bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with obtaining prescribed safer supply among people accessing harm reduction services: findings from a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Palis Heather , Haywood Beth , McDougall Jenny , Xavier Chloé G. , Desai Roshni , Tobias Samuel , Burgess Heather , Ferguson Max , Liu Lisa , Kinniburgh Brooke , Slaunwhite Amanda K. , Crabtree Alexis , Buxton Jane A.
Published: January 2024

Background

With growing rates of unregulated drug toxicity death and concerns regarding COVID-19 transmission among people who use drugs, in March 2020, prescribed safer supply guidance was released in British Columbia. This study describes demographic and substance use characteristics associated with obtaining prescribed safer supply and examines the association between last 6-month harm reduction service access and obtaining prescribed safer supply.

Methods

Data come from the 2021 Harm Reduction Client Survey administered at 17 harm reduction sites across British Columbia. The sample included all who self-reported use of opioids, stimulants, or benzodiazepines in the prior 3 days (N = 491), given active use of these drugs was a requirement for eligibility for prescribed safer supply. The dependent variable was obtaining a prescribed safer supply prescription (Yes vs. No). The primary independent variables were access to drug checking services and access to overdose prevention services in the last 6 months (Yes vs. No). Descriptive statistics (Chi-square tests) were used to compare the characteristics of people who did and did not obtain a prescribed safer supply prescription. Multivariable logistic regression models were run to examine the association of drug checking services and overdose prevention services access with obtaining prescribed safer supply.

Results

A small proportion (n = 81(16.5%)) of the sample obtained prescribed safer supply. After adjusting for gender, age, and urbanicity, people who reported drug checking services access in the last 6 months had 1.67 (95% CI 1.00–2.79) times the odds of obtaining prescribed safer supply compared to people who had not contacted these services, and people who reported last 6 months of overdose prevention services access had more than twice the odds (OR 2.08 (95% CI 1.20–3.60)) of prescribed safer supply access, compared to people who did not access these services.

Conclusions

Overall, the proportion of respondents who received prescribed safer supply was low, suggesting that this intervention is not reaching all those in need. Harm reduction services may serve as a point of contact for referral to prescribed safer supply. Additional outreach strategies and service models are needed to improve the accessibility of harm reduction services and of prescribed safer supply in British Columbia.
Reliability of predicting low-burden (≤ 2) positive axillary lymph nodes indicating sentinel lymph node biopsy in primary operable breast cancer — a retrospective comparative study with PET/CT and breast MRI
Authors: Sae-lim Chayanee , Wu Wen-Pei , Chang Ming-Che , Lai Hung-Wen , Chen Shu-Tian , Chou Chen-Te , Liao Chiung‑Ying , Huang Hsin-I , Chen Shou-Tung , Chen Dar-Ren , Hung Che-Lun
Published: January 2024

Background

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is the standard of care for axillary staging in early breast cancer patients with low-burden axillary metastasis (≤ 2 positive nodes). This study aimed to determine the diagnostic performances of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) and breast magnetic resonance imaging in detecting axillary lymph node (ALN) metastases and the reliability to predict ALN burden.

Methods

A total of 275 patients with primary operable breast cancer receiving preoperative PET/CT and upfront surgery from January 2001 to December 2022 in a single institution were enrolled. A total of 244 (88.7%) of them also received breast MRI. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy of PET/CT and breast MRI were assessed. The predictive values to determine ALN burden were evaluated using radio-histopathological concordance.

Results

PET/CT demonstrated a sensitivity of 53.4%, specificity of 82.1%, PPV of 65.5%, NPV of 73.5%, and accuracy of 70.9% for detecting ALN metastasis, and the corresponding values for MRI were 71.8%, 67.8%, 56%, 80.8%, and 69.2%, respectively. Combining PET/CT and MRI showed a significantly higher PPV than MRI (72.7% vs 56% for MRI alone, p = 0.037) and a significantly higher NPV than PET/CT (84% vs 73.5% for PET/CT alone, p = 0.041). For predicting low-burden axillary metastasis (1–2 positive nodes), the PPVs were 35.9% for PET/CT, 36.7% for MRI, and 55% for combined PET/CT and MRI. Regarding patients with 0–2 positive ALNs in imaging, who were indicated for SLNB, the predictive correctness was 96.1% for combined PET/CT and MRI, 95.7% for MRI alone, and 88.6% for PET/CT alone.

Conclusions

PET/CT and breast MRI exhibit high predictive values for identifying low-burden axillary metastasis in patients with operable breast cancer with ≦ 2 positive ALNs on imaging.
The response of the Military Health System (MHS) to the COVID-19 pandemic: a summary of findings from MHS reviews
Authors: Pomer Alysa , Munigala Satish , Coles Christian L. , Mitro Jessica Pope , Schoenfeld Andrew J. , Weissman Joel S. , Koehlmoos Tracey Perez
Published: January 2024

Introduction

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused major disruptions to the US Military Health System (MHS). In this study, we evaluated the MHS response to the pandemic to understand the impact of the pandemic response in a large, national, integrated healthcare system providing care for ~ 9 million beneficiaries.

Methods

We performed a narrative literature review of 16 internal Department of Defense (DoD) reports, including reviews mandated by the US Congress in response to the pandemic. We categorized the findings using the Doctrine, Organization, Training, Materiel, Leadership, Personnel, Facilities, and Policy (DOTMLPF-P) framework developed by the DoD to assess system efficiency and effectiveness.

Results

The majority of the findings were in the policy, organization, and personnel categories. Key findings showed that the MHS structure to address surge situations was beneficial during the pandemic response, and the rapid growth of telehealth created the potential impact for improved access to routine and specialized care. However, organizational transition contributed to miscommunication and uneven implementation of policies; disruptions affected clinical training, upskilling, and the supply chain; and staffing shortages contributed to burnout among healthcare workers.

