlled trial, NRP providers from four U.S. institutions were randomized to receive refreshers every two months with NRP eSim™, NRP resuscitation video, or no refresher (control). Simulation performance was assessed immediately after an NRP course and six months later.
Result
248 participants completed the baseline simulation and 148 completed the six-month follow-up simulation. The majority (71%) of subjects had a decline in resuscitation skills at 6 months. There were no differences in performance between the study groups, but participants who reported using either the video or eSim™ had less decline in performance at the 6-month follow-up (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
NRP refreshers with either eSim™ or NRP video may mitigate the decline in resuscitation skills after training.
Combined phacoemulsification, goniosynechialysis and ab interno trabeculectomy in primary angle-closure glaucoma: three-year results
Authors: Yang Fengrui , Ma Yao , Liang Zhiqiao , Lv Kun , Yang Kangyi , Wu Huijuan
Published: July 2024

This research was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ab-interno trabeculectomy (Trabectome and Kahook Dual Blade) combined with phacoemulsification, intraocular lens implantation, and goniosynechialysis in eyes with primary angle-closure glaucoma. A total of 51 patients were included in the study and all the patients received the combined surgery. Intraocular pressure, anti-glaucoma medications, best-corrected visual acuity, and the number of peripheral anterior synechiae quadrants were recorded at baseline and at various time points after surgery. Intraocular pressure decreased significantly from 21.19 ± 6.38 mmHg preoperatively to 16.00 ± 4.84 mmHg (P = 0.01) at 36 months. The number of glaucoma medications was significantly reduced from 2.33 ± 1.29 preoperatively to 1.42 ± 1.78 (P = 0.045) at 36 months. The success rate of the combined surgery was 87.5% at 36 months. The decrease of intraocular pressure exhibited a positive correlation with the baseline intraocular pressure (P < 0.01), while the reduction in the number of glaucoma medications was positively correlated with the baseline number of glaucoma medications (P < 0.001). Best-corrected visual acuity improved from 0.40 ± 0.29 to 0.50 ± 0.33 at 1 month (P = 0.001). There were no vision‑threatening complications intraoperatively or postoperatively. The combined surgery has been proven to be effective and safe for patients with primary angle-closure glaucoma in the long term, suggesting that combined surgery may be beneficial for patients with primary angle-closure glaucoma, especially those with long-term and extensive peripheral anterior synechiae.
Impact of inferior vena cava thrombosis on the incidence of pulmonary embolism in patients with lower extremity deep vein thrombosis
Authors: Zhang Yiman , Meng Yan , Li You , Kang Mengyang , Ma Qiang , Zhang Junbo , Yang Jian , Tian Hongyan , Yin Qian
Published: July 2024

Inferior vena cava thrombosis (IVCT) is a special form of venous thromboembolism. Lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (LEDVT) is associated with an increased incidence of pulmonary embolism (PE), but the association between concomitant IVCT and PE in patients with LEDVT has not been reported. We conducted a retrospective analysis of clinical data from patients confirmed with LEDVT at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University. Predictive variables of PE were selected using LASSO regression, and independent risk factors were identified through multivariable logistic regression. Of the 2929 patients, 40.9% had PE and 12.8% had IVCT. Multivariable logistic regression suggested that IVCT (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.13–1.79) was an independent risk factor for PE. Subgroup analysis showed that IVCT was associated with increased odds of PE in patients with left LEDVT (OR 2.00, 95% CI 1.50–2.67), right LEDVT (OR 2.05, 95% CI 1.20–3.50), distal LEDVT (OR 5.15, 95% CI 1.31–20.22), and proximal LEDVT (OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.19–1.86). Concomitant IVCT significantly increased the incidence of PE in patients with LEDVT. There was no difference in PE severity or risk stratification between patients with and without IVCT. These finding could contribute to further improve the understanding of IVCT among clinicians, and optimize monitoring and management strategies of patients with LEDVT.
The Effects of Subtle Scent of 1,8-Cineole and (-)-Bornyl acetate on Mood, Cognition, And Behavior In The Elderly
Authors: Goto Seiko , Isa Akiko , Shimizu Kuniyoshi
Published: July 2024

