bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An efficient high performance reconfigurable canonical sign digit architecture for software defined radio
Authors: Chalampalem Vijaya Bhaskar , Pidugu Munaswamy
Published: November 2023

Software defined radios (SDRs) are highly motivated for wireless device modelling due to their flexibility and scalability over alternative wireless design options. The evolutionary structure of finite impulse response (FIR) filters was designed for a proposed reconfigurable canonical sign digit (CSD) approach. Considering the complex trade-off, this is accomplished with many FIR taps, which is a challenging assignment. On the baseband processing side, design is given with parameterization-controlled FIR filter tap selection. Optimal processing models to overcome the reconfigurable design issues associated with the SDR system for a multi-standard wireless communication system root cosine filter standard are often used to implement multiple FIR channelization topologies, each of which is tied to a particular in-phase and quadrature (IQ) symbol. Additionally, it demonstrates the viability of using a multi-modulation baseband modulator in the SDR system for next-generation wireless communication systems to maximise adaptability with the least amount of computational complexity overhead. The proposed multiplier-less FIR filter-based reconfigurable baseband modulator, according to the experimental results, offers a 6% complexity reduction and a 47% improvement in performance efficiency over the current SDR system.
Implementing hue-saturation-value filter and circle hough transform for object tracking on ball-wheeled robot
Authors: Sugiarto Kharis , Kusuma Vicky Andria , Firdaus Aji Akbar , Suprapto Sena Sukmananda , Putra Dimas Fajar Uman
Published: November 2023

The ball-wheeled robot relies on a camera for receiving information on the object to be followed. Object tracing is one of the methods that can be used for detecting object movement. In recognizing objects around it, the robot requires an image analysis process that involves visual perception. Image processing is the process of processing and analyzing images that involves visual perception, and is characterized by input data and output information in the form of images. This is how the robot can see objects around it and then be assisted by computer vision to make a decision. The object tracking method with hue-saturation-value (HSV) colour filtering and shape recognition with circle hough transform (CHT) is applied to the ball-wheeled robot. The front vision of the robot uses HSV colour filtering with various test values to determine the thresholding value, and it was found that the ball could be identified up to a distance of 1,000 cm. To further improve the performance of recognizing the ball object, CHT was applied. It was found that the ball could be identified up to a distance of 700 cm. Furthermore, the ball can be identified in obstructed conditions up to 75%.
Efficient very large-scale integration architecture design of proportionate-type least mean square adaptive filters
Authors: Lakshmaiah Gangadharaiah Soralamavu , Narayanappa Chikkajala Krishnappa , Shrinivasan Lakshmi , Narasimhaiah Divya Muddenahalli
Published: November 2023

The effectiveness of adaptive filters are mainly dependent on the design techniques and the algorithm of adaptation. The most common adaptation technique used is least mean square (LMS) due its computational simplicity. The application depends on the adaptive filter configuration used and are well known for system identification and real time applications. In this work, a modified delayed μ-law proportionate normalized least mean square (DMPNLMS) algorithm has been proposed. It is the improvised version of the µ-law proportionate normalized least mean square (MPNLMS) algorithm. The algorithm is realized using Ladner-Fischer type of parallel prefix logarithmic adder to reduce the silicon area. The simulation and implementation of very large-scale integration (VLSI) architecture are done using MATLAB, Vivado suite and complementary metal–oxide– semiconductor (CMOS) 90 nm technology node using Cadence register transfer level (RTL) Genus Compiler respectively. The DMPNLMS method exhibits a reduction in mean square error, a higher rate of convergence, and more stability. The synthesis results demonstrate that it is area and delay effective, making it practical for applications where a faster operating speed is required.
Radio frequency identification based materials tracking system for construction industry
Authors: Jain Sameer , Sanchez Gustavo , Sunil Taruna , Sharma Dinesh Kumar
Published: November 2023

The construction industry is an industry that is always surrounded by uncertainties and risks. The industry is always associated with a threatindustry which has a complex, tedious layout and techniques characterized by unpredictable circumstances. It comprises a variety of human talents and the coordination of different areas and activities associated with it. In this competitive era of the construction industry, delays and cost overruns of the project are often common in every project and the causes of that are also common. One of the problems which we are trying to cater to is the improper handling of materials at the construction site. In this paper, we propose developing a system that is capable of tracking construction material on site that would benefit the contractor and client for better control over inventory on-site and to minimize loss of material that occurs due to theft and misplacing of materials.
Oseanografi Kimia
Authors: Sari Syarifah Hikmah Julinda , Yona Defri , Aliviyanti Dian , Asadi Muhammad Arif , Yanuar Adi Tiya
Published: November 2023

