bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemotherapy effects on mitochondrial function in adipose tissue in oesophageal and gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinomas with or without associated cachexia: protocol for a prospective, comparative observational study (ChiFMeOE)
Authors: Bacoeur-Ouzillou Ophélie , Guerrier Lisa , Touron Julianne , Pinel Alexandre , Pereira Bruno , Meunier Nathalie , Gillet Brigitte , Pezet Denis , Cassagnes Lucie , Malpuech-Brugère Corinne , Richard Ruddy , Gagniere Johan
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Cachexia is strongly associated with digestive cancers, particularly oesogastric cancer. Mitochondria in adipose tissue are involved in the regulation of metabolism and physiopathology of cancer cachexia in animal studies. Chemotherapeutic regimens used to control tumour development could also alter mitochondrial function in adipose tissue. We hypothesise that cachexia induces an increase in adipose tissue mitochondrial energy metabolism and that chemotherapy can mitigate this. The purpose of the ChiFMeOE study is to identify adipocyte factors involved in the energy imbalance associated with the cachectic process and their response to chemotherapeutic treatments in patients with oesogastric cancer.

Methods and analysis

ChiFMeOE is a single-centre observational study that will prospectively include 60 patients referred to chemotherapy and surgery for oesophageal and gastro-oesophageal junction adenocarcinomas at the University Hospital of Clermont-Ferrand, France. Visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue biopsies will be collected during surgery scheduled before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy administration, as well as cachexia and nutritional assessment. The primary outcome is the maximum mitochondrial respiration rate (Vmax) measured by high-resolution respirometry. Secondary outcomes are other mitochondrial parameters (ie, enzymatic activities, proteins content and gene expression), tumour characteristics, nutritional status and body composition.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was approved by an independent institutional review board on June 2023 (Comité de protection des personnes Sud-Méditerranée V; 2023-A00582-43) and declared to the French regulatory authority for research. Written informed consent will be obtained prior to patient inclusion. The principal investigator will be notified of any changes in patient’s health status requiring a modification of his management and/or treatment during the course of the protocol. Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov,NCT05954117.
Experiences across a genetic screening and testing programme pathway: a qualitative study of mammogram patient perspectives
Authors: Devine Claire , Emery Kate R , Childers Kimberly K , Brown Sandra , Gordon Ora , Roth Sarah E
Published: October 2024

Background

Population-based genetic screening and testing programmes have substantial potential to improve cancer-related outcomes through early detection and cancer prevention. Yet, genetic testing for cancer risk remains largely underused. This study aimed to describe barriers and facilitators to patient engagement at each stage of a California-based genetic screening programme, from completing the electronic screener to receiving the test and to identify potential improvements that could support precision medicine-based approaches to patient care.

Methods

We conducted 26 semistructured interviews among programme participants who did not complete the screener (n=9), those who did not receive the recommended test (n=7) and those who received a genetic test (n=10). Interviewees were selected from patients who recently received a mammogram through one of the participating Southern California clinics. Interviews were transcribed and coded using Atlas.ti. The study used a qualitative descriptive approach to identify similar and contrasting themes among the participant groups.

Results

This study found that barriers and facilitators to engagement were largely the same regardless of how far participants had moved through the process towards getting a genetic test. We identified four overarching themes: participants wanted clear communication of personal benefits at each stage; participants needed additional information and knowledge to navigate genetic screening and testing; a trusted provider could be instrumental in participants following a recommendation; and repetition and timing strongly impacted participants’ likelihood to engage.

Conclusions

Providing education about the benefits of genetic screening and testing to patients and their families, as well as clear communication about what each step entails may help patients engage with similar programmes. Strategies aimed at increasing coordination among a patient’s healthcare team can also help ensure information reaches patients in multiple ways, from multiple providers, to increase the likelihood that recommendations for testing come from trusted sources, which supports the uptake of genetic testing.
Temporal trends and practice variation of paediatric diagnostic tests in primary care: retrospective analysis of 14 million tests
Authors: Thomas Elizabeth T , Withrow Diana R , Drakesmith Cynthia Wright , Gill Peter J , Perera-Salazar Rafael , Heneghan Carl
Published: October 2024

Objective

The primary objective was to investigate temporal trends and between-practice variability of paediatric test use in primary care.

Methods and analysis

This was a descriptive study of population-based data from Clinical Practice Research Datalink Aurum primary care consultation records from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2019. Children aged 0–15 who were registered to one of the eligible 1464 general practices and had a diagnostic test code in their clinical record were included. The primary outcome measures were (1) temporal changes in test rates measured by the average annual percent change, stratified by test type, gender, age group and deprivation level and (2) practice variability in test use, measured by the coefficient of variation.

Results

14 299 598 diagnostic tests were requested over 27.8 million child-years of observation for 2 542 101 children. Overall test use increased by 3.6%/year (95% CI 3.4 to 3.8%) from 399/1000 child-years to 608/1000 child-years, driven by increases in blood tests (8.0%/year, 95% CI 7.7 to 8.4), females aged 11–15 (4.0%/year, 95% CI 3.7 to 4.3), and children from the most socioeconomically deprived group (4.4% /year, 95% CI 4.1 to 4.8). Tests subject to the greatest temporal increases were faecal calprotectin, fractional exhaled nitric oxide and vitamin D. Tests classified as high-use and high-practice variability were iron studies, coeliac testing, vitamin B12, folate, and vitamin D.

