VR环境下SET GO教学法的构建及在耳鼻喉临床教学的应用

SET GO教学法也称为应诊录像教学法,就是在教学过程中,通过观察操作者的视频录像,进行教学的教学法。由于耳、鼻、喉的结构复杂,内部空间狭小,增加了视频录制的难度。在此背景下,吉林药学院附属医院将VR技术融入SET GO教学法中,借助VR技术录制成三维视频,使录制的视频清晰度更高,为SET GO教学法的实施提供了可行性。具体的教学环节分为前期教学、VR模拟操作及录制、VR录像加工、See和Else教学环节、Think教学环节、Goals和Offers教学环节等。通过以上环节的有序实施,提高了耳鼻喉科的临床教学效果。如在视频录制质量评价和SET GO教学效果评价方面,学生各项指标评价的良好率均在90%以上。建议进一步推广和应用。

SETD5介导AKT1磷酸化调控结肠癌细胞的迁移和5-FU敏感性

目的:探讨含SET结构域蛋白5(SETD5)对结肠癌细胞增殖、迁移和对5-氟尿嘧啶(5-FU)药物敏感性的影响及机制。方法:常规培养结肠癌细胞,用Lipofectamine 2000将siSETD5-NC、si-SETD5-1~3质粒转染至HT-29细胞中,将其分为对照组(未处理)、si-SETD5-NC组、si-SETD5组和si-SETD5+SC79组,si-SETD5+SC79组HT-29细胞转染质粒的同时用10µmol/L SC79处理。qPCR法检测NCM460、HT-29和LoVo细胞中SETD5 mRNA表达,流式细胞术、细胞划痕法、WB法和CCK-8法分别检测各组HT-29细胞的凋亡情况、迁移能力、相关蛋白的表达,以及对5-FU的敏感性。结果:SETD5 mRNA在HT-29、LoVo细胞中均呈高表达(均P<0.01)。在HT-29细胞中成功地敲减了SETD5 mRNA(P<0.01)。敲减SETD5 mRNA可明显抑制HT-29细胞的增殖活性(P<0.01)、迁移能力(P<0.01)、相关蛋白(SETD5、p-PI3K、p-AKT1、p-mTOR蛋白)的表达(均P<0.01)、促进细胞凋亡(P<0.01),且提高其对5-FU的敏感性(P<0.01),这些作用均可被AKT激活剂SC79部分阻挡(P<0.05或P<0.01)。结论:SETD5在HT-29、LoVo细胞中高表达,SETD5通过PI3K/AKT1通路促进结肠癌HT-29细胞的增殖、迁移,且降低其对5-FU的敏感性,SETD5是结肠癌临床诊断、治疗的潜在靶点。

基于SET-AHP-TRIZ的坐式康复训练器设计研究

为解决现有坐式康复训练器形式与功能单一、操作使用缺乏智能化等问题,文章构建了基于SET-AHP-TRIZ的设计思路。首先,对产品的现状、用户进行市场调研,采用SET分析法确定目标产品的机会缺口;其次,应用AHP法对需求点进行定量计算,以确定创新过程中需要着重改善的问题;最后,通过应用TRIZ理论分析出现的矛盾问题,并总结其矛盾类型,利用发明原理解决问题,进行坐式康复训练器设计实践,减少了设计过程主观因素的影响,使设计结果更为科学合理,以期提高用户的满意度。

Federated Learning Model for Auto Insurance Rate Setting Based on Tweedie Distribution

In the assessment of car insurance claims,the claim rate for car insurance presents a highly skewed probability distribution,which is typically modeled using Tweedie distribution.The traditional approach to obtaining the Tweedie regression model involves training on a centralized dataset,when the data is provided by multiple parties,training a privacy-preserving Tweedie regression model without exchanging raw data becomes a challenge.To address this issue,this study introduces a novel vertical federated learning-based Tweedie regression algorithm for multi-party auto insurance rate setting in data silos.The algorithm can keep sensitive data locally and uses privacy-preserving techniques to achieve intersection operations between the two parties holding the data.After determining which entities are shared,the participants train the model locally using the shared entity data to obtain the local generalized linear model intermediate parameters.The homomorphic encryption algorithms are introduced to interact with and update the model intermediate parameters to collaboratively complete the joint training of the car insurance rate-setting model.Performance tests on two publicly available datasets show that the proposed federated Tweedie regression algorithm can effectively generate Tweedie regression models that leverage the value of data fromboth partieswithout exchanging data.The assessment results of the scheme approach those of the Tweedie regressionmodel learned fromcentralized data,and outperformthe Tweedie regressionmodel learned independently by a single party.

