bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blood culture quality and turnaround time of clinical microbiology laboratories in Chinese Teaching Hospitals: A multicenter study
Authors: Liu Wanting , Liao Kang , Wu Jinsong , Liu Suling , Zheng Xin , Wen Weihong , Fu Liang , Fan Xiaoyi , Yang Xiao , Hu Xiumei , Jiang Yueting , Wu Kuihai , Guo Zhusheng , Li Yang , Liu Weiyang , Cai Mufa , Guo Zhaowang , Guo Xuguang , Lu Jinghui , Chen Enzhong , Zhou Hongwei , Chen Dingqiang
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Blood culture (BC) remains the gold standard for the diagnosis of bloodstream infections. Improving the quality of clinical BC samples, optimizing BC performance, and accelerating antimicrobial susceptibility test (AST) results are essential for the early detection of bloodstream infections and specific treatments.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective multicenter study using 450,845 BC specimens from clinical laboratories obtained from 19 teaching hospitals between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2021. We evaluated key performance indicators (KPIs), turnaround times (TATs), and frequency distributions of processing in BC specimens. We also evaluated the AST results of clinically significant isolates for four different laboratory workflow styles.

Results

Across the 10 common bacterial isolates (n = 16,865) and yeast isolates (n = 1011), the overall median (interquartile range) TATs of AST results were 2.67 (2.05–3.31) and 3.73 (2.98–4.64) days, respectively. The specimen collections mainly occurred between 06:00 and 24:00, and specimen reception and loadings mainly between 08:00 and 24:00. Based on the laboratory workflows of the BCs, 16 of the 19 hospitals were divided into four groups. Time to results (TTRs) from specimen collection to the AST reports were 2.35 (1.95–3.06), 2.61 (1.98–3.32), 2.99 (2.60–3.87), and 3.25 (2.80–3.98) days for groups I, II, III, and IV, respectively.

Conclusion

This study shows the related BC KPIs and workflows in different Chinese hospitals, suggesting that laboratory workflow optimization can play important roles in shortening time to AST reports and initiation of appropriate timely treatment.
A systematic review of brain metastases from lung cancer using magnetic resonance neuroimaging: Clinical and technical aspects
Authors: Ghaderi Sadegh , Mohammadi Sana , Mohammadi Mahdi , Pashaki Zahra Najafi Asli , Heidari Mehrsa , Khatyal Rahim , Zafari Rasa
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Brain metastases (BMs) are common in lung cancer (LC) and are associated with poor prognosis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays a vital role in the detection, diagnosis and management of BMs. This review summarises recent advances in MRI techniques for BMs from LC.

Methods

This systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in three electronic databases: PubMed, Scopus and the Web of Science. The search was limited to studies published between January 2000 and March 2023. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using appropriate tools for different study designs. A narrative synthesis was carried out to describe the key findings of the included studies.

Results

Sixty‐five studies were included. Standard MRI sequences such as T1‐weighted (T1w), T2‐weighted (T2w) and fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) were commonly used. Advanced techniques included perfusion‐weighted imaging (PWI), diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) and radiomics analysis. DWI and PWI parameters could distinguish tumour recurrence from radiation necrosis. Radiomics models predicted genetic mutations and the risk of BMs. Diagnostic accuracy was improved with deep learning (DL) approaches. Prognostic factors such as performance status and concurrent chemotherapy impacted survival.

Conclusion

Advanced MRI techniques and specialised MRI methods have emerging roles in managing BMs from LC. PWI and DWI improve diagnostic accuracy in treated BMs. Radiomics and DL facilitate personalised prognosis and treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging plays a key role in the continuum of care for BMs of patients with LC, from screening to treatment monitoring.
Twenty years of network meta‐analysis: Continuing controversies and recent developments
Authors: Ades A. E. , Welton Nicky J. , Dias Sofia , Phillippo David M. , Caldwell Deborah M.
Published: January 2024

