bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reliability and accuracy of a semi-automatic segmentation protocol of the nasal cavity using cone beam computed tomography in patients with sleep apnea
Authors: Chen Hui , Lv Tao , Luo Qing , Li Lei , Wang Qing , Li Yanzhong , Zhou Debo , Emami Elham , Schmittbuhl Matthieu , Stelt Paul , Huynh Nelly 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Objectives:The objectives of this study included using the cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) technology to assess: (1) intra- and inter-observer reliability of the volume measurement of the nasal cavity; (2) the accuracy of the segmentation protocol for evaluation of the nasal cavity.Materials and Methods:This study used test-retest reliability and accuracy methods within two different population sample groups, from Eastern Asia and North America. Thirty obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients were randomly selected from administrative and research oral health data archived at two dental faculties in China and Canada. To assess the reliability of the protocol, two observers performed nasal cavity volume measurement twice with a 10-day interval, using Amira software (v4.1, Visage Imaging Inc., Carlsbad, CA). The accuracy study used a computerized tomography (CT) scan of an OSA patient, who was not included in the study sample, to fabricate an anthropomorphic phantom of the nasal cavity volume with known dimensions (gold standard). This phantom was scanned using one NewTom 5G (QR systems, Verona, Italy) CBCT scanner. The nasal cavity was segmented based on CBCT images and converted into standard tessellation language (STL) models. The volume of the nasal cavity was measured on the acquired STL models.Results:The intra-observer and inter-observer intraclass correlation coefficients for the volume measurement of the nasal cavity were 0.980-0.997 and 0.948-0.992 consecutively. The nasal cavity volume measurement was overestimated by 1.1%-3.1%, compared to the gold standard.Conclusions: The semi-automatic segmentation protocol of the nasal cavity in patients with sleep apnea and by using cone beam computed tomography is reliable and accurate.Clinical Relevance:This study provides a reliable and accurate protocol for segmentation of nasal cavity, which will facilitate the clinician to analyze the images within nasoethmoidal region.
Real-world data concerning the efficacy of molnupiravir in patients vaccinated against COVID-19 during the Omicron surge in Japan
Authors: Inaba Satoshi , Nishioka Naoya , Okumura Hisatoshi , Nakao Koshi , Hattori Yu , Futamura Shun , Hattori Tomohito , Okabe Kengo , Nishiyama Daichi 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Molnupiravir is among the antiviral agents used to treat COVID-19; however, reported data on the efficacy of this drug are based on results from unvaccinated patients. As such, the efficacy of molnupiravir among vaccinated patients during the B1.1.529 (Omicron) variant outbreak remains unknown. To address this issue, this study retrospectively analyzed data from 294 vaccinated patients with COVID-19 who had at least one risk factor, between May and October 2022. Patients were divided into the molnupiravir group and the control group to investigate the correlations of molnupiravir and other factors with rates of hospitalization and death (hospitalization/death) within 28 days of admission. Potential risk factors were also examined. The study findings indicated that molnupiravir was not associated with the rate of hospitalization/death, while age ≥ 80 years, residence in a long-term care facility, and presence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were significantly associated with the rate of hospitalization/death. Although the current results suggest that the effect of vaccination in preventing severe illness against the Omicron variant is well maintained, additional studies on risk factors and outcomes are required to validate this study’s findings.
High-Standard Farmland Destruction Monitoring by High-Resolution Remote Sensing Methods: A case study of Hebei and Guangdong, China
Authors: Mutelo Admire Muchimamui , Chen Zhen , Wei Shen , Hamukwaya Shindume Lomboleni 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Remote sensing has emerged as a new technique for collecting farmland data due to its rapid advancement, rising popularity, and application in social production practice. In order to understand and manage farmland resources in China, it is essential to account for and monitor high-standard farmland and its usage. Therefore, this work used satellite remote sensing empowered with various abilities for monitoring high-standard farmland by employing GF-2 high-resolution satellite images to identify targets and objects in Hebei and Guangdong provinces. Farmland occupation and utilization were analyzed by detecting destructions, underutilization, overutilization, and converting farmland for other economic activities registered on a special field sheet for quantification. A statistical summary was compiled for the two provinces, and the results reveal that high-standard farmland irregularities were detected in both Hebei and Guangdong provinces. However, in Hebei province, this was due to domestic purposes, such as building home shelters and domestic factories. On a contract, the result shows that in Guangdong province, farmland was being converted for economic purposes on an industrial scale, such as high residential apartment blocks and new industrial zones, and environmental destruction. Furthermore, the results reveal that there is still a steady and continuous decline in arable land due to accelerated industrialization and population pressure, especially in the Guangdong provinces, which is a threat to national food security. The high interpretation accuracy demonstrates that high-resolution remote sensing is an effective farmland monitoring tool that can be used to advance policy formulation.
