bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prolonged corrected QT interval in hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates: a single-center, retrospective study
Authors: Mohamed Ali Sameera , Musa Anas , Omar Muhammed Khalifa , Javed Sumbul , Al Raqabani Mohamed , Adnan Baradie Basem , Sobhi Gargousa Marian , Osman Oghowan AbdelRahman , AlDeen Roqia Salah , Lakshmanan Jeyaseelan , Al Hashemi Haitham , Omar Baslaib Fahad
Published: December 2021

Objective

To evaluate the association of a prolonged corrected QT (QTc) interval in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and its association with in-patient mortality.

Methods

A cohort of 745 patients were recruited from a single center between 1 March 2020 and 31 May 2020. We analyzed the factors associated with a prolonged QTc and mortality.

Results

A prolonged QTc interval >450 ms was found in 27% of patients admitted with SARS-CoV-2 infection. These patients were predominantly older, on a ventilator, and had hypertension, diabetes mellitus, or ischemic heart disease. They also had high troponin and D-dimer concentrations. A prolonged QTc interval had a significant association with the requirement of ventilator support and was associated with an increased odds of mortality. Patients who died were older than 55 years, and had high troponin, D-dimer, creatinine, procalcitonin, and ferritin concentrations, a high white blood cell count, and abnormal potassium concentrations (hypo- or hyperkalemia).

Conclusions

A prolonged QTc interval is common in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection and it is associated with worse outcomes. Older individuals and those with comorbidities should have an electrocardiogram performed, which is noninvasive and easily available, on admission to hospital to identify high-risk patients.
Evaluation of efficacy and safety of improved transurethral plasma kinetic enucleation of the prostate in high-risk patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia and coronary artery disease
Authors: Meng Qingchao , Li Jingmei , Li Mingfeng , Qiu Rangxue
Published: December 2021

Objective

This prospective study aimed to evaluate the safety of improved transurethral plasma kinetic enucleation of the prostate (iTUPKEP) in the perioperative period in high-risk patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and coronary artery disease.

Methods

Patients with BPH underwent surgical treatment with transurethral vapour resection of the prostate (TUVP) or iTUPKEP. Serum endothelin-1, cardiac troponin-I, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein concentrations were evaluated in the short term after surgery. The postvoid residual urine volume, maximum urinary flow rate, international prostate symptom score, and quality of life indicators were evaluated in the long term after surgery.

Results

Endothelin-1 concentrations were lower in the iTUPKEP group than in the TUVP group at 1 and 2 days postoperatively. The iTUPKEP group had lower cardiac troponin-I and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein concentrations at all time points postoperatively. The postvoid residual urine volume, international prostate symptom score, and quality of life values were lower, but the maximum urinary flow rate was higher, in the iTUPKEP group than in the TUVP group.

Conclusions

The iTUPKEP procedure has a smaller effect on vascular endothelial function compared with TUVP. Therefore, iTUPKEP may reduce the incidence of postoperative cardiovascular adverse events in high-risk patients with BPH and coronary artery disease.
Confirmation of an internal hydatid bladder fistula using postoperative methylene blue retrograde injection via urinary catheter: a case report
Authors: Wang Qiang , Zhao Shunyun , Sami Malik Waseem , Gao Wei
Published: December 2021

Abdominal hydatidosis resulting in an internal hydatid bladder fistula postoperatively is quite rare and might have serious consequences without timely treatment. A 74-year-old Tibetan woman presented with abdominal distension and was diagnosed with hydatid disease. Cyst contents were removed, and the pericyst was partially resected without contraindication. Furthermore, no internal urinary fistula was found before or during the operation, and the presence of an internal fistula was indicated by methylene blue retrograde injection via urinary catheter after the operation. The use of postoperative methylene blue retrograde injection via urinary catheter is recommended to identify internal hydatid bladder fistula formation.
Research on unhealthy food and beverages advertising targeting children: Systematic literature review and directions for future research
Authors: Srivastava Ritu , Gupta Parul
Published: December 2021

The rising level of childhood obesity across the globe has escalated the worries of World Health Organization (WHO), health practitioners, policymakers, and regulators. One of the most prominent factors that promote unhealthy eating habits of children is the heavy advertising of food and beverages (F&B) targeted at children. This has deepened the concerns of stakeholders about the persuasion ethics of firms aggressively promoting unhealthy foodstuff to young consumers. This article presents a systematic literature review of scholarly research on the advertising of unhealthy F&B targeted at children. A systematic review of 70 peer-reviewed articles is conducted through the theoretical lens to present their contributions. Synthesising the findings of empirical studies, the scholarly research is classified into six core research themes. We elaborate on directions for future research: Theory, Context, and Methods and distil specific research questions for future studies.
Does Transection of the Superficial MCL During HTO Result in Progressive Valgus Instability?
Authors: Kim Joo-Hwan , Ryu Dong Jin , Lee Sung-Sahn , Jang Seung Pil , Park Jae Sung , Kim Won Jae , Kim Il-Su , Wang Joon Ho
Published: December 2021

Background:

During high tibial osteotomy (HTO), the superficial medial collateral ligament (sMCL) is cut or released at any degree to expose the osteotomy site and achieve the targeted alignment correction according to the surgeon’s preference. However, it is still unclear whether transection of sMCL increases valgus laxity.

Purpose:

We aimed to assess the outcomes and safety of sMCL transection, especially focusing on iatrogenic valgus instability.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Seventy-two patients (89 knees) who underwent medial open wedge HTO (MOWHTO) with transection of the sMCL between October 2013 and September 2018 were retrospectively investigated. Clinical evaluations, including the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and Tegner and Lysholm scores, were performed preoperatively and at 2 years postoperatively. The radiographic parameters hip-knee-ankle (HKA) angle, joint line convergence angle on standing radiographs (standing JLCA), and weightbearing line (WBL) ratio were assessed preoperatively and at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years postoperatively. To evaluate valgus laxity, we assessed the valgus JLCA and medial joint opening (MJO) at the aforementioned time points using valgus stress radiographs.

