bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ventilated acoustic metasurface with low-frequency sound insulation
Authors: Zhang Yingxin , Chin Yao Wei , Yu Xiang , Shrestha Milan , Lau Gih-Keong , Koo Boo Cheong , Liu Kun , Lu Zhenbo
Published: July 2023

A ventilated acoustic metasurface consisting of a membrane covered with a combination of different depth sub-chambers is proposed. It can achieve at least a 5 dB sound insulation acoustic performance in the wide frequency range from 100 to 1700 Hz, in particular a 10 dB noise reduction in the range from 100 to 200 Hz and from 437.4 to 1700 Hz, which can therefore cover the low-frequency range of the environmental noise. The physical mechanism of membrane-acoustic coupling for noise reduction in the low-frequency range is further explored.
Draft genome sequence of
Pelosinus
sp. IPA-1, a bacterium isolated from arsenic-contaminated soil in Japan
Authors: Kuroda Masashi , Yamamura Shigeki , Nakajima Nobuyoshi , Amachi Seigo
Published: July 2023

Pelosinus
sp. strain IPA-1 is a bacterium isolated from arsenic-contaminated soil in Japan. We here report the draft genome sequence of strain IPA-1.
The Vaginal Microbiota of Pregnant Women Varies with Gestational Age, Maternal Age, and Parity
Authors: Romero Roberto , Theis Kevin R. , Gomez-Lopez Nardhy , Winters Andrew D. , Panzer Jonathan J. , Lin Huang , Galaz Jose , Greenberg Jonathan M. , Shaffer Zachary , Kracht David J. , Chaiworapongsa Tinnakorn , Jung Eunjung , Gotsch Francesca , Ravel Jacques , Peddada Shyamal D. , Tarca Adi L.
Published: July 2023

There is debate regarding links between the vaginal microbiota and pregnancy complications, especially spontaneous preterm birth. Inconsistencies in results among studies are likely due to differences in sample sizes and cohort ethnicity.
Prevalence and trends of transfusion transmissible infections among blood donors in Basra, Iraq
Authors: Mohammed Khairallah A S , Hameed Maha M , Mousa Abdullah H , Saleh Amar T
Published: July 2023

Background

Despite saving millions of lives through blood transfusion, transfusion-transmissible infections (TTIs) still threaten the lives of patients requiring blood transfusion. Hence, screening blood donors and studying the prevalence of TTIs among blood donors may display the burden of these diseases among our population. The aim of this study was to assess the seroprevalence rates of transfusion transmitted infections among blood donors in Basra, Iraq from 2019 to 2021 as groundwork for providing safe blood transfusion in Iraq.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out in the blood banks in Basra, Iraq from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2021. A total of 197 898 samples were collected and screened for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), anti-hepatitis B core (HBc), anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) and syphilis immunologically.

Results

The prevalence rates of seropositive of viral hepatitis for the year 2019, 2020, 2021 were as following: hepatitis B virus (HBV) rates 1.54%, 1.45% and 1.14% with significant declined trend by 26%; anti-HCV rates were 0.14, 0.12 and 0.11% with significant declined trend by 21.4%; and the syphilis rates were 0.38, 0.47, 0.36 with marked declined trend 5.3%, respectively.

Of those donors showed HBV positive, 2503 (1.26%) had positive anti-HBc results, while only 173 (0.0874) showed positive test results for both anti-HBc and HBsAg.

Conclusion

Prevalence rates of viral hepatitis and syphilis showed a steady decline between 2019 and 2021, and these rates were much lower in Basra than in other parts of Iraq and neighbouring countries. The importance of using the anti-HBc test in the screening of blood donors was indicated in this study. These findings would contribute in improving the understanding of TTIs epidemiology and supporting health authorities controlling bloodborne diseases.
Diagnostic accuracy of different ECG-based algorithms in wide QRS complex tachycardia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sun Xingxing , Teng Yanling , Mu Shengnan , Wang Yilian , Chen Hongwu
Published: July 2023

Objective

Several ECG-based algorithms have been proposed to enhance the effectiveness of distinguishing Wide QRS complex tachycardia (WCT), but a comprehensive comparison of their accuracy is still lacking. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the diagnostic precision of various non-artificial intelligence ECG-based algorithms for WCT.

Design

Systematic review with meta-analysis.

Data sources

Electronic databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) are searched up to May 2022.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

All studies reporting the diagnostic accuracy of different ECG-based algorithms for WCT are included. The risk of bias in included studies is assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration’s risk of bias tools.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two independent reviewers extracted data and assessed risk of bias. Data were pooled using random-effects model and expressed as mean differences with 95% CIs. Heterogeneity was calculated by the I2method. The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) tool was applied to assess the internal validity of the diagnostic studies.

Results

In total, 467 studies were identified, and 14 studies comprising 3966 patients were included, involving four assessable ECG-based algorithms: the Brugada algorithm, Vereckei-pre algorithm, Vereckei-aVR algorithm and R wave peak time of lead II (RWPT-II) algorithm. The overall sensitivity was 88.89% (95% CI: 85.03 to 91.86), with a specificity of 70.55% (95% CI: 62.10 to 77.79) and a diagnostic OR (DOR) of 19.17 (95% CI: 11.45 to 32.10). Heterogeneity of the DOR was 89.1%. The summary sensitivity of each algorithm was Brugada 90.25%, Vereckei-pre 94.80%, Vereckei-aVR 90.35% and RWPT-II 78.15%; the summary specificity was Brugada 64.02%, Vereckei-pre 75.40%, Vereckei-aVR 60.88% and RWPT-II 88.30% and the summary DOR was Brugada 16.48, Vereckei-pre 60.70, Vereckei-aVR 14.57 and RWPT-II 27.00.

