bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic performance of a novel ultrasound-based quantitative method to assess liver steatosis in histologically identified nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Kang Kyung A , Lee Sung Ryol , Jun Dae Won , Do In-Gu , Kim Mi Sung
Published: February 2023

Aims: To investigate the diagnostic performance of ultrasound-guided attenuation parameter (UGAP) for the detection of hepatic steatosis in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) cohorts using histopathology as the reference standard andcomparing it with that of various imaging modalities.Materials and methods: A total of 87 subjects who underwent UGAP, controlled attenuation parameter (CAP), and magnetic resonance imaging-based proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF) between December, 2020 and January, 2022 were enrolled. Of these patients, 38 patients had NAFLD. The association between UGAP and clinical and imaging parameters was assessed using Pearson’s or Spearman’s correlations. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was used to evaluate the diagnostic performance.Results: The UGAP and MRI-logPDFF demonstrated strong positive correlations (correlation coefficient= 0.704, P <0.0001). UGAP showed excellent diagnostic performance for distinguishing steatosis grade ≥1 with an AUROC of 0.821 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.729–0.913), which was comparable to that of MRI-PDFF (0.829, 95%CI, 0.723–0.936). The AUROCs of BUSG (B-mode ultrasonography) (0.766, 95% CI, 0.767–0.856) and CAP (0.788, 95% CI, 0.684–0.891) were slightly lower than those of UGAP. The AUROCs of UGAP, MRI-PDFF, CAP, and BUSG for detecting steatosis grade ≥2 were 0.796 (95% CI, 0.616–0.975), 0.971 (95% CI, 0.936–1.000), 0.726 (95% CI, 0.561–0.891) and 0.774 (95% CI, 0.612–0.936), respectively.Conclusion: UGAP may be a valuable potential screening tool as a first-line assessment of liver steatosis in patients with NAFLD.
Interpretable deep dictionary learning for sound speed profiles with uncertainties
Authors: Hua Xinyun , Cheng Lei , Zhang Ting , Li Jianlong
Published: February 2023

Uncertainties abound in sound speed profiles (SSPs) measured/estimated by modern ocean observing systems, which impede the knowledge acquisition and downstream underwater applications. To reduce the SSP uncertainties and draw insights into specific ocean processes, an interpretable deep dictionary learning model is proposed to cater for uncertain SSP processing. In particular, two kinds of SSP uncertainties are considered: measurement errors, which generally exist in the form of Gaussian noises; and the disturbances/anomalies caused by potential ocean dynamics, which occur at some specific depths and durations. To learn the generative patterns of these uncertainties while maintaining the interpretability of the resulting deep model, the adopted scheme first unrolls the classical K-singular value decomposition algorithm into a neural network, and trains this neural network in a supervised learning manner. The training data and model initializations are judiciously designed to incorporate the environmental properties of ocean SSPs. Experimental results demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed method over the classical baseline in mitigating noise corruptions, detecting, and localizing SSP disturbances/anomalies.
Machine learning aided near-field acoustic holography based on equivalent source method
Authors: Chaitanya S. K. , Sriraman Siddharth , Srinivasan Srinath , Srinivasan K.
Published: February 2023

In recent times, equivalent source method-based near-field acoustic holography methods have been extensively applied in sound source localization and characterization. The most commonly used equivalent sources are spherical harmonics. In a non-reverberant environment with no reflections, these equivalent sources could be the best choice since spherical harmonics are derived for the Sommerfeld boundary condition. However, these methods are not the best fit for reverberating environments. In such cases, a new relationship can be calculated between the field weights and the measured pressure with enough training examples. The proposed machine learning models include linear regression (LR) with adaptive moment estimation (Adam), LR with limited-memory Broyden–Fletcher–Goldfarb–Shanno (L-BFGS), and multi-layer perceptron with one and two hidden layers. These methods are tested for multiple monopoles and vibrating plate simulations in a room with different wall absorption coefficients. The data-driven methods are also studied on loudspeakers numerically and experimentally in a free field environment. The results from these methods are compared with the results of one norm convex optimization (L1CVX). LR with L-BFGS performed the best among all the methods studied and performed better than L1CVX for less absorption coefficient for geometrically separable sources. LR with L-BFGS also has much faster inference times.
Latencies of click-evoked auditory responses in a harbor porpoise exceed the time interval between subsequent echolocation clicks
Authors: Beedholm K. , Ladegaard M. , Madsen P. T. , Tyack P. L.
Published: February 2023

Most auditory evoked potential (AEP) studies in echolocating toothed whales measure neural responses to outgoing clicks and returning echoes using short-latency auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) arising a few ms after acoustic stimuli. However, little is known about longer-latency cortical AEPs despite their relevance for understanding echo processing and auditory stream segregation. Here, we used a non-invasive AEP setup with low click repetition rates on a trained harbor porpoise to test the long-standing hypothesis that echo information from distant targets is completely processed before the next click is emitted. We reject this hypothesis by finding reliable click-related AEP peaks with latencies of 90 and 160 ms, which are longer than 99% of click intervals used by echolocating porpoises, demonstrating that some higher-order echo processing continues well after the next click emission even during slow clicking. We propose that some of the echo information, such as range to evasive prey, is used to guide vocal-motor responses within 50–100 ms, but that information used for discrimination and auditory scene analysis is processed more slowly, integrating information over many click-echo pairs. We conclude by showing theoretically that the identified long-latency AEPs may enable hearing sensitivity measurements at frequencies ten times lower than current ABR methods.
The Antiviral Activity of Equine Mx1 against Thogoto Virus Is Determined by the Molecular Structure of Its Viral Specificity Region
Authors: Wagner Valentina , Sabachvili Mahana , Bendl Elias , Fuchs Jonas , Kochs Georg
Published: February 2023

