Piezoceramic membrane with built-in ultrasound for reactive oxygen species generation and synergistic vibration anti-fouling.

Piezoceramic membranes have emerged as a prominent solution for membrane fouling control. However, the prevalent use of toxic lead and limitations of vibration-based anti-fouling mechanism impede their wider adoption in water treatment. This study introduces a Mn/BaTiO3 piezoceramic membrane, demonstrating a promising in-situ anti-fouling efficacy and mechanism insights. When applied to an Alternating Current at a resonant frequency of 20 V, 265 kHz, the membrane achieves optimal vibration, effectively mitigating various foulants such as high-concentration oil (2500 ppm, including real industrial oil wastewater), bacteria and different charged inorganic colloidal particles, showing advantages over other reported piezoceramic membranes. Importantly, our findings suggest that the built-in ultrasonic vibration of piezoceramic membranes can generate reactive oxygen species. This offers profound insights into the distinct anti-fouling processes for organic and inorganic wastewater, supplementing and unifying the traditional singular vibrational anti-fouling mechanism of piezoceramic membranes, and potentially propelling the development of piezoelectric catalytic membranes.

Rainbow connections of bioriented graphs.

For a directed graph D, it's deemed rainbow connected if each arc is assigned a different color, so that all paths from the vertex u to the vertex v are rainbow connected. Rainbow connection number refers to how many colors are needed in D to achieve rainbow connectivity. Among ordered vertex pair (u,v) with arc coloring, if both arcs and internal vertices exhibit unique colors, it is referred to as a total colored graph. As the total rainbow connection number indicates, the smallest number of colors are required to total-color D. This paper focuses on investigating the rainbow connection number of the biorientation of a connected graph, as well as the total rainbow connection number.

PD-1 Inhibitor Aggravate Irradiation-Induced Myocardial Fibrosis by Regulating TGF-ß1/Smads Signaling Pathway via GSDMD-Mediated Pyroptosis.

Cancer therapy has entered a new era with the use of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) immune checkpoint inhibitors. When combined with thoracic radiotherapy, it demonstrates synergistic anti-tumor effects and potentially worsens radiation-induced myocardial fibrosis (RIMF). RIMF is the final stage of radiation-induced heart disease (RIHD) and a potentially fatal clinical complication of chest radiotherapy. It is characterized by decreased ventricular elasticity and distensibility, which can result in decreased ejection fraction, heart failure, and even sudden cardiac death. Pyroptosis, a type of programmed cell death, is mediated by members of the gasdermin (GSDM) family and has been associated with numerous cardiac disorders. The effect of pyroptosis on myocardial fibrosis caused by a combination of radiotherapy and PD-1 inhibitors remains uncertain. In this study, a 6MV X-ray of 20 Gy for local heart irradiation was used in the RIHD mouse model. We noticed that PD-1 inhibitors aggravated radiation-induced cardiac dysfunction and RIMF, concurrently enhancing the presence of CD8+ T lymphocytes in the cardiac tissue. Additionally, our findings indicated that the combination of PD-1 inhibitor and thoracic radiation can stimulate caspase-1 to cleave GSDMD, thereby regulating pyroptosis and liberating interleukin-8 (IL-18). In the myocardium of mice, the manifestation of pyroptosis mediated by GSDMD is accompanied by the buildup of proteins associated with fibrosis, such as collagen I, transforming growth factor ß1 (TGF-ß1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). Moreover, it was discovered that TFG-ß1 induced the phosphorylation of Smad2/Smad3 when the cardiac underwent PD-1 inhibitor in conjunction with thoracic irradiation (IR). The findings of this research indicate that PD-1 inhibitor worsen RIMF in mice by triggering GSDMD-induced pyroptosis and influencing the TGF-ß1/Smads pathway. While using the caspase-1 inhibitor Z-YVAD-FMK, RIMF can be alleviated. Blocking GSDMD may be a viable strategy for managing myocardial fibrosis caused by the combination of PD-1 inhibitors and radiotherapy.

Application of personalized templates in minimally invasive management of coronal dens invaginatus: a report of two cases.

