bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical outcome of lesion size index‐guided high‐power radiofrequency catheter ablation for pulmonary vein isolation in patients with atrial fibrillation: 2‐year follow‐up
Authors: Cai Chi , Wang Jing , Niu Hong‐Xia , Chu Jian‐Min , Hua Wei , Zhang Shu , Yao Yan
Published: January 2023

Introduction

The long‐term efficacy of high‐power (50 W) ablation guided by lesion size index (LSI‐guided HP) for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) remains undetermined. Our study sought to assess the clinical efficacy of LSI‐guided HP ablation for PVI in patients with AF and explore the potential predictors associated with clinical outcomes.

Methods

We consecutively included 186 patients with AF who underwent LSI‐guided HP (50 W) ablation at Fuwai Hospital from June 2019 to October 2021. The target LSI values of 4.5–5.5 and 4.0–4.5 at the anterior and posterior walls, respectively, were used in our study. The baseline clinical characteristics, procedural and ablation data, and clinical outcomes were evaluated. The independent potential predictors associated with AF recurrence were further evaluated.

Results

The incidence rate of first‐pass PVI was 83.9% (156/186). A total of 11 883 lesions were analyzed, and compared with posterior walls of pulmonary veins, anterior walls had significantly lower mean contact force (8.2 ± 3.0 vs. 8.3 ± 2.3 g, p = .015), longer mean radiofrequency duration (16.9 ± 7.2 vs. 12.9 ± 4.5 s, p < .001) and higher mean LSI (4.8 ± 0.2 vs. 4.4 ± 0.2, p < .001). The overall incidence of periprocedural complications was 3.7%, and steam pops without pericardial effusion occurred in three patients (1.6%). During a mean follow‐up of 24.0 ± 8.4 months, the overall AF recurrence‐free survival was 87.1% after a single procedure. Patients with paroxysmal AF had a higher incidence of freedom from AF recurrence than those with persistent AF (91.2% vs. 80.8%, log‐rank p = .034). Higher LSI (HR 0.50, p < .001) and paroxysmal AF (HR 0.39, p = .029) were significantly associated with decreased AF recurrence. By receiver operating characteristic analysis, the LSI of 4.7 and 4.3 for the anterior and posterior walls of the PVs had the highest predictive value for AF recurrence, respectively.

Conclusion

LSI‐guided HP (50 W) ablation for PVI was an efficient and safe strategy and led to favorable single‐procedure 2‐year AF recurrence‐free survival in patients with AF. Higher LSI and paroxysmal AF were independent predictors of decreased 2‐year AF recurrence. The LSI of 4.7 for the anterior wall and 4.3 for the posterior wall of the PVs were the best cutoff values for predicting AF recurrence after LSI‐guided HP ablation.
Correlation of spatial patterns of endocardial pace mapping to underlying scar topography in patients with scar‐related ventricular tachycardia
Authors: Kotake Yasuhito , Bennett Richard , Silva Kasun De , Bhaskaran Ashwin , Kanawati Juliana , Turnbull Samual , Zhou Julia , Kumar Saurabh , Campbell Timothy
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Endocardial pace mapping (PM) can identify conducting channels for ventricular tachycardia (VT) circuits in patients with structural heart disease (SHD). Recent findings show the temporal and spatial pattern of PM may aid identification of the surface harboring VT isthmii. The specific correlation of PM patterns to scar topography has not been examined.

Objective

To correlate the pattern of endocardial PMs to underlying scar topography in SHD patients with VT.

Methods

Data from patients undergoing VT ablation from August 2018 to February 2022 were reviewed.

Results

Sixty‐three patients with SHD‐related VT (mean age 65 ± 14 years) with 83 endocardial PM correlation maps were analysed. Two main correlation patterns were identified, an “abrupt‐change correlation pattern (AC‐pattern)” and “centrifugal‐attenuation correlation pattern (CA‐pattern).” AC‐pattern had lower scar ratio (unipolar/bipolar % scar area; 1.1 vs. 1.5, p < .001), had longer maximal stimulus‐QRS intervals (97.5 vs. 68 ms, p = .002), and higher likelihood of endocardial dominant scar (11/21 [52%] vs. 3/38 [8%], p < .001) than CA‐pattern seen on intracardiac echocardiography (ICE). In contrast, CA‐pattern was more likely to have epicardial dominant scar or mid‐intramural scar on ICE (epicardial dominant scar; CA‐pattern: 12/38 [32%] vs. AC‐pattern: 1/21 [5%], p = .02, mid‐intramural scar; CA‐pattern: 15/38 [39%] vs. AC‐pattern: 1/21 [5%], p = .005).

Conclusions

The spatial pattern of endocardial PM in SHD‐related VT directly correlates with scar topography. AC‐pattern is associated with endocardial dominant scar on ICE with lower scar ratio and longer stimulus‐QRS intervals, whereas CA‐pattern is strongly associated with epicardial dominant or mid‐intramural scar with higher scar ratio and shorter stimulus‐QRS intervals.
Effect of contact force on pulsed field ablation lesions in porcine cardiac tissue
Authors: Mattison Lars , Verma Atul , Tarakji Khaldoun G. , Reichlin Tobias , Hindricks Gerhard , Sack Kevin L. , Önal Birce , Schmidt Megan M. , Miklavčič Damijan , Sigg Daniel C.
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Contact force has been used to titrate lesion formation for radiofrequency ablation. Pulsed field ablation (PFA) is a field‐based ablation technology for which limited evidence on the impact of contact force on lesion size is available.

