bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The gut microbiota participates in the effect of linaclotide in patients with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C): a multicenter, prospective, pre-post study
Authors: Zhou Jianyun , Wei Haoqi , Zhou An , Xiao Xu , Xie Xia , Tang Bo , Lin Hui , Tang Li , Meng Ruiping , Yuan Xiaoying , Zhang Jing , Huang Cheng , Huang Baobao , Liao Xiping , Zhong Tingting , He Suyu , Gu Sai , Yang Shiming
Published: January 2024

Background

Interindividual variation characterizes the relief experienced by constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C) patients following linaclotide treatment. Complex bidirectional interactions occur between the gut microbiota and various clinical drugs. To date, no established evidence has elucidated the interactions between the gut microbiota and linaclotide. We aimed to explore the impact of linaclotide on the gut microbiota and identify critical bacterial genera that might participate in linaclotide efficacy.

Methods

IBS-C patients were administered a daily linaclotide dose of 290 µg over six weeks, and their symptoms were then recorded during a four-week posttreatment observational period. Pre- and posttreatment fecal samples were collected for 16S rRNA sequencing to assess alterations in the gut microbiota composition. Additionally, targeted metabolomics analysis was performed for the measurement of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations.

Results

Approximately 43.3% of patients met the FDA responder endpoint after taking linaclotide for 6 weeks, and 85% of patients reported some relief from abdominal pain and constipation. Linaclotide considerably modified the gut microbiome and SCFA metabolism. Notably, the higher efficacy of linaclotide was associated with enrichment of the Blautia genus, and the abundance of Blautia after linaclotide treatment was higher than that in healthy volunteers. Intriguingly, a positive correlation was found for the Blautia abundance and SCFA concentrations with improvements in clinical symptoms among IBS-C patients.

Conclusion

The gut microbiota, especially the genus Blautia, may serve as a significant predictive microbe for symptom relief in IBS-C patients receiving linaclotide treatment.

Trial registration: This trial was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Chictr.org.cn, ChiCTR1900027934).
Analyzing the psychometric properties of the PHQ-9 using item response theory in a Chinese adolescent population
Authors: Gao Xuliang , Liu Ziyu
Published: January 2024

Background

People are more likely to fall victim to depression during adolescence since it is a period of rapid biopsychosocial transformation. Despite this, most depression research has concentrated on clinical issues, and evaluating depressive symptoms in teenagers is not as widespread. This study used item response theory (IRT) to examine the psychometric properties of the Patient Health Report scale (PHQ-9) in Chinese adolescents. Meanwhile, item function difference tests were used to check whether there were differences in depression symptoms in this group based on education and gender.

Methods

In this research, the PHQ-9 was employed as a measurement tool, and 5958 valid data points were obtained from 12 secondary schools in China (Mage = 13.484; SDage = 1.627; range 11–19 years; 52.17% boys).

Results

IRT shows that all items of the PHQ-9 satisfy monotonicity, unidimensionality and local independence and that they have good psychometric properties. Furthermore, DIF analysis revealed gender and educational disparities in adolescent depressive symptoms.

Conclusion

The study indicates that the PHQ-9 possesses favourable psychometric properties for use in Chinese adolescents. As a result, it serves as a valuable tool for effectively screening depressive symptoms in adolescents. It provides a foundation for prioritizing the development of secondary school students' physical and mental health.
The effectiveness of multivariate and univariate spectrophotometric techniques for the concurrent estimation of ornidazole and ciprofloxacin HCl in tablet formulation and spiked serum: estimating greenness and whiteness profile
Authors: Sakur Amir A. , Al Zakri Duaa
Published: January 2024

In this manuscript, the effectiveness of multivariate and univariate tools in conjunction with spectrophotometric techniques was evaluated for the concurrent analysis of ciprofloxacin (CI) and ornidazole (OR) in prepared mixtures, tablets, and human serum. The artificial neural network was chosen as the multivariate Technique. Bayesian regularization (trainbr) and Levenberg–Marquardt algorithms (trainlm), were constructed and trained using feed-forward back-propagation learning. The optimal logarithm was determined based on mean recovery, mean square error of prediction (MSEP), relative root mean square error of prediction (RRMSEP), and bias-corrected MSEP (BCMSEP) scores. Trainbr outperformed trainlm, yielding a mean recovery of 100.05% for CI and 99.84% for OR, making it the preferred algorithm. Fourier self-deconvolution and mean-centering transforms were chosen as the univariate Techniques. Fourier self-deconvolution was applied to the zero-order spectra of ciprofloxacin and ornidazole by electing an appropriate full width at half maximum, enhancing peak resolution at 380.1 nm and 314.2 nm for CI and OR, respectively. Mean centering transform was applied to CI and OR ratio spectra to eliminate constant signals, enabling accurate quantification of CI and OR at 272.0 nm and 306.2 nm, respectively. The introduced approaches were optimized and validated for precise CI and OR analysis, with statistical comparison against the HPLC method revealing no notable differences. The sustainability of these approaches was confirmed through the green certificate (modified eco-scale), AGP, and whiteness-evaluation tool, corroborating their ecological viability.
Chromatin accessibility and cell cycle progression are controlled by the HDAC-associated Sin3B protein in murine hematopoietic stem cells
Authors: Calderon Alexander , Mestvirishvili Tamara , Boccalatte Francesco , Ruggles Kelly V. , David Gregory
Published: January 2024

Background

Blood homeostasis requires the daily production of millions of terminally differentiated effector cells that all originate from hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). HSCs are rare and exhibit unique self-renewal and multipotent properties, which depend on their ability to maintain quiescence through ill-defined processes. Defective control of cell cycle progression can eventually lead to bone marrow failure or malignancy. In particular, the molecular mechanisms tying cell cycle re-entry to cell fate commitment in HSCs remain elusive. Previous studies have identified chromatin coordination as a key regulator of differentiation in embryonic stem cells.

