bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between histopathological grading, immunohistochemical markers and prognosis in canine cutaneous mast cell tumor
Authors: Kluthcovsky Lucas Cavalli , Castro Verônica Souza Paiva , Somensi Malena , Rapetti Gabrielle Rosane , Castro Jorge Luiz Costa , Filho Jair Rodini Engracia
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the association between biologic behavior and survival time of dogs with cutaneous mast cell tumor (MCT) with prognostic indicators. This prospective and longitudinal study followed 37 dogs with MCT. We correlated clinical factors (age, gender, time of onset, number of lesions, ulceration, tumor size, lymph node and distant metastasis, recurrence rate, and survival time) with histologic grading, immunohistochemical staining for Ki67 (samples were classified as > 23 or ≤ 23 cells positive cells/5 high-power fields) and tyrosine-protein kinase KIT pattern (cytoplasmic or membranous). The comparison between clinical data and prognostic factors was assessed individually for each variable. Multivariate analysis by logistic regression compared variables to outcome. The survival functions were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. There was a significant correlation between high-grade MCT and occurrence of lymph node and distant metastasis and recurrence (p < 0.05). Recurrence was also correlated with grade II and III MCTs (p = 0.03). Kappa coefficient revealed considerable agreement with significant correlation between Ki67 and KIT (p = 0.03). There was no significant association between Ki67 or KIT pattern and histologic grading or survival time. The mean overall survival time of dogs with high-grade tumors was 279 days and significantly shorter than those with low-grade (406 days) (p = 0.03). This study suggests that two-tier histologic grading is a reliable prognostic factor for dogs with MCT. KIT pattern and Ki67 index may act in association with histologic grade for the screening of these patients.
Association of Milk Consumption with the Incidence of Cholelithiasis Disease in the US Adult Population
Authors: Jia Feng , Ma Yu , Liu Yahui
Published: May 2023

Background: Previous studies support the association of dietary factors with the development of cholelithiasis, but the relationship between milk consumption and the incidence of cholelithiasis has not been reliably studied. Therefore, the aim of our study was to assess the association between milk consumption and the incidence of cholelithiasis in male and female.
Method: We selected 14722 adults (≥18 years old) from National Center for Health Statistics (NHANSE) 2017-2020, and collected general characteristics of patients in the database, such as age, gender, race and body mass index (BMI), as well as dietary information (milk consumption). The occurrence of cholelithiasis was used as the outcome event, and the group was divided into cholelithiasis and non-cholelithiasis groups according to the outcome event. We used logistic regression models in generalized linear model (GLM) functions, controlling for demographic, lifestyle, and dietary factors, to estimate the association between milk intake and the incidence of cholelithiasis in male and female.
Result: In the present study, the overall weighted prevalence of cholelithiasis was 10.96%, with 15.18% and 6.48% prevalence in women and men, respectively. After multivariate adjustment, regular milk intake was associated with a lower incidence of cholelithiasis in female（OR：0.75，95% CI：0.60-0.94, P=0.012）.
Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first prospective study to investigate the association between milk intake and the incidence of gallstone disease; the study suggests that regular milk intake may help reduce the risk of gallstone incidence in both male and female.
Strategies for rapid scale up of laboratory capacity in a public health emergency in a resource-constrained setting: the SARS-CoV-2 Nigeria response experience
Authors: Bello Segun , Adebowale Ayo Stephen , Dairo Magbagbeola David , Bamgboye Eniola Adetola , Salawu Mobolaji Modinat , Afolabi Rotimi Felix , Namale Alice , Kizito Susan , Kabwama Steven Ndugwa , Ndejjo Rawlance , Kiwanuka Suzanne , Wanyenze Rhoda , Fawole Olufunmilayo Ibitola
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Sufficient laboratory capacity is vital to containing infectious diseases outbreaks. This study was conducted to assess SARS-CoV-2 testing performance, the strategies adopted to scale up laboratory testing capacity, and to highlight challenges and lessons learnt in Nigeria’s response to COVID-19 pandemic regarding testing strategies.Methods This cross-sectional descriptive study adopted a mixed method approach including desk reviews and key informant interviews (KIIs). The KIIs were conducted among actors of the COVID-19 response teams in states (SMoH) and the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) in Nigeria. Data extraction tools were populated from the relevant online resources and documents of the FMoH, SMoH and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.Results At the beginning of the pandemic in Nigeria, testing performance was poor, but this improved over time. To manage the demand for testing, Nigeria adopted targeted testing with a focus on symptomatic contacts and alerts, returning travelers from high-risk countries who were symptomatic during the quarantine period, among others groups. Strategies to enhance laboratory capacity and improve the turnaround time for results included leveraging on existing tuberculosis laboratory network or building new laboratories where none existed; decentralization of sample collection and testing; staff health workers repurposing and hiring of volunteers; training and retraining of laboratory personnel; adoption of rapid diagnostic testing; and strengthening public-private partnerships to leverage the private sector testing. From an initial three laboratories with capacity to test for SARS-CoV-2 in February, 2020, the number of laboratories increased to 158 by March, 2022. Although laboratory capacity increased, logistics and supply chain disruption was still a challenge.Conclusion Investment in local manufacturing capacities of laboratory consumables such as RDTs and reagents would promote self-reliance and sustainability for a country as populous as Nigeria.
Arthralgia and joint deformity, rheumatoid arthritis? or nail-patella syndrome?
Authors: Matsumoto Kazuya , Matsumoto Yoshinori , Nawachi Shoichi , Terajima Yuya , Nakadoi Takato , Shidahara Kenta , Hirose Kei , Asano Yosuke , Katayama Yu , Miyawaki Yoshia , Katsuyama Takayuki , Katsuyama Eri , Takano-Narazaki Mariko , Sada Ken-Ei , Wada Jun
Published: May 2023

