bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of diffusion ranges at different local anesthetic volumes during superior laryngeal nerve block
Authors: Bao Yin , Wang Huijun , Li Lifeng , Xu Hongbo , Li Yun , Wang Guyan 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Objectives.
Ultrasound-guided superior laryngeal nerve (SLN) block is a practical and painless approach to avoid the hemodynamic stress response during endotracheal intubation and relieve sore throat after laryngeal surgery. The main purpose of this study was to establish an optimal dosage of local anesthetic when performing SLN block to help anesthetists balance analgesia and side effects.
Methods.
Twenty fresh larynx specimens were obtained immediately after resection and then injected with 2-, 3-, 4-, or 5- mL of a lidocaine-blue dye mixture at bilateral SLN puncture sites. Superficial areas of deposited blue dye were measured. Dye leakage and surrounding dyed tissue were recorded. Another 40 patients were included in the ultrasound investigation. Distances between the internal branch of the SLN (iSLN) and adjacent structures were calculated.
Results.
The dye spread area was greater with administration of larger-doses, especially to the visceral space. A 2- or 3-mL injection of local anesthetic was sufficient to infiltrate the SLN gap. A higher incidence of dye leaking out of the thyrohyoid membrane and anterior epiglottis space was observed; furthermore, there was substantially more dyed hyoid/thyroid cartilage with 4 and 5 mL of injected dye mixture than 2 mL. There was no significant difference between the specimen and ultrasound measurements on for length of iSLN - adjacent structures.
Conclusions.
In the Chinese population, 2- or 3- mL of local anesthetic is a safe dose during SLN block. A larger volume could overflow from the cavity to cause complications. The thyrohyoid membrane combined with the superior laryngeal artery is a reliable target for positioning the iSLN during ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia.
Transcription factor and cytokine profiles in peripheral blood T helper cells in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Roofchayee Neda Dalil , Heshmatnia Jalal , Fakharian Atefeh , Jamatti Hamidreaza , Varahram Mohammad , Adcock Ian M , Mortaz Esmaeil , Mortaz Esmaeil 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a debilitating lung disease with poor prognosis. The fibrotic process is not fully understood but involves immune cell activation. The expression of T cell subtype-specific transcription factors involved in Th1, Th2, Th17 and T regulatory (Treg) differentiation in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis is poorly understood.
Objective
To explore the presence of T helper cell transcription factors and related cytokine profiles in IPF patients.
Methods
12 IPF patients and 8 healthy subjects (HC) were enrolled at the Masih Daneshvari Hospital, Tehran-Iran between 10–10 and 09–12 2022. Serum levels of the fibrosis-associated mediators IP-10, TNF-α, TGF-β, CXCL-8 and IFN-γ were measured by ELISA. Immunophenotyping of T helper cells combined transcription factor (T-bet, GATA-3, ROR-γt and FOXP3) presence and the intracellular expression of IL-4 and IL-17 using flow cytometry.
Results
The serum levels of TGF-β (P = 0.001), CXCL-8 (P = 0.0005), TNF-α (P = 0.0312) and IFN-γ (P = 0.0313) were significantly higher and that of IP-10 (P < 0.0001) significantly lower in IPF patients compared to HC. No significant differences in the expression of T-bet (p = 0.64), GATA3 (p = 0.63), ROR-γt (p = 0.19) and FOXP3 (p = 0.11) were found. The intracellular expression of IL-17 (P = 0.0011) was higher in IPF patients. A positive correlation between T-bet and GATA3 (P = 0.006, R = 0.738), IL-4 and ROR-γt (P = 0.044, R = 0.586) and between TNF-α with age (P = 0.007, R = 0.726) and a negative correlation between age with FOXP3 (P = 0.0017, R=-0.801) was demonstrated.
Conclusion
T-cell transcription factors were not altered in IPF patients. The expression of IP-10 may be an additional marker for IPF.