Results

Here, we utilized genetic inactivation of the chromatin-associated Sin3B protein to manipulate cell cycle control and found dysregulated chromatin accessibility and cell cycle progression in HSCs. Single cell transcriptional profiling of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) inactivated for Sin3B reveals aberrant progression through the G1 phase of the cell cycle, which correlates with the engagement of specific signaling pathways, including aberrant expression of cell adhesion molecules and the interferon signaling program in LT-HSCs. In addition, we uncover the Sin3B-dependent accessibility of genomic elements controlling HSC differentiation, which points to cell cycle progression possibly dictating the priming of HSCs for differentiation.

Conclusions

Our findings provide new insights into controlled cell cycle progression as a potential regulator of HSC lineage commitment through the modulation of chromatin features.
Subclinical epileptiform activity in the Alzheimer continuum: association with disease, cognition and detection method
Authors: Nous Amber , Seynaeve Laura , Feys Odile , Wens Vincent , De Tiège Xavier , Van Mierlo Pieter , Baroumand Amir G. , Nieboer Koenraad , Allemeersch Gert-Jan , Mangelschots Shana , Michiels Veronique , van der Zee Julie , Van Broeckhoven Christine , Ribbens Annemie , Houbrechts Ruben , De Witte Sara , Wittens Mandy Melissa Jane , Bjerke Maria , Vanlersberghe Caroline , Ceyssens Sarah , Nagels Guy , Smolders Ilse , Engelborghs Sebastiaan
Published: January 2024

Background

Epileptic seizures are an established comorbidity of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Subclinical epileptiform activity (SEA) as detected by 24-h electroencephalography (EEG) or magneto-encephalography (MEG) has been reported in temporal regions of clinically diagnosed AD patients. Although epileptic activity in AD probably arises in the mesial temporal lobe, electrical activity within this region might not propagate to EEG scalp electrodes and could remain undetected by standard EEG. However, SEA might lead to faster cognitive decline in AD.

Aims

1. To estimate the prevalence of SEA and interictal epileptic discharges (IEDs) in a well-defined cohort of participants belonging to the AD continuum, including preclinical AD subjects, as compared with cognitively healthy controls.

2. To evaluate whether long-term-EEG (LTM-EEG), high-density-EEG (hd-EEG) or MEG is superior to detect SEA in AD.

3. To characterise AD patients with SEA based on clinical, neuropsychological and neuroimaging parameters.

Methods

Subjects (n = 49) belonging to the AD continuum were diagnosed according to the 2011 NIA-AA research criteria, with a high likelihood of underlying AD pathophysiology. Healthy volunteers (n = 24) scored normal on neuropsychological testing and were amyloid negative. None of the participants experienced a seizure before. Subjects underwent LTM-EEG and/or 50-min MEG and/or 50-min hd-EEG to detect IEDs.

Results

We found an increased prevalence of SEA in AD subjects (31%) as compared to controls (8%) (p = 0.041; Fisher’s exact test), with increasing prevalence over the disease course (50% in dementia, 27% in MCI and 25% in preclinical AD). Although MEG (25%) did not withhold a higher prevalence of SEA in AD as compared to LTM-EEG (19%) and hd-EEG (19%), MEG was significantly superior to detect spikes per 50 min (p = 0.002; Kruskall–Wallis test). AD patients with SEA scored worse on the RBANS visuospatial and attention subset (p = 0.009 and p = 0.05, respectively; Mann–Whitney U test) and had higher left frontal, (left) temporal and (left and right) entorhinal cortex volumes than those without.

Conclusion

We confirmed that SEA is increased in the AD continuum as compared to controls, with increasing prevalence with AD disease stage. In AD patients, SEA is associated with more severe visuospatial and attention deficits and with increased left frontal, (left) temporal and entorhinal cortex volumes.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04131491. 12/02/2020.
Quality evaluation of Nothofagus pumilio seeds linked to forest management and climatic events
Authors: Rodríguez-Souilla Julian , Chaves Jimena E. , Lencinas María Vanessa , Cellini Juan Manuel , Roig Fidel A. , Peri Pablo L. , Martinez Pastur Guillermo
Published: January 2024

Background

Forest ecosystems undergo significant transformations due to harvesting and climate fluctuations, emphasizing the critical role of seeding in natural regeneration and long-term structural preservation. Climate change further amplifies these dynamics, affecting phenology across species and regions. In Tierra del Fuego (Argentina), Nothofagus pumilio (lenga) forests represent the most important timber resource, and it is managed through different silvicultural strategies. This species demonstrates notable post-disturbance regeneration, yet seed fall exhibits significant variability, leading to variations in seed quality (e.g., viability). This study aims to assess fluctuations in N. pumilio seed quality, determine how it varies concerning forest management strategies, annual productivity, and the co-occurrence of climatic phenomena including El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Southern Annular Mode (SAM).

Results

Viable seeds represented 18.4% of the total, notably higher in unharvested than in managed areas. Conversely, empty seeds were more prevalent in harvested areas (> 75%). Seed quality exhibited significant differences across silvicultural treatments, except for insect-predated seeds, which had similar proportions across all areas, though dispersed retention showed higher predation. When considering years with varying production levels, high-production years favoured full and viable seeds, particularly in unharvested forests and aggregated retention, while low-production years saw reduced viability across all treatments. Quadratic models revealed that viability increased with seed production, where unharvested forests achieved the highest values. Climate variability influenced seed proportions, where ENSO+/SAM+ promoting more full and viable seeds, while ENSO–/SAM+ favoured non-predated seeds, especially in unharvested stands.

