bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preconditioned block Kaczmarz methods for linear equations with an application to computed tomography
Authors: Liu Duo , Wang Wenli , Qu Gangrong 
Published: February 2025

Background Preconditioned Kaczmarz methods play a pivotal role in image reconstruction. A fundamental theoretical question lies in establishing the convergence conditions for these methods. Practically, devising an efficient block strategy to accelerate the reconstruction process is also critical. Objective This paper aims to introduce the convergence conditions for the preconditioned Kaczmarz methods and design the block strategy with corresponding preconditioners for these methods in computed tomography (CT). Methods We establish a kind of useful convergence conditions for the preconditioned block Kaczmarz methods and prove the dependence of the convergence limit on the initial guess. Tailored for the CT problem, we also propose a new method with a novel block strategy and specific preconditioners, which ensure accelerated convergence. Results Numerical experiments with the Shepp-Logan phantom and a real chest CT image demonstrate that our proposed block strategy and preconditioners effectively accelerate the reconstruction process by the preconditioned block Kaczmarz methods while maintaining satisfactory image quality. Conclusions Our proposed method, which incorporates the designed block strategy and specific preconditioners, has superior performance compared to the traditional Landweber iteration and the block Kaczmarz iteration without preconditioners.
Optimization design of the impeller structure for a micro centrifugal pump based on pressure pulsation and shear stress analysis
Authors: Dong Xiaolan , Liu Yang 
Published: February 2025

Micro centrifugal pumps are commonly used in the medical field for transporting drugs or blood, etc. Due to the particularity of fluid media, irregular flow is often generated inside the pump resulting in over-high pressure pulsation and shear stress, which will eventually cause damage to the medium. In this paper, the internal flow field of a micro centrifugal pump was investigated through both visualization experiments and numerical simulations. When the main structure parameters of the impeller were selected as optimization variables, with pressure pulsation and shear stress as optimization objectives, a combination numerical simulation solution of BP neural network and genetic algorithm was employed to optimize the objectives respectively. The results indicate that the BP neural network model and genetic algorithm have high accuracy and can be used to predict the performance of micro centrifugal pumps. After optimization, the pressure pulsation strength coefficient of the monitoring point near the volute tongue is reduced by 40%. The internal flow of the micro centrifugal pump becomes more stable. The maximum shear stress of the impeller is declined by 42% and 28% in the volute. The research is of great significance to improve the stability and efficiency of micro centrifugal pumps.
Sleep disturbances in autistic children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Vargas Cristina , Paoletti Daniela , De Stasio Simona , Berenguer Carmen 
Published: February 2025

Sleep disturbances are one of the most common comorbidities in autistic children and adolescence. Considering the impact of sleep disorders on development and daily functioning, it is important to know which treatments are considered effective in literature. This systematic review and meta-analysis study specifically aimed to investigate the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions for the treatment of sleep disorders in autistic children and adolescents without intellectual disability. Search across PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science were identified 11 randomized controlled trial studies published between 2012 and 2024 that met the inclusion criteria. The results indicate that the interventions considered (Behavioral/psychological, Physical activity, and Somatosensory sleep interventions) significantly improve sleep parameters in this population ( p < 0.05). Objective data from actigraphy show an increase in total sleep time and sleep efficiency and a reduction in sleep onset latency. The results also show an improvement in sleep quality assessed through the Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire filled out by parents. This study is one of the first to examine through a meta-analysis the positive impact of non-pharmacological therapies in the treatment of sleep disorders in autistic children and adolescents without intellectual disability. Alternative treatments are essential, particularly for those who are intolerant to medication, as it allows clinicians to provide effective interventions tailored to this population. Lay Abstract Sleep disorders are common in people on the autistic spectrum and can affect their development, daily function, and overall well-being. This study examined the effectiveness of non-pharmacological intervention to improve sleep in autistic children and adolescents without intellectual disability. We considered 11 studies of non-pharmacological treatments for autistic children and adolescents. The results indicate that these interventions help to improve several sleep parameters, either by increasing, for example, the total time and quality of sleep, or by reducing the time needed for falling asleep. These approaches offer important treatment options especially for those cases where medication is not feasible, allowing physicians and specialists to propose more targeted and safer solutions for managing sleep difficulties in this population.
Clinical application of subharmonic aided pressure estimation (SHAPE) in the assessment of portal hypertension in patients with decompensated cirrhosis: A pilot study
Authors: Huang Yunlin , Lu Xiuyun , Wang Feihang , Cao Jiaying , Wang Ying , Cheng Juan , Dong Yi , Wang Wenping 
Published: February 2025