Water treatment and electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution Reaction of Cobalt Oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Dakave Siddhi S. , Bhinge Guruprasad A. , Shetti Sourabh S. , Kanamadi Chidanand M. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
In this work, we focused on synthesis and electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction study of cobalt oxide (Co3O4) which is a promising metal oxide in electrocatalysis and contaminant removal in water treatment. Its role in producing clean hydrogen fuel, its tunable properties, and nanoscale engineering potential for efficient OER is highlighted, along with its capacity for adsorption and oxidation of contaminants. Fine cobalt oxide nanoparticles were produced by sol gel method followed by different sintering temperatures. To understand the impact of sintering temperature on surface morphology, size and shape of nanoparticles, FESEM and HRTEM characterizing tools were used. Thin film electrode of Co3O4 were prepared by doctor blade method and used to study linear swap voltammetry (LSV), and Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The cobalt oxide electrode sintered at 600℃ shows highest catalytic activity with 258 mV overpotential at 10 mA cm-2 current density and 17.33 mV sec-1 Tafel slope. It also shows excellent stability (10hrs) for OER in 1M NaOH. Role of these nanoparticles in water treatment is also focused. Experimental results demonstrate that lower sintering temperatures enhance electrocatalytic properties, contributing to the advancement of sustainable energy and water treatment technologies.
FPNC Net: A Hydrogenation Catalyst Image Recognition Algorithm Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Hou Shichao , Zhao Peng , Cui Peng , Xu Hua , Zhang Jinrong , Liu Jian , An Mi , Lin Xinchen 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

The identification research of hydrogenation catalyst information has always been one of the most important businesses in the chemical industry. In order to aid researchers in efficiently screening high-performance catalyst carriers and tackle the pressing challenge at hand, it is imperative to find a solution for the intelligent recognition of hydrogenation catalyst images. To address the issue of low recognition accuracy caused by adhesion and stacking of hydrogenation catalysts, an image recognition algorithm of hydrogenation catalyst based on FPNC Net was proposed in this paper. In the present study, Resnet50 backbone network was used to extract the features, and spatially-separable convolution kernel was used to extract the multi-scale features of catalyst fringe. In addition, to effectively segment the adhesive regions of stripes, FPN (Feature Pyramid Network) is added to the backbone network for deep and shallow feature fusion. Introducing an attention module to adaptively adjust weights can effectively highlight the target features of the catalyst. The experimental results showed that the FPNC Net model achieved an accuracy of 94.2% and an AP value improvement of 19.37% compared to the original Center-Net model. The improved model demonstrates a significant enhancement in detection accuracy, indicating a high capability for detecting hydrogenation catalyst targets.
Beyond the M.D.: Transdisciplinary Approaches of High-Volume Dual Degree M.D./Masters Programs at U.S. Medical Schools
Authors: Agarwal Gauri , Colbert Brett M. , Jacobs Sarah , Deshpande Amar R. , Chandran Latha , Issenberg S. Barry 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Purpose:
Transdisciplinarity been described as a fusing of theories, methods, and expertise across disciplinary boundaries to address complex, global problems. This approach has coincided with an increase in US medical schools offering Masters degrees to equip medical students to practice in complex, interconnected health systems. The purpose of this study was to focus on medical schools that graduate the largest number of students per year and explore the alignment of such programs with a transdisciplinary approach.
Methods:
We identified 19 medical schools that annually graduated an average of 10 or more dual-degree students from 2015–2020. We surveyed these schools and asked participants to describe the reason(s) their institutions offered dual-degree programs. Two authors coded the narrative responses from the survey.
Results:
Responses were received from 17 of the 19 schools. The analysis of participants’ responses regarding their institutions’ purpose for offering dual programs revealed several themes associated with a transdisciplinary approach to training. The most common themes were expand skill sets beyond a medical degree (73%), provide opportunity for interdisciplinary collaboration (67%), expand career interest and goals (60%), develop leaders (53%), enhance residency applications (47%) and further the institution’s vision and mission (45%).
Conclusions:
This study is the first comprehensive evaluation of MD/Masters programs in the United States that includes a summary of the institutions with the largest of these dual degree programs and their reasons for offering them. The findings support the hypothesis that medical schools are recognizing the need for a transdisciplinary approach to prepare students for the complexities in healthcare. These programs provide students with opportunities for additional areas of expertise, leadership development, enhancement of competitiveness for residency application, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Medical schools without dual-degree programs should consider developing these programs to provide benefits to students and institutions.
