Browse Articles

Author Correction: Removal of hydrocarbons and heavy metals from petroleum water by modern green nanotechnology methods

Mechanism of astragaloside A against lung adenocarcinoma based on network pharmacology combined with molecular dynamics simulation technique

Evaluation of patients with decreased general condition and comparing HOTEL, WPS, and REMS for mortality prediction

Attentive ink MLP droplet detection algorithm based on the satellite droplets threshold domain

Seismic slope permanent displacement calculation based on improved Newmark model using upper bound solution of plastic mechanics

An open source, PCR based, point-of-care testing platform

Impact of seasons on industrial grounding resistance

A study on the correlation between MBTI dimensions and driving behavior characteristics

Predictive model development for left atrial remodeling in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Longitudinal assessment of tricuspid regurgitation following conduction system pacing

Aerodynamic analysis and ANN-based optimization of NACA airfoils for enhanced UAV performance

Analysis of the results of 13 combined pathogen detection in 3966 hospitalised children with acute lower respiratory tract infection

Lymphocyte to monocyte ratio and lymphocyte to neutrophil ratio in neurosyphilis may affect the response to therapy and diagnostic efficacy

Identifying the human olfactory and chemosignaling neural networks using event related fMRI and graph theory

Abstract This study aims to characterize and compare the functional neural networks associated with different olfactory stimuli, including air, non-social odours, and human body odours. We introduce a novel processing pipeline based on event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and graph theory for network identification. To ensure the stability and small worldness of the characterized networks, we conduct statistical validations, network modularity assessments, and robustness measurement against local attacks. The key hypothesis is that human body odours (so-called social odours) and non-social odours engage distinct neural networks, particularly in regions responsible for social processing. We found that the posterior medial orbitofrontal cortex (pmOFC) and fusiform face area (FFA) demonstrate stronger centrality in the body odour network than the non-social odour and air networks. This observation supports the idea that social and olfactory information are integrated in the body odour network. Additionally, the anterior insula (INSa), posterior piriform cortex (PPC), and amygdala (AMY) exhibit high influence in air and odour networks by achieving higher centrality indices and playing a major role in improving the global efficiency. These findings offer impactful insight into how air, non-social, and social odours recruit distinct neural circuits, reinforcing the role of olfaction in human social behavior.

Comprehensive serotyping of Mannheimia haemolytica by a PCR system using the diversity of capsule biosynthesis genes

Evaluating the predictive significance of D-dimer in conjunction with CA724 for the postoperative outcomes in gastric cancer: A retrospective cohort analysis

Background Gastric cancer represents a highly aggressive form of malignant tumor originating from the epithelial cells lining the gastric mucosa. Despite notable improvements in treatment approaches over the last few years, the associated mortality rate continues to be considerably high. Therefore, there is a pressing requirement for dependable biomarkers that can be utilized to predict and monitor prognosis, as well as to formulate targeted treatment strategies for patient groups at high risk. Methods We conducted an analysis of data collected from patients who were diagnosed with gastric cancer and underwent radical gastrectomy at Shanxi Cancer Hospital from June 2017 to June 2018, with follow-up data gathered over a five-year duration until 2023. Patient follow-up information was sourced from the hospital’s monitoring system. The analysis focused on the variances in effectiveness of D-dimer against different tumor markers through Cox stratification analysis. The tumor marker that exhibited the most pronounced impact was selected to formulate a novel combined indicator. Furthermore, we examined how this combined indicator influences five-year overall survival (OS) outcomes following gastric cancer surgery using Cox multivariate regression analysis. Results The Cox multivariate regression analysis revealed that the effect value of the D_Dimer-CA724 Middle group on the overall survival rate post-surgery for gastric cancer was found to be 1.42 (1.13–1.78), p = 0.003 (<0.05), in comparison with the D_Dimer-CA724 Low group. For the D_Dimer-CA724 High group, the effect value on overall survival after gastric cancer surgery was 2.11 (1.65–2.68), p < 0.001. Additionally, the trend test results indicated a value of 1.46 (1.29–1.64) with p < 0.001, demonstrating statistical significance. When compared to the D_Dimer-CA724 Low group, both the D_Dimer-CA724 Middle and High groups showed markedly poorer prognoses, with increased risks of 42% and 111%, respectively, highlighting a highly significant finding in clinical practice. Conclusion The integrated measure of D-dimer and CA724, referred to as D-dimer_CA724, serves as an independent predictor for the postoperative outcomes of gastric cancer, demonstrating superior predictive capability compared to the individual markers. In clinical settings, patients with gastric cancer exhibiting elevated levels of D-dimer_CA724 tend to experience worse prognoses following surgery. This measure holds significant potential for widespread application and promotion within clinical practice.