Purpose The aim of the study was to explore the possibility of subharmonic aided pressure estimation (SHAPE) measurement for noninvasive evaluation of portal hypertension in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis. Materials and Methods Patients diagnosed with decompensated liver cirrhosis were prospectively enrolled. SHAPE measurement was performed by using an ultrasound system. A continuous infusion of sonazoid at a rate of 0.18 ml/kg/h and saline at 120 ml/h was performed. The hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) value are the gold standard for evaluating portal hypertension. The Pearson coefficient and areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) were analyzed. Results From February 2023 to August 2023, 15 patients (mean age, 61.1 ± 8.3 years; eight men and seven women) were included. The correlation coefficient of the SHAPE gradient and HVPG was 0.33. The mean SHAPE gradient of patients with clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) (HVPG ≥ 10 mmHg) was significantly higher than that of patients with lower risk (0.5 ± 4.4 dB vs. −7.4 ± 5.1 dB, P = 0.01). Patients with increased risk for variceal hemorrhage (HVPG ≥ 12 mmHg) had a significantly higher mean SHAPE gradient than patients with lower risk (HVPG < 12 mmHg) (1.3 ± 4.4 dB vs. −5.9 ± 4.8 dB; P = 0.01). The optimal cut-off values of the SHAPE gradient for diagnosing patients with CSPH and at increased risk for variceal hemorrhage were −1.3 dB and −0.6 dB (both AUC = 0.89), respectively. Conclusion SHAPE measurement is a potential noninvasive, effective imaging method to evaluate portal hypertension among patients diagnosed with decompensated liver cirrhosis in clinical practice.
The role of mastery in Crohn’s disease: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Gattoni Marina Francesca , Previtali Enrica , Leone Salvatore , Amore Alessia , Volpato Eleonora 
Published: February 2025

Background: Crohn’s disease (CD) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory bowel disease. It is estimated that approximately 40% of individuals with CD are non-adherent to medical prescriptions. This lack of adherence to treatment plans has been linked to an increased risk of hospitalisation and surgical procedures, which can have a detrimental impact on the patient’s quality of life (QoL). Furthermore, the CD can impose significant stress on individuals, affecting their mental health and sense of mastery. The term ‘mastery’ is used to describe an individual’s awareness of their abilities and capacities that are essential for effectively managing life events and situations. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the role of mastery in relation to medical adherence, distress, perceived social support, QoL, depressive and anxious symptoms and interoception in persons with a diagnosis of CD. Design: This is a cross-sectional study, involving 261 adults diagnosed with CD. Methods: Participants completed an online questionnaire comprising validated clinical and psychological scales, which lasted approximately 20 min. Participants were permitted to provide their most recently available medical report. Results: Patients with CD reported discrete levels of mastery. Two factorial ANOVA highlighted statistically significative differences in mastery in relation to clinical conditions ( F(2, 253) = 11.22, p < 0.001) and a significative interaction effect between gender and symptomatology ( F(2, 253) = 7.22, p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression illustrated a statistically significant association between mastery, clinical conditions, QoL, stress and interoception (adjusted R square = 0.558; F(14, 211) = 21.32, p < 0.001). Concerning the possible mediator role of mastery between psychological state and medical adherence, no statistically significant results emerged from the mediation model analysis. Conclusion: This study highlighted an effective impairment of mastery in CD patients, especially among men experiencing mild disease activity. A positive association between mastery and enteroception was outlined. The higher prevalence of distress, anxiety and depressive symptoms connected to mastery was substantiated. Future research should deepen the relationship between mastery with medical adherence.
Experimental characterization and numerical investigation on different conformal lattice structures for specific energy absorption under quasi-static and dynamic loading
Authors: R Calpana , Ashok Dara , A Prasanna , Kasireddy SR , Bahubalendruni MVA Raju 
Published: February 2025

