bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence and risk factors for cholelithiasis after bariatric surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Dai Yu , Luo Bujiangcun , Li Weizheng
Published: January 2023

Background

Obesity has been identified as an independent risk factor for cholelithiasis. As a treatment for obesity, bariatric surgery may increase the incidence of cholelithiasis. The risk factors for cholelithiasis after bariatric surgery remain uncertain. The purpose of this study was to explore the risk factors for postoperative cholelithiasis after weight-loss surgery and propose suggestions for clinical decision making.

Methods

Four databases, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane, were systematically searched for all reports about cholelithiasis after bariatric surgery, and literature screening was performed following prespecified inclusion criteria. The included studies were all evaluated for quality according to the NOS scale. Data extraction was followed by analysis using Reviewer Manager 5.4 and StataSE 15.

Results

A total of 19 articles were included in this meta-analysis, and all studies were of high quality. A total of 20,553 patients were included in this study. Sex [OR = 0.62, 95% CI (0.55, 0.71), P < 0.00001] and race [OR = 1.62, 95% CI (1.19, 2.19), P = 0.002] were risk factors for cholelithiasis after bariatric surgery. Surgical procedure, preoperative BMI, weight-loss ratio, smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia were neither protective nor risk factors for cholelithiasis after bariatric surgery.

Conclusion

Caucasian race and female sex are risk factors for developing cholelithiasis after bariatric surgery; surgical procedure, BMI, weight loss ratio, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and smoking are not risk factors for cholelithiasis after bariatric surgery.
Exploring high-density corticomuscular networks after stroke to enable a hybrid Brain-Computer Interface for hand motor rehabilitation
Authors: Pichiorri Floriana , Toppi Jlenia , de Seta Valeria , Colamarino Emma , Masciullo Marcella , Tamburella Federica , Lorusso Matteo , Cincotti Febo , Mattia Donatella
Published: January 2023

Background

Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI) promote upper limb recovery in stroke patients reinforcing motor related brain activity (from electroencephalogaphy, EEG). Hybrid BCIs which include peripheral signals (electromyography, EMG) as control features could be employed to monitor post-stroke motor abnormalities. To ground the use of corticomuscular coherence (CMC) as a hybrid feature for a rehabilitative BCI, we analyzed high-density CMC networks (derived from multiple EEG and EMG channels) and their relation with upper limb motor deficit by comparing data from stroke patients with healthy participants during simple hand tasks.

Methods

EEG (61 sensors) and EMG (8 muscles per arm) were simultaneously recorded from 12 stroke (EXP) and 12 healthy participants (CTRL) during simple hand movements performed with right/left (CTRL) and unaffected/affected hand (EXP, UH/AH). CMC networks were estimated for each movement and their properties were analyzed by means of indices derived ad-hoc from graph theory and compared among groups.

Results

Between-group analysis showed that CMC weight of the whole brain network was significantly reduced in patients during AH movements. The network density was increased especially for those connections entailing bilateral non-target muscles. Such reduced muscle-specificity observed in patients was confirmed by muscle degree index (connections per muscle) which indicated a connections’ distribution among non-target and contralateral muscles and revealed a higher involvement of proximal muscles in patients. CMC network properties correlated with upper-limb motor impairment as assessed by Fugl-Meyer Assessment and Manual Muscle Test in patients.

Conclusions

High-density CMC networks can capture motor abnormalities in stroke patients during simple hand movements. Correlations with upper limb motor impairment support their use in a BCI-based rehabilitative approach.
Forty-five-months follow-up of a minimally invasive, interdisciplinary treated hemangioma of the mandible with a high risk of severe bleeding – a case report
Authors: Ommerborn Michelle Alicia , John Gordon , Becker Jürgen , Preetz Julia , Gabris Sondos
Published: January 2023

Background

Hemangiomas are benign tumours, mostly seen in the soft tissues. The intraosseous appearance is rare, in particular in the jaws they represent a very seldom malformation.

Aim

To present a combined endodontic and surgical management report of a clinical case with a rare intraosseous hemangioma diagnosis in the mandible.

Case presentation

This well-documented case report describes the interdisciplinary treatment approach of an intraosseous hemangioma in the left mandible of a 70-year-old male patient. This incidental finding was detected through a routine dental examination. The panoramic radiograph revealed an asymptomatic, apical translucency approximately 15 mm diameter with contact to the mesial root of the tooth 36. The clinical examinations showed no abnormalities. The multifaceted specialized treatments started with the endodontic treatment of the tooth prior to the surgical removal of the lesion and were followed by the histological assessment. As derived from the histologically verified diagnosis, this rare case included the risk of severe bleeding complications during therapy.
Bacteria spatial tracking in Urban Park soils with MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry and Specific PCR
Authors: Arnal Diego , Moya Celeste , Filippelli Luigi , Segura-Garcia Jaume , Maicas Sergi
Published: January 2023

