bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The relationship between callous-unemotional traits and internalizing psychopathology in adolescent psychiatric inpatients: a network analysis
Authors: Derks Laura Maria , Becker Eni Sabine , Lange Wolf-Gero , Rinck Mike , Dapprich Anna Lena , Holtmann Martin , Legenbauer Tanja 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Numerous studies have investigated the relevance of callous-unemotional traits in relation to externalizing psychopathology among children and adolescents. However, less research has examined the connections between callous-unemotional traits and internalizing psychopathology and findings were inconsistent. Consequently, the present study aimed to elucidate the role of callous-unemotional traits in the context of depression and anxiety while controlling for conduct problems, age, and gender.

Methods
The study utilized self-report questionnaire data from 978 adolescent psychiatric inpatients (Mage = 15.18, SD = 1.44) presenting a range of psychopathological conditions. A network analysis was conducted, incorporating callous-unemotional traits, depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, conduct problems, and covariates (age, gender). Additionally, comparisons were made between the networks of inpatients diagnosed with conduct disorders and those with internalizing disorders.

Results
The findings indicated that callous-unemotional traits were relevant within the general network, as well as in both the conduct disorder and internalizing networks. In both contexts, callous-unemotional traits were predominately positively associated with depression and conduct problems. Within the conduct disorder network, callous-unemotional traits exhibited primarily negative associations with anxiety, whereas the relationships within the internalizing network were more varied.

Conclusions
Our findings suggest that callous-unemotional traits hold substantial relevance for internalizing symptoms, supporting the notion that these traits should be considered potentially transdiagnostic factors.
Cationized albumin conjugated solid lipid nanoparticles as vectors for delivery of albendazole against cystic echinococcosis
Authors: Faizi Fariba , Mahjub Reza , Torabi Negin , Motavallihaghi Seyedmousa , Fallah Mohammad 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a common neglected parasitic disease. Nanoparticles containing drugs have been widely utilized in various formulations for several purposes, including improving the bioavailability of drugs by increasing the solubility and dissolution rate of the nanoparticles. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of solid lipid nanoparticles containing albendazole and conjugated to albumin (B-SLN + ABZ) as a novel treatment approach for hydatid cysts in vivo.

Methods
Albendazole-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles were prepared by emulsification and solvent evaporation method. The experimental mice were assessed for prophylactic and therapeutic effects of the drugs. Ultrastructural changes were observed by transmission electron microscopy.

Results
The variance analysis of the fitted model indicated that the Glyceryl monostearate (GMS)/soy lecithin concentration ratio and the amount of albendazole had a significant effect on nanoparticle size. The GMS/soy lecithin concentration ratio and the amount of albendazole had a notable effect on nanoparticle polydispersity index (PdI) and entrapment efficiency (EE%), respectively. During chemoprophylaxis, the B-SLN + ABZ group showed a lower number and weight of cysts (0.90 ± 0.73 and 15.01 ± 10.46, respectively) compared with the ABZ + SLN group (1.4 ± 0.51 and 26.73 ± 9.92, respectively). In addition, therapeutic efficacy analysis showed a significant reduction in wet weights of metacestodes in mice treated with both B-SLN + ABZ (29.37 ± 13.82 mg) and SLN + ABZ (35.88 ± 7.49 mg) compared with the control group (59.78 ± 3.80 mg).

Conclusions
The results showed that B-SLN + ABZ nanoparticles were more effective against E. granulosus cysts compared with free ABZ. The cysts in the animals receiving B-SLN + ABZ every 24 h showed more ultrastructural changes.

Graphical abstract
An opportunity to sleep well in hospital: development of a multi-level intervention to improve inpatient sleep (ASLEEP) using behaviour change theories
Authors: Hurley-Wallace Anna Louise , Bertram Wendy , Johnson Emma , Wylde Vikki , Whale Katie 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Sleep is substantial issue for hospital inpatients and can negatively affect healing and recovery. There is a good evidence-base for interventions which can improve sleep, however currently they are not being implemented into NHS practice. To address the evidence-practice gap, we have conducted early-phase development for an inpatient sleep intervention (ASLEEP); a multi-level intervention to improve inpatient sleep in UK hospital wards.

Methods
We used an iterative development process incorporating Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement, ward staff surveys and stakeholder consultations (orthopaedic and acute medicine), and theoretical mapping using behaviour change theories. Development took place in four stages: identification of existing patient-level intervention components to improve sleep in hospital; identification of environmental barriers and facilitators to sleep in hospital; consultation with health professional stakeholders; and final theoretical mapping using the COM-B model and Theoretical Domains Framework, also considering who holds ‘change power’ for each change construct.

