bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Standoff-Factor Formula for Orthovoltage Radiotherapy Treatments
Authors: Elawadi Abousaleh , AlGendy Reham , AlMohsen Safa , Alqethami Nawal , Mohamed Rehah , Alshanqity Mukhtar
Published: March 2023

Orthovoltage x-rays are useful for the treatment of some superficial cancers and benign conditions. An orthovoltage machine has numerous different applicators (open and closed ended) and energies that require measurements for all different applicator-energy combinations in addition to patient-specific Standoff Factor (SF) measurements, which is arduous and time-consuming. This study aimed to introduce a simple, accurate, and practical method to calculate SF. This factor is usually calculated based on the inverse square law (ISL), which is not an accurate approximation for closed-ended applicators. In this work, we introduced a simple, accurate, and practical method to calculate SF that is valid for both open-ended and closed-ended applicators. Xstrahl 300 therapy unit was used with two sets of Open-ended and Closed-ended applicators with energies up to 300 kVp. The proposed SF empirical formula and ISL were evaluated against the measurements. For open-ended applicators, the maximum Percentage Differences (PD) in calculated SF using the suggested formula and ISL were 2.2% and 3.4% relative to the measurement, respectively. For closed-ended applicators, the maximum PD was 3.2% and -8.1% using the suggested formula and ISL relative to the measurement, respectively. The results demonstrated satisfactory accuracy compared to the measured standoff factor values and superior accuracy when compared to the commonly used ISL method, particularly for closed-ended applicators. The study concluded that SF calculated using the proposed formula was in agreement with measured SF at clinically relevant standoff distances for all energies and applicators combinations. Thus, we recommend using this proposed formula for SF calculations.
The Critical Trigger for Cognitive Penetration: Cognitive Processing Priority over Perceptual Processing
Authors: Liao Jiejie , Yang Yidong , Han Zhili , Mo Lei
Published: March 2023

The visual perception system of humans is susceptible to cognitive influence, which implies the existence of cognitive perception. However, the specifical trigger for cognitive penetration is still a matter of controversy. The current study proposed that the cognitive processing priority over perceptual processing might be critical for inducing cognitive penetration. We tested this hypothesis by manipulating the processing priority between cognition and perception across three experiments where participants were asked to complete a size judging task under different competing conditions between cognition and perception. To sum up, we proved that the cognitive processing priority over perceptual processing is critical for cognitive penetration. This study provided empirical evidence for the critical trigger for cognitive penetration.
Factors affecting vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium colonization of in-hospital patients in different wards
Authors: Wang Yun-Cheng , Wang Lih-Shinn , Chung Hui-Chun , Tsung Cheng Hsieh
Published: March 2023

The prevalence of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE) infection at a medical center in eastern Taiwan rose to 80.6%, exceeding the average prevalence of 55.6% among all medical centers nationwide during the same period. In recent years, the number of cases of VRE infection detected among hospitalized patients has increased annually. However, most of these patients in different wards are asymptomatic carriers. Therefore, restricting active screening to high-risk units will not improve the current situation, and it is necessary to review the risk factors for VRE colonization to provide a reference for future infection control policies. Between 2014 and 2019, there were 3,188 VRE-positive cultures reported at our institution, per the electronic medical records system (EMR). In the medical and surgical wards, patients who received penicillin (odds ratios: 2.84 and 4.16, respectively) and third-generation cephalosporins (odds ratios: 3.17 and 6.19, respectively) were at higher risk of VRE colonization. In intensive care units, the use of carbapenems (odds ratio: 2.08) was the most significant variable. This study demonstrated that the risk factors for VRE colonization differed between wards. Thus, policies should be established according to the attributes of patients in each ward, and active screening tests should be performed according to individual risks, instead of a policy for comprehensive mass screening.
The application value of susceptibility-weighted imaging for neonatal intracranial hemorrhage
Authors: Zhang Siqi , Xu Shuming , Wang Ruirui , Wei Lijuan , Wang Biao , Zhang Yong , Guan Hanzhou , Bai Juan , Li Zhiqiang
Published: March 2023

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the value of susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) for detecting intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH).
Methods: Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and SWI were performed on 900 newborns clinically suspected of brain lesion. The chi-squared test (χ2) was used to compare the detection rates for different hemorrhage sites between conventional MRI and SWI. Term and preterm infants were also compared using the χ2 test.
Results: The detection rate of ICH for SWI was higher than that for conventional MRI (24.0% vs. 19.8%, P < 0.05). Two cases misdiagnosed as ICH by conventional. MRI were confirmed by SWI to have venous malformation. intraventricular, cerebral cortical, cerebellar and subdural/epidural hemorrhage was identified by SWI at a significantly higher rate than by conventional MRI (P < 0.05). In total, 93 cases of punctate white matter lesions (PWML) were diagnosed by conventional MRI, while SWI identified 8 cases complicated with hemorrhage. The number of hemorrhagic lesions in the germinal matrix and intraventricular of premature infants was higher than in full-term infants, while the number of hemorrhagic lesions in the subarachnoid space was lower than in full-term infants (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: This study showed that SWI is superior to conventional MRI for detecting ICH in neonates.
Predicting the need for a cerebrospinal fluid Shunt implantation after spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A challenging task
Authors: Khalaveh Farjad , Zeiser Vitalij , Cho Anna , Schmelzer Sophie , Reinprecht Andrea , Herta Johannes , Roessler Karl , Dorfer Christian
Published: March 2023