Series arc fault detection method based on Wavelet energy spectrum entropy
Authors: Fu Zhen , Wang Wei , Hu Wei , Han Haoran , Yang Fan , Diao Shoubin 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The existing series arc fault detection methods mostly construct the detection criterion by extracting the fault characteristics of current. Due to the diversity of load currents, it is difficult for current detection methods to construct detection criteria with a single characteristic. In contrast, the normal voltage on the load side is not sensitive to the types of loads, thus the arc fault information has a more obvious characterization on the load side voltage. In view of this reason, based on the analysis of basic time-frequency domain characteristics of arc faults, a method for arc fault detection is proposed based on wavelet energy spectrum entropy of the voltage on the load side whose purpose is to overcome the difficulty of selecting fault characteristic frequency band under different loads, and the optimal selection of wavelet decomposition layers and wavelet basis functions are also achieved through analysis and experiments. The experiment and comparison of algorithms show that the fault detection accuracy of the proposed method is more than 98% under different loads. The anti-disturbance ability of the method for load switching is verified by load switching experiment, which verifies the effectiveness of the method.
Phytoplankton-mediated inorganic nutrient fluxes in an estuary prone to persistent harmful algal blooms
Authors: Whitfield Emily Cailyn , Lemley Daniel Alan , Adams Janine Barbara 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Nutrient uptake by phytoplankton in estuaries can mitigate the effects of anthropogenic nutrient loading and prevent excess nutrients from reaching adjacent coastal waters. In eutrophic estuaries, a shift typically occurs from a balanced benthic primary producer community (e.g., seagrasses, salt marsh) to a less stable, phytoplankton-dominated system potentially comprised of harmful algal bloom (HAB) taxa. Given this shift, this study investigated the role that phytoplankton play in influencing estuarine water column inorganic nutrient dynamics. To assess nutrient uptake capacity, dissolved inorganic nutrients (nitrogen (DIN), phosphorus (DIP), and silica (DSi)) and phytoplankton concentrations were assessed in relation to salinity. The mixing lines of DIN versus salinity plots were classified as “linear” (conservative, i.e., negligible uptake), “press” (concave curve, i.e., characteristic of the growth phase of the bloom), or “pulse” (complete depletion of nutrients, i.e., HAB events) as an indication of estuarine conditions. The majority (64%) of sampling dates exhibited press or pulse events indicating that the Swartkops Estuary presides in an undesirable state. Bloom species commonly consisted of the Heterosigma akashiwo (Raphidophyceae) and Cyclotella cf. atomus (Mediophyceae). Phytoplankton can take up to 98%, 18%, and 70% of the DIN, DIP, and DSi, respectively, but this comes with costs (e.g., hypoxia, food-web restructuring, increased turbidity) associated with HABs. Catchment-based nutrient reduction measures are thus critical to prevent degradation of ecosystem health and functionality in eutrophic estuaries.
Discharge of Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients on Sub-Optimal Dual Anti-Platelet Therapy: A Single Center Experience
Authors: Booker Jeffrey , Nihart alexander , Campen matthew , Medrano-Rodriguez Eduardo , Blankenship James 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Purpose
To identify and quantify the reasons why acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients undergoing stenting at University of New Mexico Hospital were prescribed sub-optimal dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) at discharge, and to identify practice patterns that could potentially lead to improved DAPT treatment for these patients.
Methods
We reviewed electronic medical records and cardiac catheterization records of 326 patients who underwent PCI at UNMH between January 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022 and identified 229 ACS patients who survived until discharge. Demographic and clinical characteristics relevant to P2Y12 selection were obtained from a review of medical records. Pharmacists’ notes that documented their efforts to get appropriate insurance coverage and reasons for discharge on clopidogrel rather than ticagrelor were reviewed. Patients discharged on aspirin and clopidogrel underwent review of medical records and cardiac catheterization lab records to determine if the discharge P2Y12 drug was appropriate. Reasons for inappropriately discharge on clopidogrel were categorized as cost/insurance, patient preference, concern for daily adherence to a twice-daily medication, and on clopidogrel before PCI and not switched to ticagrelor afterward.