Results:

All clinical results at the 2-year follow-up were significantly improved compared with those obtained at the preoperative assessment ( P < .001). The postoperative HKA angle significantly differed from the preoperative one, and no significant valgus progression was observed during follow-up (preoperative, 8.5°± 2.7°; 3 months, –3.5°± 2.0°; 6 months, –3.2°± 2.3°; 1 year, –3.1°± 2.3°; 2 years, –2.9°± 2.5°; P < .001) The mean WBL ratio was 62.5% ± 9.0% at 2 years postoperatively. The postoperative valgus JLCA at all follow-up points did not significantly change compared with the preoperative valgus JLCA (preoperative, –0.1°± 2.1°; 3 months, –0.2°± 2.4°; 6 months, –0.1°± 2.5°; 1 year, 0.1°± 2.5°; 2 years, 0.2°± 2.2°) The postoperative MJO at all follow-up points did not significantly change compared with the preoperative MJO (preoperative, 7.1 ± 1.7 mm; 3 months, 7.0 ± 1.7 mm; 6 months, 6.9 ± 1.9 mm; 1 year, 6.7 ± 1.8 mm; 2 years, 6.8 ± 1.8 mm).

Conclusion:

Transection of the sMCL during MOWHTO does not increase valgus laxity and could yield desirable clinical and radiographic results.
Using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) in Understanding Customers’ Behavioural Intention to Use E-CRM: Evidence from the Banking Industry
Authors: Mokha Anupreet Kaur , Kumar Pushpender
Published: December 2021

The present study has aimed to understand the customers’ behavioural intention to use electronic customer relationship management (E-CRM) in the banking industry, using the technology acceptance model (TAM). Purposive sampling technique is used to collect data from 300 banks that included customers from Delhi (India), and partial least square-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was employed. The reliability and the validity of the overall model were evaluated using the measurement model, and the hypotheses were tested using the structural model. The results reveal that E-CRM had a positive impact on both perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use, which, in turn, had a positive impact on the attitude towards using E-CRM, which ultimately led to a positive behavioural intention of customers towards using E-CRM. This study reveals that there is a large potential for policymakers to raise awareness and acceptance of E-CRM services among the customers.
Payload oscillation control of tower crane using smooth command input
Authors: Al-Fadhli Abdulaziz , Khorshid Emad
Published: December 2021

This paper presents a smooth command (SC) input shaper for suppressing payload oscillations in rest-to-rest simultaneous radial and tangential motions of a tower crane. The radial and tangential acceleration profiles of the compound motions are represented by multi-sine wave functions with independent and variable maneuvering time. The proposed SC is designed using a nonlinear mathematical model of the tower crane while the parameters of the acceleration profiles and maneuvering times were optimized using a particle swarm algorithm (PSO). The simulated results were verified experimentally on a laboratory scale tower crane. The results confirm that the proposed SC input effectively canceled residual vibrations of the payload compound motions with a time length comparable to zero vibrations (ZV) shaper. Moreover, sensitivity analysis to variations in cable length reveals that the proposed command input is robust over a wide range of cable lengths.
Long-term patency rate of the translocated autologous saphenous vein versus prosthetic material in vascular access surgery for haemodialysis and parenteral nutrition
Authors: Driessen Wouter , van der Meijden Wilbert , Wanten Geert , van Hoek Frank
Published: December 2021

Objective:

To evaluate the long-term patency rate of the arteriovenous angioaccess (AVA) with interposition of either autologous or prosthetic material as a last option for vascular access in the upper extremity.

Methods:

This is a retrospective chart review study of all patients who received an AVA with autologous saphenous vein (SV Group, n = 38) or prosthetic material (PTFE Group, n = 25) as a conduit from the year 1996 to 2020 in the Radboud University Medical Center (Radboudumc). Data were retrospectively extracted from two prospectively updated local databases for vascular access, one for haemodialysis (HD) and one for parenteral nutrition (PN). When required, the medical records of each patient were used. Data were eventually collected anonymously and analysed in SPSS 25. Kaplan-Meier life-tables were used for the statistical analysis.

Results:

Primary patency at 12 and 48 months was 30% and 20% in the SV group and 45% and 14% in the PTFE group. No significant difference was shown in the median primary patency rate ( p = 0.715). Secondary patency at 12 and 48 months was 63% and 39% in the SV group and 55% and 19% in the PTFE group. This was considered a significant difference in median secondary patency in favour of the SV with 41.16 ± 17.67 months against 13.77 ± 10.22 months for PTFE ( p = 0.032). The incidence of infection was significantly lower in the SV group ( p = 0.0002). A Kaplan-Meier curve could not detect a significant difference in secondary patency between the access for haemodialysis and the access for parenteral nutrition. The secondary patency of the SV in parenteral nutrition access, was significantly higher when compared with PTFE ( p = 0.004).

Conclusion:

The SV can be preferred over PTFE when conduit material is needed for long-term vascular access for HD or PN treatment due to its higher secondary patency and lower infection risk.
Effect of Spiritual Care on Anxiety and Fear of Orthopaedic Surgery Patients
Authors: Amiri Mohammad , Mirzaei Samaneh , Nasiriani Khadijeh
Published: December 2021

Fear and anxiety can affect surgery outcomes. Spirituality is one of the basic aspects of human beings. This study determined the effect of spiritual care on the fear and anxiety of orthopaedic surgery candidates. A spiritual care programme was implemented for the experimental group. The results showed the spiritual care could reduce the anxiety and fear of orthopaedic surgery candidates. Therefore, nurses should pay more attention to spiritual care and receive the necessary training.
Healthcare Solutions for Children Who Stutter Through the Structural Equation Modeling and Predictive Modeling by Utilizing Historical Data of Stuttering
Authors: Waheed Shaikh Abdul , Khader P. Sheik Abdul
Published: December 2021

