bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Preliminary Study of Brain Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Text
Reading and Comprehension
Authors: Xie Qi , Chen Huixian , He Wenjuan , Tan Zhilin , Wang Yajie , Liao Yanhui
Published: September 2023

Background:

Few studies have focused on the changes in human brain function activities caused by reading Chinese characters with different intelligibility and
whether it can reflect the understanding and cognitive ability of the human brain.

Objective:

Task-fMRI based on Chinese character reading tasks with different intelligibility was used to explore activated brain regions and their cognitive
changes.

Methods:

Volunteers were randomly recruited using advertisements. Forty volunteers were recruited based on strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, and 40
volunteers were recruited. Brain function data of 40 healthy right-handed volunteers in fuzzy/clear Chinese reading tasks were collected using a
Siemens Skyra 3.0T magnetic resonance scanner. Data were preprocessed and statistically analyzed using the statistical software SPM12.0 to
observe the activation of the cortex and analyze its characteristics and possible changes in cognitive function.

Results:

Task-fMRI analysis: (1) The main brain regions activated in fuzzy/clear reading tasks were located in the occipital visual cortex (P < 0.001); (2) a
paired sample t-test suggested that there was a significant difference in BOLD signals in the brain regions activated by fuzzy/clear reading tasks (P
< 0.001, equiv Z = 4.25). Compared with the fuzzy reading task, the brain regions more strongly activated in the clear reading task were mainly
located in the right superior frontal gyrus and the bilateral temporal lobe. Compared with the clear reading task, the brain region that was more
strongly activated in the fuzzy reading task was mainly located in the right fusiform gyrus.

Conclusion:

Clear Chinese character information mainly activates the dorsal stream of the visual-spatial network. This reflects the information transmission of
the brain after understanding the text content and is responsible for guiding and controlling attention. Fuzzy words that cannot provide clear text
content activate the fusiform gyrus of the ventral stream of the visual-spatial network, strengthening the function of orthographic processing.
Comparative Study of CT and MR Guided Microwave Ablation in the
Treatment of Para-vascular VX2 Liver Tumor Model in Rabbits
Authors: Ziwang Ren , Guiling Feng , Xu Feng , Zhu Liu , Bing Li , Yong Du
Published: September 2023

Objective:

To analyze the efficacy of microwave ablation (MWA) guided by computed tomography (CT) and 1.5T magnetic resonance (MR) in the treatment of VX2 para-vascular liver tumor model in rabbits.

Materials and Methods:

Sixty para-vascular VX2 liver tumor models in rabbits were randomly divided into CT-guided microwave ablation group (CT group, n=35) and MR-guided microwave ablation group (MR group, n=35). The complete ablation rate, mean operation time, postoperative complication rate and mean survival time were compared between the two groups.

Results:

In the CT group, the rate of complete ablation was 68.6% (24/35), and the mean operation time was 42.1 ± 9.7 minutes. Three cases had ascites and one case had abdominal wall injury. In the MR group, the rate of complete ablation was 94.2% (33/35), and the mean operation time was 53.4 ± 10.9 minutes. One case was complicated with ascites. No serious complications such as pneumothorax, liver abscess, pleural effusion and diaphragm perforation were found in both groups. Between the two groups, the difference in complete ablation rate was statistically significant (P=0.006 ＜ 0.05). A statistically significant difference can also be found in mean operation time (P ＜ 0.01). The follow-up time was 21 days after the operation. As for the postoperative complication rate (11.4% in the CT group and 2.9% in the MR group, P=0.353) and mean survival time (16.9 ± 1.8 days in CT group, 18.3 ± 2.3 days in the MR group, P=0.925), the differences were not statistically significant.

Conclusion:

Compared with CT guidance, although the microwave ablation time under MR guidance was longer, the complete ablation rate under MR guidance was high, which proved that MR guidance was a more effective way of microwave ablation guidance and was worth promoting in the clinic. In this experiment, the postoperative complication rate was lower in the MR group, although the difference was not statistically significant, which may be related to the small sample size, and the subsequent study on the postoperative complication rate can increase the sample content.
Real-time Strain-encoding Cardiovascular MRI for Assessment of Regional
Heart Function in Tetralogy of Fallot Patients
Authors: Ibrahim El-Sayed H. , Agarwal Prachi P. , Ghadimi-Mahani Maryam , Stojanovska Jadranka , Sosa Antonio , Dorfman Adam L. , Lu Jimmy C.
Published: September 2023

Background:

Tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) is the most common form of cyanotic congenital heart disease, where right ventricular (RV) function is an important
determinant of subsequent intervention.

Objective:

In this study, we evaluate the feasibility of fast strain-encoding (fastSENC; a one-heartbeat sequence) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for
assessing regional cardiac function in ToF.

Methods:

FastSENC was implemented to characterize regional circumferential (Ecc) and longitudinal (Ell) strains in the left ventricle (LV) and RV in postrepair
ToF. Data analysis was conducted to compare strain measurements in the RV to those in the LV, as well as to those generated by the MRI
Tissue-Tracking (MRI-TT) technique, and to assess the relationship between strain and ejection fraction (EF).