Results
We identified 18 variables contributing to inpatient sleep, which are malleable to change universally across hospital wards. Central domains for change were identified as the ward environment context and resources; to reduce noise from equipment (material resources), and social influence; to modulate staff and patient noise awareness and behaviours (group norms). Change power mapping identified key stakeholders as patients, ward staff, procurement/estates, and NHS management.

Conclusions
Improving sleep in hospital requires a whole-systems approach which targets environmental factors, staff behaviour, and patient behaviour. We have provided recommendations for a multi-level intervention, highlighting core areas for change and essential stakeholders who must be involved to progress implementation. The next stage of development will involve operationalising recommendations and piloting, including evaluating mechanisms of change. It will be important to continue working with a broad range of stakeholders to bridge the evidence-practice gap and support sustainable practice adoption.
Density-dependent distributions of hosts and parasitoids resulting from density-independent dispersal rules: implications for host–parasitoid interactions and population dynamics
Authors: Okuyama Toshinori 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
The distribution of hosts and parasitoids across patches is a key factor determining the dynamics of host-parasitoid populations. To connect behavioral rules with population dynamics, it is essential to comprehend how individual-level dispersal behavior influences the distribution of individuals. Typically, a simple deterministic model has been used to describe this connection. This study explicitly derived the relationship between individual-level dispersal behavior and the distribution of individuals across patches, contrasting it with the conventional deterministic model.

Methods
A stochastic individual-based model was developed from a widely used deterministic host–parasitoid population model. Individual-level dispersal rules were simulated in the stochastic model without assuming the resulting distributions. The models assume that the dispersal of hosts and parasitoids is independent of conspecific density. The deterministic model can be seen as an approximation of the stochastic model, describing the outcomes of stochastic processes as their expected patterns. In addition to describing the relationship between dispersal behavior and distribution across patches, its consequences for population dynamics were also examined.

Results
The stochastic model revealed that the distribution of individuals among patches varies with the number of dispersing conspecifics, whereas the deterministic model assumes independence from conspecific density, indicating that the deterministic model fails to capture the outcomes of stochastic dispersal. The resulting density-dependent distributions of hosts and parasitoids lead to other density-dependent interactions between them, such as density-dependent parasitism risk for hosts and density-dependent searching efficiency for parasitoids, ultimately affecting population dynamics. For instance, while aggregation of parasitoids is stabilizing in the deterministic model, it can be both stabilizing and destabilizing in the stochastic model.

Conclusions
The stochastic model revealed that density-dependent distributions of hosts and parasitoids emerge when individuals disperse in a density-independent manner, significantly impacting existing host-parasitoid theory, which assumes density-independent distributions. To address this, the implications of emerging density dependencies for well-known results, such as the pseudointerference of parasitoids and the CV2 > 1 rule, were discussed. Explicitly considering individual-level dispersal behavior is essential for understanding host–parasitoid interactions and population dynamics.
A remote motion analysis of mass casualty incident simulations
Authors: Tolg Boris 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Regular training for mass casualty incidents at physical simulation events is vital for emergency services. The preparation and execution of these simulations consume huge amounts of time, personnel, and money. It is therefore important to gather as much information as possible from each simulation while minimizing any influence on the participants, so as to keep the simulation as realistic as possible. In this paper, an analysis of GPS-based remote motion measurements of participants in a mass casualty incident simulation is presented. A combination of different evaluation methods is used to analyze the data. This could reduce the potential bias of the measurement methods.

Methods
Movement patterns of participants of mass casualty incident simulations, measured by GPS loggers, were analyzed. The timeline of the simulation was segmented into event sections, based on movement patterns of participants entering or leaving defined areas. Movement patterns of participants working closely together were correlated to analyze their cooperation. Written logs created by observers on the ground were used to reconstruct the events of the simulation, to provide a comparative reference to validate the motion analysis.

Results
Recorded motion patterns of the participants were found to be qualitatively related to observer logs and triage allocations, allowing a partial reconstruction of the behavior of the participants during the simulation. By analyzing the times the simulation patients left the site of events some possible misjudgments in the triage decisions were indicated.

