bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of diabetes on gas transfer capacity, lung volumes, muscle strength and cardio- pulmonary responses during exercise
Authors: Ali Emir , Priel Eldar , Brister Danica , Diab Nermin , Freitag Andy , O’Byrne Paul M. , Gerstein Hertzel , Killian Kieran J. , Satia Imran
Published: June 2024

Background Diabetes is a risk factor for the development of vascular disease, chronic kidney disease, retinopathy and neuropathy. Diabetes is a co-morbid condition commonly present in patients with respiratory disorders but the extent to which it influences ventilatory capacity, gas exchange and functional capacity is not well known.Research question: Does the presence of diabetes contribute to impairment in spirometry, gas transfer, and exercise capacity?Methods Retrospective analysis of all subjects who performed incremental cardio-pulmonary exercise testing(CPET) between 1988–2012 at McMaster University Medical Centre. The impact of diabetes on physiological outcomes and maximum power output(MPO) was assessed using stepwise multiple additive linear regression models including age, height, weight, sex, muscle strength and previous myocardial infarct as co-variates, and was also stratified based on BMI categories.Results 40,776 subjects were included in the analysis; 1938(5%, 66% male) had diabetes. Diabetics were older(59 vs. 53 years), heavier(88.3 vs.78.0 kg), and had a higher BMI(31 vs. 27 kg/m2). The presence of diabetes was independently associated with a reduction in FEV1(-130ml), FVC(-220ml), DLCO(-1.52 ml/min/mmHg) and VA(-340ml) but not KCO. Patients with diabetes achieved a lower % predicted MPO[diabetic subjects 70% predicted(670 kpm/min ± 95% C.I. 284) vs. 80% in non-diabetics(786 kpm/min ± 342), p < 0.001]. With the exception of KCO, these differences persisted across BMI categories and after adjusting for MI.Conclusion The presence of diabetes is independently associated with weaker muscles, lower ventilatory and gas transfer capacity and translates to a lower exercise capacity. These differences are independent of age, height, weight, sex and previous MI.
Advancing the acceptability of game-based digital mental health interventions: A qualitative study on clinicians’ views
Authors: Lukka Lauri , Karhulahti Veli-Matti , Palva J. Matias
Published: June 2024

Background: Mental health professionals’ (MHPs) views on video games are crucial for game-based digital mental health interventions. These interventions are actively developed, their successful implementation depends also on clinician acceptability, and they are related to the divisive topics of technological transformation and video games.
Objective: This qualitative study investigates how MHPs view video games. This aims to inform the user-centered design of game-based digital mental health interventions.
Methods: The study combined three (n = 19, n = 16, n= 6) distinct qualitative interview datasets, which explored the views of Finnish MHPs on video games. The combined data (n = 41) were analyzed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis (RTA). Then, two post hoc analyses were designed using complementary qualitative questionnaire data (n = 80), which was gathered together with the first interview dataset.
Results: The RTA generated three themes. 1) Personally games are recreation, clinically they are harmful. The MHPs’ personal gaming experiences were positive and associated with recreation, whereas their professional gaming experiences associated their clients’ gaming with harms. 2) Gaming is framed as adverse technology and meaningful culture. The MHPs made sense of gaming as a complex societal phenomenon with two complementary and conflicting frames. 3) Clients’ gaming is explored holistically. The MHPs evaluated all activities, gaming included, per their influence on other fields of life. They identified two courses where gaming could evolve from a solution to a problem: from connection to loneliness and from comfort to avoidance. The first post hoc analysis provided further evidence of the self-client attitude asymmetry identified in the first theme. The second post hoc analysis described the benefits MHPs expected from game-based interventions and for whom.
Conclusion: MHPs’ views on video games are characterized by self-client attitude asymmetry, conflicting framings, and holistic exploration. Thus, their views cannot be meaningfully simplified to a positive-negative -continuum. Game-based intervention researchers, designers, and developers benefit from considering these stakeholder perceptions when designing and implementing novel game-based digital mental health interventions.
Self-Myofascial Release Therapy Moderately Influence Bioelectrical Activity of Longissimus Muscle in Golfers
Authors: Banaśkiewicz Jan , Kasiak Przemysław , Chomiuk Tomasz , Mamcarz Artur , Śliż Daniel
Published: June 2024