Results:

Despite normal LVEF (55±8.5%), RVEF was borderline (46±6.4%), but significantly lower than LVEF. RV strains (RV-Ell=-20.2±2.9%, RVEcc=-
15.7±6.4%) were less than LV strains (LV-Ell=-21.7±3.7%, LV-Ecc=-18.3±4.7%), and Ell was the dominant strain component. Strain
differences between fastSENC and MRI-TT were less significant in RV than in LV. There existed moderate and weak correlations for RV-Ecc and
RV-Ell, respectively, against RVEF. Compared to LV strain, RV strain showed regional heterogeneity with a trend for reduced strain from the
inferior to anterior regions. Inter-ventricular strain delay was larger for Ell (64±47ms) compared to Ecc (36±40ms), reflecting a trend for
contraction dyssynchrony.

Conclusion:

FastSENC allows for characterizing subclinical regional RV dysfunction in ToF. Due to its sensitivity for evaluating regional myocardial
contractility patterns and real-time imaging capability without the need for breath-holding, fastSENC makes it more suitable for evaluating RV
function in ToF.
Comprehensive Genomic Analysis of Puerarin in Inhibiting Bladder
Urothelial Carcinoma Cell Proliferation and Migration
Authors: Ma Yu-yang , Zhang Ge-jin , Liu Peng-fei , Liu Ying , Ding Ji-cun , Xu Hao , Hao Lin , Pan Deng , Wang Hai-luo , Wang Jing-kai , Xu Peng , Shi Zhen-Duo , Pang Kun
Published: September 2023

Background:

Bladder urothelial carcinoma (BUC) ranks second in the incidence of
urogenital system tumors, and the treatment of BUC needs to be improved. Puerarin, a traditional
Chinese medicine (TCM), has been shown to have various effects such as anti-cancer effects, the
promotion of angiogenesis, and anti-inflammation. This study investigates the effects of puerarin
on BUC and its molecular mechanisms.

Methods:

Through GeneChip experiments, we obtained differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and analyzed these DEGs using the Ingenuity® Pathway Analysis (IPA®), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) pathway enrichment analyses. The Cell Counting Kit 8 (CCK8) assay was used to verify the inhibitory effect of puerarin on the proliferation of BUC T24 cells. String combined with Cytoscape® was used to create the Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network, and the MCC algorithm in cytoHubba plugin was used to screen key genes. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA®) was used to verify the correlation between key genes and cell proliferation.

Results:

A total of 1617 DEGs were obtained by GeneChip. Based on the DEGs, the IPA® and
pathway enrichment analysis showed they were mainly enriched in cancer cell proliferation and
migration. CCK8 experiments proved that puerarin inhibited the proliferation of BUC T24 cells,
and its IC50 at 48 hours was 218μmol/L. Through PPI and related algorithms, 7 key genes were
obtained: ITGA1, LAMA3, LAMB3, LAMA4, PAK2, DMD, and UTRN. GSEA showed that these
key genes were highly correlated with BUC cell proliferation. Survival curves showed that
ITGA1 upregulation was associated with poor prognosis of BUC patients

Conclusion:

Our findings support the potential antitumor activity of puerarin in BUC. To the
best of our knowledge, bioinformatics investigation suggests that puerarin demonstrates
anticancer mechanisms via the upregulation of ITGA1, LAMA3 and 4, LAMB3, PAK2, DMD,
and UTRN, all of which are involved in the proliferation and migration of bladder urothelial cancer
cells.
Nano-based Therapeutics for Rheumatoid Arthritis: Recent Patents and Development
Authors: Makhija Manish , Manchanda Deeksha , Sharma Manu
Published: September 2023

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic autoimmune disease marked by inflammation
of synovium and generation of autoantibodies. Bone and cartilage are frequently damaged along
with weakening of tendons and ligaments resulting in disability. An effective RA treatment needs a
multi-disciplinary approach which relies upon pathophysiology that is still partially understood. In RA
patients, inflammation was induced by pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-1, IL-6 & IL-10. The
conventional dosage regimens for treating RA have drawbacks such as ineffectiveness, greater doses,
frequent dosing, relatively expensive and serious adverse effects. To formulate an effective treatment
plan for RA, research teams have recently focused on producing several nanoformulations containing
anti-inflammatory APIs with an aim to target the inflamed area. Nanomedicines have recently gained
popularity in the treatment of RA. Interestingly, unbelievable improvements have been observed in current
years in diagnosis and management of RA utilizing nanotechnology. Various patents and clinical
trial data have been reported in relevance to RA treatment.
Overview of Electric Spindle Cooling Patents
Authors: Bao Yudong , Cui Guanhua , Zhou Zhentao
Published: September 2023

Background:

The heating caused by the high-speed rotation of the motorized spindle motor and the friction-induced heating of the bearings are inevitable. After the temperature rise, the relative position and size of the spindle and other parts or components of the machine tool will differ from that before the temperature rose, forming different temperature fields and then producing different degrees of thermal expansion, leading to processing errors. This paper analyzes the characteristics and application scenarios of various cooling mechanisms for motorized spindles.

