bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feasibility of utilizing mediastinal drains alone following esophageal cancer surgery: a retrospective study
Authors: Li Yu , Zhang Danjie , Zhao Danwen
Published: May 2024

Background

It was typically necessary to place a closed thoracic drainage tube for drainage following esophageal cancer surgery. Recently, the extra use of thoracic mediastinal drainage after esophageal cancer surgery had also become more common. However, it had not yet been determined whether mediastinal drains could be used alone following esophageal cancer surgery.

Methods

A total of 134 patients who underwent esophageal cancer surgery in our department between June 2020 and June 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 34 patients received closed thoracic drainage (CTD), 58 patients received closed thoracic drainage combined with mediastinal drainage (CTD-MD), while 42 patients received postoperative mediastinal drainage (MD). The general condition, incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications, postoperative NRS score, and postoperative anastomotic leakage were compared. The Mann-Whitney U tests, Welch’s t tests, one-way ANOVA, chi-square tests and Fisher’s exact tests were applied.

Results

There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative hyperthermia, peak leukocytes, total drainage, hospitalization days and postoperative pulmonary complications between MD group and the other two groups. Interestingly, patients in the MD group experienced significantly lower postoperative pain compared to the other two groups. Additionally, abnormal postoperative drainage fluid could be detected early in this group. Furthermore, there was no significant change in the incidence of postoperative anastomotic leakage and the mortality rate of patients after the occurrence of anastomotic leakage in the MD group compared with the other two groups.

Conclusions

Using mediastinal drain alone following esophageal cancer surgery was equally safe. Furthermore, it could substantially decrease postoperative pain, potentially replacing the closed thoracic drain in clinical practice.
Impact of fundamental components of the Mediterranean diet on the microbiota composition in blood pressure regulation
Authors: Zambrano Ana Karina , Cadena-Ullauri Santiago , Ruiz-Pozo Viviana A. , Tamayo-Trujillo Rafael , Paz-Cruz Elius , Guevara-Ramírez Patricia , Frias-Toral Evelyn , Simancas-Racines Daniel
Published: May 2024

Background

The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) is a widely studied dietary pattern reflecting the culinary traditions of Mediterranean regions. High adherence to MedDiet correlates with reduced blood pressure and lower cardiovascular disease (CVD) incidence and mortality. Furthermore, microbiota, influenced by diet, plays a crucial role in cardiovascular health, and dysbiosis in CVD patients suggests the possible beneficial effects of microbiota modulation on blood pressure. The MedDiet, rich in fiber and polyphenols, shapes a distinct microbiota, associated with higher biodiversity and positive health effects. The review aims to describe how various Mediterranean diet components impact gut microbiota, influencing blood pressure dynamics.

Main body

The MedDiet promotes gut health and blood pressure regulation through its various components. For instance, whole grains promote a healthy gut microbiota given that they act as substrates leading to the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that can modulate the immune response, preserve gut barrier integrity, and regulate energy metabolism. Other components of the MedDiet, including olive oil, fuits, vegetables, red wine, fish, and lean proteins, have also been associated with blood pressure and gut microbiota regulation.

Conclusion

The MedDiet is a dietary approach that offers several health benefits in terms of cardiovascular disease management and its associated risk factors, including hypertension. Furthermore, the intake of MedDiet components promote a favorable gut microbiota environment, which, in turn, has been shown that aids in other physiological processes like blood pressure regulation.
miR-200b-3p relieved inflammation in patients with heart failure by regulating ZEB1 expression
Authors: Wei Bo , Li Zhiyong , Wang Li , Zhang Haitao , Gou Wen
Published: May 2024

Background

MicroRNA-200b-3p (miR-200b-3p) plays a pivotal role in inflammatory responses and is implicated in various inflammatory disorders. In this study, we aim to explore the role of miR-200b-3p in the inflammatory response in heart failure (HF).

Methods

Patients diagnosed with heart failure and age-matched healthy controls were studied. Peripheral blood samples from participants were collected for RNA-seq analysis to explore the expression profile of miR-200b-3p. The predictive value of miR-200b-3p and ZEB1 in the prognosis of heart failure was evaluated by analyzing the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Bioinformatics analysis and double luciferase reporter gene analysis were used to confirm the interaction between miR-200b-3p and ZEB1. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (QRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression levels of miR-200b-3p and ZEB1 in cardiopulmonary bypass. Additionally, the effects of miR-200b-3p on myocardial cell line (H9c2) injury were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

In the extracardiac circulation of HF patients, miR-200b-3p expression was significantly reduced, while ZEB1 levels were notably elevated. Analysis of the ROC curve revealed that miR-200b-3p and ZEB1 have predictive value in the prognosis of HF patients. The double luciferase reporter experiment demonstrated that miR-200b-3p binds to ZEB1 and inhibits its expression. Overexpression of miR-200b-3p demonstrated a remarkable ability to alleviate inflammation and inhibit the damage to myocardial cells in vivo.