Earlier studies established the role of demographic and temperamental features (DTFs) in the adaptation of childhood stuttering. However, these studies have been short on examining the latent interrelationships among DTFs and not utilizing them in predicting this disorder. This research article endeavors to examine latent interrelationships among DTFs in relation to childhood-stuttering. The purpose of the present is also to analyze whether DTFs can be utilized in predicting the likely risk of this speech disorder. Historical data on childhood stuttering was utilized for performing the invloved experiments of this research. “Structural-Equation-Modeling” (SEM) was applied to examine latent interrelationships among DTFs in relation to stuttering. The predictive analytics approach was employed to ensure whether DTFs of children can be utilized for predicting the likely risk of childhood-stuttering. SEM-based path analysis explored potential latent interrelationships among DTFs by separating them into categories of background and intermediate. By utilizing the same set of the DTFs, predictive models were able to classify children into stuttering and non-stuttering groups with optimal prediction accuracy. The outcomes of this study showed how the stuttering related historical data can be utilized in offering healthcare solutions for individuals with stuttering disorder. The outcomes of the present study also suggest that historical data on stuttering is a very rich source of hidden trends and patterns concerning this disorder. These hidden trends and patterns can be captured by applying a different type of structural and predictive modeling to understand the cause-and-effect relationship among variables in relation to stuttering. The SEM utilizes the cause-and-effect relationship among variables to explore latent-interrelationships between them. While predictive modeling utilizes the cause-and-effect relationship among variables to predict the possible risk of stuttering with optimal prediction accuracy.
Immunogenicity of COVID-19 vaccines in patients with hematologic malignancies: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Teh Joanne S. K. , Coussement Julien , Neoh Zoe C. F. , Spelman Tim , Lazarakis Smaro , Slavin Monica A. , Teh Benjamin W.
Published: December 2021

The objectives of this study were to assess the immunogenicity and safety of COVID-19 vaccines in patients with hematologic malignancies. A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical studies of immune responses to COVID-19 vaccination stratified by underlying malignancy and published from January 1, 2021, to August 31, 2021, was conducted using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL. Primary outcome was the rate of seropositivity after 2 doses of COVID-19 vaccine with rates of seropositivity after 1 dose, rates of positive neutralizing antibodies, cellular responses, and adverse events as secondary outcomes. Rates were pooled from single-arm studies while rates of seropositivity were compared against the rate in healthy controls for comparator studies using a random effects model and expressed as a pooled odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. Forty-four studies (16 mixed group, 28 disease specific) with 7064 patients were included in the analysis (2331 after first dose, 4733 after second dose). Overall seropositivity rates were 62% to 66% after 2 doses of COVID-19 vaccine and 37% to 51% after 1 dose. The lowest seropositivity rate was 51% in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and was highest in patients with acute leukemia (93%). After 2 doses, neutralizing antibody response rates were 57% to 60%, and cellular response rates were 40% to 75%. Active treatment, ongoing or recent treatment with targeted and CD-20 monoclonal antibody therapies within 12 months were associated with poor immune responses to COVID-19 vaccine. New approaches to prevention are urgently required to reduce COVID-19 infection morbidity and mortality in high-risk patient groups that respond poorly to COVID-19 vaccination.
European Respiratory Society guideline on non-CPAP therapies for obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Randerath Winfried , Verbraecken Johan , de Raaff Christel A.L. , Hedner Jan , Herkenrath Simon , Hohenhorst Winfried , Jakob Tina , Marrone Oreste , Marklund Marie , McNicholas Walter T. , Morgan Rebecca L. , Pepin Jean-Louis , Schiza Sofia , Skoetz Nicole , Smyth Dan , Steier Jörg , Tonia Thomy , Trzepizur Wojciech , van Mechelen Piet-Heijn , Wijkstra Peter
Published: December 2021

Treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in adults is evolving, as new therapies have been explored and introduced in clinical practice, while other approaches have been refined or reconsidered. In this European Respiratory Society (ERS) guideline on non-continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapies for OSA, we present recommendations determined by a systematic review of the literature. It is an update of the 2011 ERS statement on non-CPAP therapies, advanced into a clinical guideline. A multidisciplinary group of experts, including pulmonary, surgical, dentistry and ear–nose–throat specialists, methodologists and patient representatives considered the most relevant clinical questions (for both clinicians and patients) relating to the management of OSA. Eight key clinical questions were generated and a systematic review was conducted to identify published randomised clinical trials that answered these questions. We used the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach to assess the quality of the evidence and the strength of recommendations. The resulting guideline addresses gastric bypass surgery, custom-made dual-block mandibular advancement devices, hypoglossal nerve stimulation, myofunctional therapy, maxillo-mandibular osteotomy, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors and positional therapy. These recommendations can be used to benchmark quality of care for people with OSA across Europe and to improve outcomes.
Evaluation of the Function of Probiotics, Emphasizing the Role of their Binding to the Intestinal Epithelium in the Stability and their Effects on the Immune System
Authors: Javanshir Nahid , Hosseini Golsa Nayeb Ghanbar , Sadeghi Mahdieh , Esmaeili Ramtin , Satarikia Fateme , Ahmadian Gholamreza , Allahyari Najaf
Published: December 2021

Due to the importance of using cost-effective methods for therapeutic purposes, the function of probiotics as safe microorganisms and the study of their relevant functional mechanisms have recently been in the spotlight. Finding the mechanisms of attachment and stability and their beneficial effects on the immune system can be useful in identifying and increasing the therapeutic effects of probiotics. In this review, the functional mechanisms of probiotics were comprehensively investigated. Relevant articles were searched in scientific sources, documents, and databases, including PubMed, NCBI, Bactibace, OptiBac, and Bagel4. The most important functional mechanisms of probiotics and their effects on strengthening the epithelial barrier, competitive inhibition of pathogenic microorganisms, production of antimicrobials, binding and interaction with the host, and regulatory effects on the immune system were discussed.