Conclusion

Given its highly integrated, vertical structure, the MHS was in a better position than many civilian healthcare networks to respond efficiently to the pandemic. However, similar to the US civilian sector, the MHS also experienced delays in care, staffing and materiel challenges, and a rapid switch to telehealth. Lessons regarding the importance of communication and preparation for future public health emergency responses are relevant to civilian healthcare systems responding to COVID-19 and other similar public health crises.
Comprehensive genomic profiling on metastatic Melanoma: results from a network screening from 7 Italian Cancer Centres
Authors: Pallocca Matteo , Molineris Ivan , Berrino Enrico , Marcozzi Benedetta , Betti Martina , Levati Lauretta , D’Atri Stefania , Menin Chiara , Madonna Gabriele , Ghiorzo Paola , Bulgarelli Jenny , Ferraresi Virgina , Venesio Tiziana , Rodolfo Monica , Rivoltini Licia , Lanfrancone Luisa , Ascierto Paolo Antonio , Mazzarella Luca , Pelicci Pier Giuseppe , De Maria Ruggero , Ciliberto Gennaro , Medico Enzo , Russo Giandomenico
Published: January 2024

Background

The current therapeutic algorithm for Advanced Stage Melanoma comprises of alternating lines of Targeted and Immuno-therapy, mostly via Immune-Checkpoint blockade. While Comprehensive Genomic Profiling of solid tumours has been approved as a companion diagnostic, still no approved predictive biomarkers are available for Melanoma aside from BRAF mutations and the controversial Tumor Mutational Burden. This study presents the results of a Multi-Centre Observational Clinical Trial of Comprehensive Genomic Profiling on Target and Immuno-therapy treated advanced Melanoma.

Methods

82 samples, collected from 7 Italian Cancer Centres of FFPE-archived Metastatic Melanoma and matched blood were sequenced via a custom-made 184-gene amplicon-based NGS panel. Sequencing and bioinformatics analysis was performed at a central hub. Primary analysis was carried out via the Ion Reporter framework. Secondary analysis and Machine Learning modelling comprising of uni and multivariate, COX/Lasso combination, and Random Forest, was implemented via custom R/Python scripting.

Results

The genomics landscape of the ACC-mela cohort is comparable at the somatic level for Single Nucleotide Variants and INDELs aside a few gene targets. All the clinically relevant targets such as BRAF and NRAS have a comparable distribution thus suggesting the value of larger scale sequencing in melanoma. No comparability is reached at the CNV level due to biotechnological biases and cohort numerosity. Tumour Mutational Burden is slightly higher in median for Complete Responders but fails to achieve statistical significance in Kaplan–Meier survival analysis via several thresholding strategies. Mutations on PDGFRB, NOTCH3 and RET were shown to have a positive effect on Immune-checkpoint treatment Overall and Disease-Free Survival, while variants in NOTCH4 were found to be detrimental for both endpoints.

Conclusions

The results presented in this study show the value and the challenge of a genomics-driven network trial. The data can be also a valuable resource as a validation cohort for Immunotherapy and Target therapy genomic biomarker research.
Inflammatory markers and physical frailty: towards clinical application
Authors: Pan Yiming , Ma Lina
Published: January 2024

Global population aging poses a tremendous burden on the health care system worldwide. Frailty is associated with decreased physical reserve and is considered an important indicator of adverse events in the older population. Therefore, there is growing interest in the early diagnosis and intervention of frailty, but the cellular mechanisms responsible for frailty are still not completely understood. Chronic inflammation is related to decreased physical function and increased disease risk. Additionally, multiple human and animal studies suggest that inflammation probably plays the largest role in contributing to frailty. Some inflammatory markers have been proposed to predict physical frailty. However, there are still large gaps in knowledge related to the clinical application of these markers in frail patients. Therefore, understanding the biological processes and identifying recognized and reliable markers are urgent and pivotal tasks for geriatricians. In the present review, we broadly summarize the inflammatory markers that may have potential diagnostic and therapeutic use, thereby translating them into health care for older people with frailty in the near future.
A novel targeted NGS panel identifies numerous homologous recombination deficiency (HRD)-associated gene mutations in addition to known BRCA mutations
Authors: Vogel Anne , Haupts Anna , Kloth Michael , Roth Wilfried , Hartmann Nils
Published: January 2024

Deleterious mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes have significant therapeutic relevance in clinical settings regarding personalized therapy approaches. BRCA1 and BRCA2 play a pivotal role in homologous recombination (HR) and thus are sensitive for PARP inhibitors (PARPi). Beyond the narrow scope of evaluating only the BRCA mutation status, PARPi can be beneficial for HR deficient (HRD) patients, who harbor mutations in other HR-associated genes. In the present retrospective study, a novel targeted HRD gene panel was validated and implemented for use with FFPE tissue. Samples of patients with ovarian, breast, pancreatic and prostate cancer were included. Variants were robustly detected with various DNA input amounts and the use of test samples showed complete concordance between previously known mutations and HRD panel results. From all the 90 samples included in this cohort, TP53 was the most frequently altered gene (73%). Deleterious BRCA1/2 mutations were found in 20 (22%) of all samples. New pathogenic or likely pathogenic mutations in additional HR-associated genes were identified in 22 (24%) patients. Taken together, the present study proves the feasibility of a new HRD gene panel with reliable panel performance and offers the possibility to easily screen for resistance mutations acquired over treatment time.