BACKGROUND: Treating the coronal dens invaginatus (CDI) with pulp infection commonly involves the removal of invagination, which increases the risk of perforation and fracture, and compromises the tooth structure. Minimally invasive endodontic management of CDI is highly recommended. This report describes two cases of type II CDI with the application of personalized templates. CASE PRESENTATION: Two cases of type II CDI, affecting the main root canal in a maxillary canine and a lateral incisor, were diagnosed. A guided endodontics (GE) approach was applied. Cone-beam computed tomography and intraoral scans were imported and aligned in a virtual planning software to design debridement routes and templates. The MICRO principle (which involves the aspects of Mechanical (M) debridement, Irrigation (I), Access cavities (C), Rectilinear routes (R), and Obstruction (O)) was proposed for designing optimal debridement routes for future applications. The templates were innovatively personalized and designed to preserve the tooth structure maximally while effectively debriding the root canal. Root canal treatment with supplementary disinfection was then performed. The follow-up of the two patients revealed favorable clinical and radiographic outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The GE approach could be a feasible method for preserving healthy dental structure while effectively debriding the root canal, thereby achieving successful and minimally invasive endodontic treatment for CDI.

Physiological and transcriptomic analyses provide preliminary insights into the autotoxicity of Lilium brownii.

Lilium brownii F. E. Brown ex Miellez var. viridulum Baker (Longya lily) is a variety of Lilium brownii F.E. Br. ex Miellez. We used HS-SPME and GC-MS to screened the tissues of L. brownii roots, stems, bulbs, and leaves and obtained 2,4-DTBP as an autotoxic substance for subsequent analysis. 2,4-DTBP was highly autotoxic in some treatment groups. Based on changes in physiological indicators, we carried out transcriptomic analysis to investigate the mechanisms of autotoxicity of substances on L. brownii and obtained 188,505 Unigenes. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses showed that L. brownii responded differently to different concentrations and treatment times of 2,4-DTBP. We observed significant changes in genes associated with ROS, phytohormones, and MAPK signaling cascades. 2,4-DTBP affects chloroplasts, the integrity of the respiratory electron transport chain, and ribosomes, causing L. brownii autotoxicity. Our findings provide a practical genomic resource for future research on L. brownii autotoxicity and evidence for the mechanism of action of autotoxic substances.

Three-dimensional treatment-planning-based prediction of seed migration to chest after 125I seed brachytherapy for hepatic malignancy.

PURPOSE: To develop and validate risk models incorporating clinical and/or imaging parameters based on three-dimensional treatment-planning systems (3D-TPS) to predict the occurrence of 125I seed migration and the number of migrated seeds <2/≥2 to the chest after brachytherapy for patients with malignant hepatic tumors. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A total of 480 patients diagnosed with malignant liver tumors receiving 125I seed brachytherapy from July 2010 to May 2020 were retrospectively enrolled. Variables included 3D-TPS-based CT parameters, that is, the distance from the seed to the inferior vena cava (DSI), the distance from the seed to the second hepatic portal (DSP) and the angle from the seed to the second hepatic portal (ASP), and patients' clinical characteristics, that is, the number of seed implantation procedures (NSP), the maximum number of implanted seeds one time (MAX) and laboratory parameters within 1 week before treatment. Two sets of logistic regression models incorporating clinical and/or imaging variables were developed to predict the occurrence of seed migration and the number of migrated seeds <2/≥2. Model performance was assessed by ROC analysis and decision curve analysis. RESULTS: Compared with the clinical models, the combined model showed a higher discriminative ability for both the prediction of migration occurrence and number of migrated seeds ≥ 2/<2 to the chest (AUC, 0.879 vs. 0.668, p < 0.05; 0.895 vs. 0.701, p < 0.05). The decision curve analysis results indicated higher net benefits of combined models than clinical models. Variables, including DSI, NSP and pretreatment lymphocyte-to-neutrophil ratio, acted as the most important predictors in combined models. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed combined models based on 3D-TPS improved discriminative abilities for predicting 125I seed migration and number of migrated seeds <2/≥2 to the chest after hepatic brachytherapy, being promising to aid clinical decision-making.

Global burden of pertussis in 204 countries and territories, from 1990 to 2019: results from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine the impact of pertussis on the global, regional, and national levels between 1990 and 2019. METHODS: Data on pertussis on a global scale from 1990 to 2019 were collected from the 2019 Global Burden of Disease Study. We performed a secondary analysis to report the global epidemiology and disease burden of pertussis. RESULTS: During the period spanning from 1990 to 2019, pertussis exhibited a steady global decline in the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR), age-standardized disability-adjusted life years rate (ASYR), and age-standardized death rate (ASDR). Nevertheless, upon delving into an in-depth analysis of various regions, it was apparent that ASIR in southern sub-Saharan Africa, ASYR and ASDR in high-income North America, and ASDR in Western Europe and Australasia, were witnessing an upward trajectory. Moreover, a negative correlation was observed between the Socio­demographic Index (SDI) and burden inflicted by pertussis. Notably, the incidence of pertussis was comparatively lower in men than in women, with 0-4-year-olds emerging as the most profoundly affected demographic. CONCLUSION: The global pertussis burden decreased from 1990 to 2019. However, certain regions and countries faced an increasing disease burden. Therefore, urgent measures are required to alleviate the pertussis burden in these areas.

