Stage at diagnosis of colorectal cancer through diagnostic route:Who should be screened?

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer(CRC)is a global health concern,with advanced-stage diagnoses contributing to poor prognoses.The efficacy of CRC screening has been well-established;nevertheless,a significant proportion of patients remain unscreened,with>70%of cases diagnosed outside screening.Although identifying specific subgroups for whom CRC screening should be particularly recommended is crucial owing to limited resources,the association between the diagnostic routes and identification of these subgroups has been less appreciated.In the Japanese cancer registry,the diagnostic routes for groups discovered outside of screening are primarily categorized into those with comorbidities found during hospital visits and those with CRC-related symptoms.AIM To clarify the stage at CRC diagnosis based on diagnostic routes.METHODS We conducted a retrospective observational study using a cancer registry of patients with CRC between January 2016 and December 2019 at two hospitals.The diagnostic routes were primarily classified into three groups:Cancer screening,follow-up,and symptomatic.The early-stage was defined as Stages 0 or I.Multivariate and univariate logistic regressions were exploited to determine the odds of early-stage diagnosis in the symptomatic and cancer screening groups,referencing the follow-up group.The adjusted covariates were age,sex,and tumor location.RESULTS Of the 2083 patients,715(34.4%),1064(51.1%),and 304(14.6%)belonged to the follow-up,symptomatic,and cancer screening groups,respectively.Among the 2083 patients,CRCs diagnosed at an early stage were 57.3%(410 of 715),23.9%(254 of 1064),and 59.5%(181 of 304)in the follow-up,symptomatic,and cancer screening groups,respectively.The symptomatic group exhibited a lower likelihood of early-stage diagnosis than the follow-up group[P<0.001,adjusted odds ratio(aOR),0.23;95%confidence interval(95%CI):0.19-0.29].The likelihood of diagnosis at an early stage was similar between the follow-up and cancer screening groups(P=0.493,aOR for early-stage diagnosis in the cancer screening group vs follow-up group=1.11;95%CI=0.82-1.49).CONCLUSION CRCs detected during hospital visits for comorbidities were diagnosed earlier,similar to cancer screening.CRC screening should be recommended,particularly for patients without periodical hospital visits for comorbidities.

Syphilis and HIV Infection among Pregnant Women Previously Screened Negative during Their First Antenetal Care Visit (ANC) at Some Selected Health Facilities in the Buea Health District, Cameroon

Syphilis and HIV are amongst the world’s most widespread diseases, particularly in low-income countries. Syphilis and HIV infections during pregnancy have been associated with numerous adverse pregnancy outcomes. Of concern now are the rising rates of congenital syphilis and HIV in Cameroon. Cameroon only mandates testing pregnant women for syphilis and HIV during their first ANC visit. This study was aimed at determining the incidence of new syphilis and HIV infections and factors associated with pregnant women who previously tested negative during their first ANC visit. A cohort design was used, where 335 pregnant women were followed up for a period from December 2019 to August 2020. A blood sample was drawn and the serum was analyzed using the WANTAI ELISA and AIDTM HIV 1 + 2 Ag/Ab ELISAPlus test methods for syphilis and HIV respectively at three intervals. A questionnaire was used to identify risk factors. Data was analyzed using SPSS 23.0. Out of the 335 pregnant women who were followed up during this study, 49 (14.6%) were later diagnosed with syphilis (32 in 2nd trimester and 17 in 3rd trimester). 54 (16.1%) were diagnosed with HIV infection (13 at two months post-1st-trimester visit, 23 in the 2nd trimester and 18 in the 3rd trimester). Lastly, 10 (2%) were co-infected with syphilis and HIV of which 8 occurred during 2nd trimester and 2 in the 3rd trimester. The factors associated with contracting new syphilis infections include;younger age group aOR (1.302, 95% CI), leaving in an urban area aOR (3.158, 95% CI), lower level of education (Primary and no formal) with aOR of (9.055, 95% CI) (P = 0.001) and (6.764, 95% CI) (P = 0.006) respectively, inadequate knowledge on the diseases aOR (2.176, 95% CI), women unaware of their partner status aOR (3.190, 95% CI). Most factors associated with contracting new HIV infections were similar to the factors associated with contracting new syphilis infections post 1st ANC visit aOR (1.174, 95% CI) and pregnant women with more than one sexual partner aOR (7.342, 95% CI) were observed for HIV infection.. There is an increased incidence of new infection of syphilis and HIV post first ANC screening in the Buea Health District, Cameroon. The need for constant education on the identifiable factors and these diseases, and screening during every ANC visit irrespective of their previous laboratory results is warranted.