MTA2、SET8蛋白在喉癌中的表达及与临床病理特征的关系

目的探讨MTA2、SET8蛋白在喉癌中的表达及与临床病理特征的关系。方法收集喉癌患者205例作为研究对象,采用免疫组织化学染色法检测MTA2、SET8阳性蛋白,采用Real-time PCR检测MTA2、SET8 mRNA表达水平。分析MTA2、SET8蛋白表达与喉癌患者临床病理特征的关系。Spearson相关性分析MTA2蛋白与SET8蛋白表达之间的关系。结果喉癌组MTA2、SET8蛋白阳性表达率(56.10%、54.15%)显著高于癌旁组,差异均有统计学意义(χ^(2)=27.926,P<0.001;χ^(2)=28.277,P<0.001);喉癌组MTA2、SET8 mRNA表达水平高于癌旁组,差异均具有统计学意义(t=25.005,P<0.001;t=20.390,P<0.001)。喉癌组织中MTA2、SET8蛋白阳性表达与性别、年龄、是否吸烟、临床分型均无关(P>0.05),与淋巴结是否转移、病理分级、临床分期有关(P<0.05)。Spearson相关性分析显示,MTA2蛋白与SET8蛋白表达呈现正相关(γ=0.477,P<0.05)。结论MTA2、SET8蛋白在喉癌中表达明显上升,且与喉癌的发展密切相关,预示其可能成为诊断分子的潜能。

Effect of the Dietary Substitution of Fish Meal with Achatina fulica Meat Meal on the Growth Performance and Production Cost of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Fingerlings

Fishmeal is the most preferred source of protein in aquafeeds, but it is expensive and scarce. Hence, Achatina fulica meat meal (AFM), which is much less preferred for human consumption out of three species of African giant land snails, was tested as a fishmeal substitute for Clarias gariepinus growth. Five iso-nitrogenous and iso-calorific diets were formulated, in which AFM substituted fish meal at 0% (control or Diet A), 25% (Diet B), 50% (Diet C), 75% (Diet D) and 100% (Diet E). These dietary treatments were each replicated thrice in a completely randomized design experiment, using 36-L plastic tanks in which the fish were fed daily rations corresponding to 5% of their body weight, for 8 weeks. Water quality parameters in the tanks were monitored. Proximate analyses were conducted on the fish meal, snail meal and experimental diets before the feeding trials. Cost-benefit analysis of the different diets was performed. The crude protein content of AFM (69.18%) was significantly higher than that of fish meal (55.81%). There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in the mean weight gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio and survival rate in fish fed Diet A and Diet B. The best protein efficiency ratio (0.77) was recorded in fish fed Diet B. Furthermore, the survival rate of fish increased with increased levels of AFM substitution. Water quality parameters were within a suitable range for tropical fish culture, indicating that the AFM did not pollute the water. The fish fed 25% AFM diet significantly (P Clarias gariepinus diets at a 25% substitution level. The aquaculture industry can thus exploit the availability of this feed resource.

Standardized ileal digestibility of amino acids in soybean meal fed to non-pregnant and pregnant sows