Conclusions

ECG-based algorithms exhibit high sensitivity and moderate specificity in diagnosing WCT. A combination of Brugada or Vereckei-aVR algorithm with RWPT-II could be considered to diagnose WCT.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022344996.
Age of onset of necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) and focal intestinal perforation (FIP) in very preterm and low birthweight infants: a systematic review
Authors: Dermyshi Elda , Granger Claire , Chmelova Kristina , Embleton Nicholas , Berrington Janet
Published: July 2023

Objective

Review of age of onset of necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) and focal intestinal perforation (FIP) in very preterm (≤32 weeks) and/or very low birthweight (VLBW, ≤1500 g) infants.

Design

Preregistered review undertaken according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses in July 2021 and updated October 2021.

Data sources

MEDLINE/ PubMed, Embase, CINAHL and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials.

Eligibility

Eligible studies reported age of onset of NEC and/or FIP in randomised controlled trials of >200 or observational studies of >500 infants.

Data extraction and synthesis

Titles/abstracts were screened; eligible articles underwent data extraction. Age of onset as day of life (DOL) and/or corrected gestational age (CGA) were extracted alongside study information, such as NEC definition, included population, intervention, location and dates studied. Weighted means were used to compare onset by birth gestation, study type, NEC definition, trial intervention, location and dates studied. Comparison was done by Mann-Whitney U test or one-way analysis of variance.

Results

Of the 747 screened studies 188 were eligible. Removal of duplicates, studies without onset data and ineligible populations left 10 RCTs and 14 observational studies contributing 51 NEC cohorts; 49 reported onset DOL and 14 CGA. 2984 cases of NEC had average DOL onset of 16.7 (15.5 in RCTs, 16.9 in observational studies), and CGA onset of 30.1 weeks. Gestation did not impact DOL onset. No other demographic feature impacted NEC onset. Few studies included data on FIP.

Conclusions

Average onset of NEC in exclusively very preterm/very low birthweight infants is in the third week of life and unlike in cohorts including more mature or heavier infants is not impacted by birth gestation.
Older adults’ medical preferences for the end of life: a cross-sectional population-based survey in Switzerland
Authors: Vilpert Sarah , Meier Clément , Berche Jeanne , Borasio Gian Domenico , Jox Ralf J. , Maurer Jürgen
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Medical decision-making at the end of life is common and should be as patient-centred as possible. Our study investigates older adults’ preferences towards three medical treatments that are frequently included in advance directive forms and their association with social, regional and health characteristics.

Setting

A cross-sectional study using population-based data of wave 8 (2019/2020) of the Swiss component of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe.

Participants

1430 adults aged 58 years and older living in Switzerland.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Three questions on the preferences regarding cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR); life-prolonging treatment in case of high risk of permanent mental incapacity; reduced awareness (sedation) to relieve unbearable pain and symptoms. Their associations with individuals’ social, regional and health characteristics.

Results

Most older adults expressed a wish to receive CPR (58.6%) and to forgo life-prolonging treatment in case of permanent mental incapacity (92.2%). Most older adults also indicated that they would accept reduced awareness if necessary to receive effective treatment for pain and distressing symptoms (59.2%). Older adults’ treatment preferences for CPR and life-prolonging treatment differed according to sex, age, partnership status, linguistic region and health status, while willingness to accept reduced awareness for effective symptom treatment was more similarly distributed across population groups.

Conclusions

Simultaneous preferences for CPR and refusal of life-prolonging treatment might appear to be conflicting treatment goals. Considering individuals’ values and motivations can help clarify ambivalent treatment decisions. Structured advance care planning processes with trained professionals allows for exploring individuals’ motivations and values and helps to identify congruent care and treatment goals.
Construction of reference criteria to admit patients to intermediate care units in France: a Delphi survey of intensivists, anaesthesiologists and emergency medicine practitioners (first part of the UNISURC project)
Authors: Misset Benoît , Aegerter Philippe , Boulkedid Rym , Alberti Corinne , Baillard Christophe , Guidet Bertrand , Beaussier Marc
Published: July 2023

Objectives

No consensus criteria describe the medical eligibility of the patients to intermediate care units (IMCUs). In this first part of the UNISURC project, we aimed to develop criteria based on a consensus of physicians from the main specialties involved in IMCU admission decisions.

Design

We selected criteria from IMCU literature, scoring systems and intensive care unit nursing workload. We submitted these criteria to a panel of experts in a Delphi survey. We used a two-round Delphi survey procedure to assess the validity and feasibility of each criterion.

Setting

Medical practitioners in either public or private French institutions and proposed by the national scientific societies of anaesthesiology, emergency medicine and intensive care. The Delphi rounds took place in 2015–2016.

Outcome measures

Validity and feasibility of the proposed criteria; uniformity of the judgement across the primary specialty and the hospital category of the responders.

Results

The criteria submitted to vote were classified as one of: chronic factor (CF); acute factor (AF); specific pathway (SP); nursing activity (NA) and hospital environment (HE). Of 189 experts invited, 81 (41%) responded to the first round and 62 of them (76%) responded to the second round. A definite selection of 63 items was made, distributed across 6 CF, 18 AF, 31 SP, 3 NA and 5 HE. Validity and feasibility were influenced by the specialty or the public/private status of the institution of the responders for a few items.