Mutations in HR-associated genes, besides BRCA1/2, might represent promising potential targets for synthetic lethality approaches. Thus, a substantial number of patients may benefit from expanding the scope of therapeutic agents like PARPi.
Three-dimensional spatial analysis of temporomandibular joint in adolescent Class II division 1 malocclusion patients: comparison of Twin-Block and clear functional aligner
Authors: Zhang Yueying , Zheng Jiajing , Wu Qiuyue , Jiang Tianlu , Xiao Hua , Du Yusen , Qi Yizhe , Jin Zuolin , Li Feifei
Published: January 2024

Background

Our study aimed to use three-dimensional (3D) spatial morphological measurement methods to compare the influence of Twin-Block and clear functional aligners on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) of adolescent Class II division 1 malocclusion mandibular retraction patients. We also aimed to explore the similarities and differences in the effects on the TMJ upon using Twin-Block and clear functional aligner.

Methods

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) data of 49 patients with Class II division 1 malocclusion (Twin-Block group: 24; clear functional aligner group: 25) were collected before and after functional orthodontic treatment, and a 3D model of the TMJ was reconstructed using MIMICS 21.0 software. Eighteen measurement parameters, including the anterior, superior, and posterior joint spaces, were measured and compared using the 3D model.

Results

After the two groups underwent functional appliance treatment, the height, volume, and surface area of the condyle, length of the mandibular ramus and mandibular length increased; The retro-displaced condyle moved to the middle position of the articular fossa, while the rest of the condylar position did not change significantly. Remodeling of the articular fossa after treatment was not evident. The superior joint space of the clear functional aligner group increased, but there was no significant change after Twin-Block appliances treatment.

Conclusions

Both appliances promote condylar growth and sagittal and vertical development of the mandible in adolescent Class II division 1 malocclusion mandibular retraction patients. The length of the mandibular ramus showed a more significant increase following treatment with the Twin-Block appliances than with clear function aligners.
Influence of physician networks on the implementation of pharmaceutical alternatives to a toxic drug supply in British Columbia
Authors: Kurz Megan , Guerra-Alejos Brenda Carolina , Min Jeong Eun , Barker Brittany , Pauly Bernadette , Urbanoski Karen , Nosyk Bohdan
Published: January 2024

Background

Characterizing the diffusion of adopted changes in policy and clinical practice can inform enhanced implementation strategies to ensure prompt uptake in public health emergencies and other rapidly evolving disease areas. A novel guidance document was introduced at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in British Columbia (BC), Canada, which supported clinicians to prescribe opioids, stimulants, and benzodiazepines. We aimed to determine the extent to which uptake and discontinuation of an initial attempt at a prescribed safer supply (PSS) program were influenced through networks of prescribers.

Methods

We executed a retrospective population-based study using linked health administrative data that captured all clinicians who prescribed to at least one client with a substance use disorder from March 27, 2020, to August 31, 2021. Our main exposure was the prescribing patterns of an individuals’ peers, defined as the proportion of a prescribers’ professional network (based on shared clients), which had previously prescribed PSS, updated monthly. The primary outcome measured whether a clinician had prescribed their initial PSS prescription during a given calendar month. The secondary outcome was the discontinuation of PSS prescribing, defined as an absence for PSS prescriptions for at least 3 months. We estimated logistic regression models using generalized estimated equations on monthly repeated measurements to determine and characterize the extent to which peer networks influenced the initiation and discontinuation of PSS prescribing, controlling for network, clinician, and caseload characteristics. Innovators were defined as individuals initiating PSS prior to May 2020, and early adopters were individuals initiating PSS after.

Results

Among 14,137 prescribers treating clients with substance use disorder, there were 228 innovators of prescribed safer supply and 1062 early adopters through the end of study follow-up, but 653 (50.6%) were no longer prescribing by August 2021. Prescribers with over 20% of peers whom had adopted PSS had a nearly fourfold higher adjusted odds of PSS prescribing themselves (aOR: 3.79, 95% CI: (3.15, 4.56)), compared to those with no connected safer supply prescribers.

Conclusions

The uptake of PSS in BC was highly dependent on the behavior of prescribers’ peer networks. Future implementation strategies to support PSS or other policies would benefit from leveraging networks of prescribers.
Comparison of open surgery versus endoscopic-assisted release for gluteal muscle contracture: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Jiang YaMeng , Li Tao , Wang Li , Chen Gang , Li Jian
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the clinical outcomes of open surgery and arthroscopic release in gluteal muscle contracture (GMC).

Methods

Two independent reviewers YM and WL conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science to identify clinical trials that adhered to the PRISMA guidelines (Appendix A), spanning from inception to July 2023. Search items included ((“gluteal” OR “gluteus”) AND (“contracture” OR “fibrosis”)). Research comparing open surgery or arthroscopic release was included. Clinical outcomes were compared using the risk ratio for dichotomous variables and the standardized mean difference for continuous variables. A P value < 0.05 was deemed statistically significant.

Results

Four studies with 453 patients met the selection criteria and were included in this review. Compared with open surgery, in the case of similar postoperative functional satisfaction (1.21, 95% CI = 0.46–3.17, P = 0.70), the arthroscopic release achieved advantages in postoperative complications (3.5, 95% CI = 1.75–7.03, P = 0.0004), cosmetic satisfaction (0.07, 95% CI = 0.01–0.65, P = 0.02), length size (5.65, 95% CI = 4.11–7.19, P < 0.001), and hospitalization duration (1.57, 95% CI = 0.89 to 2.26, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

This research shows that both open surgery and arthroscopic release improve functional satisfaction. The arthroscopic release could result in fewer complications, better cosmetic satisfaction, shorter length size, and shorter hospitalization duration.

Registration and protocol

There is no registration and protocol for this meta-analysis.
Mechanism of Circ_HECW2 regulating osteoblast apoptosis in osteoporosis by attenuating the maturation of miR-1224-5p
Authors: Zhang Chao , Li Qiangqiang , Ye Zhongduo , Wang Xiong , Zhao Hui , Wang Yongping , Zheng Xingxing
Published: January 2024

Background

Osteoporosis (OP) poses a significant clinical challenge with escalating morbidity. This study explores Circ_HECW2 expression in OP patients and its regulatory role in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced osteoblast apoptosis.