Methods

Porcine hearts (n = 6) were perfused using a modified Langendorff set‐up. A prototype focal PFA catheter attached to a force gauge was held perpendicular to the epicardium and lowered until contact was made. Contact force was recorded during each PFA delivery. Matured lesions were cross‐sectioned, stained, and the lesion dimensions measured.

Results

A total of 82 lesions were evaluated with contact forces between 1.3 and 48.6 g. Mean lesion depth was 4.8 ± 0.9 mm (standard deviation), mean lesion width was 9.1 ± 1.3 mm, and mean lesion volume was 217.0 ± 96.6 mm3. Linear regression curves showed an increase of only 0.01 mm in depth (depth = 0.01 × contact force + 4.41, R2 = 0.05), 0.03 mm in width (width = 0.03 × contact force + 8.26, R2 = 0.13) for each additional gram of contact force, and 2.20 mm3 in volume (volume = 2.20 × contact force + 162, R2 = 0.10).

Conclusion

Increasing contact force using a bipolar, biphasic focal PFA system has minimal effects on acute lesion dimensions in an isolated porcine heart model and achieving tissue contact is more important than the force with which that contact is made.
Experience of clinical nurses engaged in caring for patients with COVID‐19: A qualitative systematic review and meta‐synthesis
Authors: Luo Yunting , Feng Xianqiong , Wang Dandan , Qiao Xu , Xiao Xujia , Jia Shiqi , Zheng Mingyue , Reinhardt Jan D.
Published: January 2023

Aims and Objective

This qualitative review summarises and synthesises the available evidence on subjective experiences of clinical nurses who cared for patients with COVID‐19.

Background

Nurses are first responders and play a vital role in emerging infectious disease epidemics such as the COVID‐19 pandemic. In this context, they also face many difficulties and challenges related, for example to the imbalance between extensive demands and low control over work tasks.

Design and Method

A systematic review of qualitative studies and meta‐synthesis focused on the experiences of clinical nurses caring for patients with COVID‐19 during the pandemic was carried out.

Results

A total of 279 findings were extracted, aggregated into 21 categories and combined into seven synthesised findings, namely (1) professional nursing practice during the pandemic, (2) support systems, (3) somatic sensations and psychological experiences, (4) difficulties and challenges, (5) coping strategies and behaviour, (6) impact on life, profession and values, and (7) needs and expectations for the future.

Conclusion

Nurses encountered considerable difficulties and challenges in caring for patients with COVID‐19. Nurses caring for patients with COVID‐19 need more support from organisations, families and society. It is essential to explore positive coping strategies suitable for working in different cultural backgrounds. Policymakers and decision‐makers should pay attention to the experiences and voices of nurses.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

It is critical for nurse managers to consider how to enhance the support system and help nurses develop adaptive coping strategies in response to COVID‐19. Nurses' experiences and voices are valuable in improving health emergency response systems.

Patient or Public Contribution

There was no patient or public contribution.
Variability and change in adolescents' prosocial behavior across multiple time scales
Authors: te Brinke Lysanne W. , van de Groep Suzanne , van der Cruijsen Renske , Crone Eveline A.
Published: January 2023

We examined variability and change in adolescents' prosocial behaviors directed to peers and friends across four time scales: two‐years, one‐year, two‐monthly, and daily. Data from three longitudinal datasets with a total of 569 adolescents (55.7% girl, Mage = 15.23, SD = 3.90) were included. The overall time‐related stability of prosocial behavior across time scales was moderate to excellent. Variability did not differ between early (age 10–15) and late (age 16–21) adolescence, but late adolescence was associated with higher mean levels of prosociality. Finally, results indicated that prosocial behaviors measured over longer periods (i.e., two‐years and one‐year) were positively associated with cognitive processes (perspective taking), whereas prosocial behaviors measured over shorter periods (i.e., two‐monthly) were positively associated with affective processes (empathy).
Melatonin increases susceptibility to atrial fibrillation in obesity via Akt signaling impairment in response to lipid overload
Authors: Qin Xinghua , Fu Yuping , Fan Jiali , Liu Binghua , Liu Peng , Zhang Yudi , Jiang Tiannan , Zheng Qiangsun
Published: January 2023

Melatonin has been proven to have antiarrhythmic potential; however, several studies have recently challenged this view. Herein, using a mouse model of obesity‐induced atrial fibrillation (AF), we tentatively explored whether exogenous melatonin supplementation could increase AF susceptibility in the context of obesity. We observed that an 8‐week drinking administration of melatonin (60 µg/ml in water) induced a greater susceptibility to AF in obese mice, although obesity‐induced structural remodeling was alleviated. An investigation of systemic insulin sensitivity showed that melatonin treatment improved insulin sensitivity in obese mice, whereas it inhibited glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion. Notably, melatonin treatment inhibited protein kinase B (Akt) signaling in the atria of obese mice and palmitate‐treated neonatal rat cardiomyocytes, thereby providing an AF substrate. Melatonin increased lipid stress in obesity, as evidenced by elevated lipid accumulation and lipolysis‐related gene expression, thus contributing to the impairment in atrial Akt signaling. Taken together, our results demonstrated that melatonin could increase AF susceptibility in obesity, probably due to increased lipid stress and resultant impairment of atrial Akt signaling. Our findings suggest that special precautions should be taken when administering melatonin to obese subjects.
A tale of two distractions: How institutional forces influence R&D‐based problemistic search in transition economies
Authors: Gao Renfei , Lu Jane Wenzhen , Hu Helen Wei , Martin Geoffrey
Published: January 2023

