bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting Errors in Accident Hotspots and Investigating Spatiotemporal, Weather, and Behavioral Factors Using Interpretable Machine Learning: an Analysis of Telematics Big Data
Authors: Golestani Ali , Rezaei Nazila , Malekpour Mohammad-Reza , Ahmadi Naser , Ataei Seyed Mohammad-Navid , Khosravi Sepehr , Jafari Ayyoob , Shahraz Saeid , Farzadfar Farshad
Published: March 2024

The utilization of explainable machine learning models has emerged as a key technique for predicting and interpreting various aspects of road traffic accidents (RTAs) in recent years. This study aimed to predict the occurrence of errors in road accident hotspots and interpret the most influential predictors using telematics data. Data from 1673 intercity buses across Iran in 2020, merged with weather data, formed a comprehensive dataset. After preprocessing, 619,988 records were used to build and compare six machine learning models. and the best model was selected for interpretation using SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanation). Six models including logistic regression, K-nearest neighbors, random forest, Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), Naïve Bayes, and support vector machine were developed and XGBoost demonstrated the best performance with an area under the curve (AUC) of 91.70% (95% uncertainty interval: 91.33% − 92.09%). SHAP values identified spatial variables, especially province and road type, as the most critical features for error prediction in hotspots. Fatigue emerged as an important predictor, alongside certain weather variables like dew points. Temporal variables had a limited impact. Incorporating various spatiotemporal, behavioral, and weather-related variables collected by telematics, our analysis underscored the significance of spatial variables in predicting errors in accident hotspots in Iran. Policymakers are advised to prioritize decisions strengthening road infrastructures to mitigate the burden of RTAs.
Enucleation Following Endophthalmitis – Case Report
Authors: Saba Malikah
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND
Endophthalmitis is an inflammation of both the anterior and posterior chamber (1). It can be classified into infectious and non-infectious. Infectious endophthalmitis is a bacterial or fungal infection inside the eye involving the vitreous and/or aqueous humor (2). It occurs following the exudation of the vitrous cavity (3) which can be further classified into exogenous (post-operative, post-traumatic) or endogenous. Most cases of endophthalmitis exogenous and occur after trauma to the eye. Post traumatic infectious endophthalmitis accounts for approximately 25-31% of patients among those with infectious endophthalmitis (4,5).
Endogenous endophthalmitis on the other hand, refers to a blood-borne metastatic infection from the primary inoculation site secondary to a bacterial or fungal pathology (6).
CASE REPORT
A Caucasian patient in his 50’s with no relevant past medical history was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) following a motor vehicle collision. During this period, it was noted that the patient developed a rash over his right eye. There was no trauma to the eye, no systemic signs of infection and no subjective visual signs as the patient was sedated. Computed tomography scanning (CT) revealed right orbital cellulitis with probable endophthalmitis, and lens dislocation as seen in Figure 1. The early lens dislocation was a poor prognostic sign, and despite surgical intervention and systemic and intravitreal antimicrobials, the patient’s cornea perforated, requiring subsequent evisceration of the right eye.
CONCLUSIONS
Endophthalmitis is a serious complication of trauma, surgical procedures, and septicaemia. It can lead to evisceration of the eye if not detected and treated early. The main objectives in endophthalmitis treatment are to eradicate or control infection with appropriate antibiotics, manage the inflammation with potent anti-inflammatories such as corticosteroids; and to offer supportive therapy such as eye care, reducing intraocular pressure and oedema.
Soluble and insoluble lysates from the human A53T mutant α-synuclein transgenic mouse model induces α-synucleinopathy independent of injection site
Authors: Lee Michael , Barnes Justin , Vermilyea Scott , Meints Joyce , Martinez Hector
Published: March 2024

Pathological aggregation of a-synuclein (aS) is implicated in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and other a-synucleinopathies. The current view is that neuron-to-neuron spreading of aS pathology contributes to the progression of a-synucleinopathy. We used an A53T mutant human aS transgenic mouse model (TgA53T) to examine whether the site of pathogenic aS inoculation affects the pattern of neuropathology and whether soluble and insoluble fractions derived from crude pathogenic tissue lysates exhibit differential capacities to initiate aS pathology. To test whether the inoculation site impacts the ultimate spatial/temporal patterns of aS pathology, aS preformed fibrils (PFF), or brain homogenates from TgA53T mice with a-synucleinopathy, were injected into the cortex/striatum, brain stem, or skeletal muscle. In all cases, inoculation of pathogenic aS induced end-stage motor dysfunction within ~100 days post-inoculation (dpi). Significantly, irrespective of the inoculation sites, ultimate distribution of the aS pathology was like that seen in normally aged TgA53T mice at end-stage, indicating that the intrinsic neuronal vulnerability is a significant determinant in the induction of aS pathology, even when initiated by inoculation of pathogenic aS. Temporal analysis of brain stem injected TgA53T mice show that initial aS pathology was seen by 30 days post-inoculation and inflammatory changes occur at later stages. To determine if the aS species with differential solubility are differentially pathogenic, brain lysates from end-stage TgA53Tmice were fractionated into highly soluble (S150) and insoluble (P150) fractions, as well as the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-enriched fraction (P100). Significantly, all fractions were able to seed de novo aS pathology in vivo, when injected unilaterally into TgA53Tmice with the ER fractions being most pathogenic. Our results suggest that multiple aS species from brain can initiate the development of progressive aS pathology.
Genomic and phenomic predictions help capture low-effect alleles promoting seed germination in oilseed rape in addition to QTL analyses
Authors: Laurençon Marianne , Legrix Julie , Wagner Marie-Hélène , Demilly Didier , Baron Cécile , Rolland Sophie , Ducournau Sylvie , Laperche Anne , Nesi Nathalie
Published: March 2024