In this regard, the attachment of probiotics to the epithelium is very important because the prerequisite for their proper functioning is to establish a proper connection to the epithelium. Therefore, more attention should be paid to the binding effect of probiotics, including sortase A, a significant factor involved in the expression of sortase-dependent proteins (SDP), on their surface as mediators of intestinal epithelial cell binding. In general, by investigating the functional mechanisms of probiotics, it was concluded that the mechanism by which probiotics regulate the immune system and adhesion capacity can directly and indirectly have preventive and therapeutic effects on a wide range of diseases. However, further study of these mechanisms requires extensive research on various aspects.
Stroke of antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy in patients with coronary artery disease: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Shao Qiao Yu , Wang Zhi Jian , Ma Xiao Teng , Lin Xu Ze , Pan Liu , Zhou Yu Jie
Published: December 2021

Background

We performed a meta-analysis sought to investigate the risk of stroke with antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapies among patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library for randomized controlled trials from January 1995 to March 2020. Studies were retrieved if they reported data of stroke for patients with CAD and were randomized to receive intensive versus conservative antithrombotic therapies, including antiplatelet and oral anticoagulant (OAC). Analyses were pooled by random-effects modeling. A total of 42 studies with 301,547subjects were enrolled in this analysis.

Results

Intensive antithrombotic therapy significantly reduced risk of all stroke (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.80–0.94) and ischemic stroke (RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.71–0.91), but increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke (RR 1.36, 95% CI 1.00–1.86) and intracranial hemorrhage (RR 1.46, 95% CI 1.17–1.81). Subgroup analyses indicated that OAC yields more benefit to all stroke than antiplatelet therapy (OAC: RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.58–0.92; Antiplatelet: RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.83–0.97; Between-group heterogeneity P value = 0.030). The benefit of antiplatelet therapy on all stroke and ischemic stroke were mainly driven by the studies comparing longer versus shorter duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (All stroke: RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.78–0.95; ischemic stroke: RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.75–0.94).

Conclusions

Among CAD patients who have already received antiplatelet therapy, either strengthening antiplatelet or anticoagulant treatments significantly reduced all stroke, mainly due to the reduction of ischemic stroke, although it increased the risk of hemorrhagic stroke and intracranial hemorrhage. OAC yields more benefit to all stroke than antiplatelet therapy.
Identification of N6-methylandenosine related LncRNAs biomarkers associated with the overall survival of osteosarcoma
Authors: Zhang Pei , Xu Keteng , Wang Jingcheng , Zhang Jiale , Quan Huahong
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a differentiation disease caused by the genetic and epigenetic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into osteoblasts. OS is a common, highly malignant tumor in children and adolescents. Fifteen to 20 % of the patients find distant metastases at their first visit. The purpose of our study was to identify biomarkers for tracking the prognosis and treatment of OS to improve the survival rate of patients.

Materials and methods

In this study, which was based on Therapeutically Applicable Research to Generate Effective Treatments (TARGET), we searched for m6A related lncRNAs in OS. We constructed a network between lncRNA and m6A, and built an OS prognostic risk model.

Results

We identified 14,581 lncRNAs by using the dataset from TARGET. We obtained 111 m6A-related lncRNAs through a Pearson correlation analysis. A network was built between lncRNA and m6A genes. Eight m6A-related lncRNAs associated with survival were identified through a univariate Cox analysis. A selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression was used to construct a prognostic risk model with six genes (RP11-286E11.1, LINC01426, AC010127.3, DLGAP1-AS2, RP4-657D16.3, AC002398.11) obtained through least absolute shrinkage.

We also discovered upregulated levels of DLGAP1-AS2 and m6A methylation in osteosarcoma tissues/cells compared with normal tissues/osteoblasts cells.

Conclusion

We constructed a risk score prognosis model of m6A-related lncRNAs (RP11-286E11.1, LINC01426, AC010127.3, DLGAP1-AS2, RP4-657D16.3, AC002398.11) using the dataset downloaded from TRAGET. We verified the value of the model by dividing all samples into test groups and training groups. However, the role of m6A-related lncRNAs in osteosarcoma needs to be further researched by cell and in vivo studies.
Voice analyses using smartphone-based data in patients with bipolar disorder, unaffected relatives and healthy control individuals, and during different affective states
Authors: Faurholt-Jepsen Maria , Rohani Darius Adam , Busk Jonas , Vinberg Maj , Bardram Jakob Eyvind , Kessing Lars Vedel
Published: December 2021

Background

Voice features have been suggested as objective markers of bipolar disorder (BD).

Aims

To investigate whether voice features from naturalistic phone calls could discriminate between (1) BD, unaffected first-degree relatives (UR) and healthy control individuals (HC); (2) affective states within BD.

Methods

Voice features were collected daily during naturalistic phone calls for up to 972 days. A total of 121 patients with BD, 21 UR and 38 HC were included. A total of 107.033 voice data entries were collected [BD (n  = 78.733), UR (n  = 8004), and HC (n  =  20.296)]. Daily, patients evaluated symptoms using a smartphone-based system. Affective states were defined according to these evaluations. Data were analyzed using random forest machine learning algorithms.

Results

Compared to HC, BD was classified with a sensitivity of 0.79 (SD 0.11)/AUC  = 0.76 (SD 0.11) and UR with a sensitivity of 0.53 (SD 0.21)/AUC of 0.72 (SD 0.12). Within BD, compared to euthymia, mania was classified with a specificity of 0.75 (SD 0.16)/AUC  =  0.66 (SD 0.11). Compared to euthymia, depression was classified with a specificity of 0.70 (SD 0.16)/AUC  =  0.66 (SD 0.12). In all models the user dependent models outperformed the user independent models. Models combining increased mood, increased activity and insomnia compared to periods without performed best with a specificity of 0.78 (SD 0.16)/AUC  =  0.67 (SD 0.11).