CD36-mediated podocyte lipotoxicity promotes foot process effacement
Authors: Hua Wei , Peng Lan , Chen Xue-mei , Jiang Xu-Shun , Hu Jian-Guo , Jiang Xian-Hong , Xiang Xu , Wan Jiang-min , Long Yingfei , Xiong Jian-qiong , ma Xueyi , Du Xiao-gang 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Background Lipid metabolism disorders lead to lipotoxicity. The kidney is one of the most vulnerable organs in hyperlipidemia. The hyperlipidemia-induced early stage of renal injury mainly manifests as podocyte damage. CD36 mediates fatty acid uptake and the subsequent accumulation of toxic lipid metabolites, resulting in podocyte lipotoxicity. Methods Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats (20 rats) were divided into 2 groups: the normal control group (NC) and the high-fat diet group (HFD). Kidney tissue samples were collected for electron microscopy and Western blot analysis. Podocytes were cultured and treated with palmitic acid (PA) and sulfo-N-succinimidyl oleate (SSO). CD36 protein expression was measured by immunofluorescence and Western blot analysis. BODIPY (Boron-dipyrromethene) staining and Oil Red O staining was used to analyze fatty acid accumulation. Foot process damage was assessed by F-actin staining and electron microscopy. Results Podocyte foot process effacement and marked proteinuria occurred in the HFD group but not the NC group. CD36 protein expression was upregulated in the HFD group and in PA-treated podocytes (P < 0.05). PA-treated podocytes showed increased fatty acid accumulation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and actin cytoskeleton rearrangement. However, pretreatment with the CD36 inhibitor SSO decreased lipid accumulation and ROS production and alleviated actin cytoskeleton rearrangement and foot process effacement in podocytes. Furthermore, the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine suppressed PA-induced podocyte foot process effacement and ROS generation. Conclusions CD36 participated in fatty acid–induced foot process effacement in podocytes via oxidative stress, and CD36 inhibitors may be helpful for early treatment of kidney injury.
The Effect of Work Motivation and Work Engagement on Intention to Stay Among Jordanian Nurses
Authors: Alhadidi Ekbal , Khrais Huthaifah , Khalifeh Anas H. , Ramzy Hala , Nashwan Abdulqadir J. 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Aim
This study explores the relationship between Jordanian nurses' work motivation, engagement, and intention to stay among Jordanian nurses.
Methods
Descriptive cross-sectional correlational design was performed. Data were collected from nurses by convenience sampling from three major public hospitals in Jordan. The data were collected using the Motivation at Work Scale Utrecht, Work Engagement Scale, and McCain Behavioral Commitment Scale.
Results
A total of 195 nurses completed the survey. Half of the participants were female, 50.3%, with 40% aged between (22–29) years. The level of nurses' motivation, work engagement, and intention to stay at work was high, 26 (SD = 1.04), 4.80 (SD = 1.06), and 3.81 (SD = 1.19), respectively. The results showed a strong positive correlation between nurses' intention to stay with work motivation (r = 0.665, P < 0.000) and work engagement (r = 0.653, P < 0.000). Moreover, multiple hierarchical regression revealed that gender, total years of experience, work motivation, and work engagement were predictors of intention to stay.
Conclusion
Jordanian nurses' intention to stay associated with work motivation and engagement has a high general perception level of professional self-concept and moderate problem-solving ability. However, based on the nurses' responses, there are opportunities to improve nurses' work motivation and participation in Jordanian governmental hospitals to enhance their intent to remain in their current workplace.