OBJECTIVE The development of persistent hydrocephalus in patients after spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is still poorly understood and many variables predicting the need for a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-shunt have been described in the literature with varying results. The aim of this study is to find predictive factors for shunt dependency.
METHODS We performed a retrospective, single-center study of 99 neurosurgically treated patients with spontaneous ICH. Variables, including age, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), location of hemorrhage, acute hydrocephalus and volumetric analysis of IVH, ICH and intraventricular CSF were compared between patients with and without CSF-shunt implantation. Furthermore, receiver operating characteristics (ROC) for ICH, IVH and intraventricular CSF volume parameters were calculated.
RESULTS CSF-shunt implantation was performed significantly more often in patients after thalamic (p=0.03) and cerebellar ICH (p=0.04). Moreover, a lower ratio between the total hemorrhage volume and intraventricular CSF volume (p=0.007), a higher IVH distribution in the third ventricle and an acute hydrocephalus (p<0.001) with an increased intraventricular CSF volume (p<0.001) were associated with shunt dependency. Our ROC model demonstrated a sensitivity of 82% and a specificity of 65% to predict the necessity for a shunt at a cutoff-value of 1.9 with an AUC of 0.835. 
CONCLUSIONS Volumetric analysis of ICH, IVH and intraventricular CSF may improve the prediction of CSF shunt implantation in patients with spontaneous ICH.
Factors contributing to the mental wellbeing of community-dwelling older adults: A qualitative study from the Vancouver West End
Authors: Riadi Indira , Kervin Lucy , Dhillon Sandeep , Hopper Shawna , Aguda Vernie , Cosco Theodore D.
Published: March 2023

Background
For the first time in Canada, the population of people over the age of 65 exceeds those under 15 years old. With the aging of our population, there is a growing urgency to improve the mental wellbeing of the older adult population in Canada. It is important to understand the factors that affect the mental wellbeing of the diverse population of older adults to create interventions or services that will best address their unique needs.
Methods
We conducted semi-structured interviews with older adults from the Downtown West End of Vancouver, a highly diverse neighbourhood with various sub-populations that experience marginalization, to explore factors that contribute to their mental wellbeing. Four main topics were discussed: (a) perceived (self-reported) mental health, (b) contributors to good mental health, (c) access to mental health services, and (d) future mental health interventions.
Results
Our findings generated four overarching themes that contribute to the mental wellbeing of the population: 1) having a sense of stability over personal circumstances, 2) being able to do, 3) positively impacting others, and 4) feeling a sense of belonging.
Conclusion
The themes that were captured in this study can allow community-based and health organisations to build interventions or services that target the mental health concerns of diverse CDOA in Canada and beyond. Additionally, the results can be used to aid future researchers in developing interventions and services that put the mental health needs of older adults at the center of creation and design.
Mastery and demand analysis of auxiliary examination results interpretation by general practitioners
Authors: Liu Juanjuan , Ren Jingjing
Published: March 2023

Background: The interpretation of auxiliary examination results is an important link in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of general practitioners. The purpose of this study was to investigate general practitioners' mastery and demand of auxiliary examination results interpretation.
Methods：A self-designed online questionnaire was conducted among general practitioners. The content includes basic information, the mastery of the interpretation of auxiliary examination results, the demand for the interpretation of auxiliary examination results in clinical work, and the demand for the teaching of auxiliary examination results interpretation.
Results: A total of 400 general practitioners were involved in the survey, with an average age of 35.5±8.9 years, of which 33.75% were male. The top three results of auxiliary examinations with good mastery are ECG (266,66.5%), X-ray (259,64.75%) and Ultrasound Diagnosis (230,57.5%)；Among 400 general practitioners, 397 general practitioners believed that it was necessary to master the interpretation skills of auxiliary examination results, the top three interpretation of auxiliary examination results that the general practitioner thought highly necessary are ECG (322,80.7%), X-ray (308,77.19%) and Ultrasound Diagnosis (289,72.43%). The most desired interpretation of training inspection results order is:ECG (272,68.17%), CT examination(269,67.42%) and Ultrasound Diagnosis (289,72.43%).The most desired further clinical treatment order is:ECG (377,94.25%), CT examination(374,93.5%) and X-ray inspection 374,93.5%).
Conclusions: The interpretation of auxiliary examination results is a necessary skill for general practitioners(GPs) to independently undertake general medical work. We hope to provide reference for the training of general practitioners in the interpretation of auxiliary examination results, help GPs better master interpretation skills of auxiliary examination results, and cultivate more excellent general practitioners for the grassroots.
Impact of Climate Variability on Rice Productivity in Pakistan
Authors: Khan Hikmatyar , Ali Shahid , Gul Farhana
Published: March 2023