Conclusions

Voice features from naturalistic phone calls may represent a supplementary objective marker discriminating BD from HC and a state marker within BD.
Additively manufactured nano-mechanical energy harvesting systems: advancements, potential applications, challenges and future perspectives
Authors: Ahmed Ammar , Azam Ali , Wang Yanen , Zhang Zutao , Li Ning , Jia Changyuan , Mushtaq Ray Tahir , Rehman Mudassar , Gueye Thierno , Shahid Muhammad Bilal , Wajid Basit Ali
Published: December 2021

Additively manufactured nano-MEH systems are widely used to harvest energy from renewable and sustainable energy sources such as wind, ocean, sunlight, raindrops, and ambient vibrations. A comprehensive study focusing on in-depth technology evolution, applications, problems, and future trends of specifically 3D printed nano-MEH systems with an energy point of view is rarely conducted. Therefore, this paper looks into the state-of-the-art technologies, energy harvesting sources/methods, performance, implementations, emerging applications, potential challenges, and future perspectives of additively manufactured nano-mechanical energy harvesting (3DP-NMEH) systems. The prevailing challenges concerning renewable energy harvesting capacities, optimal energy scavenging, power management, material functionalization, sustainable prototyping strategies, new materials, commercialization, and hybridization are discussed. A novel solution is proposed for renewable energy generation and medicinal purposes based on the sustainable utilization of recyclable municipal and medical waste generated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, recommendations for future research are presented concerning the cutting-edge issues hurdling the optimal exploitation of renewable energy resources through NMEHs. China and the USA are the most significant leading forces in enhancing 3DP-NMEH technology, with more than 75% contributions collectively. The reported output energy capacities of additively manufactured nano-MEH systems were 0.5–32 mW, 0.0002–45.6 mW, and 0.3–4.67 mW for electromagnetic, piezoelectric, and triboelectric nanogenerators, respectively. The optimal strategies and techniques to enhance these energy capacities are compiled in this paper.

Graphical Abstract
Accuracy and safety of partial thickness femtosecond laser radial and arcuate keratotomy incisions in porcine eyes
Authors: Teuma E. Valas , Bucci Frank A. , Bedi Raman , Gray Gary , Packer Mark
Published: December 2021

Background

To evaluate the accuracy and safety of micro radial and arcuate keratotomy incisions constructed by a femtosecond laser system with a curved contact patient interface in porcine eyes.

Methods

Partial thickness micro radial and arcuate keratotomy incisions were constructed in porcine eyes with a femtosecond laser system and evaluated for precision of depth, quality, and consistency. Optical coherence tomography was used to determine the accuracy and precision of incision depth. Corneal endothelial safety was assessed by a fluorescent live/dead cell viability assay to demonstrate laser-induced endothelial cell loss. Quality was evaluated by ease of opening and examination of interfaces.

Results

In two micro radial incision groups, intended incision depths of 50% and 80% resulted in mean achieved depths of 50.01% and 77.69%, respectively. In three arcuate incision groups, intended incision depths of 80%, 600 μm or 100 μm residual uncut bed thickness resulted in mean achieved depths of 80.16%, 603.03 μm and residual bed of 115 μm, respectively. No loss of endothelial cell density occurred when the residual corneal bed was maintained at a minimum of 85–116 µm. The incisions were easy to open, and interfaces were smooth.

Conclusions

A femtosecond laser system with curved contact interface created precise and reproducible micro radial and arcuate keratotomy incisions. Accuracy and precision of the incision depth and preservation of endothelial cell density demonstrated the effectiveness and safety of the system.
A successful qualitative and quantitative integrated interpretation of Lower Miocene wells and seismic data in Salina del Istmo Basin, Mexico
Authors: González-Quijano Manuel , Baechle Gregor , Yanez Miguel , Obregon Freddy , Vito Carmen , Vieira Pedro
Published: December 2021

The study area is located in middepth to deep waters of the Salina del Istmo Basin where Repsol operates Block 29. The objective of this work is to integrate qualitative and quantitative interpretations of rock and seismic data to predict lithology and fluid of the Early Miocene prospects. The seismic expression of those prospects differs from age-equivalent well-studied analog fields in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico Basin due to the mineralogically complex composition of abundant extrusive volcanic material. Offset well data (i.e., core, logs, and cuttings) were used to discriminate lithology types and to quantify mineralogy. This analysis served as input for developing a new rock-physics framework and performing amplitude variation with offset (AVO) modeling. The results indicate that the combination of intercept and gradient makes it possible to discriminate hydrocarbon-filled (AVO class II and III) versus nonhydrocarbon-filled rocks (AVO class 0 and IV). Different lithologies within hydrocarbon-bearing reservoirs cannot be discriminated as the gradient remains negative for all rock types. However, AVO analysis allows discrimination of three different reservoir rock types in water-bearing cases (AVO class 0, I, and IV). These conclusions were obtained during studies conducted in 2018–2019 and were used in prospect evaluation to select drilling locations leading to two wildcat discoveries, the Polok and Chinwol prospects, drilled in Block 29 in 2020.
Identification of submarine landslides in the Colombian Caribbean Margin (Southern Sinú Fold Belt) using seismic investigations
Authors: Tarazona Darwin Mateus , Prieto Jorge Alonso , Murphy William , Vesga Julian Naranjo
Published: December 2021