Safety and Utility of Endoscopic Ultrasound with Bronchoscope-guided Fine Needle Aspiration (EUS-B-FNA) in Suspected Lung Cancer Patients with Poor Respiratory or General Conditions: A Prospective Multicenter Observational Study
Authors: Nakashima Koki , Umeda Yukihiro , Demura Yoshiki , Takeda Toshihiro , Tada Toshihiko , Sato Masayuki , Jikuya Norihiro , Kurokawa Kosuke , Sonoda Tomoaki , Yamaguchi Makiko , Mitsui Miho , Oi Masahiro , Chikazawa Ryo , Waseda Yuko , Anzai Masaki , Akai Masaya , Ishizuka Tamotsu 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background

Although transbronchial diagnostic procedures are sometimes difficult to perform because of the patient’s respiratory or general conditions, endoscopic ultrasound with bronchoscope-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-B-FNA), a known transesophageal diagnostic procedure, might be useful for such cases. We conducted this prospective multicenter observational study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of EUS-B-FNA in suspected lung cancer patients with poor respiratory or general conditions

Methods

Suspected lung cancer patients with respiratory failure, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 2 or higher, or severe respiratory symptoms, were enrolled. The primary endpoints were the diagnostic yield of lung cancer and its safety, and the secondary endpoints were the success rate of molecular and programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) analyses, and 6-month survival rate in lung cancer patients.

Results

Thirty patients were enrolled, of which 29 were included in the analysis. Among them, 26 were finally diagnosed with lung cancer. The diagnostic yield for lung cancer was 100% (26/26). No adverse events were associated with EUS-B-FNA. The success rates of molecular analysis for EGFR, ALK, ROS-1, and BRAF were 100% (14/14), 100% (11/11), 100% (9/9), and 75% (6/8), respectively. The success rate of the PD-L1 analysis was 100% (15/15). The 6-month survival rate in lung cancer patients was 53.8% (95% CI: 33.4–76.4), and the median overall survival (OS) was 196 days (95% CI: 142–446).

Conclusions

EUS-B-FNA is a safe and effective diagnostic method, even in suspected lung cancer patients with poor respiratory or general conditions.
Trial registration: This clinical trial was registered at https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index.htm(UMIN000041235, approved on 28/07/2020).
Challenges of nursing care for elderly intensive care unit patients: A qualitative study based on the third wave of COVID-19 in China
Authors: tang li , wu xiaoyu , li jiuhong , xie xia , huang lingzhi 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background: With the aging population and the ongoing pandemic, elderly patients have accounted for a large proportion of ICU admissions. The aim of this study was to explore current challenges in the nursing of elderly patients with severe COVID-19 through the experience of frontline nurses.
Methods: A qualitative descriptive design was used. In-depth and semi-structured interviews with 18 ICU nurses were conducted to explore the experience of providing care for elderly patients with severe COVID-19 in the Omicron wave. Traditional thematic analysis was applied.
Results: Three themes emerged as follows: (1) No plan survives first contact with the enemy, (2) Expectations vs. Reality, (3) Difficult to cover all aspects.
Conclusions: Challenges can be encountered in different stages of providing care for elderly patients with severe COVID-19, including the preparation and training of knowledge and skills in the early stage, the challenges posed by old age in the diagnostic and treatment stage, and the challenges of psychological care and rehabilitation care.
The Development of a Simple High Performance Liquid Chromatography Method to Separate Methylene Blue and Its Metabolites
Authors: Heystek Leandri , Wessels J. C. 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
A simple, rapid and cost-effective high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was developed and fully validated for the analysis of methylene blue (MB) and its metabolites. The compounds were separated on a Phenomenex Synergi polar-RP (150 mm x 4.6 mm, 4 µm) column, operating at 25ºC. The mobile phase (MP) was a mixture that consisted of 60% part A: 5 mM ammonium acetate dissolved in a water-methanol solution, and 40% part B: acetonitrile-methanol (15:25 v/v), at a flow rate of 0.65 ml/min. The method was validated and the specificity, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), linearity, precision, accuracy, recovery, robustness and stability were determined. The LOD for all the compounds were 0.1 µg/ml and a linear calibration curve over the range 10-500 µg/mL was obtained with a corelation coefficient (R2) > 0.998. The relative standard deviations (RSDs) based on five replicate determinations for each compound across the working range, were less than 2%. Acceptable intra-day and inter-day precision and accuracy were obtained. Variable recoveries between 90-125% across the 50-500 µg/ml range were obtained due to the impurity profiles. The validated method has successfully been utilized for the analysis and separation of methylene blue and its metabolites.