Conclusions

In this first nationwide study of paediatric test use in primary care, we observed significant temporal increases and practice variability in testing. This reflects inconsistency in practice and diagnosis rates and a scarcity of evidence-based guidance. Increased test use generates more clinical activity with significant resource implications but conversely may improve clinical outcomes. Future research should evaluate whether increased test use and variability are warranted by exploring test indications and test results and directly examine how increased test use impacts on quality of care.
Comparative analysis of hydrodynamic loads on bridge piers: assessing standards through numerical modeling
Authors: Moosavian S.M. Hadi , Karimpour Shooka , Pantazopoulou Stavroula J.
Published: October 2024

Currently, there is an alarming difference in the estimated actions on piers resulting from flash-floods and tsunamis as prescribed by international structural design codes. Previous studies have explored the interaction between surge waves and piers from a fluid-dynamics perspective, but there is no assessment about the relevance of the methods used in Structural Design to determine the hydrodynamic pressure resultants. To determine the degree of conservatism embedded in design, results from the different approaches are compared against validated numerical simulations. Three-dimensional numerical analyses were conducted using the OpenFOAM platform, employing the Large Eddy Simulation turbulence modeling approach to simulate the dam-break wave impacting the pier. The findings revealed that the maximum force was not necessarily caused by the stream’s first strike and could be sustained over time. The hydrodynamic pressure center consistently occurred at two-thirds of the stream depth, significantly impacting the overturning moments experienced by the pier. Identified inconsistencies between Codes underscore the need for revision of nonconservative approaches in predicting the design forces.
The ALICE fast interaction trigger performance and upgrade
Authors: Upadhyaya Sahil
Published: October 2024

The ALICE setup for LHC Run 3 aims to collect all minimum bias data at the targeted 1[Formula: see text]MHz interaction rate for protons and 50[Formula: see text]kHz for heavy-ion collisions. The projected maximum ALICE data rate will be [Formula: see text]3[Formula: see text]TB/s, two orders of magnitude higher than in Run 1 and Run 2. ALICE detectors, front-end readout electronics and data processing systems were upgraded to meet these challenges. One of the upgrades is the Fast Interaction Trigger (FIT). The custom-designed front-end electronics (FEE) process the detectors’ signals in [Formula: see text]200[Formula: see text]ns. The three main detectors of FIT are FT0, FV0 and FDD. These detectors provide trigger generation, luminosity monitoring, online vertex determination, collision time measurement, multiplicity detection, event plane and centrality determination and diffractive event measurements. This contribution will present an overview of the FIT and its performance based on the p–p and Pb–Pb collisions collected in 2022 and 2023, respectively. The FIT FEE upgrade, planned for the LHC Run 4, will also be discussed.
Duality walls, duality trees and fractional branes
Authors: Franco Sebastian , Hanany Amihay , He Yang-Hui , Kazakopoulos Pavlos
Published: October 2024

In this paper, we compute the NSVZ beta functions for [Formula: see text] four-dimensional quiver theories arising from D-brane probes on singularities, complete with anomalous dimensions, for a large set of phases in the corresponding duality tree. While these beta functions are zero for D-brane probes, they are nonzero in the presence of fractional branes. As a result there is a nontrivial RG behavior. We apply this running of gauge couplings to some toric singularities such as the cones over Hirzebruch and del Pezzo surfaces. We observe the emergence in string theory, of “Duality Walls,” a finite energy scale at which the number of degrees of freedom becomes infinite and beyond which Seiberg duality does not proceed. We also identify certain quiver symmetries as T-duality-like actions in the dual holographic theory.
Modular A4 symmetry in 3+1 active–sterile neutrino masses and mixings
Authors: Singh Mayengbam Kishan , Singh S. Robertson , Singh N. Nimai
Published: October 2024

Motivated by the significance of modular symmetry in generating neutrino masses and flavor mixings, we apply the modular [Formula: see text] symmetry in a [Formula: see text] scheme of active–sterile neutrino mixings. Neutrino oscillation observables in the 3[Formula: see text] range are successfully reproduced through the vacuum expectation value of the modulus [Formula: see text]. We also study phenomenologies related to the effective neutrino masses [Formula: see text] in tritium beta decay and [Formula: see text] in neutrinoless double beta decay. Mixings between active neutrinos and eV scale sterile neutrino are analyzed in detail. The model also predicts the Dirac CP-violating phase [Formula: see text] and Majorana phases [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. The best-fit values of the neutrino mixing angles and ratios of two mass-squared differences are determined using minimum [Formula: see text] analysis. The best-fit values of the neutrino oscillation observables are predicted as [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] for NH while [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] for IH. We also observe that the predictions of effective neutrino mass parameters in the [Formula: see text] scheme are significantly different from the three neutrino paradigm.
Highlights of unstable states in relativistic dissociation of light nuclei in nuclear emulsion
Authors: Artemenkov D. A. , Kornegrutsa N. K. , Peresadko N. G. , Rusakova V. V. , Zaitsev A. A. , Zarubin P. I. , Zarubina I. G.
Published: October 2024