Conclusion

We created a set of 63 consensus criteria with acceptable validity and feasibility to assess the medical eligibility of the patients to IMCUs. The second part of the UNISURC project will assess the distribution of each criterion in a prospective multicentre national cohort.

Trial registration number

NCT02590172.
Inequalities in utilisation of essential antenatal services for women with disabilities in Pakistan: analysis of a cross-sectional demographic and health survey of Pakistan 2017–2018
Authors: Hameed Waqas , Asim Muhammad , Saleem Sarah , Avan Bilal Iqbal
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Although the number of disabled women entering motherhood is growing, there is little quantitative evidence about the utilisation of essential antenatal care (ANC) services by women with disabilities. We examined inequalities in the use of essential ANC services between women with and without disabilities.

Design, setting and analysis

A secondary analysis of cross-sectional data from recent Demographic and Health Survey of Pakistan 2017–2018 was performed using logistic regression.

Participants

A total weighted sample of 6791 ever-married women (age 15–49) who had a live birth in the 5 years before the survey were included.

Outcome measures

Utilisation of ANC: (A) antenatal coverage: (1) received ANC and (2) completed four or more ANC visits and (B) utilisation of essential components of ANC.

Results

The percentage of women who were at risk of disability and those living with disability in one or more domains was 11.5% and 2.6%, respectively. The coverage of ANC did not differ by disability status. With utilisation of essential ANC components, consumption of iron was lower (adjusted OR, aOR=0.6; p<0.05), while advice on exclusive breast feeding (aOR=1.6; p<0.05) and urine test (aOR=1.7; p<0.05) was higher among women with disabilities as compared with their counterparts. Similarly, the odds of receiving advice on maintaining a balanced diet was higher (aOR=1.3; p<0.05) among women at risk of any disability as opposed to their counterparts. Differences were also found for these same indicators in subgroup analysis by wealth status (poor/non-poor) and place of residence (urban–rural).

Conclusion

Our study did not find glaring inequalities in the utilisation of ANC services between women with disabilities and non-disabled women. This was true for urban versus rural residence and among the poor versus non-poor women. Some measures, however, should be made to improve medication compliance among women with disabilities.
Doppler identified venous congestion in septic shock: protocol for an international, multi-centre prospective cohort study (Andromeda-VEXUS)
Authors: Prager Ross , Argaiz Eduardo , Pratte Michael , Rola Philippe , Arntfield Robert , Beaubien-Souligny William , Denault André Y , Haycock Korbin , Miralles Aguiar Francisco , Bakker Jan , Ospina-Tascon Gustavo , Orozco Nicolas , Rochwerg Bram , Lewis Kimberley , Quazi Ibrahim , Kattan Eduardo , Hernandez Glenn , Basmaji John
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Venous congestion is a pathophysiological state where high venous pressures cause organ oedema and dysfunction. Venous congestion is associated with worse outcomes, particularly acute kidney injury (AKI), for critically ill patients. Venous congestion can be measured by Doppler ultrasound at the bedside through interrogation of the inferior vena cava (IVC), hepatic vein (HV), portal vein (PV) and intrarenal veins (IRV). The objective of this study is to quantify the association between Doppler identified venous congestion and the need for renal replacement therapy (RRT) or death for patients with septic shock.

Methods and analysis

This study is a prespecified substudy of the ANDROMEDA-SHOCK 2 (AS-2) randomised control trial (RCT) assessing haemodynamic resuscitation in septic shock and will enrol at least 350 patients across multiple sites. We will include adult patients within 4 hours of fulfilling septic shock definition according to Sepsis-3 consensus conference. Using Doppler ultrasound, physicians will interrogate the IVC, HV, PV and IRV 6–12 hours after randomisation. Study investigators will provide web-based educational sessions to ultrasound operators and adjudicate image acquisition and interpretation. The primary outcome will be RRT or death within 28 days of septic shock. We will assess the hazard of RRT or death as a function of venous congestion using a Cox proportional hazards model. Sub-distribution HRs will describe the hazard of RRT given the competing risk of death.

Ethics and dissemination

We obtained ethics approval for the AS-2 RCT, including this observational substudy, from local ethics boards at all participating sites. We will report the findings of this study through open-access publication, presentation at international conferences, a coordinated dissemination strategy by investigators through social media, and an open-access workshop series in multiple languages.

Trial registration number

NCT05057611.
Considerations for vaccinating children against COVID-19
Authors: Hart John D , Ong Darren Suryawijaya , Chokephaibulkit Kulkanya , Ong-Lim Anna T , Vereti Ilisapeci , Crawford Nigel W , Russell Fiona
Published: July 2023