Submarine landslides can be triggered by several processes and involve a variety of mechanisms. These phenomena are important sediment transport processes, but they also constitute a significant geohazard. Mapping of the southwestern Caribbean Sea using 3D seismic data has allowed identification of several submarine landslides in the Colombian Margin in the area dominated by the Southern Sinú Fold Belt (SSFB). A poststack depth-migrated seismic cube survey with a 12.5 by 12.5 m bin spacing was used to identify landslides in an area covering 5746 km2. Landslides were interpreted using a seafloor morphologic parameter identification process and the internal deformation of the slope-forming material, as seen from seismic data. A total of 93 landslides were identified and classified based on their movement styles as follows: 52 rotational, 29 translational, and 12 complex landslides. In addition, 12 distinct deformational zones and a zone of mass transport complex (MTC) were identified. Five different ground condition terrains were interpreted based on landslide type and distribution as well as in geologic structures and seismic reflection analysis. Two main processes seem to influence landslides in the study area. First is the folding and faulting involved in the SSFB evolution. This process results in oversteepened slopes that start as deformational zones and then fail as translational or rotational slides. Those individual landslides progressively become complex landslide zones that follow geologic structural orientation. Second is the continental shelf break erosion by debris flows, which fills in intraslope subbasins and continental rise with several MTCs. According to the results, risk of damage by landslides increases in distances shorter than 4 km along structural ridge foothills in the study zone.
Seismic Soundoff: Why theory and perfect data are necessary for seismic analysis
Authors: Geary Andrew
Published: December 2021

In this episode, Michael Burianyk discusses his new book, Understanding Amplitudes: Basic Seismic Analysis for Rock Properties. Burianyk explains why Newton's ideas still matter despite Einstein, how to approach machine learning with healthy skepticism, why real data can be a hindrance to learning, and why he took the time to learn about R. Hill. Hear the full episode at https://seg.org/podcast/post/13608 .
Πρώιμη καρδιοτοξικότητα και ακτινοδερματίτιδα σε υποκλασματοποιημένη ακτινοθεραπεία μαστού
Authors: Γκανταϊφη Αρετή
Published: December 2021

Η ακτινοθεραπεία του καρκίνου του μαστού έχει ξεκάθαρο όφελος τόσο για την μακρόχρονη επιβίωση όσο και για το ποσοστό τοπικής υποτροπής. Ωστόσο, τα υγιή γειτονικά όργανα, συμπεριλαμβανομένης της καρδιάς, μπορούν να προσβληθούν, επηρεάζοντας κατ’ επέκταση την ποιότητα ζωής των ασθενών. Εκτός της έντονης ανησυχίας σχετικά με την πρώιμη μετακτινική καρδιακή τοξικότητα, η μετακτινική δερματίτιδα αποτελεί μία από τις πιο συχνές ανεπιθύμητες ενέργειες διατηρώντας το επιστημονικό ενδιαφέρον σχετικά με το ιδανικό σχήμα κλασματοποίησης. Σκοπός της μελέτης μας είναι να αποσαφηνιστεί η συμβολή ορισμένων βιοδεικτών του πλάσματος αλλά και της απεικόνισης της ιστικής παραμόρφωσης του μυοκαρδίου στην αποκάλυψη πρώιμης καρδιοτοξικότητας. Επιπλέον, θεωρούμε χρήσιμο να αξιολογήσουμε την μετακτινική δερματίτιδα μετά από χορήγηση υποκλασματοποιημένης ακτινοθεραπείας. Το δείγμα της μελέτης αποτελείται από 25 γυναίκες με πρώιμο καρκίνο του αριστερού μαστού . Αξιολογήθηκαν αναδρομικά οι δόσεις ακτινοθεραπείας στο σύνολο της καρδιάς, την αριστερή πρόσθια κατιούσα αρτηρία και την αριστερή κοιλία. Επιπλέον, 2D strain υπερηχοκαρδιογράφημα και μέτρηση βιοδεικτών του πλάσματος ( Ferr, Alb, CRP, TroponinI) διενεργήθηκαν σε όλες τις ασθενείς πριν και ένα έτος μετά την ολοκλήρωση της ακτινοθεραπείας. Τέλος, αξιολογήθηκε η μετακτινική δερματίτιδα αμέσως μετά το τέλος της ακτινοθεραπείας, 6 μήνες και 1 έτος μετά την ολοκλήρωση της σύμφωνα με τα RTOG / EORTC criteria.Τα πρώιμα αποτελέσματα της μελέτης έδειξαν χαμηλή έκθεση του συνόλου της καρδιάς και της αριστερής κοιλίας ενώ η αριστερή πρόσθια κατιούσα αρτηρία ήταν η πιο εκτεθειμένη δομή . Ο μη παραμετρικός έλεγχος του Wilcoxon υπέδειξε μη στατιστικώς σημαντική διαφορά τόσο του ρυθμού ποσοστιαίας παραμόρφωσης του μυοκαρδίου (GLS) όσο και του κλάσματος εξώθησης της αριστερής κοιλίας (LVEF) , πριν και μετά την ακτινοθεραπεία .Παρομοίως, όσον αφορά τις μεταβλητές του αίματος , δεν βρέθηκε στατιστικώς σημαντική διαφορά μεταξύ των δύο μετρήσεων για όλες τις μεταβλητές της μελέτης μας .Τέλος, παρατηρήθηκε μη στατιστικά σημαντική διαφορά στη μέση τιμή του Δείκτη Μάζας Σώματος και του βαθμού δερματικής τοξικότητας ενώ επίσης δεν φάνηκε σαφής γραμμική σχέση είτε ανάμεσα στο χρώμα του δέρματος είτε στο μέγεθος του μαστού και στον βαθμό δερματικής τοξικότητας τόσο αμέσως μετά την ακτινοθεραπεία όσο και έξι μήνες και δώδεκα μήνες μετά την ολοκλήρωση της. Η πρόληψη και η πρώιμη διάγνωση της μετακτινικής καρδιοτοξικότητας πρέπει να αποτελεί προτεραιότητα όλης της θεραπευτικής διαδικασίας στοχεύοντας να βρεθούν τα χρήσιμα εργαλεία για την πρώιμη ανίχνευση της. Τέλος, η αποτελεσματική αντιμετώπιση της ακτινοδερματίτιδας προϋποθέτει την ορθή παρακολούθηση της βαρύτητας των συμπτωμάτων βάση των κατευθυντήριων οδηγιών.
The common foreign and security policy and weak states
Authors: Κουβελιώτης Κυριάκος
Published: December 2021