Oseanografi kimia merupakan kajian interdisipliner yang mempelajari tentang kimia lautan, reaksinya, serta perannya dalam proses di lautan. Kajian oseanografi kimia dapat menunjang pemahaman terkait distribusi dan reaktivitas komponen kimia di lautan dan pada antarmuka: bumi-laut, sedimen-laut, atmosfer-laut. Kimia lautan berkaitan erat dengan sirkulasi laut, iklim, tanaman dan hewan yang hidup di laut, dan pertukaran materi dengan atmosfer dan daratan. Penelitian terkait bidang oseanografi kimia akan terus berkembang karena sifat laut yang sangat dinamis, aktivitas manusia yang terus meningkat, perubahan kondisi bumi serta teknologi yang terus berkembang. Namun demikian, semua penelitian tersebut akan selalu mengarah kepada siklus elemen di laut dan interaksinya dengan proses biologi, fisika dan juga geologi. Sampai saat ini perkembangan penelitian di bidang oseanografi kimia cukup beragam. Oleh karena itu, buku ini dibuat untuk melengkapi referensi di bidang kimia laut. Buku ini berisikan 12 (dua belas) bab yang terdiri dari pendahuluan (definisi, sejarah, tren penelitian oseanografi kimia), karakteristik air laut, komponen mayor dan minor air laut, pH dan alkalinitas, gas terlarut di laut, nutrien di laut, elemen metal di laut, isotop stabil dan radioaktif, komponen kimia sedimen laut, bahan organik, produktifitas primer, dan pigmen fitoplankton. Buku ini bermanfaat bagi mahasiswa Program Studi Ilmu Kelautan dan juga Oseanografi, peneliti, dan semua pihak yang ingin mempelajari tentang proses kimia di lautan.
Literatura "de Sensação"
Authors: Bufalari Fernando
Published: November 2023

Tradução do texto anônimo “Sensation’ Literature” (1861), publicado no Saunders, Otley & Co.’s The Literary Budget.
Cicatriz que faz lembrar: um espectro autobiográfico em "O homem duplicado", de José Saramago
Authors: Noronha Soraia
Published: November 2023

O embate entre história e ficção é uma característica muito forte dos romances de José Saramago. Este ensaio procura discutir brevemente por quais caminhos a memória autobiográfica pode permear o romance O homem duplicado, que brinca de forma muito particular com os procedimentos performáticos do autor. Em seguida, sugere algumas justificativas para esse caso exemplar.
O ouriço, Odradek e a experiência poemática
Authors: Salgado Lara Cammarota
Published: November 2023

O presente trabalho é uma leitura sobre os sentidos que o texto “Che cose è la poesia”, de Jacques Derrida, e “Preocupações de um pai de família”, de Franz Kafka, assumem quando lidos em conjunto como respostas para as perguntas “o que é a poesia?” e “o que foi a poesia?”, respectivamente. A leitura é motivada tanto pela noção de contra-assinatura, de Derrida, quanto pelo conceito de ambiência discursiva, de Roger Chartier. Partindo desses conceitos, a leitura crítica do conjunto proposto pela revista italiana busca estabelecer aproximações e diferenças sobre ambos os textos, bem como refletir sobre o espaço e tempo da poesia.
Entrevista com Lourenço Mutarelli
Authors: Mutarelli Lourenço , Mendes Neto Joaquim Ferreira
Published: November 2023

Lourenço Mutarelli nasceu em 18 abril de 1964, em São Paulo. É escritor, quadrinista, ator. Como quadrinista, escreveu e ilustrou obras como A caixa de areia (2006) e a trilogia de Diomedes, reunida em volume único em 2012.  Seu primeiro romance, O cheiro do ralo (2002), viraria filme em 2007, do qual Mutarelli participa como personagem. Depois viriam os romances O natimorto (2004) , Jesus Kid I (2004), A arte de produzir efeito sem causa (2008), Miguel e seus demônios (2009), Nada me faltará (2010), O grifo de Abdera (2015), O filho mais velho de Deus e/ou o livro IV (2018). Nesta entrevista, Lourenço Mutarelli fala de seu nono romance, O livro dos mortos, que será publicado no segundo semestre de 2022. A entrevista foi realizada durante a pandemia, via comunicação online, no dia 13 de março de 2022.
Understanding HDL Metabolism and Biology Through In Vivo Tracer Kinetics
Authors: Andraski Allison B. , Sacks Frank M. , Aikawa Masanori , Singh Sasha A.
Published: November 2023

HDL (high-density lipoprotein), owing to its high protein content and small size, is the densest circulating lipoprotein. In contrast to lipid-laden VLDL (very-low-density lipoprotein) and LDL (low-density lipoprotein) that promote atherosclerosis, HDL is hypothesized to mitigate atherosclerosis via reverse cholesterol transport, a process that entails the uptake and clearance of excess cholesterol from peripheral tissues. This process is mediated by APOA1 (apolipoprotein A-I), the primary structural protein of HDL, as well as by the activities of additional HDL proteins. Tracer-dependent kinetic studies are an invaluable tool to study HDL-mediated reverse cholesterol transport and overall HDL metabolism in humans when a cardiovascular disease therapy is investigated. Unfortunately, HDL cholesterol-raising therapies have not been successful at reducing cardiovascular events suggesting an incomplete picture of HDL biology. However, as HDL tracer studies have evolved from radioactive isotope- to stable isotope-based strategies that in turn are reliant on mass spectrometry technologies, the complexity of the HDL proteome and its metabolism can be more readily addressed. In this review, we outline the motivations, timelines, advantages, and disadvantages of the various tracer kinetics strategies. We also feature the metabolic properties of select HDL proteins known to regulate reverse cholesterol transport, which in turn underscore that HDL lipoproteins comprise a heterogeneous particle population whose distinct protein constituents and kinetics likely determine its function and potential contribution to cholesterol clearance.
Casket of Light, Padlocked with Light: Sayyid Ḥaydar Āmulī, Ahl al-Bayt, and Shiʿi Philosophical Esotericism
Authors: Mansouri Mohammad Amin
Published: November 2023