Purpose
The Longissimus Dorsi (LD) is one of the most overloaded and injured muscles among golfers. Self-Myofascial Release (SMFR) therapy is a common injury prevention technique. However, impact of SMFR on LD bioelectrical activity among golfers is unknown. Therefore, we addressed this issue in the present study.
Materials and methods
31 golf players (28 males, age = 35.8 ± 13.1 years, BMI = 25.1 ± 3.9 kg·m− 2, training experience = 8.2 ± 5.4 years) underwent SMFR by foam rolling of LD 4 times for 30 seconds each. We performed electromyography of the thoracic and lumbar components of LD at rest and during the golf swing. Finally, we took measurements before and after foam rolling.
Results
The thoracic component of LD has higher bioelectrical activity at rest than the lumbar component (average = 7.2–8.7 µV vs 6.8–7.5 µV, p = 0.12–0.66; peak = 58.1–62.2 vs 41.2–51.2 µV, p = 0.28–0.73). On the contrary, the thoracic component has lower bioelectrical activity during swing than the lumbar component (average = 35.8–43.5 µV, p = 0.25–0.90; peak = 40.0-45.9 µV, p = 0.25–0.72). Comparison of average and peak voltages did not provide significant differences between the right and left sides (p = 0.06–0.94). Voltages between thoracic and lumbar components of LD also did not provide significant differences, but voltages after SMFR were slightly lower than before SMFR (p = 0.08-1.00).
Conclusions
SMFR moderately reduces the bioelectrical activity of the LD. The thoracic component of LD has higher voltage during rest and lower voltage during swing than the lumbar component of LD. Physiotherapists and sport practitioners should acknowledge bioelectrical activity of LD to properly apply SMFR therapy in golfers.
Prediction of intensity and scale variation trend of tropical cyclones combined the quantile regression with grey power model
Authors: Zhang Wenyu , Wang Xiangjun , Amjad Ali , Yang Hua , Huang Bin , Yang Junwei
Published: June 2024

Global climate change has significantly altered the number and intensity of tropical cyclones in the Northwest Pacific Ocean, resulting in substantial losses for both residents and the economy in the southeast coastal regions of China, as well as affecting the operating efficiency and safety of offshore wind farms. Therefore, quantitatively analyzing the temporal characteristics of tropical cyclones and precisely predicting their trend is crucial for mitigating disasters in coastal countries. This paper analyzes the interannual variation characteristics of tropical cyclones making landfall in China from 1980 to 2022 based on the quantile regression method. Grey power model was also used to predict the quantile regression curves of key features of TCs making landfall in China in the next five normal, El Niño and La Niña years, and to speculate on the future changes of tropical cyclones in the northwestern Pacific Ocean with statistical data. The results show that the interannual pattern of maximum wind speeds of tropical TCs making landfall in China under the 0.1–0.9 quantile is significantly affected by the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), and the maximum wind speeds of tropical cyclones in normal, El Niño, and La Niña years are all slightly increased and accompanied by an increase in the duration. The location of the landfalling TCs in normal and El Niño years is moving northeastward, and the latitude of the landfalling TCs in La Niña years is approaching 16 ° N. The predicted wind speeds of the TCs in normal and El Niño years are also slightly increased with the increase of the duration. From the quantile regression curves predicted using the gray power model, El Niño years will bring more extreme weather. Tropical cyclones making landfall in normal and El Niño years may decrease in the southern part of China and increase in the northern part, which may be related to the expansion of TCs due to global warming. The results of this research can provide useful references for climate change research, disaster prevention and mitigation, and related policy making in China.
A Multilingual SEIR Model for Public Opinion Dynamics: Integrating Social Enhancement and Cross-Transmission Mechanisms
Authors: 董 苏雅拉图 , Xu Linlin , Lan Zhong-Zhou , Yana A , Bu Fanyu , Hua Wu , Chunlai Qu , Yifei Li , Minjie Gao , Kai Ge
Published: June 2024

In multilingual environment, the propagation of public opinion exhibits increased complexity and uncertainty, necessitating a robust mathematical model for its description and analysis. Utilizing complex network theory and dynamical principles, this study integrates the social enhancement effects, forgetting mechanism, and cross-transmission mechanism into a SEIR model of opinion dynamics that accounts for linguistic factors. This paper explores the interaction and influence of public opinion across different language groups, assessing the stability and sensitivity of these opinions. Concurrently, this paper proposes an opinion control strategy based on optimal control theory, specifically tailored for multilingual contexts. This strategy aims to minimize the costs associated with controlling public opinion and to effectively guide and regulate it. Numerical simulation experiments validate the proposed model and methods, offering innovative approaches and tools for managing public opinion in multilingual settings.
Multi-response Optimisation of Wire-EDM for SLMed AlSi10Mg using Taguchi-Grey Relational Theory
Authors: R Murali Krishnan , Ranganathan Rajesh , A Saiyathibrahim , Velu Rajkumar , Jatti Vijaykumar S , Mohan Dhanesh G
Published: June 2024