Most mammals encode two paralogs of the interferon-induced Mx proteins: Mx1, with antiviral activity largely against RNA viruses, like orthomyxoviruses and bunyaviruses; and Mx2, which is antivirally active against HIV-1 and herpesviruses. The human Mx1 protein, also called huMxA, is the best-characterized example of mammalian Mx1 proteins and was recently shown to prevent zoonotic virus transmissions.
The ER Protein Translocation Channel Subunit Sbh1 Controls Virulence of Cryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Santiago-Tirado Felipe H. , Hurtaux Thomas , Geddes-McAlister Jennifer , Nguyen Duy , Helms Volkhard , Doering Tamara L. , Römisch Karin
Published: February 2023

Cryptococcus neoformans
is a yeast that causes almost 200,000 deaths worldwide each year, mainly of immunocompromised individuals. The surface structures of this pathogen, a protective cell wall surrounded by a polysaccharide capsule, are made and maintained by proteins that are synthesized inside the cell and travel outwards through the secretory pathway.
Role of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis ESX-4 Secretion System in Heme Iron Utilization and Pore Formation by PPE Proteins
Authors: Sankey November , Merrick Haley , Singh Padam , Rogers Janet , Reddi Amit , Hartson Steven D. , Mitra Avishek
Published: February 2023

M. tuberculosis
(
Mtb
) is completely dependent on iron acquisition in the host to cause disease. The largest source of iron for
Mtb
in the human host is heme.
Inclination and heterogeneity of layered geological sequences influence dike-induced ground deformation
Authors: Clunes Matías , Browning John , Marquardt Carlos , Cortez Jorge , Drymoni Kyriaki , Kavanagh Janine
Published: February 2023

Constraints on the amount and pattern of ground deformation induced by dike emplacement are important for assessing potential eruptions. The vast majority of ground deformation inversions made for volcano monitoring during volcanic unrest assume that dikes are emplaced in either an elastic half-space (a homogeneous crust) or a crust made of horizontal layers with different mechanical properties. We extend these models by designing a novel set of two-dimensional finite-element method numerical simulations that consider dike-induced surface deformation related to a mechanically heterogeneous crust with inclined layers, thus modeling a common geometry in stratovolcanoes and crustal segments that have been folded by tectonic forces. Our results confirm that layer inclination can produce localized ground deformation that may be as much as 40× higher in terms of deformation magnitude than would be expected in a non-layered model, depending on the angle of inclination and the stiffness of the rock units that host and are adjacent to the dike. Generated asymmetrical deformation patterns produce deformation peaks located as much as 1.4 km away from those expected in non-layered models. These results highlight the necessity of accurately quantifying both the mechanical properties and attitude of the geology underlying active volcanoes.
Comparison of antipsychotic dose equivalents for acute bipolar mania and schizophrenia
Authors: Yu Chia-Ling , Carvalho Andre F , Thompson Trevor , Tsai Tzu-Cheng , Tseng Ping-Tao , Hsu Chih-Wei , Hsu Tien-Wei , Liang Chih-Sung
Published: February 2023

Question

Are antipsychotic dose equivalents between acute mania and schizophrenia the same?

Study selection and analysis

Six databases were systematically searched (from inception to 17 September 2022) to identify blinded randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that used a flexible-dose oral antipsychotic drug for patients with acute mania. The mean and SD of the effective dose and the pre–post changes in manic symptoms were extracted. A network meta-analysis (NMA) under a frequentist framework was performed to examine the comparative efficacy between the antipsychotics. A classic mean dose method (sample size weighted) was used to calculate each antipsychotic dose equivalent to 1 mg/day olanzapine for acute mania. The antipsychotic dose equivalents of acute mania were compared with published data for schizophrenia.

Findings

We included 42 RCTs which enrolled 11 396 participants with acute mania. The NMA showed that risperidone was superior to olanzapine (reported standardised mean difference: −022, 95% CI −0.41 to –0.02), while brexpiprazole was inferior to olanzapine (standardised mean difference: 0.36, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.64). The dose equivalents to olanzapine (with SD) were 0.68 (0.23) for haloperidol, 0.32 (0.07) for risperidone, 0.60 (0.11) for paliperidone, 8.00 (1.41) for ziprasidone, 41.46 (5.98) for quetiapine, 1.65 (0.32) for aripiprazole, 1.23 (0.20) for asenapine, 0.53 (0.14) for cariprazine and 0.22 (0.03) for brexpiprazole. Compared with the olanzapine dose equivalents for schizophrenia, those of acute mania were higher for quetiapine (p<0.001, 28.5%) and aripiprazole (p<0.001, 17.0%), but lower for haloperidol (p<0.001, –8.1%) and risperidone (p<0.001, –15.8%).