Methods

Circ_HECW2 expression in OP patient serum and healthy controls was quantified using RT-qPCR. Diagnostic value of Circ_HECW2 for OP was assessed via ROC curve. Pearson’s correlation model examined associations between indicators. Human osteoblasts HFOB1.19, treated with LPS, were analyzed for Circ_HECW2, pre-miR-1224, miR-1224-5p, and PDK2 mRNA levels. TUNEL assay determined cell apoptosis and Western blot assessed cleaved-caspase-3 protein levels. RNase R resistance assay and actinomycin D assay confirmed Circ_HECW2’s cyclic structure. RNA pull-down and dual-luciferase reporter assay verified binding relationships between Circ_HECW2 and miR-1224 and between miR-1224-5p and PDK2.

Results

Circ_HECW2 exhibited elevated expression in OP patients with diagnostic significance and a negative correlation with lumbar T-score. LPS co-culture increased Circ_HECW2 expression in HFOB1.19 cells, significantly elevating apoptosis index and cleaved-caspase-3. Circ_HECW2 downregulation inhibited HFOB1.19 apoptosis, reduced pre-miR-1224 expression, and elevated mature miR-1224-5p. Circ_HECW2 bound to pre-miR-1224, and inhibiting miR-1224-5p reversed the effect of Circ_HECW2 downregulation on osteoblast apoptosis. miR-1224-5p targeted PDK2 transcription.

Conclusion

Circ_HECW2, highly expressed in OP, holds diagnostic significance and reflects disease severity. Circ_HECW2 reduces mature miR-1224-5p by binding to pre-miR-1224, upregulating PDK2, and facilitating LPS-induced osteoblast apoptosis.

Graphic Abstract
Prunella vulgaris polysaccharide inhibits herpes simplex virus infection by blocking TLR-mediated NF-κB activation
Authors: Zhong Xuanlei , Zhang Yibo , Yuan Man , Xu Lin , Luo Xiaomei , Wu Rong , Xi Zhichao , Li Yang , Xu Hongxi
Published: January 2024

Background

Prunella vulgaris polysaccharide extracted by hot water and 30% ethanol precipitation (PVE30) was reported to possess potent antiviral effects against herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection. However, its anti-HSV mechanism has not yet been fully elucidated.

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the potential mechanisms of PVE30 against HSV infection.

Methods

Antiviral activity was evaluated by a plaque reduction assay, and the EC50 value was calculated. Immunofluorescence staining and heparin bead pull-down assays confirmed the interactions between PVE30 and viral glycoproteins. Real-time PCR was conducted to determine the mRNA levels of viral genes, including UL54, UL29, UL27, UL44, and US6, and the proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α. The protein expression of viral proteins (ICP27, ICP8, gB, gC, and gD), the activity of the TLR-NF-κB signalling pathway, and necroptotic-associated proteins were evaluated by Western blotting. The proportion of necroptotic cells was determined by flow cytometric analysis.

Results

The P. vulgaris polysaccharide PVE30 was shown to compete with heparan sulfate for interaction with HSV surface glycoprotein B and gC, thus strongly inhibiting HSV attachment to cells. In addition, PVE30 downregulated the expression of IE genes, which subsequently downregulated the expression of E and L viral gene products, and thus effectively restricted the yield of progeny virus. Further investigation confirmed that PVE30 inhibited TLR2 and TLR3 signalling, leading to the effective suppression of NF-κB activation and IL-6 and TNF-α expression levels, and blocked HSV-1-induced necroptosis by reducing HSV-1-induced phosphorylation of MLKL.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that the P. vulgaris polysaccharide PVE30 is a potent anti-HSV agent that blocks TLR-mediated NF-κB activation.

Graphical Abstract
Breastfeeding support among re-hospitalized young children: a survey from Italy
Authors: Scarpato Elena , Salvatori Guglielmo , Barbaglia Michelangelo , Casero Deborah , Cazzato Teresa , Righetti Veronica , Staiano Annamaria , Davanzo Riccardo
Published: January 2024

Background

In 2021, the Task Force on Breastfeeding of the Italian Ministry of Health released a document calling for the provision of breastfeeding support in case of re-hospitalization of the child after birth. Since type and quality of breastfeeding support during re-hospitalization in Italian Pediatric Units (PUs) is largely unknown, the Breastfeeding Section of the Italian Society of Pediatrics (TASIP) conducted an ad hoc national survey.

Methods

In March 2023, a specifically designed electronic questionnaire was sent to the Directors of 328 PUs, who were requested to fill it online.

Results

Data from 161 PUs were received, with a response rate of 48.7%. Our results highlighted that 18.6% of units do not provide training on breastfeeding for healthcare professionals and 46% of PUs lack of an ad hoc policy on breastfeeding support in case of re-hospitalization of the child. Although 88.2% of PUs provide breast pumps to the mothers of the re-hospitalized young children, 34.8% lack of a protocol on the storage of expressed breast milk.