A New Method for the Atomic Ground-State Energy in the Screened Coulomb Potential

The new method proposed recently by Friedberg,Lee and Zhao is applied to the derivation of the atomic ground-state energy with the inclusion of the screening effect.The present results are compared with those obtained in the pure Coulomb potential and by the variational approach.The overall good results are obtained with this new method.

Approximate solution to the time-dependent Kratzer plus screened Coulomb potential in the Feinberg–Horodecki equation

We obtain the quantized momentum eigenvalues Pn together with space-like coherent eigenstates for the space-like counterpart of the Schr¨odinger equation,the Feinberg–Horodecki equation,with a combined Kratzer potential plus screened coulomb potential which is constructed by temporal counterpart of the spatial form of these potentials.The present work is illustrated with two special cases of the general form:the time-dependent modified Kratzer potential and the time-dependent screened Coulomb potential.

Momentum Eigensolutions of Feinberg-Horodecki Equation with Time-Dependent Screened Kratzer-Hellmann Potential

We obtain an approximate value of the quantized momentum eigenvalues, Pn, together with the space-like coherent eigenvectors for the space-like counterpart of the Schrödinger equation, the Feinberg-Horodecki equation, with a screened Kratzer-Hellmann potential which is constructed by the temporal counterpart of the spatial form of this potential. In addition, we got exact eigenvalues of the momentum and the eigenstates by solving Feinberg-Horodecki equation with Kratzer potential. The present work is illustrated with three special cases of the screened Kratzer-Hellman potential: the time-dependent screened Kratzer potential, time-dependent Hellmann potential and, the time-dependent screened Coulomb potential.

Bound State Solutions of the Schrödinger Equation for the More General Exponential Screened Coulomb Potential Plus Yukawa (MGESCY) Potential Using Nikiforov-Uvarov Method

The solutions of the Schr&#246;dinger with more general exponential screened coulomb (MGESC), Yukawa potential (YP) and the sum of the mixed potential (MGESCY) have been presented using the Parametric Nikiforov-Uvarov Method (pNUM). The bound state energy eigenvalues and the corresponding un-normalized eigenfunctions expressed in terms of hypergeometric functions were obtained. Some derived equations were used to calculate numerical values for MGESC, YP, and MGESCY potentials for diatomic molecules with different screening parameters (α) for l = 0 and l = 1 state with V0 = 2.75 MeV and V1 = 2.075 MeV. We observed an increase in l value;the particles behave more repulsive than attractive. The numerical values for different l-states at different screening parameters for CO molecules (r = 1.21282) and NO molecule (r = 1.1508) were obtained using the bound state energy eigenvalue of the Schrodinger equation for MGESC, YP and MGESCY potentials. Potential variation with intermolecular distance (r) for some of the particles moving under the influence of MGESC, Yukawa and the mixed potential (MGESCY) were also studied. We also observed the variation of the MGESC potential with the radial distance of separation between the interacting particles (r) for different screening parameters (α) with V0 = 2.75 MeV at l = 0 and l = 1 and YP with V1 = 2.075 MeV at l = 0 and l = 1 as purely diatomic particles in nature. The energies plotted against the principal quantum number n for different values of (α) for both CO and NO show closed resemblance even at different values of the potential depth. The energy plots of the YP and MGESC potential for both CO and NO molecules as n→∞, and the energy E→0, shows exothermal behaviour. The energy expression for the mixed potentials V0 = 5 MeV and V1 = 10 MeV, shows that both diatomic molecules possesses similar behaviour.

Are diabetic patients being screened for sleep related breathing disorder?