Urban parks constitute one of the main leisure areas, especially for the most vulnerable people in our society, children, and the elderly. Contact with soils can pose a health risk. Microbiological testing is a key aspect in determining whether they are suitable for public use. The aim of this work is to map the spatial distribution of potential dangerous Enterobacteria but also bioremediation useful (lipase producers) isolates from soils in an urban park in the area of Valencia (Spain). To this end, our team has collected 25 samples of soil and isolated 500 microorganisms, using a mobile application to collect information of the soil samples (i.e. soil features, temperature, humidity, etc.) with geolocation. A combined protocol including matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and 16S rDNA sequencing PCR has been established to characterize the isolates. The results have been processed using spatial statistical techniques (using Kriging method), taking into account the number of isolated strains, also proving the reactivity against standard pathogenic bacterial strains (Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, Salmonella, Pseudomonas and Staphylococcus aureus), and have increased the number of samples (to 896 samples) by interpolating spatially each parameter with this statistical method. The combined use of methods from biology and computer science allows the quality of the soil in urban parks to be predicted in an agile way, which can generate confidence in its use by citizens.
Can circulating cell free DNA be a promising marker in ovarian cancer? – a genome-scale profiling study in a single institution
Authors: Zhou Huimei , Zhang Xueying , Liu Qian , Yang Jiaxin , Bai Jian , Yin Min , Cao Dongyan , Zhang Qingzheng , Zheng Lu
Published: January 2023

Background

Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is emerging as a potential biomarker for the detection of ovarian cancer (OC). Recently, we reported a method based upon cfDNA whole-genome sequencing data including the nucleosome distribution (nucleosome footprinting NF), terminal signature sequence (motif), DNA fragmentation (fragment), and copy number variation (CNV).In the present study, we explored whether multiomics early screening technology in cfDNA can be applied for early screening of ovarian cancer.

Methods

Fifty-nine patients with OC and 100 healthy controls were included in this prospective study. Cell-free DNA was extracted from plasma and analyzed by low-pass whole-genome sequencing. Genomic features were obtained for all samples of the cohort, including copy number variation (CNV), 5’-end motifs, fragmentation profiles, and nucleosome footprinting (NF). An integrated scoring system termed the OC score was developed based on the performance of these four features.

Results

All four features showed diagnostic potential for OC. Based on the unique genome features of cfDNA, the OC score has high accuracy in distinguishing OC patients from healthy controls (AUC 97.7%; sensitivity 94.7%; specificity 98.0%) as a new comprehensive diagnostic method for OC. The OC score showed a gradual trend from healthy controls to OC patients with different stages, especially for early OC monitoring of concern, which achieved a satisfactory sensitivity (85.7%) at a high specificity.

Conclusions

This is the first study evaluating the potential of cell-free DNA for the diagnosis of primary OC using multidimensional early screening technology. We present a promising method to increase the accuracy of prediction in patients with OC.
Successful treatment with Omalizumab of a child affected by Systemic Mastocytosis: clinical and biological implications
Authors: Bossi Grazia , Brazzelli Valeria , De Amici Mara , Pietra Daniela , Raviola Chiara , Naso Matteo , Regalbuto Corrado , Boselli Federica , Fortina Valeria , Marseglia Gian Luigi
Published: January 2023

Background

Pediatric Mastocytosis is a rare and heterogeneous disease, characterized by accumulation of mast cells in the skin (Cutaneous Mastocytosis) and/or, less frequently, in other organs, mainly liver, spleen, bone marrow, lymph nodes and gastrointestinal tract (Systemic Mastocytosis). Patients affected by Systemic Mastocytosis show symptoms caused by  a massive release of mast cell mediators: itching, flushing, abdominal pain, generalized weakness, fatigue and neuropsychiatric disorders. Moreover, children with Systemic Mastocytosis are at greater risk of anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions, often poorly controlled by the conventional therapy with antihistamines, mast cells stabilizers and steroids. As a result, children affected by Systemic Mastocytosis have a poor quality of life and suffer the consequence of prolonged steroidal treatment.

Case presentation

A child with Systemic Mastocytosis and severe symptoms, refractory to symptomatic and steroidal therapy, has been successfully treated with Omalizumab, an anti-IgE monoclonal antibody usually employed in allergic patients with severe asthma and orticaria. The onset of clinical benefit of Omalizumab therapy was extraordinarily rapid, but proved to be strictly dependent on drug administration. The child has become completely and steadily asymptomatic. No other anaphylactic episodes have been reported. Steroid treatment could be definitively withdrawn after the second dose of Omalizumab, and all the other medications were later reduced. Twenty months after beginning, Omalizumab therapy is still ongoing with good symptomatology control; no side effects have been observed so far.