This article examines the views of the Twelver philosopher Sayyid Ḥaydar Āmulī (d. ca. 787/1385) regarding the prophetic family (ahl al-bayt), their connection with the initiatory robe (khirqa), and their status as “those firmly rooted in knowledge” (al-rāsikhūn fī l-ʿilm). Āmulī’s conception blends early esoteric traditions within Shiʿi literature with the Sufi and mystical ideas prevalent during his time, resulting in a fresh understanding of Shiʿi spirituality. Moreover, he surpasses sectarian divisions by theorizing an inclusive monotheistic doctrine, enabling individuals who embrace monotheism both within the Shiʿi community and among Sunni Sufis to be acknowledged as followers of the prophetic family and to attain redemption. This article contributes to a deeper understanding of the portrayal of the prophetic family in medieval Sufi and mystical literature, the intricate relationship between Shiʿism and Sufism, and the inclusive nature of Āmulī’s theoretical framework.
Potential use of iPSCs for disease modeling, drug screening, and cell-based therapy for Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Marei Hany E. , Khan Muhammad Umar Aslam , Hasan Anwarul
Published: November 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a chronic illness marked by increasing cognitive decline and nervous system deterioration. At this time, there is no known medication that will stop the course of Alzheimer’s disease; instead, most symptoms are treated. Clinical trial failure rates for new drugs remain high, highlighting the urgent need for improved AD modeling for improving understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of disease and improving drug development. The development of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) has made it possible to model neurological diseases like AD, giving access to an infinite number of patient-derived cells capable of differentiating neuronal fates. This advance will accelerate Alzheimer’s disease research and provide an opportunity to create more accurate patient-specific models of Alzheimer’s disease to support pathophysiological research, drug development, and the potential application of stem cell-based therapeutics. This review article provides a complete summary of research done to date on the potential use of iPSCs from AD patients for disease modeling, drug discovery, and cell-based therapeutics. Current technological developments in AD research including 3D modeling, genome editing, gene therapy for AD, and research on familial (FAD) and sporadic (SAD) forms of the disease are discussed. Finally, we outline the issues that need to be elucidated and future directions for iPSC modeling in AD.
Volume replacement in the resuscitation of trauma patients with acute hemorrhage: an umbrella review
Authors: Gianola Silvia , Castellini Greta , Biffi Annalisa , Porcu Gloria , Napoletano Antonello , Coclite Daniela , D’Angelo Daniela , Di Nitto Marco , Fauci Alice Josephine , Punzo Ornella , Iannone Primiano , Chiara Osvaldo ,   the Italian National Institute of Health guideline working group, Stocchetti Nino , De Blasio Elvio , Flego Gaddo , Geraci Massimo , Maccauro Giulio , Santolini Federico , Tacconi Claudio , Tugnoli Gregorio , Fabbri Andrea , Ruggieri Maria Pia , Coniglio Carlo
Published: November 2023

Background

The use of intravenous fluid therapy in patients with major trauma in prehospital settings is still controversial. We conducted an umbrella review to evaluate which is the best volume expansion in the resuscitation of a hemorrhagic shock to support the development of major trauma guideline recommendations.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Embase, and CENTRAL up to September 2022 for systematic reviews (SRs) investigating the use of volume expansion fluid on mortality and/or survival. Quality assessment was performed using AMSTAR 2 and the Certainty of the evidence was assessed with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

Results

We included 14 SRs investigating the effects on mortality with the comparisons: use of crystalloids, blood components, and whole blood. Most SRs were judged as critically low with slight overlapping of primary studies and high consistency of results. For crystalloids, inconsistent evidence of effectiveness in 28- to 30-day survival (primary endpoint) was found for the hypertonic saline/dextran group compared with isotonic fluid solutions with moderate certainty of evidence. Pre-hospital blood component infusion seems to reduce mortality, however, as the certainty of evidence ranges from very low to moderate, we are unable to provide evidence to support or reject its use. The blood component ratio was in favor of higher ratios among all comparisons considered with moderate to very low certainty of evidence. Results about the effects of whole blood are very uncertain due to limited and heterogeneous interventions in studies included in SRs.

Conclusion

Hypertonic crystalloid use did not result in superior 28- to 30-day survival. Increasing evidence supports the scientific rationale for early use of high-ratio blood components, but their use requires careful consideration. Preliminary evidence is very uncertain about the effects of whole blood and further high-quality studies are required.
Serum uric acid and outcome in hospitalized elderly patients with chronic heart failure through the whole spectrum of ejection fraction phenotypes
Authors: Yan Wei , Tang Hai-Ying , Yang Yong-Qiang , He Kun-Lun
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Elevated serum uric acid (SUA) levels have been associated with poor outcome in patients with heart failure (HF). Uric acid is associated with inflammation and microvascular dysfunction, which may differentially affect left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) phenotypes. We aimed to identify the role of SUA across EF phenotypes in hospitalized elderly patients with chronic HF.