COVID-19 vaccines have been introduced in children and adolescents in many countries. However, high levels of community transmission and infection-derived immunity make the decision to introduce COVID-19 vaccination of children in countries yet to do so particularly challenging. For example, other vaccine preventable diseases, including measles and polio, generally have far higher childhood morbidity and mortality in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) than COVID-19, and coverage with these vaccines has declined during the pandemic. Many countries are yet to introduce pneumococcal conjugate and rotavirus vaccines for children, which prevent common causes of childhood death, or human papillomavirus vaccine for adolescents. The Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines that have been widely tested in children and adolescents had a positive risk-benefit profile at the time they were tested. However, the benefit is less compared with other life-saving vaccines in this age group, particularly in LMICs and settings with widespread infection-derived immunity. The resources required for rollout may also pose a considerable challenge in LMICs. In this paper, we describe COVID-19 in children, with a focus on LMICs, and summarise the published literature on safety, efficacy and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination in children and adolescents. We highlight the complexity of decision-making regarding COVID-19 vaccination of children now that most of this low-risk population benefit from infection-derived immunity. We emphasise that at-risk groups should be prioritised for COVID-19 vaccination; and that if COVID-19 vaccines are introduced for children, the opportunity should be taken to improve coverage of routine childhood vaccines and preventative healthcare. Additionally, we highlight the paucity of epidemiological data in LMICs, and that for future epidemics, measures need to be taken to ensure equitable access to safe and efficacious vaccines before exposure to infection.
What is the clinical significance of low serum amylase? Systematic review of the conditions associated with low serum amylase
Authors: Jalal Mustafa , Gbadegesin Sebastine A , Tehami Nadeem , Nakajima Kei
Published: July 2023

Objective

Most studies have assessed the impact of elevated serum amylase levels in clinical practice, but only a few have investigated the significance of low serum amylase. We therefore, aimed to review the literature to understand the conditions associated with low serum amylase and its clinical relevance.

Method

This systematic review was performed in accordance with the criteria established in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The search was conducted on Medline and Embase databases until November 2022. After identifying relevant titles, abstracts were read and data of eligible articles retrieved. The conditions associated with low serum amylase were evaluated. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Score.

Results

Our search strategy identified 19 studies including a total of 15 097 patients for systematic review. All the studies were observational including two studies which used secretin-induced test. The main conditions associated with low serum amylase were diabetes mellitus (n=9), metabolic syndrome (n=3), chronic pancreatitis (CP) (n=3), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (n=2) and obesity (n=1). Low serum amylase showed a high specificity (94%) with low sensitivity (38.7%–59%) in diagnosing chronic pancreatitis.

Conclusion

This systematic review revealed a unique insight into the relevance of low serum amylase in clinical practice. Low serum amylase can be a useful adjunct test in the assessment of patients with CP, pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome.
Newborn screening for primary carnitine deficiency: who will benefit? – a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Crefcoeur Loek , Ferdinandusse Sacha , van der Crabben Saskia N , Dekkers Eugènie , Fuchs Sabine A , Huidekoper Hidde , Janssen Mirian , Langendonk Janneke , Maase Rose , de Sain Monique , Rubio Estela , van Spronsen Francjan J , Vaz Frédéric Maxime , Verschoof Rendelien , de Vries Maaike , Wijburg Frits , Visser Gepke , Langeveld Mirjam
Published: July 2023

Background

Newborn screening (NBS) programmes identify a wide range of disease phenotypes, which raises the question whether early identification and treatment is beneficial for all. This study aims to answer this question for primary carnitine deficiency (PCD) taking into account that NBS for PCD identifies newborns with PCD and also until then undiagnosed mothers.

Methods

We investigated clinical, genetic (variants inSLC22A5gene) and functional (carnitine transport activity in fibroblasts) characteristics of all referred individuals through NBS (newborns and mothers) and clinically diagnosed patients with PCD (not through NBS). Disease phenotype in newborns was predicted using data from PCD mothers and cases published in literature with identicalSLC22A5variants.

Results

PCD was confirmed in 19/131 referred newborns, 37/82 referred mothers and 5 clinically diagnosed patients. Severe symptoms were observed in all clinically diagnosed patients, 1 newborn and none of the mothers identified by NBS. PCD was classified as severe in all 5 clinically diagnosed patients, 3/19 newborns and 1/37 mothers; as benign in 8/19 newborns and 36/37 mothers and as unknown in 8/19 newborns. Carnitine transport activity completely separated severe phenotype from benign phenotype (median (range): 4.0% (3.5–5.0)] vs 26% (9.5–42.5), respectively).

Conclusion

The majority of mothers and a significant proportion of newborns with PCD identified through NBS are likely to remain asymptomatic without early treatment. Conversely, a small proportion of newborns with predicted severe PCD could greatly benefit from early treatment. Genetic variants and carnitine transport activity can be used to distinguish between these groups.
Occupational environment and ovarian cancer risk
Authors: Leung Lisa , Lavoué Jérôme , Siemiatycki Jack , Guénel Pascal , Koushik Anita
Published: July 2023

Objectives

To investigate employment in an occupation or industry and specific occupational exposures in relation to ovarian cancer risk.

Methods

In a population-based case–control study conducted in Montreal, Canada (2011–2016), lifetime occupational histories were collected for 491 cases of ovarian cancer and 897 controls. An industrial hygienist coded the occupation and industry of each participant’s job. Associations with ovarian cancer risk were estimated for each of several occupations and industries. Job codes were linked to the Canadian job-exposure matrix, thereby generating exposure histories to many agents. The relationship between exposure to each of the 29 most prevalent agents and ovarian cancer risk was assessed. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (OR (95% CI)) for associations with ovarian cancer risk were estimated using logistic regression and controlling for multiple covariates.