Conclusions

Seed quality varies among treatments and years with different levels of seeding. Variations in seed quality, linked to climatic events, influence seed viability. Seed quality plays a critical role in forest regeneration, ensuring a seedling bank for harvested stands to face climate variability. These findings are relevant for forest management and ecosystem services, considering the increasing climate variability and extreme events. Understanding these influences is crucial for Nothofagus pumilio forests' sustainability and global forest adaptation strategies.
Efficacy of permissive underfeeding for critically ill patients: an updated systematic review and trial sequential meta-analysis
Authors: Yue Han-yang , Peng Wei , Zeng Jun , Zhang Yang , Wang Yu , Jiang Hua
Published: January 2024

Background

Our previous study in 2011 concluded that permissive underfeeding may improve outcomes in patients receiving parenteral nutrition therapy. This conclusion was tentative, given the small sample size. We conducted the present systematic review and trial sequential meta-analysis to update the status of permissive underfeeding in patients who were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods

Seven databases were searched: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and Cochrane Library. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. The Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool (ROB 2) was used to assess the risk of bias in the enrolled trials. RevMan software was used for data synthesis. Trial sequential analyses (TSA) of overall and ICU mortalities were performed.

Results

Twenty-three RCTs involving 11,444 critically ill patients were included. There were no significant differences in overall mortality, hospital mortality, length of hospital stays, and incidence of overall infection. Compared with the control group, permissive underfeeding significantly reduced ICU mortality (risk ratio [RR] = 0.90; 95% confidence interval [CI], [0.81, 0.99]; P = 0.02; I2 = 0%), and the incidence of gastrointestinal adverse events decreased (RR = 0.79; 95% CI, [0.69, 0.90]; P = 0.0003; I2 = 56%). Furthermore, mechanical ventilation duration was reduced (mean difference (MD) = − 1.85 days; 95% CI, [− 3.44, − 0.27]; P = 0.02; I2 = 0%).

Conclusions

Permissive underfeeding may reduce ICU mortality in critically ill patients and help to shorten mechanical ventilation duration, but the overall mortality is not improved. Owing to the sample size and patient heterogeneity, the conclusions still need to be verified by well-designed, large-scale RCTs.

Trial Registration The protocol for our meta-analysis and systematic review was registered and recorded in PROSPERO (registration no. CRD42023451308). Registered 14 August 2023
In vitro study on antioxidant and lipid-lowering activities of tobacco polysaccharides
Authors: Chang Shuaishuai , Lei Xiao , Xie Qiang , Zhang Mingjin , Zhang Yuangai , Xi Jiaxin , Duan Jiyou , Ge Jian , Nian Fuzhao
Published: January 2024

Tobacco polysaccharides were extracted by hot water extraction, and purified and separated using DEAE-52 cellulose chromatography columns, and three purified polysaccharide fractions, YCT-1, YCT-2, and YCT-3, were finally obtained. The physicochemical properties of the three fractions were analyzed by ultraviolet spectroscopy, high-performance liquid chromatography and high-performance gel chromatography. The in vitro antioxidant activity of tobacco polysaccharides was compared among different fractions by using DPPH radical, hydroxyl radical scavenging assay and potassium ferricyanide method. The in vitro hypoglycemic activity was compared using α-amylase and α-glucosidase activity inhibition assay. And the in vitro hypolipidemic activity were investigated by using pancreatic lipase activity inhibition assay and HepG-2 intracellular lipid accumulation assay. All the results showed that the constituent monosaccharides of the three tobacco polysaccharide fractions were similar, but the molar percentages of each monosaccharide were different. The average molecular weights of the three components were 27,727 Da, 27,587 Da, and 66,517 Da, respectively, and the scavenging activities on DPPH radicals and hydroxyl radicals were at a high level with good quantitative-effect relationships. The reducing power were much lower than that of the positive control VC, and the three polysaccharide fractions had a weak inhibitory ability on α-amylase activity, but showed excellent inhibitory ability on α-glucosidase and pancreatic lipase activity. In addition, the results of cellular experiments showed that all three fractions were able to inhibit lipid over-accumulation in HepG-2 cells by increasing the mRNA expression levels of PPAR-α, CPT-1A, and CYP7A1 genes, and the tobacco polysaccharide YCT-3 showed the best effect. The mechanism by which YCT-3 ameliorated the over-accumulation of intracellular lipids in HepG-2 cells was found to be related to its influence on the expression of miR-155-3p and miR-17-3p in the exosomes of HepG-2 cells.

Graphical Abstract
Evaluating swine disease occurrence on farms using the state-space model based on meat inspection data: a time-series analysis
Authors: Narita Tsubasa , Kubo Meiko , Nagakura Yuichi , Sekiguchi Satoshi
Published: January 2024

Background

Data on abnormal health conditions in animals obtained from slaughter inspection are important for identifying problems in fattening management. However, methods to objectively evaluate diseases on farms using inspection data has not yet been well established. It is important to assess fattening management on farms using data obtained from slaughter inspection. In this study, we developed the state-space model to evaluate swine morbidity using slaughter inspection data.

Results

The most appropriate model for each disease was constructed using the state-space model. Data on 11 diseases in slaughterhouses over the past 4 years were used to build the model. The model was validated using data from 14 farms. The local-level model (the simplest model) was the best model for all diseases. We found that the analysis of slaughter data using the state-space model could construct a model with greater accuracy and flexibility than the ARIMA model. In this study, no seasonality or trend model was selected for any disease. It is thought that models with seasonality were not selected because diseases in swine shipped to slaughterhouses were the result of illness at some point during the 6-month fattening period between birth and shipment.