Methods

We analyzed 1355 elderly patients who were diagnosed with chronic HF. All patients had SUA levels measured within the first 24 h following admission. Patients with left ventricle EF were categorized as having HF with reduced EF (HFrEF, EF < 40%), HF with mid-range EF (HFmrEF, 40%≦LVEF ≦ 49%) or HF with preserved EF (HFpEF, LVEF ≥ 50%). Endpoints were cardiovascular death, HF rehospitalization, and their composite. The median follow-up period was 18 months.

Results

Compared with the lowest SUA quartile, the highest SUA quartile was significantly associated with the endpoints (adjusted HR: 2.404, 95% CI: 1.178–4.906, P = 0.016; HR: 1.418, 95% CI: 1.021–1.971, P = 0.037; HR: 1.439, 95% CI: 1.049–1.972, P = 0.024, respectively). After model adjustment, a significant association of SUA with cardiovascular death and the composite endpoint persisted among HFrEF and HFmrEF patients in the highest SUA quartile (P < 0.05 for all).

Conclusions

In hospitalized elderly patients with chronic HF, SUA is an independent predictor of adverse outcomes, which can be seen in HFrEF and HFmrEF patients.
Identification and validation of diagnostic biomarkers for intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy based on untargeted and targeted metabolomics analyses of urine metabolite profiles
Authors: Liu Weici , Chen Lingyan , Miao Keyan , You Yilan , Li Jingyang , Lu Jianfeng , Zhang Yan
Published: November 2023

Background

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a prevalent pregnancy-specific complication that presents with maternal itching and elevated serum bile acid levels. ICP is associated with unfavorable pregnancy outcomes, severely decreasing the pregnant woman’s quality of life. Timely identification of ICP is crucial for effective management and improved outcomes.

Methods

We collected urine samples from 8 patients with ICP and 8 healthy individuals. We used Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) to detect metabolite expression levels, then conducted a series of bioinformatic analyses to explore the potential biological meanings of differentially expressed metabolites, and preliminarily discovered several candidate biomarkers. To validate these candidate biomarkers, we performed Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) detection and analyzed their diagnostic values using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results

Untargeted metabolomics data showed that 6129 positive peaks and 6218 negative peaks were extracted from each specimen. OPLS-DA analysis and the heat map for cluster analysis showed satisfactory capability in discriminating ICP specimens from controls. Subsequent analysis extracted 64 significantly differentially expressed metabolites, which could be potential biomarkers for diagnosis of ICP. Based on the KEGG enrichment analyses, six candidate biomarkers were preliminarily identified. Two most promising biomarkers (3-hydroxypropionic acid and uracil) were validated by targeted metabolomics analyses with the area under the curve (AUC) of 0.920 and 0.850 respectively.

Conclusion

Based on preliminary screening from untargeted metabolomics and subsequent validation through targeted metabolomics, 3-hydroxypropionic acid and uracil were identified as promising diagnostic biomarkers for ICP.
Risk factor for interstitial pregnancy following ipsilateral salpingectomy? A retrospective matched case control study
Authors: Wu Wei-Fang , Yi Jing-Song , Xie Xi , Liu Chao-Bin
Published: November 2023

Background

Interstitial pregnancy may still happen even after ipsilateral salpingectomy, resulting in massive hemorrhage. Therefore, the purpose of the study is to identify risk factors associated with interstitial pregnancy following ipsilateral salpingectomy and discuss possible prevention.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study in a single, large, university-affiliated hospital. Data of 29 patients diagnosed with interstitial pregnancy following ipsilateral salpingectomy from January 2011 to November 2020 were assigned into the case group (IP group). Whereas there were 6151 patients with intrauterine pregnancy after unilateral salpingectomy in the same period. A sample size of 87 control patients was calculated to achieve statistical power (99.9%) and an α of 0.05. The age, BMI and previous salpingectomy side between the two group were adjusted with PSM at a ratio of 1:3. After PSM, 87 intrauterine pregnancy patients were successfully matched to 29 IP patients.

Results

After PSM, parous women were more common and intrauterine operation was more frequent in the IP group compared with control group (P<0.05). There was only one patient undergoing IVF-ET in the IP group as compared with 29 cases in the control group (3.4% vs. 33.3%, P<0.05). Salpingectomy was performed on 5 patients in the IP group and 4 patients in the control group due to hydrosalpinx (P<0.05). Logistic regression indicated that hydrosalpinx was the high risk factor of interstitial pregnancy following ipsilateral salpingectomy (OR = 8.175).

Conclusions

Hydrosalpinx appears to be an independent factor contributing to interstitial pregnancy following ipsilateral salpingectomy in subsequent pregnancy.
The predictive value of uterine artery Doppler in the success rate of pregnancy from the first frozen embryo transfer during the implantation window
Authors: Fan Junmei , Zhang Junkun , Xu Suming , Liu Huiping , Lv Weigang , Bi Xingyu , Liu Yanling , Shi Wenjing , Zhang Yuxia , Wu Xueqing
Published: November 2023

Background

Worldwide, frozen embryo transfer (FET) has become a new strategy for the treatment of infertility. The success of FET is closely related to endometrial receptivity. Does uterine artery Doppler during the implantation window predict pregnancy outcome from the first FET?