Climate change is currently the most significant concern on the planet. This study examined the impacts of climate change on rice yield across rice growing agro-ecological zones in four districts (Swat from zone A, Mansehra from zone B, Mardan from zone C, and D.I. Khan from zone D) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan based on the availability of data regarding rice production and meteorological variables. This study covered 33 years (1986–2018) data. Panel unit root tests of LLC and IPS suggested that all variable included in the model were stationary. Durbin Wu Hausman test favored fixed effect model as compared to random effect model. Diagnosis of fixed effect model results showed that it was plagued with problems of cross-sectional dependency, heteroscedasticity, and autocorrelation. Final findings were estimated using Feasible Generalized Least Squares (FGLS) model to overcome the problems in fixed effect model. Results revealed that area under crop has a positive and significant effect on rice yield. Estimated critical temperature for maximum yield of rice was 34.48 ºC in sowing stages, 35.85 ºC in vegetative stages, and 29.43 ºC in maturity stages and Rainfall in vegetative stages was 152 mm. It is concluded that rice yield showed a decline when temperature and rainfall exceed the critical levels. Government needs to use afforestation and other appropriate measures to keep the temperature from rising in these three zones. Extension department needs to provide information to rice growers for adaptation strategies to climate change.
The Prognostic Study of Mental Stress-induced Myocardial Ischemia in Coronary Revascularization Patients with Depression/Anxiety: Rationale and Design
Authors: Nan Nan , Feng Lei , Dong Wei , Gao Bingyu , Zuo Huijuan , Mi Hongzhi , Wang Gang , Song Xiantao , Zhang Hongjia
Published: March 2023

Background: Mental stress induced-myocardial ischemia (MSIMI) frequently occurs in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), and is even more common in patients with co-occurring CAD and depression/anxiety. MSIMI appears to be a poor prognostic factor for CAD, but existing data on depression/anxiety patients are limited.
Methods: This cohort study will consecutively enroll 360 CAD patients between 2023 and 2025. Included subjects will need to have received coronary revascularization and also have depression and/or anxiety at baseline. Two mental stress tests will be carried out in each patient at 1 month and 1 year timelines after coronary revascularization, using Stroop color word tests. MSIMI will be assessed by 99m-Tc-sestamibi myocardial perfusion imaging. The endothelial function will be assessed by EndoPAT. Furthermore, we will dynamically monitor patients' health and mental conditions every 3 months. The mean follow-up time will be 1 year. The primary endpoint is the major adverse cardiac events, a composite of all-cause death, cardiac death, myocardial infarction, stroke, or unplanned revascularization. Secondary endpoints will include overall health and mental conditions. The reproducibility of mental stress combined with myocardial perfusion for detecting MSIMI and comparisons between coronary stenosis and ischemic segments will also be included.
Conclusions: This cohort study will provide information on MSIMI outcomes in CAD patients who also have comorbid depression/anxiety after revascularization. In addition, understanding the long-term dynamics of MSIMI and the match between coronary stenosis and ischemia will provide insight into MSIMI mechanisms.
Trail Registration: ChiCTR2200055792, 2022.1.20, www.medresman.org.cn;
Post-occupancy Evaluation of New University Campuses In Multi-subject Perspective: A Case Study of Two New Universities in Qingdao, China
Authors: Lyu Zixuan
Published: March 2023

New university campuses are emerging in China as a result of the state's increased focus on higher education and its ardent promotion of the university expansion policy, and as a result, the problems with current university campus planning are becoming more and more obvious while still meeting social development demands. This paper establishes a post-occupancy evaluation system for university campus planning by summarizing the key issues and important aspects of new university campus planning from four dimensions of function, form, economy, and time based on hierarchical analysis. This system is based on the historical development of university campus planning, architectural planning, and post-occupancy evaluation, as well as the results of relevant domestic and foreign research. The composition of various subjects engaged in the planning of the university campus was determined from the viewpoint of several subjects, together with the weight of each subject, and a corresponding questionnaire was created. Then, two typical new university campuses in Qingdao, China, were chosen for research and post-use evaluation on their current planning status for university campuses as well as an analysis of the campus's current state and any issues that may be present.
Epigenetic Conservation Infers That Colorectal Cancer Progenitors Retain The Phenotypic Plasticity Of Normal Colon
Authors: Street Kelly , Siegmund Kimberly , Shibata Darryl
Published: March 2023

Plasticity, or the ability to rapidly and reversibly change phenotypes, may help explain how a single progenitor cell eventually generates a tumor with many different cell phenotypes. We developed a quantitative signal of plasticity that correlates epigenetic gene conservation with single cell expression variability to see if normal colon crypt plasticity is retained during tumorigenesis. The question is whether more variably expressed genes have more, or less epigenetic variation. In normal colon crypts, greater epigenetic conservation was present in more variably expressed genes, consistent with plasticity where the epigenome is conserved and broadly permissive, and expression is determined by the microenvironment and not by epigenetic remodeling. Consistent with retention of this plasticity, more variably expressed genes were even more conserved in 4 adenomas and 17 cancers. Epigenetic configurations permissive for variable gene expression are present at the start of growth. A progenitor that starts with plasticity can readily generate, as needed, progeny with many phenotypes and is poised for rapid growth.
Sitagliptin or Hesperidin Mitivates Cyclosporine-Induced Nephrotoxicity by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis
Authors: Abdel-Reheim Mustafa Ahmed , Makram Sohayla Mahmoud , Shehata Basim Anwar
Published: March 2023