Conclusions

Antipsychotic drugs have been considered first-line treatment for acute mania, warranting specific dose equivalence for scientific and clinical purposes.
Health and economic burden of disease of sugar-sweetened beverage consumption in four Latin American and Caribbean countries: a modelling study
Authors: Alcaraz Andrea , Bardach Ariel Esteban , Espinola Natalia , Perelli Lucas , Rodriguez Cairoli Federico , La Foucade Althea , de Mello Vianna Cid Manso , Guevara Giovanni , Gittens-Baynes Kimberly-Ann , Johns Paula , Beharry Vyjanti , Balán Darío Javier , Palacios Alfredo , Augustovski Federico , Pichon-Riviere Andres
Published: February 2023

Objective

Overweight and obesity are important contributors to the non-communicable disease burden. The consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) has been associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), cardiovascular disease, cancer and other conditions. The objective of this study was to estimate the burden of disease attributable to the consumption of SSBs and the costs to the healthcare systems in Argentina, Brazil, El Salvador, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Design

Following a systematic review of models, a comparative risk assessment framework was developed to estimate the health and economic impact associated with the consumption of SSBs.

Setting

Argentina, Brazil, El Salvador, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Participants

Overall population.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The model estimated the effects of SSB consumption on health through two causal pathways: one mediated by body mass index (BMI) and health conditions associated with BMI and another that reflected the independent effects of SSB consumption on T2DM and cardiovascular diseases.

Results

The model results indicated that for all four countries, in 1 year, SSB consumption was associated with 18 000 deaths (3.2% of the total disease-related deaths), seven million disease events (3.3% of the total disease-related events), a half-million DALYs and US$2 billion in direct medical costs. This included 1.5 million cases of overweight and obesity in children/adolescents (12% of the excess weight cases) and 2.8 million cases in adults (2.8%); 2.2 million cases of type 2 diabetes (19%); 200 000 cases of heart disease (3.8%); 124 000 strokes (3.9%); 116 000 cases of musculoskeletal disease (0.2%); 102 000 cases of kidney disease (0.9%); and 45 000 episodes of asthma (0.4%). The Trinidad and Tobago population were the most affected by disease events.

Conclusions

The study results indicate that the consumption of SSBs is associated with a significant burden of disease and death in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Project20: maternity care mechanisms that improve access and engagement for women with social risk factors in the UK – a mixed-methods, realist evaluation
Authors: Rayment-Jones Hannah , Dalrymple Kathryn , Harris James M , Harden Angela , Parslow Elidh , Georgi Thomas , Sandall Jane
Published: February 2023

Objectives

To evaluate how women access and engage with different models of maternity care, whether specialist models improve access and engagement for women with social risk factors, and if so, how?

Design

Realist evaluation.

Setting

Two UK maternity service providers.

Participants

Women accessing maternity services in 2019 (n=1020).

Methods

Prospective observational cohort with multinomial regression analysis to compare measures of access and engagement between models and place of antenatal care. Realist informed, longitudinal interviews with women accessing specialist models of care were analysed to identify mechanisms.

Main outcome measures

Measures of access and engagement, healthcare-seeking experiences.

Results

The number of social risk factors women were experiencing increased with deprivation score, with the most deprived more likely to receive a specialist model that provided continuity of care. Women attending hospital-based antenatal care were more likely to access maternity care late (risk ratio (RR) 2.51, 95% CI 1.33 to 4.70), less likely to have the recommended number of antenatal appointments (RR 0.61, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.99) and more likely to have over 15 appointments (RR 4.90, 95% CI 2.50 to 9.61) compared with community-based care. Women accessing standard care (RR 0.02, 95% CI 0.00 to 0.11) and black women (RR 0.02, 95% CI 0.00 to 0.11) were less likely to have appointments with a known healthcare professional compared with the specialist model. Qualitative data revealed mechanisms for improved access and engagement including self-referral, relational continuity with a small team of midwives, flexibility and situating services within deprived community settings.

Conclusion

Inequalities in access and engagement with maternity care appears to have been mitigated by the community-based specialist model that provided continuity of care. The findings enabled the refinement of a realist programme theory to inform those developing maternity services in line with current policy.
Explaining the UK’s ‘high-risk’ approach to type 2 diabetes prevention: findings from a qualitative interview study with policy-makers in England
Authors: Barry Eleanor , Greenhalgh Trisha , Shaw Sara , Papoutsi Chrysanthi
Published: February 2023

Objectives

When seeking to prevent type 2 diabetes, a balance must be struck between individual approaches (focusing on people’s behaviour ‘choices’) and population approaches (focusing on the environment in which those choices are made) to address the socioeconomic complexity of diabetes development. We sought to explore how this balance is negotiated in the accounts of policy-makers developing and enacting diabetes prevention policy.

Methods

Twelve semistructured interviews were undertaken with nine UK policy-makers between 2018–2021. We explored their perspectives on disease prevention strategies and what influenced policy decision-making. Interviews were transcribed and analysed thematically using NVIVO. We used Shiffman’s political priority framework to theorise why some diabetes prevention policy approaches gather political support while others do not.

