bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Affective Touch is encoded by pupil dilation as a comprehensive social phenomenon
Authors: Bonino Greta , Mazza Alessandro , Capiotto Francesca , Berti Annamaria , Pia Lorenzo , Monte Olga Dal 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Affective Touch is characterized by both emotional and arousing dimensions that rely on specific features of a gentle human caress. In this study, we investigated whether and how both the nature of the touching effector (Human hand vs. Artificial hand) and touch type (Dynamic vs. Static) influenced the participants’ pupil dilation and their subjective experience during tactile stimulation. We observed that when participants received a dynamic touch, their pupil dilation increased more when the touch was promoted by a human compared to an artificial hand. This discrimination was not present for static touch. Also, dynamic touch promoted by a human hand invoked a supralinear enhancement of pupil dilation indicating that the combination of these two features induced a stronger autonomic activation than the summed effects of each separately. Moreover, this specific type of touch was perceived as the most pleasant compared to all other tactile stimulations. Overall, our results suggest that pupil dilation could map the pleasant experience of human-to-human tactile interactions, supporting the notion that the autonomic nervous system encodes the emotional and hedonic aspects associated with Affective Touch as a complex and holistic social experience, rather than solely responding to its low-level sensory properties.
Quantum-Enhanced Blockchain and Digital Twin Integration for Enhanced Healthcare Data Security
Authors: Bose Rajesh , Sutradhar Shrabani , Roy Sandip 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The integration of quantum-enhanced blockchain and digital twin technologies offers a potent solution for advancing healthcare data security, particularly in ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of medical records. This paper presents a comprehensive framework that leverages quantum computing principles to enhance the security of blockchain networks, while digital twins are utilized for securely managing and accessing medical records. The proposed Quantum-Enhanced Blockchain Architecture employs quantum key distribution protocols and lattice-based cryptography to protect against quantum attacks, ensuring a secure and scalable decentralized system. The Digital Twin Framework for Medical Record Confidentiality integrates encryption and access control mechanisms to safeguard patient data. A novel Healthcare Encryption Algorithm (HEA) is proposed for encrypting and decrypting data in the digital twin, ensuring confidentiality and privacy. Furthermore, the Quantum-Enhanced Blockchain and Digital Twin Integration Process (QBDTIP) outlines the steps involved in securely managing medical records using these technologies. Experimental results demonstrate the system's robustness against cyber-attacks, scalability, interoperability, and effectiveness in ensuring data integrity and confidentiality. Overall, this research highlights the transformative potential of integrating quantum-enhanced blockchain and digital twin technologies for enhancing healthcare data security.
Dissemination of the 2022 ASMBS and IFSO Guidelines for Bariatric Surgery: what has reached primary care providers?
Authors: Hulse John , Slay Richard , Bryant Mary Kate , Byrne T. Karl , Pullatt Rana 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Only 1% of Americans eligible for metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) receive MBS. Prior studies have analyzed primary care provider (PCP) referral patterns and perceptions of MBS as a potential barrier to increasing MBS. However, less data exists regarding PCP knowledge of MBS indications and outcomes. Following the 2022 update to the indications for MBS by the ASMBS and IFSO, the number of eligible patients is only expected to increase. We evaluated PCP knowledge regarding the existence of the 2022 ASMBS and IFSO updated guidelines, MBS indications, and MBS outcomes.
Methods
An 11-question survey was emailed to primary care residents, advanced practice providers, and faculty at a single institution.
Results
Of 151 surveys distributed, 39.7% responded (n = 60). 95% were unaware of the 2022 updated guidelines. On multiple choice questions, 16.3% correctly identified the average weight loss from MBS, and 46.8% correctly answered the diabetes remission rate following MBS. Trainee answers were not statistically significant from practicing PCPs. Fifteen respondents had referred a patient for MBS, but this subgroup did not perform significantly better on the assessment. 72.3% of respondents reported inadequate MBS education during their training, and 85.1% were interested in additional education.
