bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cambios epidemiológicos de las fracturas de tercio proximal de fémur: 20 años de seguimiento
Authors: Angulo Tabernero Marina , Aguilar Ezquerra Andrés , Ungria Murillo Julia , Cuenca Espierrez Jorge
Published: September 2024

Objetivo: Evaluar si la edad, el sexo y la morfología de las fracturas osteoporóticas de cadera han cambiado en los últimos 20 años en nuestro medio.Material y Método: El estudio incluye todas las fracturas de fémur proximal en pacientes mayores de 65 años de edad que fueron atendidas en el Hospital Miguel Servet de Zaragoza durante los periodos 1989-1990 (n: 514 pacientes), 1999-2000 (n: 518 pacientes) y 2009-2010 (n: 625 pacientes). Resultados: Se ha mostrado un aumento estadísticamente significativo de la edad media de los pacientes con fractura osteoporótica de cadera de 80.3 años en el periodo 1989-1990 a 82 años en 2009-2010 (p 0.041) y un aumento de incidencia hasta 159 /100.000 (p<0.001) entre 2009-2010 respecto a 1989-1990 cuya incidencia era de 98/100.0000.Conclusiones: Las fracturas de cadera en los 20 años de estudio se han incrementado en un 21,59%. La proporción entre los diferentes tipos de fracturas no mostró un cambio estadísticamente significativo (p>0.05), a pesar del aumento de la proporción de fracturas pertrocantéreas entre 1989-2010, representando en la actualidad mas de la mitad de las fracturas osteoporóticas de fémur proximal en nuestro medio. Sí existió un aumento estadísticamente significativo (p<0,001) en la incidencia de las fracturas cervicales desplazadas y un descenso en las no desplazadas.
Mini-laparotomia vs. video-laparoscopia en el tratamiento de la litiasis biliar. Estudio prospectivo y comparativo
Authors: Lada Paul Eduardo
Published: September 2024

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is considerated as the gold standard for the gallbaldder stones treatment, however, in the international literature the adapted smaller incisions is still an alternative procedure.
Objetives: To compare the results of the laparoscopic cholecystectomy with the cholecystectomy by adapted smaller incisions.
Design: Prospective and comparative protocolized study.
Materials and Methods: Between January 1994 and December 2011, we have performed 3822 cholecystectomy in the General Surgic Service “Pablo Luis Mirizzi” of the National Clinic Hospital of Córdoba. In 1735 patients we made laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) and in 2087 cholecystectomy by adapted smaller incisions (ASI). This two groups are comparable in age, gender, previous surgeries and preoperative diagnostic.
Results: We had non mortality, 115 cases (6.62 %) in the laparoscopic cholecystectomy were converted to open surgery. Postoperative complications for LC were 2.40 % and for ASI 6.37 %. Bilirraghe was superior and more serious in LC with an incidence of 0.55 % while for ASI was 0.23%.
Conclusions: In expert hands, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the gold standard for the treatment of gallbaldder stones. However, in place with restricted butget the cholecystectomy by adapted smaller incisions can be an alternative gold standard. It´s a sure and economic proceedment, with a reasonable complexity and less index of surgical lesions.
Study of mental health disorders in primary health care centers in Cordoba, argentina
Authors: Burrone María Soledad , Fernandez A Ruth , Alvarado Ruben , Alvarado Eliecer , Lucchese Marcela , Acevedo Gabriel , Del Sueldo Mildren A , Almada Diego , Enders Julio
Published: September 2024

Given that mental healthcare in Latin America isgoing through a special transformation, changingthe hospital attention towards the community assistance(1), it is essential to know the profile of newpotential users.The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) analyzed the situation regarding the attentiongiven to mental health in the region of theAmericas identifying that the progress in the provisionof services in mental health is not enough (2).In most of the countries there are psychiatric hospitalsconsidered as the basic structure of the mentalhealth system. Chile, Brazil and Cuba are theexceptions. According the PAHO/WHO report, 1 outof 4 people suffers some kind of mental disordersat some stage in their life and, in the next 20 years,mental health disorders will be the second cause inthe global burden of disease (2-4).Prevalence studies in the Primary Health Care centersshow high levels of mental and behavioral disorders(5).Similar studies highlight the need of prioritizing mentalhealth as an issue to resolve with a perspectiveof mental health depending on the social and economicimportance of this problem (6-9). The detectionand treatment of mental health and behavioraldisorders in the Primary Health Care could alsoimprove the access to care among many patients.Thus, from this perspective, it is indispensable toknow the prevalence of mental and behavioral disorderssince the health services must establish theirpriorities according to the local needs and conditions...
Los problemas inversos y los errores en medicina
Authors: Cuestas Eduardo
Published: September 2024