Prevalence of both diabetes mellitus and obstructive sleep apnea(OSA)is high among general population.Both of these conditions are associated with significant morbidity.OSA affects approximately 25%of men and 9%of women,and its prevalence is even higher among obese,Hispanics,African American and diabetic patients.Diabetes on the other hand besides having high prevalence in general population has even higher prevalence among ethnic populations as Hispanics and African American.Despite the availability of several simple screening tools for OSA,as Berlin questionnaire,STOP-BANG questionnaire,NAMES Criteria,the utility for screening of OSA among the diabetic population remains marginal.This in turn can lead to significant morbidity and complications related to OSA as well as worsening of diabetes mellitus and increase in diabetic complications due to untreated sleep related breathing disorder.It is therefore imperative for the primary care giver to screen for OSA among the diabetic population as a part of their routine evaluation to prevent worsening of diabetes,and its cardiovascular,renal,ophthalmologic and neurological complications.

Neutrino energy loss by electron capture on strongly screened iron group nuclei

The influences on the neutrino energy loss rates in iron group nuclei at the same density are investigated in the presence of strong electron screening and in the absence of electron screening. The results show that at a temperature of 15 × 10^9 K, the neutrino energy loss rates which come from the electron capture process for most iron group nuclei decrease no more than 2 orders of magnitude but for the others （such as ^53,55,56,57,58,59,6o Co, ^56,59Ni） they can decrease about 3 orders of magnitude due to strong electron screening （SES）, whereas, at a temperature of 10^9K the neutrino energy loss rates of the most iron group nuclei can be diminished greatly due to the SES. For example, ^61Fe, ^60Fe, and ^62Ni the neutrino energy loss rates decrease about 4, 15 and 16 orders of magnitude and for ^57Cr, ^58Cr, and ^60Cr decrease about 18, 12, and 10 orders of magnitude respectively. According to our calculations the neutrino energy loss rates of nuclei ^58Mn, ^59Mn, ^60Mn, and ^62Mn may decrease about 13 orders of magnitude at a temperature of 10^9 K due to the SES.

Application of the Screened Hydrogenic Model to Light Atoms

The purpose of this work was to develop a Screened Hydrogenic Model (SHM) to accurately calculate the electron energies for light atoms and ions with up to ten electrons for atomic numbers up to 18. The total energy of an atom or ion was calculated with effective nuclear charges and screening parameters for each electron type (1s, 2s and 2p) within a specific electron configuration. Multiple energy states, centered at the total energy, were calculated for electron configurations that have Russell-Saunders coupling. The energy of each electron included its relativistic energy, EREL, but close overall agreement between the calculated and experimental energies of multi-electron configurations required that the one-electron expression for EREL be modified in a simple manner. In the present work, 98% of the 587 calculated energies for light atoms/ions have a relative error within ±0.1% of the corresponding experimental energies. The effective nuclear charges described in this work allow hydrogen-like wave functions to be defined for the electrons within a multi-electron configuration. The SHM, described in this work, is available for future calculations involving light atoms and ions.

Systematic calculations of cluster radioactivity half-lives with a screened electrostatic barrier

In this study,based on Wentzel-Kramers-Brillouin theory,we systematically investigate the cluster radioactivity half-lives of 22 nuclei ranging from^(221)Fr to^(242)Cm using a phenomenological model that considers the screened electrostatic effect of the Coulomb potential.In this model,there are two adjustable parameters,t and g,which are related to the screened electrostatic barrier and the strength of the spectroscopic factor,respectively.The calculated results indicate that this model can effectively reproduce the experimental data,with a corresponding rootmean-square deviation of 0.660.In addition,we extend this model to predict the half-lives of possible cluster radioactive candidates whose cluster radioactivities are energetically allowed or observed but not yet quantified in the evaluated nuclear properties table NUBASE2020.The predicted results are consistent with those obtained using other theoretical models and/or empirical formulas,including the universal decay law proposed by Qi et al.[Phys.Rev.C 80,044326(2009)],a semi-empirical model for bothαdecay and cluster radioactivity proposed by Santhosh et al.[J.Phys.G 35,085102(2008)],and a unified formula for the half-lives ofαdecay and cluster radioactivity proposed by Ni et al.[Phys.Rev.C 78,044310(2008)].