Oilseed rape faces many challenges, especially at the beginning of its developmental cycle. Achieving rapid and uniform seed germination could help to ensure a successful establishment, and therefore enabling the crop to compete with weeds and tolerate stresses during the earliest developmental stages. The polygenic nature of seed germination was highlighted in several studies, and more knowledge is needed about low- to moderate-effect underlying loci in order to enhance seed germination effectively by improving the genetic background and incorporating favorable alleles. A total of 17 QTL were detected for seed germination-related traits, for which the favorable alleles often corresponded to the most frequent alleles in the panel. Genomic and phenomic predictions methods provided moderate to high predictive abilities, demonstrating the ability to capture small additive and non-additive effects for seed germination. This study also showed that phenomic prediction better estimated breeding values than genomic prediction. Finally, as the predictive ability of phenomic prediction was less influenced by the genetic structure of the panel, it is worth using this prediction method to characterize genetic resources, particularly with a view to design prebreeding populations.
Prevalence of Biomarkers and Associated Factors for Chronic Kidney Disease in Adult Diabetic Out-patients in a Tertiary Hospital in Eastern Uganda - a Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Kirya Moses , Bwayo Denis , Otim Michael E. , Mutoo Paul Bukhota , M.Masaba J.Peter , Okibure Ambrose , Katuramu Richard
Published: March 2024

Background
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the most common complications of Diabetes Mellitus (DM). DM contributes to about 66% of CKD cases globally. CKiiiD results in increased morbidity and mortality and advanced stages often require renal replacement therapy that is unaffordable for the majority of the patients. Developing countries have scanty data regarding CKD burden in diabetic patients.
OBJECTIVES
This study aimed at determining the prevalence of biomarkers for CKD and associated factors among diabetic patients attending the adult diabetic clinic of Mbale Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH).
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted at the adult diabetic clinic of Mbale Regional Referral Hospital in Eastern Uganda. 374 adult diabetic patients who consented, were recruited and interviewed. A urine sample for Urine Albumin Creatinine Ratio (UACR) determination and a venous blood sample for measurement of serum creatinine were obtained from each participant. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was determined using the CKD-EPI equation and CKD was staged according to the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) systems.
Results
A total of 318 (85%) participants had an eGFR of ≤ 60mls/min/1.72m², significant proteinuria, or both. 6.1% were aware. Age, Duration of DM, Hypertension, and Dyslipidemia were associated with CKD biomarkers.
Conclusion
There is a high prevalence of biomarkers for CKD among DM patients, the majority of them being undiagnosed. Over half of the DM patients had an eGFR consistent with advanced CKD. Strengthening routine screening for CKD biomarkers and enhancing the DM clinics with more diagnostic resources is recommended.
Anatomical Study of Single Incision Posterior Contralateral C7 Nerve Transfer Through Subdural Pathway
Authors: Yao Long , Yan Zhengcun , Wang Xiaodong , Gu Jiaxiang , Liu Hongjun , Zhang Hengzhu
Published: March 2024

Purpose Simulate the surgical process of contralateral C7 nerve transfer through a single incision spinal canal through the subdural pathway through autopsy, and explore the feasibility of this technique.
Methods Four fresh frozen cadaver specimens were used for the study.Operate under a neuroendoscope and microscope to observe and measure the length of the root filaments within the dura mater of the C7 nerve and the length of the C7 nerve from the dura mater to the nerve fusion site.Separate the C7 nerve and simulate a single incision spinal canal through the subdural pathway for contralateral C7 nerve transfer surgery.
Results When the C7 nerve comes out of the dura mater, the anterior root and the posterior root run separately. The C7 nerve has a filiform structure, arranged symmetrically left and right. The root filaments are attached to the connective tissue under the soft membrane, and the length of the root filaments is gradually shortened from top to bottom. Simulated surgery showed that all four specimens completed simulated surgery with the aid of neuroendoscopy and microscopy.
Conclusion From an anatomical perspective, it is feasible to anastomose the healthy C7 nerve with the affected root filament in the dorsal bundle of the spinal cord after being cut off under the dura mater, providing theoretical and clinical basis for the feasibility of the contralateral C7 nerve intraspinal transfer surgery.
First Czech record of the Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) and a climatic prediction of its spread in the Czech Republic
Authors: Walter Jan , Görner Tomáš , Šulda Luděk , Bureš Jan , Myslík Zdeněk , Milička Radek , Bartoňová Alena Sucháčková , Beneš Jiří , Biemann Ondřej , Brus Jan
Published: March 2024