Conclusions

In our experience, Omalizumab is an effective treatment for children affected by Systemic Mastocytosis not responding to conventional medical treatments. The main strengths of this therapy are its rapid and extraordinary efficacy to control the severe mast cells mediator-related symptoms, the lack of side effects and its steroid-sparing effect. However, more extensive and controlled studies in pediatric patients affected by Systemic Mastocytosis are needed to substantiate these promising findings.
Knowledge mobilization activities to support decision-making by youth, parents, and adults using a systematic and living map of evidence and recommendations on COVID-19: protocol for three randomized controlled trials and qualitative user-experience studies
Authors: Charide Rana , Stallwood Lisa , Munan Matthew , Sayfi Shahab , Hartling Lisa , Butcher Nancy J. , Offringa Martin , Elliott Sarah , Richards Dawn P. , Mathew Joseph L. , Akl Elie A. , Kredo Tamara , Mbuagbaw Lawrence , Motillal Ashley , Baba Ami , Prebeg Matthew , Relihan Jacqueline , Scott Shannon D. , Suvada Jozef , Falavigna Maicon , Klugar Miloslav , Lotfi Tamara , Stevens Adrienne , Pottie Kevin , Schünemann Holger J.
Published: January 2023

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic underlined that guidelines and recommendations must be made more accessible and more understandable to the general public to improve health outcomes. The objective of this study is to evaluate, quantify, and compare the public’s understanding, usability, satisfaction, intention to implement, and preference for different ways of presenting COVID-19 health recommendations derived from the COVID-19 Living Map of Recommendations and Gateway to Contextualization (RecMap).

Methods and analysis

This is a protocol for a multi-method study. Through an online survey, we will conduct pragmatic allocation-concealed, blinded superiority randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in three populations to test alternative formats of presenting health recommendations: adults, parents, and youth, with at least 240 participants in each population. Prior to initiating the RCT, our interventions will have been refined with relevant stakeholder input. The intervention arm will receive a plain language recommendation (PLR) format while the control arm will receive the corresponding original recommendation format as originally published by the guideline organizations (standard language version). Our primary outcome is understanding, and our secondary outcomes are accessibility and usability, satisfaction, intended behavior, and preference for the recommendation formats. Each population’s results will be analyzed separately. However, we are planning a meta-analysis of the results across populations. At the end of each survey, participants will be invited to participate in an optional one-on-one, virtual semi-structured interview to explore their user experience. All interviews will be transcribed and analyzed using the principles of thematic analysis and a hybrid inductive and deductive approach.

Ethics and dissemination

Through Clinical Trials Ontario, the Hamilton Integrated Research Ethics Board has reviewed and approved this protocol (Project ID: 3856). The University of Alberta has approved the parent portion of the trial (Project ID:00114894). Findings from this study will be disseminated through open-access publications in peer-reviewed journals and using social media.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT05358990. Registered on May 3, 2022
Long-term impact of paediatric critical illness on the difference between epigenetic and chronological age in relation to physical growth
Authors: Verlinden Ines , Coppens Grégoire , Vanhorebeek Ilse , Güiza Fabian , Derese Inge , Wouters Pieter J. , Joosten Koen F. , Verbruggen Sascha C. , Van den Berghe Greet
Published: January 2023

Background

Altered DNA-methylation affects biological ageing in adults and developmental processes in children. DNA-methylation is altered by environmental factors, trauma and illnesses. We hypothesised that paediatric critical illness, and the nutritional management in the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU), affects DNA-methylation changes that underly the developmental processes of childhood ageing.

Results

We studied the impact of critical illness, and of the early use of parenteral nutrition (early-PN) versus late-PN, on “epigenetic age-deviation” in buccal mucosa of 818 former PICU-patients (406 early-PN, 412 late-PN) who participated in the 2-year follow-up of the multicentre PEPaNIC-RCT (ClinicalTrials.gov-NCT01536275), as compared with 392 matched healthy children, and assessed whether this relates to their impaired growth. The epigenetic age-deviation (difference between PedBE clock-estimated epigenetic age and chronological age) was calculated. Using bootstrapped multivariable linear regression models, we assessed the impact hereon of critical illness, and of early-PN versus late-PN. As compared with healthy children, epigenetic age of patients assessed 2 years after PICU-admission deviated negatively from chronological age (p < 0.05 in 51% of bootstrapped replicates), similarly in early-PN and late-PN groups. Next, we identified vulnerable subgroups for epigenetic age-deviation using interaction analysis. We revealed that DNA-methylation age-deceleration in former PICU-patients was dependent on age at time of illness (p < 0.05 for 83% of bootstrapped replicates), with vulnerability starting from 6 years onwards. Finally, we assessed whether vulnerability to epigenetic age-deviation could be related to impaired growth from PICU-admission to follow-up at 2 and 4 years. Multivariable repeated measures ANOVA showed that former PICU-patients, as compared with healthy children, grew less in height (p = 0.0002) and transiently gained weight (p = 0.0003) over the 4-year time course. Growth in height was more stunted in former PICU-patients aged ≥ 6-years at time of critical illness (p = 0.002) than in the younger patients.

Conclusions

As compared with healthy children, former PICU-patients, in particular those aged ≥ 6-years at time of illness, revealed epigenetic age-deceleration, with a physical correlate revealing stunted growth in height. Whether this vulnerability around the age of 6 years for epigenetic age-deceleration and stunted growth years later relates to altered endocrine pathways activated at the time of adrenarche requires further investigation.
Intractable hyponatremia complicated by a reset osmostat: a case report
Authors: Kamel Mohamed Hassan , Upadhyay Ashish , Borkan Steven C.
Published: January 2023

Background

Hyponatremia associated with a low serum osmolality is a common and confounding electrolyte disorder. Correcting hyponatremia is also complicated, especially in the setting of chronic hyponatremia. Here, we provide a rational approach to accurately detecting and safely treating acute on chronic euvolemic hyponatremia in the setting of acute polydipsia with a chronic reset osmostat.