Conclusion

MiR-200b-3p can target and inhibit ZEB1, reducing the inflammatory reaction of myocardial cells. The miR-200b-3p/ZEB1 network may be helpful in preventing and treating HF.
The efficacy and safety of intraoperative intravenous amiodarone in patients undergoing on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting surgery: a systemic review and PRISMA-compliant meta-analysis
Authors: Deng Jin-He , Jia Bin , Yao Yun-Tai ,   The Evidence in Cardiovascular Anesthesia (EICA) Group
Published: May 2024

Background

To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of intraoperative intravenous amiodarone for arrhythmia prevention in on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) patients.

Methods

A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was conducted. Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Ovid, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and the Wan Fang database until July 1th, 2023. The primary outcomes of interest included the incidences of intra- and post-operative atrial fibrillation (POAF), ventricular fibrillation, or any arrhythmia, including atrial fibrillation, ventricular fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, premature ventricular contraction, and sinus bradycardia. For continuous and dichotomous variables, treatment effects were calculated as the weighted mean difference (WMD)/risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

A database search yielded 7 randomized controlled trials including 608 patients, where three studies, including three treatments (amiodarone, lidocaine, and saline), contributed to the clinical outcome of atrial fibrillation, ventricular fibrillation, or any arrhythmia. Meta-analysis demonstrated that amiodarone can significantly reduce the incidence of POAF (RR, 0.39; 95%CI: 0.20, 0.77; P = 0.007, I2 = 0%) in patients undergoing on-pump CABG; there was no statistically significant influence on intra-operative atrial fibrillation, intra- and post-operative ventricular fibrillation, or any arrhythmia.

Conclusions

The current study suggests that intraoperative administration of intravenous amiodarone may be safe and effective in preventing POAF in patients undergoing on-pump CABG. More well-designed clinical trials are needed to validate this result.
Health-related quality of life and influencing factors of patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria in China
Authors: Yu Huaxin , Duan Shengnan , Wang Pei , Fu Rong , Lv Zixuan , Yu Yuchi , Miao Pu , Shi Junwei , Zhuang Niekun , Hu Huiying , Yuan Ni , Che Sijia
Published: May 2024

Background

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a rare blood disorder, leading to various complications and impairments in patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Limited research has been conducted to evaluate the HRQOL of Chinese patients with PNH. Understanding the HRQOL in this specific population is crucial for providing effective healthcare interventions and improving patient’ health outcomes. This study aimed to assess HRQOL of Chinese patients with PNH, and identify key determinants.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted during 2022 to recruit patients with PNH in China. The study population was recruited from PNH China, one of the largest public welfare PNH patient mutual aid organization in China. Data were collected via an online questionnaire including the EQ-5D-5L (5L), and social-demographic and clinical characteristics. Descriptive statistics were employed to summarize the characteristics of the participants and their HRQOL. Multiple linear and logistic regression analyses were adopted to explore key factors affecting HRQOL.

Results

A total of 329 valid questionnaires were collected. The mean (SD) age of the patients was 35.3 (10.0) years, with 52.3% of them being male. The patients reported more problems in Anxiety/Depression (81.5%) and Pain/Discomfort (69.9%) dimensions compared to the other three 5L dimensions. The mean (SD) of 5L health utility score (HUS) and EQ-VAS score were 0.76 (0.21) and 62.61 (19.20), respectively. According to multiple linear regression, initial symptoms (i.e., Anemia [fatigue, tachycardia, shortness of breath, headache] and back pain) and complication of thrombosis were significant influencing factors affecting 5L HUS. Total personal income of the past year, initial symptom of hemoglobinuria and complication of thrombosis were significantly influencing factors of VAS score. Social-demographic and clinical characteristics, such as gender, income, and thrombosis, were also found to be significantly related to certain 5L health problems as well.

Conclusion

Our study manifested the HRQOL of PNH patients in China was markedly compromised, especially in two mental-health related dimensions, and revealed several socio-demographic and clinical factors of their HRQOL. These findings could be used as empirical evidence for enhancing the HRQOL of PNH patients in China.
Quantitative investigation of drug-drug interaction between bergenin and vilazodone in rats through UPLC-MS/MS assay
Authors: Xia Mengming , Xu Xinhao , Chen Chaojie , Wu Hualu , Xu Ren-ai , Wang Changlv
Published: May 2024

In this study, we firstly established and verified a method by ultra performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) for the analysis of vilazodone and its metabolite M10 in rat plasma, then this method was used to explore the pharmacokinetics of vilazodone and M10 present or absence of 80 mg/kg bergenin in rats. Protein precipitation with acetonitrile was used to prepare the samples in this research. The mobile phase for liquid chromatography was consisted of 0.1% formic acid aqueous solution and acetonitrile. Brexpiprazole was used as the internal standard (IS), and the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode was used for detection. The verification items required by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines such as selectivity, sensitivity, linearity, stability, recovery and matrix effect of this method were all met the standards. Besides, rats were used to explore the drug-drug interaction between vilazodone and bergenin, which were divided into two groups, and separately gavaged with the same-volume of carboxymethyl cellulose sodium (CMC-Na) solution and 80 mg/kg bergenin, respectively. The results showed that bergenin significantly affected the metabolism of vilazodone. It suggested that there was a potential drug-drug interaction between bergenin and vilazodone in rats. In clinical application, we should pay attention to the dose of vilazodone when in combination with bergenin.
The effect of individual and paired Brailletonik exercises on balance and reaction time in children with intellectual disability
Authors: Janbozorgi Zohreh , Khalaji Hasan , Moradi Jalil
Published: May 2024

Background

children with Intellectual Disabilities (ID) are less proficient in motor skills compared to normally developing children, which means they need more time for learning skills. In this context, the purpose of this research is to investigate the effect of the Brailletonik physical activity program (BPAM) on the balance and reaction time of children with ID.