The Asian or yellow-legged hornet Vespa velutina nigrithorax has been accidentally introduced into several European countries. This invasive species has an impact on entomofauna, mainly apiculture, and plant biodiversity through reduction of pollinators. We present the first record of the species in the Czech Republic, notes associated with this record, its COI barcode, and modelled potential distribution. A specimen of Vespa velutina nigrithorax was recorded in October 2023 in Pilsen city (West Bohemia, Czech Republic). The nest was traced by observing released individuals, detected on Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), and removed. The nest comprised 361 workers, 459 males, five queens, and larval and pupal stages. The COI barcode confirmed the European origin of this nest. The species either followed natural routes from Bavaria (Germany) or was introduced by transportation. A species distribution model (Maxent) trained on European distribution showed that the western Czech Republic is more suitable for the species than its eastern parts, as the species likely prefers lower continentality. Recently, this record represented an isolated occurrence in the Czech Republic; however further expansion of this invasive species is expected.
Exploring the interactions between mitochondria-related genes and the immune microenvironment in sepsis: a bioinformatics study
Authors: Li Haibo , Ma Wanli , Liu Xinyi , Song Jiannan , yu Ran , Hou Lina , Guo Ying , Wu Jiannan , Shi Baolan , Zhou Qi , Zhao Meiqi , Zhang Xizhe
Published: March 2024

In this study, we utilized bioinformatics to investigate the intricate interplay between mitochondria-related genes and the immune microenvironment in sepsis, a life-threatening condition with complex pathophysiology. Through analysis of mRNA expression profiles from NCBI GEO, we identified 49 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with mitochondria (MitoDEGs) by intersecting them with mitochondrial lineage genes. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Gene and Genome Encyclopedia (KEGG) pathway analyses were conducted to elucidate the functional roles of MitoDEGs in sepsis. A protein‒protein interaction (PPI) network highlighted 10 central MitoDEGs as hub genes crucial in sepsis. Furthermore, utilizing NetworkAnalyst, we predicted transcription factors and constructed a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network to unveil potential interactions of MitoDEGs with miRNAs and lncRNAs. Notably, our study revealed alterations in immune cell infiltration within the sepsis microenvironment, with Spearman analysis demonstrating significant correlations between hub MitoDEGs and specific immune cell subsets. These comprehensive findings shed light on the crosstalk between mitochondrial function and immune responses in sepsis, offering novel insights for the identification of therapeutic targets in the management of this critical condition.
Predicting Survival of Heart Failure Patients Using the Cox Proportional Hazards Model
Authors: Jackson Mulumba , Atuhaire Leonard , Nsimbe Dick
Published: March 2024

Background: Cardiovascular diseases kill approximately 17 million people globally every year, and they mainly exhibit as myocardial infarctions and heart failures. The main purpose of this study was to predict the survival of heart failure patients using the Cox Proportional Hazards Model.
Method: In this paper, we analyze a dataset of 299 patients with heart failure collected in 2015, of whom 105 were women and 194 were men aged between 40 and 95 years old. With the support of the RStudio statistical Programme, the Cox Proportional Hazards Model was estimated to determine the survival of heart failure patients.
Results: Each additional year of patient age increases the hazard (HR = 1.0446; p-value = 8.41e-07). As a result, survival decreases as the age of the heart patient increases. Most importantly, heart failure patients with hypertension (high blood pressure) had a worse survival than patients without hypertension (HR = 1.5948; p-value = 0.0284). Furthermore, when all other factors were held constant, increased ejection fraction was found to decrease the hazard (HR = 0.9495; p-value = 2.57 e-07) and improve survival, whereas increased creatinine was found to increase the hazard (HR = 1.4167; p-value = 1.05 e-07), hence reducing survival.
Conclusions: These findings are expected to underscore the significance of the studied factors in predicting mortality from heart failure in Pakistan. Given the vital role of the heart, predicting heart failure remains a priority for medical practitioners and physicians, highlighting the importance of advancing predictive models for effective management.
Combined anatomical reduction plate for quadrilateral acetabular fractures via a posterior approach: An anatomical–morphological study
Authors: bao chongshuai , yan xuhang , he li , yao qingshuang , chen lin , ao jun
Published: March 2024

Objective: To digitally measure the fixation trajectory of anatomical plates used in the combined reduction of quadrilateral acetabular fractures via the posterior approach, and to develop anatomical plates that align with the characteristics of the pelvis in the Chinese population.
Methods: Pelvic computed tomography (CT) data from 102 adult patients were collected at the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University. This group included 51 males and 51 females, aged between 20–60 years. Using Mimics software (version 21.0), a three-dimensional model of each pelvic data point was reconstructed. The fixation path for the combined reset anatomical steel plate was drawn, where the curves on the fixation path were approximated as arcs. The radius of curvature and length of these curves were measured, and an anatomical steel plate was designed to best fit the pelvic structure.
Results: The combined anatomical reduction plate fixation system for quadrilateral acetabular fractures using a posterior approach consisted of two parts: a locking plate and a reduction plate. The posterior wall region (r2), ischial region (r3), quadrilateral region (r4), and bending region (r5), and the total length of the reduction plate were significantly smaller in females (P<0.05). Similarly, the posterior wall region (R3), distal posterior wall region (R4), and the total length of the locking plate were significantly smaller in females (P<0.05). Additionally, the anterior superior iliac spine side (r1) and the total length of the T-shaped auxiliary plate were significantly smaller in females (P<0.05). The bending angle (<A) was also significantly smaller in females (P<0.05).
Conclusions: The combined reduction anatomical plate designed in this study demonstrated high precision and improved conformity to the anatomical structure of the pelvis. This design reduces the difficulty of plate shaping during surgery, decreases operative time, and facilitates clinical application.
Transcranial motor evoked potentials disappear with pons transection
Authors: Sasaki Ryota , Kim Tae Kyun , Takatani Tsunenori , Park Young-Soo , Nakagawa Ichiro
Published: March 2024