Conclusions

Breastfeeding support for the mothers of hospitalized breastfed young children appears to be suboptimal in Italian PUs. Interventions aimed to structure and improve the quality of breastfeeding support for the mother-child dyad are needed, particularly developing protocols and providing a training on breastfeeding to the majority of healthcare professionals.
Update of statistical analysis plan for: Integration of smoking cessation into standard treatment for patients receiving opioid agonist therapy who are smoking tobacco: protocol for a randomised controlled trial (ATLAS4LAR)
Authors: Druckrey-Fiskaaen Karl Trygve , Madebo Tesfaye , Daltveit Jan Tore , Vold Jørn Henrik , Furulund Einar , Lid Torgeir Gilje , Fadnes Lars Thore
Published: January 2024

This protocol paper presents an updated statistical analysis plan of the protocol of a randomised controlled trial. The randomised controlled trial investigates the effect of integrating smoking cessation interventions at outpatient opioid agonist therapy (OAT) clinics for persons with opioid dependency receiving OAT medication. The intervention group receives weekly follow-up including a short behavioural intervention and provision of nicotine replacement products. The control group receives standard treatment. The duration of the intervention is 16 weeks and the follow-up was completed by the end of October 2023. The primary outcome is defined as the proportion of participants reducing the number of cigarettes smoked by at least a 50% at week 16 of the intervention period. The primary outcome will be analysed according to intention-to-treat principles. Missing outcome data will be set equal to the baseline values. Development and reporting of the statistical analysis plan follow the Guidelines for the Content of Statistical Analysis Plans in Clinical Trials.

Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05290025. Registered on 22 March 2022.
Drug repurposing: insights into the antimicrobial effects of AKBA against MRSA
Authors: Li Yingjia , Ma Hongbing
Published: January 2024

Staphylococcus aureus is a major threat in infectious diseases due to its varied infection types and increased resistance. S. aureus could form persister cells under certain condition and could also attach on medical apparatus to form biofilms, which exhibited extremely high resistance to antibiotics. 3-Acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA) is a well-studied anti-tumor and antioxidant drug. This study is aimed to determine the antimicrobial effects of AKBA against S. aureus and its persister cells and biofilms. The in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility of AKBA was assessed by micro-dilution assay, disc diffusion assay and time-killing assay. Drug combination between AKBA and conventional antibiotics was detected by checkerboard assay. And the antibiofilm effects of AKBA against S. aureus were explored by crystal violet staining combined with SYTO/PI probes staining. Next, RBC lysis activity and CCK-8 kit were used to determine the cytotoxicity of AKBA. In addition, murine subcutaneous abscess model was used to assess the antimicrobial effects of AKBA in vivo. Our results revealed that AKBA was found to show effective antimicrobial activity against methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) with the minimal inhibitory concentration of 4–8 µg/mL with undetectable cytotoxicity. And no resistant mutation was induced by AKBA after 20 days of consecutive passage. Further, we found that AKBA could be synergy with gentamycin or amikacin against S. aureus and its clinical isolates. By crystal violet and SYTO9/PI staining, AKBA exhibited strong biofilm inhibitory and eradication effects at the concentration of 1 ~ 4 µg/mL. In addition, the effective antimicrobial effect was verified in vivo in a mouse model. And no detectable in vivo toxicity was found. These results indicated that AKBA has great potential to development as an alternative treatment for the refractory S. aureus infections.
Multi-tier dynamic sampling weak RF signal estimation theory
Authors: Smith Brett , Lanzerotti Mary
Published: January 2024

This paper presents a theoretical analysis in discrete time for a multi-tier weak radiofrequency (RF) signal estimation process with N simultaneous signals. Discrete time dynamic sampling is introduced and is shown to provide the capability to extract signal parameter values with increased accuracy compared with accuracy of estimates obtained in prior work. This paper advances phase measurement approaches by proposing discrete time dynamic sampling which our paper shows offers the desirable capability for more accurate weak signal parameter estimates. For $$N=2$$

N
=
2

simultaneous signals with a strong signal at 850 MHz and a weak signal at 855 MHz, the results show that dynamically sampling the instantaneous frequency at 24 times the Nyquist rate provides weak signal frequency estimates that are within $$1.7 \times 10^{-5}$$

1.7
×

10

-
5

of the actual weak signal frequency and weak signal amplitude estimates that are within 428 PPM of the actual weak signal amplitude. Results are also presented for situations with $$N=2$$

N
=
2

simultaneous 5G signals. In one case, the strong signal is 3950 MHz, and the weak signal is 3955 MHz; in the other case the strong case is 5950 MHz, and the weak signal is 5955 MHz. The results for these cases show that estimates obtained with dynamic sampling are more accurate than estimates provided using a single sample rate of 65 MSPS. This work has promising applications for weak signal parameters estimation using instantaneous frequency measurements.
Variable step size VLF/ELF nonlinear channel adaptive filtering algorithm based on Sigmoid function
Authors: Hu Sumou , Xie Hui , Liu Danling , Hu Jie
Published: January 2024

The signals received by very low-frequency/extremely low-frequency nonlinear receivers are frequently affected by intense atmospheric pulse noise stemming from thunderstorms and global lightning activity. Current noise processing algorithms designed for nonlinear channels within these frequency ranges, which are predicated on fractional p-order moment alpha stable distribution criteria (where 0 < p < α < 2, and p and α denote distinct characteristic indices of alpha stable distribution noise), are constrained by their reliance on limited p-order moment statistics. As a result, the performance of low-frequency nonlinear channel receivers experiences significant degradation when confronted with robust pulse noise interference (0 < p < α < 2). To tackle this challenge, the present study introduces a novel variable step robust mixed norm (RMN) adaptive filtering algorithm, designated as SVS-RMN, which is based on the Sigmoid function. Leveraging the nonlinearity of the Sigmoid function and building upon the power function Hammerstein nonlinear channel model, the algorithm aims to enhance the RMN algorithm by deriving new cost functions and adaptive iteration formulas. The performance of the proposed algorithm is evaluated in comparison to conventional RMN algorithms based on fractional low-order moment (FLOM) criteria (0 < p < 2), as well as other algorithms employing variable step sizes and either FLOM or radial basis function (RBF) criteria, across various intensities of pulse noise and mixed signal-to-noise ratios. The experimental results reveal the following: (1) The proposed algorithm effectively mitigates strong pulse noise interference and significantly enhances the tracking performance of the RMN algorithm compared to conventional RMN algorithms based on FLOM criteria. (2) In terms of computational efficiency, simplicity of structure, convergence speed, and stability, the proposed algorithm surpasses other algorithms based on FLOM or RBF criteria.
Significance of relative phase features for shouted and normal speech classification
Authors: Phapatanaburi Khomdet , Wang Longbiao , Liu Meng , Nakagawa Seiichi , Jumphoo Talit , Uthansakul Peerapong
Published: January 2024