Es bien sabido que embarcarse en la investigaciónde la enfermedad de cualquier enfermo esabordar poblemos cognitivos. Esta es la razónde que un examen clínico bien hecho comiencecon la formulación del problema o problemasque se abordarán y acabe con una lista de problemasabiertos. El concepto general de problema,por lo tanto, debería ser fundamental para elproceso diagnóstico del “descubrimiento” de laenfermedad de cualquier enfermo. La literaturacientífica sobre problemas en general, abundaen razonamientos hipotético deductivos, dondeel procedimiento es someter la hipótesis a unacontrastación empírica (dada una hipótesis Hy un dato D que en conjunto implican una consecuenciaobservable O, se afirma que H estáconfirmada cuando se obtiene O repetidamente,o refutada si repetidamente no se obtiene O), ignorandocasi la existencia misma de los problemasinversos...
Zika virus infection: what is the new problem?
Authors: Wiwanitkit Viroj
Published: September 2024

n/a
Cirugía torácica video-asistida en el manejo de secuestro pulmonar: reporte de casos
Authors: Alvarez Padilla Facundo Nicolás , Avalos Sebastián , Bustos Mario Eduardo Francisco
Published: September 2024

El secuestro pulmonar (SP), es una patología poco frecuente, que requiere de un alto índice de sospecha para su diagnóstico oportuno. Las manifestaciones clínicas generalmente simulan patologías respiratorias banales, por lo que el diagnóstico siempre tiende a retrasarse. El tratamiento quirúrgico por cirugía torácica video-asistida, es una opción segura para el manejo del secuestro pulmonar. La valoración extensa de las imágenes y el conocimiento de ciertos detalles anatómicos son necesarios para evitar accidentes durante la cirugía. La resección a edades tempranas favorece la resección quirúrgica con menor índice de complicaciones. A continuación presentamos tres casos de SP, que demuestran de manera clara  y sencilla las formas de presentación de la patología y el manejo realizado por nuestro grupo quirúrgico en el tratamiento de la misma.
Intervention Effect of the Mobile Phone APP Based Continuous Care on Patients after Mechanical Heart Valve Replacement: A Randomised Controlled Trials
Authors: Ding Nana , Luo Xian , Zhou Jiamei , Jiang Xue , Wang Xiaohua
Published: September 2024

Background: To determine the effect of continuous care based on mobile application on patients' quality of life and self-care ability after mechanical heart valve replacement. Methods: Ninety patients who underwent cardiac mechanical valve replacement in the cardiovascular surgery department of a tertiary general hospital in Guizhou Province from September 2020 to January 2022 were selected for the study. The subjects were randomly divided into a control group and an intervention group using the SPSS25.0 software, with 45 patients in the two groups. The control group received routine nursing care during hospitalization, health education the day before discharge, and regular telephone and outpatient follow-up 6 months after discharge. Based on the control group's care, the intervention group received Mobile APP continuous care for 6 months. The effectiveness of patient's quality of life, medication adherence, international normalized ratio (INR) value compliance rates and self-care ability following mechanical heart valve replacement were evaluated the day before discharge and at the 1, 3 and 6 months after discharge. Results: Scores of quality of life, warfarin medication adherence, and self-care ability rose considerably in the intervention group compared to the control group, and the differences were statistically significant. Conclusion: The mobile phone application (APP) 's continuity of care could improve patients' quality of life, medication adherence, INR value compliance rates, and self-care ability. Clinical Trial Registration: No: ChiCTR2400081250. Registered 27 February, 2024, https://www.chictr.org.cn.
Wearable Devices Based on Bioimpedance Test in Heart Failure: Clinical Relevance: Systematic Review
Authors: Giménez-Miranda Luis , Scagliusi Santiago F. , Pérez-García Pablo , Olmo-Fernández Alberto , Huertas Gloria , Yúfera Alberto , Medrano Francisco J.
Published: September 2024

Background: Heart failure (HF) represents a frequent cause of hospital admission, with fluid overload directly contributing to decompensations. Bioimpedance (BI), a physical parameter linked to tissue hydration status, holds promise in monitoring congestion and improving prognosis. This systematic review aimed to assess the clinical relevance of BI-based wearable devices for HF fluid monitoring. Methods: A systematic review of the published literature was conducted in five medical databases (PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Embase) for studies assessing wearable BI-measuring devices on HF patients following PRISMA recommendations on February 4th, 2024. The risk of bias was evaluated using the ROBINS tool. Results: The review included 10 articles with 535 participants (mean age 66.7 ± 8.9 years, males 70.4%). Three articles identified significant BI value differences between HF patients and controls or congestive vs non-congestive HF patients. Four articles focused on the devices' ability to predict HF worsening-related events, revealing an overall sensitivity of 70.0 (95% CI 68.8–71.1) and specificity of 89.1 (95% CI 88.3–89.9). One article assessed prognosis, showing that R80kHz decrease was related to all-cause-mortality with a hazard ratio (HR) of 5.51 (95% CI 1.55–23.32; p = 0.02) and the composite all-cause-mortality and HF admission with a HR of 4.96 (95% CI 1.82–14.37; p = 0.01). Conclusions: BI-measuring wearable devices exhibit efficacy in detecting fluid overload and hold promise for HF monitoring. However, further studies and technological improvements are required to optimize their impact on prognosis compared to standard care before they can be routinely implemented in clinical practice. PROSPERO Registration: The search protocol was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42024509914).
Clinical Outcomes and Left Ventricular Functional Remodeling after Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Assisted Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients with Ischemic Cardiomyopathy: A Single-Center Retrospective Observational Study of 76 Cases
Authors: Dong Yi , Xu Zheng , Dai Xiao-fu , Chen Liang-wan , Lin Zhi-qin
Published: September 2024