The results of the study of unstable states in relativistic dissociation of isotopes [Formula: see text]Be, [Formula: see text]B, [Formula: see text]C, [Formula: see text]N and [Formula: see text]O in nuclear emulsion have been summarized. Their decays are identified in distributions by invariant masses determined by fragment emission angles in the velocity conservation approximation. The observed diversity enables us to assume universality in the formation of nuclear-molecular states near the bond thresholds as a consequence of coalescence of emerging [Formula: see text]-particles and nucleons.
Spin scissors mode in actinides
Authors: Molodtsova I. V. , Balbutsev E. B.
Published: October 2024

The scissors mode structure is studied in the actinides within the Wigner Function Moments method. The theory predicts a splitting of the scissors mode into three branches due to spin degrees of freedom. The excitation energies and [Formula: see text] transition probabilities for the scissors states are calculated for even–even axial nuclei of the actinide mass region. The origin of the double-humped structure of the scissors spectrum observed in the lightest actinides is discussed. The energy centroids and integrated [Formula: see text] strengths for the transuranium nuclides up to [Formula: see text]No are predicted. The results of calculations for [Formula: see text]Th, [Formula: see text]U and [Formula: see text]No are compared with available experimental data.
Don’t Block My Stuff: Fostering Personal Object Awareness in Multi-user Mixed Reality Environments
Authors: Khan Talha , Lindlbauer David
Published: October 2024

In Mixed Reality (MR), users can collaborate efficiently by creating personalized layouts that incorporate both personal and shared virtual objects. Unlike in the real world, personal objects in MR are only visible to their owner. This makes them susceptible to occlusions from shared objects of other users, who remain unaware of their existence. Thus, achieving unobstructed layouts in collaborative MR settings requires knowledge of where others have placed their personal objects. In this paper, we assessed the effects of three visualizations, and a baseline without any visualization, on occlusions and user perceptions. Our study involved 16 dyads (N=32) who engaged in a series of collaborative sorting tasks. Results indicate that the choice of visualization significantly impacts both occlusion and perception, emphasizing the need for effective visualizations to enhance collaborative MR experiences. We conclude with design recommendations for multi-user MR systems to better accommodate both personal and shared interfaces simultaneously.
Exploring Pointer Enhancement Techniques for Target Selection on Large Curved Display
Authors: Bihani Dhruv , Ullah A. K. M. Amanat , Dufresne-Camaro Charles-Olivier , Delamare William , Irani Pourang , Hasan Khalad
Published: October 2024

Large curved displays are becoming increasingly popular due to their ability to provide users with a wider field of view and a more immersive experience compared to flat displays. Current interaction techniques for large curved displays often assume a user is positioned at the display's centre, crucially failing to accommodate general use conditions where the user may move during use. In this work, we investigated how user position impacts pointing interaction on large curved displays and evaluated cursor enhancement techniques to provide faster and more accurate performance across positions. To this effect, we conducted two user studies. First, we evaluated the effects of user position on pointing performance on a large semi-circular display (3m-tall, 3270R curvature) through a 2D Fitts' Law selection task. Our results indicate that as users move away from the display, their pointing speed significantly increases (at least by 9%), but accuracy decreases (by at least 6%). Additionally, we observed participants were slower when pointing from laterally offset positions. Secondly, we explored which pointing techniques providing motor- and visual-space enhancements best afford effective pointing performance across user positions. Across a total of six techniques tested, we found that a combination of acceleration and distance-based adjustments with cursor enlargement significantly improves target selection speed and accuracy across different user positions. Results further show techniques with visual-space enhancements (e.g., cursor enlargement) are significantly faster and more accurate than their non-visually-enhanced counterparts. Based on our results we provide design recommendations for implementing cursor enhancement techniques for large curved displays.
Investigating Creation Perspectives and Icon Placement Preferences for On-Body Menus in Virtual Reality
Authors: Li Xiang , He Wei , Jin Shan , Gugenheimer Jan , Hui Pan , Liang Hai-Ning , Kristensson Per Ola
Published: October 2024

On-body menus present a novel interaction paradigm within Virtual Reality (VR) environments by embedding virtual interfaces directly onto the user’s body. Unlike traditional screen-based interfaces, on-body menus enable users to interact with virtual options or icons visually attached to their physical form. In this paper, We investigated the impact of the creation process on the effectiveness of on-body menus, comparing first-person, third-person, and mirror perspectives. Our first study (
N
= 12) revealed that the mirror perspective led to faster creation times and more accurate recall compared to the other two perspectives. To further explore user preferences, we conducted a second study (
N
= 18) utilizing a VR system with integrated body tracking. By combining distributions of icons from both studies (
N
= 30), we confirmed significant preferences in on-body menu placement based on icon category (
e.g.
, Social Media icons were consistently placed on forearms). We also discovered associations between categories, such as Leisure and Social Media icons frequently co-occurring. Our findings highlight the importance of the creation process, uncover user preferences for on-body menu organization, and provide insights to guide the development of intuitive and effective on-body interactions within virtual environments.
Popping-Up Poster: A Pin-Based Promotional Poster Device for Engaging Customers through Physical Shape Transformation
Authors: Tanaka Kojiro , Okafuji Yuki , Iwamoto Takuya
Published: October 2024