荧光酶联免疫法和免疫印迹法检测过敏原特异性免疫球蛋白E一致性分析

目的 以荧光酶联免疫法的Immuno CAP系统为标准方法,探讨免疫印迹法的Allergy Screen系统的检验效能及在不同系统疾病诊疗中的临床应用价值。方法 收集2017年至2022年就诊于首都医科大学附属北京儿童医院过敏反应科的过敏原致敏患者血清样本4 525份,根据疾病类型分为呼吸系统疾病组、消化系统疾病组、多系统疾病组和其他系统疾病组。采用Allergy Screen系统检测血清中的户尘螨、粉尘螨、烟曲霉、猫毛、狗毛、豚草、艾蒿、葎草、鸡蛋、牛奶、蟹、虾过敏原sIgE。对Allergy Screen系统的检验效能、可靠性、级别一致性和不同疾病系统组的应用进行评价。结果 在检验效能上,Allergy Screen系统猫毛过敏原灵敏度最高为0.75,特异性为0.95。其次为蟹过敏原,灵敏度为0.57,特异性为0.89。Allergy Screen法检测各过敏原的Kappa值在0.122~0.866之间。豚草一致性好,Kappa值为0.866。Allergy Screen系统的Spearman相关分析结果显示,对粉尘螨、艾蒿、猫毛等级相关性均>0.7,关系非常紧密。其中粉尘螨相关性最佳,为0.757。Allergy Screen系统检测不同过敏原中,总体一致率为65.6%~90.3%,阴性符合率一致率为81.5%~97.9%,阳性一致率为9.1%~70.5%。在不同系统疾病组间检验效能比较,特异性在各系统组间差异无统计学意义。结论 Allergy Screen系统具有较高的诊断效能,适用于临床过敏原筛查检测。

A personalized electronic textile for ultrasensitive pressure sensing enabled by biocompatible MXene/ PEDOT:PSS composite

Flexible,breathable,and highly sensitive pressure sensors have increasingly become a focal point of interest due to their pivotal role in healthcare monitoring,advanced electronic skin applications,and disease diagnosis.However,traditional methods,involving elastomer film-based substrates or encapsulation techniques,often fall short due to mechanical mismatches,discomfort,lack of breathability,and limitations in sensing abilities.Consequently,there is a pressing need,yet it remains a significant challenge to create pressure sensors that are not only highly breathable,flexible,and comfortable but also sensitive,durable,and biocompatible.Herein,we present a biocompatible and breathable fabric-based pressure sensor,using nonwoven fabrics as both the sensing electrode(coated with MXene/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate[PEDOT:PSS])and the interdigitated electrode(printed with MXene pattern)via a scalable spray-coating and screen-coating technique.The resultant device exhibits commendable air permeability,biocompatibility,and pressure sensing performance,including a remarkable sensitivity(754.5 kPa^(−1)),rapid response/recovery time(180/110 ms),and robust cycling stability.Furthermore,the integration of PEDOT:PSS plays a crucial role in protecting the MXene nanosheets from oxidation,significantly enhancing the device's long-term durability.These outstanding features make this sensor highly suitable for applications in fullrange human activities detection and disease diagnosis.Our study underscores the promising future of flexible pressure sensors in the realm of intelligent wearable electronics,setting a new benchmark for the industry.

Study on the clogging mechanism of punching screen in sand control by the punching structure parameters

As an independent sand control unit or a common protective shell of a high-quality screen,the punching screen is the outermost sand retaining unit of the sand control pipe which is used in geothermal well or oil and gas well.However,most screens only consider the influence of the internal sand retaining medium parameters in the sand control performance design while ignoring the influence of the plugging of the punching screen on the overall sand retaining performance of the screen.To explore the clogging mechanism of the punching screen,this paper established the clogging mechanism calculation model of a single punching screen sand control unit by using the computational fluid mechanics-discrete element method(CFD-DEM)combined method.According to the combined motion of particles and fluids,the influence of the internal flow state on particle motion and accumulation was analyzed.The results showed that(1)the clogging process of the punching sand control unit is divided into three stages:initial clogging,aggravation of clogging and stability of clogging.In the initial stage of blockage,coarse particles form a loose bridge structure,and blockage often occurs preferentially at the streamline gathering place below chamfering inside the sand control unit.In the stage of blockage intensification,the particle mass develops into a relatively complete sand bridge,which develops from both ends of the opening to the center of the opening.In the stable plugging stage,the sand deposits show a“fan shape”and form a“V-shaped”gully inside the punching slot element.(2)Under a certain reservoir particle-size distribution,The slit length and opening height have a large influence on the permeability and blockage rate,while the slit width size has little influence on the permeability and blockage rate.The microscopic clogging mechanism and its law of the punching screen prevention unit are proposed in this study,which has some field guidance significance for the design of punching screen and sand prevention selection.