Conclusion

Evaluation of previous diseases helps with the objective understanding of problems in fattening management. We believe that clarifying how farms manage fattening of their pigs will lead to improved farm profits. In that respect, it is important to use slaughterhouse data for fattening evaluation, and it is extremely useful to use mathematical models for slaughterhouse data. However, in this research, the model was constructed on the assumption of normality and linearity. In the future, we believe that we can build a more accurate model by considering models that assume non-normality and non-linearity.
Correlation between multifocal electroretinogram and optical coherence tomography findings with visual acuity after vitrectomy surgery for retinal detachment: an observational study
Authors: Hassan Asmaa , Abdel-Radi Mahmoud , Aly Mohamed Omar M , Alattar Sara
Published: January 2024

Background

Despite the marked increase in the anatomical success rates of macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) surgery, patients may still complain about unsatisfactory visual outcome. This study aims to correlate the postoperative corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) with the mf-ERG (multifocal electroretinogram) and OCT (optical coherence tomography) findings following vitrectomy surgery for RRD.

Patients and methods

This retrospective observational study included 40 eyes of 40 patients who underwent successful vitrectomy surgery for macula-off RRD. CDVA, mf-ERG amplitudes, mf-ERG latencies, the central macular thickness (CMT) and the integrity of the inner segment/outer segment (IS/OS) junction assessed by OCT, were evaluated 6 months postoperatively. The correlations between CDVA with mf-ERG amplitudes, mf-ERG latencies, central macular thickness, and IS/OS junction integrity were analyzed.

Results

There was a statistically significant moderate positive correlation between CDVA of the studied eyes with mf-ERG amplitudes of N1, P1 and N2 in ring 1 (P = 0.008; P < 0.001 and P = 0.004, respectively), CMT (P < 0.001), and the integrity of IS/OS junction (P < 0.001). There was no significant correlation between CDVA and mf-ERG latencies in ring 1 (P > 0.05). Linear regression analysis revealed that CDVA was significantly associated with mf-ERG amplitudes and the IS/OS junction integrity. In addition, there was a strong positive correlation between mf-ERG amplitudes in ring 1 and the IS/OS junction integrity.

Conclusions

The integrated interpretation of postoperative CDVA, multifocal ERG parameters, and OCT findings provides useful information about functional visual recovery and retinal microstructural changes following vitrectomy for macula-off RRD surgery. The positive correlation between the IS/OS junction integrity and the mf-ERG amplitudes was stronger than the correlation between the IS/OS junction integrity and CDVA suggesting that mf-ERG may be superior to CDVA in reflecting the extent of microstructural damage in the photoreceptor layer.

Trial Registration

Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT05993208. Registered 15 August 2023 - Retrospectively registered, https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05993208.
The role of shipping and logistics MNCs in economic development: a case study of how Maersk contributed to Vietnam’s ascendence to an export oriented economy
Authors: Greve Majbritt , Hansen Michael Wendelboe
Published: January 2024

This paper assesses the role shipping and logistics foreign direct investment (FDI) plays in developing country export performance, exemplified by the case of the large multinational corporation (MNC) Maersk’s investments in Vietnam. The paper aims to generate a deeper understanding of how the introduction of advanced shipping and logistics services by a foreign investor contributed to export growth. The paper is based on a longitudinal case study of Maersk in Vietnam employing more than 100 interviews from Maersk, Maersk’s clients, subcontractors, and industry experts conducted between 2003 and 2016, complemented and validated by primary commercial data from Maersk, and secondary industry- and market data. The paper finds that during that period, Maersk impacted Vietnam’s export performance through five mechanisms: 1. Building infrastructure; 2. Creating connectivity and market access; 3. Reducing transaction and logistics costs; 4. Bringing buyers and sellers together; and 5. Upgrading export capabilities. While transport and logistics MNCs’ role in building infrastructure and reducing trade costs is described in the literature, the paper provides novel insights into their role as intermediaries in trade that provide value chain access and transparency, reduce transaction costs for buyers and producers, and upgrade export capabilities. The paper suggests that Maersk’s contributions to Vietnam’s export growth from 2003 to 2016 in part can be attributed to its unique competitive advantages originating from its superior organization, technology, and capital intensity. The paper contributes to the literature by deepening it’s understanding of the mechanisms through which large shipping and logistics MNCs influence developing countries’ export-led industrialization; by proving novel insights into the role of Maersk in Vietnam’s development path; and by providing and validating an analytical framework for analyzing shipping and logistics MNCs’ role in export led development that may inspire future research,
The effects of social networks on HIV risk behaviors among Vietnamese female sex workers: a qualitative study
Authors: Zhou LongHui , Liu Yi , Liu Dan , Xiao ChenChang , Li JiaYu , Zhai MengXi , liu Xin , Yu Bin , Yan Hong
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Female sex workers (FSWs) experience heightened vulnerability to HIV and other health harms, and cross-border FSWs face additional challenges due to language issues, higher mobility, and weaker negotiation skills. Given the critical role of social network factors in HIV transmission, it is imperative to explore the social network characteristics of Vietnamese cross-border FSWs in China to enhance AIDS prevention and control.

Methods

We conducted semi-structured interviews with 22 Vietnamese FSWs in Hekou County, Yunnan Province from May to July 2018. The samples were selected using a purposive sampling strategy and stopped when reached theoretical saturation. Data collection and analysis were conducted iteratively to identify themes within the data. Participants reported their social relationships and how these relationships affected their HIV risk behaviours. All the interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and reviewed. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.