Methods

A total of 115 retrospectively collected cycles were included in the study, with 64 cycles of clinical pregnancy and 51 cycles of nonclinical pregnancy; There were 99 nonabsent end-diastolic flow (NAEDF) cycles and 16 absent end-diastolic flow (AEDF) cycles. The differences in uterine artery Doppler findings between different pregnancy outcomes were investigated. The clinical pregnancy rate and spontaneous abortion rate in the NAEDF and AEDF groups were compared. The predictive value of uterine artery Doppler during the implantation window in the success rate of pregnancy from the first FET was also investigated.

Results

Between the clinical pregnancy group and the nonclinical pregnancy group, there were no significant differences in the mean resistance index (mRI) (Z = -1.065, p = 0.287), mean pulsatility index (mPI) (Z = -0.340, p = 0.734), and mean peak systolic/end-diastolic velocity(mS/D) (Z = -0.953, p = 0.341); there were significant differences in the mean peak systolic velocity (mPSV) (Z = -1.982, p = 0.048) and mean end-diastolic velocity (mEDV) (Z = -2.767, p = 0.006). Between the NAEDF and AEDF groups, there was no significant difference in the clinical pregnancy rate (χ2 = 0.003, p = 0.959), and there was a significant difference in the spontaneous abortion rate (χ2 = 3.465, p = 0.019). Compared with uterine artery Doppler alone, its combination with artificial abortion history, waist-to-hip ratio, LH (Luteinizing hormone) of P (Progesterone) administration day, mPSV and mEDV had a higher predictive value regarding clinical pregnancy from the first FET [ROC-AUC 0.782, 95% CI (0.680–0.883) vs. 0.692, 95% CI (0.587–0.797)].

Conclusions

Uterine artery Doppler, particularly mPSV and mEDV during the implantation window, was useful for predicting clinical pregnancy, and AEDF was related to spontaneous abortion in the first trimester. Uterine artery Doppler combined with artificial abortion history, waist-to-hip ratio, LH of P administration day, mPSV and mEDV have a higher predictive value than uterine artery Doppler alone regarding the pregnancy from the first FET.
Alterations of brain activity in patients with alcohol use disorder: a resting-state fMRI study
Authors: Ruan Xia , Song Zhiyan , Zhang Jie , Yu Tingting , Chen Jun , Zhou Tiantian
Published: November 2023

Background

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) has a negative impact on one’s health and wastes a lot of societal resources since it damages one’s brain tissue. Yet the knowledge of the neural mechanisms underlying alcohol addiction still remains limited. This study aims to investigate the neural mechanisms underlying alcohol addiction by using voxel-wise binarized degree centrality (DC), weighted DC and functional connectivity (FC) methods to analyze brain network activity in individuals with AUD.

Methods

Thirty-three AUD patients and 29 healthy controls (HC) participated in this study. Binarized and weighted DC approach coupled with a second seed-based FC algorithm was used to assess the abnormal intrinsic hub features in AUD. We also examined the correlation between changes in functional network nodes and the severity of alcohol dependence.

Results

Thirty AUD patients and 26 HC were retained after head motion correction. The spatial distribution maps of the binarized DC and weighted DC for the AUD and HC groups were roughly similar. In comparison to HC, the AUD group had decreased binarized DC and decreased weighted DC in the left precentral gyrus (PreCG) and the left inferior parietal lobule (IPL). Significantly different brain regions in the DC analysis were defined as seed points in the FC analysis. Compared with HC, changes in FC within the right inferior temporal gyrus (ITG), right middle temporal gyrus (MTG), left dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus (SFGdor), bilateral IPL, left precuneus (PCUN), left lingual gyrus (LING), right cerebellum_crus1/ITG/inferior occipital gyrus (IOG) and right superior parietal gyrus (SPG) were observed. The correlation analysis revealed that FC of right MTG-right PreCG was negatively correlated with MAST scores, and FC of right IPL-left IPL was positively correlated with ADS scores.

Conclusions

Alcohol use disorder is associated with aberrant regional activities in multiple brain areas. Binarized DC, weighted DC and FC analyses may be useful biological indicators for the detection of regional brain activities in patients with AUD. Intergroup differences in FC have also been observed in AUD patients, and these variations were connected to the severity of the symptoms. The AUD patients with lower FC value of the right IPL - left IPL has a lighter dependence on alcohol. This difference in symptom severity may be a compensation for cognitive impairment, indicating a difference in pathological pathways. Future AUD research will now have a fresh path thanks to these discoveries.
Lung isolation—a personalized and clinically adapted approach to control bronchoscopy-associated acute massive airway hemorrhage
Authors: Yang Mingyuan , Zhou Yunzhi , Li Hong , Wei Huafeng , Cheng Qinghao
Published: November 2023

Background

The current concept of bronchoscopy-associated massive airway hemorrhage is not accurate enough, and the amount of bleeding as the only evaluation criterion cannot comprehensively evaluate magnitude of the effects and the severity.