Background: Ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) is a common condition that leads to left ventricular (LV) functional remodeling and poor prognosis. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can provide temporary circulatory support and facilitate percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with ICM and hemodynamic instability. However, the impact of ECMO-assisted PCI on LV functional remodeling and clinical outcomes in ICM patients is unclear. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 76 patients with ICM who underwent ECMO-assisted PCI at our institution between January 2013 and December 2022. We assessed the changes in LV functional remodeling using echocardiography at baseline and 12 months after the procedure. We also evaluated the incidence of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) and ECMO-related complications during hospitalization and at one-year follow-up. Results: The mean baseline left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 29.98 ± 2.65%. The rate of complete revascularization was 58%. The median duration of ECMO support was 38.99 hours. The most common ECMO-related complications were bleeding (8%) and lower extremity ischemia (5%). The one-year mortality rate was 30%. The overall freedom from MACCEs at 12 months was 59% (95% confidence interval (CI): 49–71%). LVEF increased significantly after the procedure from baseline to 6 months, yet decreased slightly at 12 months, although it was still higher than the baseline value. Wall motion score index (WMSI), end-diastolic volume index (EDVI), and end-systolic volume index (ESVI) decreased significantly from baseline to 12 months, indicating an improvement in LV function and a reduction in LV size. Conclusions: In a high-volume tertiary center with extensive experience in advanced heart failure therapies and a dedicated ECMO team, ECMO-assisted PCI demonstrated feasibility and safety in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy. However, the rate of complete revascularization was modest at 58%. Despite the high-risk profile of the patients, ECMO-assisted PCI was associated with a significant improvement in LV functional remodeling and a favorable 12-month survival rate. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings and to identify the optimal patient and device selection criteria for ECMO-assisted PCI.
Safety and Effectiveness Outcomes between Apixaban Versus Vitamin K Antagonists in Atrial Fibrillation Patients on Dialysis
Authors: Guo Zongwen , Wang Yufan , Ding Xiaoli , Lai Jiying , Chen Yijian
Published: September 2024

Background: Anticoagulant therapy for atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) undergoing dialysis poses significant challenges. This review aimed to furnish clinicians with the latest clinical outcomes associated with apixaban and vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) in managing AF patients on dialysis. Methods: Literature from the PubMed and Embase databases up to March 2024 underwent systematic scrutiny for inclusion. The results were narratively summarized. Results: Six studies were included in this review, comprising the AXADIA-AFNET 8 study, the RENAL-AF trial, and four observational studies. In a French nationwide observational study, patients initiated on apixaban demonstrated a diminished risk of thromboembolic events (hazard ratios [HR]: 0.49; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.20–0.78) compared to those on VKAs. A retrospective review with a 2-year follow-up, encompassing patients with AF and ESKD on hemodialysis, evidenced no statistical difference in the risk of symptomatic bleeding and stroke between the apixaban and warfarin groups. Two retrospective studies based on the United States Renal Data System (USRDS) database both indicated no statistical difference between apixaban and VKAs in the risk of thromboembolic events. One study reported that apixaban correlated with a reduced risk of major bleeding relative to warfarin (HR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.59–0.87), while the other study suggested that apixaban was associated with a decreased risk of mortality compared to warfarin (HR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.78–0.92). The AXADIA-AFNET 8 study found no differences between apixaban and VKAs in safety or effectiveness outcomes for AF patients on dialysis. The RENAL-AF trial, however, was deemed inadequate for drawing conclusions due to its small sample size. Conclusions: Currently, the published studies generally support that apixaban exhibits non-inferior safety and effectiveness outcomes compared to VKAs for AF patients on dialysis.
Risk Factors for PVC Induced Cardiomyopathy and Post-Ablation Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction Reversibility: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies
Authors: Zhao Dongsheng , Chen Qiushi , Zhou Zhongyin , Zhao Pengcheng , Shi Jianzhou , Yin Jun , Zhang Qing , Zhang Fengxiang
Published: September 2024

Background: Premature ventricular complex (PVC) induced cardiomyopathy (PVC-CMP) and exacerbated left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) are common in clinical scenarios. However, their precise risk factors are currently unclear. Methods: We performed a systematic review of PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Chinese-based literature database (CBM) to identify observational studies describing the factors associated with PVC-CMP and post-ablation LVSD reversibility. A total of 25 and 12 studies, involving 4863 and 884 subjects, respectively, were eligible. We calculated pooled multifactorial odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for each parameter using random-effects and fixed-effects models. Results: The results showed that 3 independent risk factors were associated with PVC-CMP: being asymptomatic (OR and 95% CI: 3.04 [2.13, 4.34]), interpolation (OR and 95% CI: 2.47 [1.25, 4.92]), and epicardial origin (epi-origin) (OR and 95% CI: 3.04 [2.13, 4.34]). Additionally, 2 factors were significantly correlated with post-ablation LVSD reversibility: sinus QRS wave duration (QRSd) (OR and 95% CI: 0.95 [0.93, 0.97]) and PVC burden (OR and 95% CI: 1.09 [0.97, 1.23]). Conclusions: the relatively consistent independent risk factors for PVC-CMP and post-ablation LVSD reversibility are asymptomatic status, interpolation, epicardial origin, PVC burden, and sinus QRS duration, respectively.
Prognostic Value of Quantitative Flow Ratio Combined with SYNTAX Scores I/II in Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease: A Small-Sample, Single-Center Study
Authors: Zhang Shuyi , Wang Ming , Gan Qian , Zhai Xinrong , Chen Yang , Guan Shaofeng , Xu Xinxin , Wen Jiasheng , Qu Xinkai , Han Wenzheng
Published: September 2024