Results

Among 22 Vietnamese FSWs, the median age was 23.5. Concerning social networks, interviews revealed that their social networks were composed of three components: Workplace networks (customer, boss, colleague), Hometown networks (spouse or boyfriend, family member, fellow villager), and Social institutions networks (Chinese social institutions network, Vietnamese social institutions network). None of these networks can simply support or hinder Vietnamese FSWs’ preventive high-risk HIV behaviours, and the impact is achieved through each network’s ways. Within the workplace network, the predominant influence is the ascendancy-submissiveness dynamic that exists among customers, bosses, and VFSWs. In the hometown network, familial responsibilities emerge as the principal factor impacting VFSWs. Meanwhile, within the social institution network, pivotal roles are played by the Chinese CDC and the Vietnamese government in the dissemination of HIV knowledge.

Conclusions

The social networks of Vietnamese female sex workers exert a dual impact on high-risk HIV behaviors. Interventions should be designed and tailored to address the specific contextual factors and challenges associated with social networks among cross-border FSWs in China and other similar settings.
Validation of the acoustic change complex (ACC) prediction model to predict speech perception in noise in adult patients with hearing loss: a study protocol
Authors: Biot Lana , Jacxsens Laura , Cardon Emilie , Versnel Huib , Rhebergen Koenraad S. , Boerboom Ralf A. , Gilles Annick , Van Rompaey Vincent , Lammers Marc J. W.
Published: January 2024

Background

Speech perception tests are essential to measure the functional use of hearing and to determine the effectiveness of hearing aids and implantable auditory devices. However, these language-based tests require active participation and are influenced by linguistic and neurocognitive skills limiting their use in patients with insufficient language proficiency, cognitive impairment, or in children. We recently developed a non-attentive and objective speech perception prediction model: the Acoustic Change Complex (ACC) prediction model. The ACC prediction model uses electroencephalography to measure alterations in cortical auditory activity caused by frequency changes. The aim is to validate this model in a large-scale external validation study in adult patients with varying degrees of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) to confirm the high predictive value of the ACC model and to assess its test–retest reliability.

Methods

A total of 80 participants, aged 18–65 years, will be enrolled in the study. The categories of severity of hearing loss will be used as a blocking factor to establish an equal distribution of patients with various degrees of sensorineural hearing loss. During the first visit, pure tone audiometry, speech in noise tests, a phoneme discrimination test, and the first ACC measurement will be performed. During the second visit (after 1–4 weeks), the same ACC measurement will be performed to assess the test–retest reliability. The acoustic change stimuli for ACC measurements consist of a reference tone with a base frequency of 1000, 2000, or 4000 Hz with a duration of 3000 ms, gliding to a 300-ms target tone with a frequency that is 12% higher than the base frequency. The primary outcome measures are (1) the level of agreement between the predicted speech reception threshold (SRT) and the behavioral SRT, and (2) the level of agreement between the SRT calculated by the first ACC measurement and the SRT of the second ACC measurement. Level of agreement will be assessed with Bland–Altman plots.

Discussion

Previous studies by our group have shown the high predictive value of the ACC model. The successful validation of this model as an effective and reliable biomarker of speech perception will directly benefit the general population, as it will increase the accuracy of hearing evaluations and improve access to adequate hearing rehabilitation.
Differential associations of sex and age with changes in HRQoL during outpatient cardiac rehabilitation
Authors: Lanini Lorenza L. S. , Euler Sebastian , Zuccarella-Hackl Claudia , Fuentes Artiles Rubén , Niederseer David , Auschra Bianca , von Känel Roland , Jellestad Lena
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) represent the world’s leading cause of death. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is a widely applied concept of patients’ perceived health and is directly linked to CVD morbidity, mortality, and re-hospitalization rates. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) improves both cardiovascular outcomes and HRQoL. Regrettably, CR is still underutilized, especially in subgroups like women and elderly patients. The aim of our study was to investigate the predictive potential of sex and age on change of HRQoL throughout outpatient CR.

Methods

497 patients of outpatient CR were retrospectively assessed from August 2015 to September 2019 at the University Hospital Zurich. A final sample of 153 individuals with full HRQoL data both at CR entry and discharge was analyzed. HRQoL was measured using the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) with its physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) component scale. In two-factorial analyses of variance, we analyzed sex- and age-specific changes in HRQoL scores throughout CR, adjusting for psychosocial and clinical characteristics. Age was grouped into participants over and under the age of 65.

Results

In both sexes, mean scores of physical HRQoL improved significantly during CR (p <.001), while mean scores of mental HRQoL improved significantly in men only (p =.003). Women under the age of 65 had significantly greater physical HRQoL improvements throughout CR, compared with men under 65 (p =.043) and women over 65 years of age (p =.014). Sex and age did not predict changes in mental HRQoL throughout CR.

Conclusions

Younger women in particular benefit from CR with regard to their physical HRQoL. Among older participants, women report equal improvements of physical HRQoL than men. Our results indicate that sex- and age-related aspects of HRQoL outcomes should be considered in CR.
Pediatric traumatic brain injury in chad: about 256 cases
Authors: Canton Kessely Yannick , Sobdjolbo Olivier , Njesada Ndolembai , Toudjingar Félicien G. , Ngaringuem Olivier , Li-Iyane Ouambi Olivier , Djasde Donald , Ndiaye Kader , Soukaya Brahim , Aouami Aboubacar , Bray Kaimba R. , Ba Momar Codé
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Pediatric traumatic brain injury (PTBI) is a frequent pathology in the pediatric environment and remains a public health concern in the world. PTBI is the leading cause of death and severe disability in children in countries with limited pediatric trauma legislation. The objective is to report the experience of the management of PTBI in children in Chad.