Pan-cancer and single-cell analysis of actin cytoskeleton genes related to disulfidptosis.

Disulfidptosis was recently reported to be caused by abnormal disulfide accumulation in cells with high SLC7A11 levels subjected to glucose starvation, suggesting that targeting disulfidptosis was a potential strategy for cancer treatment. We analyzed the relationships between gene expression and mutations and prognoses of patients. In addition, the correlation between gene expression and immune cell infiltration was explored. The potential regulatory mechanisms of these genes were assessed by investigating their related signaling pathways involved in cancer, their expression patterns, and their cellular localization. Most cancer types showed a negative correlation between the gene-set variation analysis (GSVA) scores and infiltration of B cells and neutrophils, and a positive correlation between GSVA scores and infiltration of natural killer T and induced regulatory T cells. Single-cell analysis revealed that ACTB, DSTN, and MYL6 were highly expressed in different bladder urothelial carcinoma subtypes, but MYH10 showed a low expression. Immunofluorescence staining showed that actin cytoskeleton proteins were mainly localized in the actin filaments and plasma membrane. Notably, IQGAP1 was localized in the cell junctions. In conclusion, this study provided an overview of disulfidptosis-related actin cytoskeleton genes in pan-cancer. These genes were associated with the survival of patients and might be involved in cancer-related pathways.

Novel chimney balloon technique to safeguard cerebral blood flow during total endovascular aortic arch repair.

During endovascular total aortic arch repair by in situ fenestration, extra procedures are needed to sustain cerebral blood flow when targeting all three supra-aortic branches. Recently, our group successfully interposed a chimney balloon between the greater curvature of the aortic arch and an aortic stent to safeguard cerebral blood flow during total endovascular aortic arch repair.

Dual high-order QAM-modulated mm-wave signal transmission in the Q-band enabled by simple IM/DD architecture and bandpass delta-sigma modulation.

The intensity-modulation (IM)/direct-detection (DD) systems have been proven effective and low-cost due to their simple system architecture. However, the Mach-Zehnder modulator (MZM) of the IM/DD systems only reserves its driving signal intensity. Therefore, the IM/DD systems are generally unable to transmit vector signals and have a restricted spectrum efficiency and channel capacity. Similarly, the radio-over-fiber (RoF) transmission systems based on IM/DD are limited by their simple architecture and generally cannot transmit high-order quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) signals, which hinders the improvement of their spectrum efficiency. To address the challenges, we propose a novel, to the best of our knowledge, scheme to simultaneously transmit the dual independent high-order QAM-modulated millimeter-wave (mm-wave) signals in the RoF system with a simple IM/DD architecture, enabled by precoding-based optical carrier suppression (OCS) modulation and bandpass delta-sigma modulation (BP-DSM). The dual independent signals can carry different information, which increases channel capacity and improves spectrum efficiency and system flexibility. Based on our proposed scheme, we experimentally demonstrate the dual 512-QAM mm-wave signal transmission in the Q-band (33-50 GHz) under three different scenarios: 1) dual single-carrier (SC) signal transmission, 2) dual orthogonal-frequency-division-multiplexing (OFDM) signal transmission, and 3) hybrid SC and OFDM signal transmission. We achieve high-fidelity transmission of dual 512-QAM vector signals over a 5 km single-mode fiber (SMF) and a 1-m single-input single-output (SISO) wireless link operating in the Q-band, with the bit error rates (BERs) of all three scenarios below the hard decision forward error correction (HD-FEC) threshold of 3.8 × 10-3. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time dual high-order QAM-modulated mm-wave signal transmission has been achieved in a RoF system with a simple IM/DD architecture.

Fabrication and characterization of polydopamine-mediated zein-based nanoparticle for delivery of bioactive molecules.