Objective:

By analyzing and discussing the patents related to the cooling methods of motorized spindles, this study aims to explore the factors of temperature variation during the working process of the motorized spindle and seeks to predict future research and development in motorized spindle cooling equipment.

Methods:

The present status of various representative patents related to the cooling device of the motorized spindle was analyzed, and the influence of the cooling device of the motorized spindle on the working effect of the spindle was obtained. According to the classification of the characteristics of the cooling device, the degree of development of the existing cooling device in the cooling effect, temperature control, and other aspects is analyzed, and the latest patent technology is expounded and compared.

Results:

This paper analyzed the characteristics of cooling devices with different structures, analyzed the main problems existing in their development, and discussed solutions to the problems existing in motorized spindle cooling mechanisms and the current and future research directions.

Conclusion:

It is found that the circulating passage cooling device has the broadest application range and cools the motorized spindle effectively. The cooling structure has little influence on the motorized spindle and prolongs its service life. The cooling effect of adaptive and systemic cooling devices is better. However, there are some defects in both of them and so there is room for further development in both the cooling efficiency and machining accuracy.
Experimental and Finite Element Investigations on the Biomechanical Consequences of Meniscectomies in the Knee Joint: A Narrative Review
Authors: Devaraj Ashwin Kumar , Acharya Kiran Kumar V. , Adhikari Raviraja
Published: September 2023

Background:

The knowledge of the complex biomechanical behaviour of the meniscectomised knee joints is of paramount importance in various clinical situations. A combined review of experimental and finite element analysis studies examining the consequences of meniscectomies on the biomechanics of the knee joint has not been reported in the literature. Therefore, this paper presents a combined review of experimental and finite element analysis studies on the biomechanical consequences of medial and lateral meniscectomies in the knee joint.

Methods:

Experimental and FEA investigations on the association between meniscectomies and the biomechanical response of the knee joint are reviewed. The effects of partial and total meniscectomies in the medial and lateral compartments are included in this paper.

Results:

Subtotal/total medial meniscectomies cause a significant decrease in the contact area and a substantial increase in the contact stress in comparison with that in an intact knee joint. This could give rise to severe degeneration of the cartilage surface. Partial medial meniscectomy causes a modest reduction in the contact area associated with a moderate increase in contact stress. The resection of both leaflets of the meniscus results in a substantial increase in the contact pressure and a significant reduction in contact area compared with inferior leaflet resection.

Conclusion:

This review recommends partial medial meniscectomy over subtotal/ total medial meniscectomy. It also suggests performing resection of the inferior leaflet rather than resection of both the leaflets. Finally, some recommendations for future work are suggested to predict the realistic biomechanical behaviour of meniscectomised knee joints.
Developing a CDY Model for Grapes and Experimentally Validating it with an Android App that Focuses on Agro-climatic and Disease Prevention Aspects
Authors: Eswari A. , Manjunatha JG
Published: September 2023

Introduction:

Crop development and yield are both influenced by the weather. This study has developed and analytically resolved a general agro-climatic model for grapes.

Methods:

In the field of mathematical biology, researchers, professors, and academics will find this model useful. To create the final version of the model for yield prediction, the CDY model and asymptotic analyses have been performed. Climate, disease, and grape production have been taken into consideration as dependent characteristics during the model construction process. The frequency of infection, the occurrence of disease, seasonality, and the elimination of grape output throughout each harvest cycle have been viewed as distinct qualities. Moreover, the model has been examined, and field-level data have been used to estimate the parameters collected between 2016-2021 from the nearby villages of GRS and Theni.

Results:

A description of this model’s stability analysis has also been provided. An association has been determined between the numerical validity and stability of the given analytical solution analyses. In addition, the developed Android mobile app for grapes has been validated using the proposed model under the climatic scenario.

Conclusion:

It is advised to apply the created model to estimate grape yield based on the findings obtained. A useful technique for forecasting crop yield has thus been proposed in this study.
Pesticides and Pollutants associated with Rising Cases of Melanoma
Authors: Bush Margo , Burkhart Craig G.
Published: September 2023

UV radiation is a well-researched cause of malignant melanoma, however more than the sun may be to blame for today’s increased rates of the deadliest form of skin cancer. Pesticides and industrial pollutants are an overlooked yet major causative factor that is still being exposed to ecosystems. This article identifies documented cases of the chemical causes of melanoma stemming from a study that articulates these dangers in the year 2000. It concludes with a message that a clear risk between chemicals and melanoma exists and calls to action the need for mediation.
Advances and Future Challenges in Aircraft Fuselage Section
Crashworthiness: A Critical Review
Authors: Rayhan Saiaf Bin , Chunjin Yu , Rahman Md. Mazedur , Pu Xue
Published: September 2023

Background:

Crashworthiness studies the safety qualification of a vehicle (both airborne and road transports) to protect its occupants during an impact. Before an aircraft can receive transport certification, it must meet a number of crashworthiness requirements, such as the structure's deformation pattern, absorbed kinetic energy profile, and acceleration responses experienced by the components and human body models. Therefore, in recent times, crashworthiness has emerged as a crucial field of study during the early design stages of aircraft, along with other key parameters like weight reduction, load factor, fatigue life estimation, etc.