Lattice structures exhibit significant potential for superior energy absorption under both static and dynamic loading conditions when compared to solid infill designs. This advantage arises from their distinctive properties, including low relative density, high flexibility, and enhanced compressibility. In this study, a novel type of infill lattice structure, termed the Different Conformal Lattice Structure (DCLS), was developed. DCLS is constructed through the tessellation of Simple Cubic (SC), Body-Centered Cubic (BCC), and Face-Centered Cubic (FCC) lattice configurations. The lattice structures were designed using Fusion360, incorporating optimized infill geometries characterized by both constant and variable relative densities achieved by varying the strut diameters of the individual lattices. Fabrication was performed using the Stereolithography (SLA) process, and the structures were subjected to quasi-static compression testing on a dynamic universal testing machine. Additionally, dynamic characterization was conducted using a Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) apparatus, and the results were compared with finite element simulations. The Experimental findings revealed that specific DCLS configurations, particularly EVT-BFS-2.5, demonstrated exceptional performance, achieving the highest specific energy absorption (SEA) values, exceeding 28 MPa under dynamic loading. This represents an impressive 1866.97% increase compared to quasi-static testing. Finite element analysis corroborated these experimental results, showing excellent agreement and validating the accuracy of the simulations. The study underscores the potential of DCLS with optimized tessellation patterns to significantly enhance energy absorption capabilities. These findings position DCLS as a promising solution for applications demanding lightweight, high-performance energy-dissipative materials.
Navigating pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics challenges of β-lactam antibiotics in patients with low body weight: efficacy, toxicity, and dosage optimization
Authors: Tseng Yu-Ju , Tai Chih-Hsun , Chen Guan-Yuan , Chen Yen-Lin , Ku Shih-Chi , Pai Tsung-Yu , Wu Chien-Chih 
Published: February 2025

Background: Patients with low body weight (LBW) often exhibit altered pharmacokinetics (PK) in renal clearance and total body water. These changes complicate β-lactam antibiotic dosing, potentially resulting in suboptimal efficacy or increased toxicity. Objectives: To evaluate the attainment of PK/pharmacodynamic (PD) targets, the prevalence of subtherapeutic and supratherapeutic concentrations, and the incidence of neurotoxicity among LBW patients treated with piperacillin/tazobactam (TZP), cefepime (FEP), and meropenem (MEM). Design: A prospective observational study conducted at a tertiary hospital from January 2020 to December 2022. Methods: Adult patients with a body mass index ⩽18.5 kg/m2 who received TZP, FEP, or MEM were included. Trough serum concentrations were analyzed for PK/PD targets: 100% time above minimum inhibitory concentration (100% fT > MIC) and 100% time above four times MIC (100% fT > 4MIC). Neurotoxicity was assessed using standardized criteria. Statistical analyses identified factors associated with concentration variability and adverse outcomes. Results: Seventy-two patients were included: 29 received TZP, 23 FEP, and 20 MEM. Achievement of the 100% fT > MIC target was comparable across all antibiotics (~70%), but 100% fT > 4 MIC attainment was significantly higher for FEP (47.8%) than for TZP (10.3%) and MEM (30%) ( p = 0.01). Supratherapeutic concentrations were observed in 34.8% of FEP users compared to 3.4% and 5% for TZP and MEM, respectively ( p = 0.002). Neurotoxicity occurred in 13% of FEP patients but was not reported in TZP or MEM groups ( p = 0.04). Subtherapeutic concentrations were noted in approximately 30% of patients across all groups. Conclusion: PK changes complicate β-lactam antibiotic dosing, resulting in frequent failure to achieve PK/PD targets. FEP demonstrated a particularly high risk of supratherapeutic concentrations and neurotoxicity. Therapeutic drug monitoring is crucial to optimize dosing and improve safety in this population.
Establishing a common definition for care provided by hospice societies in British Columbia, Canada: a Delphi process
Authors: Anderson Simon , Carter Rachel Z , Roberts Della , Thomas Pablita , Hassan Eman 
Published: February 2025