Methods

The statistical sample is consisted of 30 children aged 8 to 12 (21 boys, 9 girls) with ID with an average age of 9.8 ± 1.39, who were selected through convenience sampling. Participants were divided into two groups of individual BPAM, and pair BPAM. Training sessions were held for 21 sessions (seven weeks) and each session included 30 min of training. To measure static balance and reaction time, Stork Stand test and Simple Reaction Time Software were used respectively. The analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and Bonferroni’s post hoc test were used to analyze the data. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software version 26 at a significance level of p ≤ 0.05.

Results

The results showed that individual and paired exercise groups had significant progress from pre-test to post-test in both variables of balance and reaction time (p = 0.001). Also, the comparison of the performance of the groups in the post-test showed that the average performance of the paired exercise group was significantly better than the individual exercise group in the balance variable (p = 0.03) and in the reaction time variable (p = 0.01).

Conclusion

Accordingly, it can be concluded that BPAM in paired groups has a greater effect on the balance and reaction time of children with ID.
Unusual presentation of Sjogren’s syndrome during pregnancy: a case report
Authors: Sundarsingh Vijay , Kumar R. Manoj , Kulkarni Manjunath , Mammoo Firas Rauf , Rodrigues Pramela Renisha , Prashanth Y. M.
Published: May 2024

Background

Pregnancy imposes significant physiological changes, including alterations in electrolyte balance and renal function. This is especially important because certain disorders might worsen and make people more susceptible to electrolyte abnormalities. One such condition is Sjogren's syndrome (SS), an autoimmune disease that can cause distal renal tubular acidosis (dRTA). This case report offers a unique perspective on the intricate physiological interplay during pregnancy, emphasizing the critical importance of recognizing and managing electrolyte abnormalities, particularly in the context of autoimmune disorders such as Sjogren’s syndrome.

Case presentation

We report a case of a 31-year-old pregnant Indian woman at 24 weeks gestation presenting with fever, gastrointestinal symptoms, and progressive quadriparesis followed by altered sensorium. Severe hypokalaemia and respiratory acidosis necessitated immediate intubation and ventilatory support. Investigations revealed hypokalaemia, normal anion gap metabolic acidosis, and positive autoimmune markers for SS. Concurrently, she tested positive for IgM Leptospira. Management involved aggressive correction of electrolyte imbalances and addressing the underlying SS and leptospirosis.

Conclusion

This case underscores that prompt recognition and management are paramount to prevent life-threatening complications in pregnant patients with autoimmune disease. This report sheds light on the unique challenge of managing hypokalaemic quadriparesis in the context of Sjogren’s syndrome during pregnancy.
Hyaluronan in mesenchymal stromal cell lineage differentiation from human pluripotent stem cells: application in serum free culture
Authors: De Sousa Paul A. , Perfect Leo , Ye Jinpei , Samuels Kay , Piotrowska Ewa , Gordon Martin , Mate Ryan , Abranches Elsa , Wishart Thomas M. , Dockrell David H. , Courtney Aidan
Published: May 2024

Background

Hyaluronan (HA) is an extracellular glycosaminoglycan polysaccharide with widespread roles throughout development and in healthy and neoplastic tissues. In pluripotent stem cell culture it can support both stem cell renewal and differentiation. However, responses to HA in culture are influenced by interaction with a range of cognate factors and receptors including components of blood serum supplements, which alter results. These may contribute to variation in cell batch production yield and phenotype as well as heighten the risks of adventitious pathogen transmission in the course of cell processing for therapeutic applications.

Main

Here we characterise differentiation of a human embryo/pluripotent stem cell derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cell (hESC/PSC-MSC)-like cell population by culture on a planar surface coated with HA in serum-free media qualified for cell production for therapy. Resulting cells met minimum criteria of the International Society for Cellular Therapy for identification as MSC by expression of. CD90, CD73, CD105, and lack of expression for CD34, CD45, CD14 and HLA-II. They were positive for other MSC associated markers (i.e.CD166, CD56, CD44, HLA 1-A) whilst negative for others (e.g. CD271, CD71, CD146). In vitro co-culture assessment of MSC associated functionality confirmed support of growth of hematopoietic progenitors and inhibition of mitogen activated proliferation of lymphocytes from umbilical cord and adult peripheral blood mononuclear cells, respectively. Co-culture with immortalized THP-1 monocyte derived macrophages (Mɸ) concurrently stimulated with lipopolysaccharide as a pro-inflammatory stimulus, resulted in a dose dependent increase in pro-inflammatory IL6 but negligible effect on TNFα. To further investigate these functionalities, a bulk cell RNA sequence comparison with adult human bone marrow derived MSC and hESC substantiated a distinctive genetic signature more proximate to the former.