Motor evoked potential (MEP) monitoring by transcranial electrical stimulation (TES) is important for intraoperative motor function assessment in neurosurgery; however, false-negative results sometimes occur, and these findings should be interpreted with caution. Herein, we report an interesting MEP change resulting from a pons transection. The patient was a boy aged 5 years and 2 months. He underwent multiple craniotomies for cerebellar anaplastic ependymoma and right upper- and lower-extremity paraplegia. Therefore, we decided to remove the recurrent lesion from the left anterior pons. MEPs were recorded on both the right and left sides after the start of surgery but disappeared 1 h 30 min after the start of surgery in the TES on the operative side, even when the stimulation intensity was increased. The contralateral TES consistently recorded stable MEPs throughout the surgery. The tumor was completely resected on imaging. Immediately postoperatively, the patient experienced flaccid paralysis on the right side of the body, which recovered to preoperative levels over time. A transcranial MEP cannot be derived if the corticospinal tract is transected at the pons. Transcranial MEP findings may accurately reflect the corticospinal tract function if the injury is caudal to the pons.
Channel Access in Multi-rate Wireless LANs: A Peak Age of Information Perspective
Authors: Erdem Umut Utku , Karasan Ezhan , Akar Nail
Published: March 2024

In this study, we comparatively assess several channel access mechanisms for information sources that transmit age-sensitive status update packets over multi-rate IEEE 802.11 wireless LANs. For conventional data traffic, the legacy channel access mechanism imposed by the Distributed Coordination Function (DCF) allows sources to access the channel equally and this leads to a throughput-fair bandwidth allocation which is known to give rise to the performance anomaly problem. To mitigate this anomaly, airtime-fair channel access methods have been proposed. Recently, status update systems have attracted the attention of researchers for which information freshness metrics derived from Age of Information (AoI) or Peak AoI (PAoI) have been shown to be more effective instead of conventional performance metrics such as throughput, delay, or loss. In this paper, we propose a novel channel access mechanism for age-sensitive traffic, called System PAoI-based Channel Access (SPCA), which is devised to reduce the mean PAoI averaged over all the contending sources, termed as the system PAoI.We show through simulations that SPCA effectively reduces system PAoI compared to existing throughput-fair and airtime-fair channel access mechanisms.
RNF113A as a poor prognostic factor promotes metastasis and invasion of CC through miR197/PRP19/P38MAPK signaling pathway
Authors: Zhang Qingwei , Song Jiayu , Sun Mingzhen , Xu Tenghan , Li Suhong , Fu Xiuhong , Yin Rutie
Published: March 2024

It has been demonstrated that aberrant expression of RNF113A plays a significant role in multiple diseases, including X-linked trichothiodystrophy syndrome, hepatocellular carcinoma, and esophageal cancer. However, the functional role of RNF113A in cervical cancer (CC) remains unclear. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the role of RNF113A in the development and prognosis of CC. For this purpose, sixty cases were included in the follow-up study. It was found that RNF113A protein was significantly up-regulated in CC tissues than in paired paracancerous tissues, and a high RNF113A expression was closely related to malignant phenotypes (differentiation degree, FIGO stage, depth of invasion, and lymph node metastasis). Meanwhile, RNF113A was found to be an independent risk factor affecting patients' prognosis, and those with high expression had a short survival period. To investigate the cause and mechanism of poor prognosis caused by RNF113A, functional studies were performed in vitro and in vivo by cell transfection, scratch wound healing assay, transwell assay, flow cytometry analysis, and tumor transplantation in nude mice. Interestingly, the results showed that RNF113A promoted migration and invasion and inhibited the apoptosis of CC cells contributing to poor prognosis. Mechanistically, RNF113A regulated the progression and prognosis of CC through the miR197/Prp19/p38Mark signaling pathway. Overall, our findings highlight the potential clinical implications of RNF113A as a poor prognostic factor in CC.
Investigating the impact of causal attributions on anorexia nervosa stigma in Ireland
Authors: Forde Rebecca , O'Shea Helen
Published: March 2024

