bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bit leakage-resistant quantum private magnitude comparison
Authors: Lang Yan-Feng
Published: November 2023

Lots of ready quantum private comparison (QPC) protocols usually only judge whether two users’ data are equal, whereas the quantum private magnitude comparison (QPMC) protocol can compare the magnitude of two numbers, whose results are greater than, equal and less than. It is by announcing a comparison result of two bits in two data that the existent QPMC protocols determine the size relationships of the whole data. Although the announcement leaks no information to outside attackers, yet it alerts two participants to know each other’s value of a certain bit. This is termed as bit leakage in this paper. In order to remedy this shortage, the paper proposes a novel QPMC protocol using a type of Bell state. The protocol is thoroughly analyzed, correct and secure. Also, it proves free of bit leakage. Additionally, because it is easier to implement because of the usage of a type of Bell state, it counts as a better alternative for QPMC.
Quantifying quantum correlations beyond entanglement via robust photon hopping in an optomechanical system
Authors: Lahlou Y. , Maroufi B. , Daoud M.
Published: November 2023

Quantum correlations beyond quantum entanglement represent vital resources in quantum information processing as well as in quantum computation. In fact, both quantum entanglement and quantum correlation are the same when the quantum system is described by pure states. However, this is not exactly the case when general mixed states are considered. In order to clarify this, a simple model has been proposed for the production and quantification of these quantum correlations between two mechanical resonators that are macroscopic in two Fabry–Pérot cavities optomechanical coupled by the photon hopping process. In this model, we analyze and investigate the quantification of the quantum correlation beyond the entanglement between the mechanical modes. We determine the global covariance matrix of the model from which we derive the expression of the entropy of formation ([Formula: see text]) as well as the Gaussian quantum discord ([Formula: see text]), which quantify the amount of quantum entanglement and quantum correlations, respectively. The analysis based on these two quantum correlations quantifiers shows that quantum discord is more appropriate to characterize the quantum correlations between the mechanical modes in an optomechanical quantum system in the presence of robust photon hopping.
Hybrid Model-Based Intrusion Detection in Wireless Sensor Network on the Basis of Risk and Link Quality
Authors: Kagade Ranjeet B. , Vijayaraj N.
Published: November 2023

Nowadays, Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) face more security threats due to the increased service of data transmission at high speed in almost all applications. The security of the network must be ensured by identifying abnormal traffic and current emerging threats. The most promising model for safeguarding the core network from outside attacks is Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS). This work focuses on the introduction of clustering-based intrusion detection in WSN. Initially, clustering takes place, where the nodes are grouped under certain constraints via selecting the optimal Cluster Head (CH). The considered constraints are energy, delay, distance, risk, and link quality. This optimal selection takes place by a new hybrid optimization algorithm termed as Truncate Combined Bald Eagle Optimization (TCBEO) algorithm. The subsequent process is intrusion detection, where a hybrid detection model combining a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) & Bi-directional Gated Recurrent unit (Bi-GRU) is employed, which is trained with features like improved entropy and correlation taking into consideration of constraints like energy and distance, respectively. Eventually, the suggested work’s effectiveness is affirmed against existing techniques using various performance metrics.
Intracellular Dynamics of Human Cardiac Ventricular Myocyte: ORd Model
Authors: Mythri T. G.
Published: November 2023

Human heart is elegantly articulated to mechanically contract in response to electrical excitation. Cardiac electrical activity may be described as a multiscale process from sub-cellular to cellular to tissue level. Ion movement at the cellular level through ion channels results in an action potential that propagates as an electrical wave in tissue. A first-principles-based mathematical description of the cellular-level dynamics of cardiac electrophysiological behavior provides a better understanding of the functioning of the heart.

The mathematical models describing cellular dynamics often involve a coupled system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) with variables including transmembrane voltage, ion concentrations and ion channel gating variables, whose evolution describes activation/inactivation of ion channels. In this study we discuss a mathematical model of the human ventricular myocyte (O’Hara–Rudy model), defined as a system of 41 ODEs, with variables involving membrane voltage, 29 gating variables describing activation of Na[Formula: see text], K[Formula: see text], Ca[Formula: see text] channels, 11 variables describing ion concentrations and Ca[Formula: see text] related flux. Runge–Kutta method with variable order and variable time step was adopted to solve the system numerically. We discuss the action potential (AP) profile of a healthy human ventricular myocyte and corresponding dominant ionic currents. We present a phase plot that describes the change in voltage and its rate as the system evolves over time. The phase plot seems to provide more details of the underlying events than the AP curve.
An ANN-BCMO Approach for Material Distribution Optimization of Bi-Directional Functionally Graded Nanocomposite Plates with Geometrically Nonlinear Behaviors
Authors: Pensupa Paowpat , Le Toan Minh , Rungamornrat Jaroon
Published: November 2023