The present research effort strives to optimise the multi-response during Wire Electrical Discharge Machining (Wire-EDM) of SLMed AlSi10Mg, applying Taguchi integrated Grey Relational Analysis (GRA). Selective Laser Melting (SLM) represents one of the best-known and most practicable Additive Manufacturing (AM) methods that have the prospective to serve as a replacement for many traditional production processes. Extremely intricate metallic support structures built up during SLM need more attention since they are too difficult to remove by hand. Therefore, post-processing adopting the Wire-EDM precision machining technique is performed in this study to assess the machinability of the SLMed AlSi10Mg as-built part. The multi-response optimisation used here seeks to achieve maximum material removal rate and lowest surface roughness while considering four important influencing elements (pulse On time, pulse Off time, servo voltage, and wire feed rate) at four distinct levels. Taguchi integrated Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) revealed that a pulse On time of 118 µs (Level 3), a pulse Off time of 44 µs (Level 1), a servo voltage of 60 V (Level 4), and a wire feed rate of 7 m/s (Level 4) are suggested to achieve optimal machining of SLMed AlSi10Mg. Furthermore, the derived optimisation results were diligently verified using a confirmatory experiment, and a 38.57% improvement in multi-response characteristics was found when compared to the initial Wire-EDM parameter settings. The methodology suggested in this work offers a standard approach that has the potential to be implemented for the rapid and precise prediction and optimisation of surface roughness while achieving better material removal during Wire-EDM of SLMed AlSi10Mg.
LAASO algorithm-based bioinformatics analysis for exploring the pathogenesis and immune infiltration of atrial fibrillation and dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Li Hongdao , Chen Yuyang , Liang Shumin , Mai Bifang , Tu Wenqing , Lin Yuhan , Chen Qi , Xie Shuanglun
Published: June 2024

Background: It is well known that atrial fibrillation (AF) is a serious complication of dilated
cardiomyopathy (DCM) and they could affect each other. This study endeavors to uncover the shared diagnostic markers and immune pathways contributing to both disorders.
Methods: We downloaded AF and DCM data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were used to clarify shared signaling pathways of DEGs. Further, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was applied to pinpoint key hub genes and construct a diagnostic model.
Results: A total of 20 common DEGs in AF and DCM were identified for subsequent analyses.
The LASSO analysis results showed that RGCC, KCNN2 and TGFBR3 are 3 most important cross-talk genes between these 2 diseases. The immune infiltration results revealed that Th17/Treg cells may play an important role in the pathogeneses of AF and DCM.
Conclusion: This pioneering study merges bioinformatics and machine learning to map the shared molecular landscape of AF and DCM, highlighting RGCC, KCNN2, and TGFBR3 as key diagnostic biomarkers. The imbalance of Th17/Treg may be vital in the progression of these 2 diseases.
Granular Neural Networks Learning for Time Series Prediction under a Federated Scenario
Authors: Song Mingli , Zhao Xinyu
Published: June 2024

Granular neural networks (GNNs) are a type of prediction models outputting information granules and GNNs not only provide more abstract results and a granular structure but also reveal a flexible nature that can be adjusted by users. As a promising tool, we apply GNNs to solve time series prediction problems under the federated learning (FL) scenario. Distributed time series prediction problems attract more attention recently due to the more usage of large quantity of IoT (Internet of Things) sensors and the development of Artificial Intelligence techniques. FL is the main approach to fix the distributed time series prediction problems. In this paper, we design a federated learning framework to refine granular weights of GNNs and then return better prediction results compared with the ones from centralized modeling. Different with the studies of FL using numeric neural networks, FL using GNNs is a study of aggregating parameters’ parameters under the federated scenario and thus the robustness and stability of the method is the most critical issue. To testify the two features of our method, we observe and compare from two aspects: different cases (several groups’ results) and different numbers of objectives (single-objective optimization and multiple-objective optimization). Experiments on predicting air quality index for 35 stations in Beijing (China) show the effectiveness of our method.
Information structure of heterogeneous criticality in a fish school
Authors: Niizato Takayuki , Sakamoto Kotaro , Mototake Yoh-ichi , Murakami Hisashi , Tomaru Takenori
Published: June 2024

The integrated information theory (IIT) measures the degree of consciousness in living organisms from an information-theoretic perspective. This theory can be extended to general systems such as those measuring criticality. Herein, we applied the IIT to actual collective behaviour (Plecoglossus altivelis). We found that the group integrity (i.e., Φ) could be maximised in the critical state and that several levels of criticalities existed in a group as subgroups. Furthermore, these fragmented critical groups coexisted with traditional criticality as a whole. The distribution of high-criticality subgroups was heterogeneous in terms of time and space. In particular, the core fish in the high-criticality group tended to be unaffected by internal and external stimulation, in contrast to those in the low-criticality group. The results of this study are consistent with previous interpretations of critical phenomena and provide a new interpretation of the detailed dynamics of an empirical critical state.
Double-shield TBM Mounted Seismic Ahead-prospecting System and its Application
Authors: Chen Lei , Li Zhongzhi , Li Kai , Zhang Xibin , Xu XInji , Cao Hongyi , Wang Fei
Published: June 2024

Double-shield tunnel boring machine (TBM) has been widely used in tunnel construction. However, the unknown adverse geological conditions in front of the tunnel face can easily disturb the construction progress of the double-shield TBM. To ensure the construction safety of double-shield TBM, it is necessary to predict the geological information in front of the tunnel face in advance. However, the unique tunnel environment with a double-shield TBM makes it hard to predict geological conditions by conventional detection techniques. Therefore, this paper proposes a double-shield TBM-mounted seismic ahead-prospecting system. According to the special structure of double-shield TBM, a geological detection system mainly including the vibration source and rod-sensing elements was developed. The mounted vibration source is excited by high-pressure gas, and the excited seismic signal has strong energy, which can realize long-distance disaster prospection. The rod-sensing element can directly contact the surrounding rock mass through the grouting hole and collect reflected wave signals with a higher signal-to-noise ratio. The system can directly excite and receive seismic waves in the rock mass around the tunnel. The proposed system has been mounted on double-shield TBMs and verified based on field.
Application of Acid Mine Drainage for the Biooxidation of a High-Grade Refractory Sulfide Gold Ore
Authors: Nouhi Elaheh , Ahmadi Ali
Published: June 2024