Background Two studies were designed to determine standard ileal crude protein(CP)and amino acid(AA)digestibility of soybean meal(SBM)from different origins fed to non-pregnant and pregnant sows.Seven solvent-extracted SBMs from soybeans produced in the USA,Brazil,and China were selected.In Exp.1,eight different diets were created:a nitrogen(N)-free diet and 7 experimental diets containing SBM from different origins as the only N source.Eight non-pregnant,multiparous sows were arranged in an 8×8 Latin square design(8 periods and 8 diets).In Exp.2,the diet formula was the same as in Exp.1.Eight gestating sows(parity 3)were assigned to 4 different diets in a replicated 4×3 Youden square design(three periods and four diets)in mid-gestation and again in late-gestation stages.Results When fed to non-pregnant and late-gestating sows,the standardized ileal digestibility(SID)of CP and most AAs from different SBM were not significantly different(P>0.05).When fed to mid-gestating sows,the SID values for Arg,His,Lys,Phe,Cys,Gly,Ser,and Tyr in SBM 1 were lower than in SBM 4 and 5(P<0.05),whereas SID for Leu from SBM 5 was higher than in SBM 1 and 4(P<0.05).SID values for Ile,Ala,and Asp from SBM 4 were lower than in SBM 1 and 5(P<0.05).Sows had significantly greater SID values for Lys,Ala,and Asp during mid-gestation when compared with late-gestation stages(P<0.05).Mid-gestating sows had greater SID value for Val and lower SID value for Tyr when compared with non-pregnant and late-gestating sows(P<0.01),whereas non-pregnant sows had significantly greater SID value for Met when compared with gestating sows(P<0.01).Conclusions When fed to mid-gestating sows,the SID values for most AAs varied among SBM samples.The SID values for Lys,Met,Val,Ala,Asp,and Tyr in SBM were affected by sow gestation stages.Our findings provide a cornerstone for accurate SBM use in sow diets.

Debaryomyces hansenii supplementation in low fish meal diets promotes growth,modulates microbiota and enhances intestinal condition in juvenile marine fish

Background The development of a sustainable business model with social acceptance,makes necessary to develop new strategies to guarantee the growth,health,and well-being of farmed animals.Debaryomyces hansenii is a yeast species that can be used as a probiotic in aquaculture due to its capacity to i)promote cell proliferation and differen-tiation,ii)have immunostimulatory effects,iii)modulate gut microbiota,and/or iv)enhance the digestive function.To provide inside into the effects of D.hansenii on juveniles of gilthead seabream(Sparus aurata)condition,we inte-grated the evaluation of the main key performance indicators coupled with the integrative analysis of the intestine condition,through histological and microbiota state,and its transcriptomic profiling.Results After 70 days of a nutritional trial in which a diet with low levels of fishmeal(7%)was supplemented with 1.1%of D.hansenii(17.2×10^(5) CFU),an increase of ca.12%in somatic growth was observed together with an improve-ment in feed conversion in fish fed a yeast-supplemented diet.In terms of intestinal condition,this probiotic modu-lated gut microbiota without affecting the intestine cell organization,whereas an increase in the staining intensity of mucins rich in carboxylated and weakly sulphated glycoconjugates coupled with changes in the affinity for certain lectins were noted in goblet cells.Changes in microbiota were characterized by the reduction in abundance of several groups of Proteobacteria,especially those characterized as opportunistic groups.The microarrays-based transcrip-tomic analysis found 232 differential expressed genes in the anterior-mid intestine of S.aurata,that were mostly related to metabolic,antioxidant,immune,and symbiotic processes.Conclusions Dietary administration of D.hansenii enhanced somatic growth and improved feed efficiency param-eters,results that were coupled to an improvement of intestinal condition as histochemical and transcriptomic tools indicated.This probiotic yeast stimulated host-microbiota interactions without altering the intestinal cell organization nor generating dysbiosis,which demonstrated its safety as a feed additive.At the transcriptomic level,D.hansenii pro-moted metabolic pathways,mainly protein-related,sphingolipid,and thymidylate pathways,in addition to enhance antioxidant-related intestinal mechanisms,and to regulate sentinel immune processes,potentiating the defensive capacity meanwhile maintaining the homeostatic status of the intestine.

Screening of glucosinolates degrading lactic acid bacteria and their utilization in rapeseed meal fermentation