This study commences with the application of an efficient artificial neural network (ANN)-balancing composite motion optimization (BCMO) approach for finding the optimal material distribution of bi-directional functional graded nanocomposite (FGN) thin plates considering geometrically nonlinear behaviors. To this regard, an ANN-based surrogate model of the high-fidelity isogeometric analysis (IGA) of the geometrically nonlinear Kirchhoff–Love plates based on the Von Kármán nonlinearity theory is first constructed and then employed to predict the values of objectives and constraints required in the BCMO framework. The multi-mesh design approach is utilized to form two separate nonuniform rational B-spline meshes for optimal material distribution and analysis meshes. The unknown control point values of the design mesh are herein selected as the continuous design variables. This allows a possibility to fully explore the complex distribution of optimal material profiles without requiring a significant number of variables. Selected numerical examples with different plate geometries and loading conditions are presented to illustrate the merit features of the proposed approach. Obtained results reveal not only its high accuracy and significant efficiency compared with the conventional approach coupling the BCMO with IGA direct analysis but also the stable ability of the BCMO in finding global optimum material distributions in comparison with two commonly used metaheuristics algorithms, i.e., particle swarm optimization and genetic algorithm.
China-US Relations on the Eve of a Technological, Social and Geopolitical “Unconformity”
Authors: Bitas Basil C.
Published: November 2023

This paper compares the ongoing ascent of AI to a geological unconformity, constituting a potential break or watershed in the continuum of human events, with significant implications for the Sino-US relationship, the geopolitical landscape, and global society as a whole. It touches on some of the constituent technical components underpinning the development of AI capabilities and highlights how the full flowering of AI may irrevocably alter the global chessboard and the notion of control for both the US and China. China and the US may each become bystanders in an increasingly AI-centered world. The paper then discusses the patchwork of regulatory efforts undertaken by various world actors, emphasizing how underlying societal values are likely to lead to disparate outcomes and resulting regulatory confusion. The commentary further underscores how competing development platforms, such as China’s Belt and Road Initiative, the US Indo-Pacific Economic Framework and the G7’s Global Partnership for Infrastructure and Investment are becoming vehicles for engaging in the struggle for global primacy and influence in respect of standards for technology, infrastructure, and global governance, writ large. Finally, the paper portrays the current moment as an unprecedented inflection point in which the US and China and the global community as a whole have a stake. Faced with the “unconformity” likely to be caused by AI, this paper makes a measured plea for targeted and realistic cooperation between the US and China on these issues, outlining a multi-pronged agenda encompassing AI and other pressing geopolitical matters while acknowledging the current obstacles to promoting such a constructive dialogue. The overriding point is that AI may turn out to be a somewhat exogenous, even alien, variable beyond the power of either the US or China to control, and that in such circumstances, realistic steps toward some degree of common or coordinated regulatory control constitute not just a desirable, but also a rational and increasingly necessary approach toward harnessing the power of AI and thereby promoting global welfare.
Treatment of Progressive Cherubism during the Second Dental Transitional Phase with Calcitonin
Authors: Meijer Ethan , van den Berg Henk , Cleven Arjen H. G. , Edelenbos Esther , Schreuder Willem H.
Published: November 2023

Cherubism is an autosomal dominant disease with variable expression. Aggressive forms of untreated cherubism may lead to severe malformation of the maxillofacial skeleton, developing tooth germs and teeth. Scarcely described and empirically applied interventional therapies during active stages of the disease try to limit the damage and deformation caused by progression of expanding intraosseous lesions. The final goal is to minimize the need for corrective surgeries once progressive growth has halted and disease enters its quiescent phase. New insights into the pathophysiology of cherubism hypothesize a potential role for dental development and jaw growth in the (hyper)activation of the disease. Theoretically, this could guide the ideal moment of pharmacological interventions. In this case report, the off-label use of systemic calcitonin treatment is described, stressing particularly the potential importance of its appropriate timing and duration of treatment.
Barriers to Safe Oxygen Therapy and the Effect of the Training on the Knowledge and Performance of ICU Nurses
Authors: Mirzaei Samaneh , Gholinataj Jelodar Mohsen , Rafieian Shahab , Dehghan Farzaneh Sadat , Jaafari Nia Asma , Nasiriani Khadijeh , Neshati Amir
Published: November 2023