Acid mine drainage (AMD) is one of the challenging environmental issues in sulfidic mines. These hazardous solutions generally contain a mixture of native iron- and sulfur-oxidizing microorganisms which could be used to a source for biotechnological aims. In this research, the ability of an AMD of a sulfide-bearing gold mine was investigated for the biooxidation of a high-grade pyritic gold ore and its efficiency was compared with iron- and sulfur-oxidizing microorganisms from a microbial culture bank. The experiments were conducted at 35 and 45 ̊C, initial pH values of 1.5 and 2 in a Norris culture medium prepared from deionized and saline local waters. The effects of some critical parameters including, initial pH, and the concentrations of ferrous or ferric sulfate were investigated on the efficiency of the biooxidation process and gold extraction. The results showed that the AMD microorganisms had a more ability to oxidize the sulfide ore than the microorganisms from the microbial bank. The addition of ferrous and ferric sulfates increased the biooxidation efficiency, while high concentrations of these ions caused the formation of inhibitory precipitates (jarosite) and decreased gold extraction. The results showed that biooxidation using the AMD medium in the saline local water increased the extraction of gold from 73–99%. It can be concluded that the application of AMD for the treatment of refractory gold sulfide ores could be an efficient solution for increasing gold extraction and reducing environmental problems.
The effect of post-annealing on the performance of the Cu2 ZnSnS4 solar cells
Authors: Gansukh Mungunshagai , Martinho Filipe , Espindola Moises , Engberg Sara , Schou Jørgen , Canulescu Stela
Published: June 2024

Cu 2 ZnSnS 4 (CZTS) solar cells commonly undergo post-annealing treatments to enhance their performance. Yet, multiple concurrent effects, including Cu-Zn disorder, Na diffusion from the back contact, CZTS grain boundary passivation, and elemental inter-diffusion at the CdS/CZTS interface, can occur simultaneously during post-annealing, making it challenging to isolate their specific influence on device performance. To address this complexity, we have utilized fully Cu-Zn-disordered CZTS absorbers to eliminate the influence of Cu-Zn disorder in this work. Post-annealing experiments conducted at 120 to 300 0 C under nitrogen and air atmospheres aim to decouple and assess the impact of different annealing conditions on CZTS solar cell performance. Our findings suggest that the optimal post-annealing might be a combined effect of two distinct processes: CZTS absorber surface passivation occurring at 3250 C and CdS crystallization at 225 0 C. Hence, the improvement in device performance could result from multiple concurrent mechanisms occurring at different temperatures.
Identification and validation of genes involved in pyroptosis of LPS and D-GALN induced acute liver injury
Authors: Zuo Weixin
Published: June 2024

Pyroptosis plays an important role in the development of acute liver failure (ALF). In this study, we aimed to identify and validate important pyroptosis-related genes in ALF by bioinformatics analysis. The pyroptosis-related genes involved in the differential expression of ALF were identified using the gene expression comprehensive database (GEO) and the mRNA expression profile dataset GSE217659 provided by R software. The Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were performed for the differentially expressed related genes.Further screened the module genes by WGCNA and identified four genes (Gzmb, Mefv, Gbp 2 and Casp 4), which could be used as potential diagnostic biomarkers for ALF. Subsequently, the hub gene was modeled using nomogram to assess whether the model was good.
Optically generated droplet beams for improved optoacoustic imaging of choroid thickness in the ocular cavity: A biomarker for Alzheimer’s Disease.
Authors: Mavrakis Kostas G , Divaris Gerasimos , Tampakaki Maira , Khan Saba , Dholakia Kishan , Zacharakis Giannis
Published: June 2024

Optoacoustic microscopy faces a restricted depth of field attributed to the tightly focused Gaussian beam excitation. This limitation poses challenges in capturing high-resolution images of samples with uneven surfaces or obtaining high-quality volumetric images without z-scanning. To address this issue, we propose the use of droplet illumination in optoacoustic microscopy, which extends the depth of field to approximately 80 times the Rayleigh length. The droplet beam is generated using a Mach-Zehnder-type interferometer, with each arm equipped with a lens of different optical power. We demonstrate the advantages of droplet beam illumination in microscopy by showing high contrast images on fluorescent beads with a 50% improvement compared to Bessel beam illumination and subsequently imaging the posterior cavity of mice eyes. This method introduces novel perspectives to medical sciences, allowing the measurement of the choroidal layer thickness, an early indicative biomarker for Alzheimer's disease.
A Comparative Study of Cultural Hallucination in Large Language Models on Culturally Specific Ethical Questions
Authors: Zhao Jiajing , Huang Cheng , Li Xian
Published: June 2024