Conclusions
Analysis of movement patterns from GPS loggers and comparison with observations made on the ground showed that accurate information about the events during the simulation can be automatically delivered. Although the records of observers on the ground are vital to assess details, delegation of the automated analysis of individual and group motion could perhaps allow observers to concentrate on more specific tasks. The partially automated motion analysis methods presented should simplify the process of analyzing mass casualty incident simulations.
A survey on the application of blockchain in cryptographic protocols
Authors: Luo Xiangyang , Chen Xingxing , Chen Xiaofeng , Cheng Qingfeng 
Published: December 2024

AbstractWith the continuous development of network technology, cryptographic protocols are facing diverse and complex security challenges. Blockchain technology, as a solution incorporating decentralization, traceability, programmability, and immutability, effectively enhances the security, trustworthiness, operational efficiency, and ensures the security and integrity of data storage in traditional cryptographic protocols. Consequently, it has gradually emerged as a focal point of research in cryptographic protocols. This manuscript delves into the ongoing research concerning the application of blockchain technology in cryptographic protocols. First, this manuscript introduces the background of blockchain research in cryptographic protocols and the corresponding basic knowledge. Secondly, we delve into the main concerns of traditional cryptographic protocols, with a particular focus on security and performance. Thirdly, according to the main classification of cryptographic protocols, the latest research results of blockchain in authentication protocols, authentication and key agreement protocols, and e-commerce protocols are presented. Finally, the research directions of blockchain technology in cryptographic protocols are summarized based on the existing research, and the future development trend is also prospected.
Design of CCM boost converter using fractional-order PID and neural-network techniques for power factor correction
Authors: Liu Wanci , Liu Yapeng , Wang Aibing 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe most important factors that guarantee good operation are power quality (PQ) criteria such as the following: power factor (PF), total harmonic distortion (THD), and proper output regulation. This paper shows that the conventional uncontrolled diode bridge rectifier introduces a pulsed current on the input side. It proposes an active wave-shaping control system approach to deal with the problem straightforwardly and effectively. Shifting it closer to unity improves the PF, and the parameters of THD remain within their limits. Additionally, it regulates the generated voltage. The control system implemented here will cascade with a fractional-order proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller optimized using Antlion optimization (ALO) as its outer loop. This PID controller takes the output voltage as input and adjusts the amplitude of the reference current for the inductor. Conversely, the inner loop is based on the neural networks (NN) adaptive approach to track the reference current to the inductor accurately. A cascade controller in the suggested scheme tends to assure the desired performance and results in satisfactory PQ. Ultimately, the analysis of the simulation results attests to significant robustness and a gain in dynamics across a wide range of challenging cases.
Performance of hump slab track in sandstorms using simulation and a wind tunnel experiment
Authors: Fathali Masoud , Nasrabad Mohammad Mohsen Kabiri , Moghadasnejad Fereidoon 
Published: December 2024

AbstractSandstorms have destructive effects on railway infrastructures due to the movement and erosion of sand. One of the proposed solutions to reduce the impact of windblown sand on desert railways is the hump slab track superstructure. This system entails removing the ballast layer and elevating the rails using concrete foundations called humps, which create sand movement channels beneath the rails. The hump’s geometry must not only meet optimal aerodynamic conditions but also ensure ample clearance for sand passage, maintaining structural stability and efficient railway performance. In this study, the aerodynamic evaluation of various hump geometry is examined considering the elliptical (EL) and semicircular-rectangular (CR) shapes. Simulations are carried out using 3D computational fluid dynamics in ANSYS Fluent software. A gas–solid two-phase model, comprising a distinct phase for sand particles and another for air, is developed to assess the sand movement capacity through the selected hump geometries. A wind tunnel experiment is then performed on a prototype of a hump slab track to validate the software model. The findings highlighted that the CR shape, with a height of 25 cm, resulted in the most favorable outputs.
Abridging the Human Activity Profile (HAP): Item Reduction for Ambulatory Outpatient Populations
Authors: Price Jillian Kallman , Stepanova Maria , Weinstein Ali , Gerber Lynn , Younossi Zobair M. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The purpose of this study was to develop an abridged Human Activity Profile (HAP-A) for ambulatory patients.

Methods
Classical test theory item reduction model and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) were used, including maximum likelihood factor extraction with Kaiser varimax rotation, eigenvalues >1 retained, and item loading cutoff of 0.4, followed by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and internal consistency reliability analyses. Data were originally collected from an outpatient ambulatory tertiary care clinic and research site of a large nonprofit health system hospital medical campus located in a metropolitan area of the northeastern United States. Four hundred and fifty-five de-identified healthy controls and people with chronic liver diseases or autoimmune or metabolic conditions with basic demographic information and completed HAP were collected across one retrospective and four prospective studies with institutional review board approval over 15 years (2006–2021). Main analyses included maximum and adjusted activity scores (MAS and AAS), EFA and CFA, internal consistency reliability (Cronbach’s α, McDonald’s ω), and convergent validity.