Case presentation

A 71-year-old hispanic gentleman with chronic hyponatremia presented with hiccups, polydipsia, and a serum sodium concentration of 120 mEq/L associated with diffuse weakness, inattentiveness, and suicidal ideation. Symptomatic euvolemic hyponatremia warranted hypertonic saline treatment in the acute phase and water restriction in the chronic phase. Both interventions resulted in improvement in symptoms and/or the serum sodium concentration, but to a serum sodium level that persistently remained below the normal range. Remarkably, the urine osmolality appropriately fell when the serum sodium concentration fell below 126 mEq/L. Also remarkable was the appropriate increase in urine osmolality when the serum sodium concentration exceeded 126 mEq/L. The preservation of both concentration and dilution, albeit at a lower-than-normal serum osmolality, shows that the osmostat regulating antidiuretic hormone release had been “reset.” Both physiologic and pharmacologic resetting of the osmostat are discussed.

Conclusions

Preservation of urinary concentrating and diluting ability at a lower-than-normal serum sodium concentration, especially in the setting of chronic hyponatremia, is diagnostic of a reset osmostat. The presence of a reset osmostat often confounds the treatment of concomitant acute hyponatremia. Early recognition of a reset osmostat avoids the need to normalize serum sodium concentration, expedites hospital discharge, and limits potential harm from overcorrecting acute hyponatremia.
Double-difference earthquake relocation using waveform cross-correlation in Central and East Java, Indonesia
Authors: Muttaqy Faiz , Nugraha Andri Dian , Puspito Nanang T. , Sahara David P. , Zulfakriza Zulfakriza , Rohadi Supriyanto , Supendi Pepen
Published: January 2023

The Central and East Java region, which is part of the Sunda Arc, has relatively high seismic rates due to the convergence of two major tectonic plates in the Indonesian region; i.e., the Indo-Australian Plate subducting under the Eurasian Plate. Many devastating earthquakes have occurred in this area as a result of the interaction between these two plates. Two examples are the 1994 Banyuwangi earthquake (Mw 7.6) and the 2006 Yogyakarta earthquake (Mw 6.3). This study aims to determine precise earthquake locations and analyze the pattern of seismic distribution in Central and East Java, Indonesia. We manually re-picked P and S-wave arrival times that were recorded by the Agency for Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics (BMKG) of the Indonesian earthquake network during the time period January 2009–September 2017. We then determined the earthquake locations using a non-linear method. To improve the accuracy of the earthquake locations, we relocated 1,127 out of 1,529 events, using a double-difference algorithm with waveform cross-correlation data. Overall, the seismicity in the Central and East Java region is predominantly distributed in the south of Java Island; e.g., the Kebumen, Yogyakarta, Pacitan, Malang, and Banyuwangi clusters. These clusters are probably related to the subduction activity in these regions. Meanwhile, there are clusters of earthquakes having shallow depths on the mainland that indicate the activity of inland faults in the region; e.g., the Opak Fault, the Kendeng Thrust, and the Rembang–Madura–Kangean–Sakala (RMKS) Fault Zone. Several other active inland faults have not shown any significant seismicity over the time period mentioned, i.e., the Pasuruan Fault, the Lasem Fault, the Muria Fault, the Semarang Thrust, and the Probolinggo Fault.
Asymmetric nexus between commercial policies and consumption-based carbon emissions: new evidence from Pakistan
Authors: Chishti Muhammad Zubair , Azeem Hafiz Syed Muhammad , Khan Muhammad Kamran
Published: January 2023

The current study extends the previous literature by exploring the effects of a newly discovered driver, i.e., import taxes (as a proxy for commercial policies), on the consumption-based carbon emissions (CCO2e) for 1990Q1-2017Q4. For empirical analysis, several tests and methods, including Augmented Dickey–Fuller unit root test, Zivot–Andrews unit root test, asymmetric cointegration bound testing approach, non-linear ARDL, Wald-test, Granger causality test and wavelet quantile correlation (WQC) method are utilized. Furthermore, NARDL technique estimates reveal that contractionary commercial policy enhances the environmental quality by disrupting the detrimental effects of CCO2e. However, expansionary commercial policy escalates the environmental pollution by boosting the carbon emissions. Also, the exports and the renewable energy improve the ecological quality; however, GDP deteriorates the atmospheric quality by increasing the CCO2e. Besides, WQC method and the trivariate Granger causality test are deployed to confirm the robustness of the results. Based on the findings, some crucial policies are also recommended for sustainable and green development in Pakistan.
Online risk-based portfolio allocation on subsets of crypto assets applying a prototype-based clustering algorithm
Authors: Lorenzo Luis , Arroyo Javier
Published: January 2023