Results
The 229 ACS patients included (38.0%, n = 87) appropriately discharged on ticagrelor/prasugrel, (27.5%, n = 63) appropriately discharged on clopidogrel, (32.8%, n = 75) inappropriately discharged on clopidogrel, and (1.7%, n = 4) not discharged on a P2Y12 inhibitor. For patients inappropriately discharged on clopidogrel (n = 75), the most common reasons were cost or lack of insurance (n = 56) and clinical inertia (taking clopidogrel before PCI and maintained on it afterward) (n = 17). Inappropriate DAPT at discharge correlated with lack of insurance (90.5% compared to 39.7% in patients with insurance, P < 0.001) but not with ethnicity.
Conclusion
At the University of New Mexico, a safety-net hospital, increasing financially restricted access to ticagrelor could help up to 24.5% of ACS patients reduce their risk of ischemic events. For patients admitted on clopidogrel DAPT, upgrading to ticagrelor could reduce ischemic risk in 7.4% of ACS patients. Expanding healthcare insurance coverage might redue sub-optimal DAPT coverage.
Sex effects on DNA methylation affect discovery in epigenome-wide association study of schizophrenia
Authors: Tesfaye Markos , Spindola Leticia , Stavrum Anne-Kristin , Shadrin Alexey , Melle Ingrid , Andreassen Ole , Hellard Stephanie Le 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Sex differences in the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of schizophrenia are well-known; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying these differences remain unclear. Further, the potential advantages of sex-stratified meta-analyses of epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) of schizophrenia have not been investigated. Here, we performed sex-stratified EWAS meta-analyses to investigate whether sex stratification improves discovery, and to identify differentially methylated positions (DMPs) and regions (DMRs) in schizophrenia. Peripheral blood-derived DNA methylation data from 1519 cases of schizophrenia (male n = 989, female n = 530) and 1723 controls (male n = 997, female n = 726) from three publicly available datasets, and the TOP cohort were meta-analyzed to compare sex-specific, sex-stratified, and sex-adjusted EWAS. The predictive power of each model was assessed by polymethylation risk score (PMRS). The number of schizophrenia-associated DMPs identified was higher for the sex-stratified model than for the sex-adjusted one (25 vs. 5). We identified 19 schizophrenia-associated DMRs in the sex-stratified analysis. PMRS from sex-stratified analysis outperformed that from sex-adjusted analysis in predicting schizophrenia. Notably, PMRSs from the sex-stratified and female-only analyses, but not those from sex-adjusted or the male-only analyses, significantly predicted schizophrenia in males. The findings suggest that sex-stratified EWAS meta-analyses improve the identification of schizophrenia-associated epigenetic changes and are consistent with the notion that methylation effects in schizophrenia are stronger in females than in males. Sex-specific DNA methylation may have potential implications for precision psychiatry and the development of stratified treatments for schizophrenia.
Dapagliflozin cardiovascular effects on end-stage kidney disease (DARE-ESKD-2) trial: rationale and design.
Authors: Barreto Joaquim , Martins Marilia , Pascoa Mauro , Medorima Sheila T. K , Bonilha Isabella , Jesus Daniel Campos , Carbonara Cinthia E. M. , Quadros Kelcia R. S. , Assato Barbara , Campos-Staffico Alessandra M , Júnior Gil Guerra , Nadruz Wilson , de Oliveira Rodrigo B. , Sposito Andrei C 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Purpose.
Sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) remarkably reduced the incidence of hospitalization for heart failure and cardiovascular death of conservatively managed chronic kidney disease. We hypothesized that adding SGLT2i to standard treatment would yield cardiovascular benefits also in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) individuals on dialysis.
Methods.
The DARE-ESKD-2 Trial (NCT05685394) is an ongoing, single-center, open-label, controlled trial aimed at assessing the cardiovascular effects of dapagliflozin in ESKD on dialysis. Eligible patients are adults on renal replacement therapy for more than 3 prior to enrollment. Exclusion criteria encompass pregnancy, liver failure, and current use of a SGLT2i. After signing an informed consent form, participants are randomized 1:1 to either dapagliflozin 10mg PO plus standard treatment or standard treatment alone for 6 months. Echocardiogram, anthropometry, blood sample collection, 6-min walk test, gait speed, and Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ), are performed at baseline and at study termination. Participants are contacted monthly during treatment for outcomes disclosure. The primary endpoint of our study is the between-groups differences in posttreatment changes in plasma levels of N-terminal pro-B natriuretic peptide. Secondary endpoints include the differences between groups in the changes of echocardiography measurements, cardiopulmonary tests performance, body composition. The incidence of safety endpoints will also be diligently compared between study arms.