Introduction. Proper oxygen therapy is crucial in hospitals, particularly intensive care units, to ensure safety and accuracy. The role of nurses during oxygen therapy is vital, as their knowledge and correct performance significantly impact patients’ clinical conditions. A study was carried out to examine the knowledge and performance of nurses regarding safe oxygen therapy. The study aimed to identify the obstacles hindering safe oxygen therapy and assess the impact of training on the knowledge and performance of intensive care nurses. Methods. This study was conducted among the ICU nurses at Shahid Rahnemoun Teaching Hospital in Yazd, Iran. The study method is a sequential combination of descriptive, qualitative, and educational phases. The first stage involved examining the knowledge and performance of 80 ICU nurses in oxygen therapy. The study employed content analysis to elaborate on participants’ perspectives on safe oxygen therapy challenges and potential solutions. The third phase involved a two‐group study with pre‐ and post‐tests to examine the effect of training on ICU nurses’ knowledge and performance in oxygen therapy. Results. The study found that intervention and control groups had low average scores in knowledge, performance, and total score of oxygen therapy before the study, with no significant difference. There was a significant difference between intervention and control groups one and three months after the intervention in the areas of knowledge (after‐1 month 24.41 vs. 20.29, 95% CI [3.144–5.098], after‐3 month 22.13 vs. 20.24, 95% CI [0.729–3.053]), performance (after‐1 month 21.54 vs. 18.05, 95% CI [2.898–4.073], after‐3 month 19.74 vs. 18.63, 95% CI [0.400–1.824]), and total score of oxygen therapy (after‐1 month 45.95 vs. 38.34, 95% CI [6.288–8.925], after‐3 month 41.87 vs. 38.87, 95% CI [1.394–4.613]). Conclusion. The study’s findings revealed that nurses in ICUs lack the appropriate knowledge and performance in oxygen therapy. A lack of knowledge and correct practice, insufficient monitoring of oxygen therapy, and defects in hospital equipment are contributing factors. The training was found to improve the knowledge and performance of nurses significantly. Consistent training at shorter intervals is suggested for nurses to keep their knowledge current.
Improving the Landslide Susceptibility Prediction Accuracy by Using Genetic Algorithm Optimized Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Zheng Binbin , Wang Jiahe , Feng Tingting , Wang Wensong , Wang Yufei , Yang Yonghao , Wang Guangjin
Published: November 2023

Landslide susceptibility prediction is critical in open pit mines and geotechnical fields. Prediction accuracy is very essential to reduce the risk of slope instability. Traditional statistical learning methods have been widely used in early warning systems, but they cannot thoroughly explore the coupling effect among related factors, which often results in low prediction accuracy. This paper establishes an ensemble learning prediction model optimized by a genetic algorithm (GA) to determine landslide susceptibility more quickly and efficiently. The model is based on 290 sets of slope cases containing height (H), slope angle (α), unit weight (γ), cohesion (c), friction angle (φ), and pore water pressure (ru). Two common algorithms are incorporated into the ensemble learning model: Xgboost and gradient boosting decision tree (GBDT). The area under the curve (AUC) of GA‐GBDT and GA‐Xgboost were found to be 0.928 and 0.933, respectively, both of which could predict landslide susceptibility better. Compared with multiple logistic regression and other machine learning algorithms, both GA‐GBDT and GA‐Xgboost models perform better in terms of accuracy and applicability. The study results demonstrate that the developed optimized machine learning model can accurately predict landslide susceptibility and that the parameters should be optimized on a case‐by‐case basis to achieve more accurate results after building a suitable machine model. The optimization model proposed in this paper can be an effective new method for the intelligent prediction of landslide susceptibility.
Oral Administration of Lactobacillus Inhibits the Permeability of Blood-Brain and Gut Barriers in a Parkinsonism Model
Authors: Nápoles-Medina Angélica Y. , Aguilar-Uscanga Blanca R. , Solís-Pacheco Josué R. , Tejeda-Martínez Aldo R. , Ramírez-Jirano Luis J. , Urmeneta-Ortiz María F. , Chaparro-Huerta Veronica , Flores-Soto Mario E.
Published: November 2023

It has recently been shown that the administration of probiotics can modulate the microbiota-gut-brain axis and may have favorable effects in models of Parkinson’s disease. In this study, we used a hemiparkinsonism model induced by the neurotoxin 6-OHDA to evaluate the efficacy of the administration of a four-week administration of a mixture containing the microorganisms Lactobacillus fermentum LH01, Lactobacillus reuteri LH03, and Lactobacillus plantarum LH05. The hemiparkinsonism model induced an increase in rotations in the apomorphine test, along with a decrease in the latency time to fall in the rotarod test on days 14 and 21 after surgery, respectively. The administration of probiotics was sufficient to improve this condition. The model also showed a decrease in tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity in the striatum and the number of labeled cells in the substantia nigra, both of which were counteracted by the administration of probiotics. The permeability of the blood-brain barrier was increased in the model, but this effect was reversed by the probiotics for both brain regions. The gut barrier was permeated with the model, and this effect was reversed and dropped to lower levels than the control group after the administration of probiotics. Finally, lipid peroxidation showed a pattern of differences similar to that of permeabilities. The inhibition of the permeability of the blood-brain and gut barriers mediated by the administration of probiotics will likely provide protection by downregulating oxidative stress, thus affecting the rotarod test performance.
Absorption and Bioavailability of Novel UltraShear Nanoemulsion of Cannabidiol in Rats
Authors: ElSohly Mahmoud A. , Shahzadi Iram , Gul Waseem
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Cannabidiol (CBD) has several potential benefits and therapeutic uses, especially in pain, inflammation, and anxiety. CBD has high hydrophobicity and very low solubility in water. CBD has also shown exceptionally low oral-gastrointestinal (oral-GI) bioavailability. In this study, we aimed to examine the oral gastrointestinal absorption and subsequent bioavailability of CBD in a nanoemulsion formulation prepared by Pressure BioSciences’ UltraShearTM technology. Methods: CBD nanoemulsion (2%) was provided by Pressure BioSciences, Inc. (South Easton, MA), and CBD pharmacokinetic parameters were evaluated in male Sprague-Dawley rats using LC-MS/MS technology. Results: Bioavailability of orally delivered CBD UltraShear nanoemulsion was calculated to be 18.6% at 6 h and 25.4% at 24 h. While oral-GI bioavailability is unsurprisingly limited by first-pass metabolism, it is nonetheless notable that CBD bioavailability for oral-GI UltraShear nanoemulsion CBD is roughly 3–4x higher than the typical bioavailability for oral-GI CBD delivered in oil solution or conventional edible formats. Conclusion: This study has provided a compelling demonstration of unprecedented speed and efficiency of oral-GI CBD absorption of CBD UltraShear nanoemulsions, achieving 10% of levels achieved for direct IV injection within 30 min and 80% of IV levels in 24 h. Notably, within just the first hour post-administration, the bioavailability of oral CBD from UltraShear nanoemulsion formulation exceeded the typical 6% total CBD oral bioavailability benchmarks reported for CBD edibles and ultimately achieved 3–4X these levels within 6–24 h.
Two Decades of Church Management in the Context of Restitution Processes
Authors: Parks Tereza , Paril Vilem , Mullner Vojtech
Published: November 2023