Conclusion

Cultivation of human pluripotent stem cells on a planar substrate of HA in serum-free culture media systems is sufficient to yield a distinctive developmental mesenchymal stromal cell lineage with potential to modify the function of haematopoietic lineages in therapeutic applications.
Portulaca oleracea exhibited anti-coccidian activity, fortified the gut microbiota of Hu lambs
Authors: Li Shiheng , Li Senyang , Liu Shuaiqi , Lu Shunli , Li Jing , Cheng Shuqi , Zhang Sumei , Huang Shucheng , Li Junqiang , Jian Fuchun
Published: May 2024

Coccidia of the genus Eimeria are important pathogens that cause coccidiosis in livestock and poultry. Due to the expansion of intensive farming, coccidiosis has become more difficult to control. In addition, the continued use of anti-coccidiosis drugs has led to drug resistance and residue. Some herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) have been shown to alleviate the clinical symptoms of coccidiosis, while enhancing immunity and growth performance (GP) of livestock and poultry. Previous in vitro and in vivo studies have reported that the TCM herb Portulaca oleracea exhibited anti-parasitic activities. In total, 36 female Hu lambs were equally divided into six treatment groups: PL (low-dose P. oleracea), PH (high-dose P. oleracea), PW (P. oleracea water extract), PE (P. oleracea ethanol extract), DIC (diclazuril), and CON (control). The treatment period was 14 days. The McMaster counting method was used to evaluate the anti-coccidiosis effects of the different treatments. Untargeted metabolomics and 16S rRNA gene sequencing were used to investigate the effects of treatment on the gut microbiota (GM) and GP. The results showed that P. oleracea ameliorated coccidiosis, improved GP, increased the abundances of beneficial bacteria, and maintained the composition of the GM, but failed to completely clear coccidian oocysts. The Firmicutes to Bacteroides ratio was significantly increased in the PH group. P. oleracea increased metabolism of tryptophan as well as some vitamins and cofactors in the GM and decreased the relative content of arginine, tryptophan, niacin, and other nutrients, thereby promoting intestinal health and enhancing GP. As an alternative to the anti-coccidiosis drug DIC, P. oleracea effectively inhibited growth of coccidia, maintained the composition of the GM, promoted intestinal health, and increased nutrient digestibility.
Assessment of a randomized controlled trial on the safety of pre-placing bronchial balloons in transbronchial lung cryobiopsy for diagnosing interstitial lung disease
Authors: Bian Yiding , Zhou Guowu , Gao Qian , Deng Mingming , Tong Run , Xia Yang , Lin Jieru , Hou Gang , Dai Huaping
Published: May 2024

Rationale and objectives

Bleeding is a major complication of transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC), and pre-placing a bronchial balloon is one of the clinical practices used to prevent it, but with very weak evidence, which should be confirmed. This study aimed to conduct whether pre-placing a bronchial balloon in TBLC for diagnosing interstitial lung disease (ILD) is more safety.

Materials and methods

In this prospective, single-center, randomized controlled trial, patients with suspected ILD were enrolled and randomly assigned to pre-placed balloon and none-pre-placed balloon groups. The primary outcome was incidence of moderate bleeding in each group. The secondary endpoints were the incidence of severe bleeding, pneumothorax, and other procedural complications.

Results

Exactly 250 patients were enrolled between August 2019 and March 2022, with 125 in each group. There were no significant differences in severe bleeding between the none-pre-placed balloon group and pre-placed balloon group (1.6% vs. 0.8%; adjusted p = 0.520), while more moderate bleeding occurred in the none-pre-placed balloon group (26.4% vs. 6.4%, adjusted p = 0.001), as well as more use of hemostatic drug (28.0% vs. 6.4%, adjusted p = 0.001). Three patients in the none-pre-placed balloon group used the bronchial balloon. More samples could be acquired in the pre-placed balloon group than in the none-pre-placed balloon group (3.8 ± 0.9 vs. 3.1 ± 0.9, p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in multidisciplinary discussion (MDD) between the two groups (89.6% vs. 91.2%, adjusted p = 0.182).

Conclusion

A pre-placed bronchial balloon can reduce the incidence of moderate bleeding and increase the confidence of the bronchoscopists. However, it had no effect on increasing the diagnostic rate of MDD and reducing severe bleeding.

Registration number: NCT04047667 (www.clinicaltrials.gov identifier).
Solving forward and inverse problems of contact mechanics using physics-informed neural networks
Authors: Sahin Tarik , von Danwitz Max , Popp Alexander
Published: May 2024

This paper explores the ability of physics-informed neural networks (PINNs) to solve forward and inverse problems of contact mechanics for small deformation elasticity. We deploy PINNs in a mixed-variable formulation enhanced by output transformation to enforce Dirichlet and Neumann boundary conditions as hard constraints. Inequality constraints of contact problems, namely Karush–Kuhn–Tucker (KKT) type conditions, are enforced as soft constraints by incorporating them into the loss function during network training. To formulate the loss function contribution of KKT constraints, existing approaches applied to elastoplasticity problems are investigated and we explore a nonlinear complementarity problem (NCP) function, namely Fischer–Burmeister, which possesses advantageous characteristics in terms of optimization. Based on the Hertzian contact problem, we show that PINNs can serve as pure partial differential equation (PDE) solver, as data-enhanced forward model, as inverse solver for parameter identification, and as fast-to-evaluate surrogate model. Furthermore, we demonstrate the importance of choosing proper hyperparameters, e.g. loss weights, and a combination of Adam and L-BFGS-B optimizers aiming for better results in terms of accuracy and training time.
Course of avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder: Emergence of overvaluation of shape/weight
Authors: Kambanis P. Evelyna , Mancuso Christopher J. , Becker Kendra R. , Eddy Kamryn T. , Thomas Jennifer J. , De Young Kyle P.
Published: May 2024