Menstrual blood serum extracellular vesicles reveal novel molecular biomarkers and potential endotypes of unexplained infertility

Factors influencing early sexual initiation among hill tribe youths in Chiang Rai Province, Northern Thailand: A community-based cross-sectional study

Background Early sexual initiation before the age of 15 years, prior to full physical and mental maturity, can lead to several problems, including sexually transmitted diseases. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of and determine the factors associated with early sexual initiation among hill tribe youths in Thailand. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted to gather information using a validated questionnaire from hill tribe youths aged 15–24 years living in 30 selected hill tribe villages in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand. Data were obtained using self-reports in a private and confidential room. Chi-square tests and logistic regression were used to detect associations between variables at a significance level of α=0.05. Results A total of 1,310 hill tribe youths participated in the study: 60.8% were females, 59.0% were aged 15–17 years, 34.0% were Akha, and 90.1% had no income. Substance use was reported as follows: 22.2% used alcohol, 14.3% smoked, and 2.6% used methamphetamine. A large proportion (79.8%) had poor knowledge of safe sex, and 33.5% had poor attitudes toward early sexual behaviors and safe sex. One-fourth (24.1%) had sexual experience. Of these, 42.0% were males, and 53.0% were female. Among those who had sexual experience, 9.8% had their first sexual initiation before 15 years. Of these, 81.1% were males, and 18.9% were females. The overall age at first sexual initiation was 16.7 years. The minimum age at first sexual initiation was 12 years for males and 13 years for females. Sex and age, including smoking, amphetamine, and heroin use behaviors, were associated with early sexual initiation in the univariate model. In the multivariable model, sex and age remainedassociated with early sexual initiation. Males were 7.30 times (95% CI = 2.06–25.83) more likely to have experienced early sexual initiation than females were. Those aged 15–17 years were 8.31 times (95% CI = 1.68–41.07) more likely to have experienced early sexual initiation than those aged 21–24 years were. Conclusions A large proportion of hill tribe youths have sexual experience, and one-tenth have experienced early sexual initiation before the age of 15 years. Specific knowledge on sexual education programs should be integrated into the high school study curriculum to protect early sexual initiation behaviors and safe sex, particularly for females. Family- and community-based interventions should also be strongly recommended for the implementation of sexual education training. The curriculum should focus on the impact of substance use and potentially early sexual initiation.

Developmental overproduction of cortical superficial neurons impairs adult auditory cortical processing

Abstract While evolutionary cortical expansion is thought to underlie the evolution of human cognitive capabilities, excessive developmental expansion can lead to megalencephaly, often found in neurodevelopmental disorders. Still, little is known about how the overproduction of cortical neurons during development affects cortical processing and behavior in later life. Here we show that developmental overproduction of cortical superficial neurons impairs auditory processing in adult mice. We applied XAV939 to overproduce cortical superficial excitatory neurons during development. XAV939-treated adult mice exhibited auditory behavioral deficits and abnormal auditory cortical processing. Furthermore, we found fewer functional monosynaptic connections between cortical putative excitatory neurons. Altogether, our results suggest that abnormal auditory cortical processing contributes to the atypical auditory detectability in XAV939-treated mice. Although the expansion of cortical size is evolutionarily advantageous, an abnormal expansion during development can result in detrimental effects on cortical processing and perceptual behavior in adulthood.

The Lived Fracture Experience (LiFE) study: A mixed methods qualitative study research protocol exploring the lived experiences of fracture non-union patients

Background Fractures are a common and a major cause of disability and death, with up to 10% of fractures failing to heal normally. These fractures are called “fracture non-unions”. Currently, debate on the impact of non-union in the medical and research communities exists. Unfortunately, this indirectly minimizes the impact of fracture non-unions, and hinders further research work which could reduce unnecessary patient suffering. In this study, we aim to explore the lived experiences of fracture non-union patients in one-on-one interviews to determine whether fracture non-union is a burden for patients, and if so, to outline the burden on patients and their close circles. Methods Eligible participants will include adult patients who currently have/previously (in the last 36 months) had a long bone fracture that has not healed normally. Data will be collected through in-depth face-to-face or telephone interviews, complemented by quantitative data captured using the standardized Euroqol EQ-5D-5L questionnaire. With consent, interviews will be audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Using NVIVO software, we will develop grouped codes and categories to describe and provide insight into the experience of fracture non-union patients. EQ-5D-5L, and EQ VAS data will be presented using a measure of central tendency and a measure of dispersion to provide insight into the overall health related quality of life for patients. Ethics and dissemination The study was approved by the Health Research Authority and Health and Care Research Wales Approval (approval date: 27 March 2024; IRAS project ID: 337652). Results from this study aim to improve the information and support provided to fracture non-union patients. Findings will be disseminated to the study participants, healthcare professionals, and local commissioners through peer-reviewed articles and at academic conferences.