Conclusion
We present the first assessment of PCP MBS knowledge since the release of the 2022 updated ASMBS and IFSO guidelines. This study indicates a gap in PCPs’ knowledge regarding the updated guidelines and represents an opportunity for collaboration with our primary care colleagues to provide further MBS education.
Accuracy and precision of the certified Glucometer-Strips Systems Galileo, Calla and Contour Plus One in clinical practice
Authors: Chlup Rudolf , Zálešáková Hana , Doubravová Blanka , Ďurajková Emilia , Nezval Martin , Gottwaldová Jiřina , Zapletalová Jana 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background The purpose of this study was to revise the accuracy and precision of three glucometer-strips systems (GSS) in professional routine.
Methods Prospective single-centre study. Triplets of cPG were investigated on 3 GSS: 1. Galileo, 2. Calla, both employing glucoseoxidase strips (Wellion, Austria), 3. Contour Plus (Ascensia, Switzerland) employing glucosedehydrogenase strips. In each GSS three devices and one LOT of strips were employed. Following the cPG readings, venous blood was taken to measure venous plasma glucose (vPG) on Cobas Integra 400 analyzer employing hexokinase. A total of 258 pairs of cPG vs vPG were compared using Wilcoxon signed rank test with Bonferroni correction and software IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, V. 23.0. Precision was estimated using SD of average differences between individual cPG measurements. P<0.05 was considered significant.
Results Deviations (mean±SD) from vPG≥5.55 mmo/L (100 mg/dL): Galileo 0.25±0.49 mmol/L (5±9 mg/dL), Calla -1.25±1.08 mmol/L (-23±19 mg/dL), Contour -0.63±0.71 mmol/L (-11±13 mg/dL). Number of cPG values within interval ±15 % of vPG: Galileo 196/207 (94.7 %), Calla 162/207 (78.3 %), Contour 200/207 (96.6%). For vPG values <5.55 mmol/L (100 mg/dL) the interval±0.83 mmol/L (15 mg/dL) reached: Galileo 11/51 (21.6 %), Calla 48/51 (94.1 %), Contour 51/51 (100 %). Galileo cPG <7.0 mmol/L (126 mg/dL) after subtraction of 0.7 mmol/L (12,4 mg/dL) reached 51/51 (100 %).
Conclusions Borderline accuracy of Galileo was found for cPG≥7 mmol/L (126 mg/dL) whereas for cPG<7 mmol/L (126 mg/dL) correction –0.7 mmol/L (13 mg/dL) was necessary. Accuracy of Contour but not of Calla was confirmed.
Effect of warm and cold ischemia on pancreaticoduodenectomy specimen following robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy.
Authors: González-Abós Carolina , Lorenzo Klaudia , Archilla Iván , Cuatrecasas Miriam , Ausania Fabio 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
The adoption of robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy has increased in recent years for the treatment of pancreatic head tumours and periampullary lesions. Some potential benefits seem to be demonstrated, but the impact of longer perioperative time on ischaemia and autolysis of the surgical specimen has not been analysed. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of robotic surgery on histological changes of the surgical specimen occurring during robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy.
Methods
A review of histopathology files was performed for all pancreatic specimens collected at our hospital from January 2022 to March 2024. Both warm ischaemia time (WIT) and cold ischaemia time (CID) were collected. Histological features related to ischaemic damage were evaluated and ischaemic changes in normal pancreatic tissue and pancreatic tumour were graded as absent, mild, moderate and severe. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine which variables were associated with moderate and severe ischaemia.
Results
Sixty surgical specimens were analysed: 20 open PD, 17 robotic PD with cold ischaemia and 23 robotic PD. Median total WIT was 182 minutes (OPD 57 minutes vs RPD 190 minutes vs RPD-CI 198 minutes; p < 0.001). Median CID was 760 minutes (740–835) in samples stored at 4ºC. Assessment of tumour regression was of poor quality in the specimens with cold ischemia. Univariate analysis showed that longer intraoperative time, male gender and cold ischaemia were associated with pancreatic tissue degradation. In multivariate analysis, cold ischaemia was the only independent factor associated with normal pancreatic tissue and tumour tissue moderate and severe degradation.