Η παρούσα διπλωματική εργασία επιχειρεί να παρουσιάσει μια συστηματική και ενδελεχή εξέταση της Κοινής Εξωτερικής Πολιτικής και Πολιτικής Ασφάλειας σε σχέση με τα αδύναμα κράτη μέλη της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης, αναλύοντας τον ρόλο, τη συμβολή και τη συμμετοχή της Ελλάδας στο πλαίσιο της ΚΕΠΠΑ. Γίνεται αναφορά και σε άλλα αδύναμα κράτη μέλη της ΕΕ όπως η Ιρλανδία, η Πορτογαλία και το Βέλγιο. Χρονολογικά, η διατριβή επικεντρώνεται στην περίοδο από το 1981 έως το 1994, βασίζεται σε θεματικές οντότητες και δεν σκοπεύει να ακολουθήσει καμία χρονολογική σειρά.Επιχειρεί να αντιμετωπίσει τα ακόλουθα βασικά ζητήματα: Τα διακριτικά στοιχεία της στάσης των αδύναμων κρατών μελών της ΕΕ έναντι της EPC/ΚΕΠΠΑ· τους τρόπους με τους οποίους η Ελλάδα είχε ανταποκριθεί στη θεσμική ανάπτυξη της ΚΕΠΠΑ· τον τρόπο με τον οποίο η Ελλάδα είχε χειριστεί τον ρόλο και τη συμμετοχή της στα πλαίσια ΕΠΣ και ΚΕΠΠΑ· τον αντίκτυπο της συμμετοχής της ΕΠΣ/ΚΕΠΠΑ στη διαμόρφωση και εφαρμογή της εξωτερικής πολιτικής της Ελλάδας· και τη συνεισφορά της Ελλάδας στην ΕΠΣ/ΚΕΠΠΑ.Η διατριβή πραγματεύεται τέσσερις σημαντικές διαστάσεις του πλαισίου της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης για πολιτική συνεργασία και συντονισμό: πρώτον, τη θεωρητική του βάση. Δεύτερον, τον αντίκτυπό του στα αδύναμα κράτη μέλη της ΕΕ. Τρίτον, τη θεσμική του ανάπτυξη. και τέλος τις επιπτώσεις του στη διαμόρφωση της ελληνικής εξωτερικής πολιτικής και πολιτικής ασφάλειας.Η κύρια θεωρητική φιλοδοξία του είναι να αξιολογήσει την εγκυρότητα της θεωρίας του Τροποποιημένου Δομικού Ρεαλισμού στο βαθμό που εφαρμόζεται ως επεξηγηματικό θεωρητικό πλαίσιο για τη θεσμική ανάπτυξη της Κοινής Εξωτερικής Πολιτικής και Πολιτικής Ασφάλειας σε σχέση με τον αντίκτυπό της στα αδύναμα κράτη μέλη της Ε.Ε. έχοντας ως μελέτη περίπτωσης την Ελλάδα.Για να αξιολογηθεί η συνολική επιτυχία της ΚΕΠΠΑ και ο αντίκτυπος της στην ελληνική πολιτική, η διατριβή θα εξετάσει βασικές διαρθρωτικές και διαδικαστικές εξελίξεις και πρωτοβουλίες πολιτικής και θα αξιολογήσει εάν οι ελληνικοί στόχοι έχουν εκπληρωθεί με βάση τις ακόλουθες βασικές μεταβλητές: τα πρότυπα συμπεριφοράς των αδύναμων κρατών σε θέματα εξωτερικής πολιτικής, τις εσωτερικές πηγές της εξωτερικής πολιτικής των αδύναμων κρατών, τη δυναμική της αλλαγής των σχέσεων και την προσαρμογή των αδύναμων κρατών. και τους πόρους και τις προοπτικές των διπλωματικών και στρατηγικών καθεστώτων.
Improved retinal vessel segmentation using the enhanced pre-processing method for high resolution fundus images
Authors: Ali Aziah , Hussain Aini , Wan Zaki Wan Mimi Diyana , Wan Abdul Halim Wan Haslina , Mohd Isa Wan Noorshahida , Hashim Noramiza
Published: December 2021

Background: By diagnosing using fundus images, ophthalmologists can possibly detect symptoms of retinal diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and retinal detachment. A number of studies have also found some links between fundus image analysis data and other underlying systemic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension and kidney dysfunction. Now that imaging technology is advancing further, more fundus cameras are currently equipped with the capability to produce high resolution fundus images. One of the public databases for high-resolution fundus images called High-Resolution Fundus (HRF) is consistently used for validating vessel segmentation algorithms. However, it is noticed that the segmentation outputs from the HRF database normally include noisy pixels near the upper and lower edges of the image. In this study, we propose an enhanced method of pre-processing the images so that these noisy pixels can be eliminated, and thus the overall segmentation performance can be increased. Without eliminating the noisy pixels, the visual segmentation output shows a large number of false positive pixels near the top and bottom edges.

Methods: The proposed method involves adding additional padding to the image before the segmentation procedure is applied. In this study, the Bar-Combination Of Shifted FIlter REsponses (B-COSFIRE) filter is used for retinal vessel segmentation.

Results: Qualitative assessment of the segmentation results when using the proposed method showed improvement in terms of noisy pixel removal from near the edges. Quantitatively, the additional padding step improves all considered metrics for vessel segmentation, namely Sensitivity (73.76%), Specificity (97.53%), and Matthew’s Correlation Coefficient (MCC) value (71.57%) for the HRF database.