Background
Stigmatisation of eating disorders can have debilitating consequences for sufferers, such as reduced help-seeking and physical and mental deterioration. Dispositional attribution of blame appears to be central to this stigmatisation. However, it remains unclear as to whether precise aspects of blame, such as control over and responsibility for the disorder, specifically contribute to these negative dispositional attributions. So, the current study sought to explore casual attribution patterns towards individuals with AN among the Irish adult public and investigate the associated impact of these attributions on stigmatising attitudes towards AN sufferers.
Methods
One-hundred and forty-seven participants (M = 36.63 years; SD = 14.46; 119 female) completed an online survey where they were initially randomly assigned to read either a blameworthy (n = 62) or unblameworthy (n = 85) vignette describing a fictional character with AN. Following this, participants completed two self-report inventories (Causal Attribution Scale and Eating Disorder Stigma Scale) measuring their causal attributions and stigma levels regarding the character. Mann-Whitney U tests and linear regression were completed to evaluate attitudinal differences across groups.
Results
Participants in the blameworthy condition significantly attributed more control over their illness to the AN character and held greater mean levels of stigma than participants in the unblameworthy condition. No significant differences were found between conditions for attributions of responsibility and blame. Finally, total causal attribution scores significantly predicted total stigma scores.
Conclusion
The findings indicate that stigma towards those with AN can result from negative attitudes where AN sufferers are viewed as being in control of their condition. Erroneous attribution of dispositional control can influence interpretations of the cause of AN and trigger inappropriate behavioural responses such as stigmatisation, which can have serious consequences for help-seeking in those with AN. Responsibility-based and broader blame-based dispositional attributions less influence stigmatisation.
A Hollow-Core Anti-Resonant Fiber with Ultralow Loss and Fourfold Semi-Tube Design
Authors: zhao xingtao , Cheng Yufeng , li juncheng , Han Ying
Published: March 2024

A novel hollow-core anti-resonant fiber with negative curvature fourfold semi-tube (NCFST-ARF) is proposed. It has the advantages of simple structure and fourfold rotational symmetry. The confinement loss of NCFST-ARF is less than 0.03 dB/km in the wavelength range of 1.3–1.7 µm and only 0.0165 dB/km at 1.55 µm. Meanwhile, the ratio between minimum higher-order mode loss (Min HOM loss) and fundamental mode loss (FM loss) can reach 41000, which shows excellent single-mode operation. Moreover, the effect of the ellipticity of anti-resonance element on confinement loss is analyzed in detail. Our numerical study shows the ellipticity of inner tube has little effect on the transmission loss and single-mode characteristics of the fibers. In the analysis of manufacturing tolerances, the influence of wall thickness of the suspended glass layer and the deformation of inner tube on fiber properties is also discussed.
Comparative on clinical outcomes and safety of accurate anterior cervical ossified posterior longitudinal ligament en bloc resection versus piecemeal resection in patients with ossification of the cervical posterior longitudinal ligament – a propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Chen Kefu , Zhang Hao , Lu Yiwei , Zhang Jian , Liu Xiaodong , Jia Lianshun , Dong Xingcheng , Chen Xiongsheng
Published: March 2024

INTRDUCTION: The anterior approach to cervical ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) excision may improve long-term neurofunctional recovery by providing direct spinal cord decompression. The objective was to compare the clinical outcomes and complications between accurate anterior cervical ossified posterior longitudinal ligament en bloc resection (ACOE) vs. piecemeal resection (ACOP).
METHODS: A total 189 OPLL patients who underwent anterior cervical surgery were included in this study. The mean age of participants was 54.85 years (65 females): 105 patients (39 females, mean age was 55.69 years) underwent ACOE, and 84 patients (26 females, mean age was 53.80 years) underwent ACOP. And a total of 70 patients with a canal occupying ratio (COR) ≥ 50% were included in the study. Data were stratified by COR with 50%. Clinical outcomes were compared between the ACOE and ACOP groups with at least 27 months follow-up.
RESULTS: The mean final follow-up JOA score was higher in ACOE group. The JOA recovery rate of patients with COR ≥ 50% was higher in ACOE group. The mean operative time and intraoperative blood loss both were lower in ACOE group. However, postoperative complications were not significantly different between the two groups.
CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that the ACOE technique gained higher JOA recovery rates and better neurological recovery than ACOP for the OPLL patients with COR≥50%. In addition, ACOE offered a shorter operative time and less intraoperative blood loss as compared with ACOP. Therefore, the postoperative complications were not more common between two groups.
A pre-post-test evaluation of a telehealth course for health professions students
Authors: Mariño Rodrigo , Capurro Daniel , Merolli Mark
Published: March 2024

Objectives: This study examined the level of technology proficiency amongst healthcare professions students. Additionally, the study provides an evaluation of the effect of a 7-module telehealth course on the level of adoption and future use of telehealth amongst the future Australian healthcare workforce.
Methods. Students from four health-sciences departments at the University of Melbourne, Australia. participated in the study by completing the course and an online questionnaire. The questionnaire included: 12-items on socio-demographic and Internet utilization; 34-items about acceptance and use of telehealth adapted from the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) questionnaire; and 22-items about confidence in using the Internet and ICT, adapted from Technology Proficiency Self-Assessment Questionnaire for 21st Century Learning (TPSA-C-21).
Results. Twenty-six students participated in this evaluation. Asked about the level of confidence with Internet/ICT, students were confident in their ability to perform the task included in the TPSA-C-21. Compared to baseline, post-test assessments indicated improvements in students’ overall acceptance and use attitudes (p=0.011) and on six of the ten dimensions of the UTAUT2 instrument (p<0.05).
Conclusion: This preliminary evaluation indicated that the telehealth course was successful in improving students’ acceptance and use of health technology. The study identified areas in which further development might be required. As such, the course represents a helpful approach for telehealth training among health professions students. Further evaluation with larger samples is required.
Inhibition of FBP1 expression by KMT5A through TWIST1 methylation is one of the mechanisms leading to chemoresistance in breast cancer
Authors: Peng Xue , Ma Lisi , Chen Xuan , Tang Fen , Zong Xiangyun
Published: March 2024