Promotional media, such as paper posters and digital signage, are installed in shopping malls to recommend products and services. However, it has been reported that many customers tend not to be interested in these promotional media and do not receive the information. When product information is not communicated effectively, advertisers are unable to convey the information they wish to share with customers, and customers miss the opportunity to receive valuable information. To address such issues, a lot of methods have been proposed to make people aware of the presence of media; however, there are not many methods that take into account the delivery of product information to customers. In this study, we propose Popping-Up Poster, a pin-based poster device designed to capture customer attention and convey information through dynamic shape changes. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed system, field experiments were conducted in a café, where its promotional effects were compared with those of traditional promotional media, including paper posters and digital signage. These results show that Popping-Up Poster has the potential to be more effective in recommending products and influencing customer product choices compared to conventional promotional media.
The Elephant in the Room: Expert Experiences Designing, Developing and Evaluating Data Visualizations on Large Displays
Authors: Sinaei Hamed Mahsa , Kwan Pak , Klich Matthew , Aurisano Jillian , Rajabiyazdi Fateme
Published: October 2024

Large displays can provide the necessary space and resolution for comprehensive explorations of data visualizations. However, designing and developing visualizations for such displays pose distinct challenges. Identifying these challenges is essential for data visualization designers and developers creating data visualizations on large displays. In this study, we aim to identify the challenges designers and developers encounter when creating data visualizations for large displays. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 13 experts experienced in creating data visualizations for large displays and, through affinity diagramming, categorized the challenges. We identified several challenges in designing, developing, and evaluating data visualizations on large displays, as well as building infrastructure for large displays. Design challenges included scaling visual encodings, limited design tools, and adopting design guidelines for large displays. In the development phase, developers faced difficulties working away from large displays and dealing with insufficient tools and resources. During the evaluation phase, researchers encountered issues with individuals' unfamiliarity with large display technology, interaction interruptions by technical limitations such as cursor visibility issues, and limitations in feedback gathering. Infrastructure challenges involved environmental constraints, technical issues, and difficulties in relocating large display setups. We share the lessons learned from our study and provide future directions along with research project examples to address these challenges.
Hey Building! Novel Interfaces for Parametric Design Manipulations in Virtual Reality
Authors: Drogemuller Adam , Matthews Brandon J. , Cunningham Andrew , Yu Rongrong , Gu Ning , Thomas Bruce H.
Published: October 2024

Parametric Design enables designers to formulate and explore new ideas through parameters, typically by manipulating numerical values. However, visualising and exploring the design space of an established parametric design solution is natively difficult through desktop displays for designers due to screen space constraints and requiring familiarity with visual-language programming interfaces. Thus, we sought to explore Virtual Reality (VR), inspired by Natural User Interfaces (NUI), to develop and explore new interfaces departing from traditional programming interfaces, that could complement the spatial and embodied affordances of contemporary VR devices. Informed by two industry-led focus groups with architects we developed and examined the usability of three different interfaces: 1)
Paramaxes
, an axes-based interface that allows designers to distribute and manipulate parameter visualisations around them in physical space; 2)
ParamUtter
, a Voice-based User Interface (VUI) that allows designers to manipulate parameter visualisations through natural languages; 3)
Control Panel
, which presents the parameters as sliders in a scrollable pane and acts as baseline comparison. We ran an exploratory study with experts and found that the
Control Panel
was ultimately the preferred interface for a design manipulation task. However, participants commented favorably towards qualities in the unconventional interfaces, with
ParamUtter
scoring highest in System Usability Scores (SUS), and participants valuing the potential of using physical space to explore design spaces with
Paramaxes
.
Evaluating Typing Performance in Different Mixed Reality Manifestations using Physiological Features
Authors: Chiossi Francesco , El Khaoudi Yassmine , Ou Changkun , Sidenmark Ludwig , Zaky Abdelrahman , Feuchtner Tiare , Mayer Sven
Published: October 2024

Mixed reality enables users to immerse themselves in high-workload interaction spaces like office work scenarios. We envision physiologically adaptive systems that can move users into different mixed reality manifestations, to improve their focus on the primary task. However, it is unclear which manifestation is most conducive for high productivity and engagement. In this work, we evaluate whether physiological indicators for engagement can be discriminated for different manifestations. For this, we engaged participants in a typing task in three different mixed reality manifestations (augmented reality, augmented virtuality, virtual reality) and monitored physiological correlates (EEG, ECG, and eye tracking) of users' engagement and workload. We found that users achieved best typing performances in augmented reality and augmented virtuality. At the same time, physiological engagement peaked in augmented virtuality, while workload decreased. We conclude that augmented virtuality strikes a good balance between the different manifestations, as it facilitates displaying the physical keyboard for improved typing performance and, at the same time, allows one to block out the real world, removing many real-world distractors.
3D Remote Monitoring and Diagnosis during a Pandemic: Holoportation and Digital Twin Requirements
Authors: Rufai Kabir Ahmed , Smiley Jim , Reuter Patrick , Bain Chris , Chan Peter , Ens Barrett , Purchase Helen
Published: October 2024