Results

Elevated ORs (95% CI) were observed for employment ≥10 years as Accountants (2.05 (1.10 to 3.79)); Hairdressers, Barbers, Beauticians and Related Workers (3.22 (1.25 to 8.27)); Sewers and Embroiderers (1.85 (0.77 to 4.45)); and Salespeople, Shop Assistants and Demonstrators (1.45 (0.71 to 2.96)); and in the industries of Retail Trade (1.59 (1.05 to 2.39)) and Construction (2.79 (0.52 to 4.83)). Positive associations with ORs above 1.42 were seen for high cumulative exposure versus never exposure to 18 agents: cosmetic talc, ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, hair dust, synthetic fibres, polyester fibres, organic dyes and pigments, cellulose, formaldehyde, propellant gases, aliphatic alcohols, ethanol, isopropanol, fluorocarbons, alkanes (C5–C17), mononuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from petroleum and bleaches.

Conclusions

Certain occupations, industries and specific occupational exposures may be associated with ovarian cancer risk. Further research is needed to provide a more solid grounding for any inferences in this regard.
Danish study of Non-Invasive Testing in Coronary Artery Disease 3 (Dan-NICAD 3): study design of a controlled study on optimal diagnostic strategy
Authors: Winther Simon , Dupont Rasmussen Laust , Westra Jelmer , Abdulzahra Salma Raghad Karim , Dahl Jonathan Nørtoft , Gormsen Lars Christian , Christiansen Evald Høj , Brix Gitte Stokvad , Mortensen Jesper , Ejlersen June Anita , Søndergaard Hanne Maare , Hansson Nicolaj Christopher Lyng , Holm Niels Ramsing , Knudsen Lars Lyhne , Eftekhari Ashkan , Møller Peter L , Rohde Palle Duun , Nyegaard Mette , Böttcher Morten
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Current guideline recommend functional imaging for myocardial ischaemia if coronary CT angiography (CTA) has shown coronary artery disease (CAD) of uncertain functional significance. However, diagnostic accuracy of selective myocardial perfusion imaging after coronary CTA is currently unclear. The Danish study of Non-Invasive testing in Coronary Artery Disease 3 trial is designed to evaluate head to head the diagnostic accuracy of myocardial perfusion imaging with positron emission tomography (PET) using the tracers82Rubidium (82Rb-PET) compared with oxygen-15 labelled water PET (15O-water-PET) in patients with symptoms of obstructive CAD and a coronary CT scan with suspected obstructive CAD.

Methods and analysis

This prospective, multicentre, cross-sectional study will include approximately 1000 symptomatic patients without previous CAD. Patients are included after referral to coronary CTA. All patients undergo a structured interview and blood is sampled for genetic and proteomic analysis and a coronary CTA. Patients with possible obstructive CAD at coronary CTA are examined with both82Rb-PET,15O-water-PET and invasive coronary angiography with three-vessel fractional flow reserve and thermodilution measurements of coronary flow reserve. After enrolment, patients are followed with Seattle Angina Questionnaires and follow-up PET scans in patients with an initially abnormal PET scan and for cardiovascular events in 10 years.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained from Danish regional committee on health research ethics. Written informed consent will be provided by all study participants. Results of this study will be disseminated via articles in international peer-reviewed journal.

Trial registration number

NCT04707859.
On two-loop effective action of 2d sigma model
Authors: Akacevich P. V. , Ivanov A. V.
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we study two-loop contribution to the effective action of a two-dimensional non-linear sigma model. We derive a new formula, which can be applicable to a regularization of general type. As examples, we obtain known results for the dimensional regularization and investigate new types of a cutoff one. Also, we discuss non-local contributions and restrictions on the regularization.
Examination of gecko-inspired dry adhesives for heritage conservation as an example of iterative design and testing process for new adhesives
Authors: Olender Jacek , Young Christina
Published: July 2023

Rarely within the conservation of cultural heritage have conservation professionals been lucky enough to have materials custom-designed to meet their requirements. Most of the time the field must adapt solutions developed for other applications. The research presented here was initiated as part of a long-term aim to develop new adhesives for heritage conservation. Gecko-inspired dry adhesives (GDAs) are polymer tapes with micropatterns that are based on the adhesive properties of the pads of gecko lizard feet: they have strong normal and shear adhesion with low peel adhesion. They present potentially versatile and reversible adhesives for heritage conservation applications; which do not require solvents for activation or for removal, and do not migrate or off-gas. In nature, geckos can adhere with their feet to any surface they walk on. This is possible because of micro- and nanostructures on their feet that attach to surface via van der Waals forces. Practical studies aimed at comprehensively assessing their properties, and biomimetic solutions in heritage conservation are still sparse at present. This research has the objective of assessing GDAs properties by mechanical testing of adhesive joints, as well as physical and chemical characterisation of the materials used. The research has also included a museum case study and a two-year natural ageing test. The testing has shown that the GDAs can perform very well as an adhesive patch on the reverse of gelatine-based photographs, achieving shear forces between 0.80 N and 48.10 N on 8 cm2lap joints (depending on the type of the GDA) and peel forces between 0.20 N and 0.47 N over 2 cm of peel front. This is lower than forces exceeding 1 N recorded in widely available pressure-sensitive tapes. This shows that GDAs may have the potential of a sufficiently strong, yet easily removable adhesive that works well on materials widely present in museum collections.
The investigation gamma-irradiated nanocrystalline ZrC particles using infrared, DSC and TG methods
Authors: Huseynov Elchin M. , Muradova Gulnar I. , Mehdiyeva Ravan N. , Hakhiyeva Raisa R. , Naghiyev Tural G. , Mehdiyev Nizami M. , Melikova Sevinj Z. , Aliyeva-Cabbarli Ulviyya S.
Published: July 2023