Background: Currently, there are over 70 hospice societies spread across urban, rural, and remote communities in BC. However, these societies are not utilized to their fullest potential, primarily due to a lack of awareness of the unique role they play in their communities and common misconceptions about the types of care they provide. Objectives: To develop a consensus-based definition of the care provided by hospice societies in BC, suitable for use across government, healthcare, community organizations, and the public. Design: A modified Delphi approach, guided by an environmental scan, was used to reach consensus on a standard definition of care among a panel of experts. Methods: Following an environmental scan of gray and published literature for attributes and components of care delivered by hospice societies, the expert panel participated in a modified Delphi process of iterative surveys asking questions about content, wording, and structure of the definition. The 56-member panel consisted of hospice society experts, palliative care experts, and people with lived experience. Consensus was defined as 75% agreement across the entire panel (all) and 75% agreement across hospice society representatives (hospice). Results: After six survey rounds, consensus was met on a common definition with three different length versions: full- and medium-length versions (85% all, 85% hospice) and a short version (94% all, 100% hospice). Differing opinions within our expert panel about components of care supported the need for this common definition. Conclusion: Our consensus-based definition provides unprecedented clarity and a shared understanding about the care provided by hospice societies in BC. Hospice societies are expected to benefit from this clarity by maximizing their use and access. It is also expected that this definition will guide advocacy efforts, ultimately contributing to the quality and sustainability of hospice care across the province.
Microcredit and Women’s Financial Empowerment: Insights from Brazilian Crediamigo Microcredit Program
Authors: da Cunha José Maria , Motta Victor , Inácio de Oliveira Alysson , Bezerra Melo Maria Renata , Valente Júnior Aírton Saboya 
Published: February 2025

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to estimate the impact of Crediamigo Microcredit Program in Brazil on the financial situation of its recipients and investigate potential gender differences. Study design: We use secondary data from the socioeconomic registry of Crediamigo, considering the active clients of the Program until 2021. Our identification strategy consists of using the Difference-in-Differences method. Findings: The findings indicate that sustained participation in the program results in an average increase in operating profit, non-operating revenue, and payment capacity. Despite less favorable initial conditions and a lower average loan value, women experience significantly greater impacts. Contributions: The main contribution focuses on using unique characteristics of Crediamigo to understand gender differences in financial performance. Implications: By showcasing the benefits for female entrepreneurs, the findings offer valuable insights for more targeted financial initiatives and policies that bridge gender gaps and better serve female entrepreneurs.
Molecular mechanisms of m6A modifications regulating tumor radioresistance
Authors: Shen Ruolin , Jiang Zhenyang , Wang Huanhuan , Zheng Zhuangzhuang , Jiang Xin 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Radiotherapy is one of the most effective treatments for malignant tumors. Radioresistance is a major factor that contributes to radiotherapy failure and poor prognosis. Recent studies have elucidated the pivotal role of aberrant N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification, the predominant internal mRNA modification in eukaryotic cells, influences cancer progression by disrupting gene expression and other critical cellular processes. Furthermore, aberrant m6A methylation provides a substrate for tumor therapy; however, whether it regulates tumor radioresistance remains unclear. Methylated transferase (writer), demethylated transferase (eraser), and methylated recognition protein (reader) are the three essential proteins that regulate m6A modification via different mechanisms in different tumors. This review summarizes the latest research advances in m6A methylation and aims to provide novel perspectives on the advancement of regimens to overcome radioresistance and tumor invasion.
Interpersonal vs. supportive group psychotherapy for depression attributed to work stress: study protocol of the multicentre, cluster-randomised, controlled IPT-Work trial
Authors: Schramm Elisabeth , Elsaesser Moritz , Zehender Nadine , Reif Andreas , Lahmann Claas , Feuchtinger Manon , Deuschle Michael , Kahl Kai , Hillert Andreas , Thiel Nicola , Piosczyk Hannah , Mack Simon , Bausch Johannes , Graf Erika 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Depression associated with occupational stress is highly prevalent, causing high rates of sick leave and thus posing significant societal and economic burden. Meta-analyses of the few studies on psychological and work-focused interventions for common mental disorders including depression report small effects on depressive symptomatology and occupational outcomes. There is an urgent need for more controlled studies on work-directed interventions assessing work outcomes.