Rapeseed meal is a promising food ingredient, but its utilization is limited by the presence of some potentially harmful ingredients, such as glucosinolates. Fermentation is a cost-effective method of detoxication but a food-grade starter culture with glucosinolates degradation capacity is required. In this study, 46 strains of lactic acid bacteria from traditional paocai brines were screened for their ability to glucosinolate degradation. The results showed that more than 50% of the strains significantly degraded glucosinolates. Two strains of Lactiplantibacillus(p7 and s7) with high capacity of glucosinolates degradation through producing enzymes were identified. Then,an optimized condition for rapeseed meal fermentation by p7 was established to degrade glucosinolates, which can achieve about 80% degradation. UPLC/Q-TOF-MS analysis showed that the degradation rate of individual glucosinolates was different and the degradation rate of gluconapin and progoitrin in rapeseed meal can reach more than 90%. Meanwhile, fermentation with p7 can improve safety of rapeseed meal by inhibiting the growth of Enterobacteriaceae and improve its nutritional properties by degrading phytic acid. The in vitro digestion experiments showed that the content of glucosinolates in rapeseed meal decreased significantly during gastric digestion. Meanwhile, fermentation with p7 can greatly improve the release of soluble protein and increase the contents of free essential amino acids, such as lysine(increased by 12 folds) and methionine(increased by 10 folds).

Evaluation of Industrial IoT Service Providers with TOPSIS Based on Circular Intuitionistic Fuzzy Sets

Industrial Internet of Things(IIoT)service providers have become increasingly important in the manufacturing industry due to their ability to gather and process vast amounts of data from connected devices,enabling manufacturers to improve operational efficiency,reduce costs,and enhance product quality.These platforms provide manufacturers with real-time visibility into their production processes and supply chains,allowing them to optimize operations and make informed decisions.In addition,IIoT service providers can help manufacturers create new revenue streams through the development of innovative products and services and enable them to leverage the benefits of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence(AI)and machine learning.Overall,the implementation of IIoT platforms in the manufacturing industry is crucial for companies seeking to remain competitive and meet the ever-increasing demands of customers in the digital age.In this study,the evaluation criteria to be considered in the selection of IIoT service provider in small andmedium-sized(SME)manufacturing enterprises will be determined and IIoT service providers alternatives will be evaluated using the technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution(TOPSIS)method based on circular intuitionistic fuzzy sets.Based on the assessments conducted in accordance with the literature review and expert consultations,a set of 8 selection criteria has been established.These criteria encompass industry expertise,customer support,flexibility and scalability,security,cost-effectiveness,reliability,data analytics,as well as compatibility and usability.Upon evaluating these criteria,it was observed that the security criterion holds the highest significance,succeeded by cost-effectiveness,data analytics,flexibility and scalability,reliability,and customer support criteria,in descending order of importance.Following the evaluation of seven distinct alternatives against these criteria,it was deduced that the A6 alternative,a German service provider,emerged as the most favorable option.The identical issue was addressed utilizing sensitivity analysis alongside various multi-criteria decision-making(MCDM)methods,and after comprehensive evaluation,the outcomes were assessed.Spearman’s correlation coefficient was computed to ascertain the association between the rankings derived from solving the problem using diverse MCDM methods.

Fuzzy Multi-Criteria Decision Support System for the Best Anti-Aging Treatment Selection Process through Normal Wiggly Hesitant Fuzzy Sets

This socialized environment among educated and developed people causes themto focusmore on their appearance and health,which turns them towards medical-related treatments,leading us to discuss anti-aging treatment methods for each age group,particularly for urban people who are interested in this.Some anti-aging therapies are used to address the alterations brought on by aging in human life without the need for surgery or negative effects.Five anti-aging therapies such as microdermabrasion or dermabrasion,laser resurfacing anti-aging skin treatments,chemical peels,dermal fillers for aged skin,and botox injections are considered in this study.Based on the criteria of safety risk,investment cost,customer happiness,and side effects,the optimal alternative is picked.As a result,a NormalWiggly Hesitant Pythagorean Fuzzy Set(NWHPFS)is constructed and used in Multi-Criteria Decision-Making(MCDM)using traditional wavy mathematical approaches.The entropy approach is utilized to determine weight values,and the Normal Wiggly Hesitant Pythagorean-VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje(NWHPF-VIKOR)method is utilized to rank alternatives using MCDM methodologies.Sensitivity analysis and comparative analysis were performed to ensure the robustness and reliability of the proposed method.The smart final choice will undoubtedly assist Decision Makers(DM)in making the right judgments,and the MCDM approach will undoubtedly assist individuals in understanding the medicine.