Methods

This report is a prospective study of 256 patients admitted for PTBI over a year period.

Result

The incidence was 19.09%. The mean age was 6.2 years with extremes of 1 day and 15 years. The male represented 68.8% with a ratio of 2.2. The transport of the injured patients to health facilities using other means than ambulances in 87.5%. Initial loss of consciousness (IOL) accounted for 79.1% and coma seizures for 34.37%. Public road accidents accounted for 64.5% of causes. Severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) accounted for 24.2%. The cerebral scanner was performed in 37.9% of cases and had shown the association of craniocerebral lesions in 10.1% of cases. Craniocerebral wound trimming was the most common surgical procedure performed in 21.8% of cases, followed by removal of the depressed fracture of skull in 6.2% of cases. Mortality rate was 9% and sequelae 5.4%.

Conclusion

PTBI is a frequent neurosurgical pathology in the pediatric setting in Chad. The absence of health insurance in our context makes access to care and radiological examinations very difficult. The prognosis was conditioned by the rapidity of the management and the initial loss of consciousness.
Dispersion and attenuation characteristics of an obliquely incident SV wave in a fluid-saturated porous rock containing aligned penny-shaped fractures
Authors: Wang Wenhao , Li Shengqing , Guo Junxin , Zhao Long , Guo Shangjing , Su Yuanda , Tang Xiao-Ming
Published: January 2024

Owing to the complex structural characteristics of aligned fractured rocks with a fluid-saturated porous background, many existing single-wave attenuation mechanism models cannot accurately characterize measuring multiband shear vertical (SV) wave data. Moreover, the coupled effect of wave-induced fluid flow between fractures and the background (FB-WIFF) and elastic scattering (ES) from the fractures leads to ambiguity in the elastic response of the SV wave. Using Biot’s theory and mixed boundary constraints, the exact solutions of the scattering problem for a single penny-shaped fracture with an obliquely incident SV wave are derived. Furthermore, a theoretical model for a set of aligned fractures is developed by using Foldy’s scheme. The numerical results indicated that the FB-WIFF, ES of fractures, and their coupling effects were mainly responsible for wave dispersion and attenuation. The FB-WIFF occurs primarily in the low-frequency seismic exploration frequency band, whereas the ES of the fracture surface depends on the relationship between the wavelength and fracture size. In addition, by comparing our model with an existing interpolation approximation model and previous experimental measurements, the accuracy and effectiveness of the model was validated. The results of this work can explain the acoustic response of SV-wave experimental data in different frequency bands and theoretically support fracture detection and characterization.
Seismic data filtering using deconvolutive short-time Fourier transform
Authors: Kazemnia Kakhki Mohsen , Mokhtari Ahmadreza , Mansur Webe Joao
Published: January 2024

Cohen class distributions are well-known time-frequency distributions that have been widely used to analyze different signals. However, they are impractical for signal filtering because they only provide amplitude spectra and suffer from cross terms. In this paper, deconvolutive short-time Fourier transform (DSTFT) is developed by estimating phase spectra and updating moduli to address residual cross terms. The DSTFT moduli is used as weights and apply a weighted least-squares technique to estimate a high-resolution and almost cross-term-free Wigner-Ville distribution. Through numerical tests, it has been found that choosing the optimal window length can minimize cross terms in short-time Fourier transform and DSTFT spectrograms. Furthermore, using thresholding or reweighting techniques can effectively eliminate weights associated with noise. The performance of our method is demonstrated using synthetic and two real seismic wavefield separation problems, including ground-roll removal in seismic shot records and polarization analysis in seismology. The results indicate the high performance of our method in estimating phase spectra and filtering seismic data.
No Impact of Dietary Restrictions on the Risk for Infection in Pediatric Patients With Cancer: A Monocenter Analysis
Authors: Barnbrock Anke , Salmanton-García Jon , Lankes Franziska , Bochennek Konrad , Schöning Stefan , Lehrnbecher Thomas
Published: January 2024

PURPOSE

Prophylactic anti-infective strategies are used in patients with cancer to decrease the risk for infection. Dietary restrictions do not allow raw vegetables and fresh fruits to limit the introduction of potentially harmful pathogens in the gastrointestinal tract, but the efficacy is unclear.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this study analyzing the impact of the dietary restrictions on infectious complications, all children treated between April 2014 and March 2018 for ALL and AML or non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) were included. Dietary restrictions were standard until March 2016, but were stopped in April 2016. Patients with dietary restrictions (treated April 2014-March 2016) and patients not advised for dietary restrictions (treated April 2016-March 2018) were compared regarding infectious complications, including bloodstream infection, pneumonia, diarrhea, and fever of unknown origin (FUO).

RESULTS

Eighty-six patients (25 female; 62 ALL; nine AML, 15 NHL) experienced 223 infections. The 46 patients with dietary restrictions and the 40 patients without food restrictions did not significantly differ regarding the number of infections per patient, bloodstream infections, pneumonia, diarrhea, FUO, admission to intensive care, and death.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that dietary restrictions do not affect the risk for infectious complications. Therefore, the indication of dietary restrictions should be reconsidered in pediatric patients with cancer.
Poor Glycemic Control Is Associated With More Rapid Kidney Function Decline After the Onset of Diabetic Kidney Disease
Authors: Shah Hetal S , McGill Janet B , Hirsch Irl B , Wu Chunyi , Galecki Andrzej , de Boer Ian H , Mauer Michael , Doria Alessandro
Published: January 2024

Background

The role of glycemic control and its variability on the rate of kidney function decline after the onset of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) remains unclear.