Background: A fractional flow reserve (FFR)-fixed-SYNTAX score could decrease the number of high-risk patients. This study explored the prognostic value of non-invasive quantitative flow ratio (QFR)-fixed-SYNTAX I/II scores in multivessel disease patients. Methods: This was a single-center, small-sample, observational study. Multivessel coronary disease patients were enrolled and finished a 1-year follow-up. SYNTAX scores I/II and functional SYNTAX scores I/II based on QFR (cut-off value of 0.85) were calculated for all patients. The composite occurrence of cardiac deaths, any myocardial infarction, or ischemia-driven revascularization were analyzed using a different score system. Results: A total of 160 patients were stratified into risk groups based on a different scoring system. FSS (functional SYNTAX score) and FSSII (functional SYNTAX score II) reduce the radio of high-risk major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), transforming the patients from high-risk to medium- and low-risk. Furthermore, FSSII (hazard ratio (HR): 1.069, 95% CI: 1.025–1.115, p = 0.002) showed a better relationship with MACEs than the other score systems. After recalculating SSII, the survival-free ratio stratified by FSSII decreased from 38.46% to 27.27% in the high-risk group and increased from 84.09% to 86.05% in the low-risk group. Conclusions: FSS or FSSII could decrease the number of high-risk patients compared to SYNTAX score (SS) and FSS. SYNTAX II score (SSII) and FSSII showed a better predictive ability than other scoring systems for under-risk stratification.
Tricuspid Regurgitation Complicating Heart Failure: A Novel Clinical Entity
Authors: Xi Rongyang , Mumtaz Muhammad Ahsan , Xu Dingli , Zeng Qingchun
Published: September 2024

With the escalating incidence of heart failure, accurate diagnosis is paramount for tailored therapeutic interventions. The tricuspid valve, particularly tricuspid regurgitation, once relegated as the “forgotten valve”, has gained prominence due to increasing evidence implicating severe tricuspid valve disease in the prognosis of diverse cardiovascular conditions. This review delineates recent significant advancements in imaging modalities, transcatheter interventions, and epidemiological and pathophysiological insights regarding tricuspid regurgitation complicating heart failure. A comprehensive understanding of these innovative concepts and technologies can significantly improve patient outcomes.
The Association between Leucocyte Telomere Length and Survival Outcomes in Patients with Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Sun Jin-Yu , Xu Qian , Shen Hui , Huang Wen , Qu Qiang , Sun Wei , Kong Xiang-Qing
Published: September 2024

Background: We explore the association between leucocyte telomere length (LTL) and all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD)-specific death in CVD patients. Methods: We acquired 1599 CVD patients from a nationally representative US population survey for this study. We applied Kaplan–Meier curves, adjusted weighted Cox regression models, and restricted cubic spline to investigate the association between LTL and all-cause death. Additionally, we employed competing risk regression to assess the impact of LTL on cardiovascular-specific death, setting non-cardiovascular death as a competing event. Results: The overall mortality rate was 31.0% after a median follow-up of 13.9 years. Patients with shorter LTL exhibited a higher risk of all-cause death, with an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 1.25 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.05–1.48). Restricted cubic spline illustrated a linear dose-response relationship. In gender-specific analyses, female patients with shorter LTL showed a higher risk of death (weighted HR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.29–2.48), whereas this association was not observed in males (weighted HR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.61–1.32). The Fine–Gray competing risk model revealed no significant relationship between LTL and cardiovascular-specific mortality but a significant association with non-cardiovascular death (adjusted HR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.02–1.51). Conclusions: LTL is inversely associated with all-cause death in female CVD patients. The significant correlation between reduced LTL and increased all-cause mortality emphasizes LTL as a potential marker for tertiary prevention against cardiovascular disease.
Optimizing Object Detection Algorithms for Congenital Heart Diseases in Echocardiography: Exploring Bounding Box Sizes and Data Augmentation Techniques
Authors: Chen Shih-Hsin , Weng Ken-Pen , Hsieh Kai-Sheng , Chen Yi-Hui , Shih Jo-Hsin , Li Wen-Ru , Zhang Ru-Yi , Chen Yun-Chiao , Tsai Wan-Ru , Kao Ting-Yi
Published: September 2024