Results

The distribution of power and funding among relevant actors, and the way they exerted their power determined the dominant approach in diabetes prevention policy. As a result of this distribution, policy-makers framed their accounts of diabetes prevention policies in terms of individual behaviour change, monitoring personal quantitative markers but with limited ability to effect population-level approaches. Such an approach aligns with the current prevailing neoliberal political context, which focuses on individual lifestyle choices to prevent disease rather than on infrastructure measures to improve the environments and contexts within which those choices are made.

Conclusion

Within new local and national policy structures, there is an opportunity for collaborative working among the National Health Service, local governments and public health teams to balance the focus on disease prevention, addressing upstream drivers of ill health as well as targeting individuals with the highest risk of diabetes.
Management and outcomes of myelomeningocele-associated hydrocephalus in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Takoutsing Berjo Dongmo , Yanez Touzet Alvaro , Park Jay J , Lee Seong Hoon , Bligh Emily R , Egiz Abdullah , Gillespie Conor S , Figaji Anthony
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Hydrocephalus and myelomeningocele (MMC) place disproportionate burdens of disease on low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). MMC-associated hydrocephalus and its sequelae result in a spectrum of severely devastating clinical manifestations, for which LMICs are disproportionately unprepared in terms of human, capital and technological resources. This study aims to review and compare the management and outcomes of infant MMC-associated hydrocephalus in LMICs and high-income countries.

Methods and analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines. The following databases will be searched without restrictions on language, publication date or country of origin: EMBASE, MEDLINE, The Cochrane Library, Global Index Medicus, African Journals Online and SciELO. All peer-reviewed studies of primary data reporting management and outcomes of infant MMC-associated hydrocephalus will be included. Where high-quality homogeneous studies exist, meta-analyses will be conducted to compare the management and outcomes of MMC-associated hydrocephalus across socioeconomic and geographical regions of the world. The primary outcome will be treatment failure of the first-line hydrocephalus treatment, which we defined operationally as the performance of a second intervention for the same reason as the first. Secondary outcomes include time to failure, rates of mortality and postoperative complications.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was not applicable because this study does not involve human participants. Dissemination strategies will include publication in a peer-reviewed journal, oral and poster presentations at conferences and an interactive web application to facilitate interaction with the findings and promote the discussion and sharing of findings on social media.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021285850.
Interventions to increase mammography screening uptake among women living in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review
Authors: Nduka Ifeoma Jovita , Ejie Izuchukwu Loveth , Okafor Charles Ebuka , Eleje George Uchenna , Ekwunife Obinna Ikechukwu
Published: February 2023

Objective

To systematically identify interventions that increase the use of mammography screening in women living in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Design

Systematic review.

Data sources

MEDLINE, Embase, Global Health, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Google Scholar and African regional databases.

Eligibility criteria

Studies conducted in LMICs, published between 1 January 1990 and 30 June 2021, in the English language. Studies whose population included asymptomatic women eligible for mammography screening. Studies with a reported outcome of using mammography by either self-report or medical records. No restrictions were set on the study design.

Data extraction and synthesis

Screening, data extraction and risk-of-bias assessment were conducted by two independent reviewers. A narrative synthesis of the included studies was conducted.

Results

Five studies met the inclusion criteria consisting of two randomised controlled trials, one quasi-experiment and two cross-sectional studies. All included studies employed client-oriented intervention strategies including one-on-one education, group education, mass and small media, reducing client out-of-pocket costs, reducing structural barriers, client reminders and engagement of community health workers (CHWs). Most studies used multicomponent interventions, resulting in increases in the rate of use of mammography than those that employed a single strategy.

Conclusion

Mass and small media, group education, reduction of economic and structural barriers, client reminders and engagement of CHWs can increase use of mammography among women in LMICs. Promoting the adoption of these interventions should be considered, especially the multicomponent interventions, which were significantly effective relative to a single strategy in increasing use of mammography.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021269556.
Randomised pragmatic waitlist trial with process evaluation investigating the effectiveness of peer support after brain injury: protocol
Authors: Kayes Nicola , Cummins Christine , Weatherall Mark , Smith Greta , Te Ao Braden , Elder Hinemoa , Fadyl Joanna Kirstin , Howard-Brown Christine , Foster Allison , Kersten Paula
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an important global health problem. Formal service provision fails to address the ongoing needs of people with TBI and their family in the context of a social and relational process of learning to live with and adapt to life after TBI. Our feasibility study reported peer support after TBI is acceptable to both mentors and mentees with reported benefits indicating a high potential for effectiveness and likelihood of improving outcomes for both mentees and their mentors.

Objectives

To (a) test the effectiveness of a peer support intervention for improving participation, health and well-being outcomes after TBI and (b) determine key process variables relating to intervention, context and implementation to underpin an evidence-based framework for ongoing service provision.