This study examines the transformation of the economic relations between the state and church in the Czech Republic, focusing on changes since 2012 when a legislative framework for the separation of state and church was accepted. Our article aims to assess the changing financial relations between the church and state by emphasizing future development financial scenarios for churches in the Czech Republic based on two decades of financial data describing transfers from the public sector to the church regarding its current economic value and structure of sources. We confront quantitative results with the qualitative reflection of church representatives for whom this situation is very challenging.
The Civil Society-Military Interface in the Protection of Civilians: the Bangsamoro Case
Authors: Arcala Hall Rosalie
Published: November 2023

The peace process between the Philippine government and the separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front provided breathing space for many communities and opportunities for calibrated civilian protection practices by the military and non-governmental organisations (ngo s). While the principle of non-intervention largely kept the imprint of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (asean) to a minimum, Indonesian and Malaysian brokering enabled the establishment of bridging mechanisms such as ceasefire monitoring committees to moderate the armed violence. A more permissive environment allowed ngo s to deliver humanitarian aid and acquire improved capacities for risk mitigation in the Bangsamoro region, aided in part by a shift in the Philippine military’s approach toward putting a premium on civilian consultation and dialogue. Despite these normative gains, the uptick in horizontal violence among rival clans and the military’s preference for the use of artillery fire as a conflict de-escalation strategy create enduring challenges for civilian protection on the ground.
‘Sensing’ Learners through Presence: Learning Relational Pedagogies for Infants Using Virtual Reality
Authors: White Jayne E. , Novak Rene , Rarere-Briggs Benita , Swit Cara S. , Lukosch Heide
Published: November 2023

Virtual Reality (vr) is widely purported as an effective strategy for learning practical skills across disciplines such as medicine and sport, but it has yet to be fully exploited in relation to education. Learning how to engage pedagogically with students calls for sophisticated and nuanced relational skills, but opportunities to practice these with ‘real’ learners are often hard to access. This is especially so for students who are learning how to enact relational pedagogies with infants in early childhood education settings (ece) through sensing encounters. To address this lacuna, the authors co-designed and trialled a prototype for a vr game scenario that simulated ‘real-life’ presence with a virtual infant to explore its potential for learning relational pedagogies based on observable features of presence. The authors videoed the vr screen as cohorts of ece students and teachers interact with the prototype simulation and/or observed their peers. The authors found that learners quickly became sensorially engaged once they had mastered the technology. Their application and attitudes towards important features of relational pedagogies were keenly evident through these engagements – on and off the screen – with opportunities for future development identified.
Intraoperative intravenous infusion of lidocaine increases total and small vessel densities of sublingual microcirculation: a randomized prospective pilot study
Authors: Grotowska Małgorzata , Gozdzik Waldemar
Published: November 2023

Objective

Multiple organ failure can occur as a result of postoperative complications. Research has indicated that the underlying mechanism of organ dysfunction is a microcirculation disorder. Because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, lidocaine has the potential to improve microvascular blood flow. This study was performed to assess the effect of intraoperative intravenous lidocaine infusion on the microcirculation and determine the incidence of postoperative complications.

Methods

In this prospective randomized double-blind pilot study, 12 patients scheduled for abdominal surgery were randomly allocated to receive an intraoperative infusion of either 1% lidocaine or the same volume of 0.9% sodium chloride solution. The microcirculation was monitored using sidestream dark-field imaging and the vascular occlusion test combined with near-infrared spectroscopy.

Results

Lidocaine significantly increased the total vascular density and small vessel density after 2 hours of infusion, with preservation of 99% to 100% of the capillary perfusion in both groups. No patients developed organ failure.