Shouted and normal speech classification plays an important role in many speech-related applications. The existing works are often based on magnitude-based features and ignore phase-based features, which are directly related to magnitude information. In this paper, the importance of phase-based features is explored for the detection of shouted speech. The novel contributions of this work are as follows. (1) Three phase-based features, namely, relative phase (RP), linear prediction analysis estimated speech-based RP (LPAES-RP) and linear prediction residual-based RP (LPR-RP) features, are explored for shouted and normal speech classification. (2) We propose a new RP feature, called the glottal source-based RP (GRP) feature. The main idea of the proposed GRP feature is to exploit the difference between RP and LPAES-RP features to detect shouted speech. (3) A score combination of phase- and magnitude-based features is also employed to further improve the classification performance. The proposed feature and combination are evaluated using the shouted normal electroglottograph speech (SNE-Speech) corpus. The experimental findings show that the RP, LPAES-RP, and LPR-RP features provide promising results for the detection of shouted speech. We also find that the proposed GRP feature can provide better results than those of the standard mel-frequency cepstral coefficient (MFCC) feature. Moreover, compared to using individual features, the score combination of the MFCC and RP/LPAES-RP/LPR-RP/GRP features yields an improved detection performance. Performance analysis under noisy environments shows that the score combination of the MFCC and the RP/LPAES-RP/LPR-RP features gives more robust classification. These outcomes show the importance of RP features in distinguishing shouted speech from normal speech.
A comprehensive review of forensic diatomology: contemporary developments and future trajectories
Authors: Dahiya Parshant , Makwana Madhav D. , Chaniyara Poojan , Bhatia Ashna
Published: January 2024

Background

Forensic diatomology is a rapidly progressing domain that involves the examination of microscopic algae known as diatoms for forensic purposes. Diatoms are microscopic, single-celled, eukaryotic algae that exist in diverse aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and oceans. They are characterized by their rigid cell wall made up of silica, which is a unique morphological character, making them useful for forensic investigations.

Main body

Diatoms are a type of unicellular microscopic algae that belong to the class Bacillariophyta. They are one of the most common phytoplankton found in all aquatic environments, including marine and freshwater habitats. Diatoms have proven to be valuable evidence in various forensic investigations, particularly in cases involving drowning or bodies recovered from aquatic environments.

Conclusion

This comprehensive review provides an in-depth analysis of the principles, methodologies, applications, and challenges associated with the field of forensic diatomology. It emphasizes the importance of diatoms as trace evidence and discusses their potential to establish critical associations between the victim and the surroundings. This review also explores some recent advancements in diatom analysis techniques, including molecular approaches and automated identification methods. Finally, the paper outlines future directions for research and underlines the necessity for standardized protocols and interdisciplinary collaborations to enhance the reliability and validity of forensic diatomology.
Imageless navigation system (Naviswiss) provides accurate component position in total hip arthroplasty with lateral decubitus position for end-stage hip osteoarthritis: a prospective cohort study with CT-validation
Authors: Scholes Corey J. , Fatima Manaal , Schwagli Tobias , Liu David
Published: January 2024

Aims

The Naviswiss system (Naviswiss AG, Brugg, Switzerland) is a handheld imageless navigation device used to improve the accuracy of implant positioning in total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, clinical data for leg length discrepancy and femoral offset is lacking, and the validity of the system has not been reported for patients undergoing THA in the lateral decubitus position. This study aimed to report the accuracy of the device in this patient population.

Methods

Patients underwent THA in the lateral decubitus position performed by a single surgeon. Component position measured by the device intraoperatively was compared to postoperative measurements on computed tomography (CT) scans. Agreement between the navigation system and postoperative measurements was reported for acetabular cup inclination, acetabular cup version, femoral offset, and leg length discrepancy.

Results

Thirty-three patients were included in the analysis. The mean difference between intraoperative and postoperative CT measurements was within 2° for angular measurements and 2 mm for leg length. Absolute differences in the two indices were up to 4° and 3 mm. The mean bias was 1°–2° overestimation for cup orientation and up to 2 mm overestimation for leg length change. However, 95% limits of agreement did not exceed absolute thresholds of 10° and 10 mm, especially after correction for bias. One case (3%) was declared intraoperatively for issues with fixation on the greater trochanter.

Conclusions

The accuracy of the Naviswiss system falls within clinically acceptable recommendations for acetabular cup placement, femoral offset, and leg length for total hip arthroplasty with a anterolateral approach in lateral decubitus position. The system could be further improved with regression-based bias correction.
An investigation into the reliability of speaker recognition schemes: analysing the impact of environmental factors utilising deep learning techniques
Authors: Khazaleh Omar Ratib , Khrais Leen Ahmed
Published: January 2024

This paper studies the performance and reliability of deep learning-based speaker recognition schemes under various recording situations and background noise presence. The study uses the Speaker Recognition Dataset offered in the Kaggle website, involving audio recordings from different speakers, and four scenarios with various combinations of speakers. In the first scenario, the scheme achieves discriminating capability and high accuracy in identifying speakers without taking into account outside noise, having roughly one area under the ROC curve. Nevertheless, in the second scenario, with background noise added to the recording, accuracy decreases, and misclassifications increase. However, the scheme still reveals good discriminating power, with ROC areas ranging from 0.77 to 1.
Automated and Optimized Neurosurgery Scheduling System Improves Resident Satisfaction
Authors: Porche Ken , Mohan Arvind , Dow Jamie , Melnick Kaitlyn , Laurent Dimitri , Hoh Brian , Murad Gregory
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Neurosurgery residency involves a complex structure with multiple hospitals, services, and clinic days, leading to challenges in creating equitable call schedules. Manually prepared scheduling systems are prone to biases, error, and perceived unfairness. To address these issues, we developed an automated scheduling system (Automated Optimization of Neurosurgery Scheduling System [AONSS]) to reduce biases, accommodate resident requests, and optimize call variation, ultimately enhancing the educational experience by promoting diverse junior-senior-attending relationships.