Background and aims: Immunosuppressive medication Cyclosporine A (CsA) is frequently used during organ transplantation. Additionally, rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases have been treated with CsA. But it causes nephrotoxicity. Sitagliptin is a DPP-4 inhibitor that has been approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults. It is very effective. Citrus fruits contain the flavonone hesperidin, which is highly effective in treating a number of cardiovascular disorders. The study's goal was to clarify how sitagliptin or hesperidin prevented CsA's nephrotoxic effects.
Main methods: This study was done on 36 rats. The experimental design was designed into 6 groups that includes Group І (normal control): Rats received vehicle only for 14 days. Group ІІ: Rats injected with a single daily i.p 20 mg/kg/day dosage CsA for the last 7 consecutive days. Group ІІІ: Sitagliptin was administered orally to rats once daily for 14 days at a dose of 10 mg/kg. Group ІV: Rats received both CsA and sitagliptin treatments as previously indicated. Sitagliptin was administered 7 days before and 7 days after CsA that was administrated last 7 days. Group V: For 14 days straight, rats were given a single 200 mg/kg oral dosage of hesperidin formulated in distal water by oral gavage and Group VІ: Rats received both CsA and hesperdin treatments as previously indicated. Blood and kidneys were taken on day 15. In addition to a histological analysis, markers of renal function, oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis were measured.
Results: Interestingly, sitagliptin or hesperidin attenuated CsA-mediated elevations of creatinine, Cystatin-C, glucose, MDA and MPO, while inhibiting CsA-induced decreases in albumin, catalase and GSH. Immunogenic assay of Nrf-2 and BAX and determination of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and western plot analysis among different groups also confirmed the safeguarding impact of sitagliptin or hesperidin on CsA-induced nephrotoxicity. Further confirmation of the reno-protective milieu provided by sitagliptin or hesperidin came from histological investigation.
Conclusion: our findings suggested that sitagliptin or hesperidin treatment along with CsA lowers CsA's nephrotoxicity, possibly acting by inhibiting oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis.
Ferroelectric and negative piezoelectric properties in oxyhydroxide monolayers γ-XOOH (X = Al, Ga, and In)
Authors: Cheng Xuli , Xu Shaowen , Liu Chao , Cui Yaning , Ouyang Wenbin , Jia Fanhao , Wu Wei , Ren Wei
Published: March 2023

Two-dimensional (2D) multiferroic materials with coexisting ferroelasticity (FA) and ferroelectricity (FE) have potential applications in high-density data storage and sonar detectors. Here, based on first-principles calculations, we predict a series of stable 2D FA-FE multiferroic structures, namely γ-XOOH (X = Al, Ga, and In) monolayers. By analyzing the lattice symmetry and orientational distribution of hydroxyls, we find that XOOH monolayers possess both in-plane ferroelastic and ferroelectric polarization, as well as antiferroelectric ordering caused by the anti-parallel alignment of hydroxyls. Interestingly, the perpendicular reorientation of in-plane FE polarization accompanies 90° ferroelastic switching. Besides, they show an unusual negative transverse piezoelectric effect originated from the clamping-ion term. The multiferroic properties of the XOOH monolayers provide an excellent platform to study electroelastic effects.
Novel Metabolic Prognostic Score for Predicting Survival in Patients with Cancer
Authors: Shi Jinyu , Liu Chenan , Xie Hailun , Hu Chunlei , Lin Shiqi , Zheng Xin , Ge Yizhong , Chen Yue , Ruan Guotian , Zhang Heyang , Song Mengmeng , Liu Tong , Zhang Xiaowei , Yang Ming , Liu Xiaoyue , Zhang Qi , Deng Li , Shi Hanping
Published: March 2023

Background:
Cancer is a fatal disease with a high global prevalence and is associated with an increased incidence of metabolic disorders. This study aimed to develop a novel metabolic prognostic system to evaluate the overall metabolic-disorder burden in cancer patients and its relationship with their prognosis.
Methods:
The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analysis was used to screen for indicators of metabolic disorders. Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate the independent association between indicators of metabolic disorders and mortality in patients. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to evaluate the survival of patients with varying burdens of metabolic disorders. Finally, nomogram prognostic models and corresponding calculators were constructed and evaluated using the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC), decision curve analysis (DCA), and calibration curves.
Results:
Five of the 19 hematological indexes, including hemoglobin, neutrophils, direct bilirubin, albumin, and globulin, were selected as the evaluation indicators of metabolic disorder burden and independent risk factors for prognosis in cancer patients. Patients with a higher metabolic disorderburden had poorer survival rates. The AUC of the 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year overall survival of the prognostic nomogram was 0.678, 0.664, and 0.650, respectively. DCA and calibration curves indicated that the clinical benefit rate of metabolic-disorder burden prognostic markers was high.
Conclusions:
Patients with a higher metabolic-disorder burden had poorer survival rates. The nomogram and corresponding calculator can accurately evaluate the metabolic-disorderburden and predict the prognosis of patients with cancer.
Controlling the magnetic state of the proximate quantum spin liquid α-RuCl3 with an optical cavity
Authors: Boström Emil Vinas , Sri Adithya , Claassen Martin , Rubio Angel
Published: March 2023