Conclusions
Prolonged ischaemia time, especially in the case of cold storage, has a strong effect on the degradation of normal and tumour tissue without affecting tumour staging.
Evaluation of Prognostic Factors for High-Flow Nasal Cannula Therapy Failure in Infants with Bronchiolitis: A Prospective Study
Authors: Zayani Seyfeddine , Thabet Farah , Marzouki Amal , Benfredj Manel , Chouchane Chokri , Chouchane Slaheddine 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objective
This study aims to examine factors associated with High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy failure in infants with moderate to severe bronchiolitis, thereby optimizing and personalizing management by identifying patients at risk of treatment failure.
Methods
A prospective cohort study was conducted over two years (September 2021 - March 2023) in the pediatric intensive care unit of a tertiary-level university hospital. Infants aged 0–12 months with moderate to severe bronchiolitis requiring HFNC were included. Exclusion criteria were previous noninvasive or invasive mechanical ventilation, tracheostomy, uncorrected cyanotic congenital heart disease, or chronic respiratory or neuromuscular pathology. Clinical and biological characteristics were assessed at initiation and at H2 of HFNC treatment. Logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for HFNC therapy failure.
Results
Of the 154 patients included, 100 (64.9%) responded to HFNC, while 54 (35.1%) required escalation of care. Univariate analysis showed significant differences in age and weight at admission between responders and non-responders. Multivariate analysis identified weight below the 10th percentile, FiO2 requirement ≥ 42.5%, and Wang score ≥ 10 at HFNC initiation as predictors of failure. Persistence of tachycardia, tachypnea, hypercapnia, and FiO2 ≥ 48.5% after 2 hours of HFNC were also predictors of failure. The most frequent causes of HFNC failure were persistent increased respiratory effort (64.8%) and severe apnea (18.5%).
Conclusions
Key predictors of HFNC therapy failure include low weight, high initial FiO2 requirements, and severe clinical scores at initiation, as well as persistent clinical instability during the first hours of therapy. These findings can guide clinical decisions and improve outcomes for infants with bronchiolitis.
YOLOv8-SST Lightweight Small Target Fault Detection System Integrating SENet Attention Mechanism and Tr-OCR
Authors: Li Hui , Li Zhiping , Shi Leina , Su Yixu , Yu Taoming 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

To solve the issues of slow processing speed and susceptibility to false and missed detections in fault detection algorithms with cluttered backgrounds, this paper proposes an improved YOLOv8 lightweight fault small target detection method based on the fusion of a squeeze-and-excitation network and transformer-based optical character recognition. The backbone network structure of the YOLOv8 algorithm was optimized by adding the channel attention module SENet to enhance the performance, adaptability, and generalizability of the model. The differentiable feature learning loss function was optimized to guide learning, reduce positioning errors, and improve accuracy. Group shuffle convolution was used in the neck layer to replace the traditional standard convolution to construct a lightweight detection network, which increases the diversity of the network receptive fields, better captures contextual information regarding the target, and reduces complexity. This study innovatively introduced optical character recognition (OCR) into the YOLOv8 backbone to improve digit recognition accuracy. A CCD-type image sensor was used as an image acquisition device, to further improve the accuracy of the fault detection. Finally, the experimental results were analyzed, and the improved YOLOv8n algorithm achieved a detection precision of 96.84%, a recall of 98.73%, and an F1-Score of 97.81%.