Results
HAP and HAP-A MAS and AAS measures were statistically indistinguishable (P = 1.00, paired t-tests). HAP-A Cronbach’s α was 0.892, and McDonald’s ω was 0.902. CFA revealed three factors (domains) in 29 questions: factor 1, high activity/sport (5.7–10.3 metabolic equivalents (METs)); factor 2, light mobility/leisure (0.9–7.1 METs); and factor 3, chores/activities of daily living (<0.9–6.6 METs). Using CFA, 28 of 29 items loaded as expected; Tucker–Lewis Index, comparative fit index, and root mean square error of approximation were modest (0.716, 0.738, and 0.110, respectively), likely due to cohort composition shifts. Controlling for age, sex, body mass index, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes, HAP-A’s AAS score retained its significant correlation with the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) (analysis of covariance sum of squares, 6.097; 1 degree of freedom; mean square, 6.097; P = 0.03).

Conclusions
HAP and HAP-A scores were statistically indistinguishable and preserved a significant correlative relationship with a validated fatigue measure (FSS). HAP-A is a reasonable HAP alternative in ambulatory patients.
The Harm reduction associated with heated tobacco products: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Akram Javed , J. Akram Shehla , Naseem Nadia , Shehzad Sheeraz , Rana Arslan , Ashraf Verda , Akram Ansa , E. Sheikh Usman , Joshi Miland , S. Khan Khalid 
Published: December 2024

Objective: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised studies in humans comparing the outcomes of switching to heated tobacco products (HTPs) versus continuing conventional tobacco smoking by burning.
Methods: We searched the electronic databases which included PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, and Google Scholar from inception to May 2023. Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) in humans comparing HTPs with conventional burnt tobacco products were selected. Our search yielded 4817 search results, of which six RCTs (number of participants 1362, all from high-income countries) were selected. Five of the six included RCTs had low risk in four of five domains of bias; only one study had a high risk of bias in one domain. PRISMA guidelines were followed.
Results: There were 40 biomarkers of harm reduction reported categorised into six categories. One cancer biomarker (nitrosamine) and two cardiovascular biomarkers (eosinophils and total bilirubin) showed statistically significant harm reduction (total NNAL SMD=0·82, 95% CI 0·67-0·98, eosinophils SMD=0·38, 95% CI 0·12-0·65, total bilirubin SMD=0·71, 95% CI 0·28-1·31). The remaining biomarkers of harm in cardiovascular, inflammatory, metabolic, pulmonary, and renal categories showed imprecise findings.
Conclusions: In RCTs of moderate quality, some biomarkers show harm reduction associated with switching from burnt tobacco smoking to HTPs. The majority of the findings are imprecise due to the small sample sizes of the included studies. Sufficiently powered, robust RCTs targeting key harm reduction biomarkers within both upper and low-middle income country settings are required in the future.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.41.1.10820
How to cite this: Akram J, Akram SJ, Naseem N, Shehzad S, Rana A, Ashraf V, et al. Harm reduction associated with heated tobacco products: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Pak J Med Sci. 2025;41(1):295-301. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.41.1.10820
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Diagnostic accuracy and safety of ultrasound-guided percutaneous core needle biopsy among children with extra cranial solid masses at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Imran Fatima Ambreen , Razaque Abdul , Mehwish Qureshi Aisha , Rafie Raza Muhammad 
Published: December 2024

Objective: To determine the diagnostic accuracy and procedure safety of ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy of extra cranial solid masses in the pediatric population.
Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted by the Department of Pediatric Hematology /Oncology and Radiology at Indus Hospital and Health Network Karachi from August 2022 to April 2023. A total of 118 pediatric patients, from age one month to 18 years, with extra cranial solid masses were studied. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 24.
Results: The median age of study participants was six years with IQR = 7.2 years. Among all study participants 62.7% (n=74) were male while 37.3% (44) were female. Out of all biopsies 94.07% (n=111) were conclusive and provided an accurate diagnosis of the tumor while only 5.63% (n=07) biopsies remained inconclusive. No serious post-procedure complication was reported. Pain on the site of biopsy was the most post-procedure complain reported by 34.7% (n=41) of all the study participants. Forty-two percent of the study participants never reported any post-procedure complaints after ultrasound-guided biopsy. The diagnostic accuracy was significantly higher for malignant lesions as compared to non-malignant lesions.
Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided percutaneous core needle biopsy had high diagnostic accuracy and a good safety profile among children with extra cranial solid masses in private tertiary care hospital in Karachi Pakistan.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.41.1.9777
How to cite this: Imran FA, Razaque A, Qureshi AM, Raza MR. Diagnostic accuracy and safety of ultrasound-guided percutaneous core needle biopsy among children with extra cranial solid masses at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. Pak J Med Sci. 2025;41(1):219-224. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.41.1.9777
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.