Quantum algorithm for minimum dominating set problem with circuit design

Using quantum algorithms to solve various problems has attracted widespread attention with the development of quantum computing.Researchers are particularly interested in using the acceleration properties of quantum algorithms to solve NP-complete problems.This paper focuses on the well-known NP-complete problem of finding the minimum dominating set in undirected graphs.To expedite the search process,a quantum algorithm employing Grover’s search is proposed.However,a challenge arises from the unknown number of solutions for the minimum dominating set,rendering direct usage of original Grover’s search impossible.Thus,a swap test method is introduced to ascertain the number of iterations required.The oracle,diffusion operators,and swap test are designed with achievable quantum gates.The query complexity is O(1.414^(n))and the space complexity is O(n).To validate the proposed approach,qiskit software package is employed to simulate the quantum circuit,yielding the anticipated results.

Arterial Hypertension-Related Factors within Custodial Settings of Southern Benin in 2023

Introduction: Hypertension, a non-communicable disease, is a major public health threat worldwide, accounting for a high level of morbidity and mortality. Although it has been extensively published among the general population, further research is needed to understand the reality of hypertension within the custodial setting. This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with arterial hypertension in custodial settings in southern Benin in 2023. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive, analytical study held in prisons in southern Benin from March to April 2023, involving inmates selected by two-stage random sampling. In the first stage, four prisons out of the six in the southern region of Benin were selected by simple random sampling. In the second stage, the prisoners were selected by systematic random sampling, with the sampling frame being the numbered list of eligible prisoners in each prison selected. Data collected by observation and questionnaire survey were analyzed using Stata 11 software. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg. Overweight was defined by a body mass index (weight/height2 (kg/m2) ≥ 25. Factors associated with hypertension were identified by multiple logistic regression, at a 5% threshold of significance. Results: Altogether 336 inmates aged 37.55 ± 1.72 years were surveyed. The prevalence of hypertension in custodial settings in southern Benin in 2023 was 31.32% (95% CI [17.06;52.57]). Associated factors were inmate age (ORa = 3.36 95% CI: [1.94;5.85]) and abnormal waist circumference (ORa = 2.61 95% CI [1.27;5.40]). Conclusion: The prevalence of arterial hypertension in prisons of southern Benin (31.32%) is high when compared with the national average (25.9% (22.5-29.3)). The ministries of the Interior and Health need to collaborate to involve inmates in preventive strategies for non-communicable diseases, including hypertension.

Incidence and Survivability of Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia Patients in the United States: Analysis of SEER Data Set from 2000-2019

The main goal of this research is to assess the impact of race, age at diagnosis, sex, and phenotype on the incidence and survivability of acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) among patients in the United States. By taking these factors into account, the study aims to explore how existing cancer registry data can aid in the early detection and effective treatment of ALL in patients. Our hypothesis was that statistically significant correlations exist between race, age at which patients were diagnosed, sex, and phenotype of the ALL patients, and their rate of incidence and survivability data were evaluated using SEER*Stat statistical software from National Cancer Institute. Analysis of the incidence data revealed that a higher prevalence of ALL was among the Caucasian population. The majority of ALL cases (59%) occurred in patients aged between 0 to 19 years at the time of diagnosis, and 56% of the affected individuals were male. The B-cell phenotype was predominantly associated with ALL cases (73%). When analyzing survivability data, it was observed that the 5-year survival rates slightly exceeded the 10-year survival rates for the respective demographics. Survivability rates of African Americans patients were the lowest compared to Caucasian, Asian, Pacific Islanders, Alaskan Native, Native Americans and others. Survivability rates progressively decreased for older patients. Moreover, this study investigated the typical treatment methods applied to ALL patients, mainly comprising chemotherapy, with occasional supplementation of radiation therapy as required. The study demonstrated the considerable efficacy of chemotherapy in enhancing patients’ chances of survival, while those who remained untreated faced a less favorable prognosis from the disease. Although a significant amount of data and information exists, this study can help doctors in the future by diagnosing patients with certain characteristics. It will further assist the health care professionals in screening potential patients and early detection of cases. This could also save the lives of elderly patients who have a higher mortality rate from this disease.