This study explored the effects of subtle scents of 1,8-cineole and (-)-bornyl acetate on mood, cognition, and behavior in healthy individuals and elderly residents of nursing homes. Three experiments were conducted involving short- and long-term exposure to these scents to assess mood, memory, and task completion. Results from experiments with healthy individuals indicate that (-)-bornyl acetate improves mood, particularly for those who like the scent, whereas 1, 8-cineole improves mood, regardless of scent likability. Prolonged exposure to both scents, even at low concentrations, yielded different effects compared to no scent, such as sustained concentration of 1,8-cineole and drowsiness with (-)-bornyl acetate. In experiments with older adults, although the participants did not perceive scents, improvements in cognition, behavior, and sleep were observed. However, challenges have arisen, such as the caregiver's hypersensitivity reaction to 1,8-cineole, highlighting the need for careful consideration when implementing aromatherapy in nursing facilities. This study underscores the potential benefits of aromatherapy in improving the quality of life of the elderly. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of controlling scent distribution and considering individual sensitivities.
CSF Sphingolipids in Parkinson Disease and Dementia with Lewy Bodies with and without GBA1 variants
Authors: Brockmann Kathrin , Lerche Stefanie , Wurster Isabel , Valente Enza Maria , Avenali Micol , Samaniego Daniela , Martinez-Vicente Marta , Hernandez-Vara Jorge , Laguna Ariadna , Sturchio Andrea , Svenningsson Per , France Nicholas , Barlow Carrolee , Sankaranarayanan Sethu
Published: July 2024

Variants in GBA1 result in dysregulated sphingolipids. We investigated five CSF sphingolipid species in a multicenter cohort comprising people with Parkinson’s Disease and Dementia with Lewy bodies with and without GBA1 variants and healthy controls. We found no increase of sphingolipid species in heterozygous GBA1 variant carriers. Sphingolipid levels had no effect on development of cognitive impairment. Thereby, CSF Sphingolipids seem not useful as state marker in Parkinson’s Disease.
The impact of sequential bursting events of coherent flow structures on sediment entrainment at thereshold conditions in meandering channel- Time Fraction Approaches
Authors: Pour Mehrdad Kashkooli , Ghadampour Zahra , Ghalati Reza Mohammadpour
Published: July 2024

In this study, the effect of bed shear stress variation on quadrant time fractions and bed topography change in a meandering river was analyzed in an experimental model. Also this research tests the hypothesis that particle entrainment is associated with bursting quadrants and sequencing time fractions. Also, the variation of this parameter was examined with shear stress variation. Experimental tests were carried out in four different threshold conditions in an equilibrium state. The quadrant time fractions are probed with the Acoustic Doppler Velocimetry (ADV) at a near-bed in a Comprehensive point grid throughout the model in 120 points for each test. The results indicate that although the classical view about the dominant processes of sweep and ejection is accurate in straight channels and the central line, the maximum time fractions of these two phenomena have yet to occur in the eroded areas. After that, we describe the quadrant's time series using the sequences of quadrants. Examining three sequences of groups (GE), singles (SE), and the vortex-related sequences (VRS) and comparing their time fractions with eroded areas showed a good correlation between some sequences and erosion. The results point to the group sequences, especially sweep groups with a time fraction of more than 70% at the very lower threshold, and vortex-related sequences with a time fraction of 34% at the upper limit of the threshold were entirely under the eroded areas.
Unilateral versus bilateral lateral rectus recession for correction of small to moderate angle exotropia
Authors: Kassem Rehab Rashad , Radwan Rokaya Emad , El-Mofty Randa , Elhilali Hala Mostafa
Published: July 2024