Network meta‐analysis (NMA) is an extension of pairwise meta‐analysis (PMA) which combines evidence from trials on multiple treatments in connected networks. NMA delivers internally consistent estimates of relative treatment efficacy, needed for rational decision making. Over its first 20 years NMA's use has grown exponentially, with applications in both health technology assessment (HTA), primarily re‐imbursement decisions and clinical guideline development, and clinical research publications. This has been a period of transition in meta‐analysis, first from its roots in educational and social psychology, where large heterogeneous datasets could be explored to find effect modifiers, to smaller pairwise meta‐analyses in clinical medicine on average with less than six studies. This has been followed by narrowly‐focused estimation of the effects of specific treatments at specific doses in specific populations in sparse networks, where direct comparisons are unavailable or informed by only one or two studies. NMA is a powerful and well‐established technique but, in spite of the exponential increase in applications, doubts about the reliability and validity of NMA persist. Here we outline the continuing controversies, and review some recent developments. We suggest that heterogeneity should be minimized, as it poses a threat to the reliability of NMA which has not been fully appreciated, perhaps because it has not been seen as a problem in PMA. More research is needed on the extent of heterogeneity and inconsistency in datasets used for decision making, on formal methods for making recommendations based on NMA, and on the further development of multi‐level network meta‐regression.
Spiritual well‐being and restorative experiences: A case of a religious shrine
Authors: Kim Jinok Susanna , Kim Sung Tae , Han Jin Wook
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the economic value of various functions of pilgrimage sites in the modern ere as pilgrimage became popular. To survey was conducted with pilgrims and tourists visiting the Solmoe Shrine, the birth place of Father Andrew Kim, the first ordained priest of Korea, and is located in Dangjin City, South Korea. Conservative evaluation method based on real setting scenarios 2, willingness‐to‐pay (WTP) for preservation value of Solmoe Shrine was estimated at KRW141,366 ($105) a year per household or approximately KRW2.95 trillion ($2.188 billion) depending on WTP truncated mean. According to the results of the study, the psychological variables that influence the willingness to pay were the restorative experience and spiritual well‐being. These results can be seen that in the modern era, pilgrimage is greatly linked not only to religious purposes but also to personal health.
Application of flexible resistometric sensors for real‐time corrosion monitoring under insulation
Authors: Popova Kateryna , Prošek Tomáš , Šefl Václav , Šedivý Miloslav , Kouřil Milan , Reiser Matěj
Published: January 2024

Corrosion under insulation (CUI) is a form of corrosion typically occurring on steel pipes and vessels covered with thermal insulation. CUI is a critical issue in petrochemical and refining industry leading to significant financial losses and severe environmental hazards. State‐of‐the art CUI monitoring system consisting of wireless loggers with flexible resistometric sensors is used to assess the effect of insulation material, position, and presence of a defect on the actual corrosivity toward carbon steel under alternating condensation conditions. All three considered factors together with the climatic parameters and presence of corrosion products are important for the CUI process. Most complex is the role of the insulation material as the properties inhibiting corrosion under intact insulation may be linked to a worse insulating ability. Because of the high sensitivity and immediate response of the sensors, the technique can be applied for timely CUI detection of insulated pipelines in both industrial facilities and laboratory studies.
High‐Performance Piezoelectric Nanogenerator of BTO‐PVDF Nanofibers for Wearable Sensing
Authors: Jiang Jiang , Wan Lingyu , Li Liuyan , Li Ping
Published: January 2024

Piezoelectric nanogenerator (PENG) produces stable electrical signals in response to external mechanical stimuli and holds promise in the fields of flexible sensors and smart wearable devices. In practice, a high‐performance PENG with a straightforward structure and exceptional reliability is deeply desired. This study optimally synthesizes piezoelectric composites comprising polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) incorporated with barium titanate (BTO) nanoparticles (NPs) and fabricated a PENG with heightened sensitivity by using the electrospinning technique. The polar β‐phase content of the dual‐optimized BTO‐PVDF (barium titanate and polyvinylidene fluoride) electrospun fiber reaches up to 82.39%. In the bending mode, it achieves a remarkable maximum open‐circuit voltage of 19.152 V, a transferred charge of 8.058 nC, and an output voltage per unit area of 2.128 V cm−2. Under vertical pressure conditions, the BP‐PENG exhibits an impressive voltage of 12.361 V while the force is 2.156 N, demonstrating a notable pressure sensing sensitivity of 5.159 V kPa−1, with an excellent linear relationship. Furthermore, the BP‐PENG displays sensitive sensing features in monitoring hand movements. The sensitive response and high performance make it promising for applications in human motion monitoring and smart wearable devices.
Effects of white noise on preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit: A meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Zhang Qing , Huo Qiugui , Chen Peizhen , Yao Wenying , Ni Zhihong
Published: January 2024

Aim

To critically assess the effects of white noise on the pain level, weight gain and vital signs (heart rate, respiratory rate and oxygen saturation) of preterm infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).

Design

A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs).

Methods

Ten databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO, SinoMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP and Wanfang Data) were systematically reviewed from inception to July 2022. Two reviewers evaluated the risk of bias separately using the Cochrane Collaboration criteria and extracted data using a predesigned information form.

Results

The meta‐analysis included eight eligible RCTs. According to statistical analysis, white noise significantly affected the pain level, weight gain, heart rate, respiratory rate and oxygen saturation in preterm infants. Regardless of the outcome measurement timing, gestational age and birth weight of preterm infants, subgroup analysis demonstrated that white noise reduced the pain level, heart rate and respiratory rate and promoted weight gain in preterm infants in NICUs.