Early identification of stroke through deep learning with multi-modal human speech and movement data

Early identification and treatment of stroke can greatly improve patient outcomes and quality of life.Although clinical tests such as the Cincinnati Pre-hospital Stroke Scale(CPSS)and the Face Arm Speech Test(FAST)are commonly used for stroke screening,accurate administration is dependent on specialized training.In this study,we proposed a novel multimodal deep learning approach,based on the FAST,for assessing suspected stroke patients exhibiting symptoms such as limb weakness,facial paresis,and speech disorders in acute settings.We collected a dataset comprising videos and audio recordings of emergency room patients performing designated limb movements,facial expressions,and speech tests based on the FAST.We compared the constructed deep learning model,which was designed to process multi-modal datasets,with six prior models that achieved good action classification performance,including the I3D,SlowFast,X3D,TPN,TimeSformer,and MViT.We found that the findings of our deep learning model had a higher clinical value compared with the other approaches.Moreover,the multi-modal model outperformed its single-module variants,highlighting the benefit of utilizing multiple types of patient data,such as action videos and speech audio.These results indicate that a multi-modal deep learning model combined with the FAST could greatly improve the accuracy and sensitivity of early stroke identification of stroke,thus providing a practical and powerful tool for assessing stroke patients in an emergency clinical setting.

From the perspective of experimental practice: High-throughput computational screening in photocatalysis

Photocatalysis,a critical strategy for harvesting sunlight to address energy demand and environmental concerns,is underpinned by the discovery of high-performance photocatalysts,thereby how to design photocatalysts is now generating widespread interest in boosting the conversion effi-ciency of solar energy.In the past decade,computational technologies and theoretical simulations have led to a major leap in the development of high-throughput computational screening strategies for novel high-efficiency photocatalysts.In this viewpoint,we started with introducing the challenges of photocatalysis from the view of experimental practice,especially the inefficiency of the traditional“trial and error”method.Sub-sequently,a cross-sectional comparison between experimental and high-throughput computational screening for photocatalysis is presented and discussed in detail.On the basis of the current experimental progress in photocatalysis,we also exemplified the various challenges associated with high-throughput computational screening strategies.Finally,we offered a preferred high-throughput computational screening procedure for pho-tocatalysts from an experimental practice perspective(model construction and screening,standardized experiments,assessment and revision),with the aim of a better correlation of high-throughput simulations and experimental practices,motivating to search for better descriptors.

Why is early detection of colon cancer still not possible in 2023?

Colorectal cancer(CRC)screening is a fundamental tool in the prevention and early detection of one of the most prevalent and lethal cancers.Over the years,screening,particularly in those settings where it is well organized,has succeeded in reducing the incidence of colon and rectal cancer and improving the prognosis related to them.Despite considerable advancements in screening technologies and strategies,the effectiveness of CRC screening programs remains less than optimal.This paper examined the multifaceted reasons behind the persistent lack of effect-iveness in CRC screening initiatives.Through a critical analysis of current methodologies,technological limitations,patient-related factors,and systemic challenges,we elucidated the complex interplay that hampers the successful reduction of CRC morbidity and mortality rates.While acknowledging the ad-vancements that have improved aspects of screening,we emphasized the necessity of addressing the identified barriers comprehensively.This study aimed to raise awareness of how important CRC screening is in reducing costs for this disease.Screening and early diagnosis are not only important in improving the prognosis of patients with CRC but can lead to an important reduction in the cost of treating a disease that is often diagnosed at an advanced stage.Spending more sooner can mean saving money later.