Purpose: To compare the effect of unilateral versus bilateral lateral rectus (LR) recession for correction of small to moderate exotropia.
Methods: Records of all patients with exotropia (XT) 14 to 35 prism diopters (∆), operated upon by the authors, were included in a retrospective study to compare the effect of unilateral (Group 1) versus bilateral (Group 2) LR recession. The study end-point was the last follow-up visit scheduled at least 3 months postoperatively. A successful outcome was defined as 0 to 10∆ of horizontal tropia.
Results:The study included 154 patients (47 in Group 1 and 107 in Group 2). Patients were followed up for 3 to 120 months (26.7+/-24.88). A successful outcome was achieved in 83% in Group 1 and 82.2% in Group 2 (p=.976), with higher success in group 1 for surgical target angles up to 25∆. All failures in Group 1 were due to undercorrections., while the 17.8% failure rate in Group 2 comprised 15% undercorrections and 2.2% overcorrections (p=.419). Persistent lateral incomitance was seen in 29.5% in Group 1 versus 2.3% in Groups 2 (p <.001). Lateral incomitance was encountered in 71% of those undergoing 10mm unilateral recessions, versus 20% of those who had smaller recession doses. Limited ductions were mild, and exceeded -1 in 4 cases: 3 had had 10mm and 1 had had 9mm unilateral LR recession.
Conclusions: Unilateral and bilateral LR recessions offer essentially equal success rates. Unilateral recessions are advised for angles up to 25∆, without exceeding 10mm.
ENSO cycle modulation of grass pollen season in Auckland New Zealand with implications for allergy management
Authors: Newnham Rewi Munro , McDonald Laura , Holt Kat , Misra Stuti , Ngadi Natasha , Ngadi Calista , Chan Amy
Published: July 2024

In many regions, the ENSO cycle climate is a key factor in modulating climate processes that can influence seasonal variability in the production and dispersal of allergy-triggering pollen. However, the impacts on allergy health are not well known. We compare grass pollen seasons between the major modes of the ENSO cycle in Auckland, New Zealand. We find no clear difference in the timing of onset of the pollen seasons, but season length was longer, by > 30 days, during both El Niño phases than during the La Niña phase. Severity of the La Niña pollen season was also lower, although we have less confidence in this comparison due to differences in the sampling site locations. The difference in pollen season length is explained by the greater summer rainfall typically experienced in Auckland and elsewhere in northern New Zealand during La Niña phases, which tends to suppress grass pollen production and dispersal. As grass pollen is the principal source of allergenic pollen in New Zealand and in many other countries, these results have wider implications for allergy management. With ENSO forecasting often reliable with several months of lead time, there is potential for improving community preparedness and resilience to inter-annual dynamics of the grass pollen season. However, the strong geographical heterogeneity in ENSO cycle climate impacts necessitates a region-specific approach. This work further underscores the need for local-regional pollen monitoring in NZ and the risk of relying upon static, nationwide pollen calendars for informing allergy treatment.
DeepPlaq: Dental Plaque Indexing based on Deep Neural Networks
Authors: Chen Xu , Shen Yiran , Jeong Jin-Sun , Perinpanayagam Hiran , Kum Kee-Yeon , Gu Yu
Published: July 2024

Objectives
This study aimed to detect and segment target teeth and score on each individual teeth according to the Quigley-Hein plaque index (QHI) by using multi-view intraoral images and a deep learning approach.
Material and Methods
A dataset of intraoral images captured from both frontal and lateral views of permanent and deciduous dentitions was utilized. The dataset comprised of 210 photographs taken after applying a plaque disclosing agent. A three-stage method was employed, where the YOLOv8 model was first used to detect the target teeth, followed by the prompt-based SAM (Segment Anything Model) segmentation algorithm to segment teeth. A new single-tooth dataset consisting of 1400 photographs was obtained after applying a two-stage method. Finally, the multi-class classification model DeepPlaq we implemented was trained and evaluated on the accuracy of dental plaque indexing based on the QHI scoring system. Classification performance was measured using accuracy, recall, precision, and F1-score.
Results
The teeth detector exhibited an accuracy (mean average precision, mAP) of approximately 0.941 ± 0.005 in identifying teeth with plaque disclosing agents. The maximum accuracy attained in the plaque indexing through DeepPlaq was 0.84 (probability that DeepPlaq scored identical to an expert), and the average scoring error was less than 0.25 for a 0 to 5 scoring setting.
Conclusions
A three-stage approach demonstrated excellent performance in detecting and segmenting target teeth, and DeepPlaq model also showed strong performance in assessing dental plaque indices.
Clinical relevance
The evaluation of dental plaque indices using deep learning algorithms alleviated the burdensome and repetitive tasks of doctors, enabling quicker and more reliable decision-making.
Identification of morphological fingerprint in perinatal brains using quasi-conformal mapping and contrastive learning
Authors: Wang Boyang , Zheng Weihao , Wang Ying , Zhu Dalin , Sheng Yuchen
Published: July 2024