In this study, a combination of whey protein (hydrophilic coating) and polydopamine (crosslinking agent) was used to improve the stability and functionality of quercetin-loaded zein nanoparticles. There are two key benefits of the core-shell nanoparticles formed. First, the ability of the polydopamine to bind to both zein and whey protein facilitates the formation of a stable core-shell structure, thereby protecting quercetin from any pro-oxidants in the aqueous surroundings. Second, neutral and hydrophilic whey proteins were used for the surface coating of the nanoparticles to further enhance the sustained and slow release of quercetin, facilitating its sustained release into the body at a slow and steady rate. The results of this study will promote the innovative development of precise nutritional delivery systems for zein and provide a theoretical basis for the design and development of dietary supplements based on hydrophobic food nutrient molecules.

Argon neuroprotection in ischemic stroke and its underlying mechanism.

Ischemic stroke (IS), primarily caused by cerebrovascular obstruction, results in severe neurological deficits and has emerged as a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Recently, there has been increasing exploration of the neuroprotective properties of the inert gas argon. Argon has exhibited impressive neuroprotection in many in vivo and ex vivo experiments without signs of adverse effects, coupled with the advantages of being inexpensive and easily available. However, the efficient administration strategy and underlying mechanisms of neuroprotection by argon in IS are still unclear. This review summarizes current research on the neuroprotective effects of argon in IS with the goal to provide effective guidance for argon application and to elucidate the potential mechanisms of argon neuroprotection. Early and appropriate argon administration at as high a concentration as possible offers favorable neuroprotection in IS. Argon inhalation has been shown to provide some long-term protection benefits. Argon provides the anti-oxidative stress, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic cytoprotective effects mainly around Toll-like receptor 2/4 (TLR2/4), mediated by extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-ĸB) and B-cell leukemia/lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2). Therefore, argon holds significant promise as a novel clinical neuroprotective gas agent for ischemic stroke after further researches to identify the optimal application strategy and elucidate the underlying mechanism.

Effect of connexin 43 in LPS/IL-4-induced macrophage M1/M2 polarization: An observational study.

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) play important roles in inducing M1 and M2 macrophage polarization. Studies have shown that LPS can promote the polarization of macrophages to M1-type and produce many pro-inflammatory cytokines, while IL-4 can promote the polarization of macrophages to M2-type and produce many anti-inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, Connexin 43 (Cx43) is widely expressed in macrophages and has various regulatory functions. However, whether Cx43 is involved in the regulation of macrophage M1/M2 polarization has not been fully studied. This study examined the role of Cx43 and M2 polarization markers using Western blot, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry. Cx43 overexpression was induced using Cx43 overexpressing lentivirus. The statistical software SPSS 20.0 (IBM Corp.) and GraphPad Prism 8.0 (GraphPad Software, La Jolla, CA, United States) were used to analyze the results. P values < .05 were considered to indicate statistically significant differences. Our results showed that LPS promotes the polarization of macrophages to M1-type, which is accompanied by an increase in Cx43 expression from 0 to 24 hours. Moreover, the application of the Cx43-specific blockers Gap19 and Gap26 reduces the expression of macrophage M1-type polarization markers. Thus, the expression of Cx43 increases first, and then, due to the initiation of intracellular autophagy during LPS-induced macrophage M1 polarization. Cx43 is degraded and the expression of Cx43 decreases from 24 hours to 48 hours. IL-4 decreases the expression of Cx43 from 24 hours to 48 hours and promotes the transformation of macrophages to M2-type. The application of Cx43 overexpression lentivirus leads to a reduction in the expression of M2 polarization markers. IL-4-induced M2 polarization of macrophages inhibits cell autophagy, reducing Cx43 degradation and leading to an increase in Cx43 from 24 hours to 48 hours. Thus, Cx43 expression in M2-type polarization experiences a reduction at first and then an increase from 24 hours to 48 hours. The direction of macrophage polarization can be controlled by regulating the expression of Cx43, thus providing a theoretical basis for treating atherosclerosis, tumors, and other diseases associated with macrophage polarization.

Influence of the Original Concrete Strength and Initial Moisture Condition on the Properties Improvement of Recycled Coarse Aggregate via Accelerated Carbonation Reactions.