The behavioral theory of the firm (BTOF) suggests that firms are motivated to increase R&D search in response to profitability shortfalls—that is, R&D‐based problemistic search. Although prior studies have provided considerable evidence for this influential explanation of R&D search, recent research shows that it is not the case in transition economies. Our study sheds light on this critical question of Why not for transition economy firms (TEFs), by identifying institutionally derived mechanisms that distract TEF decision makers' attention from R&D‐based problemistic search. Specifically, we examine the implications of institutional environments for goal definition and problem attribution—two critical yet underexplored components of problemistic search. Integrating the BTOF and institutional implications, we theorize how TEFs' R&D‐based problemistic search is distracted by government‐imposed goal definition and politically oriented problem attribution. Using panel data on Chinese listed firms, we find that R&D search in response to profitability shortfalls is negatively moderated by employment shortfalls (government‐imposed goal definition) and lack of political connections relative to peers (politically oriented problem attribution). Our study provides novel insights into TEFs' R&D‐based problemistic search by revealing two institutionally derived distractive mechanisms (i.e., boundary conditions). Moreover, this study extends the BTOF literature by exploring how decision makers' intrinsic attention allocation (among different goals and among different latent problems) is subject to extrinsic institutional environments.
Clinical presentation, treatment, and outcome of 24 dogs with bacterial meningitis or meningoencephalitis without empyema (2010‐2020)
Authors: Rawson Faye , Foreman Max , Mignan Thomas , Galer Jack , Fraser Anne , Crawford Abbe
Published: January 2023

Background

Bacterial meningitis (BM) and meningoencephalitis (BMEM) are associated with high case fatality rates and neurologic sequelae in people, but limited data exists on outcome in dogs.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To report the clinicopathologic features, treatment and outcome of BM/BMEM in dogs, with a focus on clinical presentation, relapse and long‐term neurological deficits.

Animals

Twenty‐four client‐owned dogs diagnosed with BM/BMEM without empyema.

Methods

Retrospective case series of dogs diagnosed with BM/BMEM from 5 veterinary referral hospitals between January 2010 and August 2020.

Results

Twenty‐four dogs were included. Median duration of clinical signs was 2 days (range ≤24 hours to 30 days) and signs recorded included pyrexia (3) and cervical hyperesthesia (10). Neurological deficits were present in 18 dogs including altered mentation (12), ataxia (8), nonambulatory status (8), head tilt (8), and cranial nerve deficits (13). Intracellular bacteria were visualized on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis in 15/24 dogs, with positive CSF bacteriological culture in 8/21. Otitis media/interna (OMI) was diagnosed in 15/24 dogs, of which 6/15 dogs underwent total ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy.

Twenty dogs survived to hospital discharge. Median duration of antibiotic administrations was 8 weeks (range, 2‐16 weeks). Glucocorticoids were administered to 15 dogs. Median follow‐up time was 92 days (range, 10‐2233 days). Residual neurological deficits were reported in 9 dogs, with a single case of suspected relapse.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Clinical signs were variable in dogs with BM/BMEM, the nidus of bacterial infection was often OMI and the majority of dogs made a full recovery with treatment.
Noncognitivism without expressivism
Authors: Beddor Bob
Published: January 2023

According to expressivists, normative language expresses desire‐like states of mind. According to noncognitivists, normative beliefs have a desire‐like functional role. What is the relation between these two doctrines? It is widely assumed that expressivism commits you to noncognitivism, and vice versa. This paper opposes that assumption. I advance a view that combines a noncognitivist psychology with a descriptivist semantics for normative language. While this might seem like an ungainly hybrid, I argue that it has important advantages over more familiar metaethical positions. The noncognitivist aspect of the theory captures all of the explanatory benefits standardly associated with expressivism. At the same time, the descriptivist element allows us to avoid the semantic headaches for expressivism.
Benefits of sourcing alternative inputs of manufacturers for suppliers
Authors: Gao Yuetao , Johnson Norman , Shen Bo , Tan Yinliang (Ricky)
Published: January 2023

A downstream manufacturer can procure high‐quality inputs from its upstream raw material supplier to produce finished products with high quality. The manufacturer may also have the option to source alternative cheaper low‐quality inputs to partially replace the inputs from its supplier to produce finished products of lower quality. That is, the manufacturer can use a mixture of the supplier's inputs and alternative ones in product design such that product quality depends on the proportion of each input used in products. We endogenize this product quality decision in a simple analytical model to study the impact of this option on the supplier's profits. Intuitively, the option of sourcing alternative inputs could hurt the supplier in two ways: It sells fewer inputs, and it needs to set a lower wholesale price due to competitive pressure. However, our study reveals an opposite finding: The supplier can benefit not only by selling more inputs but also by setting a higher wholesale price when the manufacturer has the option of sourcing alternative low‐quality inputs. This interesting finding is due to the wholesale price push‐up effect: The upstream supplier may deliberately raise the wholesale price when sourcing alternative inputs is an option for the downstream manufacturer. This increased wholesale price encourages the manufacturer to use a higher proportion of alternative cheaper inputs in its product design; as a result, the manufacturer's marginal cost is reduced, which leads to a decrease in its retail price. Therefore, consumer demand for the manufacturer's products becomes higher, which in turn results in higher manufacturer demand for the supplier's inputs. Moreover, we show that despite this higher wholesale price, the manufacturer can earn higher profits by optimally charging a lower retail price. Furthermore, we find that the wholesale price of the supplier's inputs can exceed the manufacturer's retail price, thereby leading to a negative profit margin for the manufacturer from using the supplier's inputs. Finally, we demonstrate the robustness of our findings under several model extensions.
Pictures of you: God images, gun ownership, and empowerment in the United States
Authors: Upenieks Laura , Hill Terrence D. , Robertson James E.
Published: January 2023