Novelty of Different Distance Approach for Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Challenges Using q-Rung Vague Sets

In this article,multiple attribute decision-making problems are solved using the vague normal set(VNS).It is possible to generalize the vague set(VS)and q-rung fuzzy set(FS)into the q-rung vague set(VS).A log q-rung normal vague weighted averaging(log q-rung NVWA),a log q-rung normal vague weighted geometric(log q-rung NVWG),a log generalized q-rung normal vague weighted averaging(log Gq-rung NVWA),and a log generalized q-rungnormal vagueweightedgeometric(logGq-rungNVWG)operator are discussed in this article.Adescription is provided of the scoring function,accuracy function and operational laws of the log q-rung VS.The algorithms underlying these functions are also described.A numerical example is provided to extend the Euclidean distance and the Humming distance.Additionally,idempotency,boundedness,commutativity,and monotonicity of the log q-rung VS are examined as they facilitate recognizing the optimal alternative more quickly and help clarify conceptualization.We chose five anemia patients with four types of symptoms including seizures,emotional shock or hysteria,brain cause,and high fever,who had either retrograde amnesia,anterograde amnesia,transient global amnesia,post-traumatic amnesia,or infantile amnesia.Natural numbers q are used to express the results of the models.To demonstrate the effectiveness and accuracy of the models we are investigating,we compare several existing models with those that have been developed.

Spatial Distribution Feature Extraction Network for Open Set Recognition of Electromagnetic Signal

This paper proposes a novel open set recognition method,the Spatial Distribution Feature Extraction Network(SDFEN),to address the problem of electromagnetic signal recognition in an open environment.The spatial distribution feature extraction layer in SDFEN replaces convolutional output neural networks with the spatial distribution features that focus more on inter-sample information by incorporating class center vectors.The designed hybrid loss function considers both intra-class distance and inter-class distance,thereby enhancing the similarity among samples of the same class and increasing the dissimilarity between samples of different classes during training.Consequently,this method allows unknown classes to occupy a larger space in the feature space.This reduces the possibility of overlap with known class samples and makes the boundaries between known and unknown samples more distinct.Additionally,the feature comparator threshold can be used to reject unknown samples.For signal open set recognition,seven methods,including the proposed method,are applied to two kinds of electromagnetic signal data:modulation signal and real-world emitter.The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms the other six methods overall in a simulated open environment.Specifically,compared to the state-of-the-art Openmax method,the novel method achieves up to 8.87%and 5.25%higher micro-F-measures,respectively.

An Intelligent MCGDM Model in Green Suppliers Selection Using Interactional Aggregation Operators for Interval-Valued Pythagorean Fuzzy Soft Sets

Green supplier selection is an important debate in green supply chain management(GSCM),attracting global attention from scholars,especially companies and policymakers.Companies frequently search for new ideas and strategies to assist them in realizing sustainable development.Because of the speculative character of human opinions,supplier selection frequently includes unreliable data,and the interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy soft set(IVPFSS)provides an exceptional capacity to cope with excessive fuzziness,inconsistency,and inexactness through the decision-making procedure.The main goal of this study is to come up with new operational laws for interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy soft numbers(IVPFSNs)and create two interaction operators-the intervalvalued Pythagorean fuzzy soft interaction weighted average(IVPFSIWA)and the interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy soft interaction weighted geometric(IVPFSIWG)operators,and analyze their properties.These operators are highly advantageous in addressing uncertain problems by considering membership and non-membership values within intervals,providing a superior solution to other methods.Moreover,specialist judgments were calculated by the MCGDM technique,supporting the use of interaction AOs to regulate the interdependence and fundamental partiality of green supplier assessment aspects.Lastly,a statistical clarification of the planned method for green supplier selection is presented.

Prospective randomized study to evaluate and compare the post-procedural sexual function in patients undergoing semi-rigid ureterorenoscopy for distal ureteric stones in three different operating room settings