In this study, DSC and infrared spectra of nano ZrC particles were recorded in the 25–[Formula: see text]C temperature and 400–4000[Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text] spatial frequency range, respectively. All experiments were compared before and after gamma irradiation (5, 15, 50 and 150 Mrad doses). The causes of infrared peaks characterizing C-OH groups and C-O oscillations were investigated in ZrC nanoparticles. Gamma radiation-induced changes are described in the peaks of the IR spectra. The explanation of existing bonds in IR spectra is given by DSC and TG curves. The act of OH groups adsorbed on the surface of nanoparticles and other processes is investigated as a function of temperature with DSC and TG curves.
Aspect-Based Sentiment Analysis Using Fabricius Ringlet-Based Hybrid Deep Learning for Online Reviews
Authors: Kumari Santoshi , Pushphavathi T. P.
Published: July 2023

The sentiment analysis relying on the aspect of online reviews is utilized for identifying the polarity of the given review. Nowadays, many methods are introduced for aspect-based sentiment analysis (ABSA) using neural networks, and many methods failed to consider contextual information exploitation to make the performance more accurate. Hence, this research proposed an optimized deep learning method for the detection of the aspect and to identify the polarity. Hence, in this research, an optimized deep learning technique for the ABSA is introduced by considering the online reviews, in which the deep learning classifiers are trained with the proposed Fabricius ringlet optimization (FRO) algorithm to reduce the loss that helps to enhance the accuracy of sentiment polarity prediction. The proposed FRO is developed by the hybridization of the behavioral nature of the Fabricius and the ringlet in feeding for the determination of the global best solution. The tuning of the weights and biases of the classifier enhance the performance of the classifier. The objective behind the tuning is to minimize the loss function while training and to enhance the accuracy of aspect extraction and polarity prediction of sentiment. Based on a study of the existing approach, the suggested FRO-based hybrid deep learning method is significantly improved; its accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity are 87.06%, 90.83%, and 79.37%, respectively, with a training percentage of 40%. The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the existing technique have also been enhanced for aspect restaurant values, which are 87.53%, 96.06%, and 79.88% with a 60% training percentage. Similar to that, Twitter values for accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity are reported to be 89.08%, 99.35%, and 79.70%, respectively, with an 80% training percentage. The proposed method obtained the 90.13%, 99.35%, and 81.10% accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity from the assessment of the FRO-based hybrid deep learning.
Making Sense of Helices: Right and Wrong Models in Science and Art
Authors: Egli Martin , Zhang Shuguang
Published: July 2023

Helices are ubiquitous in art and nature. Independent of their pitch and sense of rotation (handedness), helices in sculpture, painting, architecture, scientific illustrations, conference announcements, logos, and advertising are eye-catching and aesthetically pleasing. Helices can turn either clockwise (right-handed helix) or anti-clockwise (left-handed helix). The [Formula: see text]-helix formed by l-amino acids and the double helices formed by [Formula: see text]-d-2′-deoxyribonucleic acid (A- and B-form DNA) and [Formula: see text]-d-ribonucleic acid (A-form RNA) are all right-handed. Artistic license provides the freedom to create helices of any shape and sense; indeed, many helical sculptures do not follow the natural convention observed in proteins and DNA. What is more surprising, given that models of the [Formula: see text]-helix and the DNA double helix were published over 70 years ago, is how common left-handed DNA double helices are in the context of scientific papers and books as well as in popular science writing and reporting. In all cases except for left-handed Z-DNA, the use of left-handed helices in scientific illustrations or models is incorrect. Here, we revisit the helix types adopted by peptides, DNA, and RNA, and review examples of right and wrong helical models in science, art, and elsewhere.
A Survey on Approximate Multiplier Designs for Energy Efficiency: From Algorithms to Circuits
Authors: Wu Ying , Chen Chuangtao , Xiao Weihua , Wang Xuan , Wen Chenyi , Han Jie , Yin Xunzhao , Qian Weikang , Zhuo Cheng
Published: July 2023

Given the stringent requirements of energy efficiency for Internet-of-Things edge devices, approximate multipliers, as a basic component of many processors and accelerators, have been constantly proposed and studied for decades, especially in error-resilient applications. The computation error and energy efficiency largely depend on how and where the approximation is introduced into a design. Thus, this article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the approximation techniques in multiplier designs ranging from algorithms and architectures to circuits. We have implemented representative approximate multiplier designs in each category to understand the impact of the design techniques on accuracy and efficiency. The designs can then be effectively deployed in high-level applications, such as machine learning, to gain energy efficiency at the cost of slight accuracy loss.
Platoon-Based Assessment of Two-Way Two-Lane Roads Performance Measure: A Classification Method
Authors: Samadi Hossein , Aghayan Iman , Abdollahzadeh Nasiri Amir Saman , Rahmani Omid , Hasanvand Mehrzad
Published: July 2023