Rapid advancements in natural language processing have led to the development of highly sophisticated models capable of generating human-like text, yet challenges remain in ensuring that these models produce culturally accurate and ethically consistent responses. The novel concept of this study lies in the comprehensive evaluation of ChatGPT 4o and Gemini 1.5 Flash on culturally specific ethical questions, providing a detailed comparison of their performance across diverse cultural contexts. Automated evaluation metrics, including semantic similarity, cultural relevance, and ethical consistency, were employed to assess the models' capabilities, revealing significant insights into their strengths and limitations. The results indicated that while both models exhibit high cultural relevance and ethical consistency, notable differences in their performance across various regions suggest areas for further improvement. Statistical analysis confirmed the significance of these differences, emphasizing the necessity for ongoing refinement of training methodologies. The study demonstrates the importance of integrating deeper cultural insights and ethical frameworks into model development, contributing valuable knowledge to the field of AI ethics and cultural competence.
Research on low-energy consumption automatic real-time regulation of cascade gates and pumps in open-canal based on reinforcement learning
Authors: Gan Tian , Jiang Yunzhong , Zhao Hongli , He Junyan , Duan Hao
Published: June 2024

Cascade gates and pumps are common hydraulic structures in the open-canal section of water transfer projects, characterized by high energy consumption and substantial costs, making it challenging to regulate. By implementing cascade gates regulation to control the hydraulic process, lift distribution of pump stations can be optimized, thus enhancing operational efficiency and reducing energy consumption. However, the selection of control models and parameter optimization is difficult because hydraulic processes are nonlinear, high-dimensional, large hysteresis, strong coupling, and time-varying. This study considers minimum energy consumption of pump stations as the regulation objective and employs the reinforcement learning (RL) algorithm for optimization regulation (OR) within a typical canal section of the Jiaodong Water Transfer Project. Our results demonstrate that after regulating, OR can precisely control the water level to achieve the high efficiency lift interval of pump station, enhancing efficiency by 4.12–6.02% compared to previous operation. Moreover, using optimized hyperparameters group, the RL model proves robust under different work conditions. The proposed method is suitable for complex hydraulic processes, highlighting its potential to support more effective decision-making in water resources regulation.
Watching the guards: A data-driven method to trigger warnings in national wastewater surveillance networks
Authors: Bosch Lluís M. , Pueyo-Ros Josep , Comas-Cufí Marc , Saldaña Joan , Ripoll Jordi , Calle Eusebi , Fonseca i Casas Pau , Garcia i Subirana Joan , Borrego Carles M. , Corominas Lluís
Published: June 2024

Surveillance networks have been established in many countries worldwide to monitor SARS-CoV-2 in sewage and to estimate the communal prevalence of COVID-19 cases. Despite their popularity, gaining a rapid understanding of how infectious diseases spread across the territory covered by a network is difficult because of the many factors involved. To improve the detection of warning signals within the territory, we propose to apply principal component analysis (PCA) to screen time-series data generated from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) under surveillance. Our analysis allows us to identify single WWTPs deviating from the normal behavior as well as deviations of a cluster of WWTPs (indicative of an intermunicipal outbreak). Our approach is illustrated through the analysis of the dataset generated by the Catalan Surveillance Network of SARS-CoV-2 in Sewage (SARSAIGUA). Using 10 principal components, we captured 78.6% of the variance in the original dataset of 51 variables (WWTPs). Our analysis identified exceedance of the Q-statistic threshold as evidence of anomalous performance of a single WWTP, and exceedance of the T2-statistic as a sign of an intermunicipal outbreak. Our approach provides a comprehensive picture of the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling decision-makers to make informed decisions and better manage future pandemics.
Effect of biochar addition on the anaerobic digestion of food waste: microbial community structure and methanogenic pathways
Authors: Pei Siyao , Fan Xiaodan , Qiu Chunsheng , Liu Nannan , Li Fei , Li Jiakang , Qi Li , Wang Shaopo
Published: June 2024

This study assessed the effects of the addition of biochar prepared at 700 °C with different dosages on the anaerobic digestion of food waste. The biochar addition at a concentration of 10.0 g/L increased the cumulative methane yield by 128%, and daily methane production was also significantly promoted. The addition of biochar derived from poplar sawdust significantly increased the relative abundance of dominant bacteria for anaerobic digestion by 85.54–2530% and promoted the degradation of refractory organic matter and the transfer of materials between the hydrolysis and acid production stages. Further analysis has demonstrated that Bathyarchaeia and hydrogenotrophic methanogens were enriched by the biochar addition. Meanwhile, the relative abundances of functional genes, including C5-branched dibasic acid metabolism, and pyruvate metabolism, were increased by 11.38–26.27%. The relative abundances of genes related to major amino acid metabolism, including histidine metabolism, lysine biosynthesis, and phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis, were increased by 11.96–15.71%. Furthermore, the relative abundances of genes involved in major replication and repair were increased by 14.76–22.76%, and the major folding, sorting, degradation, and translation were increased by 14.47–19.95%, respectively. The relative abundances of genes related to major membrane transport and cell motility were increased by 10.02 and 83.09%, respectively.
Sinusitis maxilar de origen dental: a propósito de un caso con resolución
Authors: Suaza-Ortiz Eliana Cristina , Plazas-Román Jaime Enrique , Díaz-Caballero Antonio
Published: June 2024