Conclusion

White noise is a practical and potentially useful therapy for premature neonates in NICUs. No Patient or Public Contribution.
Associations between Medicaid enrollment and diagnosis stage and survival among pediatric cancer patients
Authors: Johnson Kimberly J. , Brown Derek S. , O'Connell Caitlin P. , Thompson Tess , Barnes Justin M. , King Allison A.
Published: January 2024

Background

Medicaid‐associated disparities in childhood and adolescent (pediatric) cancer diagnosis stage and survival have been reported. However, a key limitation of prior studies is the assessment of health insurance at a single time point. To evaluate Medicaid‐associated disparities more robustly, we used Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)–Medicaid linked data to examine diagnosis stage and survival disparities in those (i) Medicaid‐enrolled and (ii) with discontinuous and continuous Medicaid enrollment.

Methods

SEER–Medicaid linked data from 2006 to 2013 were obtained on cases diagnosed from 0 to 19 years. Medicaid enrollment was classified as enrolled versus not enrolled, with further classifications as continuous when enrolled 6 months before through 6 months after diagnosis, and discontinuous when not enrolled continuously for this period. We used multinomial logistic and Cox proportional hazards regression models to determine associations between enrollment measures, diagnosis stage, and cancer death adjusted for covariates.

Results

Among 21,502 cases, a higher odds of distant stage diagnoses were observed in association with Medicaid enrollment (odds ratio [OR] = 1.56, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.48–1.65), with the highest odds for discontinuous enrollment (OR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.86–2.15). Among 30,654 cases, any Medicaid enrollment, continuous enrollment, and discontinuous enrollment were associated with 1.68 (95% CI: 1.35–2.10), 1.66 (95% CI: 1.35–2.05), and 1.89 (95% CI: 1.54–2.33) times higher hazards of cancer death versus no enrollment, respectively.

Conclusions

Medicaid enrollment, particularly discontinuous enrollment, is associated with a higher  distant stage diagnosis odds and risk of death. This study supports the critical need for consistent health insurance coverage in children and adolescents.
Improving prescribing and patient safety in primary care
Authors: Ogden Joy
Published: January 2024

Professor Tony Avery OBE is a GP, National Clinical Director for Prescribing and Professor of Primary Health Care at the University of Nottingham. Here, he speaks to Joy Ogden about how his clinical practice and research on improving prescribing safety in primary care complement his leadership role in the implementation of the National Overprescribing Review.
Mavacamten for obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Chaplin Steve
Published: January 2024

Mavacamten (Camzyos) is a cardiac myosin inhibitor indicated for the treatment of symptomatic obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This article discusses its efficacy, adverse effects and place in therapy.
Improvement of Output Extraction Efficiency by Optimizing Edge Structure of Circular Defect in Photonic Crystal Laser
Authors: Adachi Yuki , Sada Issei , Morifuji Masato , Kajii Hirotake , Maruta Akihiro , Kondow Masahiko
Published: January 2024

We aim to achieve wavelength division multiplexing with a circular defect in two‐dimensional photonic crystal (CirD) laser that has an orthogonal lattice waveguide (OLW). In a simulation, we calculate the output extraction efficiency to discover a structure in which stronger optical output can be extracted for the CirD laser with OLW. Consequently, adjusting the edge face position and applying a semicircular port can strengthen the energy extracted from the edge face. This appears to be caused by changing the positional relationship between the standing wave mode and the edge face. Furthermore, the OLW‐W1 structure proposed in this report can achieve higher output extraction efficiency than the conventional OLW. The transmittance is enhanced by changing the structure near the edge face because this improves the matching of light speed in different media.
Gate‐Based Protocol Simulations for Quantum Repeaters using Quantum‐Dot Molecules in Switchable Electric Fields
Authors: Wilksen Steffen , Lohof Frederik , Willmann Isabell , Bopp Frederik , Lienhart Michelle , Thalacker Christopher , Finley Jonathan , Florian Matthias , Gies Christopher
Published: January 2024

Electrically controllable quantum‐dot molecules (QDMs) are a promising platform for deterministic entanglement generation and, as such, a resource for quantum‐repeater networks. A microscopic open‐quantum‐systems approach based on a time‐dependent Bloch–Redfield equation is developed to model the generation of entangled spin states with high fidelity. The state preparation is a crucial step in a protocol for deterministic entangled‐photon‐pair generation that is proposed for quantum repeater applications. The theory takes into account the quantum‐dot molecules' electronic properties that are controlled by time‐dependent electric fields as well as dissipation due to electron–phonon interaction. The transition between adiabatic and non‐adiabatic regimes is quantified, which provides insights into the dynamics of adiabatic control of QDM charge states in the presence of dissipative processes. From this, the maximum speed of entangled‐state preparation is inferred under different experimental conditions, which serves as a first step toward simulation of attainable entangled photon‐pair generation rates. The developed formalism opens the possibility for device‐realistic descriptions of repeater protocol implementations.
Exploring Trends and Opportunities in Quantum‐Enhanced Advanced Photonic Illumination Technologies
Authors: Taha Bakr Ahmed , Addie Ali J. , Haider Adawiya J. , Chaudhary Vishal , Apsari Retna , Kaushik Ajeet , Arsad Norhana
Published: January 2024