Mean-variance portfolio optimization models are sensitive to uncertainty in risk-return estimates, which may result in poor out-of-sample performance. In particular, the estimates may suffer when the number of assets considered is high and the length of the return time series is not sufficiently long. This is precisely the case in the cryptocurrency market, where there are hundreds of crypto assets that have been traded for a few years. We propose enhancing the mean-variance (MV) model with a pre-selection stage that uses a prototype-based clustering algorithm to reduce the number of crypto assets considered at each investment period. In the pre-selection stage, we run a prototype-based clustering algorithm where the assets are described by variables representing the profit-risk duality. The prototypes of the clustering partition are automatically examined and the one that best suits our risk-aversion preference is selected. We then run the MV portfolio optimization with the crypto assets of the selected cluster. The proposed approach is tested for a period of 17 months in the whole cryptocurrency market and two selections of the cryptocurrencies with the higher market capitalization (175 and 250 cryptos). We compare the results against three methods applied to the whole market: classic MV, risk parity, and hierarchical risk parity methods. We also compare our results with those from investing in the market index . The simulation results generally favor our proposal in terms of profit and risk-profit financial indicators. This result reaffirms the convenience of using machine learning methods to guide financial investments in complex and highly-volatile environments such as the cryptocurrency market.
Left atrial appendage volume as a prognostic Indicator of long-term mortality in Cancer survivors treated with thoracic radiation
Authors: Zafar Meer R. , Sharma Ashutosh , Sunder Sunitha Shyam , Karthikeyan Badri , Nagahama Makoto , Atia Andrew , Bahuva Ronak , Pokharel Saraswati , Iyer Vijay , Kattel Sharma , Sharma Umesh C.
Published: January 2023

Background

Cancer survivors with prior chest radiation therapy (CXRT) frequently present with atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and have higher overall long-term mortality. There are no data examining the utility of left atrial (LA) and LA appendage (LAA) volume-indices to predict clinical outcomes in these patients.

Objectives

We examined the prognostic value of cardiac phase-dependent 3-D volume-rendered cardiac computerized tomography (CT)-derived LA and LAA volume-indices to predict mortality and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in cancer survivors treated with thoracic irradiation.

Method

We screened 625 consecutive patients with severe aortic stenosis who had undergone transcatheter aortic valve replacement from 2012 to 2017. Based on the gated cardiac CT image quality, we included 184 patients (CXRT:43, non-CXRT:141) for further analysis. We utilized multiplane-3D-reconstructed cardiac CT images to calculate LA and LAA volume-indices, and examined the prognostic role of CCT-derived LA and LAA volume-indices in predicting the all-cause mortality, cardiovascular (CV) mortality, and MACE. We used multivariate cox-proportional hazard analysis to identify the clinical predictors of survival.

Results

Overall, the CXRT group had significantly elevated LAA volume-index compared to non-CXRT group (CXRT:11.2 ± 8.9 ml/m2; non-CXRT:8.6 ± 4.5 ml/m2, p = 0.03). On multivariate cox-proportional hazard analysis, the elevated LAA volume and LAA volume-index were the strongest predictors of reduced survival in CXRT group compared to non-CXRT group (LAA volume: RR = 1.03,95% CI 1.0–1.01, p = 0.01; and LAA volume index: RR = 1.05, 95% CI 1.0–1.01, p = 0.03). LAA volume > 21.9 ml was associated with increased mortality. In contrast, LA volume was not a significant predictor of mortality.

Conclusion

We describe a novel technique to assess LA and LAA volume using 3-D volume-rendered cardiac CT. This study shows enlarged LAA volume rather than LA volume carries a poor prognosis in cancer-survivors treated with prior CXRT. Compared to conventionally reported markers, LAA volume of > 21.9 ml was incremental to that of other risk factors.
Photon-counting computed tomography thermometry via material decomposition and machine learning
Authors: Wang Nathan , Li Mengzhou , Haverinen Petteri
Published: January 2023

Thermal ablation procedures, such as high intensity focused ultrasound and radiofrequency ablation, are often used to eliminate tumors by minimally invasively heating a focal region. For this task, real-time 3D temperature visualization is key to target the diseased tissues while minimizing damage to the surroundings. Current computed tomography (CT) thermometry is based on energy-integrated CT, tissue-specific experimental data, and linear relationships between attenuation and temperature. In this paper, we develop a novel approach using photon-counting CT for material decomposition and a neural network to predict temperature based on thermal characteristics of base materials and spectral tomographic measurements of a volume of interest. In our feasibility study, distilled water, 50 mmol/L CaCl2, and 600 mmol/L CaCl2 are chosen as the base materials. Their attenuations are measured in four discrete energy bins at various temperatures. The neural network trained on the experimental data achieves a mean absolute error of 3.97 °C and 1.80 °C on 300 mmol/L CaCl2 and a milk-based protein shake respectively. These experimental results indicate that our approach is promising for handling non-linear thermal properties for materials that are similar or dissimilar to our base materials.
Health-related quality-of-life measures used in hemodialysis patients in Albania
Authors: Elezi Brunilda , Rumano Merita , Abazaj Erjona , Topi Skender
Published: January 2023

Background

Chronic kidney disease is a growing worldwide public health concern. On the other hand, patients’ perception of health is an important outcome measure in the assessment of the influence of chronic disease and received treatment. Interest in measuring health-related quality of life has increased together with an awareness that such humanistic outcomes require valid and reliable measures. The aimed study was to evaluate the health-related quality of life (QoL) and to investigate the relationship between selected demographic and clinical characteristics and Health-related Quality of Life (HRQoL) scores in hemodialysis patients.