Background: Nail-patella syndrome (NPS) is a rare autosomal dominant systemic disorder that is characterized by dysplasia of the nails, hypoplasia or aplasia of the patella, dislocation of the elbow and the presence of iliac horns. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder of the joints characterized by inflammatory arthritis and subsequent joint destruction. Of note, NPS and RA share some musculoskeletal symptoms such as swan-neck deformities of the fingers and joint dislocation, and renal and neural involvement is also observed in these diseases. The prevalences of NPS and RA are 1/50000 and 1/100-1/200, respectively, while no case of NPS co-existing with RA has been reported.
Case presentation: Here, we present the first reported case of nail-patella syndrome co-existing with rheumatoid arthritis. A 74-year-old man who had a past history of glaucoma and elbow dislocation was admitted to our hospital due to an 8-month history of arthralgia in bilateral wrists, elbows and fingers. An X-ray showed deformity of bilateral radial heads and joint space narrowing in the right elbow, and magnetic resonance imaging of his hands showed synovitis and erosion in the multiple swollen joints of the wrists and fingers. In addition to these typical features of rheumatoid arthritis, he had bilateral thumb nail dysplasia with mild hypoplasia of bilateral patella and iliac horns as shown by the X-ray. He was diagnosed as having autosomal dominant disorder nail-patella syndrome co-existing with rheumatoid arthritis and he was treated with methotrexate in combination with an oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, leading to induction of remission.
Conclusions: On the basis of their prevalences, the coexistence of nail-patella syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis with overlapped features, including arthralgia, joint deformity and dislocation, glomerulonephritis and neurological abnormality, could be observed in real-world clinical practice. Since the therapeutic strategy for and the prognosis of these diseases are different, appropriate diagnosis based on clinical and radiographic findings is required to improve future prognosis. (314 words)
End-supporter path scheduling for robot-assisted asymmetrical support machining of thin-walled parts with non-equal thickness and closed section
Authors: Cao Xi-Zhao , Song De-Ning , Li Jing-Hua , Ma Jian-Wei , Ma Xin
Published: May 2023

As a typical thin-walled workpiece with non-equal thickness and closed section, the steam turbine blade is easy to be deformed and to chatter in the machining process due to its low stiffness, which seriously affects the final machining quality. One effective way to solve this problem is to support the workpiece using an assisted robot simultaneously with machining. This paper aims at scheduling the path of the end-supporter during support machining, thus coordinating the cutter and the supporter. This is unconventional and significant because: (1) Due to the “non-equal thickness” feature of the thin-walled parts, the supporter path is not the equal-distance offset of the existing cutter path; (2) Due to the “closed section” feature of the thin-walled parts, cyclic cutter-location path is often adopted, which makes the interference among three bodies in terms of the workpiece, the cutter, and the supporter easy to occur. Therefore, to schedule harmonious and interference-free supporter path corresponding to the existing cutter-location path for support machining of the thin-walled parts, this paper proposes an equal chord-tangent angle method for generating the reasonable support path, followed by a spatial-mapping-based optimization method for generating the shortest interference-avoidance path. The support path and the interference-avoidance path formed the integral end-supporter path. Verification test demonstrates that the scheduled supporter path can not only coordinate with the original cutter, but also has no abrupt directional variation or spatial interferences.
Scaling up IL glutamatergic outputs to the amygdala alleviates opioid induced hyperalgesia in male rats
Authors: Cui Lingling , Wang Xixi , Zhu Pengfei , Luo Fang , Li Chenhong
Published: May 2023

Opioids are the frontline analgesics for managing various types of pain. Paradoxically, repeated use of opioid analgesics may cause an exacerbated pain state known as opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH), which hinders effective clinical intervention for sever pain. Although the cellular and molecular mechanisms for OIH have been tested at different level on the pain pathway, little is known about the neural circuits underlying OIH modulation. Previous studies suggest that laterocapsular division of the central nucleus of amygdala (CeLC) is critically involved in the regulation of OIH. The purpose of this study is to clarify the role of the projections from infralimbic medial cortex (IL) to CeLC in OIH modulation. OIH was produced by repeated fentanyl subcutaneous injection in male rats. Immunofluorescence staining revealed that c-Fos-positive neurons were significantly more in the right CeLC in OIH rats than untreated rats. Then, we reported that there were functional projections from glutamate pyramidal neurons in IL to the CeLC and found that IL glutamate release onto CeLC increased after fentanyl administration. However, optogenetic activation of this IL-CeLC circuit prevented OIH by inhibiting the CeLC, while silencing this circuit by chemogenetics exacerbated OIH through activating the CeLC. Combined with the electrophysiology results, the enhanced glutamate release from IL to CeLC was a protective response rather than a reason for OIH generation. We imply that increased glutamate release was a cortical gain of IL to relieve OIH, scaling up IL outputs to CeLC may be an effective neuromodulation strategy to inhibit OIH.
The Electronic Properties of Boron-Doped Germanium Nanocrystals Films
Authors: Shan Dan , Wang Menglong , Sun Daoyuan , Cao Yunqing
Published: May 2023