COVID-19 regulations presented clinicians with a new set of challenges that affected their ability to efficiently provide patient care and, as a result, telemedicine was rapidly adopted to deliver care remotely. However, these telemedicine platforms undermine patient care due to clinicians' inability to acquire all the relevant patient information required to diagnose and treat the patient. To explore this gap, we conducted a requirements analysis for the development of a 3D remote patient monitoring and diagnosis platform, by using a user-centric design methodology. In this requirements analysis, we elicited information about the clinical domain, identified clinicians’ requirements, elicited clinicians’ insights, and documented the clinicians' requirements. The outcome was the emergence of refined clinicians' requirements to guide the implementation of the Digital Twin concept paired with holoportation for remote 3D monitoring and diagnosis of patients. We anticipate that the application of a 3D telemedicine platform with these requirements for patient care during a pandemic could potentially enhance clinicians' efficiency and the effectiveness of remote patient care.
Systematic Review of Social Robots for Health and Wellbeing: A Personal Healthcare Journey Lens
Authors: Ghafurian Moojan , Chandra Shruti , Hutchinson Rebecca , Lim Angelica , Baliyan Ishan , Rhim Jimin , Gupta Garima , Aroyo Alexander M. , Rasouli Samira , Dautenhahn Kerstin
Published: October 2024

Social robots have great potential in supporting individuals’ physical and mental health/wellbeing. While they have been increasingly evaluated in some domains, such as with children with autism, their evaluation has not been as extensive in other areas. We present a systematic review of domains in which social robots have been evaluated specifically in health/wellbeing contexts. We ask which robots have been evaluated, who the participants were, and how participants interacted with the robots. PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews were followed. Articles with children as participants, using a purely robotic device, and in languages other than English were excluded. A total of 9,362 peer-reviewed articles (up to February 2021) from ACM DL, IEEE Xplore, Scopus, PubMed, and PsychInfo were identified. After applying the inclusion/exclusion criteria 443 articles were included in the review. The majority of studies were conducted at care centers while studies in hospitals/clinics have seen relatively limited attention. In many cases, the social robots were not programmed for specific health-related tasks, limiting their application. We also discuss robots used in real-world settings and propose a “Personal healthcare journey,” which includes different stages of one’s life which could benefit from a social robot, with the goal of increasing long-term adoption of social robots for supporting health/wellbeing.
Low-Dose Whole-Chest Dynamic CT for the Assessment of Large Airway Collapsibility in Patients with Suspected Tracheobronchial Instability
Authors: Bischoff Arved , Weinheimer Oliver , Dutschke Anja , Rubtsov Roman , Kauczor Hans-Ulrich , Gompelmann Daniela , Eberhardt Ralf , Trudzinski Franziska , Heussel Claus P. , Herth Felix J. F. , Heinrich Mattias , Falta Fenja , Wielpütz Mark O.
Published: October 2024

Low-dose four-dimensional CT was feasible for diagnosis, localization, phenotyping, and computational quantification of dynamic collapsibility of the trachea during shallow breathing; concordance with bronchoscopy was moderate and with paired CT was low.
Broviac Catheter–Related Aortic Valve Infective Endocarditis Complicated With Massive Aortic Regurgitation Requiring Emergency Surgery: A Case Report
Authors: Wilawer Małgorzata , Elikowski Waldemar , Fertała Natalia , Włodarski Arkadiusz , Szczęśniewski Patryk , Ratajska Paulina Anna , Bugajski Paweł
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Broviac catheter is a type of central venous catheter (CVC) used for long‐term parenteral nutrition in specific patients, e.g., diagnosed with intestinal failure as short bowel syndrome (SBS). The way of the catheter insertion is conceived to minimalize the risk of infections. However, CVC‐related blood stream infections (CVC‐BSIs), including infective endocarditis (IE), remain most important complications associated with Broviac catheter. Staphylococcus epidermidis stands out as a prevalent pathogen. The increasing number of CVCs results in an increased incidence of healthcare‐associated IE. Complete parenteral treatment is an independent risk that increases the likelihood of IE. Treatment of IE is mainly based on antibiotic therapy, but in certain cases, surgical treatment is needed.

Presentation of Case: A 71‐year‐old female with SBS who had been receiving total parenteral nutrition through the Broviac catheter for several months was admitted in a serious condition with significant weakness, increasing shortness of breath, deteriorating cough, fever, low blood pressure, and heart palpitations. Echocardiography revealed severe aortic valve IE with a large, longitudinal, highly mobile vegetation (up to 40 mm) and massive aortic regurgitation with pulmonary edema. Fast pathogen detection in the patients’ blood (S. epidermidis) was obtained using PCR‐based multiplex test. Due to life‐threatening conditions, emergency surgery with aortic valve replacement was performed. Consistent rehabilitation resulted in good condition achievement. Follow‐up echocardiography showed normal function of the aortic valve bioprosthesis.