Methods

This survey study was conducted on hemodialysis patients (209 patients) during the periods 2017–2018. The QoL includes 25 questions classified into five dimensions, which are mobility, personal care, common activities, discomfort and pain, anxiety, and depression. P value < .05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Overall 209 hemodialysis patients, the mean of the five domains varies from a minimum value of 1.75 ± 1.06 for personal care to a maximum value of 2.65 ± 1.44 for anxiety and/or depression. In our study, among hemodialysis patients is seen a significant association scored between the quality of life and demographic variables like age groups (p = 0.034), and gender (p = 0.01) as in the previous studies. The presence of comorbidities was significantly associated with the QOL (p = 0.001). About the questionnaire, “How good or bad your health is today” the average score resulted to be 47.08 ± 4.5.

Conclusion

As we saw from the results of this study, a considerable number of the patients live with low income. Age, sex, and comorbidities are dependent factors of HRQoL. Therefore, we suggest that future studies include other factors that will evaluate hemodialysis efficiency and find the association between these and QoL.
Impact of Thyroid Function on the Prevalence and Mortality of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Chen Yu-ling , Tian Shen , Wu Juan , Li Hao , Li Shu , Xu Zhou , Liang Xin-yu , Adhikari Vishnu Prasad , Xiao Jun , Song Jing-yu , Ma Chen-yu , She Rui-ling , Li Zhao-xing , Wu Kai-nan , Kong Ling-quan
Published: January 2023

Context

Thyroid function variation within the thyroxine reference range has negative metabolic effects. Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a recently proposed definition.

Objective

We aim to explore the effects of thyroid function status on prevalence and mortality of MAFLD.

Methods

Data of 10 666 participants from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) were used. MAFLD was diagnosed based on the new definition. Thyroid function variation within the thyroxine reference range was defined based on thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels: subclinical hyperthyroidism, <0.39 mIU/L; strict-normal thyroid function, 0.39-2.5 mIU/L; and low thyroid function, >2.5 mIU/L, which comprised low-normal thyroid function (2.5-4.5 mIU/L) and subclinical hypothyroidism (> 4.5 mIU/L). Logistic and Cox regression were used in multivariate analysis.

Results

Low thyroid function is independently associated with MAFLD (odds ratio: 1.27). Compared with strict-normal thyroid function, subclinical hypothyroidism was significantly associated with increased risk for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in the total population (hazard ratio [HR] for all-cause: 1.23; cardiovascular: 1.65) and MAFLD population (HR for all-cause: 1.32; cardiovascular: 1.99); meanwhile, in the low-normal thyroid function group, an increasing trend in mortality risk was observed. Furthermore, low thyroid function also showed significant negative impact on mortality in the total and MAFLD population. Among thyroid function spectrum, mild subclinical hypothyroidism showed the highest HRs on mortality.

Conclusions

Low thyroid function is independent risk factor of MAFLD and is associated with increased risk for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in the MAFLD population. Reevaluation of TSH reference range should be considered.
Association Between the FRAIL Scale and Postoperative Complications in Older Surgical Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Gong Selena , Qian Dorothy , Riazi Sheila , Chung Frances , Englesakis Marina , Li Qixuan , Huszti Ella , Wong Jean
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND:

Several frailty screening tools have been shown to predict mortality and complications after surgery. However, these tools were developed for in-person evaluation and cannot be used during virtual assessments before surgery. The FRAIL (fatigue, resistance, ambulation, illness, and loss of weight) scale is a brief assessment that can potentially be conducted virtually or self-administered, but its association with postoperative outcomes in older surgical patients is unknown. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis (SRMA) was to determine whether the FRAIL scale is associated with mortality and postoperative outcomes in older surgical patients.

METHODS:

Systematic searches were conducted of multiple literature databases from January 1, 2008, to December 17, 2022, to identify English language studies using the FRAIL scale in surgical patients and reporting mortality and postoperative outcomes, including postoperative complications, postoperative delirium, length of stay, and functional recovery. These databases included Medline, Medline ePubs/In-process citations, Embase, APA (American Psychological Association) PsycInfo, Ovid Emcare Nursing, (all via the Ovid platform), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) EbscoHost, the Web of Science (Clarivate Analytics), and Scopus (Elsevier). The risk of bias was assessed using the quality in prognosis studies tool.