Objective

In the current study, we seek to shed new light on the role of religion in American gun culture by considering whether images people hold of God affect the probability of gun ownership and the experience of empowerment through guns for religious Americans (i.e., the extent to which owners derive security, identity, and status from their guns).

Methods

We analyze nationally representative data from the 2021 Baylor Religion Survey in the United States. Binary logistic and ordinary least squares regression models were used.

Results

We failed to observe any associations between God images and gun ownership. However, among gun owners (n = 430), belief in an engaged God was associated with lower levels of gun empowerment, while belief in a judgmental God was associated with higher levels.

Conclusion

God images may contribute to the experience of empowerment through guns by representing spiritual connection and intimacy or divine anger and retribution. We suggest that future research delve deeper into the intersection of God images and gun‐related beliefs and behaviors.
Hypoxia Does Not Change Performance and Psychophysiological Responses During Repeated Cycling Sprints to Exhaustion With Short Exercise-to-Rest Ratio
Authors: Raberin Antoine , Willis Sarah J. , Richard Thomas , Elmer Joakim , Vernillo Gianluca , Iaia F. Marcello , Girard Olivier , Malatesta Davide , Millet Grégoire P.
Published: January 2023

Purpose: To compare the acute performance and psychophysiological responses of repeated cycling sprints to exhaustion with a short exercise-to-rest ratio (1:6), between different effort durations and inspired oxygen fractions. Methods: On separate visits, 10 active participants completed 6 repeated cycling sprint exercises to exhaustion with 3 different effort durations (5, 10, and 20 s) and 2 conditions of inspired oxygen (20.9% and 13.6%). Exercise-to-rest ratio was 1:6 for all trials (ie, 5:30, 10:60, and 20:120). Vastus lateralis muscle oxygenation (near-infrared spectroscopy), blood lactate concentration, and lower-limb and breathing discomfort, using ratings of perceived exertion, were measured. Results: Number of sprints and peak power output decreased while blood lactate increased (all P < .001) during 5:30 compared with 10:60 or 20:120. No condition or interaction effects were reported for blood lactate and exercise-related sensation. Muscle deoxyhemoglobin increased (P < .001) and total hemoglobin decreased (P = .002) during sprint with increasing sprint duration (no condition or interaction). Conclusion: During repeated-sprint exercise to exhaustion with a short exercise-to-rest ratio, the psychophysiological responses did not differ between normoxia and moderate hypoxia, probably due to an extended recovery period. It means that hypoxia did not modify repeated-sprint exercise performance with a short exercise-to-rest ratio. The sprint duration was the primary underlying factor of the observed differences in performance and muscle oxygenation reported between the repeated-sprint exercise sessions.
A Longitudinal Examination of Homologous Reproduction in Athletic Directors’ Hiring of Intercollegiate Head Coaches for Women Sports
Authors: Boucher Courtney , LaVoi Nicole M.
Published: January 2023

The underrepresentation of women head coaches of women’s teams at the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I level is well documented, and the percentage of women coaching women’s teams has remained stagnant at approximately 40%–43% for more than a decade. Documenting hiring patterns of individuals in positions of power is crucial to understanding why stagnation persists. The purpose of this study was to longitudinally examine the gender distribution of head coaches hired for women’s teams and statistically examine if the gender of the athletic director (AD) impacted who was hired. Data on head coach gender and AD gender were collected between the 2014–2015 and 2021–2022 academic years. Based on the data, gendered hiring patterns emerged. Results indicated that homologous reproduction was present in ADs’ hiring of head coaches of women’s teams. The findings can be used to increase awareness and motivate evidence-based action by holding ADs accountable for their hiring decisions. Findings illuminate the hiring processes in intercollegiate sport, which have numerous implications for women sport coaches. Future research on factors such as external influences on the hiring process and the glass cliff phenomenon is warranted.
Inflammatory and Cardiovascular Correlates of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in Older Adults Living With HIV
Authors: Jones Raymond , Enogela Ene M. , Buchanan Taylor L. , Buford Thomas W. , Vance David E. , Fazeli Pariya L.
Published: January 2023