Conclusion.
The DARE-ESKD-2 trial will provide unprecedented data on the cardiovascular safety and efficacy of SGLT2i in ESKD individuals on dialysis. This study will pave the grounds for improving clinical outcomes of dialysis recipients.
Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among several populations of primary healthcare workers in comparison to the prediction in the general population and associated factors in France
Authors: Pouquet Marie , Decarreaux Dorine , Domenico Laura Di , Sabbatini Chiara E. , Prévot-Monsacre Pol , Fourié Toscane , Villarroel Paola Mariela Saba , Priet Stephane , Blanché Hélène , Sebaoun Jean-Marc , Deleuze Jean-François , Turbelin Clément , Rossignol Louise , Werner Andréas , Kochert Fabienne , Grosgogeat Brigitte , Rabiega Pascaline , Laupie Julien , Abraham Nathalie , Noël Harold , Werf Sylvie van der , Colizza Vittoria , Carrat Fabrice , Charrel Remi , de Lamballerie Xavier , Blanchon Thierry , Falchi Alessandra 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Data on the SARS-CoV-2 infection among primary health care workers (PHCWs) are scarce but essential to reflect on policy regarding prevention and control measures.
Aim
We assessed the prevalence of PHCWs who have been infected by SARS-CoV-2 in comparison with modeling from the general population in metropolitan France, and associated factors.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted among general practitioners (GPs), pediatricians, dental and pharmacy workers in primary care between May-August 2021. Participants volunteered to provide a dried-blood spot for SARS-CoV-2 antibody assessment and completed a questionnaire. The primary outcome was defined as the detection of infection-induced antibodies or previous self-reported diagnoses. Estimates were adjusted using weights for representativeness and compared with prediction from the general population. Poisson regressions were used to quantify associated factors.
Results
The analysis included 1612 PHCWs. Weighted prevalences were: 31.7% (95%CI: 27.5-36.0) for GPs, 28.7% (95%CI: 24.4-33.0) for pediatricians, 25.2% (95%CI: 20.6-31.0) for dentists, and 25.5% (95%CI: 18.2-34.0) for pharmacists. Estimates were compatible with model predictions for the general population. PHCWs more likely to be infected were: GPs compared to pharmacist assistants (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] = 2.26; CI95% 1.01-5.07), those living in Île-de-France (aPR= 1.53; CI95% 1.14-2.05), South-East (aPR = 1.57; CI95% 1.19-2.08), North-East (aPR= 1.81; CI95% 1.38-2.37), and those having an unprotected contact with a COVID-19 case within the household (aPR = 1.48; CI95% 1.22-1.80). Occupational factors were not associated with infection.
Conclusion
Results suggest that prevention practices implemented in primary care in France were effective, but should be strengthened when a case is detected at home.
Heterologous expression and characterization of a novel mesophilic maltogenic α-amylase AmyFlA from Flavobacterium sp. NAU1659
Authors: Wang Yanxin , Xie Tingting , Yan guanhua , Xue huairen , zhao zhensong , Ye Xianfeng 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
A novel amylase AmyFlA from Flavobacterium sp. NAU1659 was cloned and expressed in Esherichia coli. Analysis of the sequence homology exhibited that AmyFlA shared 98% identity with the putative protein belonging to glycoside hydrolase family 13 (GH13) from Flavobacterium sp., however, it had the sequence identity lower than 35% with the reported GH13 amylases. AmyFlA was consisted of 620 amino acids, with a putative signal peptide of 25 amino acids. The enzyme enabled to hydrolyze soluble starch into a high level of maltose, and showed a specific activity of 352.97 U/mg at 50°C in 50 mM phosphate buffer (pH 6.0). The Km and Vmax of AmyFlA was 3.15 mg/ml and 566.36 µmol·ml− 1·min− 1 under optimal condition, respectively. Moreover, compared to the reported maltogenic amylases, at the initial reaction, AmyFlA produced a less variety of intermediate oligosaccharides, in which contained a higher amount of maltose. These results indicated that AmyFlA possessed potential application values in high-maltose syrup production.