Background

Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is a feeding/eating disorder characterized by avoidance/restriction of food intake by volume and/or variety. The emergence of shape/weight-related eating disorder symptoms in the longitudinal course of ARFID is an important clinical phenomenon that is neither robustly documented nor well understood. We aimed to characterize the emergence of eating disorder symptoms among adults with an initial diagnosis of ARFID who ultimately developed other eating disorders.

Method

Thirty-five participants (94% female; Mage = 23.17 ± 5.84 years) with a history of ARFID and a later, separate eating disorder completed clinical interviews (i.e., Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 – Research Version and Longitudinal Interval Follow-Up Evaluation) assessing the period between ARFID and the later eating disorder. Participants used calendars to aid in recall of symptoms over time. Descriptive statistics characterized the presence, order of, and time to each symptom. Paired samples t-tests compared weeks to emergence between symptoms.

Results

Most participants (71%) developed restricting eating disorders; the remainder (29%) developed binge-spectrum eating disorders. Cognitive symptoms (e.g., shape/weight concerns) tended to onset initially and were followed by behavioral symptoms. Shape/weight-related food avoidance presented first, objective binge eating, fasting, and excessive exercise occurred next, followed by subjective binge eating and purging.

Conclusions

Diagnostic crossover from ARFID to another (typically restricting) eating disorder following the development of shape/weight concerns may represent the natural progression of a singular clinical phenomenon. Findings identify potential pathways from ARFID to the development of another eating disorder, highlighting possible clinical targets for preventing this outcome.
Predicting trajectories of vocational indecision from motivational profiles in early adolescence
Authors: Mbanga Remy , Ratelle Catherine F. , Duchesne Stéphane
Published: May 2024

Background, objective and hypotheses

During emerging adulthood, vocational indecision (i.e., the inability to make coherent career choices) develops in a heterogeneous fashion, with three distinct patterns: low; decreasing (i.e., developmental or adaptative); high and stable or increasing (i.e., chronic or maladaptive). Among the determinants of vocational indecision that have been identified in past research, academic motivation is a crucial an excellent choice, since it is at school that students' vocational choices are validated or not. According to SDT, this motivation can vary both in quantity and quality, and students tend to experience more positive academic outcomes when their motivational profile is optimal (high quantity, high quality) as opposed to suboptimal (e.g., low quantity, low quality). Thus, the purpose of this longitudinal study was to verify if the patterns found with emerging adulthood students characterized vocational indecision in adolescent students, and if supported, to predict the belonging to the most problematic trajectory by using students’ academic motivational profiles. We expected several distinct trajectories of vocational indecision that would differ in shape and magnitude, and several motivational profiles that vary in quality as well as in quantity. We also expected students in high-quality or quantity motivational profiles to be less likely to follow a chronic indecision trajectory.

Method and results

Using data from 384 students (56% female; Mage = 13.52 years; SD = .52 at Secondary 2) surveyed annually from Secondary 2 to 5, person-centered analyses enabled estimation of motivational profile in Secondary 2 and vocational indecision trajectories during the 4-year period. Results revealed four distinct patterns of vocational indecision during adolescence labelled Low and Stable, Moderate and Stable, Developmental and Chronic Intermittent. Four motivational profiles were also identified in Secondary 2, ranging from poor (Highly Amotivated) to moderate (Autonomous-Introjected) quality of self-determination level. Also, in reference to the most self-determined profile, students in the Mixed profile were at greatest risk of following Chronically-Intermittently Undecided trajectory. Finally, the most self-determined students were at greatest probability of following the Developmentally Undecided trajectory.

Conclusion

Overall, the findings suggest that the student motivational functioning in early secondary school years could be used to identify students at risk of experiencing the negative indecision patterns across secondary school. Several theoretical and practical implications are suggested.
The relationship between social withdrawal and problematic social media use in Chinese college students: a chain mediation of alexithymia and negative body image
Authors: Li Shuang , Chen Xiaomei , Liu Lili , Sun Chongyong
Published: May 2024

This study explores the relationship between social withdrawal and problematic social media use among college students, with a focus on the mediating roles of alexithymia and negative body image. Using the University Student Social Withdrawal Questionnaire, Social Media Addiction Scale, Toronto Alexithymia Scale, and Negative Body Image Scale, 2582 college students (33.46% male, average age = 19.46 years, SD = 2.23) were surveyed. Social withdrawal, alexithymia, negative body image, and problematic social media use were significantly correlated with each other. Social withdrawal positively predicted problematic social media use, and both alexithymia and negative body image played a chain mediating role between social withdrawal and problematic social media use. The findings indicate that individual social withdrawal is associated with college students’ problematic use of social media. The results suggest that alexithymia and negative body image may mediate this association, highlighting a potential pathway through which social withdrawal influences social media use patterns.
Characteristics of temporal variability of long-duration bursts of high-energy radiation associated with thunderclouds on the Tibetan plateau
Authors: Tsuchiya Harufumi , Hibino Kinya , Kawata Kazumasa , Ohnishi Munehiro , Takita Masato , Munakata Kazuoki , Kato Chihiro , Shimoda Susumu , Shi Quanqi , Wang Shuo , Han Chenyao , Zhai Liuming
Published: May 2024