The development of quantum‐enabled photonic technologies has opened new avenues for advanced illumination across diverse fields, including sensing, computing, materials, and integration. This review highlights how Quantum‐enhanced sensing and imaging exploit nonclassical correlations to attain unprecedented accuracy in chaotic environments. As well as guaranteeing secure communications, quantum cryptography, protected by physical principles, ensures unbreakable cryptographic key exchange. As quantum computing speed increases exponentially, previously unimplementable uses for classical computers become feasible. On‐chip integration enables the mass production of quantum photonic components for pervasive applications by facilitating miniaturization and scalability. A powerful and flexible platform is produced when classical and quantum systems are combined. Quantum spin liquids and other topological materials can maintain their quantum states while subject to decoherence. Despite challenges with decoherence, production, and commercialization, quantum photonics is an exciting new area of study that promises lighting techniques impossible with conventional optics. To realize this promise, researchers from several fields must work together to solve complex technical problems and decode fundamental physics. Finally, advances in quantum‐enabled photonics have the potential to evolve quantum photonic devices and cutting‐edge imaging methods and usher in a new age of lighting options based on quantum dots.
Soil bacterial community is influenced by long‐term integrated soil fertility management practices in a Ferralsol in Western Kenya
Authors: Bolo Peter , Mucheru‐Muna Monicah , Mwirichia Romano K. , Kinyua Michael , Ayaga George , Kihara Job
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Soil bacterial community structure, abundance and diversity, important in biogeochemical cycling, are influenced by several anthropogenic and edaphic factors. Numerous agronomic practices have been promoted to improve soil fertility and crop production in western Kenya, but little is known on their impacts on soil microbial diversity in the region.

Materials and Methods

In this study, conducted in 2019, we assessed the influence of various long‐term (17 years) agronomic management practices, involving application of farmyard manure (FYM) either sole or under different combinations with inorganic nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), using 12 treatments, on bacterial community composition, relative abundance and diversity. The bacterial community composition was assessed through amplicon sequencing on an Illumina Miseq platform conducted in MR DNA Laboratory, USA.

Results

The soil bacterial community composition and diversity were predominantly higher under management practices with application of FYM, either sole or in combination with inorganic fertilisers compared to treatments with either sole NPK fertiliser or no input application. Certain bacterial taxa, involving Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Nitrospirae, Fusobacteria, Nitrospinae and Actinobacteria predominated in management practices where FYM was added either solely or in combination with chemical fertilisers. In addition, several soil chemical parameters showed significant influences on bacterial composition, relative abundance and diversity indices. Soil pH, soil organic carbon (SOC), N, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn, Fe and cation exchange capacity consistently showed strong positive correlation with numerous bacterial phyla. Bacterial phyla were significantly affected by treatments. Some bacterial phyla, like Chloroflexi and Acidobacteria, were mostly dominant in treatments applied with organic inputs but were depressed under carbon‐deficient treatments (no‐input control and sole NPK application treatments).

Conclusion

This study revealed that long‐term agricultural management practices that seek to improve SOC content and nutrient availability also stimulated bacterial diversity and shifted bacterial composition.
Design of 1,8‐Naphthalimide‐Based Fluorescent Functional Molecules for Biological Application: A Review
Authors: Nie Wo , Hu Liu
Published: January 2024

1,8‐Naphthalimide fluorophore, as the classical skeleton for fluorescent functional molecules, has gained much attention in the chemistry and biomedical field due to its excellent fluorescent properties, photostability, and structural flexibility. The rational design of the substituents on the C‐4 position and N‐position of 1,8‐naphthalimide chromophore can provide specific functions for the molecules, such as fluorescence sensing, energy‐trapping, and targeting. This review presents the design progress of 1,8‐naphthalimide‐based fluorescence sensors for metal ions and biological molecules, and 1,8‐naphthalimide‐functionalized photosensitive dyes in the biological field over the past years. We summarize the general fluorescent molecular design strategies, recent developments of 1,8‐naphthalimide in innovative photosensitizers, and the challenges, wishing to promote new ideas in developing smart and functional molecules from 1,8‐naphthalimide derivatives.
Enhancement of electro‐optical and non‐linear optical parameters of halogenated hexahexyloxytriphenylene (HAT6) molecule: A computational approach
Authors: Mishra Mirtunjai , Kumar Devesh , Singh Devendra
Published: January 2024