Background: Congenital heart diseases (CHDs), particularly atrial and ventricular septal defects, pose significant health risks and common challenges in detection via echocardiography. Doctors often employ the cardiac structural information during the diagnostic process. However, prior CHD research has not determined the influence of including cardiac structural information during the labeling process and the application of data augmentation techniques. Methods: This study utilizes advanced artificial intelligence (AI)-driven object detection frameworks, specifically You Look Only Once (YOLO)v5, YOLOv7, and YOLOv9, to assess the impact of including cardiac structural information and data augmentation techniques on the identification of septal defects in echocardiographic images. Results: The experimental results reveal that different labeling strategies substantially affect the performance of the detection models. Notably, adjustments in bounding box dimensions and the inclusion of cardiac structural details in the annotations are key factors influencing the accuracy of the model. The application of deep learning techniques in echocardiography enhances the precision of detecting septal heart defects. Conclusions: This study confirms that careful annotation of imaging data is crucial for optimizing the performance of object detection algorithms in medical imaging. These findings suggest potential pathways for refining AI applications in diagnostic cardiology studies.
Aortic Stiffness Measured by Carotid Femoral-Pulse Wave Velocity at Different Stages of Normal Glucose, Prediabetes, and Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Liang Xiao , Li Dongdong , Wang Zhen , Cheng Yuxin , Mou Ke , Ye Chenyu , Duan Yunyou , Yang Yong
Published: September 2024

Background: To explore aortic stiffness measured by carotid femoral-pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV) at different stages of normal glucose, prediabetes, and diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods: The literature comparing aortic stiffness (AS) with cf-PWV between DM and non-DM samples was systematically retrieved from Pubmed, Ovid Medline, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, CNKI, and Wanfang databases. The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale was used to assess the quality of the literature. The primary endpoint was the mean difference (MD) of cf-PWV between the normal glucose and DM samples and normal glucose and prediabetes samples. The secondary endpoints were the MD of carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and carotid-radial pulse wave velocity (cr-PWV). Aggregated MD and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. When the I2 value was >50% or p < 0.01, the heterogeneity was considered large, and the random-effect model was used; otherwise, the fixed-effect model was used. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to identify the source of heterogeneity, and a funnel plot and the regression Egger test was utilized to assess the publication bias. Results: A total of 37 studies were finally enrolled. Samples with DM had a higher cf-PWV value and cIMT value than those without DM, and the differences were statistically significant. The cr-PWV measurements tended to be higher in the DM group than in the non-DM group, but the difference was not significant. Samples with prediabetes also had a significantly higher cf-PWV value than samples with normal glucose. Conclusions: Samples with DM and prediabetes were associated with a higher cf-PWV value, indicating that DM patients had a higher central AS. Central AS progresses at the prediabetes stage. These data provide insight into understanding the mechanism of adverse effects of DM and prediabetes on artery stiffness.
On-Pump or Off-Pump Impact of Diabetic Patient Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting 5-Year Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Xu Fei , Li Lei , Zhou Chenghui , Wang Sheng , Ao Hushan
Published: September 2024

Background: For diabetic patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), there is still a debate about whether an off-pump or on-pump approach is advantageous. Methods: A retrospective review of 1269 consecutive diabetic patients undergoing isolated, primary CABG surgery from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2015 was conducted. Among them, 614 received non-cardiopulmonary bypass treatment during their operation (off-pump group), and 655 received cardiopulmonary bypass treatment (on-pump group). The hospitalization outcomes were compared by multiple logistic regression models with patient characteristics and operative variables as independent variables. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional-hazard regression models for mid-term (2-year) and long-term (5-year) clinical survival analyses were used to determine the effect on survival after CABG surgery. In order to further verify the reliability of the results, propensity-score matching (PSM) was also performed between the two groups. Results: Five-year all-cause death rates were 4.23% off-pump vs. 5.95% on-pump (p = 0.044), and off-pump was associated with reduced postoperative stroke and atrial fibrillation. Conclusions: These findings suggest that off-pump procedures may have benefits for diabetic patients in CABG.
Endoscopic interventions in patients with tracheal tumors
Authors: Drobyazgin E. A. , Chikinev Yu. V. , Krasilnikov S. E.
Published: September 2024

The purpose of the study is results evaluation of endoscopic treatment of patients with tracheal tumors. Material and methods. Between 2003-2023 years, 61 patients with tracheal tumors (31 men, 16 women) endoscopic interventions were performed. The duration of the age ranged from 16 to 78 years (mean 57,45±13,59 years). In 27 (62,3%) patients were suffered from secondary tracheal tumors. Results. In patients with benign tracheal tumors, the tumor was removed by using of mechanical debulking or electrosurgical incision. The malignant tumor was removed by using polypectomy snare and argonplasma coagulation (1). In another cases of malignant tracheal tumors stent placement was performed (33 - fully covered self-expandable metal stents, 8 - silicone Dumon stent). In 31 patients the interventions were performed under local anesthesia with neuroleptanalgesia. All interventions successful and didn’t get complications. In three cases after fully covered self-expandable metal stent insertion we had complications. Re-intervention «stent in stent» were performed in two cases (in one case - thrice). Conclusion. Endoscopic interventions in patients with tracheal tumors are aimed at restoring and maintaining its patency and are highly effective and safe. The choice of the way to restore and maintain patency depends on the hospital equipment and the preference of the endoscopist. Metal self-expanding stents insertion in patients with spontaneous breathing, especially in critical stenoses, is safe, due to the risk of asphyxia in cases of total intravenous anesthesia.
Achievements and development of endoscopy in coloproctology
Authors: Ageikina N. V.
Published: September 2024