Background: Inflammation is an indicator of oxidative stress that may contribute to cardiovascular diseases in older people living with HIV (OPWH). Physical activity (PA) may reduce these biomarkers in OPWH, but little is known about the association of PA with inflammatory and cardiovascular biomarkers. We sought to examine the inflammatory and cardiovascular biomarker correlates of PA and sedentary behavior in OPWH. Methods: We included 101 OPWH with complete assessments of PA, sedentary behavior, and biomarker data to examine the association between the volume of PA and inflammatory and cardiovascular biomarkers. Results: In this cohort of OPWH (mean age 55.9 y), 68% were male and 83% were African American/Black. Among OPWH, greater volume of PA (ie, walking, moderate, vigorous, and/or total) was associated with lower systolic (P < .05) and diastolic blood pressure (P < .05), pulse pressure (P < .05), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (P < .05). Greater duration of sitting was associated with greater triglycerides, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (P < .05). Conclusions: Although adherence to regular PA among OPWH is low and sedentary behavior is high, the associations between biomarkers and PA suggest a greater volume of PA could attenuate the inflammatory and cardiovascular derangements experienced by OPWH.
VCSN: Virtual Circuit-Switching Network for Flexible and Simple-to-Operate Communication in HPC FPGA Cluster
Authors: Ueno Tomohiro , Sano Kentaro
Published: January 2023

FPGA clusters promise to play a critical role in
high-performance computing (HPC)
systems in the near future due to their flexibility and high power efficiency. The operation of large-scale general-purpose FPGA clusters on which multiple users run diverse applications requires flexible network topology to be divided and reconfigured. This paper proposes
Virtual Circuit-Switching Network (VCSN)
that provides an arbitrarily reconfigurable network topology and simple-to-operate network system among FPGA nodes. With virtualization, user logic on FPGAs can communicate with each other as if a circuit-switching network was available. This paper demonstrates that VCSN with 100 Gbps Ethernet achieves highly-efficient point-to-point communication among FPGAs due to its unique and efficient communication protocol. We compare VCSN with a
direct connection network (DCN)
that connects FPGAs directly. We also show a concrete procedure to realize collective communication on an FPGA cluster with VCSN. We demonstrate that the flexible virtual topology provided by VCSN can accelerate collective communication with simple operations. Furthermore, based on experimental results, we model and estimate communication performance by DCN and VCSN in a large FPGA cluster. The result shows that VCSN has the potential to accelerate gather communication up to about 1.97 times more than DCN.
Medication Nonadherence and Associated Factors among Heart Failure Patients at University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Seid Mohammed Assen , Toleha Husien Nurahmed , Sema Faisel Dula
Published: January 2023

Background. Medication nonadherence, being one of the best predictors of hospitalization, increases the mortality rate and hospital readmission and reduces the quality of life of heart failure (HF) patients. Therefore, this study is aimed at assessing medication nonadherence and associated factors among HF patients at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 245 adult patients with HF from June to August 2017. The data were collected by using the medication Adherence Report Scale (MARS-5) and then entered and analyzed using SPSS® (IBM Corporation) version 24. Summary statistics were presented using frequency, proportion, and mean. Binary logistic regression analysis was done for identifying factors associated with medication nonadherence with a 95% confidence level and

p

value of less than 0.05. Results. Among 245 patients with HF, about a quarter (23.7%) of them were medication nonadherent. More than one-third (37%) of HF patients had a history of at least one HF medication discontinuation. Refilling problems (48%) and getting better from the illness (27%) were the most commonly reported reasons for nonadherence. Presence of comorbidity (

AOR
=
2.761

;

95
%
CI
=
1.364

, 5.589), taking three or more types of medication (

AOR
=
2.805

;

95
%
CI
=
1.404

, 5.60), and being unmarried (

AOR
=
2.638

,

95
%
CI
=
1.279

, 5.443) was significantly associated with medication nonadherence. Conclusion. The self-reported medication nonadherence among HF patients was considerably high. Refilling problems and getting better from the illness were the most commonly reported reasons for nonadherence. The presence of comorbid illness, taking three or more types of medication, and being unmarried was significantly associated factors of medication nonadherence. Awareness creation among patients on the importance of medication adherence and targeted efforts to assess and mitigate reasons for medication nonadherence may be helpful.
Intestinal Parasitic Infections and Associated Risk Factors among Food Handlers of Food and Drinking Establishments in Woldia Town, North-East Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Feleke Daniel Getacher , Bisetegn Habtye , Zewudu Getamesay , Alemu Yohannes , Feleke Seifegebriel Teshome
Published: January 2023

Background. Food handlers should be screened periodically for intestinal parasitic infections, and they should be treated to reduce intestinal parasite transmission to consumers through contaminated foods and drinks. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated risk factors of intestinal parasitic infection among food handlers in Woldia town, North-East Ethiopia. Method. A community-basedcross-sectional study was conducted among food handlers in Woldia town, North-East Ethiopia. A structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic characteristics and intestinal parasite-associated risk factors. Microscopic examination of a stool sample was performed using wet-mount and formol-ether concentration techniques. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 statistical software packages. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to investigate the association between intestinal parasitic infections and associated risk factors. In all comparisons,

P

value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Result. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection among food handlers in Woldia town was 14.3%. Six different intestinal parasites were detected. The majority of the parasites identified were helminthic infections 37/52 (71%). Ascaris lumbricoides was the most dominant parasite (7.7%), followed by E. histolytica/dispar (2.7%) and G. lamblia (1.4%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that intestinal parasitic infection had a statistically significant association with food handlers’ habits of hand washing without soap after latrine use (