From 1998 to 2017, neutron monitors located at an altitude of 4300 m on the Tibetan plateau detected 127 long-duration bursts of high-energy radiation in association with thunderclouds. These bursts typically lasted for 10–40 min, and 89% of them occurred between 10:00 and 24:00 local time. They were also found to be more likely to occur at night, especially during 18:00–06:00 local time period. The observed diurnal and seasonal variations in burst frequency were consistent with the frequencies of lightning and precipitation on the Tibetan plateau. Based on 19 years of data, the present study suggests that an annual variation in burst frequency has a periodicity of $$\sim$$
∼
16 years and a lag of $$\sim$$
∼
3 years relative to solar activity.
The psychological reality of the learned “p < .05” boundary
Authors: Rao V. N. Vimal , Bye Jeffrey K. , Varma Sashank
Published: May 2024

The .05 boundary within Null Hypothesis Statistical Testing (NHST) “has made a lot of people very angry and been widely regarded as a bad move” (to quote Douglas Adams). Here, we move past meta-scientific arguments and ask an empirical question: What is the psychological standing of the .05 boundary for statistical significance? We find that graduate students in the psychological sciences show a boundary effect when relating p-values across .05. We propose this psychological boundary is learned through statistical training in NHST and reading a scientific literature replete with “statistical significance”. Consistent with this proposal, undergraduates do not show the same sensitivity to the .05 boundary. Additionally, the size of a graduate student’s boundary effect is not associated with their explicit endorsement of questionable research practices. These findings suggest that training creates distortions in initial processing of p-values, but these might be dampened through scientific processes operating over longer timescales.
Radiographic study of direct anterior approach hip arthroplasty: a 10–15 year follow-up of Chinese patients
Authors: Sang Weilin , Lai Peng , Xu Xun , Liu Yu , Ma Jinzhong , Zhu Libo
Published: May 2024

Background

Controversy remains over whether different surgical approaches exert an impact on the component positioning in total hip arthroplasty. We conducted a retrospective study to reveal the long-term position of prostheses in the first group of patients in China who underwent direct anterior hip arthroplasty.

Methods

Collected were data from 350 patients who underwent direct anterior hip arthroplasty between 2008 and 2013, including demographic information, imaging data, Harris hip scores, and surgical complications. Variables, measured radiographically or by CT, included hip offset, leg length discrepancy, component position, and stability within one week after surgery and at the last follow-up. The data were subjected to statistical analysis by using paired t-tests and Pearson chi-square tests.

Results

Data were harvested by follow-up and self-reported questionnaires. The postoperative follow-up lasted for 13.1 years on average (minimum, 10 years; maximum, 15 years), and the overall survival rate of hip prostheses was 96.3%. The mean Harris score at the final follow-up was 91.8 points. After excluding patients with significant preoperative hip deformities, the incidence of postoperative limb inequality (> 5 mm) was 4.9% at the last follow-up, and the incidence of hip offset discrepancy (> 5 mm) was 14.6%. The overall proportion of the acetabular components located in the Lewinnek safe zone was 77.7%, whereas the proportion of femoral prostheses in the safe zone (< 3° inclination) was 94.0%. Based on the revised data and the last follow-up imaging, the total proportion of acetabular and femoral prostheses with a radiolucence of > 2 mm was 5.1%.

Conclusion

Direct anterior approach hip arthroplasty could achieve excellent component positioning and long-term prosthesis survival in patients without severe hip deformities.
Retinoic Acid-Induced 1 gene variants associated with Smith–Magenis syndrome circadian phenotypes enriched in autism spectrum disorder: whole-genome sequencing study
Authors: Smieszek Sandra Paulina
Published: May 2024

Background

This study aimed to characterize the frequency of RAI1 genetic aberrations associated with Smith–Magenis syndrome (SMS), in a large cohort of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) whole-genome sequencing samples. We aimed to determine the frequencies of RAI1 single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) and copy number variants (CNVs).

Results

We report a 2.5 × enrichment of the major deletion and a > 5 × enrichment of the frameshift variants as compared to the known prevalence of SMS 1/15,000. Additionally, we report a significant enrichment of RAI1 rare missense variants in ASD subjects with respect to controls (54 variants/6080 ASD subjects and 6 variants/2541 controls, p-value < 0.002, OR 3.78, CI 1.62–8–81).