Este caso clínico abordó la sinusitis maxilar de origen dental, resaltando la colaboración entre odontólogos y otorrinolaringólogos. El paciente presentó dolor en la zona 26, siendo diagnosticado con periodontitis apical crónica y sinusitis maxilar por imágenes radiográficas. El tratamiento comprendió la extracción del diente afectado, aplicación de láser, aloinjerto y membranas, seguido de implantología guiada en la zona 26. La colaboración multidisciplinaria resultó crucial para un diagnóstico y tratamiento eficaces. Aunque la sinusitis maxilar de origen dental suele diagnosticarse tardíamente en odontología, un enfoque integral permitió aliviar síntomas y restaurar la función masticatoria y estética del paciente.
Síntomas bucales percibidos por padres de niños con evitación odontológica: un estudio exploratorio comparativo
Authors: Romo-Pérez Camilo , San Martín-López Alma Luz
Published: June 2024

Introducción: los padres son responsables del desarrollo de buenos hábitos de nutrición, higiene y visitas regulares al odontólogo por parte de los niños para garantizar una óptima salud oral. Objetivo: explorar la relación entre la evitación odontológica y la frecuencia síntomas orales percibidos por padres. Métodos: estudio exploratorio realizado en una muestra por conveniencia de 78 participantes entre 6-11 años. Los síntomas orales, la influencia de la salud oral en la vida diaria y el estado de salud oral percibido por padres se analizó mediante frecuencias absolutas y relativas. Resultados: el 51,9% de los participantes fueron de sexo masculino, la edad promedio fue 6,4±0,3 años. Los síntomas más frecuentes en el grupo de niños con evitación odontológica fueron dolor, encías sangrantes, llagas/heridas, comida pegada al paladar y comida entre dientes, el mal aliento se presentó similarmente en ambos grupos. Conclusiones: estos hallazgos interinos sugieren que los síntomas orales percibidos por padres son más frecuentes en niños con evitación odontológica.
University students' satisfaction with library services and resources using the Kano model
Authors:   College of Information and Computing Studies, Northern Iloilo State University, Estancia, Iloilo, Philippines, Galagala Mark Ronar G.
Published: June 2024

Student satisfaction is essential for developing an engaging and active library environment that promotes usage and shapes a favorable view of the institution. This study uses the Kano Model to investigate university students' satisfaction with library services and resources, focusing on basic, performance, and excitement dimensions. The goal is to enhance understanding of user satisfaction in academic libraries. The study surveyed 300 university students randomly selected from four State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in the Philippines using a researcher-created survey tool. The results showed that students were generally satisfied with the basic aspects of library services and resources. However, they expressed neutral satisfaction with performance aspects and dissatisfaction with library resources. Similarly, satisfaction with the excitement aspects of library services was neutral, but there was dissatisfaction with the excitement aspects of library resources. These findings provide valuable insights into the complex dimensions of university students' satisfaction with library services and resources, helping institutions improve the quality of their educational library services.
Barriers to and Facilitators of Artificial Intelligence Adoption in Health Care: Scoping Review
Authors: Hassan Masooma , Kushniruk Andre , Borycki Elizabeth
Published: June 2024

Background

Artificial intelligence (AI) use cases in health care are on the rise, with the potential to improve operational efficiency and care outcomes. However, the translation of AI into practical, everyday use has been limited, as its effectiveness relies on successful implementation and adoption by clinicians, patients, and other health care stakeholders.

Objective

As adoption is a key factor in the successful proliferation of an innovation, this scoping review aimed at presenting an overview of the barriers to and facilitators of AI adoption in health care.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted using the guidance provided by the Joanna Briggs Institute and the framework proposed by Arksey and O’Malley. MEDLINE, IEEE Xplore, and ScienceDirect databases were searched to identify publications in English that reported on the barriers to or facilitators of AI adoption in health care. This review focused on articles published between January 2011 and December 2023. The review did not have any limitations regarding the health care setting (hospital or community) or the population (patients, clinicians, physicians, or health care administrators). A thematic analysis was conducted on the selected articles to map factors associated with the barriers to and facilitators of AI adoption in health care.

Results

A total of 2514 articles were identified in the initial search. After title and abstract reviews, 50 (1.99%) articles were included in the final analysis. These articles were reviewed for the barriers to and facilitators of AI adoption in health care. Most articles were empirical studies, literature reviews, reports, and thought articles. Approximately 18 categories of barriers and facilitators were identified. These were organized sequentially to provide considerations for AI development, implementation, and the overall structure needed to facilitate adoption.