Conclusions

An increase in vessel density may be beneficial in major abdominal surgeries because it is associated with better tissue perfusion and oxygen delivery. However, this finding requires further investigation in patients with increased surgical risk. Overall, this study indicates that lidocaine has potential to improve microvascular perfusion. Research Registry number: 9549 ( https://www.researchregistry.com/browse-the-registry#home/registrationdetails/650ffd27b3f547002bd7635f/ )
Reforming the Police: Examining the Effect of Message Framing on Police Reform Policy Preferences
Authors: Dunbar Adam , Hanink Peter A.
Published: November 2023

Amid purported bipartisan support for police reform, legislation aimed at addressing racial injustice has been met with public and political resistance. Public opinion research provides minimal insight into this disjuncture. The current study found that while varying the messaging about race and policing did not affect attitudes about police reform, participant attitudes about race and policing were influential. Participants who attributed racial disparities to structural discrimination and unconscious racial biases indicated more support for reform than those who attributed disparities to differential involvement in crime. Conversely, participants who believed that Blacks themselves are to blame for racial disparities due to their greater criminal involvement were less likely to support reforms that address inequities in policing. Overall, this study highlights challenges for policymakers attempting to enact comprehensive police reform.
Optimization of Care Pathways Through Technological, Clinical, Organizational and Social Innovations: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Gartner Jean-Baptiste , Côté André
Published: November 2023

Numerous calls at national and international level are leading some countries to seek to redesign the provision of healthcare and services. Care pathways have the potential to improve outcomes by providing a mechanism to coordinate care and reduce fragmentation and ultimately costs. However, their implementation still shows variable results, resulting in them being considered as complex interventions in complex systems. By mobilizing an emerging approach combining action research and grounded theory methodology, we conducted a pilot project on care pathways. We used a strongly inductive process, to mobilize comparison and continuous theoretical sampling to produce theories. Forty-two interviews were conducted, and participant observations were made throughout the project, including 60 participant observations at meetings, workshops and field observations. The investigators kept logbooks and recorded field notes. Thematic analysis was used with an inductive approach. The present model explains the factors that positively or negatively influence the implementation of innovations in care pathways. The model represents interactions between facilitating factors, favourable conditions for the emergence of innovation adoption, implementation process enablers and challenges or barriers including those related specifically to the local context. What seems to be totally new is the embodiment of the mobilizing shared objective of active patient-partner participation in decision-making, data collection and analysis and solution building. This allows, in our opinion, to transcend professional perspectives for the benefit of patient-oriented results. Finally, the pilot project has created expectations in terms of spread and scaling. Future research on care pathway implementation should go further in the evaluation of the multifactorial impacts and develop a methodological framework of care pathway implementation, as the only existing proposition seems limited. Furthermore, from a social science perspective, it would be interesting to analyse the modes of social valuation of the different actors to understand what allows the transformation of collective action.
Acting crazy: A strategy on the streets of Copenhagen
Authors: Kalkan Hakan
Published: November 2023

US studies of street culture note that acting ‘crazy’ can provide status on the street, but rarely elaborate on this phenomenon. Based on several years of participant observation in the street culture of a disadvantaged part of Copenhagen, this article provides an in-depth analysis of the phenomenon of ‘craziness’. It reveals that it is a nuanced and multifaceted phenomenon and that street actors can strategically act crazy to gain several advantages. It further explains how ‘craziness’ has to be tempered with other amiable characteristics to be beneficial in street culture, and how it can also be advantageous in dealings with state institutions, as well as a disadvantage in mainstream society.
A Whole Food Plant-Based Approach to Ulcerative Colitis; A Case Series
Authors: Marselou Despina , Kassam Shireen
Published: November 2023

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a relapsing and remitting condition that requires continuous treatment to reduce the risk of relapse. Alongside genetic factors, diet and lifestyle factors are heavily implicated in the pathogenesis of the disease, with diets high in meat and ultra-processed foods and low in fibre-rich plant foods thought to be central to the disease process. There is considerable interest in using dietary interventions to prevent, treat and IBD, with the hope that this can limit and, in some cases, even eliminate the use of pharmaceutical interventions. A whole food plant-based diet (WFPBD) is an attractive option given its emphasis on foods that promote gut health and reduce inflammation and the avoidance of foods that are associated with dysbiosis and inflammation. Here we describe 3 case histories of patients with ulcerative colitis and the successful use of a WFPBD for remission induction and maintenance with over 2 years of follow-up.
Sexual health in people with learning or intellectual disabilities
Authors: Woodhead Emily , Hibberd Owen
Published: November 2023

People with a learning disability (LD) or intellectual disability (ID) may be just as likely to be sexually active as their peers, but are less likely to receive appropriate sexual health education. Unfortunately, this is one of the factors contributing to the higher risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), pregnancy and sexual abuse amongst people with an LD/ID. A GP can help to advocate for and support patients with an LD/ID to make informed and safe decisions related to their sexuality. This article, based upon a clinical case scenario, highlights the sexual health education needs of people with an LD/ID, as well as issues around STIs, contraception and safeguarding.
Correlation between AI-based CT organ features and normal lung dose in adjuvant radiotherapy following breast-conserving surgery: a multicenter prospective study
Authors: Ma Li , Yang Yongjing , Ma Jiabao , Mao Li , Li Xiuli , Feng Lingling , Abulimiti Muyasha , Xiang Xiaoyong , Fu Fangmeng , Tan Yutong , Zhang Wenjue , Li Ye-Xiong , Jin Jing , Li Ning
Published: November 2023

Background

Radiation pneumonitis (RP) is one of the common side effects after adjuvant radiotherapy in breast cancer. Irradiation dose to normal lung was related to RP. We aimed to propose an organ features based on deep learning (DL) model and to evaluate the correlation between normal lung dose and organ features.