Two-way two-lane roads have a significant impact on road transportation infrastructure. Platoon formation on two-lane roads is one of the factors that affect the quality of traffic flow on two-lane roads. More specifically, the creation of a platoon increases the density of vehicles and the number of overtaking maneuvers and decreases the traffic performance of two-lane roads. The present study made an effort to investigate the effect of the platoon characteristics on the traffic flow of vehicles on two-lane roads. Moreover, it strived to develop the nonlinear regression model with a new approach to capacity calculation. Finally, a method for estimating the level of service (LOS) based on the number of followers per capacity (NFPC) and LOS classification using the KNN method was presented. Considering these aims, first, the relevant variables (which were related to platoon) including time headway (Ht), average travel speed (ATS), platoon size (PS), average platoon speed (APS), percentage of heavy vehicles (HV), percent time spent following (PTSF), number of overtaking (NO), density (ρ), and traffic flow were investigated on the examined roads. The results showed that the speed and the Ht were the most effective and the least effective platoon characteristics, respectively. Moreover, it was accompanied by the increase in PTSF which resulted in the increase in overtaking maneuver. Finally, the results regarding the developed model showed that the NFPC measure was able to predict the traffic flow of two-lane roads in a more satisfactory way compared to the two criteria, namely, PTSF and ATS in the Highway Capacity Manual (2016) since it increased ATS by 65% and decreased the capacity of two-lane roads by 21%.
Study on the Influence of the Internal Elastic Constraint Stiffness on the Vib-Acoustic Performance of a Coupled Plate-Cylindrical Shell System
Authors: Sun Yonggan , Xiao Yong
Published: July 2023

Regarding the vib-acoustic performance of internal coupled structures, basically all relevant studies have been confined to the classic form of connections. In this investigation, the boundary and internal elastic constraint matrices of the coupled structure are established, the vibration and sound calculation model of the coupled structure is then established, and numerical analysis is performed to show the effect of constraint stiffness on the vibration and acoustical performance of a coupled plate-cylindrical shell system. The results show that impedance matching between the structures is improved with the increase of the elastic connection stiffness, which is conducive to the vibration energy propagation. Moreover, the supporting coupling stiffness between elastic coupled structures plays an important role in vibration energy transfers.
The Effect of Different Luteal Phase Support Applications on Clinical Pregnancy Outcomes in Frozen‐Thawed Embryo Transfer
Authors: Aygün Elif Ganime , Özbaşlı Esra , Köse Mehmet Faruk
Published: July 2023

Purpose. During the frozen‐thawed embryo transfer (FET) method, controlled ovarian hyperstimulation is used. At the same time, progesterone support is given for luteal phase support. In this study, we investigated the effects of various luteal phase support agents administered orally, intramuscularly (IM), and vaginally during FET on pregnancy rates. Methods. The files of 166 patients between the ages of 21 and 44 in the Assisted Reproductive Techniques Center of Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University Atakent Hospital were analyzed retrospectively between 2016 and 2022. The patients’ FSH, LH, E2, P4, AMH, and TSH levels were measured. The GnRH antagonist protocol was initiated on the 2nd or 3rd day of menstruation. Three types of progesterone agents were used in females with PCOS. Three different methods were applied: 50 mg/ml of IM progesterone daily, 90 mg of progesterone gel 2∗1 vaginally, and dydrogesterone acetate tb. orally 3∗1. FET was performed on women who received 21 days of treatment by thawing 5th‐day embryos. B‐hCG was performed on the 12th day after the transfer, and evaluations were made. The study results were evaluated as follows: for the whole study group, for those <30 years of age, for those 30‐35 years of age, and for those >35 years of age. Results. A total of 164 patients, 57 females using vaginal progesterone gel, 30 females using oral progesterone tablet, and 77 females using IM progesterone, who met the inclusion criteria, were included in the study. The pregnancy outcomes of IM progesterone application were statistically significantly higher in the entire study group and the >35 age group when compared to the vaginal progesterone gel application. It was found that the pregnancy outcomes of IM progesterone application increased statistically significantly in the <30 age group when compared to outcomes in the other groups, using vaginal progesterone gel and oral progesterone tb. Conclusions. We found that IM progesterone application was more effective than vaginal progesterone gel application for luteal phase support. Many randomized controlled, especially live birth rate studies, are required before results can more closely approximate those for the general population.
Operating the Induction Motor as a Generator Mode by Supplying DC Voltage and Investigation of the End Voltage Depending on the Excitation Current and RPM
Authors: Özçelik Mehmet Ali
Published: July 2023

Asynchronous or induction machines are among the leading devices in the electrical industry. They are well suited for motor and production applications with power ratings from a few kilowatts to megawatts. In addition, their use in renewable energy systems, especially in wind conversion systems, is increasing daily due to their advantages, such as low cost, brushless, and robust structure. In this work, the operation of a three-phase asynchronous motor with a winding rotor as an alternator, the variation of the voltage produced depending on the excitation current by keeping the number of revolutions constant, and the interpretation of the voltage produced according to the number of revolutions by keeping the excitation current constant have been investigated. The variation of the terminal voltage in ohmic, inductive, and capacitive loads has been experimentally investigated by observing the source voltage providing the rotational speed and excitation current constant.
Supplementary Figure S1 from Clinically Defined Mutations in MEN1 Alter Its Tumor-suppressive Function Through Increased Menin Turnover
Authors: Duan Suzann , Sheriff Sulaiman , Elvis-Offiah Uloma B. , Witten Brandon L. , Sawyer Travis W. , Sundaresan Sinju , Cierpicki Tomasz , Grembecka Jolanta , Merchant Juanita L.
Published: July 2023