Harnessing the enhanced light-matter coupling and quantum vacuum fluctuations resulting from mode volume compression in optical cavities is a promising route towards functionalizing quantum materials and realizing exotic states of matter. Here, we extend cavity quantum electrodynamical materials engineering to correlated magnetic systems, by demonstrating that a Fabry-Perot cavity can be used to control the magnetic state of the proximate quantum spin liquid α-RuCl3. Depending on specific cavity properties such as the mode frequency, photon occupation, and strength of the light-matter coupling, any of the magnetic phases supported by the extended Kitaev model can be stabilized. In particular, in the THz regime, we show that the cavity vacuum fluctuations alone are sufficient to bring α-RuCl3 from a zigzag antiferromagnetic to a ferromagnetic state. By external pumping of the cavity in the few photon limit, it is further possible to push the system into the antiferromagnetic Kitaev quantum spin liquid state.
Observational study on the application of remazolam toluenesulfonate and propofol in abortion
Authors: WU Xiaowen , HU Nianci , LIU Weihua , Yang Jingwen , LIN JIN
Published: March 2023

Background
Anesthetic effects of remazolam and propofol have never been compared in induced abortion. This study aimed to compare their safety and efficacy.
Methods
Sixty-two patients who underwent painless abortion in our hospital were randomly divided into two equal groups: remazolam tosylate(0.26 mg/kg; 1.3 ED50) + fentanyl ( 1 μg/kg) (RF group) or intravenous propofol(2 mg/kg) + fentanyl ( 1 μg/kg) (PF group). Additional rescue sedation with propofol ( 1 mg/kg) was administered based on body movement and operation duration. The heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), oxygen saturation, Narcotrend Index, Modified Observer’s Assessment of Alertness/Sedation (MOAA/S) score, awakening time, remedial sedation, and adverse reactions were compared between groups at eight time points:upon operating room entry (T0), 1 min post-fentanyl and post-remifentanil/propofol administration (T1,T2), upon initiation of the operation (T3), 3 and 5 min post-operation (T4,T5), at the end of operation (T6), and upon awakening (T7).
Results
Large circulatory fluctuations were observed in the PF group; the MAP decreased significantly, as did the HR at T0 compared with T4 (P<0.05). Based on the Narcotrend Index values assessed over time, both groups reached clinical sedation, with significantly lower values at T2, T3, and T4 than at T0 (P<0.05). The Narcotrend Index in the PF group was significantly lower than that in the RF group at T2, T3, and T4 (P<0.05). Within each group, the MOAA/S scores were significantly lower at T2 and T3 (P<0.05).
Conclusion
Remazolam tosylate is more efficacious and induces fewer adverse reactions than propofol in painless abortion.
Modelling and predicting fat deposition rates in various South African sheep crosses using ultrasound technology
Authors: Theron Pieter Gert , Brand Tertius Swanepoel , Cloete S.W.P. , Zyl J.H.C van
Published: March 2023

Producers require an accurate predictive tool that can determine the optimal point of slaughter based on fat depth. The modelling of fat deposition with a simple mathematical model could supply in this need. Dohne Merino and Merino ewes were crossed with Dorper, Dormer and Ile de France rams and the crossbred offspring reared under optimal growth circumstances until one year of age. Fat deposition of lambs of both sexes were monitored from 80–360 days using ultrasound and the data subsequently fitted to various equations and evaluated for goodness of fit. A linear fitting of fat depth to age (R2 > 0.77) and live weight (R2 > 0.56) were deemed to provide the best fit. The slope parameters of the equations indicated that ewes deposited fat faster than rams and that Dorper crosses had the highest fat deposition rate. An attempt was also made to model loin muscle growth, but the model fit was adjudged to be unsatisfactory.
Increased Expression of Inflammatory Cytokines in Diseased Cervical Intervertebral Disc is Associated with Discogenic Neck Pain
Authors: kang xinjian , Qian Man , Zhao Dawei , Qin Tao , Liu Mingli , Xu Haiwei , Xu Baoshan
Published: March 2023

Background: Chronic neck pain is frequently encountered in clinical practice, but its etiology is still poorly understood. The degenerative cervical intervertebral disc is the main cause of chronic neck pain reported, accounting for about 16%-41% of all incidents. Inflammation is associated with intervertebral disc degeneration and the occurrence of discogenic low back pain; however, whether inflammation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of discogenic neck pain has not been reported in the literature. The aim of the present study was to explore the relationship between inflammatory cytokines and discogenic neck pain and to elucidate the possible pathogenesis of discogenic neck pain.
Methods: A total of 111 intervertebral disc samples were collected during the present study: 38 samples from the discogenic neck pain group, 41 samples from the symptomatic control group, and 32 samples from the normal control group. The concentration in each sample of NO, IL-1, IL-6 and TNF- α was determined using ELISA and then statistically analyzed as to whether there were significant differences among the three groups.
Results: The expression of inflammatory cytokines in disc samples from patients with severe neck pain was increased in comparison with the disc samples from patients without or with only mild neck pain and fresh cadavers. The differences are statistically significant（P＜0.001). However, the difference of the degree of disc degeneration was not statistically significant between the discogenic neck pain group and symptomatic control group（P＞0.05).
Conclusions: The increased expression of inflammatory cytokines in diseased cervical intervertetral discs may play a key role in the pathogenesis of discogenic neck pain. Although inflammation is involved in intervertebral disc degeneration, there is no linear positive correlation between the concentration of inflammatory cytokines and the degree of disc degeneration.
Biochemical and Molecular Evaluation of Drought Tolerance promising sugarcane (Saccharum spp.)
Authors: Abougabal Ashgan A. , Khalid Ahmed E. , Mehareb Eid M. E. , Haraz Asmaa S. M. , Elfaramawy Asmaa M. M.
Published: March 2023