Boron (B)-doped germanium nanocrystals (Ge NCs) films with various doping concentrations were prepared via the plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) technique followed by a thermal annealing treatment. The electronic properties of B-doped Ge NCs films combined with the microstructural characterization were investigated. It is worthwhile mentioning that the Hall mobilities \({\mu }_{Hall}\) of Ge NCs films were enhanced after B doping and reached to the maximum of 200 cm2∙V− 1, which could be ascribed to the reduction of surface defects states in the B-doped films. It is also important to highlight that the temperature-dependent mobilities \({\mu }_{H}\left(T\right)\) exhibited different temperature dependence trends in the Ge NCs films before and after B doping. A detailed investigation was carried out for the different carrier transport properties in B-doped Ge NCs films and further discussion with emphasis on the scattering mechanisms in the transport process were proposed.
A Retrospective, Clinical Study To Evaluate The IOL Tilt And Decentration Of Two Different Hydrophobic Aspheric Monofocal Intraocular Lenses.
Authors: Goker Yasin Sakir , Ozates Serdar , Koc Mustafa , Ateşoğlu Halil İbrahim
Published: May 2023

Purpose To evaluate the clinical performance of two monofocal aspheric intraocular lenses (IOLs) to determine their position in the capsular bag after the implantation.Methods This retrospective study collates data from the medical records of patients who were diagnosed with cataract, underwent cataract surgery, implanted with two different hydrophobic aspheric monofocal IOL. A total of 6 visit data were considered in the study, out of which four follow-up visits were on day 1, day 7, day 30, and day 180 after the completion of cataract surgery. The investigational variables included IOL tilt and IOL decentration, uncorrected and best corrected visual acuity (UCVA and BCVA), contrast sensitivity, manifest refraction, intraocular pressure, posterior capsule opacification and overall safetyResults A total of 85 subjects’ medical records were screened, out of which 43 subjects’ medical records were enrolled in IOL 1 arm and 42 subjects’ medical records were enrolled in IOL 2 arm. Moreover, 13 (30.23%), and 6 (14.29%) subjects discontinued the study due to lost to follow-up in IOL 1 and IOL 2 arm, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) in vertical and horizontal IOL tilt and decentration results between IOL 1 arm and IOL 2 arm. Within-group analysis using paired t-test, a significant difference (p < 0.05) was seen at all visits from baseline in BCVA for IOL 1 and IOL 2 arms. In the between-group analysis using the ANOVA test, there were no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) at all visits in BCVA between IOL 1 and IOL 2 arms.Conclusion IOL vertical and horizontal tilt and decentration found in the current study are within the limits reported in the literature and in the between-group analysis there were no significant differences in IOL 1 and IOL 2.
Identifying the Secondary Electron Cutoff in Ultraviolet Photoemission Spectra for Work Function Measurements of Non-Ideal Surfaces
Authors: Baddorf Arthur
Published: May 2023

Absolute values of work functions can be determined in ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy (UPS) by measuring the minimum kinetic energy of secondary electrons generated by a known photon energy. However, some samples can produce spectra that are difficult to interpret due to additional intensity below the true secondary electron cutoff. Disordered absorbates add small intensity below the onset for the transition metal surfaces studied, but for WO3-x films multiple onsets appear with comparable intensity. Lower energy onsets are attributed to energy losses after photoelectrons are generated, for WO3-x these may be excitations of surface plasmon resonances. False onsets (in the context of work function measurements) can be minimized by optimizing experimental detection parameters including limiting analyzer acceptance angles and pass energy. True work functions can be identified by examining the onsets as the sample bias is varied.
Characterization of Non-O157 Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli isolates from clinical and environmental sources
Authors: Bahgat Omnia T. , Rizk Dina E. , Kenawy Hany I. , Barwa Rasha F.
Published: May 2023