Methods and analysis

A randomised pragmatic waitlist trial with process evaluation. Mentee participants (n=46) will be included if they have moderate or severe TBI and are no more than 18 months post-injury. Mentor participants (n=18) will be people with TBI up to 6 years after injury, who were discharged from inpatient rehabilitation at least 1 year prior. The primary outcome will be mentee participation, measured using the Impact on Participation and Autonomy questionnaire after 22 weeks. Primary analysis of the continuous variables will be analysis of covariance with baseline measurement as a covariate and randomised treatment as the main explanatory predictor variable at 22 weeks. Process evaluation will include analysis of intervention-related data and qualitative data collected from mentors and service coordinators. Data synthesis will inform the development of a service framework for future implementation.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval has been obtained from the New Zealand Health and Disability Ethics Committee (19/NTB/82) and Auckland University of Technology Ethics Committee (19/345). Dissemination of findings will be via traditional academic routes including publication in internationally recognised peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12619001002178.
Individualised consent for endoscopy: update on the 2016 BSG guidelines
Authors: Burr Nicholas Ewin , Penman Ian D , Griffiths Helen , Axon Andrew , Everett Simon M
Published: February 2023

In 2016, the British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) published comprehensive guidelines for obtaining consent for endoscopic procedures. In November 2020, the General Medical Council (GMC) introduced updated guidelines on shared decision making and consent. These guidelines followed the Montgomery ruling in 2015, which changed the legal doctrine determining what information should be given to a patient before a medical intervention. The GMC guidance and Montgomery ruling expand on the role of shared decision making between the clinician and patient, explicitly highlighting the importance of understanding the values of the patient. In November 2021, the BSG President’s Bulletin highlighted the 2020 GMC guidance and the need to incorporate patient -related factors into decision making.

Here, we make formal recommendations in support of this communication, and update the 2016 BSG endoscopy consent guidelines. The BSG guideline refers to the Montgomery legislation, but this document expands on the findings and gives proposals for how to incorporate it into the consent process. The document is to accompany, not replace the recent GMC and BSG guidelines.

The recommendations are made in the understanding that there is not a single solution to the consent process, but that medical practitioners and services must work together to ensure that the principles and recommendations laid out below are deliverable at a local level. The 2020 GMC and 2016 BSG guidance had patient representatives involved throughout the process. Further patient involvement was not sought here as this update is to give practical advice on how to incorporate these guidelines into clinical practice and the consent process. This document should be read by endoscopists and referrers from primary and secondary care.
Impact of pre-existing left atrial appendage occluder on catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Chen Jien-Jiun , Chiu Fu-Chun , Chang Sheng-Nan , Cheng Hsiao-Liang , Huang Pang-shuo , Wu Cho-Kai , Wang Yi-Chih , Hwang Juey-Jen , Tsai Chia-Ti
Published: February 2023

Background

Patients with drug-refractory atrial fibrillation (AF) and pre-existing left atrial appendage occluder (LAAO) device may need pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). In this pioneer study, we investigated the impact of pre-existing LAAO on AF substrates and outcomes of PVI.

Methods

From our AF registry, 65 drug-refractory patients with LAAO (72.1±11.4 years old; CHA2DS2-VASc score 3.7±2.1) were included for PVI. A balanced control group with 124 patients without LAAO receiving PVI (70.9±10.2 years old, CHA2DS2-VASc 3.6±1.9) were included for comparison.

Results

We found PVI is feasible in patients with AF with pre-existing LAAO without new peridevice leak. Two patients with LAAO and one without LAAO had stroke during the procedure (2/65 vs 1/124, p=0.272). Complete isolation of left-sided PVs might not be achieved if the device covered the ridge joining the left atrial (LA) appendage to the body of LA. Local electrogram could be detected over LAAO and there was propagation of conduction over the occluder either under sinus rhythm or under atrial arrhythmia. LAAO might modulate LA substrate and induce peridevice fibrosis, peridevice LA flutter and complex fractionate atrial electrogram. The AF recurrent rate at 1 year was similar between the two groups (9.2% vs 8.8%).

Conclusions

This pioneer study first showed impacts of LAAO on LA substrate and PVI procedure.
Associations of high-normal blood pressure and impaired fasting glucose with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Kim Juntae , Kim Dongmin , Jang Eunsun , Kim Daehoon , You Seng Chan , Yu Hee Tae , Lee Myung-Yong , Lip Gregory , Yang Pil-Sung , Joung Boyoung
Published: February 2023

Objective

To investigate the association of high-normal blood pressure (BP) and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) with the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) in two cohorts.

Methods

The Korean National Health Insurance Service-Health Screening (K-NHIS-HealS, 2002–2003, follow-up until 2013) Study and the UK Biobank (2007–2010, follow-up until 2021) were evaluated. We used Cox proportional hazards regression models to evaluate the associations of high-normal BP and IFG with incident AF.

Results

In the K-NHIS-HealS and the UK Biobank, 2346 and 5314 incident AF events were recorded during the mean follow-up of 7.4 and 11.8 years. The adjusted HRs (95% CIs) for AF in the Korean and UK cohorts were 1.11 (1.02 to 1.21) and 1.07 (1.01 to 1.13) in individuals with high-normal BP; and 1.14 (1.04 to 1.25) and 1.10 (1.01 to 1.20) in individuals with IFG, respectively. The AF risk showed a dose–response relationship with BP and fasting blood glucose level. The risk of incident AF was increased by the combination of high-normal BP and IFG.

