by Hongfei Liu, Wenli Li, Gaoqiang Fan, Qiaoyi Chen, Shulei Zhang, Beibei Zhang
This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) supplementation on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immune function, duodenal digestive enzyme activity, and jejunal morphology in growing female minks. Ninety-six 12-week-old minks were randomly assigned to six groups (0, 100, 200, 300, 400, or 500 mg/kg COS), with 8 replicates per treatment and 2 minks per replicate, for an 8-week trial. The results showed that average daily gain (ADG) increased quadratically with increasing COS levels (P P P P P Pby Mengqi Yuan, Yajing Yuan, Xiangqun Zhang, Zhenghao Zhu, Chenxi Zhao, Xiangqian Gao, Genyuan Du
Millimeter-wave (mmWave) radar has become an important research direction in the field of object detection because of its characteristics of all-time, low cost, strong privacy and not affected by harsh weather conditions. Therefore, the research on millimeter wave radar object detection is of great practical significance for applications in the field of intelligent security and transportation. However, in the multi-target detection scene, millimeter wave radar still faces some problems, such as unable to effectively distinguish multiple objects and poor performance of detection algorithm. Focusing on the above problems, a new target detection and classification framework of S2DB-mmWave YOLOv8n, based on deep learning, is proposed to realize more accuracy. There are three main improvements. First, a novel backbone network was designed by incorporating new convolutional layers and the Simplified Spatial Pyramid Pooling - Fast (SimSPPF) module to strengthen feature extraction. Second, a dynamic up-sampling technique was introduced to improve the model’s ability to recover fine details. Finally, a bidirectional feature pyramid network (BiFPN) was integrated to optimize feature fusion, leveraging a bidirectional information transfer mechanism and an adaptive feature selection strategy. A publicly available 5-class object mmWave radar heatmap dataset, including 2,500 annotated images, were selected for data modeling and method evaluation. The results show that the mean average precision (mAP), precision and recall of the S2DB-mmWave YOLOv8n model were 93.1% mAP@0.5, 55.8% mAP@0.5:0.95, 89.4% and 90.6%, respectively, which is 3.3, 1.6, 4.5 and 7.7 percentage points higher than the baseline YOLOv8n network without increasing the parameter count.by Lijun Jiang, Qian Yu, Hui Li, Fudong Wang, Feng Liu, Zhenxing Xu
ObjectiveTo determine the association between blood pressure variability (BPV), coagulation indexes, and germinal matrix-intraventricular hemorrhage (GMH-IVH) in preterm infants with gestational age ≤ 32 weeks. In addition, we aimed to determine whether the combination can predict the occurrence and outcome of GMH-IVH.
MethodsThis retrospective study included 106 preterm infants. According to the presence of GMH-IVH, the preterm infants were divided into GMH-IVH (51 patients) and no GMH-IVH (55 patients) groups. Furthermore, according to the short-term prognoses, the GMH-IVH group was subdivided into good outcome (30 patients) and poor outcome (21 patients) groups. Coagulation function and BPV indexes were collected at admission. Univariate analysis, logistic regression model, and receiver operating characteristic curve were used to analyze the relationship between indexes and the occurrence and outcome of GMH-IVH in preterm infants.
ResultsUnivariate analysis showed that the difference between maximum and minimum (Max-Min); standard deviation (SD); coefficient of variation (CV) of BPV, prothrombin time (PT), international normalized ratio (INR), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and proportion of premature rupture of membranes (PROM) were higher in the GMH-IVH group than the no GMH-IVH group (P ). Logistic regression analysis showed that INR and DBP SD were directly correlated with GMH-IVH, and the joint curve had the largest area under the curve (AUC) (82.4% sensitivity and 79.7% specificity). BPV SD, BPV CV, APTT, and INR were higher in the poor outcome group than in the good outcome group (P ). Logistic regression analysis showed that INR and DBP SD were directly correlated with poor outcomes in preterm infants with GMH-IVH. The joint curve had the largest AUC (sensitivity 76.2% and specificity 90.0%).
ConclusionIncreased INR and DBP SD are directly associated factors for the developement and poor short-term outcome of GMH-IVH, and combined monitoring of INR and DBP SD has certain reference value for the early identification and prognosis evaluation of GMH-IVH in preterm infants with gestational age ≤ 32 weeks.
by Xiaowei Chi, Yi Xu, Qiang Li, Keshu Xia, Qiang Fu
BackgroundThe selection of safe and effective anesthetic agents for patients undergoing bariatric surgery is vital. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ciprofol in inducing general anesthesia in patients with obesity undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.