Conclusions

The literature review revealed that trust is a significant catalyst of adoption, and it was found to be impacted by several barriers identified in this review. A governance structure can be a key facilitator, among others, in ensuring all the elements identified as barriers are addressed appropriately. The findings demonstrate that the implementation of AI in health care is still, in many ways, dependent on the establishment of regulatory and legal frameworks. Further research into a combination of governance and implementation frameworks, models, or theories to enhance trust that would specifically enable adoption is needed to provide the necessary guidance to those translating AI research into practice. Future research could also be expanded to include attempts at understanding patients’ perspectives on complex, high-risk AI use cases and how the use of AI applications affects clinical practice and patient care, including sociotechnical considerations, as more algorithms are implemented in actual clinical environments.
Sex Differences in Pain Sensitivity in a Dutch Cohort: Cross-Sectional and Web-Based Multidimensional Study
Authors: Smits Rachel J H , van der Wal Selina E I , van Boekel Regina L M , Timmerman Hans , Bronkhorst Ewald M , Abrar Diana , Vissers Kris C P , Blaney Davidson Esmeralda N , Steegers Monique A H
Published: June 2024

Background

Sex is an important factor influencing the development and treatment of chronic pain, but the extent of its influence is still unclear. Other demographic factors as well as nonpharmacological interventions might influence pain sensitivity differently in men and women.

Objective

In this study, we aimed to investigate the influence of sex and other demographic, lifestyle, behavioral, clinical, and environmental factors on pain sensitivity in the Dutch population. Different films were used to investigate how they would impact pain sensitivity and what influence sex and other variables have on the effect of this simple intervention.

Methods

We performed a study consisting of 2 parts: (1) a cross-sectional research to investigate pain sensitivity differences between men and women and the influence of other demographic variables on the pain sensitivity in a Dutch cohort and (2) an internet intervention study to determine whether a short film could skew pain sensitivity.

Results

All respondents filled in a web-based demographic questionnaire and were randomized into 4 groups. The control group filled in the Pain Sensitivity Questionnaire without watching a preliminary film. A cross-sectional analysis was performed in the control group (n=1746). The other 3 groups watched short films: one group watched a film with scenes of nature (n=2650), another group watched a film on laughing people (n=2735), and the last group watched a film on physically painful events (n=2708). Immediately after the film viewing, participants were directed to the Pain Sensitivity Questionnaire to measure their pain sensitivity. The Pain Sensitivity Questionnaire score was stated as a mean per question on the numeric rating scale from 0-1. The cross-sectional study revealed no significant differences between men and women but showed male-female differences in the Pain Sensitivity Questionnaire when specific background factors were present. Watching a short film had a positive impact on the pain sensitivity of the respondents who had chronic pain, with a higher effect observed in female respondents.

Conclusions

Scientists performing pain research need to account for factors that can influence the outcome of their study and be aware that these factors can be sex-dependent, and pain sensitivity should be analyzed accordingly. Even relatively small interventions such as watching a film can impact pain sensitivity, especially in respondents with current chronic pain. This effect can vary as well when different background factors are present. Our findings warrant further explorations of the possibilities that simple interventions bring for patients in personalized medicine.

Trial Registration

Landelijk Trial Register NTR-new NL8182; https://onderzoekmetmensen.nl/en/trial/29537
Behavioral Weight Loss Programs for Cancer Survivors Throughout Maryland: Protocol for a Pragmatic Trial and Participant Characteristics
Authors: Jerome Gerald J , Appel Lawrence J , Bunyard Linda , Dalcin Arlene T , Durkin Nowella , Charleston Jeanne B , Kanarek Norma F , Carducci Michael A , Wang Nae-Yuh , Yeh Hsin-Chieh
Published: June 2024

Background

Clinical trials examining lifestyle interventions for weight loss in cancer survivors have been demonstrated to be safe, feasible, and effective. However, scalable weight loss programs are needed to support their widespread implementation. The ASPIRE trial was designed to evaluate real-world, lifestyle-based, weight loss programs for cancer survivors throughout Maryland.

Objective

The objectives of this protocol paper are to describe the design of a nonrandomized pragmatic trial, study recruitment, and baseline characteristics of participants.

Methods

Participants were aged ≥18 years, residing in Maryland, with a BMI ≥25 kg/m2, who reported a diagnosis of a malignant solid tumor, completed curative treatment, and had no ongoing or planned cancer treatment. Enrollment criteria were minimized to increase generalizability. The primary recruitment source was the Johns Hopkins Health System electronic health records (EHRs). Participants selected 1 of 3 remotely delivered weight loss programs: self-directed, app-supported, or coach-supported program.

Results

Participants were recruited across all 5 geographic regions of Maryland. Targeted invitations using EHRs accounted for 287 (84.4%) of the 340 participants enrolled. Of the 5644 patients invited through EHR, 5.1% (287/5644) enrolled. Participants had a mean age of 60.7 (SD 10.8) years, 74.7% (254/340) were female, 55.9% (190/340) identified as non-Hispanic Black, 58.5% (199/340) had a bachelor’s degree, and the average BMI was 34.1 kg/m2 (SD 5.9 kg/m2). The most common types of cancers were breast (168/340, 49.4%), prostate (72/340, 21.2%), and thyroid (39/340, 8.5%). The self-directed weight loss program (n=91) included 25 participants who agreed to provide weights through a study scale; the app-supported program (n=142) included 108 individuals who agreed to provide their weight measurements; and the coach-supported weight loss program included 107 participants. We anticipate final analysis will take place in the fall of 2024.