Modern developments and achievements in the field of endoscopy are inextricably linked with related clinical specialties, and their evolutionary development leads to an increase in the detection of diseases at an early stage and the improvement of surgical organ-preserving methods of treatment, thereby contributing to the preservation of health and improving the quality of life of patients.
Endoscopic interventions in patients with bronchial tumors
Authors: Drobyazgin E. A. , Chikinev Yu. V. , Krasil’Nikov S. E. , Rabaev M. G.
Published: September 2024

Analysis of the results of endoscopic diagnosis and treatment of patients with bronchial tumors. Material and methods. Endoscopic diagnosis and interventions were perfomed in 56 patients with benign - 39 (70.7%) and malignant - 17 (29.3%) bronchial tumors. There were 38 men and 18 women aged from 17 to 70 years (average age of patients 52.1 ± 14.6 years). Results. In patients with benign bronchial tumors, mechanical removal or excision by using polypectomy share was more often performed. In cases malignant tumors (10 patients) stent insertion was performed to ensure long-term maintenance of the bronchial lumen. In two cases - silicone stents were inserted; in eight cases - metal self-expanding stents were inserted. There were no complications during the intervention or in the postoperative period. Repeated interventions due to tumor recurrence were performed in 3 (5.4%) patients. Conclusion. Endoscopic interventions in patients with benign and malignant bronchial tumors can effectively and relatively safely restore and maintain airway patency. The choice of tumor removal method is multifactorial. It depends on the equipment of the medical institution and the endoscopist preference. To maintain bronchial patency in patients with malignant bronchial tumors, stenting is indicated, which avoids staged endoscopic interventions, each of which can be potentially dangerous due to possible complications.
Stages and continuity of emergency hospital doctors in the treatment of patients with acute respiratory failure
Authors: Yu Korzheva I. . , Parshin V. D. , Donchenko N. V. , Gladkikh A. A.
Published: September 2024

Cylindroma is a malignant epithelial tumor with a slow asymptomatic course, occurring more often in women in young and middle age. This article will present a clinical case of a young patient with symptoms of acute respiratory failure due to a tumor of the middle third of the trachea, blocking the lumen by more than 2/3.
Bronchoscopy in intensive care and intensive care units (ICU)
Authors: Korotkevich A. G.
Published: September 2024

The use of therapeutic bronchoscopy in intensive care units is still actively studied and discussed. The emergence of new generations of endoscopes, new types of respiratory support, accumulation of experience in the prevention of cardiovascular complications along with the study of physiological mechanisms of bronchoscopy complications in the absence of unified views on the types of complications allows different interpretations of the outcomes of bronchoscopy in intensive care patients. Nevertheless, the search for predictors of complications, the strategy of accompanying therapeutic bronchoscopy, the choice of endoscopy type for bronchial lavage and determination of indisputable indications for interventional endoscopy remains an area of interest for physicians of different specialties, using bronchoscopy as a diagnostic and therapeutic method. The presented review of the literature summarizes the data and views of the recent years concerning the problem of therapeutic bronchoscopy in intensive care units.
The disinfectants for epidemiological safety assurance during endoscopic interventions
Authors: Romanova T. V.
Published: September 2024

The Russians manufacturers “Polisept Ltd” and “Mir of Disinfection” offer a full range of disinfectants and detergents for all stages of endoscopic equipment treatment. All products are duly registered, meet the requirements of regulatory documents, and have many years of practical experience in leading medical organizations of the Russian Federation, which allows to ensure effective import replacement in this area.
Academic Research Values Scale: Item selection and content validity
Authors: Kis Andrea , Marci Tatiana , Altoè Gianmarco , Azevedo Flavio , Houkes Wybo , Lakens Daniel
Published: September 2024

In this paper we test the content validity of 246 academic research value items in two interrelated methodological steps. First, we analyze the in-depth evaluation of two experts to assess formal aspects of our items and their relatedness to the construct. Next, we evaluate the relevance of each item based on feedback gathered from 20 experts. Based on these assessments, we review and refine the original item pool and propose a total of 97 value items spread through 10 dimensions. We relate our items to existing work on researchers’ values and provide recommendations for future measurement development. A validated measure of academic research values can assess the effectiveness of responsible research conduct courses and highlight personal differences among researchers from diverse backgrounds, as well as aid our understanding of values unique to academic careers.
Affective Representation: Capturing Preferences for Emotions of Dutch and American Voters
Authors: Schumacher Gijs
Published: September 2024

Politicians use increasingly emotional rhetoric. But what emotions do citizens want to hear from their politicians? And do they want politicians to use these emotions more or less? To investigate this, I report findings from five studies from two countries (the US and Netherlands). The results show strong preferences for more positive emotions, and less negative emotions. There are remarkably few differences between partisans of different parties. The paper speculates that there may be a mismatch in affective representation: politics is too negative for most citizens, they are affectively misrepresented. The paper ends with proposing to add affective representation to the growing list of affective concepts in political science.
Positive Psychology Interventions: A Catalyst for Job Satisfaction, Work Engagement, and Withdrawal Intentions Among Remote-Working Cancer Survivors in Rural Areas
Authors: Yari Renani Hamid , Rahmanian - Alireza , Saeidi - Zahra , Birashk - Behrooz , Saraei Iman , Ghodusi Shirin
Published: September 2024