An investigation of electro‐optical and nonlinear optical properties of pure and halogenated (−Cl, −Br) hexahexyloxytriphenylene (HAT6) molecule is presented employing a density functional theory (DFT) approach. The effect of halogenation on HAT6 molecule is studied by introducing single and double halogens (Cl, Br) in its molecular geometry. The geometries are optimized progressively to achieve stability using B3LYP method with 6‐311 basis sets. The physical properties encompassing electro‐optical, thermodynamic, and electronic properties of single molecule of HAT6 are computed using DFT method. The introduction of halogens to discotic HAT6 molecule to an augmentation in molecular polarizability, rendering halogenated HAT6 a suitable candidate for nonlinear optical devices due to its π–π conjugation and improved optical parameters. The UV‐Vis spectra indicate the predominant absorptions and changes in absorption depend on the halogenations of the HAT6 molecule. Also, the halogenation effect leads to a significant reduction in the energy bandgap directly associated with electron‐electron correlation, facilitating straightforward tuning.
Experiences and challenges from developing cyber‐physical systems in industry‐academia collaboration
Authors: Cederbladh Johan , Eramo Romina , Muttillo Vittoriano , Strandberg Per Erik
Published: January 2024

Cyber‐physical systems (CPSs) are increasing in developmental complexity. Several emerging technologies, such as Model‐based engineering, DevOps, and Artificial intelligence, are expected to alleviate the associated complexity by introducing more advanced capabilities. The AIDOaRt research project investigates how the aforementioned technologies can assist in developing complex CPSs in various industrial use cases. In this paper, we discuss the experiences of industry and academia collaborating to improve the development of complex CPSs through the experiences in the research project. In particular, the paper presents the results of two working groups that examined the challenges of developing complex CPSs from an industrial and academic perspective when considering the previously mentioned technologies. We present five identified challenge areas from developing complex CPSs and discuss them from the perspective of industry and academia: data, modeling, requirements engineering, continuous software and system engineering, as well as intelligence and automation. Furthermore, we highlight practical experience in collaboration from the project via two explicit use cases and connect them to the challenge areas. Finally, we discuss some lessons learned through the collaborations, which might foster future collaborative efforts.
Application of amplified damped outrigger in seismic design of high‐rise buildings
Authors: Xue Hongjing , Zhao Zibin , Li Pei , Shu Weinong , Guan Yu , He Dongdong , Wei Dong , Song Jincheng
Published: January 2024

The application of the outrigger technology effectively improves the lateral stiffness of buildings, reduces harmful deformation, enhances the seismic resistance of structures, and contributes to the rapid development of high‐rise buildings. To improve the response speed and energy dissipation of a viscous damping outrigger under seismic excitation, a viscous damping outrigger with an amplifier was proposed, and its effectiveness was verified by combining it with the seismic design of a 149.2 m high‐rise building in an 8.5‐degree intensity area. To determine the additional damping ratio of the building structure, investigations were carried out using both the code method and energy ratio method to evaluate the contribution of the damping outrigger. The damped outrigger equivalent stiffness determination method was studied, and the simplified engineering calculation method was compared against the refined finite element analysis results for engineering design purposes. The displacement amplification technique incorporated into the viscously damped outrigger can enhance the damper response speed, and increase the energy dissipation of the damped outrigger system. The application of an enlarged damped outrigger in engineering can result in an additional damping ratio of approximately 1% while simplifying the calculation method based on the additional damping and equivalent damper cut‐line stiffness, which can be useful in engineering design.
Delayed surgical repair of a rupture of quadriceps tendons in a dog after failure of primary surgery
Authors: Vlasin Michal , Lewis Dave , Mala Barbora , Ceplecha Vaclav , Artingstall Richard
Published: January 2024

A 10‐month‐old female American bulldog presented for surgical revision of a left quadriceps injury that was sustained after running into a glass table. The wounds were initially repaired and tendons reattached at the referring practice. However, the dog remained non‐weight bearing following the initial surgery. A substantial gap could be palpated within the quadriceps, proximal to the stifle joint, indicating failure of the quadriceps mechanism repair. Radiography of the limb revealed a large joint effusion and soft tissue swelling around the stifle. Surgical revision of the quadriceps deficit was performed. The dog made a full recovery and no residual lameness was evident 6 months following surgery.
Validation of downscaled 1‐km SMOS and SMAP soil moisture data in 2010–2021
Authors: Fang Bin , Lakshmi Venkataraman , Zhang Runze
Published: January 2024

Soil moisture (SM) is an important component for many applications in agriculture, hydrology, meteorology, and ecology. In past decades, passive/active microwave sensors onboard Earth observation satellites are utilized to obtain SM estimates from radiometer or radar observations. In this study, the Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) Level 3 daily SM retrievals at 25‐km spatial resolution between 2010 and 2021 were downscaled through an apparent thermal inertia principle‐based algorithm. The 1‐km downscaled SMOS SM retrievals were validated by in situ measurements from 635 sites of 19 SM networks in the world, which were acquired from the International Soil Moisture Network and Texas Soil Observation Network.  Additionally, the validation results of the SMOS SM products were compared with those of the Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) global Level 2 enhanced SM products at 1‐km downscaled and original 9‐km resolution in 2015–2021. It shows that the downscaled SMOS SM data have an overall improved accuracy and outperform the coarse‐resolution 25‐km data, with a lower unbiased Root Mean Squared Error of 0.114 m3/m3 on average.
High risk of complications following surgical treatment of patella fractures — a cross-sectional study of 798 patients with mean 6.4 years follow-up
Authors: Larsen Peter , Arildsen Marie , Kristensen Kasper , Lyng Kristian D. , Elsoe Rasmus
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the incidence of early and late complications following treatment of patella fractures. Secondary aims were to investigate the association between early and late complications and the patient-reported outcome measurement, the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS).