Conclusion: The use of CVC, including Broviac catheter, is associated with an increased risk of infections, including IE. Treatment‐resistant severe HF complicating IE requires emergency surgery.
Utilization of Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasound in Diagnosis of Focal Liver Lesions
Authors: Salama Fady , Thakral Nimish , Leyson Christina Delacruz , Konjeti Venkata , Benrajab Karim , Hawk Gregory , Fouch Harrison , Gedaly Roberto , Khurana Aman
Published: October 2024

Background and aims: Focal liver lesions (FLL) are one of the most common indications for hepatology and hepatobiliary surgery consultation. In this retrospective study, we aim to assess if contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) can address diagnostic dilemmas in the evaluation of indeterminate liver lesions by identifying characteristics of indeterminate FLL on CEUS and correlating these with cross‐sectional imaging and pathology findings.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent CEUS evaluation for liver lesions over a 28‐month period (Oct 2020 to Jan 2023) at the University of Kentucky. To assess the relationship between CEUS results and the corresponding CT, MRI, and/or pathologic findings, the McNemar–Bowker tests were performed.

Results: Twenty‐nine patients were included (after two exclusions from a total n of 31). Mean age was 54 years, 62% were female, and 48% had underlying cirrhosis. Of the 29 patients with initial cross‐sectional imaging, the initial results showed malignancy or likely malignant lesion in 6 patients and benign or likely benign lesion in 6 patients. The remaining 17 patients had inconclusive/indeterminate results. CEUS clarified an “indeterminate” CT/MRI result 15 times out of 17 (88.2%), moving the diagnosis to “benign” 11 times while suggesting “malignant” only four times. When aggregating indeterminate cross‐sectional results with either benign or malignant categories suggested by CEUS, CEUS never reversed a benign CT/MRI diagnosis but often reversed a malignant CT/MRI diagnosis.

Conclusion: CEUS provided a definitive diagnosis of indeterminate liver lesions in approximately 90% of patients and avoided the need for biopsy in most patients. In cases where the liver lesions were biopsied, CEUS accurately distinguished malignant versus benign lesions as confirmed by biopsy findings. CEUS, therefore, has the potential to provide a precise diagnosis for the majority of indeterminate lesions.
Measurement‐Driven Iterated Correction GM‐PHD Filter for Passive Tracking With Hardware‐in‐the‐Loop Simulation
Authors: Du Runle , Wang Jizhe , Zhou Di , Zou Xinguang , Liu Jiaqi
Published: October 2024

Considering the characteristics of Multi Aircraft Attack and Defense (MAVAD), the problem of multisensor multitarget passive tracking is researched in this article. Firstly, to solve the problem posed by incomplete or unknown knowledge about the intensity of the target’s newborns, a practical measurement–driven method of adaptive generating newborn intensity function is adopted. Then, a method named measurement–driven iterated correction Gaussian–mixture probability hypothesis density (MD‐IC‐GM‐PHD) filter is proposed to overcome the difficulties of the observability of targets in passive tracking. Based on the above methods, a rational and efficient approach to trajectory management is presented to complete the task of recording the historical information about target states. Finally, a hardware‐in‐the‐loop (HIL) simulation system is implemented to verify the validity of the designed multiple target tracking (MTT) algorithms.
Effect of Educational Intervention by Application of PRECEDE‐PROCEED Model on Lifestyle Change in Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Ghannadi Alireza , Mohammadkhah Fatemeh , Harsini Pooyan Afzali , Ghasemi Afsaneh , Kamyab Amirhossein , Jeihooni Ali Khani
Published: October 2024

Background: One of the most important causes of cardiovascular disease is hypertension. Lifestyle modification has been emphasized in preventing and controlling blood pressure. This research aimed to determine the effect of educational intervention by application of PRECEDE‐PROCEED model on lifestyle change in hypertensive patients in the villages of Fasa City, Fars Province, Iran.

Methods: This research is a quasi‐experimental study that was conducted on 300 hypertensive patients in 2020–2021. Data gathering tools were a demographic information questionnaire, a questionnaire based on the PRECEDE‐PROCEED model, and a lifestyle questionnaire (LSQ). The educational intervention consisted of ten sessions lasting 45 or 50 min. Before and 6 months after the educational intervention, the two groups each completed a questionnaire. The systolic and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) levels, as well as physical exercise and health variables, nutrition and weight control, mental health, and spiritual health were measured before and 6 months after the educational intervention.

Results: The results showed that there was no significant difference between the two groups before in cues of PRECEDE‐PROCEED model; however, the experimental group had a significant increase in cues of PRECEDE‐PROCEED model 6 months after the intervention. The results showed that the experimental group had a significant increase 6 months after the intervention in terms of physical exercise and health variables, nutrition and weight control, mental health, and spiritual health. The mean blood pressure (both diastolic and systolic) in the experimental group was significantly reduced after the intervention.