Methods

Patients with pathology-confirmed invasive breast cancer treated with adjuvant radiotherapy following breast-conserving surgery in four centers were included. From 2019 to 2020, a total of 230 patients from four nationwide centers in China were screened, of whom 208 were enrolled for DL modeling, and 22 patients from another three centers formed the external testing cohort. The subset of the internal testing cohort (n = 42) formed the internal correlation testing cohort for correlation analysis. The outline of the ipsilateral breast was marked with a lead wire before the scanning. Then, a DL model based on the High-Resolution Net was developed to detect the lead wire marker in each slice of the CT images automatically, and an in-house model was applied to segment the ipsilateral lung region. The mean and standard deviation of the distance error, the average precision, and average recall were used to measure the performance of the lead wire marker detection model. Based on these DL model results, we proposed an organ feature, and the Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated between the proposed organ feature and ipsilateral lung volume receiving 20 Gray (Gy) or more (V20).

Results

For the lead wire marker detection model, the mean and standard deviation of the distance error, AP (5 mm) and AR (5 mm) reached 3.415 ± 4.529, 0.860, 0.883, and 4.189 ± 8.390, 0.848, 0.830 in the internal testing cohort and external testing cohort, respectively. The proposed organ feature calculated from the detected marker correlated with ipsilateral lung V20 (Pearson correlation coefficient, 0.542 with p < 0.001 in the internal correlation testing cohort and 0.554 with p = 0.008 in the external testing cohort).

Conclusions

The proposed artificial Intelligence-based CT organ feature was correlated with normal lung dose in adjuvant radiotherapy following breast-conserving surgery in patients with invasive breast cancer.

Trial registration

NCT05609058 (08/11/2022).
To vaccinate or not to vaccinate? The interplay between pro- and against- vaccination reasons
Authors: Caserotti Marta , Girardi Paolo , Sellaro Roberta , Rubaltelli Enrico , Tasso Alessandra , Lotto Lorella , Gavaruzzi Teresa
Published: November 2023

Background

By mid 2023, European countries reached 75% of vaccine coverage for COVID-19 and although vaccination rates are quite high, many people are still hesitant. A plethora of studies have investigated factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, however, insufficient attention has been paid to the reasons why people get vaccinated against COVID-19. Our work aims to investigate the role of reasons in the decision to get vaccinated against COVID-19 in a representative sample of 1,689 adult Italians (March–April 2021) balanced in terms of age, gender, educational level and area of residence.

Methods

Through an online questionnaire, we asked participants to freely report up to three reasons for and against COVID-19 vaccination, and the weight each had in the decision to get vaccinated. We first investigated the role of emotional competence and COVID-19 risk perception in the generation of both reasons using regression models. Next, we studied the role that the different reasons had in the vaccination decision, considering both the intention to vaccinate (using a beta regression model) and the decision made by the participants who already had the opportunity to get vaccinated (using a logistic regression model). Finally, two different classification tree analyses were carried out to characterize profiles with a low or high willingness to get vaccinated or with a low or high probability to accept/book the vaccine.

Results

High emotional competence positively influences the generation of both reasons (ORs > 1.5), whereas high risk perception increases the generation of positive reasons (ORs > 1.4) while decreasing reasons against vaccination (OR = 0.64). As pro-reasons increase, vaccination acceptance increases, while the opposite happens as against-reasons increase (all p < 0.001). One strong reason in favor of vaccines is enough to unbalance the decision toward acceptance of vaccination, even when reasons against it are also present (p < 0.001). Protection and absence of distrust are the reasons that mostly drive willingness to be vaccinated and acceptance of an offered vaccine.

Conclusions

Knowing the reasons that drive people’s decision about such an important choice can suggest new communication insights to reduce possible negative reactions toward vaccination and people's hesitancy. Results are discussed considering results of other national and international studies.
FUT3 facilitates glucose metabolism of lung adenocarcinoma via activation of NF-κB pathway
Authors: Lin Lanlan , Chen Xiaohui , Lin Guofu , Chen Luyang , Xu Yuan , Zeng Yiming
Published: November 2023

Objective

Fucosyltransferases (FUTs) molecules have been identified to be involved in carcinogenesis of malignant tumors. Nevertheless, the biological function of fucosyltransferases-3 (FUT3) in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) malignant phenotype remains unclear. Herein, we investigated the association between FUT3 and LUAD pathological process.