Reliability of a computerized system for strabismus screening

AIM:To evaluate the reliability of Photo-Hirschberg screening for global strabismus performed by non-specialized personnel.METHODS:Participants at three sites were enrolled.One person at each site was trained in visual acuity measurement and use of the computerized system.Visual acuity was measured,and strabismus testing was performed using two flash photographs.All data from the three primary observers were sent to an experienced assistant researcher,who was blinded to the primary results,for re-evaluation.The primary and re-evaluation results of the Photo-Hirschberg screenings using weighted kappa for agreement were compared.RESULTS:The study included 181 participants(88 males and 93 females)and the results for primary and re-evaluation screenings were corresponded.Ten participants with contrasting results presented with unclear corneal light reflex.Sensitivity and specificity were 100%[95%confidence interval(CI):29.0%-100%]and 99.4%(95%CI:96.6%-100%),respectively,based on the Agresti test of the primary evaluation,considering the re-evaluated classification as true.CONCLUSION:The computerized system can be used for primary strabismus screening by non-specialized personnel,with 98.8%agreement with specialists.However,it cannot be used as a substitute for professional examination.

Development and validation of a novel questionnaire regarding vision screening among preschool teachers in Malaysia

AIM:To develop and evaluate the validity and reliability of a knowledge,attitude,and practice questionnaire related to vision screening(KAP-VST)among preschool teachers in Malaysia.METHODS:The questionnaire was developed through a literature review and discussions with experts.Content and face validation were conducted by a panel of experts(n=10)and preschool teachers(n=10),respectively.A pilot study was conducted for construct validation(n=161)and test-retest reliability(n=60)of the newly developed questionnaire.RESULTS:Based on the content and face validation,71 items were generated,and 68 items were selected after exploratory factor analysis.The content validity index for items(I-CVI)score ranged from 0.8-1.0,and the content validity index for scale(S-CVI)/Ave was 0.99.Internal consistency was KR^(2)0=0.93 for knowledge,Cronbach’s alpha=0.758 for attitude,and Cronbach’s alpha=0.856 for practice.CONCLUSION:The KAP-VST is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing knowledge,attitude,and practice in relation to vision screening among preschool teachers in Malaysia.

Enhanced extracellular production of alpha-lactalbumin from Bacillus subtilis through signal peptide and promoter screening

Alpha-lactalbumin(α-LA)is a major whey protein found in breast milk and plays a crucial role in the growth and development of infants.In this study,Bacillus subtilis RIK1285 harboring AprE signal peptide(SP)was selected as the original strain for the production ofα-LA.It was found thatα-LA was identified in the pellet after ultrasonic disruption and centrifugation instead of in the fermentation supernatant.The original strain most likely only producedα-LA intracellular,but not extracellular.To improve the expression and secretion ofα-LA in RIK1285,a library of 173 homologous SPs from the B.subtilis 168 genome was fused with target LALBA gene in the pBE-S vector and expressed extracellularly in RIK1285.SP YjcN was determined to be the best signal peptide.Bands in supernatant were observed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and purified by nickel column to calculate the highest yield signal peptide.In addition,different promoters(P_(aprE),P_(43),and P_(glv))were compared and applied.The results indicated that the strain RIK1285-pBE-P_(glv)-YjcN-LALBA had the highestα-LA yield,reaching 122.04μg/mL.This study demonstrates successful expression and secretion of humanα-LA in B.subtilis and establishes a foundation for simulating breast milk for infant formulas and developing bioengineered milk.

Universal newborn hearing screening program in Saudi Arabia: Current insight

Newborn hearing screening(NHS) programs are essential to identify hearing loss early in life and to improve outcomes in children. In Saudi Arabia, the national NHS program has been operational since 2016;however, few studies have evaluated its status, and none have covered all provinces across the country. This cross-sectional retrospective study provides an overview of the program's status across all provinces, focusing on screening coverage rates, referral/fail rates, and follow-up procedures. In 2021, 199,034 newborns were screened, with a coverage rate of 92.6% and an overall referral/fail rate of 1.87%. These performance measures provide a foundation for future progress and improvements. This study highlights the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance the program's effectiveness and sustainability.