RESULTS:

A total of 18 studies with 4479 patients were included. Eleven studies reported mortality at varying time points. Eight studies were included in the meta-analysis of mortality. The pooled odds ratio (OR) of 30-day, 6-month, and 1-year mortality for frail patients was 6.62 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.80–15.61; P < .01), 2.97 (95% CI, 1.54–5.72; P < .01), and 1.54 (95% CI, 0.91–2.58; P = .11), respectively. Frailty was associated with postoperative complications and postoperative delirium, with an OR of 3.11 (95% CI, 2.06–4.68; P < .01) and 2.65 (95% CI, 1.85–3.80; P < .01), respectively. The risk of bias was low in 16 of 18 studies.

CONCLUSIONS:

As measured by the FRAIL scale, frailty was associated with 30-day mortality, 6-month mortality, postoperative complications, and postoperative delirium.
Level of Evidence of Guidelines for Perioperative Management of Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea: An Evaluation Using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II Tool
Authors: Singh Mandeep , Tian Chenchen , Hyman Jaime B. , Siddiqui Shahla , Auckley Dennis , Khanna Ashish K. , Wong Jean , Englesakis Marina , Singh Kawal Preet , Ramachandran Satya Krishna
Published: January 2023

Currently, the quality of guidelines for the perioperative management of patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is unknown, leaving anesthesiologists to make perioperative management decisions with some degree of uncertainty. This study evaluated the quality of clinical practice guidelines regarding the perioperative management of patients with OSA. This study was reported in compliance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A systematic search of the MedlineALL (Ovid) database was conducted from inception to February 26, 2021, for clinical practice guidelines in the English language. Quality appraisal of guidelines was evaluated using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II) framework. Descriptive statistical analysis of each of the 6 domains was expressed as a percentage using the formula: (obtained score – minimum possible score)/(maximum possible score – minimum possible score). Of 192 articles identified in the search, 41 full texts were assessed for eligibility, and 10 articles were included in this review. Intraclass correlation coefficients of the AGREE II scores across the 7 evaluators for each guideline were each >0.9, suggesting that the consistency of the scores among evaluators was high. Sixty percent of recommendations were based on evidence using validated methods to grade medical literature, while the remainder were consensus based. The median and range scores of each domain were: (1) scope and purpose, 88% (60%–95%); (2) stakeholder involvement, 52% (30%–82%); (3) rigor of development, 67% (40%–90%); (4) clarity of presentation, 74% (57%–88%); (5) applicability, 46% (20%–73%); and (6) editorial independence, 67% (19%–83%). Only 4 guidelines achieved an overall score of >70%. This critical appraisal showed that many clinical practice guidelines for perioperative management of patients with OSA used validated methods to grade medical literature, such as Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) and Oxford classification, with lower scores for stakeholder involvement due to lack of engagement of patient partners and applicability domain due to lack of focus on the complete perioperative period such as postdischarge counseling. Future efforts should be directed toward establishing higher focus on the quality of evidence, stakeholder involvement, and applicability to the wider perioperative patient experience.
Unusual case of a gigantic bladder mimicking a large pelvic cystic mass
Authors: Rumjaun Mohammad Khadeem , Amjed Sana , Ghazi Muhammad Anas , Raw Jason , Sabir Sohail
Published: January 2023

Pelvic masses are more common in females compared to the males. Bladder distension secondary to urinary retention can also mimic as a pelvic mass. However, it is rare to see chronic urinary retention with no clinical urinary symptoms. We present a case report of an elderly male who presented with abdominal pain and progressive worsening of breathing, along with abdominal distension. Initially, patient was thought to have a large cystic pelvic mass, causing bilateral renal hydronephrosis due to the ureteric compression. However, urinary cauterization drained 19,000 ml of the urine leading to not only resolution of the symptoms but also clinical improvement of the patient.
ALTERNATIVE LOGISTICS OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION IN THE CONDITIONS OF WESTERN SANCTIONS
Authors: Pokrovskaya Oksana D. , Vorobyov Alexander A. , Migrov Alexander A. , Sheverdova Maria V. , Ulyanitskaya Victoria I. , Vlasensky Artem A.
Published: January 2023

Purpose. The aim is to study the trends in the evolution of the transport and logistics market of Russia under the influence of Western sanctions, taking into account the conjuncture of the world economy.

Methods of work: analytical, logistics theory, general theory of systems, marketing.

Results: the study considers alternative logistics schemes for the delivery of imported goods from the USA and EU countries to Russia. Trends in the construction of a new architecture of transport logistics have been established. Scope of the results: A critical assessment of the current state of the transport and logistics market of the Russian Federation is given and the features of its functioning under the influence of the sixth package of Western sanctions are established. The novelty lies in determining the prospects, opportunities and threats of “rapid reconfiguration” of the architecture of transport and logistics schemes for Russia.