Objective:

The main objective of the present article is to undertake an in-depth analysis of the developments in crashworthiness related to the civil aircraft fuselage section. Furthermore, it aims to identify and address the future challenges that must be overcome to ensure the utmost safety of the occupants.

Methods:

Based on the research objectives, the available literature is categorized into three major groups: (i) finite element code validation; (ii) improvement of the crashworthiness criteria; and (iii) impact on different surface models. A methodology to solve fuselage section crashworthiness is briefly described. A review of the research articles discussing general purpose energy absorbers for crashworthy design without any implementation to the fuselage structure is out of the scope of this article.

Results:

Experimental testing of fuselage section crashworthiness is expensive and non-repeatable. Furthermore, the intricate structure of the fuselage, with its numerous components, makes it nearly impossible to devise crashworthy design solutions through classical hand calculations alone. As a result, commercial software codes play a crucial role in the development of fuselage section crashworthiness, offering valuable assistance in overcoming these limitations.

Conclusion:

Future challenges of crashworthy design involve exploring novel materials and devices to mitigate injury during controlled crash conditions. An intriguing area of study would be the analysis of lattice components, as they have the potential to enhance crashworthiness. Furthermore, as newly designed fuselage sections emerge, it will be crucial to investigate and establish the necessary requirements to ensure compliance with crashworthiness certification standards.
Analysis of the Effect of Meteorological Elements on New Energy Power
Prediction Based on Machine Learning
Authors: Shen Haibo , Deng Liyuan , Wang Lingzi , Liu Xianzhuo
Published: September 2023

Background:

With the gradual construction of new power systems, new energy sources,
such as wind and photovoltaic power, will gradually dominate positions in the power supply structure,
directly leading the new power system to rely heavily on accurate meteorological forecasts.
High-precision and high-resolution meteorological forecasts are important technical methods to improve
the safe, stable, and economic operation of the new power system.

Objective:

Since the analysis of meteorological elements is the basis of meteorological forecasting,
in this paper, the effect of different meteorological elements including temperature, relative humidity,
air pressure, wind speed, wind direction, and radiation on the performance of power forecasting,
was analyzed by using 7 machine learning algorithms in 5 provinces in southern China.

Methods:

About 5 provinces in southern China were selected as the research objects, and 7 typical
machine learning algorithms were applied and compared, including support vector machine (SVM),
decision tree (DT), random forest (RFR), K-nearest neighbor (KNN), Linear Regression (LR),
Ridge Regression (RR), and Lasso Regression (Lasso R). At the same time, the influence of different
meteorological elements, such as temperature, relative humidity, air pressure, wind speed, wind
direction, and radiation amount, on the prediction performance of wind power and photovoltaic
power was considered. Then, the performance of different regression models was further investigated
and analyzed.

Results:

Based on the data of 10 new energy stations in 5 regions, the research on the prediction
performance of 7 machine learning methods shows that the performance of models in different regions
varies greatly. Among the 10 selected new energy stations, the RFR model and KNR model
have superior overall performance.

Conclusion:

This study shows how variable importance and prediction accuracy depend on regression
methods and climatic variables, providing effective methods to assess the interdependence of
meteorological variables and the importance of meteorological variables in predicting output power.
The Conflict between Top-down and Bottom-up Impairments in
Consciousness Disorder in Schizophrenia
Authors: Karbakhsh Hesam , Kouchakzadeh Aliakbar , Gharibzadeh Shahriar
Published: September 2023

Introduction:

Schizophrenia, a complex psychiatric disorder, is often associated
with consciousness disorders, typically characterized by an elevated threshold of conscious
perception. Over the years, a multitude of research has been dedicated to uncovering the primary
cause of these disorders, leading to the development of several theories.

Methods:

In this article, two central answers to this problem have been reviewed. For this, the
articles that were more related to the topic were selected. Based on the relevance to the subject
of research, the main ideas of targeted articles are reordered to be comprehensible for the readers.
Finally, the judgment and conclusion of the authors about the discussed problem are presented
in this study.

Discussion:

The first theory, which we will explore in this article, suggests that the root cause
of these disorders lies in defects within bottom-up processes. These processes, fundamental to
our understanding of the world, involve the progression of sensory information from low-level
perception to high-level awareness. In individuals with schizophrenia, these processes are believed
to be compromised, leading to a distorted perception of reality. The second theory, in
contrast, attributes the cause to impairments in top-down processes. These processes, which
refer to the influence of high-level cognitive functions on lower-level sensory perception, are
also considered dysfunctional in schizophrenic patients. This dysfunction is thought to disrupt
the integration of sensory information, thereby affecting the individual's consciousness. However,
a third perspective has emerged, suggesting the coexistence of impairments in both bottom-
up and top-down processing. This perspective argues that to fully comprehend the nature
of consciousness disorders in schizophrenia, it is crucial to determine the type and severity of
both bottom-up and top-down impairments.