Methods

The association between baseline glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and rates of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) loss during follow-up was examined by mixed-effects linear regression in 530 individuals with type 1 diabetes and early-to-moderate DKD from the Preventing Early Renal Loss (PERL) trial and 2378 individuals with type 2 diabetes and established DKD from the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD) trial. The benefit of intensive vs standard glycemic control in slowing eGFR decline was examined in ACCORD. The associations between continuous glucose monitoring-derived short-term glycemic variability indices and rate of eGFR decline were also evaluated in PERL.

Results

A higher baseline HbA1c was associated with a more negative eGFR slope in both PERL and ACCORD (−0.87 and −0.27 mL/min/1.73 m2/year per Hba1c unit increment, P < .0001 and P = .0002, respectively). In both studies, the strength of this association progressively increased with increasing levels of albuminuria (P for interaction <.05). Consistent with this, the benefit of intensive glycemic control on eGFR decline was greater in ACCORD participants with severe rather than moderate albuminuria (+1.13 vs + 0.26 mL/min/1.73 m2/year, P = .01). No independent associations were found in PERL between short-term glycemic variability indices and rate of eGFR decline.

Conclusion

In both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, poor glycemic control is associated with a more rapid rate of glomerular filtration rate decline after DKD onset, especially in persons with severe albuminuria.
General Anesthesia With Remimazolam During Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery for Atrial Septal Defect: A Pediatric Case Report
Authors: Shimizu Tatsuhiko , Kanazawa Tomoyuki , Matsuoka Yuto , Yoshida Tsubasa , Sakura Takanobu , Shimizu Kazuyoshi , Iwasaki Tatsuo , Morimatsu Hiroshi
Published: January 2024

Remimazolam is a new ultrashort-acting benzodiazepine sedative, the use of which has not been reported for pediatric cardiac surgery. This case report describes the use of remimazolam in a 6-year-old girl who underwent minimally invasive cardiac surgery with right-sided thoracotomy for an atrial septal defect. Under electroencephalographic monitoring, remimazolam (2–4 mg kg–1 h–1) and remifentanil (0.05 μg kg–1 min–1) were administered with an intercostal nerve block during the procedure. The patient awoke and was extubated promptly after surgery, without any serious adverse events, including intraoperative awareness. Remimazolam may be a viable option for general anesthesia during pediatric cardiac surgery.
Speech, speech modes and power relations in ancient epic
Authors: Χρίστου Δέσποινα
Published: January 2024

Αυτή η διατριβή εστιάζει στη συγκριτική ανάλυση της επικής παράδοσης βάσει δύο σημαντικών μεθόδων: τον τρόπο με τον οποίο οι συνομιλητές αποτυπώνουν τον λόγο τους στις συνομιλίες τους (π.χ. ευθύς λόγος, πλάγιος λόγος) και την αποτύπωση των σχέσεων εξουσίας μεταξύ των συνομιλητών στους διαλόγους αυτούς. Η δυναμική φύση των σχέσεων εξουσίας φανερώνει τους διαφορετικούς ρόλους που ένας ίδιος χαρακτήρας μπορεί να υιοθετήσει σε διαφορετικές επικοινωνιακές περιστάσεις, γεγονός που καθορίζει τα χαρακτηριστικά του λόγου του εν λόγω κάθε φορά χαρακτήρα και την επιλογή ενός συγκεκριμένου τρόπου έκφρασης. Ακόμη φανερώνει ένα μη αναμενόμενο πλέγμα συνδέσεων ανάμεσα σε ίδιες επικοινωνιακές περιστάσεις στο έπος. Συγκεκριμένα, η εστίαση έγκειται στις συνελεύσεις και στις οικογενειακές σκηνές τόσο σε θεϊκό επίπεδο όσο και σε επίπεδο θνητών στα Ομηρικά έπη, την Ιλιάδα και την Οδύσσεια, τα Αργοναυτικά του Απολλώνιου Ρόδιου, την Αινειάδα και τις Μεταμορφώσεις, σκηνές εκ των οποίων αναλύονται επιλεκτικά με σκοπό να αναδειχθούν μοτίβα που σχετίζονται με τις πτυχές που αναφέρθηκαν παραπάνω, δηλαδή τον λόγο και την εξουσία. Οι στενές αναλογίες και οι διαφορές πρόκειται να αναδείξουν τον βαθμό στον οποίο η επική παράδοση έχει διατηρήσει όμοια μοτίβα στην επιλογή και χρήση του λόγου, έχοντας ως απώτερο στόχο την αποτύπωση των σχέσεων εξουσίας στις επικοινωνιακές περιστάσεις που προαναφέρθηκαν.
Retina-inspired image and video coding
Authors: Δούτση Ευφροσύνη
Published: January 2024