The morphological fingerprint in the brain is capable of identifying the uniqueness of an individual. However, whether such individual patterns are present in perinatal brains, and which morphological attributes or cortical regions better characterize the individual differences of neonates remain unclear. In this study, we proposed a deep learning framework that projected three-dimensional spherical meshes of three morphological features (i.e., cortical thickness, mean curvature, and sulcal depth) onto two-dimensional planes through quasi-conformal mapping, and employed the ResNet18 and contrastive learning for individual identification. We used the cross-sectional structural MRI data of 461 infants, incorporating with data augmentation, to train the model and fine-tuned the parameters based on 40 infants who had longitudinal scans. The model was validated on a fold of 20 longitudinal scanned infant data, and remarkable Top1 and Top5 accuracies of 85.90% and 92.20% were achieved, respectively. The sensorimotor and visual cortices were recognized as the most contributive regions in individual identification. Moreover, the folding morphology demonstrated greater discriminative capability than the cortical thickness. These findings provided evidence for the emergence of morphological fingerprints in the brain at the beginning of the third trimester, which may hold promising implications for understanding the formation of individual uniqueness in the brain during early development.
Integration of Single-Cell and Bulk RNA Sequencing Data using Ecotype Machine Learning for Prognostic Biomarker Discovery in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Zheng Yalu , Li Tengzheng , Qi Yunting , Xiong Kai
Published: July 2024

Background
EcoTyper is a new machine learning framework, this work attempted to constructed an EcoTyper-related prognostic model for gastric cancer (GC).
Methods
The scRNA-seq data and bulk RNA-seq data for GC were obtained from the GEO and TCGA databases, respectively. Cell composition deconvolution was performed using CIBERSORTx. EcoTyper was employed for de novo discovery of scRNA-seq cell states and communities. Weighted Correlation Network Analysis was applied to explore the gene co-expression networks in GC. Subsequently, a risk model for ecotypes was constructed using bulk RNA-seq data.
Results
This work revealed the significant differences in cell distribution between normal and primary samples. Primary tumor samples showed a predominant presence of immune cells, including monocytes/macrophages and neutrophils. These immune cells were classified into two EcoTypers, E1 and E2, with E2 closely linked to primary tumor samples. Using ecotype-related risk scores, GC patients were stratified into high-risk (HR) and low-risk (LR) groups. HR patients exhibited worse overall survival and heightened sensitivity to Mirin, Oxaliplatin, Ruxolitinib, VE-822, and MG-132. Notably, the core gene TGM2 was up-regulated in GC cells, and its silencing reduced GC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion.
Conclusion
This study constructed a meaningful EcoTyper prognostic model, which served as a potential prognostic biomarker for GC treatment. This prognostic model showed significant correlations with immunotherapy and chemotherapy. This research has provided a potential valuable target for GC treatment.
How anxiety and depression mediate the link between sleep quality and health perception during crisis periods
Authors: de Menezes-Junior Luiz Antônio Alves , Moura Samara Silva , Machado-Coelho George Luiz Lins , Meireles Adriana Lúcia
Published: July 2024