Conclusions

In healthy individuals, high-normal BP and IFG were important risk factors for AF. When high-normal BP and IFG were combined, the risk of new-onset AF was significantly increased. These findings may suggest that lifestyle interventions for high-normal BP and IFG should be considered to reduce the risk of AF.
Frostbite: a systematic review on freezing cold injuries in a military environment
Authors: van Dongen T T C F , Berendsen R R , de Jong F J M , Endert E L , van Hulst R A , Hoencamp R
Published: February 2023

Background

Military practice or deployment in extreme conditions includes risks, dangers and rare disorders. One of the challenges is frostbite; however, current literature does not provide an overview of this condition in a military context. This review aims to map the incidence, risk factors and outcome of frostbite in military casualties in the armed forces.

Methods

A systematic literature search on frostbite (freezing cold injuries) in military settings from 1995 to the present was performed. A critical appraisal of the included articles was conducted. Data on incidence, risk factors, treatment and outcome were extracted.

Results

Fourteen studies were included in our systematic review. Most studies of frostbite in a military setting were published nearly half a century ago. Frostbite incidence has declined from 7% to around 1% in armed forces in arctic regions but could be as high as 20% in small-scale arctic manoeuvres. Overall and military-specific risk factors for contracting frostbite were identified.

Conclusion

During inevitable arctic manoeuvres, frostbite is a frequently diagnosed injury in service members. Postfreezing symptoms often persist after severe frostbite injury, which decreases employability within the service. Over time, military practice has changed considerably, and modern protective materials have been introduced; therefore, re-evaluation and future study in the military field are appropriate, preferably with other North Atlantic Treaty Organization partners.
Modifiable risk factors for permanent pacemaker after transcatheter aortic valve implantation: CONDUCT registry
Authors: Rudolph Tanja , Droppa Michal , Baan Jan , Nielsen Niels-Erik , Baranowski Jacek , Hachaturyan Violetta , Kurucova Jana , Hack Luis , Bramlage Peter , Geisler Tobias
Published: February 2023

Objective

The onset of new conduction abnormalities requiring permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is still a relevant adverse event. The main objective of this registry was to identify modifiable procedural risk factors for an improved outcome (lower rate of PPI) after TAVI in patients at high risk of PPI.

Methods

Patients from four European centres receiving a balloon-expandable TAVI (Edwards SAPIEN 3/3 Ultra) and considered at high risk of PPI (pre-existing conduction disturbance, heavily calcified left ventricular outflow tract or short membranous septum) were prospectively enrolled into registry.

Results

A total of 300 patients were included: 42 (14.0%) required PPI after TAVI and 258 (86.0%) did not. Patients with PPI had a longer intensive care unit plus intermediate care stay (65.7 vs 16.3 hours, p<0.001), general ward care stay (6.9 vs 5.3 days, p=0.004) and later discharge (8.6 vs 5.0 days, p<0.001). Of the baseline variables, only pre-existing right bundle branch block at baseline (OR 6.8, 95% CI 2.5 to 18.1) was significantly associated with PPI in the multivariable analysis. Among procedure-related variables, oversizing had the highest impact on the rate of PPI: higher than manufacturer-recommended sizing, mean area oversizing as well as the use of the 29 mm valve (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.4 to 8.5, p=0.008) all were significantly associated with PPI. Rates were higher with the SAPIEN 3 (16.1%) vs SAPIEN 3 Ultra (8.5%), although not statistically significant but potentially associated with valve sizing. Implantation depth and postdelivery balloon dilatation also tended to affect PPI rates but without a statistical significance.

Conclusion

Valve oversizing is a strong procedure-related risk factor for PPI following TAVI. The clinical impact of the valve type (SAPIEN 3), implantation depth, and postdelivery balloon dilatation did not reach significance and may reflect already refined procedures in the participating centres, giving attention to these avoidable risk factors.

Trial registration number

NCT03497611.
Modified thoracoabdominal nerve block through perichondrial approach (M-TAPA): an anatomical study to evaluate the spread of dye after a simulated injection in soft embalmed Thiel cadavers
Authors: Sawada Atsushi , Kumita Sho , Nitta Asako , Ohsaki Yuki , Yamakage Michiaki
Published: February 2023

Background and objectives

There is still no consensus on the analgesic range and mechanisms of action of modified thoracoabdominal nerve block through perichondrial approach (M-TAPA). This cadaveric study aimed to determine the spread of an injectate following simulated M-TAPA.

Methods

Simulated M-TAPA injections (n=8) were administered on both sides of soft embalmed Thiel cadavers with 25 mL of a saline-soluble dye. Anatomic dissection was performed to document staining (deeply, faintly, or not stained) of the anterior cutaneous branches of the thoracoabdominal nerves and determine the extent of the injectate spread of the dye to the intercostal space in the thoracic cage following a simulated M-TAPA.