Methods

Immunochemistry, RT-qPCR and western blot assays were conducted to evaluate the expression of FUT3 in LUAD and corresponding adjacent tissues. The prognostic value of FUT3 was assessed via Kaplan‑Meier plotter database. The biological process and potential mechanism of FUT3 in LUAD were conducted via GSEA. Additionally, immunofluorescence and metabolite activity detection were performed to determine the potential role of FUT3 in LUAD glucose metabolism. The active biomarkers associated with NF-κB signaling pathway were detected via western blot. Subcutaneous tumor model was conducted to analyze the effect of FUT3 on tumorigenesis of LUAD.

Results

FUT3 was remarkably upregulated in LUAD tissues compared with adjacent tissues from individuals. FUT3 overexpression may predict poor prognosis of LUAD patients. Knockdown of FUT3 significantly inhibited tumor proliferation, migration and glucometabolic alteration in LUAD cells. Moreover, GSEA demonstrated that elevated FUT3 was positively related to NF-κB signaling pathway. Additionally, in vitro and in vivo assays also indicated that downregulation of FUT3 resulted in the suppression of oncogenesis and glucose metabolism via inactivation of NF-κB pathway.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrated that FUT3 was involved in glucometabolic process and tumorigenesis of LUAD via NF-κB signaling pathway. FUT3 may be an optimal target for diagnosis and treatment of LUAD patients.
Effect of dietary patterns on dental caries among 12–15 years-old adolescents: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Wang Xiangyu , Chen Hao , Hou Ruxia , Yang Tingting , Liu Jiajia , Li Junming , Shi Xiaotong , Zhao Bin , Liu Junyu
Published: November 2023

Background

Several factors can influence the risk of dental caries, among which dietary factors have a significance impact on the occurrence of dental caries. The limitation of current studies is that they only focus on the influence of individual foods on the risk of dental caries. This study use cluster analysis to examine the relationship between dietary patterns and dental caries experience among adolescents aged 12–15.

Methods

Based on data from the first oral epidemic survey in Shanxi Province, a cross-sectional study was conducted among 11,351 adolescents aged 12–15 in Shanxi Province through oral examination and questionnaires. The questionnaire included the intake frequency of seven types of food. Descriptive statistics, cluster analysis, and multinomial logistic regression were used to analyze the association between dietary patterns and dental caries experience.

Results

The prevalence rate of caries was 44.57% and the mean DMFT score was 0.98 ± 1.49 in adolescents aged 12–15 in Shanxi Province. The caries rate was higher in females than males (X2 = 103.59, P < 0.001). Adolescents who grow up in one-child families have a lower caries risk than those who grow up in families with more than one child (OR:0.91; 95%CI:0.84–0.97). The dietary patterns of adolescents aged 12–15 can be divided into eight types, among which refreshments-rich diet (OR:1.47; 95%CI,1.22–1.77) can increase the risk of caries, while the coarse-grains-rich dietery pattern (OR:0.90; 95%CI, 0.79–0.97) has a lower caries risk.

Conclusions

Social determinants of health such as sex, family size and dietary patterns influence the risk of dental caries. Certain dietary patterns could increase or decrease the risk of caries. The government, school canteens and news media should take dietary pattern factors seriously.
A nomogram for predicting the recurrence of small bowel obstruction after gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer
Authors: Yu Wenhao , Zhang Qi , Ali Muhammad , Chen Bangquan , Yang Yapeng , Wang Liuhua , Sun Qiannan , Wang Yong , Wang Daorong
Published: November 2023

Background

This study aimed to create a nomogram for predicting the recurrence of small bowel obstruction (SBO) after gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer (GC) in order to provide better guidance for its diagnosis and treatment.

Methods

A total of 173 patients undergone gastrectomy and developed SBO from January 2015 to October 2022 were admitted into this case–control study. The risk factors of postoperative recurrent SBO were analyzed by univariate and multivariate regression, and a nomogram for predicting the recurrent SBO after gastrectomy was developed using R Studio.

Results

Thirty-nine cases of postoperative recurrent SBO occurred among the 173 GC patients who underwent radical gastrectomy, and the percentage of recurrent SBO was 22.54% (39/173). Age [odds ratio (OR) = 0.938, p = 0.026], WBC count (OR = 1.547, p < 0.001), tumor size (OR = 1.383, p = 0.024), postoperative metastasis (OR = 11.792, p = 0.030), and the interval from gastrectomy to first SBO (OR = 1.057, p < 0.001) were all identified as independent risk factors for postoperative recurrent SBO by logistic regression analysis. The receiver operating characteristic curve, the calibration curve, the model consistency index, and the decision curve analysis showed that the nomogram had good predictive performance.