Conclusions

The SMS phenotype including circadian dysregulation and associated sleep disturbances is mainly caused by RAI1 haploinsufficiency. Sleep disturbances as seen in SMS may overlap in ASD, especially in patients with consequential variants in RAI1 gene.
Multi-objective design optimization of polymer spur gears using a hybrid approach
Authors: Elsiedy Marah A. , Hegazi Hesham A. , El-Kassas Ahmed M. , Zayed Abdelhameed A.
Published: May 2024

Polymer gears are used in applications requiring small to moderate loads to effectively transmit power and use the limited place available as possible. Various commercial standards have been provided designers with the rating criteria and acquaintance of different polymer material properties for the process of design. However, the result was unsatisfactory in terms of economy, time, and the optimality of the product. Thus, classic and stochastic algorithms have been embraced to reach the best design of polymer gears. Taking advantage of the former and latter algorithm’ methods, optimal design of gears could be attained with an increased gear life span and decreased failure modes. In this study, polyoxymethylene (POM) spur gear set has been optimized combining the mathematical model from plastic standards and hybrid optimization approach of multi-objective genetic algorithm (MOGA) and sequential quadratic programming (SQP). Weight and power loss were the objective functions. Five design variables were optimized with the satisfaction of bending and contact stresses, temperature, wear, and deformation as constraints. Solutions of the problem were formulated as Pareto optimal set. The results of multi-objective were compared with previously published single-objective optimization. The results favored multi-objective optimization (82.67%, 31.39% reduction in weight and power loss respectively) as it gave the best applicable solution fitting in real life situations. The results also went hand in hand with literature confirming the efficiency of the proposed algorithm. With the variation of operating parameters, various optimal designs could be obtained where the designers can choose the design that is suitable for a particular application.
Chlorhexidine is not effective at any concentration in preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: De Cassai Alessandro , Pettenuzzo Tommaso , Busetto Veronica , Legnaro Christian , Pretto Chiara , Rotondi Alessio , Boscolo Annalisa , Sella Nicolò , Munari Marina , Navalesi Paolo
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Oral chlorhexidine has been widely used for ventilator-associated pneumonia prevention in the critical care setting; however, previous studies and evidence synthesis have generated inconsistent findings. Our study aims to investigate if different concentrations of oral chlorhexidine may be effective in preventing such complication in intensive care unit patients.

Methods

After pre-registration (Open Science Framework: 8CUKF), we conducted a network meta-analysis with the following PICOS: adult patients (age > 18 years old) undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation admitted in ICU (P); any concentration of chlorhexidine used for oral hygiene (I); placebo, sham intervention, usual care, or no intervention (C); rate of VAP (primary outcome), mechanical ventilation length, ICU length of stay (LOS), hospital LOS, mortality (secondary outcomes) (O); randomized controlled trials (S). We used the following database: PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Scopus, and EMBASE without any limitation in publication date or language.

Results

Chlorhexidine did not demonstrate any significant advantage over the control group in preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia or reducing mortality, duration of mechanical ventilation, length of stay in the intensive care unit, or overall mortality.

Conclusions

Chlorhexidine oral decontamination does not reduce the rate of ventilator-associated pneumonia in critically ill adult patients and its routine use could not be recommended.

Trial registration

Registration number: Open Science Framework: 8CUKF.
Artificial intelligence for omics data analysis
Authors: Ahmed Zeeshan , Wan Shibiao , Zhang Fan , Zhong Wen
Published: May 2024

Recent technological advancements have vastly improved access to high-throughput biological instrumentation, sparking an unparalleled surge in omics data generation. The implementation of artificial intelligence techniques is revolutionizing omics data interpretation. The BMC Methods Collection "Artificial intelligence for omics data analysis" will feature novel artificial intelligence approaches leveraging multi-omics data to accelerate discoveries in personalized medicine, disease diagnostics, drug development, and biological pathway elucidation.
GeosPIn: A MATLAB library for geostatistical petrophysical inversion
Authors: Grana Dario , Liu Mingliang , de Figueiredo Leandro
Published: May 2024

The petrophysical inversion of seismic data is one of the key components of seismic reservoir characterization. The goal of petrophysical inversion is to estimate the petrophysical properties of reservoir rocks, such as porosity, volumes of minerals or lithologies, and water and hydrocarbon saturations, from seismic data. This process can be performed by combining seismic amplitude-variation-with-offset (AVO) modeling and rock-physics relations with deterministic or probabilistic inverse theory methods, either in a two-step approach based on seismic AVO inversion and rock-physics inverse mapping or in a single-loop step that includes both. We present a comprehensive MATLAB library named Geostatistical Petrophysical Inversion. The novelty of the library lies in a single-loop geostatistical inversion method based on probability field simulation and ensemble smoother multiple data assimilation, as well as its implementation for applications to 3D data sets. The library also includes a Bayesian petrophysical inversion based on the two-step approach for comparison. We illustrate the main algorithms, explain the structure of the source codes, and demonstrate the library applications through 1D and 3D examples.
Seismic net-to-gross estimation for a geologic model update: A case study from a turbidite lobe reservoir in the deepwater of the Niger Delta
Authors: Olagundoye Olatunbosun , Akhajeme Emmanuel , Yusuf Moyosoluwa , Chizea Chukwuka , Spina Vincenzo , Joubert Thibaut , Parsa Ali , Fashanu Mobolaji , Enuma Christopher , Jaiyeola Jeffrey , Epelle Ebenezer , Olabiyi Temitope
Published: May 2024