The physical and mechanical properties of recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) are worse than those of natural coarse aggregate (NCA), and the overall performance of recycled concrete prepared from RCA is worse than that of natural aggregate concrete. Treatment of RCA by CO2-accelerated carbonation effectively improves the macroscopic properties of RCA. The degree of influence of raw material factors, i.e., the original concrete strength (OCS) and initial moisture content (IMC) of RCA, on the carbonation of RCAs is very complex. Herein, an accelerated carbonation experiment for RCA with different material factors as variables was carried out to explore the influence of the abovementioned factors on the physical properties of carbonated recycled coarse aggregate (CRCA). By analyzing the microstructure of the RCA with the best modification effect before and after carbonation, the carbonation modification mechanism of the RCA was revealed. The physical performance indexes, including the apparent density, water absorption and carbonation rate, of the dried RCA with an OCS of C40 and C50 were significantly improved. The research results can provide basic data and theoretical support for promoting the popularization and application of RCA and recycled concrete in practical engineering.

Novel α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionic acid receptor (AMPAR) potentiator LT-102: A promising therapeutic agent for treating cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia.

AIMS: We aimed to evaluate the potential of a novel selective α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionic acid receptor (AMPAR) potentiator, LT-102, in treating cognitive impairments associated with schizophrenia (CIAS) and elucidating its mechanism of action. METHODS: The activity of LT-102 was examined by Ca2+ influx assays and patch-clamp in rat primary hippocampal neurons. The structure of the complex was determined by X-ray crystallography. The selectivity of LT-102 was evaluated by hERG tail current recording and kinase-inhibition assays. The electrophysiological characterization of LT-102 was characterized by patch-clamp recording in mouse hippocampal slices. The expression and phosphorylation levels of proteins were examined by Western blotting. Cognitive function was assessed using the Morris water maze and novel object recognition tests. RESULTS: LT-102 is a novel and selective AMPAR potentiator with little agonistic effect, which binds to the allosteric site formed by the intradimer interface of AMPAR's GluA2 subunit. Treatment with LT-102 facilitated long-term potentiation in mouse hippocampal slices and reversed cognitive deficits in a phencyclidine-induced mouse model. Additionally, LT-102 treatment increased the protein level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and the phosphorylation of GluA1 in primary neurons and hippocampal tissues. CONCLUSION: We conclude that LT-102 ameliorates cognitive impairments in a phencyclidine-induced model of schizophrenia by enhancing synaptic function, which could make it a potential therapeutic candidate for CIAS.

The role of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation after percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with coronary artery disease: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: this study was designed to analyse patient outcomes using a combination of PCI and exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation compared with PCI alone. METHODS: PCI can improve the survival rate of patients with coronary artery disease, but it can also cause vascular endothelial cell injury, thrombosis, and even restenosis. Early cardiac rehabilitation exercise is crucial for patients with coronary heart disease after PCI. Five databases were examined for randomised controlled trials involving early cardiac rehabilitation exercise and standard treatment in patients with coronary heart disease after PCI. The search period lasted from the creation of the database (2006) until December 2022. The outcomes including angina, arrhythmia, coronary restenosis, left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular end diastolic diameter, 6-min walk distance, total cholesterol, heart rate, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. RevMan 5.3 was used to analyse the data, and the Cochrane Collaboration was used to assess the quality of evidence. RESULTS: A total of 1231 patients were enrolled in this study. Angina pectoris (RR = 0.24, 95% CI [0.10, 0.57], p = 0.001), Arrhythmia (RR = 0.17, 95% CI [0.05, 0.55], p = 0.003), Coronary artery restenosis (RR = 0.10, 95% CI [0.01, 0.76], p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Exercise after PCI improves LVEF, enhances 6MWD, lowers HR and minimises the risk of angina, arrhythmia and coronary artery restenosis in CHD patients. Exercise had no discernible effect on LVEDD, TC, SBP, or DBP.

The acceptance of traditional Chinese medicine among patients with Parkinson's disease: A hospital survey.