METHODS:

AONSS was developed and tailored to the University of Florida program, with inaugural use in 2021–2022 and mandatory implementation in the 2022–2023 academic year. 2019–2021 academic years were used as control. Residents were surveyed using Google Forms before and after implementation to assess its impact. Outcome measures included call and pairing variations, duty hours, as well as subjective factors such as satisfaction, fairness, and perceived biases.

RESULTS:

Twenty-six residents (28%-39% female/year) were included in the study. AONSS was used for 6/13 blocks during the 2021–2022 academic year and 13/13 blocks for the 2022–2023 academic year. Overall call variation reduced by 70%. All other objective secondary measures have improved with AONSS. Weekly and monthly duty hours were reduced and less varied. Satisfaction scores improved from 21% reporting being somewhat satisfied or very satisfied to 90%. Fairness scores improved from 43% reporting being somewhat fair or very fair to 95%. Perception of gender bias decreased from 29% to 0%. No resident felt there was racial bias in either system.

CONCLUSION:

Our newly developed automated scheduling system effectively reduces variation among calls in a complex neurosurgery residency, which, in return, was found to increase residents' satisfaction with their schedule, improve their perception of fairness with the schedule, and has completely removed the perception of sexual bias in a program that has a large percentage of females. In addition, it was found to be associated with decreased duty hours.
Σύνθετα πορώδη υλικά άνθρακα για ενεργειακές εφαρμογές
Authors: Σπύρου Αναστασία
Published: January 2024

Η παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή πραγματεύεται μια μεγάλη πρόκληση στο πεδίο της αποθήκευσης ενέργειας για τα συστήματα μπαταριών νέας γενιάς λιθίου-θείου. Το αντικείμενο της διδακτορική διατριβής αφορά τον σχεδιασμό τρισδιάστατων πορωδών δομών άνθρακα που λειτούργησαν ως μήτρες για την ενθυλάκωση του θείου (ενεργό υλικό της καθόδου των μπαταριών), βελτιώνοντας έτσι την απόδοση της καθόδου κατά τη λειτουργία της μπαταρίας. Οι κρίσιμοι περιορισμοί/ μειονεκτήματα της μπαταρίας λιθίου- θείου σχετίζονται με τη χαμηλή ηλεκτρική αγωγιμότητα του θείου και τη διαλυτοποίηση/διάχυση στον ηλεκτρολύτη ενδιάμεσων πολυθειούχων ενώσεων που παράγονται κατά τη λειτουργία της μπαταρίας και οδηγούν πρακτικά στη μειωμένη χωρητικότητα και τη γρήγορη εξασθένησή της. Στα πλαίσια της διδακτορικής διατριβής ερευνάται η ανάπτυξη και η μελέτη, καινοτόμων προηγμένων υλικών άνθρακα με ιεραρχημένους πόρους καθώς και τα αντίστοιχα υβριδικά μεταλλικά καρβίδια τους. Η ανάπτυξη αυτών των δομών επικεντρώθηκε σε τρία διαφορετικά πεδία: Α) Χημική ενεργοποίηση βιομάζας (φύλλωμα Ποσειδωνίας), οδηγώντας σε ενεργό άνθρακα (AC_PG), ιεραρχημένου πορώδους, με υψηλή ειδική επιφάνεια και όγκο πόρων. Β) Ανάπτυξη ιεραρχημένων πορωδών δομών άνθρακα SA_C και RA_C, οι οποίες προέκυψαν με τη μέθοδο συμπλοκοποίησης και συγκαταβύθισης του τετραγωνικού (SA) και ροδιζονικού οξέος (RA) με οξικό ψευδάργυρο, αντίστοιχα. Ακολούθησε τροποποίηση της πορώδους δομής SA_C με ετερομάδες αζώτου, κατά την οποία άλλαξε η επιφανειακή χημεία του άνθρακα ώστε να προσροφά χημικά και φυσικά τα πολυσουλφίδια λιθίου. Γ) Τροποποίηση των πορωδών δομών άνθρακα SA_C, AC_PG και CMK-3 με νανοκαλώδια καρβιδίου του βορίου (BCnw). Τα υβριδικά υλικά C/ BCnw έδειξαν πολύ καλή ικανότητα προσρόφησης των πολυσουλφιδίων λιθίου, γεγονός το οποίο οφείλεται στο συνδυασμό φυσικής προσρόφησης, λόγω του πορώδους, και χημικής προσρόφησης, λόγω των νανοκαλωδίων BCnw. Επιπλέον, μελετήθηκε η παρασκευή σύνθετων δομών άνθρακα/θείου για τον αποτελεσματικό εγκλεισμό υψηλής ποσότητας θείου στις πορώδεις μήτρες των υλικών, σύμφωνα με το θεωρητικό ποσοστό θείου που έχει τη δυνατότητα να φιλοξενήσει η κάθε μήτρα. Στη συνέχεια, τα σύνθετα υλικά άνθρακα/θείου αξιολογήθηκαν ως υλικά καθόδου σε μπαταρίες λιθίου θείου, με τα περισσότερα εξ αυτών να επιδεικνύουν υψηλές τιμές ειδικής χωρητικότητας και σταθερότητα στην απόδοση. Παράλληλα, στα πλαίσια της παρούσας διατριβής, πραγματοποιήθηκε τροποποίηση εμπορικού διαχωριστή μπαταριών, με το υβριδικό υλικό AC_PG/BCnw, το οποίο εμφάνισε την βέλτιστη ικανότητα προσρόφησης των πολυσουλφιδίων λιθίου, συγκριτικά με τα υπόλοιπα υβριδικά υλικά. Ως αποτέλεσμα, σύμφωνα με τις ηλεκτροχημικές μετρήσεις που πραγματοποιήθηκαν, προκύπτει ότι το κελί με τον τροποποιημένο διαχωριστή περιόρισε σημαντικά τη διάλυση και τη διάχυση πολυσουλφιδίων, βελτιώνοντας έτσι την απόδοση της μπαταρίας σε σύγκριση με το κελί αναφοράς, στο οποίο δεν υπήρξε κάποια τροποποίηση.
Quantification of atmospheric organic aerosol sources using on- and off-line aerosol mass spectrometry
Authors: Βασιλακοπούλου Χριστίνα
Published: January 2024