Conclusion:

In this review, we delve into these theories, examining the evidence supporting
each and discussing their implications for our understanding of schizophrenia. Considering
both bottom-up and top-down impairments, the third perspective offers a more holistic explanation
for these disorders. We further argue that this perspective underscores the need for a
more nuanced approach to studying schizophrenia. It suggests that future research should not
only focus on these processes in isolation but also explore their interaction and the potential
synergistic effects of their impairment. By doing so, we can hope to gain a more comprehensive
understanding of consciousness disorders in schizophrenia, which could ultimately lead to
more effective treatment strategies.
relationship between postpartum mother's knowledge and colostrum provision to newborns at the Tanah Abang Sub-District Health Center
Authors: Yulianti Devi , Jayanti Christin
Published: September 2023

Colostrum is the first breast milk rich in benefits for babies and ideally given before exclusive breastfeeding. WHO and Unicef recommend giving breast milk one hour after birth, as all babies need colostrum to fight infections, which is estimated to save one million baby lives. However, over 90% of mothers discard colostrum, mainly due to lack of information. In Indonesia, the coverage of colostrum provision is still low, requiring further research. This study aims to determine the relationship between postpartum mothers' knowledge and the provision of colostrum to newborns at the Tanah Abang Sub-District Health Center. The study is descriptive-analytic with a cross-sectional approach. The sample consists of 32 postpartum mothers registered at the Tanah Abang Sub-District Health Center, selected using accidental sampling. Data collection is done using a questionnaire, and data analysis uses the chi-square test. The research results show that the p-value is 0.000, thus rejecting the null hypothesis (Ho) and accepting the alternative hypothesis (Ha). These findings indicate a significant relationship between mothers' knowledge and the provision of colostrum to newborns. In conclusion, maternal knowledge significantly influences the behavior of providing colostrum to newborns.
Editorial
Authors: Santacruz Aguilar Milton , Lopera Gloria Patricia , García Roldan Daniel
Published: September 2023

Desde la invasión de las sociedades europeas al territorio americano a finales del siglo xv, los pueblos originarios han tenido que enfrentar innumerables violencias, crisis y procesos de cambio de manera ininterrumpida hasta el día de hoy. Sin embargo, la resiliencia y la lucha constante por la defensa de sus sociedades, culturas y territorios han hecho de ellos actores cada vez más relevantes en la historiografía colonial y en la historia moderna y contemporánea del continente. Esto, por supuesto, nos obliga a reconocer que cuando hablamos de “lo indígena” en América, no nos referimos a una realidad social con unas características propias que perduran de manera inmutable a lo largo del tiempo; antes bien, dicha denominación está vinculada con diferentes regímenes de alteridad que varían de acuerdo con su lugar de enunciación y su contexto histórico. Es decir, la identificación de los otros como diferentes “…es un efecto de la práctica, de ciertas interacciones específicas, y no su causa”. [1]

[1] Caballero, P. L. (2016). Introducción: los regímenes nacionales de alteridad: contextos, posicionamientos e interacciones en la constitución de la identificación como ‘indígena’. En P. L Caballero y C. Giudicelli (Eds.), Regimes Nationaux d’altérité. États-Nations et Altérités Autochtones en Amérique Latine, 1810-1950 [Regímenes nacionales de alteridad. Estados-nación y alteridades indígenas en América Latina, 1810-1950]. Presses Universitaires de Rennes.
Corrected QT Interval (QTc) Diagnostic App for the Oncological Routine: Development Study
Authors: Klier Kristina , Patel Yash J , Schinköthe Timo , Harbeck Nadia , Schmidt Annette
Published: September 2023

Background

Numerous antineoplastic drugs such as chemotherapeutics have cardiotoxic side effects and can lead to long QT syndrome (LQTS). When diagnosed and treated in time, the potentially fatal outcomes of LQTS can be prevented. Therefore, regular electrocardiogram (ECG) assessments are critical to ensure patient safety. However, these assessments are associated with patient discomfort and require timely support of the attending oncologist by a cardiologist.

Objective

This study aimed to examine whether this approach can be made more efficient and comfortable by a smartphone app (QTc Tracker), supporting single-lead ECG records on site and transferring to a tele-cardiologist for an immediate diagnosis.

Methods

To evaluate the QTc Tracker, it was implemented in 54 cancer centers in Germany. In total, 266 corrected QT interval (QTc) diagnoses of 122 patients were recorded. Moreover, a questionnaire on routine ECG workflow, turnaround time, and satisfaction (1=best, 6=worst) was answered by the centers before and after the implementation of the QTc Tracker.

Results

Compared to the routine ECG workflow, the QTc Tracker enabled a substantial turnaround time reduction of 98% (mean 2.67, 95% CI 1.72-2.67 h) and even further time efficiency in combination with a cardiologic on-call service (mean 12.10, 95% CI 5.67-18.67 min). Additionally, nurses and patients reported higher satisfaction when using the QTc Tracker. In particular, patients’ satisfaction sharply improved from 2.59 (95% CI 2.41-2.88) for the routine ECG workflow to 1.25 (95% CI 0.99-1.51) for the QTc Tracker workflow.