Methods

Cross-sectional study including all patients recorded with a patella fracture residing in the Northern Region of Denmark between 2010 and 2020. Early (before 3 months) and late complications were investigated by retrospective review of charts and x-rays. All patients were invited to participate in the study by reporting current knee-specific symptoms. The KOOS was used to investigate patient-reported knee-specific symptoms.

Results

Seven hundred ninety-eight patients were included in the study. A total of 532 (67%) patients were treated conservatively, and 266 (33%) patients underwent surgery. The mean age at the time of fracture was 66.8, ranging from 6 to 103 years of age. The mean follow-up time was 6.4 years, ranging from 1.1 to 12.3 years follow-up. Overall, the rate of complications was 26%. Overall, the rate of complication for the surgical group was 57% and for the conservative group 4%. The most common early complication was the loss of reduction followed by the removal of symptomatic hardware. The most common late complication was the removal of symptomatic hardware and knee arthroscopy. In all the five KOOS subscales (Pain, Symptoms, ADL, Sport/Rec, and QOL), patients presenting with early and late complications reported statistically significantly worse scores than those without complications.

Conclusion

The overall incidence of complications in patients presenting with a patella fracture was 26%, with a mean follow-up time of 6.4 years. In the surgical group, 57% of patients experience at least one complication during the follow-up period. Early and late complications were significantly associated with worse KOOS subscale  scores.
A novel model for predicting prognosis and response to immunotherapy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients
Authors: Wu Ya-Xian , Tian Bo-Yu , Ou Xin-Yuan , Wu Meng , Huang Qi , Han Run-Kun , He Xia , Chen Shu-Lin
Published: January 2024

Blood-based biomarkers of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) response in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) are lacking, so it is necessary to identify biomarkers to select NPC patients who will benefit most or least from ICIs. The absolute values of lymphocyte subpopulations, biochemical indexes, and blood routine tests were determined before ICIs-based treatments in the training cohort (n = 130). Then, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) Cox regression analysis was developed to construct a prediction model. The performances of the prediction model were compared to TNM stage, treatment, and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) DNA using the concordance index (C-index). Progression-free survival (PFS) was estimated by Kaplan–Meier (K–M) survival curve. Other 63 patients were used for validation cohort. The novel model composed of histologic subtypes, CD19+ B cells, natural killer (NK) cells, regulatory T cells, red blood cells (RBC), AST/ALT ratio (SLR), apolipoprotein B (Apo B), and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH). The C-index of this model was 0.784 in the training cohort and 0.735 in the validation cohort. K–M survival curve showed patients with high-risk scores had shorter PFS compared to the low-risk groups. For predicting immune therapy responses, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC), decision curve analysis (DCA), net reclassifcation improvement index (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement index (IDI) of this model showed better predictive ability compared to EBV DNA. In this study, we constructed a novel model for prognostic prediction and immunotherapeutic response prediction in NPC patients, which may provide clinical assistance in selecting those patients who are likely to gain long-lasting clinical benefits to anti-PD-1 therapy.
Determinants and reference values of the 6-min walk distance in the general population—results of the population-based STAAB cohort study
Authors: Morbach Caroline , Moser Nicola , Cejka Vladimir , Stach Michael , Sahiti Floran , Kerwagen Fabian , Frantz Stefan , Pryss Rüdiger , Gelbrich Götz , Heuschmann Peter U. , Störk Stefan ,   on behalf of the STAAB consortium, Maack C. , Ertl G. , Fassnacht M. , Wanner C. , Leyh R. , Volkmann J. , Deckert J. , Faller H. , Jahns R.
Published: January 2024

Aims

The 6-min walk test is an inexpensive, safe, and easy tool to assess functional capacity in patients with cardiopulmonary diseases including heart failure (HF). There is a lack of reference values, which are a prerequisite for the interpretation of test results in patients. Furthermore, determinants independent of the respective disease need to be considered when interpreting the 6-min walk distance (6MWD).

Methods

The prospective Characteristics and Course of Heart Failure Stages A-B and Determinants of Progression (STAAB) cohort study investigates a representative sample of residents of the City of Würzburg, Germany, aged 30 to 79 years, without a history of HF. Participants underwent detailed clinical and echocardiographic phenotyping as well as a standardized assessment of the 6MWD using a 15-m hallway.

Results

In a sample of 2762 participants (51% women, mean age 58 ± 11 years), we identified age and height, but not sex, as determinants of the 6MWD. While a worse metabolic profile showed a negative association with the 6MWD, a better systolic and diastolic function showed a positive association with 6MWD. From a subgroup of 681 individuals without any cardiovascular risk factors (60% women, mean age 52 ± 10 years), we computed age- and height-specific reference percentiles.