MethodsA total of 212 patients scheduled for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy were randomly allocated into two groups in a 1:1 ratio: the ciprofol (0.5 mg/kg, n = 106) and propofol (2.5 mg/kg, n = 106) groups. The primary endpoint was to assess the success rate of anesthesia induction. Secondary endpoints included evaluating the time of induction, loss of eyelash reflex, changes in bispectral index, and adverse event incidence.
ResultsThe success rates of anesthesia induction were 100% in both groups. Ciprofol demonstrated non-inferiority to propofol in induction success. The times to successful induction onset and eyelash reflex disappearance were significantly longer in the ciprofol group compared to those in the propofol group (39.38 ± 8.57 s vs. 36.74 ± 6.82 s, P = 0.014 and 40.36 ± 8.59 s vs. 37.77 ± 6.84 s, P = 0.016, respectively). The adverse events incidence was significantly lower in the ciprofol group compared to that in the propofol group (25.47% vs. 89.62%, P = 0.000). The number of patients requiring top-up doses was not statistically significant (3.77% vs. 7.55%, P = 0.235). Ciprofol demonstrated advantages in hemodynamic stability and maintaining a better sedation level post-induction. Ciprofol was associated with a significantly lower incidence of hypotension compared to propofol (14.15% vs. 37.74%, P Conclusion
Ciprofol offers a better sedative effect, fewer adverse events, and greater hemodynamic stability during general anesthesia induction in patients with obesity undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.
Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT05522998
by Qian Liu, Yuanhao Peng, Wenbin Liu, Xiangjian Luo
Cervical cancer remains the second leading cause of female cancer mortality worldwide, with metastasis representing a critical therapeutic challenge. This study systematically reveals the key role of SERPINH1 (Serpin Family H Member 1) as a hub regulator of malignant progression in cervical squamous cell carcinoma and endocervical adenocarcinoma (CESC). Through analysis of TCGA-CESC datasets, we identified that high SERPINH1 expression is significantly correlated with poor prognosis and contributes to tumor progression by promoting cell proliferation, invasion, and metastatic phenotypes. In vitro experiments validated these findings, demonstrating that SERPINH1 overexpression markedly enhanced the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of cervical cancer cells, whereas its knockdown substantially inhibited these processes. Furthermore, based on the SERPINH1-related differentially expressed genes, a prognostic risk model was constructed, successfully identifying PLOD1, ITGA5, and ESM1 as core collaborative genes affecting patient prognosis. Overall, our findings underscore the multiple functions of SERPINH1 as a hub for cervical cancer metastasis regulation, suggesting its potential as a promising biomarker for tailoring strategies in metastasis patients of CESC.by Qianhui Wang, Pengyu Hu, Haibo Cong
BackgroundSerum anion gap has diagnostic value in patients with multiple myeloma, but its association with ICU mortality and threshold value remain unclear.
MethodsMultiple myeloma patients meeting criteria were selected from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC-IV) database. The exposure factor was serum anion gap, and the outcome was ICU in-hospital mortality. Multivariable-adjusted Cox regression, curve fitting, and forest plots were used to evaluate the relationship between anion gap and ICU mortality in multiple myeloma patients.
ResultsA total of 323 eligible subjects were included (206 males [63.8%], 117 females [36.2%]). Multivariable Cox regression showed that each 1-unit increase in AG was associated with a 7% increased mortality risk (HR = 1.07, 95%CI = 1.01–1.14, P = 0.032). Curve fitting revealed a nonlinear relationship between anion gap and ICU mortality (nonlinear P = 0.038), with the lowest risk at 15.29 mmol/L. Incorporating AG into traditional risk factor models improved mortality prediction (P = 0.038).
ConclusionSerum anion gap exhibits a nonlinear relationship with ICU mortality in multiple myeloma patients, with the lowest risk observed at approximately 15.29 mmol/L.
by Shuangyan Tu, Menglin Jiang, Rong Yang, Zhiqiang Deng, Cairong Zhu, Muke Zhou, Zhangyan Peng, Lihong Zhao
PurposeTo identify the scale that is more suitable for oral health assessment in stroke patient population with indwelling gastric tubes.
MethodsA total of 198 patients with indent gastric tubes were selected from 1250 stroke patients to evaluate their oral health using both the BOAS and the OHAT scales. The scores obtained from both scales were then compared to evaluate the feasibility, reliability, and validity of each scale in assessing oral health among stroke patients with indwelling gastric tubes.