Geologic model updates are routinely performed in mature fields to obtain improved descriptions of facies distributions and reservoir properties such as volume of shale, net to gross (NTG), and porosity, for better understanding of the static and dynamic behaviors of reservoirs for effective well placement, improved production, and monitoring. A simple but integrated seismic NTG estimation approach, using detuned seismic amplitudes is used in guiding NTG modeling during the geologic model update of a thin turbidite lobe reservoir in a mature oil field in the deep offshore Niger Delta. The objective is to address NTG overestimation and gross rock volume (GRV) uncertainty in a previous model arising from seismic amplitude tuning effects. A seismic NTG approach is chosen relative to sophisticated deterministic or stochastic inversion techniques to avoid tuning effects, which usually bias NTG estimates in thin turbidite reservoirs. The primary data set is a 2019 reprocessed prestack depth-migrated (PSDM) seismic data vintage, which had better resolution, higher signal-to-noise ratio, and more appropriate angle-stack apertures for amplitude variation with angle fidelity, than the older 2011 PSDM seismic data that are used in the previous geologic model. The methodology involved rock-physics analysis, seismic data quality checks (QCs), tuned area determination, detuning of composite seismic amplitudes of the top and base reservoir, and their direct calibration to NTG at wells. Good correlations are obtained between the detuned composite seismic amplitudes and NTG at wells. The seismic NTG map shows good calibrations at wells and provides a robust trend for net sand modeling in the oil pool and aquifer. Static model QCs and dynamic simulations prove that the seismic NTG attribute addressed the GRV uncertainty in the earlier model, thus giving confidence for using the updated model for the planning and geosteering of infill wells, sand completions, reservoir monitoring, and production.
Association of clinical variables and thyroid-stimulating hormone with psychotic symptoms in patients with first-episode and drug-naïve major depressive disorder with elevated fasting blood glucose: preliminary exploratory study with a large sample
Authors: Yang Qian , Wang Qianjin , Peng Pu , Liu Tieqiao , Zhang Xiangyang
Published: May 2024

Background

Psychotic symptoms and elevated fasting blood glucose (FBG) are frequently observed in people with major depressive disorder (MDD), but there is a lack of research into this relationship within this cohort.

Aims

This study aimed to preliminarily explore the prevalence of psychotic symptoms and their predictors among patients with MDD and elevated FBG.

Method

This study enrolled 1718 patients with first-episode and drug-naïve (FEDN) MDD. Sociodemographic data and physical and biochemical indicators were collected. Clinical symptoms were assessed with tools such as the Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety, Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale positive subscale.

Results

The odds ratio for psychotic symptoms in those with MDD and elevated FBG (18.7%) was 2.33 times higher than those with MDD without elevated FBG. Presence of psychotic symptoms was significantly correlated with HRSD score, suicide attempts, and total cholesterol and thyroid-stimulating hormone levels. The combination of HRSD score, suicide attempts and thyroid-stimulating hormone levels among patients with MDD and elevated FBG effectively distinguished between individuals with and without psychotic symptoms, achieving an area under the curve of 0.87.

Conclusions

Psychotic symptoms are frequently observed among FEDN MDD patients with elevated FBG, and depressive symptoms, suicide attempts and thyroid-stimulating hormone levels are related to psychotic symptoms in this cohort.
Evaluating changes in functioning and psychological distress in visitors of the @ease youth mental health walk-in centres
Authors: Boonstra Anouk , van Amelsvoort Therese A. M. J. , Klaassen Rianne M. C. , Popma Arne , Grootendorst-van Mil Nina H. , Veling Wim , de Winter Remco F. P. , Boonstra Nynke , Leijdesdorff Sophie M. J.
Published: May 2024

Background

Highly accessible youth initiatives worldwide aim to prevent worsening of mental health problems, but research into outcomes over time is scarce.

Aims

This study aimed to evaluate outcomes and support use in 12- to 25-year-old visitors of the @ease mental health walk-in centres, a Dutch initiative offering free counselling by trained and supervised peers.

Method

Data of 754 visitors, collected 2018–2022, included psychological distress (Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation 10 (CORE-10)), social and occupational functioning (Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale (SOFAS)), school absenteeism and support use, analysed with change indicators (first to last visit), and mixed models (first three visits).

Results

Among return visitors, 50.5% were female, 79.4% were in tertiary education and 36.9% were born outside of The Netherlands (one-time visitors: 64.7%, 72.9% and 41.3%, respectively). Moreover, 29.9% of return visitors presented with suicidal ideations, 97.1% had clinical psychological distress levels, and 64.1% of the latter had no support in the previous 3 months (one-time visitors: 27.2%, 90.7% and 71.1%, respectively). From visit 1 to 3, psychological distress decreased (β = −3.79, 95% CI −5.41 to −2.18; P < 0.001) and social and occupational functioning improved (β = 3.93, 95% CI 0.51–7.36; P = 0.025). Over an average 3.9 visits, 39.6% improved reliably and 28.0% improved clinically significantly on the SOFAS, which was 28.4% and 8.8%, respectively, on the CORE-10, where 43.2% improved in clinical category. Counselling satisfaction was rated 4.5/5.

Conclusions

Reductions in psychological distress, improvements in functioning and high counselling satisfaction were found among @ease visitors, forming a basis for future research with a control group.