Background: Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O157 is implicated in serious food and water-borne diseases as hemorrhagic colitis (HC), and the potentially fatal hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). However, new players of non-O157 EHEC have been implicated in serious infections worldwide. This work aims at analyzing serotype and genotypic-based virulence profile of EHEC local isolates.
Methods: A total of 335 samples from various clinical and environmental sources in Egypt. E. coli were isolated and subjected to serotyping. Non-O157 EHEC were subjected to PCR to detect virulence genes, phenotypic examination, phylogenetic typing, and molecular investigation by ERIC typing and MLST to disclose genetic relatedness of isolates. A heat map was used to identify potential associations between the origin of the isolates and their phenotypic and genotypic characteristics.
Results: A total of 105 out of 335 isolates were identified as E. coli. Surprisingly, 49.5% of these isolates were EHEC, where O111, O91, O26 and O55 were the most prevalent serotypes including 38.46% from stool, 21.15% urine, 23.1% cheese, 9.62% meat products, 3.85% from both yogurt and sewage water. Screening 15 different virulence genes revealed that sheA, stx2 and eaeA were the most prevalent with abundance rates of 85%, 75% and 36%, respectively. Fifteen profiles of virulence gene association were identified, where the most abundant one was stx2/sheA(19%) followed by stx2/stx2g/sheA/eae (11.5%). Both stx2/sheA/eae and stx2/stx2g/sheA were equally distributed in 9.6% of total isolates. Phylogenetic typing revealed that pathogenic phylogroups B2 and D were detected among clinical isolates only. Forty-six different patterns were detected by ERIC genotyping. MLST resolved three sequence types of ST70, ST120 and ST394. The heat map showed that 21 isolates were of 70% similarity, 9 groups were of 100% clonality.
Conclusions: The prevalence of non-O157 EHEC pathotype was marginally higher among the environmental isolates compared to the clinical ones. The endemic ST120 was detected in cheese, necessitating crucial measures to prevent the spread of this clone. Clinical EHEC isolates exhibited a higher score and combination of virulence genes compared to environmental isolates, thereby posing a significant public health concern due to limited treatment options.
Tea Consumption and Ovarian Cancer Risk in European and East Asian Population: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Wang Lili , Xing Tongyu , Liu Wei , Zhou Jingjing , Geng Wei , Dai Hongji , Zhao Yanrui , Huang Caiyun , Li Ding , Chen Kexin , Zheng Hong , Li Lian
Published: May 2023

Background
The association between tea consumption and ovarian cancer (OC) risk has been reported in several epidemiology studies. However, the results were inconsistent and the causal relationship remains unclear. To explore the causal relationship between tea consumption and OC risk, we performed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.
Methods
MR analysis was conducted using two published genome wide association studies (GWASs) (25,509 cases and 40,941 controls of European population and 3,238 cases and 4,083 controls of East Asian population) and in house GWAS (2,147 OC cases and 3,179 controls of Chinese population) by inverse variance-weighted, weighted median, and MR-Egger methods. Genetic instruments of 233 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for European population, 382 SNPs for East Asian population, and 172 SNPs for Chinese population were created.
Results
We identified that tea consumption has protective effect against overall OC in European population (OR = 0.95, 95%CI: 0.90–0.99, P = 2.65E-02) and Chinese population (OR = 0.96, 95%CI: 0.92-1.00, P = 3.63E-02). When stratified by histological subtype, we found that tea consumption was significantly associated with the risk of Serous OC in European (OR = 0.92, 95%CI: 0.88–0.98, P = 4.86E-03), East Asian (OR = 0.96, 95%CI: 0.92–0.99, P = 9.87E-03), and Chinese (OR = 0.94, 95%CI: 0.90–0.99, P = 1.69E-02) population. In European population, there was a reduced risk of ovarian tumors of low malignant potential (OR = 0.90, 95%CI: 0.81-1.00, P = 4.59E-02), but an increased risk of Endometrioid OC (OR = 1.14, 95%CI: 1.03–1.27, P = 1.12E-02).
Conclusion
Our study suggested that there might be a causal relationship between tea consumption and OC risk in both European and East Asian populations and also may provide the evidence for cancer prevention and control.
Axial elongation after stopping 0.01% atropine in combined orthokeratology lens with 0.01% atropine: a two-year randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial
Authors: Yu Shiao , Gao Shasha , Sun Guangli , Pang Xuena , Li Xiuhong , Li Binbin , Wang Ming , Ma Nana , Huang Congcong , Fu Aicun
Published: May 2023

To evaluate axial elongation after stopping 0.01% atropine in combined orthokeratology (OK) lens with 0.01% atropine eye drops in schoolchildren with myopia. Sixty children aged 8–12 years with spherical equivalent refraction from -1.00D to -4.00D in both eyes were enrolled in this randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial. Children who had been wearing OK lenses for 2 months were randomly assigned into combination group (combination of OK lens and 0.01% atropine) for 1 year followed by control group (combination of OK lens and placebo) for another 1 year or vice versa. The primary outcome was changes in axial length (AL). Data of right eyes were analyzed. The mean axial elongation difference between combination and control groups was 0.10 mm in the first year (0.10±0.13 mm vs. 0.20±0.15 mm; p =0.01), and 0.09 mm in the second year (0.22±0.10 mm vs. 0.13 ±0.14 mm; p =0.01), respectively. The mean axial elongation difference of two groups in the first year was similar to that in the second year during the cross-over treatment. Changes in AL in control group in the second year was similar to that in the first year. Over two years, the mean axial elongation was 0.32±0.13 mm and 0.33±0.15 mm in the combination first and control first groups, respectively (p=0.80).
Conclusions: In central Mainland China in myopic children, there was no rebound effect after withdrawal 0.01% atropine in the combined OK lens with 0.01% atropine in the two consecutive 1-year observation period.
Trial registration: This trial was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Registration number: ChiCTR2000033904). Registered 16 Jun 2020.
Research on UPQC Harmonic Control Strategy Based on Optimized QPIR Controller of Beetle Antennae Search Algorithm in Microgrid
Authors: Jian Hu , Fuyin NI
Published: May 2023