Sexual dimorphism of colorectal cancer in humans and colorectal tumors in a murine model
Authors: Rodríguez-Santiago Yahir , Terrazas Luis Ignacio , Nava-Castro Karen Elizabeth , Garay-Canales Claudia Angélica , Morales-Montor Jorge 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background: Sexual dimorphism (SD) is the difference in morphology and physiology between sexes of the same species; in diseases, SD can reflect the susceptibility associated with gender in humans. In colorectal cancer, men have a higher incidence than women, independently between ethnicity or geographical location, suggesting that sex steroids are involved in the development of colorectal cancer.
Methods: We determined sex, as a risk factor for colorectal cancer from the GLOBOCAN database; Then, we used induction of colorectal tumors by azoxymethane and dextran sulfate of sodium treatment as the experimental strategy in males and females mice; also we gonadectomized independent males and females animals. Finally, we determined in vitro proliferation of a human cell line HCT116 exposed to estradiol, testosterone or dihytrotestosterone.
Results: Sex as a risk factor for colorectal cancer showed clear and statistically significant susceptibility of men in Mexico and worldwide. In the murine model of colorectal tumors, males developed more and larger tumors than females. Further analysis showed that ovariectomized females develop more tumors in number, but all about the same size. Meanwhile gonadectomized males had fewer tumors in number and smaller in size. Surprisingly, only estradiol showed an effect in vitro on the proliferation index on human cell lines of colorectal cancer.
Conclusions: Men showed enhanced susceptibility to develop colorectal cáncer tan females; in the animal model, male mice presented augmented development of colorectal tumors, which was reverted in gonadectomized male mice, female mice increased the number of tumor, the above suggests that androgens have a crucial role in explaining sexual dimorphism in the incidence of colorectal cancer. Estradiol diminished the in vitro proliferation of HCT-116 colon cancer cell line, opposite, there was no change of in vitro proliferation on cells exposed to testosterone or dihydrotestosterone, therefore, the effect in vitro could be by their interaction with other cells or systems.
Continuous Eplerenone treatment in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy: long-term results from a pilot study
Authors: Boscia Giacomo , Viggiano Pasquale , Grassi Maria Oliva , Marzulli Federica , Puzo Pasquale , Dore Stefano , Alessio Giovanni , Pinna Antonio , Bari Francesco Boscia 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
To assess the long-term morpho-functional retinal and choroidal changes in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (cCSC) pachychoroid eyes in response to continuous oral eplerenone (EPL) treatment. This pilot study was conducted on patients with unilateral exudative cCSC. We enrolled a total of 34 eyes, 17 with exudative cCSC and 17 non-affected fellow eyes of 17 patients. Baseline best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and anatomical (structural optical coherence tomography [OCT] and OCT angiography) parameters in both eyes were collected at baseline. Follow-up data were collected at 6,12, and 48 months after initiation of EPL treatment. (i) exudative cCSC eyes: Compared with baseline (0.34±0.13 LogMAR), BCVA significantly improved at follow-up examinations (6 months: 0.28±0.13 LogMAR, p=0.039; 12 months: 0.22±0.11 LogMAR, p=0.025; 48 months: 0.21±0.08 LogMAR, p=0.028). Furthermore, there was a significant reduction from baseline in all structural OCT parameters (subretinal fluid and subfoveal choroidal thickness [SFCT]; p<0.05). (ii) non-affected fellow eyes: There was no significant change in BCVA. There was a significant reduction from baseline in SFCT and choriocapillaris flow deficit percentage (p<0.05). In this pilot study, continuous oral EPL therapy in cCSC pachychoroid eyes resulted in long-term morpho-functional improvement. The beneficial effect of EPL occurred within the first year and was maintained after four years. Based on these preliminary observations, EPL may be effective in the exudative forms of CSC.