P
<
0.01

), swimming habit (

P
=
0.03

), and using a common knife (

P
<
0.01

). Conclusion. This study revealed a relatively high prevalence of intestinal parasites among food handlers in Woldia town. Strict and standard hygienic and sanitary practices should be implemented by food handlers. Moreover, food handlers should be screened for intestinal parasitic infection, and health education should be given periodically.
Yiyi Fuzi Baijiang Powder Alleviates Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Rats via Inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 Inflammasome Signaling Pathway to Repair the Intestinal Epithelial Barrier, and Modulating Intestinal Microbiota
Authors: Yang Jinguang , Miao Lili , Xue Ye , Wang Xiaoyan
Published: January 2023

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic non-specific inflammatory disease of the intestine, which is prone to recurrence and difficult to cure. Yiyi Fuzi Baijiang powder (YFBP), as a classic Chinese herbal formula, is commonly used in the clinical treatment of UC. However, its potential mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the mechanism by which YFBP exerts a therapeutic effect against UC. Firstly, we used network pharmacology to screen the active ingredients and potential targets of YFBP and constructed a “drug-ingredient-target” network. Based on bioinformatics, we searched for differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with UC and obtained common targets. The core targets of YFBP in the treatment of UC were identified using a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, and molecular docking techniques were used to evaluate the binding energies of the core targets and corresponding ingredients. Enrichment analysis by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) revealed that YFBP exerted therapeutic effects by regulating multiple inflammatory pathways including TLR4, NF-κB, and TNF. Secondly, an experimental study was carried out in vivo for verification. Our results demonstrated that YFBP could effectively improve the symptoms and intestinal pathological of UC rats. Further study showed that YFBP could significantly downregulate the expressions of TLR4 and p-NF-κB p65 in UC rats, inhibit the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome, reduce the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α, and then upregulate the expressions of tight junction proteins in intestinal epithelial cells. In addition, YFBP could improve the intestinal microbial community. In conclusion, our study revealed that YFBP had a good therapeutic effect on UC, and its mechanism might be related to the inhibition of the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway to repair intestinal epithelial barrier and the modulation of intestinal microbiota.
Connecting Pharmacists and Other Health Care Providers (HCPs) towards Drug Therapy Optimization: A Pharmaceutical Care Approach
Authors: Iqbal Mir Javid , Mohammad Ishaq Geer , Assiri Abdullah A.
Published: January 2023

Background. Pharmaceutical care services offered by pharmacists rationalize drug therapy, improve patient quality of life, and save patients’ lives. This study was designed to optimize patient drug therapy through pharmaceutical care services offered by a pharmacist in consultation with other health care providers (HCPs) at a tertiary care hospital. Methods. This descriptive study was conducted to assess the role and effectiveness of pharmacists in optimizing drug therapy outcomes. The study was carried out at an internal and pulmonary medicine unit of a tertiary care hospital in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India, with a total of 50 health care providers (HCPs) (24 doctors, 16 nurses, and 10 pharmacists). A total of 182 patients (males and females) of all age groups were recruited into the study over a period of nine months. Patient-specific pharmaceutical care plans initiated by the pharmacist based on drug therapy-related needs and problems were used to address and optimize drug therapy outcomes in consultation with other HCPs. Results. A total of 388 drug-related problems (DRPs) with an average of 2.29 DRPs per patient were identified, for which 258 pharmaceutical care plans as interventions were proposed, out of which 233 (90.31%) were accepted and implemented. Preassessment and postassessment by HCPs on services rendered by the pharmacist showed a positive change in attitude among HCPs with respect to their endorsement and acceptance of the pharmacist’s services in providing direct patient care. Conclusions. Pharmaceutical care services offered by pharmacists helped in optimizing drug therapy and patient care.
Simultaneous Determination of Three Compounds in Rat Plasma by UHPLC-QQQ-MS/MS and Its Application to Pharmacokinetics of Banxia Baizhu Tianma Tang
Authors: Ying Zheming , Sui Guoyuan , Jia Lianqun , Yang Guanlin
Published: January 2023

A rapid and highly selective and sensitive ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QQQ-MS/MS) method was applied to simultaneously determine ephedrine, gastrodin, and liquiritin in rat plasma. The three analytes and vitexin-2″-O-rhamnoside (I.S.) were analyzed on a Waters Acquity UPLC C18 column (1.7 μm, 2.1 mm × 100 mm) at 30°C with gradient mobile phase consisting of 0.1% formic acid aqueous solution (A) and acetonitrile (B) after one-step direct protein precipitation with acetonitrile. The detection was performed by multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode via electrospray ionization (ESI) source in positive and negative ion modes. The product ions m/z 166.1⟶148.1, 285.1⟶123.1, 417.1⟶255.1, and 579.0⟶433.1 were used for determination of ephedrine, gastrodin, liquiritin, and I.S., respectively. The calibration curves of the three analytes were linear with r2 greater than 0.994. The intra and interday precision RSD% was less than 11.5 and 13.4. The intra and interday precision RE% was between −10.4% and 9.33%. The average extraction recoveries of the three analytes were no less than 86.88 ± 1.08%. The developed and validated method was for the first time applied to the pharmacokinetics of three compounds in rat plasma after intragastric administration of Banxia Baizhu Tianma Tang.
Numerical Analysis of Influences of Engineering Piles for Anti-Inrush of Deep Excavation under Confined Water
Authors: Cheng Zehai , Jin Liujun , Zhang Chaojie , Yu Zhenshuai
Published: January 2023