It is difficult to achieve low-order harmonic tracking control without static difference when PI control is used in unified p-ower quality conditioner (UPQC). What’s more, the traditional PI parameter trial method has the problems such as low accuracy and anti-interference to meet the needs of real time control. Aiming at this issue, this paper proposes a UPQC harmonic control method based on the beetle antennae search (BAS) algorithm to optimize the parameters of quasi-proportional integral resonance (QPIR) controller. The harmonic current is detected by the ip-iq method based on the instantaneous power theory, and the detected signal is input to the QPIR controller. The controller parameters are optimized by the BAS algorithm to improve the dynamic response performance and control accuracy of the UPQC. Then use the MATLAB/Simulink software platform to build UPQC simulation models for PV and wind microgrids. Finally, the simulation comparison is verified between the optimized QPIR controller strategy based on by BAS method and PI control strategy based on neural network algorithm (NNA)respectively. The results show that use QPIR controller optimized through the beetle antennae search (BAS) method is more accurate and resistant to interference. So, the proposed UPQC control strategy has innovation and feasibility, and it can be applied in the practical engineering.
A dynamic online nomogram to predict match outcome in the UEFA Champions League: more than meets the eye
Authors: Zhang Shaoliang , Hu Jianyang , Yi Qing , Deng Ke , Wang Haifeng , Lago Carlos
Published: May 2023

Background Recently, the application of interdisciplinary research methods to sports performance analysis has become a clear trend. These methods can enhance analytical techniques and provide a deeper understanding of the matching outcome.Purpose This study aimed to develop and validate a predictive model to predict match outcomes by transferring an analytical technique common to modern medicine to sports performance analysis. We would like to identify whether interdisciplinary research methods are applicable to predicting match outcomes based on historical data and what factors may affect match outcomesMethods A nomogram was generated based on lasso-logistic regression analysis to identify the potential predictors associated with match outcomes. The predictive model was built based on a nomogram, and its performance was evaluated for discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility.Results The nomogram is an effective tool for predicting match outcomes in elite soccer, owing to its higher overall performance, discrimination, and calibration of the current model. Meanwhile, the current predictive model also highlights that counterattacks, shots on target, long balls, short passes, and fouls are positively associated with match outcomes, whereas crosses and yellow cards are negatively associated with match outcomes in the UEFA champion league. A nomogram with these variables had good predictive accuracy (Brier score: 0.21, calibration slope: 1.05, c-index: 0.84)Conclusion The nomogram model showed a good predictive accuracy and discriminatory ability. The current predictive model also highlighted that counterattacks, shots on target, long balls, short passes, and fouls are positively associated with match outcomes whereas crosses and yellow cards are negatively associated with match outcomes in elite soccer. Therefore, a nomogram may be an effective tool for analyzing soccer matches. More visualization of predicting match outcome can be checked on this website (https://athletic-performance-and-data-science-lab.shinyapps.io/DynNomapp/)
Identification of Co-Expressed Central Genes and Transcription Factors in Acute Myocardial Infarction and Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Li Bo , Zhao Xu , Xie Wanrun , Hong Zhenzhen , Cao Ye , Zhang Yi , Ding Yan
Published: May 2023

Background Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and diabetic nephropathy (DN) are common clinical co-morbidities, but they are challenging to manage and have poor prognoses. There is no research on the bioinformatics mechanisms of comorbidity, and this study aims to investigate such mechanisms.
Methods We downloaded the AMI data (GSE66360) and DN datasets (GSE30528 and GSE30529) from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) platform. The GSE66360 dataset was divided into two parts: the training set and the validation set, and GSE30529 was used as the training set and GSE30528 as the validation set. After identifying the common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in AMI and DN in the training set, gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction were performed. A sub-network graph was constructed by MCODE, and 15 hub genes were screened by the Cytohubba plugin. The screened hub genes were validated, and the 15 screened hub genes were subjected to GO, KEGG, Gene MANIA analysis, and transcription factor (TF) prediction. Finally, we performed TF differential analysis, enrichment analysis, and TF and gene regulatory network construction.
Results A total of 46 genes (43 up-regulated and 3 down-regulated) were identified for subsequent analysis. GO functional analysis emphasized the presence of genes mainly in the vesicle membrane and secretory granule membrane involved in antigen processing and presentation, lipopeptide binding, NAD+ nucleosidase activity, and Toll-like receptor binding. The KEGG pathways analyzed were mainly in the phagosome, neutrophil extracellular trap formation, natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity, apoptosis, Fc gamma R-mediated phagocytosis, and Toll-like receptor signaling pathways. Eight co-expressed hub genes were identified and validated, namely TLR2, FCER1G, CD163, CTSS, CLEC4A, IGSF6, NCF2, and MS4A6A. Three transcription factors were identified and validated in AMI, namely NFKB1, HIF1A, and SPI1.
Conclusions Our study reveals the common pathogenesis of AMI and DN. These common pathways and hub genes may provide new ideas for further mechanistic studies.
The Outcome of the Retrosigmoid approach in the Vestibular Schwannomas decompression, A Retrospective Cohort Study of 60 consecutive cases
Authors: KADRI Hassan , Khoulani . Nour , Abouharb Raed
Published: May 2023