Antimicrobial activity and comparative metabolomic analysis of Priestia megaterium strains derived from potato and dendrobium
Authors: Liu Jia-Meng , Liang Yan-Tian , Wang Shan-Shan , Jin Nuo , Sun Jing , Lu Cong , Sun Yu-Feng , Li Shu-Ying , Fan Bei , Wang Fengzhong 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
The growth of endophytic bacteria is influenced by the host plant and their secondary metabolites and activities. In this study, P-NA14 and D-HT207 were isolated from potato tuber and dendrobium stem respectively. They were both identified as Priestia megaterium. The antimicrobial activities and metabolomic of both strains were explored. For antimicrobial activities, results showed that strain P-NA14 exhibited a better inhibition effect on the pathogen of dendrobium, while strain D-HT207 exhibited a better inhibition effect on the pathogen of potato. The supernatant of strain P-NA14 showed an inhibition effect only on Staphylococcus aureus, while the sediment of strain D-HT207 showed an inhibition effect only on Escherichia coli. For metabolomic analysis, the content of L-phenylalanine in strain P-NA14 was higher than D-HT207, and several key downstream metabolites of L-phenylalanine were associated with inhibition of S_aureus including tyrosine, capsaicin, etc. Therefore, we speculated that the different antimicrobial activities between strain P-NA14 and strain D-HT207 were possibly related to the content of L-phenylalanine and its metabolites. This study provided a preliminary exploration of the fact why different activities appeared on the strains that were identified as the same species but isolated from different hosts at the metabolomic level.
Effects of Quantum Flux Field on Generalized Duffin-Kemmer-Petiau Oscillator in Conical Space-Times and Thermodynamic Properties
Authors: Ahmed Faizuddin , Candemir Nuray 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
In this article, we study the generalized Duffin-Kemmer-Petiau (DKP) oscillator in the presence ofthe Aharonov-Bohm (AB) flux field in a topological defect space-times background. This generalized DKPoscillator will investigate by a nonminimal substitution of the momentum operator $\vec{p} →\vec{p}+i M ω η^{0} f(r) \hat{r}$ in the relativistic DKP equation, where f(r) is the linear plus Coulomb potential function (called Cornell-typepotential function). We solve this wave equation in a cosmic string space-time background and obtain theenergy levels and the wave function using the parametric Nikiforov-Uvarov method. Afterwards, we solve thegeneralized DKP oscillator in a point-like global monopole background, and obtain the energy levels and thewave functions using the same method. We see that the energy eigenvalues depend on the geometric quantumphase, and thus, calculate the persistent currents of the quantum system. Finally, we study the thermodynamicproperties of the quantum systems and calculate the partition function and other quantities, such as Helmholtzfree energy, mean free energy, specific heat capacity, and entropy in cosmic string space-time and point-likeglobal monopole background. We show that the eigenvalue solutions and thermodynamic functions obtainedin both cases are influenced by the topological defects of cosmic string space-time and global monopole, thequantum flux field, and the Cornell-type potential function and get them modified in comparison to the flatspace result.
PACS 03.65.Pm · 03.65.Ge · 14.80.Hv · 98.80.Cq · 02.30.Gp · 05.30.-d · 05.70.Ce
Effect and Mechanism of Fisetin on Patulin Induced Myocardial Damage Based on Network Pharmacology
Authors: Xu Dongmei , Zhang Baigang , Huang Chenghui , Lu Jiao , Li Yang , Fu Binggang 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Objectives of the Study
The aim of this study is to investigate whether fisetin can effectively reduce patulin induced myocardial damage, and to reveal the mechanism and target of fisetin in inhibiting myocardial damage.
Materials and Methods:
Network pharmacology was used to screen the targets of fisetin on myocardial damage, the regulatory network of active ingredients-drug targets was constructed, and GO and KEGG enrichment analysis were performed to screen out the key pathways and targets of fisetin on myocardial damage. Patulin was used to induce apoptosis in H9c2 cardiomyocytes to verify the key targets. The mechanism of fisetin inhibiting myocardial damage was determined.
Results
FIS can reduce the apoptosis of cardiomyocytes by protecting cardiomyocytes from PAT injury. According to the results of network pharmacology analysis, combined with enzyme activity detection and WB experiment, it was found that the mechanism of FIS to reduce myocardial damage may be related to P53 signaling pathway, Caspase3/8/9 and Bax/Bcl-2.
Conclusion
FIS plays a protective role in PAT-induced myocardial damage by inhibiting the protein overexpression of P53, Caspase-9 and Bax and enhancing the protein expression of Bcl-2.