Purpose: Lysine methyltransferase 5A (KMT5A) is the sole mammalian enzyme known to catalyze the monomethylation of histone H4 lysine 20 and nonhistone proteins such as p53, which are involved in the occurrence and progression of many cancers. Our study aimed to determine the function of KMT5A in inducing docetaxel resistance in patients with breast carcinoma by evaluating glucose metabolism and the underlying mechanism involved.
Methods: We examined the upregulation or downregulation of KMT5A-related proteins after KMT5A knockdown in breast cancer cells by Tandem Mass Tag proteomics. Through differential protein expression and pathway enrichment analysis, the upregulated key gluconeogenic enzyme fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase 1 (FBP1) was found. Loss of FBP1 expression is closely related to the development and prognosis of cancers. A dual-luciferase reporter gene assay confirmed that KMT5A inhibited the expression of FBP1 and that overexpression of FBP1 could enhance the chemotherapeutic sensitivity to docetaxel through the suppression of KMT5A expression. The KMT5A inhibitor UNC0379 was used to verify that docetaxel resistance induced by KMT5A through the inhibition of FBP1 depended on the methylase activity of KMT5A. According to previous literature and interaction network structure, we found that KMT5A acts on the transcription factor TWIST1. Then, we verified that TWSIT1 promoted the expression of FBP1 by using dual-luciferase reporter gene experiments.
Conclusion: KMT5A affects chemotherapy resistance by regulating the cell cycle and positively regulates glycolysis-mediated chemotherapy resistance by inhibiting the transcription of FBP1 in collaboration with TWIST1. KMT5A may be a potential therapeutic target for chemotherapy resistance in breast cancer.
A comprehensive assessment of uranium in groundwater using IDW and EWQI in the Sahibganj district of Jharkhand, India.
Authors: Srivast Mansi , Srivast PK , Kumar Dharmendra , Kumar Ajay
Published: March 2024

The present study deals with the systematic approach for the determination of overall groundwater assessment in the Sahibganj district of Jharkhand. A random sampling method was utilized to collect a total of 40 samples from the sampling points tracked with the help of Garmin GPS. This study includes physicochemical analysis, the presence of heavy metals in water with an exclusive focus on uranium. Hydro-geo-chemistry and various irrigational indices have also been taken into account. The advanced statistical and graphical method including the Pearson Correlation matrix, toxicological effects of uranium with Entropy - weighted WQI was employed for assessing the thorough statistics about the standard of water in the study region. The sampling points have been spatially interpolated via the ArcGIS-Spatial Analyst tool IDW. The results depict that an exceeding concentrations of Ca, Na, Mg, and Al is found in majority of the samples as the region is rich in phyllosilicate and bentonite mineral which has predominantly montmorillonite (MMT) with minor kaolinite and illinite. The hydro-chemical facies reveal that the quality of groundwater ranges between the salty types Ca-Mg-Cl and the fresh HCO3-Ca having rock-dominance in most of the samples having trend pattern K < Na < Ca < Mg and SO4 < CO3 < HCO3 < Cl in cations and anions respectively. Uranium is found within the limit but the highest value is recorded for certain regions of Rajmahal with concentration being as high as 24ppb. EWQI values of the samples lie in the range from excellent–to poor, conveying the fact that the groundwater is permissible for drinking, irrigation, and other purposes.
Death anxiety and death literacy among Turkish adults with chronic illness: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: ÇAKMAK VAHİDE SEMERCİ , SEVEN AHMET , SARI EBRU SÖNMEZ
Published: March 2024

Background This study investigated the levels of death anxiety and death literacy among Turkish adults with chronic illness and the factors affecting death anxiety.
Methods Study was conducted cross-sectional. A sample of 225 Turkish patients with a chronic illness completed the Turkish Death Anxiety Scale (TDAS) and the Death Literacy Index (DLI). Descriptive statistics, pearson correlation, independent samples t test, One-Way ANOVA and multiple linear regression analysis were used to dissect the data.
Results Death anxiety and death literacy levels were close to the average and significantly negatively correlated. The death literacy level and gender of the patients were the factors that most significantly affected death anxiety, and these factors explained 12.8% of the total variance in patients.
Conclusions These results suggest that death literacy level and gender were found to be factors affecting death anxiety of patients. it is thought that the results of the study will guide health professionals who care for patients with chronic diseases for evaluation death anxiety and literacy levels of patients.
Pressure-Tuned Ideal P-Type Schottky Contacts
Authors: Xu Zhiping , Yu Zhaokuan , Huang Xuanyu , Bian Jinbo , He Yuqing , Lu Xin , Zheng Quanshui
Published: March 2024