Conclusion

In a representative sample of the general population free from HF, we identified determinants of the 6MWD implying objective physical fitness associated with metabolic health as well as with cardiac structure and function. Furthermore, we derived reference percentiles applicable when using a 15-m hallway.

Graphical abstract
“Not even my husband knows that I have this [breast cancer]”: survivors’ experiences in accessing, navigating and coping with treatment
Authors: Chidebe Runcie C. W. , Orjiakor Tochukwu C. , Okwu Gloria C. , Orji Mary-Gloria A. , Nwosu-Zitta Theodora O. , Agha Agha A. , Aruah Simeon C. , Okem-Akwiwu Chika , Nwakasi Candidus C. , Gyimah Akwasi Adjei , Shinkafi-Bagudu Zainab , Onyedibe Maria-Chidi C. , Okoye Ifeoma J. , Darlingtina K. Esiaka
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Nigeria has the highest burden of breast cancer (BC) in Africa. While the survival rates for BC are over 90% in many high-income countries; low-and middle-income countries like Nigeria have 40% BC survival rates. Prior studies show that the burden and poor BC survival rates are exacerbated by both health system and individual level factors, yet there is a paucity of literature on the experiences of BC survivors in Nigeria. Hence, this study explored the divergent and convergent experiences of BC survivors in accessing, navigating, and coping with treatment.

Methods

Participants (N = 24, aged 35 to 73 years) were recruited and engaged in focus group discussions (group 1, n = 11; group 2, n = 13 participants). Transcripts were transcribed verbatim and analyzed with inductive thematic analysis.

Results

Four themes were identified: “I am carrying this [breast cancer] alone,” “Living my life,” “‘God’ helped me,” and “A very painful journey.” Participants described how they concealed their BC diagnosis from family and significant others while accessing and navigating BC treatment. Also, they adopted spiritual beliefs as a coping mechanism while sticking to their treatment and acknowledging the burden of BC on their well-being.

Conclusions

Our findings explored the emotional burden of BC diagnosis and treatment and the willingness of the BC survivors to find meaning in their diagnosis. Treatment for BC survivors should integrate supportive care and innovative BC access tools to reduce pain and mitigate the burdens of BC.

Implications for cancer survivors

The integration of innovative technologies for venous access and other treatment needs of BC is crucial and will improve survivorship. Non-disclosure of BC diagnosis is personal and complicated; hence, BC survivors need to be supported at various levels of care and treatment to make meaningful decisions. To improve survivorship, patient engagement is crucial in shared decision-making, collaboration, and active participation in care.
On the total albumin losses during haemocatharsis
Authors: Karabelas Anastasios J.
Published: January 2024

Excessive albumin losses during HC (haemocatharsis) are considered a potential cause of hypoalbuminemia—a key risk factor for mortality. This review on total albumin losses considers albumin “leaking” into the dialysate and losses due to protein/membrane interactions (i.e. adsorption, “secondary membrane formation” and denaturation). The former are fairly easy to determine, usually varying at the level of ~ 2 g to ~ 7 g albumin loss per session. Such values, commonly accepted as representative of the total albumin losses, are often quoted as limits/standards of permissible albumin loss per session. On albumin mass lost due to adsorption/deposition, which is the result of complicated interactions and rather difficult to determine, scant in vivo data exist and there is great uncertainty and confusion regarding their magnitude; this is possibly responsible for neglecting their contribution to the total losses at present. Yet, many relevant in vitro studies suggest that losses of albumin due to protein/membrane interactions are likely comparable to (or even greater than) those due to leaking, particularly in the currently favoured high-convection HDF (haemodiafiltration) treatment. Therefore, it is emphasised that top research priority should be given to resolve these issues, primarily by developing appropriate/facile in vivo test-methods and related analytical techniques.
Unveiling the bioactive potential of Actinomycetota from the Tagus River estuary
Authors: dos Santos José Diogo Neves , Pinto Eugénia , Martín Jesús , Vicente Francisca , Reyes Fernando , Lage Olga Maria
Published: January 2024

The increase in global travel and the incorrect and excessive use of antibiotics has led to an unprecedented rise in antibiotic resistance in bacterial and fungal populations. To overcome these problems, novel bioactive natural products must be discovered, which may be found in underexplored environments, such as estuarine habitats. In the present work, estuarine actinomycetotal strains were isolated with conventional and iChip techniques from the Tagus estuary in Alcochete, Portugal, and analysed for different antimicrobial bioactivities. Extracts were produced from the isolated cultures and tested for bioactivity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Aspergillus fumigatus ATCC 240305, Candida albicans ATCC 10231 and Trichophyton rubrum FF5. Furthermore, bioactive extracts were subjected to dereplication by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) to putatively identify their chemical components. In total, 105 isolates belonging to 3 genera were obtained. One which was isolated, MTZ3.1 T, represents a described novel taxon for which the name Streptomyces meridianus was proposed. Regarding the bioactivity testing, extracts from 12 strains proved to be active against S. aureus, 2 against E. coli, 4 against A. fumigatus, 3 against C. albicans and 10 against T. rubrum. Dereplication of bioactive extracts showed the presence of 28 known bioactive molecules, 35 hits have one or more possible matches in the DNP and 18 undescribed ones. These results showed that the isolated bacteria might be the source of new bioactive natural products.
Integrating probability and big non-probability samples data to produce Official Statistics
Authors: Golini Natalia , Righi Paolo
Published: January 2024