Conclusions: The study’s results showed the effectiveness of an educational intervention based on the PRECEDE‐PROCEED model on lifestyle change in hypertensive patients. It also highlights the need to pay further attention to the education aimed at controlling hypertension through a healthy lifestyle and correct behavioral habits.
Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR): Reports on Their Colonization, Beneficial Activities, and Use as Bioinoculant
Authors: Biswas Dew , Chakraborty Amit Kumar , Srivastava Vikas , Mandal Arunava
Published: October 2024

Recurring use of chemical fertilizers (CFs) in agriculture has resulted the remarkable improvement in crop productivity but their ruinous effects on environment have made a serious issue. Biological entities (e.g., several microorganisms) showing fertilizer‐like activities have gained attention in this regard. Several soil resident microorganisms interact strongly with neighboring plants and promote the growth and development of those plants through various means. In exchange of this, microbes utilize different compounds released from plant roots for their own nutrition. This mutualistic mode of interrelation predominantly relies on the transmission of signals from microbes to plants and vice versa. However, climatic factors (e.g., CO2 level, temperature, and water availability) are also important for this association. These bacterial strains are literally known as plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) which facilitate plant growth through nitrogen fixation, mineral solubilization, phytostimulation, stress resistance, etc. Responding to the external environmental stimuli, they often modulate the expression of genes responsible for the transport of nutrients. Reduction of the use of CFs through the application of PGPR strains in the cultivation of some economically important plants has been reported by several authors. Significant yield improvement compared to the control groups was found in all experimental studies. Commercial development of the PGPR inoculants with remarkable biostimulating activities and their successive application should be expanded through collaborative association with different sectors after the removal of existing lacunae. Reading more than 100 articles on various aspects of rhizobacteria, the plan of writing this article has been executed. In this review, we have discussed about the colonization and potency of PGPR strains and how their well‐planned application in agriculture could evidently reinforce the global economy. The main structure of this text is designed as an outline from the development of interrelation between plants and PGPR to the commercialization of PGPR based on their potential role in the field of agriculture.
The General Minkowski Inequality for Mixed Volume
Authors: Lv Yusha
Published: October 2024

Mixed volume is an important notion in convex geometry, which is the extension of volume and surface area. The Minkowski inequality for mixed volume plays a vital role in convex geometry. This paper obtains that mixed volume under Steiner symmetrization is monotonic and decreasing, and a concise proof of the general Minkowski inequality by Steiner symmetrization is obtained.
The COVID‐19 Pandemic and Changes in Nursing Care Interventions in 2020 and 2021 in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Nicolau Mônica Borchart , Vigário Patrícia dos Santos , Faria Alvaro Camilo Dias , Mafort Thiago Thomaz , Jesus Igor Ramathur Telles de , Lopes Agnaldo José
Published: October 2024

Background: Since March 2020, when the World Health Organization classified COVID‐19 (coronavirus disease 2019) as a pandemic, nurses in Brazil have been reviewing procedures and changing the way they treat patients with the disease. This study aimed to assess the changes in nursing care between the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021 in hospitals in Marabá, a municipality in the Brazilian Amazon.

Methods: This retrospective observational study separately evaluated 499 and 572 medical records from 2020 and 2021, respectively. The nursing care protocols (NCPs) consisted of a checklist with nursing tasks for treating critically ill patients with acute COVID‐19. The data from 27 nursing protocols were divided into five organ system groups: neurological, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive/urinary, and musculoskeletal systems.

Results: With respect to the neurological, cardiovascular, respiratory, and digestive/urinary system protocols, 14 of the 16 nursing care interventions were practised significantly more often in 2021 than in 2020 (p < 0.0001 for all). Aspiration of the upper airways was performed significantly less often (p < 0.0001), and vital signs were monitored in 100% of the subjects in both years. With respect to the musculoskeletal system, in 2021, seven protocols were practised at significantly higher rates than in 2020, and four interventions showed no significant differences between the years. In 2021, care across all organ systems was significantly greater than it was in 2020 (p < 0.0001). Among the 27 NCPs evaluated, the percentage of care performed by nurses was significantly greater in 2021 than in 2020 (69.2% ± 9.4% versus 56.2% ± 15.3%, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion: Patients with COVID‐19 experienced an increase in nursing care from 2020 to 2021 across all evaluated organ systems, indicating that nursing care improved as knowledge about the pandemic was gained.
Supplementary Table S13 from Prostate Cancer Progression Modeling Provides Insight into Dynamic Molecular Changes Associated with Progressive Disease States
Authors: Chen Runpu , Tang Li , Melendy Thomas , Yang Le , Goodison Steve , Sun Yijun
Published: October 2024

Putative driver genetic events in transitions.
Figure S3 from Prostate Cancer Progression Modeling Provides Insight into Dynamic Molecular Changes Associated with Progressive Disease States
Authors: Chen Runpu , Tang Li , Melendy Thomas , Yang Le , Goodison Steve , Sun Yijun
Published: October 2024

Supplementary Figure S3
Figure 5 from Prostate Cancer Progression Modeling Provides Insight into Dynamic Molecular Changes Associated with Progressive Disease States
Authors: Chen Runpu , Tang Li , Melendy Thomas , Yang Le , Goodison Steve , Sun Yijun
Published: October 2024