Background:
(Saccharum. spp L.) Is an economic crop cultivated in the tropical and subtropical zones. Sugarcane crop faces all types of environmental constraints due to its long life cycle period. Among various stresses, drought creates major obstacle to sugarcane production. Sugarcane plant responds to such stress by activating various biochemical and molecular attributes. Therefore, this experiment was undertaken to elucidate a change in biochemical and differential expression profile of genes associated with drought under greenhouse condition by using ten sugarcane genotypes (GT.54 − 9, G.2009-11, K.81113, M.35–157, G.2003-49, G.84 − 47, G.2000-3, G.99–103, G.2004-27 and G.2003-47). Stress was imposed 120 days after planting by three stressed levels of water stress (87.5, 75 and 62.5%) according to Reference evapotranspiration (ET0).
Results:
The obtained results showed significant differences among productivity, biochemical and molecular responses in all genotypes. However, drought tolerant genotypes G.2004-27 and G.2003-47 were found better than others in maintaining an increase in biochemical antioxidant activities and molecular traits that resulted in better recovery and relatively high yield quality.
Conclusion:
The fact that sugarcane crop presents one of the largest and most intricate genomes of the plant kingdom, with diploid numbers ranging from 100 to 130 chromosomes, indicating a high ploidy level, as well as regular aneuploidy events. On the other hand drought stress can produce irreversible alterations that could induce plant death and causes several changes in sugarcane. Because of this complexity, the use of molecular tools represents an attractive approach for improving sugarcane breeding programs. Reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) is a good tool allowing the detection of variations in gene expression, including discreetly transcribed genes.
Crop Monitoring and Biomass Estimation Based on Downscaled Remote Sensing Data in AquaCrop model (Case Study: Qazvin plain, Iran)
Authors: Bahmanabadi Bahare , Kaviani Abbass , Etedali Hadi Ramezani
Published: March 2023

In order to ensure food security, it is necessary to be noticed of crop conditions before harvest time. In this study, the fusion of satellite images was considered to monitor the fodder corn growth trend in three study areas. This research was carried out in three parts: remote sensing, crop modeling, and creating a connection between these two parts. In the remote sensing phase, after implementing the downscaling algorithm and producing the LAI time series, results were compared with the values estimated from Landsat 8 and MODIS images, which were overestimated in all cases and also showed a high correlation of 95%. In the crop modeling section, AquaCrop model was first calibrated and implemented in each growth stage based on the measured observation data in each field, the accuracy of the simulated model was checked, according to the results of the Statistical indicators. The model was calibrated with high accuracy (NRMSE=10% and RMSE=0.03 (ton/ha)) at a significant level of 95% and was associated with underestimation. To relay on 70% of data relationship between the downscaled LAI and the calibrated CC (Crop Canopy) was estimated, using the SVM decision support algorithm and then validated by the other 30% remaining data (R2=0.99, NRMSE=0.01). Consequently, CC was predicted. Finally, biomass values ​​were compared with the observed biomass values. According to the results of statistical indicators (RMSE=0.19 (Ton/ha), NRMSE=0.01, R2=0.96), the accuracy in biomass estimation was high, and there was a high correlation between observed and remote sensing biomass values. Therefore, the accuracy of the investigated model and method is reliable based on statistical results and can be used to simulate and estimate biomass before harvesting.
Effect of metformin on the prognosis of chemoradiotherapy cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and cohort studies
Authors: Wang Da , Zhao Penglai , Dong Xiaohua , Ma Haizhong , Yu Miao , Yang Kehu , Cai Hui
Published: March 2023