Objective

To propose the concept of bronchoscopy-associated acute massive airway hemorrhage, analyze its impact on patients and highlight the treatment approach of acute massive airway hemorrhage without ECMO support.

Designs

A retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Include all patients who received bronchoscopy intervention therapy at Interventional Pulmonology Center of Emergency General Hospital from 2004 to December 2021.

Patients

223 patients met the inclusion criteria.

Intervention

Patients were divided into two groups: acute massive airway hemorrhage group (n = 29) and non-acute massive airway hemorrhage group (n = 194).

Main outcome measures

Perioperative adverse events between two groups were the main outcome. Secondary outcome was the impact of lung isolation on patient in group Acute.

Results

The incidence of acute massive airway hemorrhage was 0.11%, and the incidence of non-acute massive airway hemorrhage was 0.76% in this study. There were significant differences in the incidence of intraoperative hypoxemia, lowest SpO2, hemorrhagic shock, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, intraoperative mortality, and transfer to ICU between acute group and non-acute group (P<0.05, respectively). Lung isolation was used in 12 patients with acute massive airway hemorrhage, and only 2 patients died during the operation.

Conclusion

Bronchoscopy-associated acute massive airway hemorrhage had more serious impact on patients due to rapid bleeding, blurred vision of bronchoscopy, inability to stop bleeding quickly, blood filling alveoli, and serious impact on oxygenation of the lung lobes. Polyvinyl chloride single-lumen endotracheal intubation for lung isolation, with its characteristics of low difficulty, wide applicability and available in most hospitals, may reduce the intraoperative mortality of patients with bronchoscopy-associated acute massive airway hemorrhage.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry on 13/03/2022. Registration number: ChiCTR2200057470.
Clinical yarning education: development and pilot evaluation of an education program to improve clinical communication in Aboriginal health care - participant, and health manager perspectives
Authors: Lin Ivan , Flanagan Wanda , Green Charmaine , Lowell Anne , Coffin Juli , Bessarab Dawn
Published: November 2023

Background

Effective communication between health care clinicians and Aboriginal patients is critical to delivering high quality, accessible, culturally secure health care. Despite this, ineffective communication is a well-documented barrier, and few studies have reported interventions to improve communication. Clinical Yarning is a patient centred communication framework for Aboriginal health care. Building on this framework, this study reports the development and evaluation of a Clinical Yarning education program.

Methods

A Clinical Yarning education program was developed, underpinned by the principles of cultural security and adult learning, informed by a behavioural skills approach. The program was delivered in five health/education settings in one rural Western Australian region. Mixed-methods evaluation included a retrospective pre/post questionnaire to ascertain changes in participants’ knowledge, confidence, competence and their perceptions about communication in Aboriginal health care, and the program. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were undertaken with health service managers who oversaw each health care setting and who had not participated in the education program, to explore perceptions about the program and implementation considerations.

Results

Twenty-eight health care clinicians and six students completed training and the evaluation survey. There were significant improvements in self-rated communication skills, ability, confidence, knowledge, and perceived importance of communication training from pre to post-program. Participants strongly recommended the program to others, and most commonly valued the simulation/interactive learning activities. Health service managers acknowledged the limitations in most existing cultural training, and felt Clinical Yarning addressed a need; both the concept of Clinical Yarning and the education program provided were valued. Considerations identified for future implementation included: building multilevel partnerships within health services, offering alternate training options such as eLearning or train-the-trainer approaches, and integrating into existing development programs. Workforce transiency and availability were a barrier, particularly in remote areas.

Conclusions

This study offers preliminary support for the Clinical Yarning education program and provides a foundation for further development of this training approach. A future priority is implementation research to investigate the impact of the Clinical Yarning education program on health care and patient outcomes.
Increasing efficiency and well-being? a systematic review of the empirical claims of the double-benefit argument in socially assistive devices
Authors: Haltaufderheide Joschka , Lucht Annika , Strünck Christoph , Vollmann Jochen
Published: November 2023

Background

Socially assistive devices (care robots, companions, smart screen assistants) have been advocated as a promising tool in elderly care in Western healthcare systems. Ethical debates indicate various challenges. One of the most prevalent arguments in the debate is the double-benefit argument claiming that socially assistive devices may not only provide benefits for autonomy and well-being of their users but might also be more efficient than other caring practices and might help to mitigate scarce resources in healthcare. Against this background, we used a subset of comparative empirical studies from a comprehensive systematic review on effects and perceptions of human-machine interaction with socially assistive devices to gather and appraise all available evidence supporting this argument from the empirical side.

Methods

Electronic databases and additional sources were queried using a comprehensive search strategy which generated 9851 records. Studies were screened independently by two authors. Methodological quality of studies was assessed. For 39 reports using a comparative study design, a narrative synthesis was performed.

Results

The data shows positive evidential support to claim that some socially assistive devices (Paro) might be able to contribute to the well-being and autonomy of their users. However, results also indicate that these positive findings may be heavily dependent on the context of use and the population. In addition, we found evidence that socially assistive devices can have negative effects on certain populations. Evidence regarding the claim of efficiency is scarce. Existing results indicate that socially assistive devices can be more effective than standard of care but are far less effective than plush toys or placebo devices.