Conclusions: Findings from this study indicate improvement in the overall segmentation performance when using the proposed double-padding method of pre-processing the fundus image prior to segmentation. In the future, more databases with various resolutions and modalities can be included for further validation.
Competences needed to conduct psychoanalytical and psychodynamic therapies in Poland
Authors: Kalita Lech , Bittner-Jakubowska Agnieszka , Buzun Edward , Dworczyk Piotr , Giza Mirosław , Henzel-Korzeniowska Alina , Kitrasiewicz Janusz , Mędrzejewska Anna , Szmalec Małgorzata , Witkowska Marzena , Zboińska Jolanta
Published: December 2021

Artykuł zawiera usystematyzowany opis kwalifikacji do prowadzenia psychoterapii psychoanalitycznej i psychodynamicznej osób dorosłych. Osoba dysponująca takimi kwalifikacjami posługuje się aktualną wiedzą z zakresu teorii psychoanalitycznej i psychopatologii oraz ma umiejętności techniczne prowadzenia psychoterapii psychoanalitycznej/psychodynamicznej. Samodzielnie diagnozuje stan psychiczny pacjenta i konceptualizuje go w odniesieniu do wiedzy psychodynamicznej. Zgodnie z wiedzą dotyczącą skuteczności psychoterapii potrafi zaproponować pacjentowi najbardziej efektywną i skuteczną formę pomocy. Potrafi formułować diagnozę psychodynamiczną i w klarowny sposób przekazać ją pacjentowi. Używa swoich kompetencji i posługuje się wspierającymi procesy emocjonalne technikami terapii, które w efektywny sposób rozwiązują problemy pacjenta. Posługuje się umiejętnościami interpersonalnymi w kontakcie z pacjentem z poszanowaniem jego wolności i autonomii. Podejmuje współpracę z innymi specjalistami zajmującymi się terapią i profilaktyką zaburzeń psychicznych. Osoba posiadająca kwalifikacje do prowadzenia psychoterapii psychoanalitycznej i psychodynamicznej osób dorosłych korzysta z superwizji i doskonali swoje metody pracy tak, aby jej działania były zgodne ze współczesną wiedzą, zasadami profesjonalnymi i zawodowym kodeksem etycznym.
From March 2020 to March 2021 - psychotherapists about working in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Collective autoethnography
Authors: Piasecka Bogusława , Bryniarska Antonina , Mróz Swietłana , Wojszel Barbara , Janczura Monika , Józefik Barbara , Siwiec-Bek Agata , Taurogiński Bartłomiej
Published: December 2021

Motywacją do napisania artykułu była potrzeba zreflektowania doświadczeń z pracy zespołu psychoterapeutów w wyjątkowym czasie od marca 2020 do marca 2021. Psychoterapeuci, którzy wcześniej tego nie planując, opuścili swoje gabinety i usiedli przed ekranami, przeszli szybki kurs IT i uczestniczyli wspólnie z pacjentami w wielkim eksperymencie: psychoterapia w pandemii COVID-19. W zebraniu i opracowaniu materiału badawczego autorzy posłużyli się metodą zespołowej autoetnografii (collective autoethnography). Jest to metoda badań jakościowych właściwa do eksploracji nowych zjawisk społecznych, wywołujących silne emocje i mających wpływ zarówno na jednostki, jak i na grupy.
Badania pokazały, że zarówno adaptacja do pracy w pandemii, jak i powrót do gabinetów ma charakter procesualny, indywidualnie (dla pacjentów i psychoterapeutów) zróżnicowany w tempie i rytmie. Pojawienie się transgresji, czyli twórczego przekształcenia myślenia, działania i otoczenia wymaga sprzyjającego kontekstu, w którym kluczowe jest oparcie w zespole. W psychoterapii zdalnej zbieramy inny rodzaj informacji o rodzinach i pacjentach indywidualnych, wymagający dopasowania sposobów opracowania i rozumienia, settingu i kontraktu. Wprowadzenie psychoterapii online w większym zakresie, niż to było przed pandemią, pozwoli skorzystać z tej formy leczenia osobom, dla których była niedostępna lub dla których dostęp do niej był utrudniony. Otwarcie się psychoterapeutów na konsultacje w zespole czy w szerszym środowisku, na pracę interdyscyplinarną jest wspierającym czynnikiem w procesach adaptacji i transgresji. Praca zdalna wiąże się z przeciążeniem fizycznym i psychicznym psychoterapeutów, stąd szczególnie ważne jest dodatkowe zadbanie o superwizję i własny komfort.
Body metaphors. The practice of Ericksonian psychotherapy in a reconstructive surgery clinic
Authors: Nowak-Kulpa Marta
Published: December 2021

Artykuł prezentuje zastosowanie technik terapii ericksonowskiej, ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem metafor, podczas leczenia pacjentów Kliniki Chirurgii Onkologicznej i Rekonstrukcyjnej. Terapia ta opiera się na założeniach Miltona H. Ericksona — skoncentrowaniu na zasobach, na przyszłości, wprowadzaniu zmian małymi krokami, pożytkowaniu wszystkiego, co wnosi pacjent oraz szczególnie zindywidualizowanym sposobie pracy. Podejście to jest skuteczne w warunkach oddziału, na którym pacjenci konfrontują się z wieloma niewiadomymi podczas leczenia i gdzie elastyczność oraz otwartość na zmiany są szczególnie cenne. Operacje zmieniające wygląd zmieniają też obraz ciała i co za tym idzie — poczucie tożsamości. Utrata dotychczasowego obrazu siebie niesie za sobą długoterminowe skutki. Korzystanie z psychoterapii od początku tych zmian daje szansę na łagodzenie bolesnych konsekwencji ponoszonych strat. Przedstawione opisy pracy z lękiem, bólem czy rezygnacją są przykładami na holistyczne podejście do leczenia. Chorzy uzyskując ulgę w cierpieniu psychicznym są bardziej wytrwali w długotrwałym leczeniu i zmotywowani do zdrowienia. Uzyskują ponadto wsparcie i informacje, o co trzeba się zatroszczyć, by w pełni powrócić do zdrowia.