Conclusion

Based on these factors, we created a nomogram to predict the occurrence of postoperative recurrent SBO. This novel nomogram could serve as a crucial early warning indicator that would guide doctors to make informed decisions while managing patients with gastric cancer.
Advances in immune checkpoint-based immunotherapies for multiple sclerosis: rationale and practice
Authors: Daei Sorkhabi Amin , Komijani Erfan , Sarkesh Aila , Ghaderi Shadbad Pedram , Aghebati-Maleki Ali , Aghebati-Maleki Leili
Published: November 2023

Beyond the encouraging results and broad clinical applicability of immune checkpoint (ICP) inhibitors in cancer therapy, ICP-based immunotherapies in the context of autoimmune disease, particularly multiple sclerosis (MS), have garnered considerable attention and hold great potential for developing effective therapeutic strategies. Given the well-established immunoregulatory role of ICPs in maintaining a balance between stimulatory and inhibitory signaling pathways to promote immune tolerance to self-antigens, a dysregulated expression pattern of ICPs has been observed in a significant proportion of patients with MS and its animal model called experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), which is associated with autoreactivity towards myelin and neurodegeneration. Consequently, there is a rationale for developing immunotherapeutic strategies to induce inhibitory ICPs while suppressing stimulatory ICPs, including engineering immune cells to overexpress ligands for inhibitory ICP receptors, such as program death-1 (PD-1), or designing fusion proteins, namely abatacept, to bind and inhibit the co-stimulatory pathways involved in overactivated T-cell mediated autoimmunity, and other strategies that will be discussed in-depth in the current review.
Fracture risk after intralesional curettage of atypical cartilaginous tumors
Authors: Krebbekx Gitte G. J. , Fris Felix J. , Schaap G. R. , Bramer J. A. M. , Verspoor F. G. M. , Janssen Stein J.
Published: November 2023

Introduction

The need for curettage of atypical cartilaginous tumors (ACT) is under debate. Curretage results in defects that weaken the bone potentially leading to fractures. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively determine postoperative fracture risk after curettage of chondroid tumors, including patient-specific characteristics that could influence fracture risk.

Methods

A total of 297 adult patients who underwent curettage of an ACT followed by phenolisation and augmentation were retrospectively evaluated. Explanatory variables were, sex, age, tumor size, location, augmentation type, and plate fixation. The presence of a postoperative fracture was radiologically diagnosed. Included patients had at least 90 days of follow-up.

Results

A total of 183 females (62%) were included and 114 males (38%), with an overall median follow-up of 3.2 years (IQR 1.6–5.2). Mean diameter of the lesions was 4.5 (SD 2.8) cm. Patients received augmentation with allograft bone (n = 259, 87%), PMMA (n = 11, 3.7%), or did not receive augmentation (n = 27, 9.1%). Overall fracture risk was 6%. Male sex (p = 0.021) and lesion size larger than 3.8 cm (p < 0.010) were risk factors for postoperative fracture.

Interpretation

Curettage of ACT results in an overall fracture risk of 6%, which is increased for males with larger lesions.
Induced membrane technique versus one-stage autografting in management of atrophic nonunion of long bone in the lower limb: clinical and health burden outcomes
Authors: Zhang Hu , Fu Jingshu , Jie Shen , Wang Xiaohua , Wang Shulin , Wu Hongri , Hu Yongjun , Huang Chunji
Published: November 2023

Objective

In this study, we aimed to compare the outcomes of the two-stage induced membrane technique (IMT) and one-stage autografting in the treatment of aseptic atrophic nonunion in lower limb long bones.

Methods

From January 2014 to January 2022, we reviewed all surgically treated long bone nonunion patients, including patients aged 18 years or older with atrophic nonunion, who were either treated with the two-stage induced membrane technique (IMT) or one-stage autografting. Outcome parameters interns of clinical, quality of life and healthcare burden were recorded and retrospectively analysed between the two treatment populations. The follow-up time was at least 1 year.

Results

In total, 103 patients who met the criteria for aseptic atrophic nonunion were enrolled. Among them, 41 (39.8%) patients were treated with two-stage IMT, and 62 (60.2%) patients were treated with one-stage autologous bone grafting. The follow-up time was 12 to 68 months, with an average of 28.4 months. The bone healing rate was comparable in both groups (IMT: 92.7% vs. one-stage grafting: 91.9%, P = 0.089) at 12 months post-operation, and the bone healing Lane–Sandhu score was superior in the IMT group (mean: 8.68 vs. 7.81, P = 0.002). Meanwhile, the SF-12 scores of subjective physical component score (PCS) (mean: 21.36 vs. 49.64, P < 0.01) and mental health component score (MCS) (mean: 24.85 vs. 46.14, P < 0.01) significantly increased in the IMT group, as well as in the one-stage grafting group, and no statistically significant difference was found within groups. However, the total hospital stays (median: 8 days vs. 14 days, P < 0.01) and direct medical healthcare costs (median: ¥30,432 vs. ¥56,327, P < 0.05) were greater in the IMT group, while the complications (nonunion 8, infection 3, material failure 2, and donor site pain 6) were not significantly different between the two groups (17.1% vs. 19.4, P = 0.770).

Conclusion

The data indicate that two-stage method of IMT serves as an alternative method in treating atrophic nonunion; however, it may not be a preferred option, in comprehensive considering patient clinical outcomes and healthcare burden. More evidence-based research is needed to further guide clinical decision-making.