Discussion

We suggest using the double-benefit argument with great caution as it is not supported by the currently available evidence. The occurrence of potentially negative effects of socially assistive devices requires more research and indicates a more complex ethical calculus than suggested by the double-benefit argument.
The expression and clinical significance of PLK1/p-PLK1 protein in NK/T cell Lymphoma
Authors: Zhang Zhiqi , Liu Enjie , Zhang Dandan , Zhao Wugan , Wang Guannan , Zhang Yanping , Huo Yajun , Zhang Chongli , Li Wencai
Published: November 2023

Aims

To investigate the expression of polo-like kinase 1 protein (PLK1) and its phosphorylation level (p-PLK1) in extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma (NKTCL) and their correlation with clinical characteristics and prognosis.

Methods

We collected 40 cases of NKTCL (referred to as the experimental group), which received diagnoses at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between January 2018 and October 2022. Concurrently, we assembled a control group, including 20 cases afflicted with nasopharyngeal mucosal lymphoid hyperplasia diseases during the same timeframe. We utilized immunohistochemical techniques to evaluate the levels of PLK1 and p-PLK1 expression in both the experimental and control groups. Subsequently, we conducted an analysis to identify disparities in their expression and explore their relationships with clinical characteristics and patient prognosis.

Results

Among the 40 NKTCL patients, there were 27 males and 11 females, with a median age of 51 years (range 12–80 years). Compared to the control group, the tissue samples of NKTCL patients exhibited significantly elevated expression levels and active phosphorylation levels of PLK1 (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis of the immunohistochemical H score and Ki-67 positive rate of PLK1 and p-PLK1, revealed a significant positive correlation for both (P < 0.0001, each). No statistically significant differences were observed in the distribution of PLK1 and p-PLK1 expression in NKTCL patients with respect to gender, age, Ann Arbor stage, PINK-E score, B-symptoms, lactate dehydrogenase, β2-microglobulin, blood EBV-DNA, bone marrow invasion, and lymph node metastasis (p > 0.05). Grouping based on PLK1 and p-PLK1 immunohistochemical H-scores revealed that the high expression of PLK1 and p-PLK1 was associated with poor prognosis.

Conclusions

The expression levels and active phosphorylation levels of PLK1 were significantly increased in NK/T cell lymphoma, and patients with overexpression of PLK1 and p-PLK1 had a poorer prognosis.
Diagnostic performance of ultrasound in acute cholecystitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Huang Sih-Shiang , Lin Kai-Wei , Liu Kao-Lang , Wu Yao-Ming , Lien Wan-Ching , Wang Hsiu-Po
Published: November 2023

Background

An updated overview of ultrasound (US) for diagnosis of acute cholecystitis (AC) remains lacking. This systematic review was conducted to evaluate the diagnostic performance of US for AC.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. We meticulously screened articles from MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library, spanning from inception to August 2023. We employed the search strategy combining the keywords "bedside US", "emergency US" or "point-of-care US" with "AC". Two reviewers independently screened the titles and abstracts of the retrieved articles to identify suitable studies. The inclusion criteria encompassed articles investigating the diagnostic performance of US for AC. Data regarding diagnostic performance, sonographers, and sonographic findings including the presence of gallstone, gallbladder (GB) wall thickness, peri-GB fluid, or sonographic Murphy sign were extracted, and a meta-analysis was executed. Case reports, editorials, and review articles were excluded, as well as studies focused on acalculous cholecystitis. The study quality was assessed with the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2) tool.

Results

Forty studies with 8,652 patients were included. The majority of studies had a low risk of bias and applicability concerns. US had a pooled sensitivity of 71% (95% CI, 69–72%), a specificity of 85% (95% CI, 84–86%), and an accuracy of 0.83 (95% CI, 0.82–0.83) for the diagnosis of AC. The pooled sensitivity and specificity were 71% (95% CI, 67–74%) and 92% (95% CI, 90–93%) performed by emergency physicians (EPs), 79% (95% CI, 71–85%) and 76% (95% CI, 69–81%) performed by surgeons, and 68% (95% CI 66–71%) and 87% (95% CI, 86–88%) performed by radiologists, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences among the three groups.

Conclusion

US is a good imaging modality for the diagnosis of AC. EP-performed US has a similar diagnostic performance to radiologist-performed US. Further investigations would be needed to investigate the impact of US on expediting the management process and improving patient-centered outcomes.
Systematic review of first-in-human and early phase clinical trials for surgically implantable biological mitral valve substitutes
Authors: Sazzad Faizus , Tan Ying Kiat , Chan Li Xuan Beverly , Moideen Irwan Shah Bin Mohd , Gohary Abdulrahman El , Stevens John C. , Ramanathan K. R. , Kofidis Theo
Published: November 2023

Background

The aim of this review was the creation of uniform protocols to carry out and disclose First-In-Human and preliminary clinical trials of biological mitral valve replacement. The need for consistent methodology in these early trials was highlighted by the observation of significant variability in the methods and protocols used across different research.

Methods

An extensive search through six major databases was carried out to retrieve First-In-Human (FIH) clinical studies evaluating surgically implanted bio-prostheses in the mitral position.