Objective:To evaluate and compare the effect of semi-rigid ureterorenoscopy on post-procedural sexual function with three different operating room settings.Methods:In this prospective randomized study,consecutive sexually active patients with normal pre-operative sexual function undergoing uncomplicated semi-rigid ureterorenoscopy for distal ureteric stones were randomized into three groups,with three different operating room settings.Procedure-related anxiety and sexual function were assessed pre-operatively using Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale and Brief Sexual Function Inventory(in males)and Female Sexual Function Index-6(in females),respectively.All the participants were stented following the procedure,and the stent was removed after 3 weeks.Post-procedural sexual function and general discomfort were assessed and compared between three groups at 1 week,3 weeks,and 12 weeks.The effect of surgery-related anxiety,preoperative sexual function,age,and general discomfort(including stent-related discomfort)on post-procedural sexual function were analyzed using multiple regression analysis.A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results:Totally,327 eligible patients were randomized into three groups.The group of patients who underwent the procedural with a screen separating the operating area from the patient vision,while the patient could watch the endoscopy through a separate monitor,had better post-procedural sexual function compared to those who had total vision of the operating area as well as to those whose eyes were blocked.This difference was statistically significant.This post-procedural reduction in sexual function could not be attributed to in situ stent alone.Conclusions:Our study showed that semi-rigid ureterorenoscopy can have significant negative effect on sexual function,which can be reduced with proper preoperative counseling and an ideal operating room settings.

Flow Rate Measurement of Gravity Infusion Set and Functional Evaluation of Drop Counter: A Pilot Study

Developing a novel drop counter by introducing the Internet of Things concept has been vigorously conducted in recent years. Understanding the newly introduced drop counter’s flow rate control accuracy and flow rate count feature is essential for improving safety in infusion management. This study aimed to verify if the new drop counters could secure accurate flow rate and drip count by conducting actual flow rate measurements using gravimetry and functional evaluation. A drop counter was attached to each drip chamber of the infusion set, and an IV drip was conducted at the 100 ml/h flow rate. The weight of discharged physiological saline was measured to plot trumpet curves. Next, three different types of drop counters were evaluated to determine if they maintained drip count accuracy according to the changes in their position angles. The flow rate errors in all conditions indicated trumpet-like curves, exhibiting an overall error range within ±10% in all observation windows. Although every drop counter successfully detected and measured dripping, it was challenging in some counters to detect dripping when the drip chamber was tilted. In comparing adult and pediatric IV sets, the adult IV set was found to be less likely to detect dripping in the angled position. No significant differences in results were confirmed between high and low flow rates, suggesting that the drop count function would not be affected by the flow rate in the ranges of typical infusion practices. Doppler sensors have a wide range of measurements and high sensitivity;the dripping was detected successfully even when the drip chamber was tilted, probably due to the advantages of these sensors. In contrast, miscounts occurred in those equipped with infrared sensors, which could not detect light intensity changes in tilted positions. Understanding the tendencies in flow rate errors in infusion can be valuable information for infusion management.

Effects of Fermented Puffed Feather Meal on Growth Performance,Serum Biochemical Indices,Meat Quality,and Intestinal Microbiota in Broilers

This study aimed to investigate the effects of fermented puffed feather meal(FPFM)on growth performance,serum biochemical indices,meat quality,and intestinal microbiota in Arbor Acres(AA)broilers.A single-factor design was adopted,and four treatments were administered with five replicates to 240 one-day-old AA broilers.The control group(group A)received a basal diet,while the experimental groups received a basal diet plus 33%(group B),67%(group C)and 100%(group D)FPFM,respectively.Compared with group A,(1)the average daily gain(ADG)in group C decreased(P<0.05),and the feed conversion ratio(FCR)in group D increased(P<0.05);(2)the level of serum urea nitrogen in treatment groups decreased(P<0.05),and the levels of triglyceride,high density lipoprotein,low density lipoprotein,cholesterol,and glucose contents in group D increased(P<0.05)at day 21;(3)the serum immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G in group B and the immunoglobulin A in group C increased(P<0.05)at day 21,and the serum immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G in group D decreased(P<0.05)at day 42;(4)the share force of breast muscle and thigh muscle in group D increased(P<0.05);(5)the villus height to crypt depth ratio in the jejunum of group B increased(P<0.05)at day 21,and the villus height in group C and D increased(P<0.05)at day 42;(6)the proteobacteria counts in the cecum digesta in treatment groups decreased(P<0.05)at day 21.The basal diet supplemented with 33%FPFM promoted protein metabolism,enhanced immunity and improved meat quality,promoted the digestion and absorption of nutrients,increased intestinal microbial diversity,and improved the content of beneficial bacteria without affecting the growth performance,it was possible to be used as a good substitute for fish meal.