Ο στόχος αυτής της διπλωματικής εργασίας είναι να προτείνει μια νέα αρχιτεκτονική κωδικοποίησης βίντεο που είναι εμπνευσμένη από το οπτικό σύστημα και τον αμφιβληστροειδή. Αν κάποιος δει τον αμφιβληστροειδή ως μια μηχανή που επεξεργάζεται το οπτικό ερέθισμα, φαίνεται ένα έξυπνο και πολύ αποτελεσματικό μοντέλο για μίμηση. Υπάρχουν διάφοροι λόγοι για να ισχυριστεί κανείς κάτι τέτοιο, πρώτα απ 'όλα, επειδή καταναλώνει χαμηλή ενέργεια, αντιμετωπίζει επίσης εισόδους υψηλής ανάλυσης και ο δυναμικός τρόπος που μετασχηματίζει και κωδικοποιεί το οπτικό ερέθισμα είναι πέρα από τα τρέχοντα πρότυπα συμπίεσης. Είχαμε το κίνητρο να μελετήσουμε και να κυκλοφορήσουμε έναν σύστημα συμπίεσης εικόνας και βίντεο εμπνευσμένο από τον αμφιβληστροειδή. Ο προτεινόμενος αλγόριθμος εφαρμόστηκε σε μια ροή βίντεο με πολύ απλό τρόπο σύμφωνα με τα πρότυπα κωδικοποίησης όπως MJPEG ή MJPEG2000. Ωστόσο, αυτός ο τρόπος επιτρέπει στον αναγνώστη να μελετήσει και να εξερευνήσει όλα τα πλεονεκτήματα του τρόπου δυναμικής επεξεργασίας του αμφιβληστροειδούς όσον αφορά τη συμπίεση και την επεξεργασία εικόνας. Η τρέχουσα απόδοση του εμπνευσμένου από τον αμφιβληστροειδή κωδικοποιητή είναι πολύ ελπιδοφόρα σύμφωνα με ορισμένα τελικά αποτελέσματα που ξεπερνούν το MJPEG για ρυθμούς bit κάτω από 100 kbps και το MPEG-2 για ρυθμούς bit μεγαλύτερο από 70 kpbs. Επιπλέον, για χαμηλότερους ρυθμούς bits, ο προτεινόμενος αλγόριθμοςπεριγράφει καλύτερα το περιεχόμενο της σκηνής εισόδου. Υπάρχουν πολλές προοπτικές που αφορούν τη βελτίωση του εμπνευσμένου από τον αμφιβληστροειδή συστήματος συμπίεσης βίντεο που φαίνεται να οδηγεί σε μια πρωτοποριακή αρχιτεκτονική συμπίεσης. Ας ελπίσουμε ότι η διατριβή θα είναι ένα χρήσιμο εργαλείο για όλους τους ερευνητές που θα ήθελαν να μελετήσουν περισσότερο από την αντιληπτική ικανότητα του οπτικού συστήματος και να κατανοήσουν πώς η δομή και οι λειτουργίες αυτής της αποτελεσματικής μηχανής μπορούν στην πράξη να βελτιώσουν τους αλγόριθμους κωδικοποίησης.
Biskup, papieski inkwizytor i heretycy. Uwagi o dokumentacji procesów o herezję w księdze biskupa włocławskiego Zbigniewa Oleśnickiego (1473-1481)
Authors: Kras Paweł
Published: January 2024

W styczniu 1480 r., przed sądem biskupa włocławskiego Zbigniewa Oleśnickiego rozpoczęły się przesłuchania mieszkańców Inowrocławia w sprawie miejscowych sympatyków husytyzmu. W ciągu 10 miesięcy przesłuchano kilkanaście osób, których zeznania rzuciły światło na działalność niewielkich grup utrakwistów kujawskich na przestrzeni ponad pół wieku. Zeznania osób podejrzewanych o herezję i świadków, a także zapiski dotyczące innych czynności procesowych zostały zapisane w wyodrębnionej dokumentacji, która stanowi wstępną część najstarszej zachowanej włocławskiej księgi biskupiej (Archiwum Diecezjalnym we Włocławsku, sygn. 011). Artykuł analizuje powstanie i strukturę tej dokumentacji, a zarazem ukazuje rolę biskupa, kapituły katedralnej, a także papieskiego inkwizytora w działaniach inkwizycyjnych przeciwko kujawskim zwolennikom utrakwizmu.
Łowy książąt mazowieckich a spław na Omulwi. Handel, polityka i ochrona środowiska w początkach XVI wieku
Authors: Szweda Adam
Published: January 2024

Na przełomie XV i XVI w. krzyżaccy administratorzy z południowych Prus (prokurator nidzicki) usiłowali wykorzystać Omulew jako drogę spławu pruskiego drewna do Narwi i dalej Wisłą do Gdańska. Zamiary te spotkały się z oporem ze strony książąt mazowieckich (Konrada III, wdowy po nim, Anny, oraz synów Janusza III i Stanisława), ponieważ nad rzeką swoje siedliska miała zwierzyna, na którą polowali. Źródła związane z tą sprawą ukazują konsekwentne dążenia mazowieckich Piastów do ochrony wielkich kompleksów leśnych na północy ich władztwa, czyli Puszczy Szkwańskiej/Zagajnicy, przed gospodarczą eksploatacją, ponieważ polowania na tym obszarze zapewniały im „specjalną rozrywkę i niemałe dochody”.
De Nietzsche a Trías: paralelismos filosófico-románticos, afectividad primordial y vitalismo escéptico.
Authors: Rodríguez Velasco Sara Uma
Published: January 2024

Interpretando a Nietzsche, podríamos afirmar que la embriaguez dionisíaca le posibilita al humano dirigirse afectivamente hacia lo externo, borrando incluso y paradójicamente ese límite que determinaría dónde empieza su ser y dónde aquello a lo que su ser es empujado. Trías recoge esta determinación en un concepto clave de su filosofía al denominarnos “ser del límite”. En ambos filósofos somos radicalmente pasión creadora; somos un animal límite y caótico, sufriente por queriente, y potencialmente feliz por el mismo motivo. Está en nuestras manos investigar, tras el reconocimiento de esta condición estética, sensible e insalvable de lo humano, cómo vivir