Results

Following the PRISMA guideline, a systematic search identified 2082 published articles until March 2023. After removing duplicates (189), 1862 citations were screened, resulting in 22 eligible studies with 3332 patients for analysis. The mitral valve prostheses in these studies ranged from 21 to 37 mm, with the 29 mm size being most prevalent. Patient numbers varied, with the FIH subgroup including 31 patients and the older subgroup including 163 patients. Average study durations differed: the older subgroup lasted 4.57 years, the FIH subgroup 2.85 years, and the early phase studies spanned 8.05 years on average.

Conclusion

FIH clinical report is essential to assess the significance of clinical data required for a “de novo” surgical implant. In addition, understanding the performance of the device, and recognizing the difficulties associated with the innovation constitute important lessons. These insights could be beneficial for the development of bioprosthetic heart valves and formulating a protocol for an FIH clinical trial.
Reciprocal associations between early maladaptive schemas and depression in adolescence: long-term effects of childhood abuse and neglect
Authors: Wang Yumeng , Gao Yemiao , Liu Jinmeng , Bai Rong , Liu Xia
Published: November 2023

Background

Adolescent depression has grown to be a major social concern in China. During the coronavirus pandemic, the incidence of depression among Chinese adolescents increased substantially. More research is required to inform the prevention and intervention of adolescent depression in China. Depression is associated with Early Maladaptive Schemas (EMSs). Childhood abuse and neglect are distal antecedents of adolescent depression. It is not known how depression and EMSs interact in adolescence and how childhood abuse and neglect contribute to this relationship. This study aimed to examine the reciprocal relationships between depression and EMSs, as well as the long-term effects of childhood abuse and neglect on depression and EMSs during adolescence. The work also investigates gender differences in these mechanisms.

Methods

Using a two-wave longitudinal design, we recruited 3,485 Chinese adolescents (Mage = 13.2; 43.2% females) from three Shanxi Province, China middle schools. All participants completed self-report questionnaires addressing childhood abuse and neglect, depression, and EMSs. Structural equation models examined reciprocal relationships between depression and EMS, as well as the effect of childhood abuse and neglect on depression and EMSs. Multi-group analysis addressed gender differences.

Results

Results indicated that greater depression predicted more EMSs measured later, but EMSs did not predict subsequent depression. Childhood abuse and neglect had different effects on depression and EMSs during adolescence. Specifically, exposure to childhood abuse related to more severe depression and EMSs in adolescence and contributed to the perpetuation of EMSs by increasing depression. Exposure to childhood neglect showed a direct effect on depression and indirectly reinforced subsequent EMSs through depression. There were no gender differences.

Conclusion

These findings contribute to a better understanding of the emergence and course of depression in early adolescence, suggesting that childhood abuse and neglect are critical early risk factors. Additionally, depression plays a key role in promoting schema perpetuation among adolescents exposed to childhood maltreatment, providing important implications for relevant prevention and intervention in early adolescence.
Prognostic differences in sepsis caused by gram-negative bacteria and gram-positive bacteria: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tang Aling , Shi Yi , Dong Qingqing , Wang Sihui , Ge Yao , Wang Chenyan , Gong Zhimin , Zhang Weizhen , Chen Wei
Published: November 2023

Background

Bacteria are the main pathogens that cause sepsis. The pathogenic mechanisms of sepsis caused by gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria are completely different, and their prognostic differences in sepsis remain unclear.

Methods

The PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases were searched for Chinese and English studies (January 2003 to September 2023). Observational studies involving gram-negative (G (−))/gram-positive (G (+)) bacterial infection and the prognosis of sepsis were included. The stability of the results was evaluated by sensitivity analysis. Funnel plots and Egger tests were used to check whether there was publication bias. A meta-regression analysis was conducted on the results with high heterogeneity to identify the source of heterogeneity. A total of 6949 articles were retrieved from the database, and 45 studies involving 5586 subjects were included after screening according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Twenty-seven high-quality studies and 18 moderate-quality studies were identified according to the Newcastle‒Ottawa Scale score. There was no significant difference in the survival rate of sepsis caused by G (−) bacteria and G (+) bacteria (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.70–1.28). Subgroup analysis according to survival follow-up time showed no significant difference. The serum concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP) (SMD = 0.39, 95% CI 0.02–0.76), procalcitonin (SMD = 1.95, 95% CI 1.32–2.59) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) (MD = 0.31, 95% CI 0.25–0.38) in the G (−) bacterial infection group were significantly higher than those in the G (+) bacterial infection group, but there was no significant difference in IL-6 (SMD = 1.33, 95% CI − 0.18–2.84) and WBC count (MD = − 0.15, 95% CI − 0.96–00.66). There were no significant differences between G (−) and G (+) bacteria in D dimer level, activated partial thromboplastin time, thrombin time, international normalized ratio, platelet count, length of stay or length of ICU stay. Sensitivity analysis of the above results indicated that the results were stable.

Conclusion

The incidence of severe sepsis and the concentrations of inflammatory factors (CRP, PCT, TNF-α) in sepsis caused by G (−) bacteria were higher than those caused by G (+) bacteria. The two groups had no significant difference in survival rate, coagulation function, or hospital stay. The study was registered with PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42023465051).