Τα αιωρούμενα σωματίδια ή αεροζόλ σχηματίζονται στην ατμόσφαιρα είτε με άμεση εκπομπή, είτε με διαδικασίες μετατροπής από την αέρια φάση στην σωματιδιακή και χαρακτηρίζονται από το μέγεθος και τη χημική τους σύσταση. Η έκθεση σε υψηλές συγκεντρώσεις αιωρούμενων σωματιδίων μπορεί να προκαλέσει προβλήματα στην υγεία, όπως καρδιακές και αναπνευστικές παθήσεις. Οι οργανικές ενώσεις είναι ένα από τα πιο σημαντικά συστατικά των αιωρούμενων σωματιδίων αποτελώντας το 20-90% της συνολικής συγκέντρωσης μάζας τους. Το οργανικό αεροζόλ (ΟΑ) μπορεί να είναι πρωτογενούς ή δευτερογενούς προέλευσης. Το πρωτογενές οργανικό αεροζόλ (POA) εκπέμπεται απευθείας στην ατμόσφαιρα στη σωματιδιακή φάση από πολλές ανθρωπογενείς ή βιογενείς πηγές, όπως τα αυτοκίνητα, τα τζάκια, τα δένδρα κ.λπ. Οι πιο σημαντικές πρωτογενείς πηγές οργανικού αεροζόλ είναι η καύση βιομάζας, το μαγείρεμα, και οι εκπομπές κινητήρων ντίζελ και βενζίνης. Το δευτερογενές οργανικό αεροζόλ (SOA) αποτελείται κυρίως από τα προϊόντα της ατμοσφαιρικής οξείδωσης των οργανικών ατμών. Ανάλογα με το βαθμό οξείδωσης μπορεί να διαχωριστεί σε περισσότερο οξειδωμένο ΟΑ (MO-OOA) και λιγότερο οξειδωμένο ΟΑ (LO-OOA). Σκοπός της παρούσας εργασίας είναι μελέτη των πηγών του οργανικού αεροζόλ και η ποσοτικοποίηση τους. Στο πρώτο μέρος αυτής της διατριβής, αναπτύχθηκε μια off-line τεχνική, η οποία επιτρέπει τον ποσοτικό προσδιορισμό των πηγών του ΟΑ. Αυτή η off-line μέθοδος είναι φθηνότερη και πιο πρακτική από την on-line μέθοδο και μπορεί να φανεί ιδιαίτερα χρήσιμη σε δυσπρόσιτες περιοχές. Ο σκοπός της off-line μεθόδου είναι να μετρήσει την χημική σύσταση του ΟΑ σε μια περιοχή χωρίς να χρειάζεται να μετακινηθούν τα όργανα σε αυτή. Η καινοτομία της τεχνικής που αναπτύχθηκε είναι ότι ακόμα κι αν χρησιμοποιεί νερό ως διαλύτη, μπορεί να συμπεριλάβει και τις λιγότερο διαλυτές και αδιάλυτες στο νερό οργανικές ουσίες και να τις επιμερίσει στις πηγές τους. Στην συνέχεια μελετήθηκαν συγκεκριμένες πηγές οργανικών σωματιδίων με έμφαση στα πρωτογενή και δευτερογενή ΟΑ που παράγονται από δασικές πυρκαγιές. Τα αποτελέσματα μιας εκτεταμένης μελέτης πεδίου που διεξήχθη στο Περτούλι στην κεντρική Ελλάδα δείχνουν την επίδραση των δασικών πυρκαγιών που εκδηλώθηκαν εκατοντάδες χιλιόμετρα μακριά από την φωτιά. Ο ρυθμός μετασχηματισμού των φρέσκων εκπομπών σε οξειδωμένο δευτερογενές οργανικό αεροζόλ ποσοτικοποιήθηκε και μελετήθηκε η επίδρασή τους στην ανθρώπινη υγεία στην Ευρώπη. Στο τελικό στάδιο της εργασίας μελετήθηκε η παραγωγή δευτερογενούς οργανικού αεροζόλ από ατμοσφαιρικές αντιδράσεις πρόδρομων βιογενών ενώσεων. Πειράματα με συγκεκριμένα σεσκιτερπένια και προϊόντα σεσκιτερπενίων έλαβαν χώρα στον θάλαμο ατμοσφαιρικής προσομοίωσης στο ΙΕΧΜΗ. Σκοπός των πειραμάτων αυτών ήταν η μελέτη των προϊόντων μεταγενέστερης γενιάς και η διερεύνηση της πιθανής χρήσης αυτών των ενώσεων ως ιχνηθέτες για το βιογενές SOA.