Introduction Vestibular schwannomas are common tumors of the vestibulocochlear nerve, accounting for 75–90% of cerebellopontine angle masses. They typically present as adult-onset hearing loss or tinnitus and can also cause mass effect symptoms. They are usually benign and arise from the vestibular nerve. The aim of this study to revisit again the outcome of the surgical removal of this tumor when it was performed by retro sigmoid approachMaterial and Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 60 patients with vestibular nerve sheath tumors who underwent surgery between 2016 and 2019. The study evaluated age, gender, symptoms, tumor size, surgery period, complications, and mortality. Facial and auditory functions were assessed using approved criteria. MRI was done before and after surgery, and during follow-up. The study followed up with patients for 6 months to 3 years and compared results with international studies.Results In our study, we found that 80% of patients experienced hearing loss, with the majority of cases being progressive. The size of the tumor was found to be the most important prognostic factor for predicting the audiological outcome of surgery. Additionally, facial weakness was evident in 10% of patients preoperatively, and after surgery, 10% of patients had poor to no function of the facial nerve. This was not linked to tumor size but rather to the extent of resection. Tinnitus was found to occur more frequently in patients with larger tumors, while headaches were more common in patients with larger tumors both before and after surgery. Patients generally showed an improvement in balance disorder after surgery, with greater benefit observed in those with larger tumors. In terms of functional recovery, 41.67% of patients regained their previous activity in less than 4 months, while 25% regained their activity between 4–12 months, and 33.33% did not regain their previous activity before surgery. Finally, we observed a low mortality rate of 0.6% in our study, with two out of 60 patients passing away after surgery.Conclusion In summary, a retrospective analysis of 60 vestibular schwannoma cases treated by retrosigmoidal surgery revealed potential complications such as a decline in facial nerve function, tinnitus in larger tumors, and headaches both before and after surgery. However, there was an improvement in balance disorder post-surgery, and the mortality rate was low at 0.06%. In addition, a significant portion of patients were able to regain their professional activity after surgery. These findings highlight the importance of careful consideration of the risks and benefits of this surgery when deciding on the best treatment approach for vestibular schwannoma.
Association between HDL-C and Intensive Blood Pressure Control in Patients with Hypertension: A post-hoc Analysis of SPRINT
Authors: Liu Rufei , Cheng Wenli
Published: May 2023

Background: Previous studies in patients with hypertension have demonstrated that there is a U-shaped association between HDL-C (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) and the risk of cardiovascular events in male patients with hypertension. However, to the best of our knowledge, the relationship between HDL-C and intensive blood pressure control in specific cardiovascular events has never been investigated.
Methods: To fill this knowledge gap, we analyzed the relationship between HDL-C levels and cardiovascular events in hypertensive patients within the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT). The SPRINT evaluated the impact of intensive blood pressure control (systolic blood pressure < 120 mmHg) versus standard blood pressure control (systolic blood pressure < 140 mmHg). The Cox proportional risk regression was used to investigate the association between different HDL-C status and clinical outcomes. Additional stratified analyzes were performed to evaluate the robustness of gender difference.
Results: A total of 9,323 participants (6016 [64.53%] males and 3307 [35.47%] females) with hypertension from the SPRINT research were included in the analysis. The median follow-up period was 3.26 years. Our population was divided into 5 groups based on the HDL-C plasma levels: HDL-C<30mg/dL, HDL-C between 30 and 60 mg/dL, HDL-C between 40 and 60 mg/dL, HDL-C between 60 and 80 mg/dL and HDL-C>80mg/dL. Sensitivity analyzes showed that in the SPRINT, women in the HDL-C high population had a higher risk of mortality from all causes than men.
Conclusions: In this cohort study, results suggest that patients with HDL-C levels higher than 80mg/dL had lower risk of SPRINT primary outcome, cardiovascular death and stroke, but this study tested association, not causation. HDL-C levels were associated with composite cardiovascular outcomes in male but not female patients. Our results demonstrated that in patients with hypertension, the association between HDL-C and risk of cardiovascular events is L-shaped.
Comparative Study of PID, PD, LQR, and LQR-PD Regulators for Quadrotor Stabilization and Trajectory Tracking
Authors: Djizi Hamza , Zahzouh Zoubir
Published: May 2023

Quadrotors, a type of unmanned aerial vehicle, utilize four rotors for precise lift and control, making them highly versatile for a variety of tasks, such as delivery, inspection, mapping, and monitoring. The growing importance of quadcopters is due to their ability to perform a variety of tasks, such as mapping, inspection, surveillance, and delivery. However, their design and four motors make them inherently unstable and difficult to control, which can limit their potential. To improve stability, four controllers (Proportional Derivative, Proportional Integral Derivative, Linear Quadratic Regulator, and Linear Quadratic Regulator-Proportional Derivative) were tested on a quadcopter Simulink model created with MATLAB/SIMULINK. Simulation results showed that the Linear Quadratic Regulator-Proportional Derivative controller was the most effective in terms of stabilization and speed, particularly for hovering along the x and y axes. This controller was found to be reliable and efficient, providing a smooth and fast response. Tuning these controllers can optimize the quadcopter's stability, accuracy, and speed, enabling them to perform a wider range of tasks.
The Hydroxyapatite Nanowires as High Loading Substrate for Immobilization of Dextranase by Crosslinking Method
Authors: Sun Bingnan , Wang Yajie , Yu Haoran , Zhang Lei , zhang weibing
Published: May 2023