Methods
This is an interventional, multicentre, active-controlled, cluster-randomised, observer-blinded clinical trial with two parallel groups conducted in 6 clinical centres throughout Germany over the course of 3 years. A sample of 144 outpatients with work stress related depression will be cluster-randomised to either a specific interpersonal group intervention for depression and work stress (IPT-Work) or a nonspecific supportive group psychotherapy (SP). Each group consists of 10 sessions over 8 weeks of 90 min duration with 4–6 participants. Patients will be assessed at baseline, post-treatment and at 3 months follow-up. The primary endpoint is the relative change in HRSD-24 score from baseline to follow-up 3 months after end of treatment. Secondary outcome measures include the Occupational Depression Inventory (ODI), the Work Ability Index (WAI), the Return to Work Attitude (RTW-SE), the Effort-Reward-Imbalance (ERI), the Job Content Questionnaire 2 (JCQ2), and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC). In addition, Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) and days of sick leave throughout the study period will be assessed.
Effects of treatment will be analysed with a linear mixed model for repeated measures including randomised arm, time point and their interaction as well as HRSD-24 baseline scores and their interaction with time point as fixed effects.

Discussion
Results will provide a comparison of a nonwork-directed psychological intervention and a specific, work-directed approach with respect to symptom improvement and increase in work ability. The aim is to improve quality of mental health care for depressed employees to facilitate recovery, improve work ability, and reduce the risk of long-term occupational incapacity. Ultimately, findings will inform the practice of the efficiency of using psychological group treatment in depressed individuals with work stress.

Trial registration
German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00035259); prospectively registered on 15th January 2025.
Global, regional, and national burden of benign prostatic hyperplasia from 1990 to 2021 and projection to 2035
Authors: Wei Hui , Zhu Cong , Huang Qiao , Yang Jun , Li Yi-Tong , Zhang Yin-Gang , Li Bing-Hui , Zi Hao 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common male urological disease around the world. This study aimed to evaluate global, regional, and national burden of BPH from 1990 to 2021, and to forecast the incidence and prevalence of BPH to 2035.

Methods
Using the data and methods of the Global Burden of Disease 2021, we presented the incidence, prevalence, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) of BPH from 1990 to 2021. The trends of burden over time were assessed using estimated annual percentage changes. We applied Bayesian age-period-cohort model to forecast the incidence and prevalence of BPH to 2035.

Results
In 2021, the global number of incident cases, prevalent cases, and DALYs of BPH were 137.88, 1125.02, and 22.36 per 100,000 populations, respectively. From 1990 to 2021, the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR), age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR), and age-standardized DALYs rate (ASDR) of BPH remained stable. The highest ASIR, ASPR, and ASDR were recorded in Eastern Europe in 2021. Nationally, China had the highest number of incident cases, prevalent cases, and DALYs of BPH. With the increase of socio-demographic index, the trends of ASIR, ASPR, and ASDR all exhibit an initial rise followed by a gradual decline. The global incidence and prevalence are expected to increase from 962.42 to 7878.68 per 100,000 populations in 2022 to 998.55 and 8620.60 per 100,000 populations in 2035, respectively.

Conclusions
The persistent burden of BPH continues to pose a critical public health challenge. The escalating prevalence among middle-aged and elderly populations underscores the imperative to tackle this widespread condition.