Conclusions

These results reveal a significant improvement regarding reduced turnaround time and increased user satisfaction. Best patient care might be guaranteed as the exposure of patients with an uncontrolled risk of QTc prolongations can be avoided by using the fast and easy QTc Tracker. In particular, as regular side-effect monitoring, the QTc Tracker app promises more convenience for patients and their physicians. Finally, future studies are needed to empirically test the usability and validity of such mobile ECG assessment methods.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04055493; https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04055493
Fusion of Multiple Self-Diagnostic Questionnaires into Optimal Diagnostic Cut-offs and Factor Analysis for Depression Characterization of the Korean University Student Group (Preprint)
Authors: Lee Soojin , Lee Sukhan , Lee Jungsun , Jo Young Tak , Park Eunil , Cha Junyeop
Published: September 2023

UNSTRUCTURED

The diagnostic cut-offs and factor analysis prepared for a general population by a depression self-diagnostic questionnaire are inadequate for analyzing the depression status of a focused population with its own cultural background. In this paper, we present a novel approach to optimizing diagnostic cut-offs and generalizing factor analysis for a focused population in the fusion space of multiple depression self-diagnostic questionnaires. In particular, we applied the proposed approach to the Korean university student group chosen as a focused population for the characterization of its depression status by using CES-D and PHQ-9 as multiple questionnaires. To this end, we randomly selected 30 Korean university students between the ages of 20 and 29 under the consideration of gender balance and collected their CES-D and PHQ-9 data, together with a short description of their weekly sentiments, for 21 weeks. Notably, we also collected the psychiatric evaluation data of individual subjects based on the interviews with psychiatrists as references. Based on the collected data, we first established the optimal cut-off regions in the fused CESD-PHQ9 score space based on the statistical correlation between CES-D and PHQ-9 scores and the reference diagnostics from the psychiatrists. We found that the cut-offs provided originally by CES-D and PHQ-9 are highly inconsistent with the cut-off regions optimally established in the fusion space for the Korean university student group. Then, to better expose the key factors that are behind the depression characteristics of the Korean university student group, we re-extracted the factors from the collected data represented in the fused CESD-PHQ9 questionnaire space. Based on the extended factor analysis conducted in the fused CESD-PHQ9 questionnaire space, we identified that the “socio-psychological” and “interpersonal relationship” associated with academic studies and future employment could be the major factors defining the depression characteristics of the Korean university student group. The proposed method for identifying optimal cut-off regions and generalizing factor analysis in the multiple questionnaire fusion space can serve a self-diagnostic tool for reliably identifying the depression characteristics of a focused population as well as effectively linking between individuals and psychiatrists as an intermediary.
Lung morphology changes in patients with COVID-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome depending on the respiratory therapy options
Authors: Korsunov V. , Bocharova T. , Skoryk V. , Georgiyants M. , Lyzohub М. , Оdinets І. , Lyzohub K. , Lisiienko Y.
Published: September 2023

Background. Morphologic examination of lung tissue in COVID-related acute respiratory distress syndrome is shown in publications predominantly regarding the course of disease but not the type of respiratory support. The aim of the single center study was to determine the influence of different types of respiratory therapy on morphologic findings in lung tissue of patients, who had died from COVID-19. Material and methods. The examined patients with COVID-related related acute respiratory distress syndrome (n = 30) were divided into three groups. Group 1 included those who received non-invasive lung ventilation in continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) mode through a face mask (n = 10), group 2 consisted of patients who received oxygen therapy with a flow of 15 l/min through a rebreather mask (n = 10), and group 3 included people who underwent invasive lung ventilation through an endotracheal tube (n = 10). Results. In lung tissue of patients of group 1, we revealed prevalence of edema and hemorrhagic changes as well as discrepancy of diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) manifestations and duration of the disease. So, morphological manifestations of exudative phase of DAD were found even after 14 days of disease, and interstitial pneumonia with fibrosing alveolitis was observed only in 12.5 % of patients. The presence of dystelectasis, compensatory emphysema and thinning of the alveolar wall were typical morphological findings in the patients of group 2. Numerous hyaline membranes covered alveolar walls and led to a decrease in gas exchange area, alveolar-capillary block and were the cause of impaired lung ventilation function. Morphological signs of proliferative phase of DAD in patients of group 3 were accompanied by the development of alveolar fibrosis and secondary bacterial bronchopneumonia, especially in prolonged invasive lung ventilation. Conclusions. Low-flow oxygen therapy may lead to the progression of respiratory failure due to self-damaging of intact lung tissue. We have also revealed negative impact of invasive pulmonary ventilation on the number of bacterial complications and fibrosis stimulation. The most favorable morphologic changes were found in patients with non-invasive CPAP ventilation.
Antibacterial therapy for combat gunshot trauma: eight years after (retrospective observational study)
Authors: Krishtafor D.A. , Krishtafor A.A. , Halushchak A.Y. , Mynka V.Y. , Seleznova U.V. , Grabova G.Y.
Published: September 2023