In this work, dextranase was immobilized on the surface of hydroxyapatite nanowire through covalent cross-linking method. The as-prepared HAPNWs-NH2@dextranase was characterized by FE-SEM, XRD, TGA and FT-IR spectra analysis illustrated that the successful immobilization of dextranase by crosslinking method. The performance of HAPNWs-NH2@dextranase was studied and contrasted to free dextranase such as catalytic activity, loading capacity, kinetic constant, thermal and pH stability, storage stability and reusability. Compared with the free enzyme, HAPNWs-NH2@dextranase showed higher enzyme activity at higher thermal stability (92.28% vs 33.08% at 70°C) and pH stability (93.17% vs 57.78% at pH 7.0). The loading capacity of dextranase on HAPNWs-NH2@dextranase was higher as 868.2 mg·g− 1. HAPNWs-NH2@dextranase retained 83.38% of its initial activity after 12 cycles. It indicated that the HAPNWs-NH2@dextranase could have excellent performance in the industry fields.
Long-term gross motor proficiency deficits among children post posterior fossa brain tumor removal vs. traumatic brain injury: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Barak Sharon , Brezner Amichai , Yissar Tamar , Eisenstein Etzyona , Ackerman-Laufer Shirley , Landa Jana
Published: May 2023

Background
Acquired brain injury (ABI) is classified into traumatic brain injury (TBI) and ABI-PF. In ABI-PF, almost half of pediatric brain tumors arise in the posterior fossa (PF). Assessment of motor proficiency is commonly conducted with the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-2 (BOT2). This study assessed: 1) gross motor performance deficits in children with TBI and ABI on account of tumor in the PF (ABI-PF) using two different assessment methods (two-standard deviation and age equivalent methods); 2) BOT2 ability to discriminate between children with TBI and ABI-PF; and 3) factors associated with motor ability.
Methods
Participated in this study were children with TBI (n = 50) and ABI-PF (n = 30) (mean age = 11.34 ± 3.55 years). Participants were tested on BOT2 Upper-Limb Coordination, Balance, Strength, Running Speed and Agility, and Bilateral-Coordination subtests. Motor performance deficits were established using BOT2 two-standard deviation and age-equivalent methods. Differences in the prevalence of children with/without motor performance deficits were evaluated using a chi-square test. Between-group differences (TBI vs. ABI-PF) in BOT2 were assessed via independent t-tests. The ability of the BOT2 to distinguish between the two study groups was established using receiver operating characteristic curves.
Results
Motor deficits in the ABI-PF group were higher than in the TBI group. More specifically, according to the two-standard deviation method, motor deficits in the ABI-PF group ranged from 20% (bilateral coordination) to 66.66% (balance), whereas in the TBI group 8% (strength) to 16% (balance). The age-equivalent method revealed higher rates of motor deficits. In the TBI group, 40% (Upper Limb Coordination) to 66.0 (Bilateral Coordination) of the children presented motor function that is ≥ 36 months below their chronological age. In the ABI-PF group, 46.66% (Bilateral Coordination) to 76.66% (Balance) of the children presented such motor deficits. BOT2 discriminated between the two etiology groups. Several significant associations were observed between age and motor function.
Conclusions
Motor deficits post-pediatric ABI are prevalent. In comparison to the TBI group, deficits are greater in the ABI-PF group. Moreover, compared to the two-standard deviation method, the extent of motor deficiency is greater in the age-equivalent method. Finally, age is associated with several motor function deficits.
Preparation and Characterization of Epoxy Soybean Oil Modified Polylactic acid Reinforced with Straw Fibers
Authors: Ruan Fangtao , Yang Qingyong , Wang Hongjie , Xu Zhenzhen
Published: May 2023

Natural fiber-reinforced biogenic polymer composites have been promising materials for packaging, furniture, and other applications due to their environmentally friendly and cost-effective characteristics. However, certain properties, including mechanical properties, still need to be improved. In this work, polylactic acid (PLA) was modified with a range of epoxy soybean oil (ESO) concentrations, and straw fibers were added to the plasticized PLA. The functional groups of various compositions were investigated via FTIR and the effects of SF and ESO on the impact, flexural and tensile intensities were evaluated. The composites’ thermal stability performance was examined via TG and DSC analysis. The results showed that chemical bonds were formed between PLA and ESO, with the possibility of H-bonding between the -OH group on the molecular chains of SF and PLA and the ethylene oxide group of ESO. The mechanical intensity of material can be enhanced after adding a small amount of ESO (<4%), while the SF addition has the opposite result. The addition of both ESO and straw fibers decreased the thermal transition temperature (Tg, Tc, and Tm) and the degree of PLA crystallinity. Meanwhile, SF was beneficial for improving the thermal decomposition temperature.
Retinal microvascular complexity as a putative biomarker of biological age – a pilot study
Authors: Popovic Natasa , Ždralević Maša , Vujosevic Stela , Radunović Miroslav , Zečević Antoaneta Adžić , Dragović Isidora Rovčanin , Vukčević Batrić , Popovic Tomo , Radulović Ljiljana , Vuković Tijana , Eraković Jevto , Lazović Ranko , Radunovic Miodrag
Published: May 2023