AbstractAdvances in cancer treatment have significantly increased the survival rate of cancer patients, but these survivors often face challenges in the workplace. Existing literature highlights the significant influence of cancer on job performance, job satisfaction, and the increased risk of withdrawal intention. However, the effects of positive psychology interventions on cancer survivors, particularly in less urbanized settings and remote worker communities, remain underexplored.This study investigates the effects of positive psychology interventions on job satisfaction, work engagement, and withdrawal intentions among cancer survivors in rural and remote workforce communities. A quasi-experimental design was employed, involving 68 cancer survivors. The study used the Minnesota Job Satisfaction Questionnaire, the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale, and the Withdrawal Intention Scale to measure outcomes following a 14-session positive psychology intervention.The results revealed statistically significant improvements in the experimental group compared to the control group. Job satisfaction mean scores increased from 50.23 to 58.94, work engagement mean scores rose from 26.79 to 31.05, and withdrawal intentions mean scores decreased from 48.35 to 39.05.These findings highlight the potential of positive psychology interventions to address the unique challenges faced by cancer survivors in remote workforce communities, particularly in less urbanized areas. By enhancing job satisfaction and work engagement while reducing withdrawal intentions, these interventions can significantly contribute to the occupational well-being of cancer survivors, advocating for their integration into cancer care and organizational practices.
An Algorithmic Agent Model of Pure Awareness and Minimal Experiences
Authors: Lopez-Sola Edmundo , Sanchez-Todo Roser , Vohryzek Jakub , Castaldo Francesca , Ruffini Giulio
Published: September 2024

The phenomenon of "pure awareness", central to many contemplative traditions, has recently attracted scientific interest for its relevance to the study of consciousness. In this paper, we investigate pure awareness through the algorithmic agent model, a computational framework with roots in algorithmic information theory. This framework proposes that agents build compressive models of the world for evolutionary success. Structured experience arises from running such models, thus linking phenomenology with computation and offering insights into the emergence of pure awareness in both natural and artificial systems. We propose that pure awareness, as a stand-alone phenomenon, may correspond to minimally structured experiences achieved through meditation, psychedelics, or other deconstructive practices. Crucially, while such experiences are often perceived as contentless or unfabricated, both phenomenological and theoretical evidence suggest that some degree of fabrication or modeling remains involved. A key hypothesis is that the phenomenology of pure awareness arises from a specific model: the agent's model of its own modeling process. Importantly, the agent's recognition of the modeling process can occur alongside other phenomenal content (as in non-dual awareness) and is associated with stable changes in valence computation, potentially reducing suffering. Our exploration offers new insights into consciousness science by examining the minimal possible experiences for an agent. It also contributes to refining our moral stance towards both natural and artificial agents and helps us better understand the mechanisms and constraints involved in facilitating such transformative experiences.
CONSORT adherence among randomised control trials in the behavioural addiction literature: A systematic review
Authors: Cho Su Jeong , Gainsbury Sally M , LaPlante Debi , Louderback Eric , Nguyen Sarah , D’Souza Michael , Heirene Robert
Published: September 2024

Background: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are the gold-standard method of evaluating interventions. We aimed to determine the extent to which articles reporting RCTs of behavioural addiction interventions adhere to CONSORT (CONsolidated Standards Of Reporting Trials) standards.Methods: We searched the PubMed database and Journal of Gambling Issues for articles reporting RCTs of interventions for Gambling or Gaming Disorder published between 2010 and 2023. We coded articles according to the number and percentage of relevant CONSORT items reported in their abstract and main text.Results: Sixty-three articles met inclusion criteria. Of these, 52 (82.5%) concerned Gambling Disorder and 11 (17.5%) Gaming Disorder. The mean percentage of items reported in abstracts and main texts was 34.5% and 58.6%, respectively. Rates of reporting were higher in our sample of behavioural addiction RCTs (Mdn = 57.6%) than in a sample of previously-scored substance addiction RCTs (Mdn = 54.1%) evaluated by Vasser et al. (2019), U = 14622, p = 0.023, Mdn𝑑𝑖𝑓𝑓 = 5.15 [95% CIs: 0.76, 9.46]. Conclusions: We identified commonly omitted CONSORT items, including details relating to abstracts, changes to trial methods and outcomes, trial designs, harms/unintended consequences of interventions, and effect sizes and their precision. Through this review, we have developed specific recommendations for improving CONSORT compliance (e.g., alternative ways of reporting adherence checklists, evidence-based education programs, and normalising reporting information that could be perceived as study shortfalls) which will boost the interpretability of the published behavioural addictions literature.The review preregistration, materials, data, and analysis code can be accessed on the Open Science Framework: https://osf.io/8yskr.
All the Same, Less to Maintain: Electrophysiological Evidence for Late-Stage Optimization in Visual Working Memory
Authors: Guo Lijing , Park Hyung-Bum , Liu Ruyi , Nie Dan , Ye Chaoxiong
Published: September 2024