Results

The median (IQR) dermatome of the stained segmental nerve was T10 (T8–T11) and the median (IQR) number of stained segmental nerves was 3 (4–2). The T9, T10 and T11 segmental nerves were stained in 75%, 100% and 62.5% of simulated M-TAPA, respectively. Conversely, the T8 segmental nerve was stained in only 25% of simulated M-TAPA. No injectate spread of dye to the intercostal space in the thoracic cage was observed in eight simulated injections of M-TAPA.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that M-TAPA most likely involves the T9, T10 and T11 segmental nerves and that the local anesthetic may not spread to the intercostal space in the thoracic cage in M-TAPA. Further studies are required to confirm the precise mechanism of action and efficacy of M-TAPA in a large sample of human participants.
Promotion of Trade and Investment between People’s Republic of China and India: Toward a Regional Perspective
Authors: Bhattacharyay Biswa N. , De Prabir
Published: February 2023

Open regionalism and integration between the world’s two largest developing countries, People’s Republic of China (PRC) and India, in trade, investment and infrastructure can foster outward-oriented development, and economic and social benefits that could result in poverty reduction. In view of the increasing trend of regional integration, particularly the expanded European Union and North American integration, the opportunity costs of not moving toward greater economic integration between neighboring countries the PRC and India, which have much in common, could be increasing. This paper discusses the possible areas of PRC−India economic cooperation and economic integration between the northeastern region of India and southwestern provinces of the PRC.
Export or Domestic-led Growth in Asia?
Authors: Felipe Jesus , Lim Joseph Anthony
Published: February 2023

In recent years, some developing Asian countries claim to have started shifting emphasis from export-led to domestic demand-led growth policies with a view to achieving a more balanced growth strategy. This paper evaluates empirically how far this shift has gone. The evaluation—based on an analysis of five countries—finds no evidence that the period 1993–2003 has been marked by such a shift. It also finds that periods of expansionary domestic demand and deteriorating net exports signaled an ensuing crisis. This should serve in the future as an early warning system.
A comparative analysis of ZnCdTe and ZnCdTeO semiconductor alloys as competent materials for optoelectronic applications
Authors: Mandal Supantha , Pal Partha P. , Pradhan Buddhadev
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we report the comparative study of some parameters of II–VI ternary alloy ZnCdTe and II–VI–O dilute oxide ZnCdTeO. The purpose of this comparative study is to establish both the ternary and quaternary alloys as superior materials for optoelectronic and solar cell applications in which the quaternary materials show more superiority than the ternary material. In this purpose, we take the data from the experiments previously done and published in renowned journals and books. The parameters of these alloys are mainly being calculated using Vegard’s law and interpolation method of those collected data. It was certainly demonstrated that the incorporation of O atoms produces a high bandgap ([Formula: see text]) reduction in host ZnCdTe (Zn[Formula: see text]CdxTe) in comparison to the bandgap reduction in host ZnTe material with Cd incorporation. The bandgap of ZnCdTeO (Zn[Formula: see text]CdxTe[Formula: see text]Oy) was found to be reduced to 1.1357 at [Formula: see text] and the spin–orbit splitting energy ([Formula: see text]) value of ZnCdTeO was calculated to be 1.175[Formula: see text]eV for Cd concentration of 0.5[Formula: see text]mole and O concentration of 0.1[Formula: see text]mole both of which showed excellent results with the prospect of optoelectronic and solar cell applications. The constant rise in the spin–orbit curve signifies a very less internal carrier recombination which decreases the leakage current and augments the efficiency of solar cell. The lattice constants and strain calculation values give very good results and confirm the stability of the materials. Besides, the calculated band offsets values show that for ZnCdTeO, there is higher bandgap reduction than that of ZnCdTe. Moreover, ZnCdTeO covers a wide range of wavelength in the visible region starting from violet region at 393[Formula: see text]nm upto red region at 601[Formula: see text]nm. Both ZnCdTe and ZnCdTeO are found to have excellent applications in optoelectronic and solar cell devices though quaternary ZnCdTeO proves much supremacy over ternary ZnCdTe in all aspects of the properties.
CALCULATING JULIA FRACTAL SETS IN ANY EMBEDDING DIMENSION
Authors: FARIELLO RICARDO , BOURKE PAUL , LOPES JOÃO P.
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we compute and display hyperdimensional Julia sets using a multiplication operator that can be applied to any embedding dimension. Special attention is given to five-dimensional (5D) Julia sets, which are visualized in 3D through a voxel-based representation and volumetric ray casting rendering.
Improved Congestion Control in Wireless Sensor Networks Using Clustering with Metaheuristic Approach
Authors: Patil Kavita K. , Senthil Kumaran T. , Prasad A. Y.
Published: February 2023