Background and objectives: During crisis periods, understanding the impact of sleep quality on self-rated health becomes crucial. However, the role of anxiety and depression as potential mediators in this relationship remains insufficiently explored. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the association of sleep quality with self-rated health, and mediation by anxiety and depression.
Methods:This cross-sectional, population-based study was conducted with 1,762 adults from October to December 2020 in the Iron Quadrilateral region of Brazil. The exposure variable was poor sleep quality, as measured by the PSQI. The outcome was self-rated health. The mediators tested were anxiety and depression, which were evaluated using symptoms, medical diagnoses, and the use of drugs. To test the mediators' factors, the Karlson-Holm-Breen method was used. The direct acyclic graph was used to select a minimal set of adjustments in multivariate analysis.
Results:There were 22.6% of people with poor health ratings, 52.5% with bad sleep, 35.1% with worry, and 24.7% with depression. According to the multivariate analysis, individuals with poor sleep quality were 2.82 times more likely to self-assess their health as poor. The presence of anxiety and depression explained 16.57% and 5.99% of the association between poor sleep quality and poor self-rated health, respectively, in the mediation analysis.
Conclusion:During the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals who had poor sleep quality had lower self-rated health. Furthermore, symptoms of anxiety and depression explained a portion of the association. Our study emphasizes the importance of evaluating individuals' sleep quality and mental health during a crisis.
Incidence, persistence, and clearance of cervical Human Papillomavirus among gynecological outpatients in Kunming, Yunnan, China from 2019-2023: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Huang Yafei , Wei Xiangcong , Guo Yan , Su Ting , Duan Qiuting , Fan Xin , Wan Jinxiu , Zhang Yufan , Zhang Guiqian , Sun Yi , Xu Ya
Published: July 2024

Purpose
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the primary driver of cervical cancer development and progression. This study aimed to determine the incidence, persistence, and clearance of type-specific HPV infections in Yunnan.
Methods
A retrospective cohort study was conducted between October 2019 and August 2023 on female gynecological outpatients residing in Yunnan, Southwest China. HPV genotyping was performed using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction and capillary electrophoresis. We investigated the incidence, persistence, and clearance of HPV in women who tested again at various times following the initial test.
Results
This study included 45,149 participants; overall incidence of HPV infection was 36.84% with HPV 52 having the highest incidence, followed by HPV 51, 81, 58, and 16. The age ranges–30–39 and 40–49 y had the highest incidence rates. The overall persistence rate of the HPV infection was 55.56%, while HPV subtypes 42, 52, 58, 81, and 56 showed the highest rates of persistent infection. The highest rates of persistent infection were found in the < 30 and > 59 y age groups. The overall HPV clearance rate was 74.43%, and it increased with age. The most probable HPV subtypes to be cleared were 26, 83, 11, 82, and 44, least likely HR HPV subtypes were 58, 52, and 35, and least likely LR HPV subtypes were 42, 81, and 43.
Conclusions
Women in Yunnan had a higher likelihood of incident and persistent infections and a lower likelihood of being cleared of HPV 58, 52, 42, and 81. Older adults are more prone to persistent HPV infection, whereas younger individuals are more likely to recover from infection.
Exploring bite force as an indicator of frailty phenotype: a pilot study
Authors: Ferreira Luciano Maia Alves , Scoz Robson Dias , Silva Josie Resende Torres , Silva Marcelo Lourenço , Brito José , Amorim César Ferreira , Júdice André , Mendes José João , Machado Vanessa , Botelho João
Published: July 2024

Objectives The aim of the study was to explore the correlation between bite force and grip strength as measures of frailty in the elderly. Materials and Methods Elderly people completed a socio-demographic questionnaire, protocols for measuring bite force, handgrip strength using dynamometry and body composition analysis using electrical bioimpedance. Statistical analyses were carried out to assess the association between these variables. Results We assessed 59 participants. The results indicate a positive correlation between bite force and grip strength, even after controlling for age and body mass index (BMI). There are positive and significant correlations between BITE and GRIP forces, which means that increases (decreases) in bite force values are accompanied by increases (decreases) in handgrip force values. Conclusion Our results suggest that decreased bite strength may increase the risk of frailty over time. In conclusion, the study suggests that bite force can serve as a useful indicator of frailty risk in the elderly and calls for further research to validate these initial results in larger samples. This correlation emphasises the importance of oral health in the care of the elderly and in frailty prevention strategies.