Negative feedback loop in the activation of non-homologous end joining DNA repair pathway in Helicobacter pylori infected patients with gastritis
Authors: Amirnorouzi Mohsen , Karimi Ahmadmoeen , Daryani Naser Ebrahimi , Rajaei Amiratabak , Hashemi Mehrdad , Alebouyeh Masoud 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Chronic gastritis if left untreated can develop into cancer. This study was done to investigate the activation of error-prone DNA repair pathway in response to Helicobacter pylori infection. Relative changes in the expression levels of genes involved in the non-homologous end-joining pathway (NHEJ) in H. pylori-infected (Cases) and non-infected patients (Controls) with chronic gastritis were measured. A significant increase in the relative expression level of TP53, and significant decrease in the relative transcription of lncRNA LINP1 and XRCC5 were detected in the case group. The transcription of Lig4 and XRCC6 was increased in the case group, which was not statistically significant. The Spearman’s Correlation Coefficient analysis showed a significant positive-correlation between the transcriptional levels of LINP1 and XRCC4/XRCC5/Lig4, and between XRCC5 and TP53/Lig4 both in the case and control groups. Moreover, a significant positive correlation between LinP1 and XRCC6 in the case, and a significant positive correlation between XRCC4 and Lig4, and a negative correlation between TP53 and LinP1/XRCC4/XRCC5 in the control group was detected. Collectively, our results suggest a protective role for TP53 against the assembly and stabilization of NHEJ complex, mainly through downregulation of LinP1 and XRCC5, in the H. pylori-infected patients with chronic gastritis.
Identification of Ground Water Potential Zones in Nanjangud Taluk Using GIS
Authors: Prakash Manasa M , S Adarsh 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

It’s a paradoxical situation in many parts of India where despite receiving a decent amount of rainfall, water scarcity remains a significant issue. In hard-rock areas, where groundwater is a primary source of water, the thickness and accessibility of aquifers play a crucial role. Satellite images may identify a variety of ground features that could be indicators of the existence of groundwater; they are frequently employed in groundwater analysis. Analysing groundwater potential zones is crucial for sustainable water source management. In the case of Nanjangud Taluk in Mysuru District, Karnataka, India, it's significant to categorize the groundwater availability to better understand and manage this vital resource. The division into dissimilar classes (i.e., Excellent, very good, good, moderate, and poor) based on hydro-geomorphological conditions helps in prioritizing areas for intervention and resource allocation. Using Toposheets from the Survey of India as a base, various thematic maps such as slope, land-use, and drainage density are created using GIS software like ArcGIS. These thematic maps are then converted into raster data using the feature to raster converter tool. Once rasterized, each thematic map is assigned a fixed percentage of influence based on its importance in determining groundwater potential.
Visualizing mitochondrial membrane potential with FRET probes: Integrating fluorescence intensity ratio and lifetime imaging
Authors: Peng Fei , Ai Xiangnan , Bu Xiaoyu , Zhao Zixuan , Gao Baoxiang 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) is crucial for mitochondrial function and serves as a key indicator of cellular health and metabolic activity. Traditional lipophilic cationic fluorescence intensity probes are unavoidably influenced by probe concentration, laser intensity, and photobleaching, limiting their accuracy. To address these issues, we designed and synthesized a pair of fluorescence molecules, OR-C8 and SiR-BA, based on the Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) mechanism, for dual-modality visualization of MMP. OR-C8 anchors to the inner mitochondrial membrane through strong hydrophobic interactions, while SiR-BA is expelled from mitochondria when MMP decreases, thereby regulating the FRET process. During MMP reduction, the fluorescence intensity and lifetime of OR-C8 increase, while the fluorescence intensity of SiR-BA decreases. By combining changes in fluorescence intensity ratio and fluorescence lifetime, dual-modality visualization of MMP was achieved. This method not only accurately reflects MMP changes but also provides a novel tool for in-depth studies of mitochondrial function and related disease mechanisms, offering significant potential for advancing mitochondrial research and therapeutic development.
Psychometric properties and longitudinal measurement invariance of the Treatment-induced Neuropathy Assessment Scale in the Chinese cancer chemotherapy population
Authors: Jin Yanfei , Li Yang , Xiong Lina , Tang Chulei , Ma Hongwen 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: Background: Treatment-induced peripheral neuropathy is one of the most complex toxicities to diagnose and manage in cancer patients. The Treatment-Induced Neuropathy Assessment Scale (TNAS) is a valid instrument in English for assessing the severity and course of neuropathy across various cancer treatments; it has not been evaluated for psychometric properties in non-Western samples, nor has it been tested for longitudinal measurement invariance.
Aim: To evaluate psychometric properties and longitudinal measurement invariance of the TNAS in Chinese cancer patients.