Background. Combat gunshot wounds are characterized by massive tissue destruction and significant contamination. Infectious complications are the cause of death of 80 % victims who died late after a combat injury. Therefore, the fight against wound infection is one of the priority tasks in the treatment of combat trauma. The purpose of our study was to determine the changes in the composition of the bacterial microflora of combat gunshot wounds and its sensitivity to antibacterial drugs between 2014 and 2022. Materials and methods. We examined 167 patients with gunshot combat injuries, of which 29 were admitted in 2014, and 138 in 2022. Based on the results of bacteriological examinations of wounds performed upon admission to a third-level hospital, we studied the frequency of wounds colonization, its nature (contamination/infection), the nature of the identified microflora and its sensitivity to antibacterial drugs. Results. Of the bacteriological studies performed in 2014, no growth was found in 27.6 % of cases, in 2022 — in 41.3 % (p = 0.168). Among the positive results in 2014, 30.8 % of pathogens met the criteria for infection (≥ 104 colony-forming units; in 2022, 63.8 % (p < 0.001). In 2014, A.baumannii (21.4 %), S.haemolyticus (19.0 %), gut bacteria (19.0 %) and P.aeruginosa (11.9 %) prevailed among pathogens. In 2022, the Bacillus spp. (28.4 %), A.baumannii (19.6 %), gut bacteria (14.2 %) and K.pneumoniae (10.1 %) were detected most frequently. At the same time, in 71.1 % of cases, the number of Bacillus spp. bacteria met the criteria for infection.
Features of opioid analgesia s in patients with phantom limb pain after amputation due to gunshot wounds
Authors: Kuchyn Iu.L. , Kuznetsov А.D. , Gybalo R.V. , Slobodianiuk А.Т. , Mervinskiy N.S. , Drach S.О. , Horoshko V.R.
Published: September 2023

Background. Since the beginning of the large-scale war on the territory of Ukraine, the incidence of limb injuries has reached 40 %: 15 % of them are upper limb injuries, 25 % are lower limb injuries, and the proportion of patients who have lost limbs due to trauma has increased significantly. In these patients, phantom pain occurs in more than 60 % of cases. Such pain is extremely difficult to treat with standard approaches. Usually, the prescription of opioid analgesics is required, but there is no data on their effectiveness in the comprehensive therapy of phantom pain, which appears as a result of limb amputation and is one of the most difficult clinical problems today. Materials and methods. Our study involved 57 patients. The diagnosis of phantom pain was made based on the clinical picture and patient description. The severity of pain was studied using the visual analog scale. To determine the neuropathic component of pain, Douleur Neuropathique 4 questions were used. The distribution of quantitative indicators for normality was checked with the Shapiro-Wilk test and Student’s test. Results. According to the visual analog scale data, no significant statistical difference was found between group 1 and 2 (p > 0.05). The data of Douleur Neuropathique 4 questions indicate that group 1 has statistically better results than group 2 (p < 0.05). Conclusions. The results of pain relief in patients with phantom limb pain after amputation due to gunshot wounds in comprehensive therapy shows a better result than tramadol.
Pathomorphological changes in the lungs in severe COVID-19
Authors: Yakovenko O.K. , Griff S.L. , Hoffmann S. , Khanin О.H. , Khodosh E.M. , Dziublyk Ya.О.
Published: September 2023

Background. The study of pathogenesis and the search for factors that lead to mortality from severe COVID-19 and disability due to post-COVID interstitial lung disease with permanent physiological and functional deficits is an urgent and unsolved problem today. The purpose was to investigate lung histopathology in patients who died of severe COVID-19 in the acute and post-acute period of the disease, and to determine the significance of histological changes in the lung parenchyma depending on gender, duration of the disease, and the use or non-use of respiratory support. Materials and methods. The study included the results of lung sample analysis in patients with severe COVID-19 who died from June to December 2020 (n = 10) and from January to December 2021 (n = 21). An autopsy was performed in 61.3 % of patients who died in the acute period of the disease (up to the 28th day), and in 38.7 % of those who died in the post-acute period (day 29–84). Respiratory support was used in 58 % (n = 18) of cases in the acute period. Results. Patients with severe COVID-19 who did not survive the acute period of the disease (its average duration was 17.31 days, the average age of the deceased was 66.1 years) and the post-acute period (the average duration of the disease was 43.22 days, the average age of the deceased was 67.8 years) had the following: the presence of hyaline membranes in 70.9 %, capillary stasis in 77.4 %, organizing pneumonia in 41.9 %, pulmonary fibrosis in 32.2 %, hemorrhages in 38.7 %, small vein thrombosis in 25.8 %, histospecific signs of bacterial and fungal co-infection in 16.1 and 3.2 %, respectively, diffuse alveolar damage in 90.3 % of cases (with acute fibrinous and organizing pneumonia in 9.6 %). Conclusions. The risk of capillary stasis is significantly higher in the post-acute than in the acute period of the disease (p = 1.7454). No statistically significant correlation was found between the acute (p = 0.359) and post-acute (p = 0.146) periods and the risk of pulmonary fibrosis. Also, no significant relationship was detected between the use of respiratory support and recorded pulmonary fibrosis in the acute (p = 0.238) and post-acute (p = 0.302) periods. It was found that the histopathological signs of hemorrhages in the lungs are the same in both periods compared to the small vein thrombosis whose risk in the acute period is significantly higher than in the post-acute one (p = 0.05). The risk of bacterial co-infection in the acute period of the disease is significantly lower than the probability of its absence (p = 0.001). The risk of a fatal outcome in the acute period of the disease among men is significantly higher than among women (p = 0.05), while in the post-acute period, there is no statistically significant dependence on gender.
The Elderly Knowledge Improvement of Balanced Nutrition in Patangpuluhan, Yogyakarta
Authors: Widyaningrum Rachmawati
Published: September 2023