Contact engineering has been widely exploited in integrated circuits and functional devices for high performance and low power consumption. In this work, we develop an in-situ, reversible, and full-device-scale approach to tunable 2D van der Waals contacts. Ideal p-type Schottky contact free from dangling bonding and Fermi-level pinning are constructed at the structural superlubric graphite-MoS2 interfaces. Electronic tunneling across the interface can then be activated by applying pressure beyond a threshold where a transition in the nature of electronic coupling occurs and further amplified at higher load. A record-high ideality factor approaching 1 and an off-state current of 10-11 A were reported. We showcase a wearless Schottky generator operating at the 2D contact with an optimized exceptional overall efficiency of 50% in converting weak and random external stimuli into electricity. The device reaches a high current density of 31 A/m2 and endures over 120,000 cycles, which can find applications in neuromorphic computing and mechanosensing.
Social Media User Evaluation for Quantum Computing Technology Via Sentiment Analysis
Authors: Assiri Adel , Gumaei Abdu , Mehmood Faisal , Ullah Sami
Published: March 2024

Sentiment analysis is one of the most well-known applications of natural language processing (NLP) techniques used to determine a text's sentiment or emotional tone, such as a sentence, a paragraph, or an entire document. The goal of sentiment analysis is to identify and extract the underlying sentiment expressed by the author, whether positive or negative. Social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Google + are quickly gaining popularity due to the ability for users to share and express their opinions on many subjects, engage in conversation with different organizations, and broadcast messages globally. Sentiment analysis has been extensively studied to track and understand developer comments and views. Quantum software engineering develops software for quantum computers, which use quantum computing to process data. It has gained significant prominence in the field of software technology. Quantum computing may tackle issues that classical computers cannot, advancing cryptography, optimization, and material science. This study aims to explore the social media user review for quantum computing technology innovation in the current era. For this purpose, sentiment analysis applies to social media user reviews for quantum computing technology use. The extracted data is scrubbed through preprocessing techniques. TextBlob, VADER, and supervised learning classification methods have analyzed the sentiments and topics extracted from social media. Results show that quantum users are satisfied with using this soft computing technology and find this experience a successful, positive review for innovative quantum computing technology.
A Reliable Technique for Currency Recognition Using Color and Texture Feature Extraction
Authors: . Snehlata , Saxena Vipin , Singh Ashutosh
Published: March 2024

Currency is the backbone of the Indian economy. Currency fraud is a serious offense that undermines a country’s financial stability. Because there are more counterfeit currencies on the market, India is dealing with a more serious issue. Currency identification has become a significant area of research nowadays. On November 8, 2016, the Indian government agencies announced the end of circulationof every single 500 and 1,000 rupee notes. There was also an introduction of ₹ 500 and ₹ 2,000 new currencies in exchange for demonetized currencies. After demonetization, there are many fake currencies came into the limelight. There are many fake currency detection approaches available as an alternative, but the majority of them are hardware-based and expensive. These security features are then encoded and fed into machine learning algorithms for feature detection and classification. A reliable approach for currency identification is formulated and also presents a framework for currency recognition based on the texture and color features of a currency, which applies to the Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model. The proposed work’s efficacy across various datasets is shown by experimental results, which also show that recognition performance can be achieved with a range of image sizes.
Conserving integration of multibody systems with singular and non-constant mass matrix including quaternion-based rigid body dynamics
Authors: Kinon Philipp L. , Betsch Peter
Published: March 2024

Mechanical systems with singular and/or configuration-dependent mass matrix can pose difficulties to Hamiltonian formulations, which are the standard choice for the design of energy-momentum conserving time integrators. In this work, we derive a structure-preserving time integrator for constrained mechanical systems, based on a mixed variational approach. Livens’ principle (or sometimes called Hamilton-Pontryagin principle) features independent velocity and momentum quantities and circumvents the need to invert the mass matrix. In particular, we take up the description of rigid body rotations using unit quaternions. Using Livens’ principle, a new and comparatively easy approach to the simulation of these problems is presented. The equations of motion are approximated by using (partitioned) midpoint discrete gradients, thus generating a new energy-momentum conserving integration scheme for mechanical systems with singular and/or configuration-dependent mass matrix. The derived method is second-order accurate and algorithmically preserves a generalized energy function as well as the holonomic constraints and momentum maps corresponding to symmetries of the system. We study the numerical performance of the newly devised scheme in representative examples for multibody dynamics and rigid body rotations.
Impact of cemiplimab treatment duration on clinical outcomes in advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Mallardo Domenico , Sparano Francesca , Vitale Maria Grazia , Trojaniello Claudia , Cioli Eleonora , Esposito Assunta , Festino Lucia , Mallardo Mario , Vanella Vito , Facchini Bianca Arianna , Filippi Rosaria , Meinardi Paolo , Ottaviano Margaret , Caracò Corrado , Simeone Ester , Ascierto Paolo Antonio
Published: March 2024