Aiming at the problem of anti-inrush of confined water in foundation pits considering the influence of engineering piles, a three-dimensional numerical analysis model of anti-inrush stability of deep foundation pits is established by using the finite element software ABAQUS, and the inrush failure mechanism and deformation behavior of the foundation pit bottom under the action of different confined water levels are analyzed. The effects of different pile lengths, pile spacing, waterproof layer thickness, and soil strength are studied, respectively, and the laws of pile foundation stress and soil deformation under the action of confined water are revealed. The results show that the existence of engineering piles has an obvious inhibitory effect on the stability of foundation pit confined water against inrush. By introducing the comprehensive correction coefficient of pile side friction, an analysis method for the anti-inrush stability of foundation pits considering the influence of engineering piles is proposed.
Curcumin Induces Ferroptosis in Follicular Thyroid Cancer by Upregulating HO-1 Expression
Authors: Chen Huanjie , Li Zhoufan , Xu Jingchao , Zhang Ning , Chen Junzhu , Wang Guangzhi , Zhao Yongfu
Published: January 2023

Follicular thyroid cancer (FTC) is a highly aggressive type of endocrine malignancy. It is necessary to investigate the mechanisms of tumorigenesis and therapeutic pathways in patients with FTC. Haem oxygenase-1 (HO-1) can regulate oxidative stress and the occurrence of tumors and diseases. In this study, we discovered that HO-1 was abnormally overexpressed in FTC compared with adjacent tissues. However, the HO-1 overexpression was demonstrated to decrease cell viability and to potentially activate the ferroptosis signalling pathway. Ferroptosis is a newly identified form of oxidative cell death and is currently being targeted as a new cancer treatment. Tumorigenesis is significantly inhibited by curcumin. The present study shows that curcumin inhibits the growth of FTC by increasing the HO-1 expression, further activating the ferroptosis pathway. This study demonstrates that the HO-1-ferroptosis signalling pathway might play an important role in FTC tumorigenesis, and that curcumin inhibits the growth of FTC cells by affecting this pathway.
The Immediate Effect of Exercising in a Virtual Reality Treadmill (C-Mill) on Skin Temperature of a Man with Lower Limb Amputation
Authors: Alfieri Fábio Marcon , da Silva Dias Caren , Utiyama Daniela Mitiyo Odagiri , Ayres Denise Vianna Machado , Battistella Linamara Rizzo
Published: January 2023

Background. In amputees, exercising can impact the distribution of body temperature. The aim of this case report is to verify the acute effect of exercising in C-Mill on the temperature distribution in the lower limbs of a man with unilateral transfemoral amputation. Materials and Methods. The thigh and legs of a man with left distal transfemoral amputation were evaluated by thermography (infrared sensor FLIR T650sc) before and after a single 30-minute exercise session performed in a virtual reality treadmill device (C-Mill). Results. The thermographic evaluation showed a difference in temperature between the thighs both before and after the intervention. However, there was a decrease in asymmetry, which went from 4.0°C to 3.1°C in the anterior view and from 5.3°C to 2.9°C in the posterior view, after the intervention. Conclusion. Thermography allowed us to assess the difference in temperature in the lower limbs. Even though the temperature discrepancy has decreased after the single exercise session using the C-Mill, this difference persisted.
Lightweight Intrusion Detection Model of the Internet of Things with Hybrid Cloud-Fog Computing
Authors: Zhao Guosheng , Wang Yang , Wang Jian
Published: January 2023

While promoting the development of the Internet of Things, cloud-fog hybrid computing faces severe information security risks. The intrusion detection system deployed in the fog node has lower latency but needs to be more lightweight. In response to the abovementioned problems, this paper proposes a lightweight intrusion detection model based on ConvNeXt-Sf. First, the two-dimensional structure of the latest computer vision model ConvNeXt is reduced to a one-dimensional sequence. Then, the design criteria of the lightweight computer vision model ShuffleNet V2 are used to improve ConvNeXt to make the latter more lightweight. Finally, the max-min normalization and label encoder are built into the data preprocessing model to convert the network traffic into a form conducive to ConvNeXt learning. The proposed model is evaluated on the TON-IoT and BoT-IoT datasets. The params of ConvNeXt-Sf are only 1.25% of that of ConvNeXt. Compared with the ConvNeXt, the ConvNeXt-Sf shortens the training time and prediction time by 82.63% and 56.48%, respectively, without reducing the learning capability and detection capability. Compared with the traditional models, the accuracy of the proposed model is increased by 6.18%, and the FAR is decreased by 4.49%. Compared with other lightweight models, the ShuffleNet V2 is better at making ConvNeXt lightweight.
A‐Kinase Anchor Protein 95 Is Involved in ERK1/2–Elk‐1 Signal Transduction in Colon Cancer
Authors: Kong Xiangyu , An Putian , Xu Junping , Liu Wenzhi , Lin Feng , Yang Yulong
Published: January 2023