Supplementary Figure 1
FIGURE 6 from Clinically Defined Mutations in MEN1 Alter Its Tumor-suppressive Function Through Increased Menin Turnover
Authors: Duan Suzann , Sheriff Sulaiman , Elvis-Offiah Uloma B. , Witten Brandon L. , Sawyer Travis W. , Sundaresan Sinju , Cierpicki Tomasz , Grembecka Jolanta , Merchant Juanita L.
Published: July 2023

Clinical MEN1 mutations and variants reduce the ability of menin to repress gastrin gene expression. Gastrin transcript levels (GAST) in AGS (A), MKN-45G (B), and BON-1 (C) cells following overexpression with empty vector (pcDNA), wild-type menin, and the three menin mutants. GAST mRNA was normalized to HPRT1 expression and reported as fold-change relative to pcDNA control. D, Expression of MEN1 mRNA in BON-1 cells. *, P < 0.05; **, P < 0.01; ***, P < 0.001; ****, P < 0.0001 by two-way ANOVA with Tukey post hoc test; mean ± SEM. E, Relative GAST mRNA expression in AGS cells overexpressing menin plasmids and following serum starvation and treatment with EGF (16 hours, 40 nmol/L). F, The GasLuc system was used to evaluate human gastrin promoter activity following overexpression of empty vector (pcDNA), GasLuc plasmid alone, or GasLuc plasmid in the presence of wild-type menin and the three mutants and EGF (16 hours, 40 nmol/L). Firefly luciferase activity was normalized to the Renilla-Luciferase co-reporter. ***, P < 0.0001, by one-way ANOVA with Tukey post hoc test; mean ± SEM. Relative GAST mRNA expression in BON-1 (G) and GLUTag (H) cells overexpressing menin plasmids and following serum starvation and treatment with EGF (16 hours, 40 nmol/L). I, Immunofluorescent staining of FLAG-menin expression in GLUTag cells in the presence or absence of EGF (8 hours, 40 nmol/L) and MG132 (10 μmol/L). NT = no treatment control. J, Quantitation of FLAG-menin expression in nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments from immunofluorescence-stained images. Counts were obtained from 10 random HPF images. **, P < 0.01 = by two-way ANOVA with Tukey post hoc test; mean ± SEM. WT, wild-type.
Brief Psychotherapeutic Intervention Compared with Treatment as Usual for Adolescents with Nonsuicidal Self-Injury: Outcomes over a 2–4-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Rockstroh Franziska , Edinger Alexandra , Josi Johannes ,   Fischer-Waldschmidt, Brunner Romuald , Resch Franz , Kaess Michael
Published: July 2023

Introduction: The “Cutting Down Programme” (CDP), a brief psychotherapeutic intervention for treating nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) in adolescents, was comparable to high-quality treatment as usual (TAU) in a previous randomized controlled trial (RCT). Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the long-term outcomes of the CDP over up to 4 years. Methods: Assessments of NSSI, suicide attempts, borderline personality disorder (BPD), depression, and quality of life took place 2 to 4 years (T3) after enrollment in a RCT. The evolution of NSSI, suicide attempts, depression, and quality of life was analyzed using (generalized) linear mixed-effects models. Ordered logistic regression was used for analyzing BPD diagnoses. Data from T0, T2, and T3 are reported. Results: Out of 74 patients, 70 (95%) were included in the T3 assessment. The frequency of NSSI events alongside with suicide attempts and depression further decreased between T2 and T3 and BPD between T0 and T3 in both groups. Quality of life remained stable in both groups between T2 and T3. Both groups received substantial but comparable additional treatment between T2 and T3. More treatment sessions during the follow-up period were linked to larger improvements of NSSI. Conclusions: The CDP was found to be as effective as TAU in promoting recovery from NSSI and comorbid symptoms in the long term. Results suggest that treatment effects from a brief psychotherapeutic intervention may endure and even further improve after completion of the program. However, additional treatment seems to improve chances for recovery independent from CDP versus TAU.
COPD-Behandlung – eine konzeptionelle Überprüfung auf der Grundlage kritischer Endpunkte
Authors: Roque André , Tarboda-Barata Luis , Cruz Álvaro A. , Viegi Giovanni , Maricoto Tiago
Published: July 2023

Einleitung: Die chronisch-obstruktive Lungenerkrankung (COPD) ist weltweit eine der Hauptursachen für Tod und Behinderung. Inzwischen gibt es zahlreiche Behandlungsmöglichkeiten, aber die Kriterien für die Auswahl inhalativer Bronchodilatatoren und inhalativer Kortikosteroide sind weiterhin in der Diskussion. Neue Studien haben die Rolle von Patientencharakteristika wie Eosinophilenzahl und Exazerbationsverlauf bei der Auswahl der wirksamsten personalisierten Behandlungsoption hervorgehoben. Methoden: In dieser konzeptionellen Übersichtsarbeit wird eine ausführliche Begründung mit einem integrativen Ansatz für die COPD-Behandlung entwickelt, wobei Daten aus den wichtigsten bisher durchgeführten klinischen Studien gesammelt werden, die die aktuellen GOLD-2023-Empfehlungen unterstützen können. Ergebnisse: Je nach Charakteristika und Profil des Patienten werden verschiedene Behandlungsoptionen, darunter Mono-, Zweifach- und Dreifachtherapien, in einer Diagrammmatrix dargestellt und ihre Wirksamkeit in Bezug auf die Verringerung von Exazerbationen und des Sterberisikos verglichen.