ResultsThe results showed that both the BOAS and OHAT scales exhibited good reliability and validity in stroke patients with indwelling gastric tubes. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of BOAS and OHAT in stroke patients with indwelling gastric tubes were 0.89 and 0.91, respectively. In the exploratory factor analysis, one and two common factors were extracted from the two scales, with cumulative variance contributions of 65.89% and 71.85%, respectively. In addition, potential influencing factor correlation analysis found that gender and marital status had a significant correlation with the BOAS score(P Conclusions
The BOAS and OHAT have demonstrated good reliability and validity and in their ability to assess the oral health of stroke patients with indwelling gastric tubes. Therefore, it is recommended that the selection of oral assessment scales should be further refined in different disease stages of stroke patients to assess the oral health status of patients more accurately and personalized.
by Qiong Zhou, Liwen Qian, Chong Shen, Xinyan Bei, Gaojie Liu, Xiaonan Sun
PurposeThis study aims to develop a fully automated VMAT planning program for short-course radiotherapy (SCRT) in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer (LARC) and assess its plan quality, feasibility, and efficiency.
Materials and methodsThirty LARC patients who underwent short-course VMAT treatment were retrospectively selected from our institution for this study. An auto-planning program for neoadjuvant short-course radiotherapy (SCRT) in LARC was developed using the RayStation scripting platform integrated with the Python environment. The patients were re-planned using this auto-planning program. Subsequently, the differences between the automatic plans (APs) and existing manual plans (MPs) were compared in terms of plan quality, monitor units (MU), plan complexity, and other dosimetric parameters. Plan quality assurance (QA) was performed using the ArcCHECK dosimetric verification system.
ResultsCompared to MPs, the APs achieved similar target coverage and conformity, while providing more rapid dose fall-off. Except for the V5Gy dose level, other dosimetric metrics (V25 Gy, V23 Gy, V15 Gy, Dmean, etc.) for the small bowel were significantly lower in the AP compared to the MP (p Conclusion
We developed a fully automated, feasible SCRT VMAT planning program for LARC. This program significantly enhanced plan quality and efficiency while substantially reducing the dose to OARs.
by Yu-Peng Ye, Guo-You Qin, Xinyu Zhang, Shan-Shan Han, Bo Li, Ning Zhou, Qi Liu, Chen-xi Li, Yang-Sheng Zhang, Qian-qian Shao
ObjectiveThis study aims to explore the impact of physical exercise on university students’ life satisfaction and analyses the chain mediation effect of general self-efficacy and health literacy, providing empirical reference and theoretical foundation for the comprehensive enhancement and optimization of students’ mental health.
MethodBased on data from the “China University Student Physical Activity and Health Tracking Survey” (CPAHLS-CS) 2024, the measurement scales used included the Physical Activity Rating Scale (PARS-3), the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), and the 9-item Short Form Health Literacy Scale (HLS-SF9). A total of 4575 valid samples were analyzed.
ResultsA significant positive correlation was found between physical exercise and life satisfaction (r = 0.137, P Conclusion
University students’ life satisfaction is closely related to physical exercise, general self-efficacy, and health literacy. General self-efficacy and health literacy play a full mediating role in the effect of physical exercise on life satisfaction.
by Qianli Huang, Changhui Shao, Wei Wei, Shan Ou
BackgroundLidocaine is increasingly used for surgical patients requiring general anesthesia. However, its clinical benefits on postoperative recovery quality are not well established. Our main objective aims to summarize the evidence regarding the effectiveness of perioperative lidocaine infusion on postoperative subjective quality of recovery (QoR).
Methods and analysisThis protocol will be conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P) guideline. This systematic review will include randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from their inception until December 31st, 2024 with no language restrictions. The major databases including PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane library will be comprehensively searched and supplemented by a hand searching reference lists of all included articles. Searches will involve studies assessing the efficacy of the perioperative lidocaine infusion for improving postoperative QoR, in comparison to placebo, or on treatment. The two authors will independently screen studies, extract study data and assess bias risk of the studies. The subjective QoR (QoR-15, QoR-40) on postoperative day 1–3 will be defined as primary outcome, whereas secondary outcomes will include morphine consumption, incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting, time to first bowel movement, time to first flatus, and length of hospital stay. A meta-analysis will be performed using Review Manager 5.3 software. Sensitivity analyses, subgroup analysis and publication bias will also be conducted. The evidence quality of pooled results will be assessed by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.
DiscussionThis review and meta-analysis is anticipated to provide the evidence for the role of intravenous lidocaine on the subjective quality of recovery after surgery. In addition, the findings from this review will help clinicians with developing effective and safe perioperative anesthetic management regimens for surgery patients.
Study registrationPROSPERO registration number: CRD42024585866
by Zhikai Su, Zhenjie Ling, Haoqiang Chen, Lei Hu, Songtao Xiang, Qian Li, Jianfu Zhou
ObjectiveEvidence suggests that nephrolithiasis and hyperlipidemia are linked. The study is designed to identify diagnostic biomarkers for nephrolithiasis in conjunction with hyperlipidemia using bioinformatics analysis, while exploring the potential common denominator pathogenesis.