Visual working memory (VWM) is critical for temporarily storing and manipulating visual information but is limited in capacity. Previous research suggests that perceptual organization, such as grouping identical objects, may alleviate VWM resource constraints, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigated whether identical orientation stimuli reduce VWM resource consumption and whether this reduction occurs during encoding or maintenance phase. Using the contralateral delay activity (CDA), an event-related potential (ERP) component that indexes the number of items stored in VWM, we examined three memory conditions: all-same (i.e., four identical orientations), partial-same (i.e., two pairs of identical orientations), and all-different (i.e., four different orientations) conditions. Behavioral results showed improved VWM performance as the number of identical orientations increased, with the highest performance in the all-same condition. ERP results revealed no significant differences in early CDA amplitudes across conditions, suggesting that identical stimuli do not reduce VWM resource consumption during early maintenance phase. However, late CDA amplitudes were significantly reduced in the all-same condition compared to the partial-same and all-different conditions, indicating that the benefits of identical objects emerge during the late maintenance phase. Notably, partially identical stimuli did not reduce VWM load, highlighting the complexity of integrating partially redundant information. These findings highlight the distinct contributions of encoding and maintenance phases in optimizing VWM through perceptual grouping and provide evidence that the facilitative effect of identical objects relies on their complete repetition and late-stage cognitive processes.
Rolling Back Progresa: How the Sudden Ending of a Landmark Anti-Poverty Program Affected School and Labor
Authors: Marquez-Padilla Fernanda , Parker Susan , Vogl Tom
Published: September 2024

Mexico’s pioneering conditional cash transfer program—originally Progresa, later renamed Prospera—operated over two decades in a shifting educational landscape. We exploit the program’s sudden and unexpected rollback to estimate whether, two decades after rollout studies documented its initial impacts on schooling and labor, the program was still effective at raising enrollment and reducing work in children and youth. Comparing areas with high and low program penetration before and after rollback, we find that rollback immediately reduced school enrollment, especially at high school ages and especially in boys. Effects on enrollment were as large at rollback as they were at rollout, albeit shifted from middle-school ages to high school ages. Rising work mirrored falling enrollment in boys of high school age. Our results suggest the program successfully adapted to the rise of high school, but Mexico’s poor were unable to protect their children from the its unexpected rollback.
Risk and Return Analysis of Stocks of Nepalese Commercial Banks
Authors: Prasai Frijya , Guragain Ayushma , Shrestha Sahishnu , Singh Sriju
Published: September 2024

This research article analyzes the impact of risk and return of Nepalese commercial bank stocks on portfolio returns to assist investors in making informed investment decisions. It aims to examine the effects of individual bank stock returns, risks, market return, and market risk (beta) on overall portfolio performance. The study utilizes a quantitative approach, employing descriptive statistics, comparative (trend) analysis, correlation analysis, and hypothesis testing. Secondary data was collected from 18 commercial banks in Nepal, including post-merger banks, covering the fiscal years from 2015/16 to 2021/22. Statistical tools such as SPSS and EViews were used for analysis. The findings indicate that investors seeking higher returns might consider Prabhu Bank, which offers high mean returns but also comes with higher volatility. In contrast, risk-averse investors may prefer banks like NMB and Nabil, which provide lower mean returns but more stable performance. Notably, this research contributes to the understanding of the risk-return relationship in the context of 18 Nepalese commercial banks post-merger, providing new insights for investors. This study highlights the importance of analyzing individual bank stocks and their associated risks for portfolio construction. By understanding the dynamics of risk and return, investors can optimize their investment strategies and enhance portfolio performance. Overall, this research fills a gap in existing literature by focusing on the Nepalese commercial banking sector and its implications for investor decision-making. The insights gained from this study can guide investors in navigating the complexities of the stock market, ultimately leading to more informed and strategic investment choices. Future research could expand on this work by exploring additional factors influencing stock performance and investor behavior in the Nepalese context.
Towards Sustainable Development – Increasing Public Participation by Simplifying Water Quality Data Presentation in The Form of Eco-Heart Index
Authors: Samnani Prakash
Published: September 2024

This study applies the new user-friendly and sustainable community-based water quality index known as Eco-Heart Index for monitoring and assessing water quality. Eco-Heart considers six parameters, resulting in a pictorial output in the shape of a heart. A full heart indicates excellent water quality, whereas a broken heart indicates poor water quality. This investigation used six parameters namely, pH, dissolved oxygen, phosphate, nitrate, turbidity, and faecal coliform, for determining the status of a water body. Four water bodies in the city of Vadodara were analyzed using the index to see where they fell on a scale of pollution severity. Based on the Eco-Heart dataset of 3 years, it was found that the lakes in which broken hearts occurred ranged from a shrinking heart to a deformed heart. The obtained results were compared with the widely used National Sanitation Foundation water quality index to validate the data, which showed a moderately positive correlation. Survey documentation for the applicability of the Index on ground level was also carried out using Cronbach Alpha showing a positive response of people for use of Eco- Heart Index indicating that Eco-Heart Index can be used as an alternative, easy, and sustainable tool for assessing water bodies.