Background
Metformin is a well-known drug used in the treatment of type-2 diabetes; nevertheless, the efficacy of metformin as an adjuvant in cancer therapy is still up for debate. We analyzed data from randomized trials and cohort studies to assess metformin's potential in chemoradiotherapy for cancer patients.
Method
A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library was conducted up to December 01, 2022; 16 randomized trials and 29 cohort studies were identified. The primary outcome was OS, followed by PFS. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were created using random-effects meta-analysis models. Meta-regression and subgroup analysis were used to investigate heterogeneity. Publication bias assessment was performed.
Result
Metformin usage was mainly shown to be substantially linked to OS (HR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.80–0.97). Subgroup analysis revealed that diabetic individuals on metformin had a substantially decreased risk of mortality when grouped by whether the study population was diabetic or not (HR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.50–0.76). Patients receiving just chemotherapy had a longer OS when grouped by radiation status (HR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.63–0.89). Further stratified analysis found that in the diabetic population, metformin improves prognosis in all cases (chemoradiotherapy, HR = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.46–0.88; radiotherapy alone, HR = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.09–0.71). Metformin, on the other hand, enhanced prognosis in patients receiving chemotherapy alone in conjunction with diabetes alone (diabetic, HR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.48–0.77; non-diabetic, HR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.65–1.27; partial diabetes, HR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.68–0.99). Metformin usage and PFS were not significantly correlated in the total study (HR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.81–1.16). Analyses of subgroups failed to reach statistical significance either. Only diabetes had a substantial impact on the combined OS result, according to heterogeneity tests, but the combined PFS outcome was unaffected. In the research, there was no discernible publication bias.
Conclusion
The results of our meta-analysis showed that metformin helped cancer patients with diabetes have a better prognosis, whether they got radiation, chemotherapy, or all three at the same time.
Prenatal exposure to maternal disadvantage-related inflammatory biomarkers: Associations with neonatal white matter connectivity
Authors: Sanders Ashley , Tirado Brian , Seider Nicole , Triplett Regina , Lean Rachel , Neil Jeffrey , Miller J. , Tillman Rebecca , Smyser Tara , Barch Deanna , Luby Joan , Rogers Cynthia , Smyser Christopher , Warner Barbara , Chen Edith , Miller Gregory
Published: March 2023

Prenatal exposure to heightened maternal inflammation has been associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes, including atypical brain maturation and psychiatric illness. In mothers experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage, immune activation can be a product of the chronic stress inherent to such environmental hardship. While growing preclinical and clinical evidence has shown links between altered neonatal brain development and increased inflammatory states in utero, the potential mechanism by which socioeconomic disadvantage differentially impacts neural-immune crosstalk remains unclear. In the current study, we investigated the relationships among socioeconomic disadvantage, gestational inflammation, and neonatal white matter connectivity in 320 mother-infant dyads over-sampled for poverty. We analyzed maternal serum levels of four cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-α) over the course of pregnancy in relation to offspring white matter connectivity and socioeconomic disadvantage. Higher average maternal IL-6 was associated with very low socioeconomic status (SES; INR < 200% poverty line) and lower neonatal corticospinal and uncinate FA and, in most tracts, lower AD. Higher average maternal IL-10 was associated with lower FA but higher RD in corticospinal and inferior cingulum tracts. Family SES moderated the relationship between average maternal TNF-α levels during gestation and neonatal white matter diffusivity, such that the association was significant and positive in the lower-to-higher SES (INR ≥ 200% poverty line) neonates for superior cingulum MD, but significant and negative in the very low SES neonates for inferior cingulum and fornix AD. Taken together, these findings suggest that the relationship between prenatal cytokine exposure and white matter development differs as a function of SES. This raises important public health questions regarding how biological mechanisms diverge depending upon foundational resources in utero.
Comparative effectiveness and safety of five antibiotics in treating MRSA infections: A network meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Yan , Ju Gehang , Su Hong , Huang Ling , Luo Rongyao , Jiang Yueping , Huang Qi
Published: March 2023

A considerable number of researches compared the effectiveness and safety different antibiotics for a disease caused by MRSA. However, comprehensive evaluated antibiotic therapeutic different diseases caused by MRSA is lacking. The network meta-analysis (NMA) comprehensively compared the effectiveness and safety of linezolid, teicoplanin, daptomycin, and tigecycline with vancomycin in treating methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-caused diseases. PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CNKI, and Wan-fang databases were searched for studies until Sep 28, 2021. All eligible randomized controlled trials of five antibiotics were included in the NMA, and their effectiveness and safety were compared in various MRSA-attributed diseases. The dichotomous variables adopted for the odds ratio (OR) and the surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA) to evaluate the incidence rate. The study was performed using Rev Man 5.4 and STATA 16.0 software. SUCRA analysis revealed the superiority of linezolid to other antibiotics in total effectiveness rate (98.9%), microbial killing rate (99.6%), and total nephrotoxicity (17.8%). Regarding safety, the total adverse reaction rate of vancomycin was inferior to teicoplanin (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.30–0.80). Vancomycin total hepatotoxicity was inferior to linezolid (OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.18–0.73) and tigecycline (OR 0.15, 95% CI 0.03–0.66), and it was also inferior to linezolid (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.24–0.47) and teicoplanin (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.18–0.69) in total nephrotoxicity. Linezolid had a higher risk of thrombocytopenia than teicoplanin (OR 4.24, 95% CI 1.26–14.24) and vancomycin (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.17–3.90). Moreover, linezolid exhibited higher effectiveness in pneumonia compared to vancomycin (OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.58–2.69) and teicoplanin (OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.06–2.62). For skin and soft-tissue infections, linezolid showed superior effectiveness to vancomycin (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.20–2.18). Regarding the microbial killing rate, vancomycin was inferior to linezolid in pneumonia (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.29–0.49), skin soft-tissue infection (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.21–0.79), and other infections (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.20–0.83). And teicoplanin was inferior to linezolid in treating pneumonia (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.33–0.81) and other infections (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.18–0.86). The present research suggest that linezolid may be a better option for treating MRSA-caused diseases. However, caution is warranted owing to linezolid-associated thrombocytopenia.
Association of the combination of obstructive sleep apnea risk and sleep duration with ideal cardiovascular health metrics in patients undergoing hemodialysis
Authors: Zhang Hui , Zhang Ziwei , Zhao Yinjiao , Song Peiyu , Chen Xiaoyu , Han Peipei , Ding Wei , Zhang Liming , Yu Chen , Ma Huizhi , Guo Qi
Published: March 2023