Conclusions

Using EHR-based recruitment efforts, this study took a pragmatic approach to reach and enroll cancer survivors into remotely delivered weight loss programs.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04534309; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04534309

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/54126
Completion rate and satisfaction with online Computer Assisted History Taking questionnaires in Orthopedics: A Multicenter Cohort Study (Preprint)
Authors: Craamer Casper , Timmers Thomas , Siebelt Michiel , Kool Rudolf Bertijn , Diekerhof Carel , Caron Jan Jacob , Gosens Taco , van der Weegen Walter
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

Collecting the medical history during a first outpatient consultation plays a crucial role in making a diagnosis. However, it is a time-consuming process while time is scarce in today’s healthcare environment. Computer Assisted History Taking (CAHT) systems allow patients to share their medical history electronically before their visit. Although multiple advantages of CAHT have been demonstrated, adoption in everyday medical practice remains low. This has been attributed to various barriers.

OBJECTIVE

To implement a CAHT-questionnaire for orthopedic patients in preparation to their first outpatient consultation.

METHODS

A multi-center retrospective cohort study was conducted in which all patients who were referred to the orthopedic department were invited to self-complete the CAHT-questionnaire. The primary outcome of the study is the completion rate to the questionnaire. Secondary outcomes included patient’s and physician’s satisfaction. These were assessed via surveys and semi-structured interviews.

RESULTS

In total, 5,321 patients were invited and 4,932 (92.3%) fully completed the CAHT-questionnaire. Participants (n=224) rated the easiness to complete the questionnaire with an 8.0 (0-10 scale, SD 1.9) and an 8.0 (0-10 scale, SD 1.7) on satisfaction of the consult. Satisfaction with the outpatient consultation was higher in case the given answers were used by the orthopedic surgeon during this consultation (8.3 IQR 8.0-9.1 versus 8.0 IQR 7.0-8.5, p<.001). Physician’s (n=15) scored the added value as 7.8 (0-10 scale, SD 1.7) and unanimously recognized increased efficiency, better patient engagement and medical record completeness. Implementing the patient’s answers into the EHR was deemed necessary.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we have shown that previously recognized barriers to implementing and adapting CAHT can now be effectively overcome. We demonstrated that almost all patients completed the CAHT-questionnaire. This results in reported improvements in both the efficiency and personalization of outpatient consultations. Given the pressing need for personalized healthcare delivery in today’s time-constrained medical environment, we recommend implementing CAHT-systems in routine medical practice.
Synergistic effects of ursodeoxycholic acid, and quercetin on liver function and systemic inflammation in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and atrial fibrillation patients
Authors: Teslenko O.B. , Fedorov S.V. , Bielinskyi M.V. , Herashchenko A.S. , Nyshchuk-Oliinyk N.B.
Published: June 2024

Background. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and atrial fibrillation (AF) co-occur with signifi­cant clinical implications, necessitating therapeutic strategies that address the multifaceted nature of these conditions. This study evaluated the efficacy of standard treatment alone versus combined treatments with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and quercetin in patients with NAFLD and AF, focusing on improvements in liver function, lipid profile, systemic inflammation, and fibrosis markers. Aim: to evaluate and compare the efficacy of standard treatment alone versus standard treatment combined with ursodeoxycholic acid with and without quercetin in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and concurrent atrial fibrillation. Materials and methods. In a prospective, randomi­zed, controlled trial, 127 patients with diagnosed NAFLD and concurrent AF were enrolled. They were divided into three groups: group 1 — standard treatment (n = 42), group 2 — standard treatment plus UDCA (n = 44), and group 3 — standard treatment plus UDCA and quercetin (n = 41). The primary outcomes included changes in liver function tests (alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase), lipid profile (total cholesterol, low- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides), and non-invasive liver fibrosis scores (NFS, FIB-4). Secondary outcomes focused on systemic inflammation markers (C-reactive protein, galectin-3, soluble ST2) and fibronectin levels. Results. All treatment groups showed significant improvements in liver function tests and lipid profiles. Group 3 exhibited the most substantial reductions in ALT, AST, and improvements in HDL-C, indicating enhanced hepatoprotective and lipid-modulating effects. Systemic inflammation markers and fibronectin levels decreased significantly in groups receiving UDCA and quercetin, with the most pronounced effects observed in group 3, suggesting potent anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic action. Additionally, significant improvements in NFS and FIB-4 scores in group 3 highlight the anti-fibrotic potential of combining UDCA and quercetin with standard treatment. Conclusions. The addition of UDCA and quercetin to standard treatment for patients with NAFLD and AF significantly improves liver function, lipid metabolism, and reduces systemic inflammation and fibrosis, compared to standard treatment alone. These findings suggest a synergistic effect of UDCA and quercetin, offering a promising therapeutic strategy for managing the complex interplay between NAFLD and AF.