This paper introduces the pseudo-calibration estimators, a novel method that integrates a non-probability sample of big size with a probability sample, assuming both samples contain relevant information for estimating the population parameter. The proposed estimators share a structural similarity with the adjusted projection estimators and the difference estimators but they adopt a different inferential approach and informative setup. The pseudo-calibration estimators can be employed when the target variable is observed in the probability sample and, in the non-probability sample, it is observed correctly, observed with error, or predicted. This paper also introduces an original application of the jackknife-type method for variance estimation. A simulation study shows that the proposed estimators are robust and efficient compared to the regression data integration estimators that use the same informative setup. Finally, a further evaluation using real data is carried out.
Reinforcement learning based agents for improving layouts of automotive crash structures
Authors: Trilling Jens , Schumacher Axel , Zhou Ming
Published: January 2024

The topology optimization of crash structures in automotive and aeronautical applications is challenging. Purely mathematical methods struggle due to the complexity of determining the sensitivities of the relevant objective functions and restrictions according to the design variables. For this reason, the Graph- and Heuristic-based Topology optimization (GHT) was developed, which controls the optimization process with rules derived from expert knowledge. In order to extend the collected expert rules, the use of reinforcement learning (RL) agents for deriving a new optimization rule is proposed in this paper. This heuristic is designed in such a way that it can be applied to many different models and load cases. An environment is introduced in which agents interact with a randomized graph to improve cells of the graph by inserting edges. The graph is derived from a structural frame model. Cells represent localized parts of the graph and delineate the areas where agents can insert edges. A newly developed shape preservation metric is presented to evaluate the performance of topology changes made by agents. This metric evaluates how much a cell has deformed by comparing its shape in the deformed and undeformed state. The training process of the agents is described and their performance is evaluated in the training environment. It is shown how the agents and the environment can be integrated as a new heuristic into the GHT. An optimization of the frame model and a vehicle rocker model with the enhanced GHT is carried out to assess its performance in practical optimizations.
Avoiding lead-time bias by estimating stage-specific proportions of cancer and non-cancer deaths
Authors: Chang Ellen T. , Clarke Christina A. , Colditz Graham A. , Kurian Allison W. , Hubbell Earl
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Understanding how stage at cancer diagnosis influences cause of death, an endpoint that is not susceptible to lead-time bias, can inform population-level outcomes of cancer screening.

Methods

Using data from 17 US Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registries for 1,154,515 persons aged 50–84 years at cancer diagnosis in 2006–2010, we evaluated proportional causes of death by cancer type and uniformly classified stage, following or extrapolating all patients until death through 2020.

Results

Most cancer patients diagnosed at stages I–II did not go on to die from their index cancer, whereas most patients diagnosed at stage IV did. For patients diagnosed with any cancer at stages I–II, an estimated 26% of deaths were due to the index cancer, 63% due to non-cancer causes, and 12% due to a subsequent primary (non-index) cancer. In contrast, for patients diagnosed with any stage IV cancer, 85% of deaths were attributed to the index cancer, with 13% non-cancer and 2% non-index-cancer deaths. Index cancer mortality from stages I–II cancer was proportionally lowest for thyroid, melanoma, uterus, prostate, and breast, and highest for pancreas, liver, esophagus, lung, and stomach.

Conclusion

Across all cancer types, the percentage of patients who went on to die from their cancer was over three times greater when the cancer was diagnosed at stage IV than stages I–II. As mortality patterns are not influenced by lead-time bias, these data suggest that earlier detection is likely to improve outcomes across cancer types, including those currently unscreened.
Determinants of Nonperforming Loans: A Global Data Analysis
Authors: Salas MBelen , Lamothe Prosper , Delgado Enrique , Fernández-Miguélez Angel L. , Valcarce Lucia
Published: January 2024

This Study Analyzes the Factors that Explain the Evolution of banks´ Nonperforming loan Ratios Worldwide. We use a Sample of 1,631 Entities from 111 Countries Grouped into the Eight Central Regions in the World, with Information Corresponding to the Period 2007–2021. Applying Panel data Methods and an Extensive set of both Specific and Macroeconomic Variables, the Results show that Nonperforming loan Ratio is Determined by a Series of Specific Factors, Regardless of where or when they Operate. These Results may be Helpful to Minimize the cost of Building Models for the Nonperforming loan Analysis in the world´s most Critical Regions.