Background: The purpose of this study was to explore the separated and combined associations of OSA risk and sleep duration with ideal cardiovascular health metrics in HD patients.
Methods: 470 HD participants (average: 59.48±12.89 y, 281 men) were included in this study. Sleep duration was measured as self-reported average sleep time during the previous month. OSA risk was evaluated by using STOP-BANG questionnaire. Participants were divided the into three groups by the number of ideal CVH metrics: 0-2,3-4, and 5-7. Ordinal logistic regression was performed to model the associations of CVH metrics with sleep duration, OSA risk, and their combined effects by adjusting for certain covariates.
Results: After adjusting for covariates, short sleep duration (< 7h) (OR=0.53; 95% CI [ 0.30, 0.92]) and OSA risk (OR=0.58; 95% CI [0.32, 0.83]) were negative associated with better CVH (ideal vs. intermediate; intermediate vs. poor), respectively. For HD patients with both short sleep duration and OSA risk, the proportional odds of having better CVH were 72% lower (odds ratio 0.28 [95% CI 0.13, 0.60]).
Conclusions: Short sleep duration and OSA risk are separated and combined related to poor CVH in hemodialysis patients. Suitable interventions for sleep may minimize the risk of subsequent cardiovascular disease.
Predicting the outcome of surgically treated patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage: a multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Ye Gengzhao , Huang Shuna , Wu Xiyue , Lin Fuxin
Published: March 2023

Background and Purpose: Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is the deadliest type of stroke, and surgery is still one of the main treatment options for ICH. The aim of this study was to establish a prognostic model for surgically treated ICH patients.
Methods: Data for this study were drawn from a national multicenter observational cohort study (ClinicalTrials identifier NCT03862729). Poor outcome was defined as modified Rankin Scale ≥ 4 at discharge. Overall survival (OS) was defined as the time from surgery to death or last follow-up. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify significant variables associated with poor outcome. Associations of the variables with OS were assessed by Cox proportional hazard regression models. Prognostic scores were developed based on the regression coefficients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) were used to assess the predictive value of the model. Subgroup analyses were performed by splitting centers to assess the applicability of the two models.
Results: Out of 1164 patients in the database, a total of 182 patients who met the inclusion criteria were included in this study. Preoperative Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), deep ICH and presence of intraventricular hemorrhage were independent predictors of poor outcome. Age, preoperative GCS, presence of hydrocephalus and postoperative re-hemorrhage were independently associated with OS. Based on the results, two risk score models were established. The AUC of poor outcome risk (POR) score was 0.850 (95% CI 0.782 - 0.918) and the cut-off value was -0.982. 93.7% of patients identified as high-risk group had poor outcomes. The C-index of overall survival risk (OSR) score was 0.802 (95% CI 0.748-0.856). The Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed significantly (P < 0.001) lower survival probability in the high-risk group. Subgroup analyses showed no significant change in C-index and AUC values between groups.
Conclusions: Our study proposed two new prognostic models for surgically treated ICH patients.
Subunit gating resulting from individual protonation events in Kir2 channels
Authors: Maksaev Grigory , Bründl-Jirout Michael , Stary-Weinzinger Anna , Zangerl-Plessl Eva-Maria , Lee Sun , Nichols Colin
Published: March 2023

Inwardly rectifying potassium (Kir) channels play a critical role in stabilizing the membrane potential, thus controlling numerous physiological phenomena in multiple tissues. Channel conductance is activated by cytoplasmic modulators that open the channel at the 'helix bundle crossing' (HBC), formed by the coming together of the M2 helices from each of the four subunits, at the cytoplasmic end of the transmembrane pore. We introduced a negative charge at the bundle crossing region (G178D) in classical inward rectifier Kir2.2 channel subunits that forces channel opening, allowing pore wetting and free movement of permeant ions between the cytoplasm and the inner cavity. Single-channel recordings reveal a striking pH-dependent subconductance behavior in G178D (or G178E and equivalent Kir2.1[G177E]) mutant channels that reflects individual subunit events. These subconductance levels are well resolved temporally and occur independently, with no evidence of cooperativity. Decreasing cytoplasmic pH shifts the probability towards lower conductance levels, and molecular dynamics simulations show how protonation of Kir2.2[G178D] and, additionally, the rectification controller (D173) pore-lining residues leads to changes in pore solvation, K+ ion occupancy, and ultimately K+ conductance. While subconductance gating has long been discussed, resolution and explanation have been lacking. The present data reveals how individual protonation events change the electrostatic microenvironment of the pore, resulting in distinct, uncoordinated, and relatively long-lasting conductance states, which depend on levels of ion pooling in the pore and the maintenance of pore wetting. Gating and conductance are classically understood as separate processes in ion channels. The remarkable sub-state gating behavior of these channels reveals how intimately connected ‘gating’ and ‘conductance’ are in reality.