Design: A longitudinal observational study.
Methods: A total of 316 patients were surveyed at three time points. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), convergent validity, longitudinal measurement invariance, criterion validity, and Internal consistency reliability were evaluated.
Results: CFA supported the 2-factor structure of the original TNAS construct at three-time points. The composite reliability (CR) and the average variance extracted (AVE) indicated that the TNAS had good convergent validity. TNAS exhibited strong measurement invariance over time and was reliable across different time points. The correlation of TNAS with the EORTC QLQ-CIPN20 showed good criterion validity. Moreover, the TNAS and sub-scales had high internal consistency at three-time points.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that the TNAS is a reliable and valid instrument with adequate psychometric properties and temporal stability. Our results support the use of TNAS in clinical practice to measure treatment-induced peripheral neuropathy and track changes in neuropathy symptoms.
Assessment and Mitigation of Groundwater Pollution in Sikar City: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Nussi Keerthi Reddy , S Sajan , Basumatary Udangshree Rani , Biyyyathiyil Shahada , Kuzhivelil Ivin John , Bunty Bhoomika , Kumar Nand 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Water pollution is a pressing global environmental issue with far-reaching consequences for the environment, public health, and economic development. Assessing and mitigating water pollution are critical for safeguarding environmental and public health. It involves identifying pollution sources, measuring impacts on health and the environment, and implementing reduction strategies. Sikar is one of the cities of Rajasthan facing a severe water pollution crisis, with significant contamination affecting surface and groundwater, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable water management practices. Additionally, Sikar is experiencing increasing groundwater levels due to excessive irrigation, inefficient water use, and limited recharge. This trend exacerbates water quality issues and poses risks to infrastructure and agriculture. This paper assesses the impact of current water pollution levels by measuring key water quality indicators (pH, BOD, COD, etc.) of Sikar City and comparing the indicators to national and international standards. It also addresses the issue of increasing groundwater levels due to factors such as excessive irrigation, inefficient water use, and limited recharge. The study then proposes mitigation strategies by reviewing relevant or similar case studies and research papers on water pollution in Sikar and similar regions.
Assessing the Effectiveness of Automatic Speech Recognition Technology in Emergency Medicine Settings: A Comparative Study of Four AI-powered Engines
Authors: Luo Xiao , Zhou Le , Adelgais Kathleen , Zhang Zhan 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Cutting-edge automatic speech recognition (ASR) technology holds significant promise in transcribing and recognizing medical information during patient encounters, thereby enabling automatic and real-time clinical documentation, which could significantly alleviate care clinicians’ burdens. Nevertheless, the performance of current-generation ASR technology in analyzing conversations in noisy and dynamic medical settings, such as prehospital or Emergency Medical Services (EMS), lacks sufficient validation. This study explores the current technological limitations and future potential of deploying ASR technology for clinical documentation in fast-paced and noisy medical settings such as EMS.
Methods
In this study, we evaluated four ASR engines, including Google Speech-to-Text Clinical Conversation, OpenAI Speech-to-Text, Amazon Transcribe Medical, and Azure Speech-to-Text engine. The empirical data used for evaluation were 40 EMS simulation recordings. The transcribed texts were analyzed for accuracy against 23 Electronic Health Records (EHR) categories of EMS. The common types of errors in transcription were also analyzed.
Results
Among all four ASR engines, Google Speech-to-Text Clinical Conversation performed the best. Among all EHR categories, better performance was observed in categories “mental state” (F1 = 1.0), “allergies” (F1 = 0.917), “past medical history” (F1 = 0.804), “electrolytes” (F1 = 1.0), and “blood glucose level” (F1 = 0.813). However, all four ASR engines demonstrated low performance in transcribing certain critical categories, such as “treatment” (F1 = 0.650) and “medication” (F1 = 0.577).
Conclusion
Current ASR solutions fall short in fully automating the clinical documentation in EMS setting. Our findings highlight the need for further improvement and development of automated clinical documentation technology to improve recognition accuracy in time-critical and dynamic medical settings.