MethodsThe NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database provided separate datasets for nephrolithiasis and hyperlipidemia. We employed the R limma package to detect differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which were subsequently analyzed for enrichment using Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), Gene Ontology (GO), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways. Immune cell infiltration was analyzed by the CIBERSORT method. The WGCNA-R package clustered genes with similar expression profiles, followed by an analysis of the associations between the modules and specific traits or phenotypes. The STRING database was utilized to establish a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and key functional modules, which were then analyzed using Cytoscape software. Diagnostic genes for both diseases were screened from core hub genes using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) regression. Subsequently, we generated receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to validate the predictive ability of these diagnostic genes for diagnosing nephrolithiasis in combination with hyperlipidemia. Lastly, the Network Analyst platform facilitated the construction of transcription factor-gene (TF-gene) and TF-miRNA regulatory networks.
ResultsBased on datasets of nephrolithiasis and hyperlipidemia, we identified 167 DEGs and 74 hub genes through WGCNA. Using PPI networks and machine learning techniques, we recognized three frequently diagnostic genes (HSP90AB1, HSPA5, and STUB1), which demonstrated high diagnostic validity. The functional enrichment of these three diagnostic genes primarily involved pathways related to cellular metabolism.
ConclusionsOur study identified three candidate diagnostic genes that can predict nephrolithiasis in conjunction with hyperlipidemia, providing a solid foundation for further exploration into the pathogenesis of nephrolithiasis and hyperlipidemia.
by Wenli Cao, Xiaofeng Pan, Liming Jin, Jie Liu, Jie Cao, Lei Jin, Fangqiang Wei
Complex liver cancer is often difficult to expose or dissect, and the surgery is often challenging. 3D-printed models may realistically present 3D anatomical structure, which has certain value in planning and training of liver surgery. However, the existing 3D-printed models are all monolithic models, which are difficult to reuse and limited in clinical application. It is also rare to carry fluorescence to accurately present tumor lesions. Here we report reusable fluorescent assembled 3D-printed models to mimic minimally invasive resection of complex liver cancer. Based on the models, multiple copies of liver lesion structure assembled accessories can be printed for the same patient or different patients, ensuring the quantity and quality of simulated surgical training, and greatly reducing the cost of simulated surgical training. The addition of fluorescence is helpful in accurately presenting tumor lesions. The reusable fluorescent assembled 3D-printed models may mimic minimally invasive resection of complex liver cancer, demonstrating potential value in simulated surgery.by Lifeng Wang, Hu Liang, Yuxin Jian, Qiang Luo, Xiaoxiang Gong, Yiwei Zhang
This paper focuses on the cooperative driving challenges of connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) at single-lane roundabouts. First, a geometric path planning method is proposed for CAVs navigating a single-lane roundabout. Based on this method, a vehicle roundabout model is established. Four potential traffic scenarios for CAVs are established, and the optimal arrival times at conflict points are analyzed. By correlating the optimal arrival times at conflict points with the optimal entry times into the roundabout, the multi-vehicle coordination problem in complex intersections is simplified to a speed control issue during entry. Utilizing the principles of optimal control and Pontryagin minimization, two speed optimization strategies are proposed. Finally, MATLAB is employed for simulation analysis. The results indicate that the control strategy proposed in this paper enables the system to clearly identify potential conflicts between vehicles and implement an optimal control strategy, ensuring that vehicles can navigate the roundabout efficiently in terms of time and fuel without collisions. Additionally, the minimum time interval is established at 0.2 seconds to completely prevent vehicle collisions. In this study, the fusion problem involving two vehicles at a single conflict point is further expanded to encompass multiple vehicles at multiple conflict points. Thus, the efficient scheduling of multiple vehicles in single-lane roundabouts is realized.by Lieselotte Van Bockstal, Sara Prims, Steven Van Cruchten, Miriam Ayuso, Lianqiang Che, Chris Van Ginneken
Novel antimicrobial strategies are necessary to tackle using antibiotics during the suckling and weaning period of piglets, often characterized by E. coli-induced diarrhea. In the last decades, acetate, propionate, and butyrate, all short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), have been proposed as an alternative to antibiotics. SCFAs are instrumental in promoting the proliferation of enterocytes, preserving intestinal integrity, and modulating the microbial community by suppressing the growth of pathogenic bacteria in pigs. The effect of individual SCFAs (proprionate, acetate and butyrate) on the regenerative capacity of intestinal cells was investigated via an optimized wound-healing assay in IPEC-J2 cells, a porcine jejunal epithelial cell line. IPEC-J2 cells proved a good model as they express the free fatty acid receptor 2 (FFAR2), an important SCFA receptor with a high affinity for proprionate. Our study demonstrated that propionate (p = 0.005) and acetate (p = 0.037) were more effective in closing the wound than butyrate (p = 0.190). This holds promise in using SCFA’s per os as an alternative to antibiotics.