Transcriptional signatures identified in four progression paths. A, Numbers of upregulated and downregulated genes identified in each path. B and C, KEGG pathways enriched in the upregulated and downregulated genes shared by the four paths (q: FDR-adjusted P value).
Figure 2 from Prostate Cancer Progression Modeling Provides Insight into Dynamic Molecular Changes Associated with Progressive Disease States
Authors: Chen Runpu , Tang Li , Melendy Thomas , Yang Le , Goodison Steve , Sun Yijun
Published: October 2024

Progression-free survival functions of seven identified tumor states.
Figure 1 from Prostate Cancer Progression Modeling Provides Insight into Dynamic Molecular Changes Associated with Progressive Disease States
Authors: Chen Runpu , Tang Li , Melendy Thomas , Yang Le , Goodison Steve , Sun Yijun
Published: October 2024

Progression model of prostate cancer constructed by using TCGA data. A, Visualization analysis showed a general trend of data distribution of normal and tumor samples. Each tumor sample was color-coded by its TMPRSS2–ERG fusion status. The black line is the constructed principal tree, and the three axes represent the leading components generated by the DDRTree algorithm (denoted as DDRTree 1–3). B, Seven progression states were identified by partitioning the samples on the data manifold. State 1 is close to the origin of disease progression, and states 3, 4, 6, and 7 are the termini of the progression paths. C, Four progression paths were identified, referred to as paths A–D, respectively. The solid numbers are the major branch points of the constructed tree, and the numbers in brackets are the identified disease progression states.
АНТИОКСИДАНТНО-ПРООКСИДАНТНИЙ БАЛАНС ПЕЧІНКИ В ДИНАМІЦІ КРАНІОСКЕЛЕТНОЇ ТРАВМИ У ЩУРІВ РІЗНОГО ВІКУ
Authors: Сушко Ю. І.
Published: October 2024

Вступ. Зростання рівня травматизму є характерною ознакою третього тисячоліття і стосується постраждалих усіх вікових груп. За умов краніоскелетної травми (КСТ) виникає травматичний шок, значно погіршується кровопостачання органів і тканин, віддалених від місця безпосереднього ураження, в тому числі й печінки, що сприяє поглибленню гіпоксії, посиленій генерації активних форм оксигену та прозапальних медіаторів. Компенсаторно активізується антиоксидантний захист, спрямований на забезпечення антиоксидантно-прооксидантного гомеостазу.
Мета дослідження – зʼясувати динаміку антиоксидантно-прооксидантного балансу в печінці щурів різного віку за умов експериментальної краніоскелетної травми.
Методи дослідження. В експериментах використано 147 білих щурів-самців лінії Вістар різного віку. До 1-ї дослідної групи ввійшли статевонезрілі тварини віком 100–120 днів, до 2-ї – статевозрілі щури віком 6–8 місяців, до 3-ї – старі тварини віком 19–23 місяці. В усіх дослідних групах за умов використання тіопентал-натрієвого наркозу моделювали КСТ. Контрольних тварин тільки вводили у тіопентал-натрієвий наркоз. З експериментів щурів виводили під наркозом через 1, 3, 7, 14, 21 і 28 діб методом тотального кровопускання із серця. У 10 % екстракті гомогенату печінки визначали каталазну активність і вміст реагентів до тіобарбітурової кислоти, за співвідношенням яких  розраховували антиоксидантно-прооксидантний індекс (АПІ).
Результати й обговорення. Під впливом КСТ у щурів різного віку, порівняно з контролем, протягом 1–28 діб посттравматичного періоду суттєво зменшувалася величина АПІ. У статевонезрілих тварин показник досягав мінімальної величини через 7 діб і поступово зростав до 28-ї доби, у статевозрілих і старих щурів він досягав мінімальної величини через 3 доби посттравматичного періоду, залишався на такому ж рівні до 14-ї доби з подальшим збільшенням. Величина АПІ в усі досліджувані терміни посттравматичного періоду була суттєво меншою у старих щурів порівняно з тваринами інших дослідних груп, а через 1, 3, 21 та 28 діб експерименту – в статевозрілих щурів порівняно зі статевонезрілими. Ступінь зниження АПІ в усі терміни посттравматичного періоду виявився суттєво більшим у старих щурів порівняно з тваринами інших дослідних груп. Виявлена вікова відмінність розвитку оксидативного стресу у відповідь на КСТ свідчить про меншу антиоксидантну спроможність старих щурів за умов травми, що  вимагає додаткової антиоксидантної терапії.
Висновки. Моделювання КСТ у щурів різного віку супроводжується розвитком оксидативного стресу, про це свідчить зниження, порівняно з контролем, АПІ печінки, що у статевонезрілих тварин стає мінімальним через 7 діб експерименту, в статевозрілих і старих – через 3–14 діб з наступним зростанням до 28-ї доби, що не досягає рівня контролю. У всі терміни посттравматичного періоду ступінь зменшення величини АПІ у старих щурів суттєво більший, ніж у статевонезрілих і статевозрілих.