The practical significance lies in the fact that an attempt has been made to answer the question “What could be the scenario for leveling the trigger effects of the next package of anti-Russian sanctions?”. It is established that the following scenarios of leveling trigger effects are possible: 1) intensification of domestic production and its localization within the country; 2) development of the transport and logistics infrastructure of the regions in new directions of delivery; 3) overcoming the shortage of empty containers, optimizing the work of border crossings, improving the efficiency of interaction of modes of transport; 4) development of multimodal delivery systems in close cooperation with foreign partners from Kazakhstan, China, Belarus and others . 5) entering new markets for import-dependent sectors of the Russian economy; 6) state regulation of the transport and logistics market. 7) the “revival” of supply chains within the country.
IMPROVING THE PROFESSIONAL TRAINING OF SPECIALISTS TO ENSURE FIRE SAFETY IN RAILWAY TRANSPORT
Authors: Koshkarov Ruslan V. , Koroleva Lyudmila A. , Kostin Evgeny E.
Published: January 2023

Purpose. The goal is to reduce the severity of the consequences of fires, it is necessary to intensify the joint efforts of state authorities, local governments, as well as enterprises and, most importantly, citizens, and to ensure the improvement of measures of a legal, organizational, economic, social, scientific and technical nature, which will ensure their more active use in the process of ensuring fire safety.

The method or methodology of the work. The article notes the traditional elements of the fire safety system and the mechanisms for regulating fire safety in the Russian Federation.

Results. The fact of the existence of shortcomings in the fire safety regulation system, in particular, an excessive number of inspections, an insufficient level of professional training of personnel responsible for maintaining fire safety in transport, has been established. Directions for improving the mechanisms for regulating the process of ensuring fire safety in the Russian Federation are proposed.

Scope of the results. The obtained results should be applied in the professional training of specialists to ensure fire safety in railway transport.
MICROMOBILITY AS AN ELEMENT OF THE URBAN TRANSPORT SYSTEM
Authors: Konovalova Tatiana V. , Kotenkova Irina N. , Senin Ivan S.
Published: January 2023

In this article, the authors consider the concept of micromobility, the areas of its functioning, the main problems and its effectiveness as an element of the urban transport system.

Purpose – the main problems of introducing micromobility into the city’s transport system are identified and ways to solve them are shown.

Methodology: the article used a full-scale experiment, statistical analysis.

Results: the factors that increase the efficiency of the functioning of means of micromobility in urban conditions are determined.

Practical implications: identification of the most effective and priority measures to improve the transport system of the city using the means of micromobility. Research activities on the development of new approaches in the field of public transport services.
MANAGEMENT MODELING OF TRANSPORT ORGANIZATIONS WITH THE APPLICATION OF RATING APPROACHES
Authors: Lvovich Yakov E. , Preobrazhenskiy Andrey P. , Avetisyan Tatiana V.
Published: January 2023

The task of a transportation system is to ensure the safe and efficient delivery of goods and transportation of passengers. Effective management of transport systems is aimed not only at ensuring the optimal passage of all processes within such systems. The main task in this case is to create conditions capable of ensuring the mobility of the population and the volume of cargo transportation which will meet the objectives of economic development. Thus, the degree of efficiency of the transport system can be determined on the basis of its ability to ensure a balance between economic requirements and social demands, which often contradict each other. Features of transport system management organization: spatial location of system elements on a large territory, the need to strictly observe technological functions affecting the safety of transportation, one-man management, dispatching and discipline in the organization of transport processes, close interaction and mutual dependence of all elements of the transport system.

The paper considers the task of interaction between the control center and the objects in the transport system. The mechanisms of rating evaluations are applied. The illustration of the structural scheme, on the basis of which the mechanisms of rating management are implemented, is given. The results have demonstrated the efficiency of the approaches used. They can be used in evaluating the performance of a wide range of transportation systems.
ANALYSIS OF THE USE OF ALGORITHMS TO FILTER INFORMATION AND FILL GAPS
Authors: Lvovich Yakov E. , Preobrazhenskiy Andrey P. , Avetisyan Tatiana V.
Published: January 2023

The analysis shows that the real information flows are characterized by: arbitrary distribution function; the presence of both quantitative and qualitative indicators; the absence of part of the meaningful data fragments; unreliability of data associated with errors in registration and their entry; parametric redundancy.

Not all of the existing tools included in most of the instrumental systems, make it possible to solve a number of these problems. The article deals with the problem related to information filtering. The illustration of an algorithm scheme, which allows to conduct information filtering, is presented. The stages used in the construction of the algorithm are specified in detail. The geometric approach is applied. It gives an opportunity to lead consideration of information messages in the form of “constellations” which are connected with the i-dimensional feature hyperspace. An algorithm that allows to implement gap filling is proposed. The results presented in the paper can be useful when considering different information flows in modern information systems.
In silico Study, Molecular Docking and Synthesis of 2-Amino thiazole Derivatives using Green Chemistry Approach as Antioxidant Agent
Authors: R. Mali Dhanshri , Popat Ghuhe Anjali , Murlidhar Khairnar Nikita , Milind Kothawade Sakshi
Published: January 2023

A series of novel 2-aminothiazole derivatives were synthesized by microwave assisted method as a green chemistry approach and characterized by spectral techniques and elemental analysis. The antioxidant potential of the derivatives was determined by using molecular docking against two different oxidoreductase protein (PDB: 2CDU and 3NM8). Compounds 3a and 3d show the stronger binding affinity to the target protein. The synthesized drug was pharmacologically evaluated for the antioxidant activity using ascorbic acid as a reference drug, where compound 3a showed the highest inhibition.