Treatment duration with checkpoint inhibitors must be optimized to prevent unjustified toxicity, but evidence for the management of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma is lacking.
A retrospective study was performed to evaluate the survival of patients with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) who discontinued cemiplimab due to different causes and without progression.
Among 95 patients with CSCC who received cemiplimab, 22 (23%) patients discontinued immunotherapy due to causes other than progression, such as comorbidities, toxicity, complete response or lack of compliance (group that discontinued before censoring [DBC]), then 73 patients had standard treatment scheduled (STS). The overall survival was 25.2 months (95% CI: 8.9–29.4) in STS group and 28.3 months (95% CI: 12.7–28.3) in the DBC group; deaths for all causes were 11/22 (50%) in the DBC group and 34/73 (46.6%) in the STS group (p=0.32). 10/22 (45.4%) subjects died due to CSCC in the DBC after discontinuation and 34/73 (46.6%) in the STS group, and the difference between groups was not significant (p=0.230). Duration of treatment was significantly lower in subjects with stable disease vs those with complete or partial response (16.9, 30.6 and 34.9 months, respectively; p=0.004). Among the 22 STS patients, 12 received cemiplimab for less than 12 months (10 [83%] died) and 10 for at least 12 months (1 [10%] died).
This observational study suggests that immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment in patients with advanced CSCC should be discontinued at least after complete response or after 12 months despite lack of response or progression.
Recognition of High-Grade Invasiveness and Achievement of Gross Total Resection via an Endoscopic Endonasal Transsphenoidal Approach Promise Favorable Outcomes in Growth Hormone Pituitary Adenomas: 16 Years of Experience in a Single Institute
Authors: Chang Ting-Wei , Tseng Chun-Chia , Wang Yu-Chi , Huang Yin-Cheng , Hsu Peng-Wei , Chuang Chi-Cheng , Lee Cheng-Chi
Published: March 2024

Background: Growth hormone (GH)-secreting pituitary tumors produce systemic comorbidities, thus achieving gross total resection (GTR) and biochemical remission are imperative. The aim of this study was to identify predictors affecting resection status and biochemical remission.
Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 54 GH adenoma patients receiving endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach (EETSA). Medical records and magnetic resonance imaging were reviewed for tumor size, volume, resection status, invasion status, and Knosp and Hardy-Wilson grades. We also classified invasion status into high- and low-grade groups. Biochemical remission was defined as an insulin-like growth factor 1 value within sex- and age-adjusted reference or a random GH level < 1.0 ng/mL.
Results: The degrees of horizontal and vertical invasion based on preoperative Knosp and Hardy-Wilson grade were highly associated with intraoperative resection status (p=0.015, 0.014 and 0.017 respectively), but micro- or macroadenoma, tumor size and volume were not. We also found more significant differences between resection status and higher-grade invasion (p=0.006, 0.006 and 0.001, respectively). Knosp, Hardy-Wilson grades and resection status were significantly associated with biochemical remission (p=0.0007, 0.0428, 0.0006 and 0.0012, respectively). Although there was no difference between micro- or macroadenoma, tumor size and volume were statistically significant associated with outcomes (p=0.024, 0.0032, respectively). Similarly, more significant differences between biochemical remission and higher-grade invasion were found (p=0.00005, 0.009 and 0.00001, respectively).
Conclusions: EETSA remains the best treatment option for GH adenomas. Biochemical remission was highly associated with invasion status and the possibility of achieving GTR. Earlier diagnosis and more aggressive resection are key to favorable outcomes.
Longterm outcome of rare functioning pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms
Authors: Sevcik Martina , Albers Max B. , Wiese Dominik , Manoharan Jerena , Rinke Anja , Jesinghaus Moritz , Bartsch Detlef K.
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Rare functional pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (rf-pNENs), such as VIPomas, calcitoninomas and glucagonomas are extremely rare tumors. Thus, their characteristics and long-term prognosis have not yet been well defined.
Methods:Clinicopathological characteristics, including preoperative diagnostics, surgical procedures, other treatments and long-term outcome of patients with rf-pNEN operated in the ENETS Center of Excellence Marburg were retrospectively analyzed.
Results: Between 2002 and 2022, 12 of 216 (5,5%) patients with pNEN had rf-pNEN, including three VIPomas, four glucagonomas and five calcitoninomas. Among these 5 were women and 7 were men with a median age of 60 (range 28-73) years at the time of the first surgery. The tumor was visualized by preoperative imaging in all 12 patients, and six patients had distant metastases at the time of diagnosis. The tumor was located in the pancreatic tail in 9 patients and the median tumor size was 82 (range 12-220) mm. Eleven patients underwent tumor resections (2 robotic, 9 conventional), and 9 of these 11 patients received R0 resections. After a median follow-up of 75 (range 1-247) months, six patients were alive, five of whom had no evidence of disease. All patients who remained disease-free had an initial R0 resection of the primary tumor and no initial liver involvement.
Conclusion: rf-pNENs are a heterogeneous group of tumors with a good long-term prognosis, if detected early and initially radically resected. Long-term survival, however, can be also achieved in patients with metastasized tumors using multimodal treatment.