Background Elderly is a vulnerable group to body function impairment and diseases. Although these conditions are considered a normal result of the aging process, the elderly's health level should be maintained. The application of balanced diet principles is one of the ways to reduce the risk and improves the health quality of the elderly. In this regard, the education program about balanced diet principles to enhance the group's knowledge is essential to support a healthier lifestyle for the elderly.Objective. This education program aimed to improve the elderly group's knowledge in this area of balanced nutrition to maintain the elderly health state. Results. There were 30 participants, with majority of the participants was women (90%). The results of pre and post-test show that there was 17 points increment in participants' knowledge (21%) compared to the pre-test score. Question topics that got the two highest score improvements were the duration of psychical activity and the purine-contains food groups (21,7 points). Conclusion This education program could raise elderly knowledge of balanced nutrition and this kind of program is recommended to be applied on a regular basis based on the elderly need for health and nutrition-related information. The male elderly also has to be encouraged to actively involves in the community-based education to improve their knowledge of elderly health.
Pregnancy-related Complications in Relation with Delivery Complication in Urban Public Health Center in 2019-2020: an Analytic Comparative Study
Authors: Haq Abiyyu Didar , Warnaini Cut , Jumsa Muhammad Rizkinov , Irawati Deasy
Published: September 2023

With a huge gap of knowledge and understanding created by the current pandemic especially in regards to maternal health, this research aimed to compare and analyze the correlation between pregnancy-related complication with delivery complication in an urban public health center before and during the pandemic. This is an analytic comparative study utilizing retrospective cohort approach. Medical records of pregnant women during 2019-2020 were obtained from Pagesangan public health center with approved ethics from Mataram University and related government agencies. Collected data were then analyzed for each year and then compared between 2019 and 2020 to see if there any significant differences between maternal health before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Medical records of 653 pregnant women were collected in this study. 22 of 311 and 27 of 342 pregnancy-related complications were recorded in 2019 and 2020, respectively. While 68 of 311 and 70 of 342 delivery complications were recoded in 2019 and 2020, respectively. Analysis was done to obtain the relative risk (RR) of each year and then we compared the obtained RR of both year. In 2019, the RR of pregnany-related complication to delivery complication was 0,398 (95% CI 0,104-1,518) while in 2020 the obtained RR was 0,522 (95% CI 0,176-1,550). Pregnancy-related complications were not the risk factor of delivery complications in both year. However, a significant correlation was found between maternal age and pregnancy-related complication in 2020 while in 2019, gravidity was also found significantly related with delivery complications.
Buruh Gendong dan Kesejahteraan: Strategi Yasanti Melawan Patriarki di Kalangan Pekerja Informal di Yogyakarta
Authors: Friska Dianing Puspa Felisitas
Published: September 2023

Tulisan ini menganalisis upaya Yasanti, organisasi masyarakat sipil di Yogyakarta, dalam meningkatkan pemberdayaan guna mereduksi budaya patriarki pada kelompok buruh gendong perempuan Pasar Beringharjo dalam konteks pandemi. Artikel ini menjawab pertanyaan bagaimana pandemi menghantam perekonomian buruh gendong perempuan, dimana terdapat penurunan upah akibat penutupan pasar. Juga minimnya proteksi yang diperoleh pekerja informal. Kajian ini menjadi penting untuk melihat realita pekerja informal di masa pandemi, khususnya buruh gendong perempuan di Pasar Beringharjo yang menjadi pusat ekonomi pariwisata Yogyakarta. Pasalnya, buruh gendong merupakan kelompok pekerja informal yang tidak memiliki proteksi sosial seperti jaminan upah standar, kesehatan, dan hari tua. Hal ini menghadirkan permasalahan ekonomi yang memengaruhi kesejahteraan hidup buruh gendong perempuan. Para buruh gendong ini juga berperan ganda, yakni menjalankan peran ekonomi dan memegang tanggung jawab atas urusan domestik (dapur, sumur, kasur). Paguyuban buruh gendong yang diinisasi Yasanti menjadi penguat solidaritas untuk buruh gendong dalam menjaga kesejahteraan yang tidak didapat dari pemerintah. Pengkajian strategi Yasanti dilakukan menggunakan metode kualitatif dengan studi kasus untuk dapat memberi jawaban atas rumusan masalah. Penggalian data dilakukan melalui wawancara dan studi literatur. Namun, penelitian ini memiliki limitasi hanya berfokus pada situasi buruh gendong di masa pandemi. Maka, kajiantopik ini mampu menjadi pembuka bahasan secara lebih lanjut mengenaiperlindungan kerja untuk kesejahteraan hidup pekerja informal. Pun soalmanifestasi kesenjangan upah yang diperoleh kelompok buruh gendongPasar Beringharjo di Yogyakarta di masa pandemi yang memiliki implikasi pada keberlangsungan hidup kelompok tersebut.