Physiological changes associated with aging increase the risk for the development of age-related diseases. This increase is nonspecific to the type of age-related disease, although each desease develops through a unique pathophysiologic mechanism. People who age at a faster rate develop age-related diseases earlier in their life. They have an older “biological age” compared to their “chronological age”. Early detection of individuals with accelerated aging would allow timely intervention to postpone the onset of age-related diseases. This would not only increase their life expectancy, but would also increase their length of good quality life. The goal of this study was to investigate whether retinal microvascular complexity could be used as a biomarker of biological age. To test this, retinal images of 68 participants ages ranging from 19 to 82 years were collected in an observational cross-sectional study. Twenty of the old participants had age-related diseases such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and/or Alzheimer’s dementia, while the rest of the participants were healthy. Retinal images were captured by a hand-held, non-mydriatic fundus camera and quantification of the microvascular complexity was performed by using Sholl’s, box-counting fractal, and lacunarity analysis. In healthy subjects, increasing chronological age was associated with lower retinal microvascular complexity measured by Sholl’s analysis (young healthy vs. old healthy mean=716.1 vs. 637.6, p=0.010). Decreased box-counting fractal dimension was present in old patients with age-related diseases (old healthy vs. old with age-related diseases mean=1.358 vs. 1.324, p=0.031). Retinal microvascular complexity could be a promising new biomarker of biological age.
Operationalization and measurement of compulsivity across video gaming and gambling behavioral domains
Authors: Muela Ismael , Navas Juan F. , Barrada Juan Ramón , López-Guerrero José , Rivero Francisco J. , Brevers Damien , Perales José C.
Published: May 2023

Background Compulsivity is the hallmark of addiction chronification and, as a construct, has played an important role in unveiling the etiological pathways from learning mechanisms underlying addictive behavior to harms resulting from it. However, a sound use of the compulsivity construct in the field of behavioral addictions has been hindered to date by the lack of consensus regarding its definition and measurement. Here we capitalize on a previous systematic review and expert appraisal to develop a compulsivity scale for candidate behavioral addictions (the Granada Assessment for Cross-domain Compulsivity, GRACC).Methods The initial scale (GRACC90) consisted of 90 items comprising previously proposed operationalizations of compulsivity, and was validated in two panel samples of individuals regularly engaging in gambling and video gaming, using exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) and convergence analyses.Results The GRACC90 scale is unidimensional and structurally invariant across samples, and predicted severity of symptoms, lower quality of life, and negative affect, to similar degrees in the two samples. Additionally, poorer quality of life and negative affect were comparably predicted by compulsivity and by severity of symptoms. A shorter version of the scale (GRACC18) is proposed, based on selecting the 18 items with highest factor loadings.Conclusions Results support the proposal that core symptoms of behavioral addictions strongly overlap with compulsivity, and peripheral symptoms are not essential for their conceptualization. Further research should clarify the etiology of compulsive behavior, and whether pathways to compulsivity in behavioral addictions could be common or different across domains.
Creep performance and life prediction of bamboo scrimber under long-term tension in parallel-to-grain
Authors: LIU Caimei , WU Xizhi , LIU Xiubo , LI Xianjun
Published: May 2023

In order to study the long-term tensile creep properties of bamboo scrimber, this paper conducted long-term tensile creep tests in parallel-to-grain of bamboo scrimber in the indoor environment, and studied the creep failure mode, creep strain and creep compliance of bamboo scrimber in the long-term tensile. Furthermore, we proposed a unified creep life prediction method at the full stress level. The method included fitting the theoretical model of creep compliance of bamboo scrimber under long-term tension by using the multi-branch Kelvin-Voigt model, fitting the shear relaxation model in the form of Prony series by using the multi-branch generalized Maxwell model, establishing the creep finite element model of the bamboo scrimber specimen in the parallel-to-grain tension, and establishing the creep life prediction model of the bamboo scrimber in the parallel-to-grain tension based on the creep failure rule and the creep deformation data calculated by the finite element model. The results showed that the creep strain curve of bamboo scrimber included unstable creep stage and stable creep stage without accelerated creep stage. The specimen broke instantaneously in the last 1 second, and the fracture shape showed as flush fracture and oblique fracture. Under 70% of the ultimate load level, the creep characteristics of the bamboo scrimber in the parallel-to-grain tension were linear viscoelastic, and the creep compliance was basically independent of the load level. The creep finite element model of bamboo scrimber tensile specimen could accurately calculate the creep deformation of the bamboo scrimber. The creep life prediction model could accurately predict the creep life of bamboo scrimber at the full tensile stress level in parallel-to-grain.
Digital economy and urban green innovation: Evidence from China’s Cities
Authors: Yang Zhengyuan , Ye Lei , Ding Jian
Published: May 2023

This article assesses the digital economy and green innovation in Chinese cities from 2011 to 2020 using an Epsilon-Based Measure (EBM) and green patent data. We explore the causal effect and mechanism of the digital economy and green innovation. The results showed that the digital economy has significantly increased green innovation and passed a series of robustness tests. The promotion effect is heterogeneous in terms of geographic location and city size, and the positive effect of the digital economy becomes more significant over time. Based on the intermediary effect and grouping regression, it is found that industrial structure upgrading and human capital advancement are important mechanisms for the digital economy to drive green innovation. This paper analyzes the mechanism of the digital economy and its effect on green innovation at the city level, enriching the digital economy theory on urban green development and providing research support for urban development transformation.