OBJECTIVE: The efficacy of medications for Parkinson's disease (PD) tend to decline over time, which has a serious impact on patients' health and quality of life. To some extent, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can resolve the distressing problem of ineffective dopaminergic medication in PD patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the attitude, acceptance, and independent predictors of TCM in PD patients admitted to the outpatient department of a tertiary hospital. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of PD patients was conducted in the outpatient department of a large tertiary hospital in Beijing from March 2022 to June 2023. A self-report questionnaire was developed to investigate PD patients' attitudes and acceptance of TCM based on the questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were also performed to further clarify the independent predictors influencing patients' adoption of TCM therapy. RESULTS: A total of 397 patients completed the questionnaire, of which 78.09% were willing to be treated with TCM and 21.91% indicated that they were not willing to use TCM. Multifactorial logistic regression analysis showed that several parameters were correlated with a patient's willingness to include TCM in their therapeutic regime. These included education level of a bachelor's degree (odds ratio [OR) = 8.554; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.112-17.794; P < 0.001, vs junior high school education), living in an urban setting (OR = 8.022; 95% CI: 4.577-14.060; P < 0.001, vs rural), having other underlying diseases (OR = 5.126; 95% CI: 3.078-8.537; P < 0.001, vs none), having previously used TCM (OR = 3.083; 95% CI: 1.852-5.134; P < 0.001, vs not used), believing that TCM therapy is safe (OR = 3.530; 95% CI: 1.446-8.616; P = 0.006, vs not thought), believing that TCM therapy is effective (OR = 3.859; 95% CI: 1.482-10.047; P = 0.006, vs not understood), and being willing to discuss ongoing TCM therapy with an attending physician (OR = 62.468; 95% CI: 30.350-128.574; P < 0.001, vs not informed). CONCLUSION: This study initially investigated the acceptance, attitude, and independent predictors of TCM use among PD patients. To expand the prevalence of TCM use among patients with PD, we recommend to broadening the public outreach for TCM via contemporary means of Internet and broadcast communication, enhancing access to TCM services in rural communities, and strengthening the communication between doctors and patients. Please cite this article as: Wang P, Hong J, Tang ZQ, Gong BZ, Qi XR, Jiang H, Pan B, Chen Q. The acceptance of traditional Chinese medicine among patients with Parkinson's disease: A hospital survey. J Integr Med. 2024; 22(2): 180-187.

Boundary-aware Dual Biaffine Model for Sequential Sentence Classification in Biomedical Documents.

Assigning appropriate rhetorical roles, such as "background," "intervention," and "outcome," to sentences in biomedical documents can streamline the process for physicians to locate evidence and resources for medical treatment and decision-making. While sequence labeling and span-based methods are frequently employed for this task, the former disregards a document's semantic structure, resulting in a lack of semantic coherence across continuous sentences. Span-based approaches, on the other hand, either necessitate the enumeration of all potential spans, which can be time-consuming, or may lead to the misclassification of sentences over extended spans. Consequently, an approach is required that models the semantic structure of documents explicitly and captures boundary information to achieve precise and effective sentence labeling in biomedical documents. To address these challenges, we propose a new approach, the boundary-aware dual biaffine model, which explicitly models the semantic structure of documents and incorporates boundary information via a dual biaffine layer. We introduce a dynamic programming algorithm to minimize missing labels and overlapping predictions, and achieve globally optimal decoding results. We evaluate our approach on three benchmark datasets, namely PubMed 20k RCT, PubMed-PICO and NICTA-PIBOSO. The experimental results demonstrate that our approach outperforms strong baselines and achieves state-of-the-art performance on PubMed 20k RCT and PubMed-PICO. Additionally, our method also achieves competitive results on NICTA-PIBOSO. Availability: Our codes and data will be available at: https://github.com/CSU-NLP-Group/Sequential-Sentence-Classification.

Using the Super Learner algorithm to predict risk of major adverse cardiovascular events after percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: The primary treatment for patients with myocardial infarction (MI) is percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Despite this, the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) remains a significant concern. Our study seeks to optimize PCI predictive modeling by employing an ensemble learning approach to identify the most effective combination of predictive variables. METHODS AND RESULTS: We conducted a retrospective, non-interventional analysis of MI patient data from 2018 to 2021, focusing on those who underwent PCI. Our principal metric was the occurrence of 1-year postoperative MACEs. Variable selection was performed using lasso regression, and predictive models were developed using the Super Learner (SL) algorithm. Model performance was appraised by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and the average precision (AP) score. Our cohort included 3,880 PCI patients, with 475 (12.2%) experiencing MACEs within one year. The SL model exhibited superior discriminative performance, achieving a validated AUC of 0.982 and an AP of 0.971, which markedly surpassed the traditional logistic regression models (AUC: 0.826, AP: 0.626) in the test cohort. Thirteen variables were significantly associated with the occurrence of 1-year MACEs. CONCLUSION: Implementing the Super Learner algorithm has substantially enhanced the predictive accuracy for the risk of MACEs in MI patients. This advancement presents a promising tool for clinicians to craft individualized, data-driven interventions to better patient outcomes.