Objectives. To assess A‐kinase anchor protein 95 (AKAP95), B‐Raf, extracellular regulated protein kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2), and Elk‐1 expression in colon cancer tissue, and characterize AKAP95 associations with B‐Raf, ERK1/2, Elk‐1, and colon cancer clinicopathological indices. Methods. The immunohistochemistry streptavidin‐perosidase (SP) method was used to determine protein expression levels in 64 colon cancer and 32 para‐carcinoma tissue specimens. Results. (1) Positive AKAP95 expression rates in colon cancer tissue were higher when compared with para‐carcinoma tissue (92.19% vs. 59.38%, P < 0.05). Similar findings were determined for B‐Raf (76.56% vs. 25%, P < 0.05), ERK1/2 (90.63% vs. 31.25%, P < 0.05), and Elk‐1 levels (92.19% vs. 40.63%, P < 0.05). (2) No significant associations were identified between AKAP95, B‐Raf, ERK1/2, and Elk‐1 protein expression and degree of differentiation, histological type, and lymph node metastasis in colon cancer samples (P > 0.05); however, in The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus datasets, AKAP95 was closely related to immune infiltration, and highly expressed AKAP95 was negatively associated with overall survival and relapse free survival rates in colon cancer patients. (3) Correlations were observed between AKAP95 and ERK1/2, AKAP95 and Elk‐1, B‐Raf and ERK1/2, B‐Raf and Elk‐1, and ERK1/2 and Elk‐1 (all P < 0.05), but no correlation was observed between AKAP95 and B‐Raf (P > 0.05). Conclusions. AKAP95 may affect immune infiltration levels in colon cancer by participating in ERK1/2–Elk‐1 signal transduction.
Prediction of the Mechanical Properties of Fibre-Reinforced Quarry Dust Concrete Using Response Surface and Artificial Neural Network Techniques
Authors: Sridhar Jayaprakash , Balaji Shanmugam , Jegatheeswaran Dhanapal , Awoyera Paul
Published: January 2023

The focus of this study is to forecast the 28-day compressive strength and split tensile strength of concrete with various percentages of jute and coconut fibres mixed with quarry dust. The response surface methodology (RSM) and the artificial neural networks (ANN) methods were adopted for 3 variable process modelling (coconut fibres of 0% to 2.5%, jute fibres of 0% to 2.5%, and quarry dust of 0% to 25% by weight of cement). The RSM Box−Behnken design (BBD) method was adopted to design the experiments. Test results showed that compressive strength of 34.6 N/mm2 was obtained for concrete with 0% jute, 0% coir, and 12.5% quarry dust. Similarly, the maximum split tensile strength of 3.8 N/mm2 was obtained for concrete with 1.25% jute fibres, 1.25% coconut fibres, and 12.5% quarry dust. ANOVA and Pareto charts were used to assess regression models for response data. Each progression variable’s statistical significance was assessed, and the resulting models were expressed as second-order polynomial equations. Levenberg−Marquardt (LM) algorithm with feed-forward back propagation neural network was used for assessing the compressive strength and split tensile strength of concrete. The statistical data, root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), mean absolute and percentage error (MAPE), and determination coefficient (R2) show that both techniques, ANN and RSM, are effective tools for predicting compressive strength and split tensile strength. Furthermore, RSM and ANN models have a high correlation with experimental data. However, the response surface methodology model is more accurate.
Yunvjian Improves Glucose and Insulin Function in Diabetic Rats by Regulating Gastric Emptying Function
Authors: Luo Wan-Yu , Gao Lin , Zhao Dan-Dan , Zhang Lin , Gao Bo , Lei Guang , Dong Guang-Tong , Wei Jun-Ping
Published: January 2023

Background. Diet acts on the human body through digestion in the stomach and absorption in the intestines. Thus, the emptying of the stomach should be the focus of the research mechanism of the combined medicine and food treatment of diabetes. The emptying function of the stomach and the secretion of related hormones may be the key points of traditional Chinese medicine. In the clinic, Yunvjian is a famous traditional Chinese formula for preventing and curing diabetes. However, the pharmacological action and mechanism of Yunvjian are also need to be probe. Objective. To assess the effect of Yunvjian on glucose, insulin level and gastric emptying function and related hormones on high‐fat diet combined with STZ‐induced diabetic rats. Methods. High‐fat diet combined with STZ was used to construct type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats model and received a 4‐week Yunvjian administration. The animals were divided into 6 groups, respectively, as the Control group, the DM group, the DM + Acarbose group, the DM + YNH group, and the DM + YNL group. Radionuclide single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) technology was used to observe the gastric emptying rate and half‐empty time; blood was took to test fasting insulin, and then the insulin resistance index (HOMA‐IR) was calculated; HE staining was performed to detect islets and gastric antrum, immunohistochemical staining was performed to detect the number and morphology of pancreatic β cells and gastric antrum Cajal cells, and the average optical density was calculated; the expression of ghrelin hormone in gastric antrum and serum was detected by ELISA and immunofluorescence; the expression of GHRS mRNA in gastric antrum was detected by RT‐PCR method. Results. Yunvjian could significantly improve the glucose level and insulin function of rats. Compared with the DM group, Yunvjian was beneficial to low fasting blood glucose (FBG) (P < 0.01), increased glucose tolerance, and improved islet function at the same time (P < 0.05). At the same time, compared with the DM group (25.02 ± 0.05, 44 ± 12.33), the emptying rate of the DM + YNH group was significantly faster (64.98 ± 0.12), and the half row time was shortened (26 ± 8.29, P < 0.05). The gastric ghrelin levels in each group of Yunvjian increased with different degrees compared with the DM group (616.2 ± 26.23), especially in the DM + YNH group (863.51 ± 23.76, P < 0.01). Correspondingly, the expression of gastric GHSR mRNA in the DM + YNH and DM + YNL groups increased significantly compared with the DM group (P < 0.01). Conclusions. Yunvjian can effectively control glucose and improve islet function, which may be closely related to its influence on gastric emptying function and related hormone secretion regulation.