The wireless sensor network (WSN) assists an extensive range of sensor nodes and enables several real-time uses. Congestion on the WSN is based on high pocket traffic and low wireless communication capabilities under network topology. Highly loaded nodes will consume power quickly and increase the risk of the network going offline or breaking. Additionally, loss of packet and buffer overflows would result in an outcome of increased end-to-end delay, performance deterioration of heavily loaded nodes, and transport communication loss. In this paper, a novel congestion control system is proposed to diminish the congestion on network and to enhance the throughput of the network. Initially, cluster head (CH) selection is achieved by exhausting K-means clustering algorithm. After the selection of cluster head, an efficient approach for congestion management is designed to select adaptive path by using Adaptive packet rate reduction (APTR) algorithm. Finally, Ant colony optimization (ACO) is utilized for enhancement of wireless sensor network throughput. The objective function increases the wireless sensor network throughput by decreasing the congestion on network. The proposed system is simulated with (Network Simulator NS-2). The proposed K-means C-ACO-ICC-WSN attains higher throughput 99.56%, 95.62% and 93.33%, lower delay 4.16%, 2.12% and 3.11% and minimum congestion level 1.19%, 2.33% and 5.16% and the proposed method is likened with the existing systems as Fuzzy-enabled congestion control through cross layer protocol exploiting OABC on WSN (FC-OABC-CC-WSN), Optimized fuzzy clustering at wireless sensor networks with improved squirrel search algorithm (FLC-ISSA-CC-WSN) and novel energy-aware clustering process through lion pride optimizer (LPO) and fuzzy logic on wireless sensor networks (EAC-LPO-CC-WSN), respectively. Finally, the simulation consequences demonstrate that proposed system may be capable of minimizing that congestion level and improving the throughput of the network.
InOx Doped SnO2 Nanostructure Deposited on MEMS Device by PE-ALD Process for Detection of NO2
Authors: Shi Zhong-Hong , Hsiao Yu-Jen , Wang Sheng-Chang , Tien Wei-Chen
Published: February 2023

The micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) method makes the gas sensing element. The sensing layer uses RF Sputter and plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PE-ALD) technology to deposit indium oxide (InOx) thin films on Tin oxide (SnO2) to form an n-n type double-layer structure. The results show that the response of SnO2-InOx and monolayer SnO2 is 153% and 55%, respectively, which is an improvement of 98% under exposure to 0.6 ppm NO2, and the sensor can obtain the best sensing at 200 °C (∼14 mW). In response, the lowest NO2 concentration was 0.2 ppm, and the selectivity test was carried out with four other gases, such as SO2, H2, CO, and NH3, and the test results showed the specificity for NO2.
Passivation of Ni-Cr and Ni-Cr-Mo Alloys in Low and High pH Sulfate Solutions
Authors: Lutton Katie , Han Junsoo , Ha Hung M. , Sur Debashish , Romanovskaia Elena , Scully John R.
Published: February 2023

The kinetics of passive oxide film formation, its thickening, and composition on Ni-22Cr and Ni-22Cr-6Mo wt% alloys were investigated at selected anodic potentials. Experiments were performed in acidic and alkaline sulfate environments using a number of characterization techniques including a combination of potentiodynamic polarization, on-line atomic emission spectro-electrochemistry (AESEC), in situ potentiostatic passive film growth, along with in situ neutron reflectometry (NR) and ex situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The roles of solution pH and Mo on the passivation behavior were discussed in terms of thermodynamic and kinetic factors governing passivation. The pH was found to have an impact on the relative chemical compositions of passive film of the Ni-22Cr alloy but not noticeably for the Ni-22Cr-6Mo alloy. Ni-rich films formed early during the passivation process while Cr(III) enrichment was observed at longer times, albeit less extensively than observed previously in Cl− solutions. The fraction of Cr(III) cations also increased with alloying of Mo at low and high pH demonstrating a strong effect of Mo on Cr(III) content during aqueous passivation in Ni based superalloys, however, a larger effect is seen in Cl−. This is a noteworthy finding as Mo is usually assumed to mainly influence pit and crevice stabilization.
Connecting clinical, environmental, and genetic factors point to an essential role for vitamin A signaling in the pathogenesis of congenital diaphragmatic hernia
Authors: Gilbert Rachel M. , Gleghorn Jason P.
Published: February 2023

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a developmental disorder that results in incomplete diaphragm formation, pulmonary hypoplasia, and pulmonary hypertension. Although a variety of genes have been linked to its etiology, CDH is not a monogenetic disease, and the cause of the condition is still unclear in the vast majority of clinical cases. By comparing human clinical data and experimental rodent data from the literature, we present clear support demonstrating the importance of vitamin A (vitA) during the early window of pregnancy when the diaphragm and lung are forming. Alteration of vitA signaling via dietary and genetic perturbations can create diaphragmatic defects. Unfortunately, vitA deficiency is chronic among people of child-bearing age, and this early window of diaphragm development occurs before many might be aware of pregnancy. Furthermore, there is an increased demand for vitA during this critical period, which exacerbates the likelihood of deficiency. It would be beneficial for the field to further investigate the connections between maternal vitA and CDH incidence, with the goal of determining vitA status as a CDH risk factor. Regular clinical monitoring of vitA levels in child-bearing years is a tractable method by which CDH outcomes could be prevented or improved.
Publishing particulars: Part 1. The big picture
Authors: Seals Douglas R.
Published: February 2023

In Part 1 of this Perspective on Publishing Particulars, I share my thoughts on several key issues related to publishing in academic biomedical research for early-career stage investigators. Among the topics discussed are the importance of publishing peer-reviewed manuscripts, considerations associated with different types of publications, how frequently you should publish, how to select a scientific journal for your manuscript, and navigating authorship questions, including who should be an author, authorship order, and who should write a manuscript. The goal of this first part of the Perspective is to lay a “foundation” of basic knowledge on the publication process from which to discuss more specific aspects of manuscript development in Parts 2 and 3.