bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nurses' evidence‐based knowledge and self‐efficacy in venous access device insertion and management: Development and validation of a questionnaire
Authors: Piredda Michela , Sguanci Marco , De Maria Maddalena , Petrucci Giorgia , Usai Matteo , Fiorini Jacopo , De Marinis Maria Grazia 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAimTo develop and psychometrically test an instrument to assess nurses' evidence‐based knowledge and self‐efficacy regarding insertion and management of venous access devices (short peripheral catheter (SPC), long peripheral catheter/midline (LPC) and PICC) and the management of totally implantable central venous catheter (Port) in adult patients.DesignMulticenter cross‐sectional observational study with questionnaire development and psychometric testing (validity and reliability).MethodsAn evidence‐based instrument was developed including a 34‐item knowledge section and an 81‐item self‐efficacy section including four device‐specific parts. Nineteen experts evaluated content validity. A pilot study was conducted with 86 nurses. Difficulty and discrimination indices were calculated for knowledge items. Confirmatory factor analyses tested the dimensionality of the self‐efficacy section according to the development model. Construct validity was tested through known group validity. Reliability was evaluated through Cronbach's alpha coefficient for unidimensional scales and omega coefficients for multidimensional scales.ResultsContent validity indices and results from the pilot study were excellent with all the item‐content validity indices >0.78 and scale‐content validity index ranging from 0.96 to 0.99. The survey was completed by 425 nurses. Difficulty and discrimination indices for knowledge items were acceptable with most items (58.8%) showing desirable difficulty and most items (58.8%) with excellent (35.3%) or good (23.5%) discrimination power, and appropriate to the content. The dimensionality of the model posited for self‐efficacy was confirmed with adequate fit indices (e.g., comparative fit index range 0.984–0.996, root mean square error of approximation range 0.054–0.073). Construct validity was determined and reliability was excellent with alpha values ranging from 0.843 to 0.946 and omega coefficients ranging from 0.833 to 0.933. Therefore, a valid and reliable tool based on updated guidelines is made available to evaluate nurses’ competencies for venous access insertion and management.
The subcutaneous adipose transcriptome identifies a molecular signature of insulin resistance shared with visceral adipose
Authors: Mashayekhi Mona , Sheng Quanhu , Bailin Samuel S. , Massier Lucas , Zhong Jiawei , Shi Mingjian , Wanjalla Celestine N. , Wang Thomas J. , Ikizler T. Alp , Niswender Kevin D. , Gabriel Curtis L. , Palacios Julia , Turgeon‐Jones Rachel , Reynolds Cassandra F. , Luther James M. , Brown Nancy J. , Das Saumya , Dahlman Ingrid , Mosley Jonathan D. , Koethe John R. , Rydén Mikael , Bachmann Katherine N. , Shah Ravi V. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of this study was to identify the transcriptional landscape of insulin resistance (IR) in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) in humans across the spectrum of obesity.MethodsWe used SAT RNA sequencing in 220 individuals with metabolic phenotyping.ResultsWe identified a 35‐gene signature with high predictive accuracy for homeostatic model of IR that was expressed across a variety of non‐immune cell populations. We observed primarily “protective” IR associations for adipocyte transcripts and “deleterious” associations for macrophage transcripts, as well as a high concordance between SAT and visceral adipose tissue (VAT). Multiple SAT genes exhibited dynamic expression 5 years after weight loss surgery and with insulin stimulation. Using available expression quantitative trait loci in SAT and/or VAT, we demonstrated similar genetic effect sizes of SAT and VAT on type 2 diabetes and BMI.ConclusionsSAT is conventionally viewed as a metabolic buffer for lipid deposition during positive energy balance, whereas VAT is viewed as a dominant contributor to and prime mediator of IR and cardiometabolic disease risk. Our results implicate a dynamic transcriptional architecture of IR that resides in both immune and non‐immune populations in SAT and is shared with VAT, nuancing the current VAT‐centric concept of IR in humans.
Self‐Reported Hypersensitivity to Smells: Objective Evidence for Hyposmia, not Hyperosmia
Authors: Khan Rafa , Moein Shima T. , Doty Richard L. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo compare, using state‐of‐the‐art psychophysical tests, the olfactory function of patients complaining and not complaining of olfactory hypersensitivity.Study DesignRetrospective cross‐sectional.SettingThe Smell and Taste Center at the University of Pennsylvania.MethodsUniversity of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) scores were obtained from 148 patients complaining of hyperosmia and 494 patients with no such complaints; detection threshold test scores were obtained from 77 and 483 patients of these respective groups. The effects of subject group, age, and sex on the test scores were assessed using analyses of variance. Categorical variables were evaluated by χ2. Responses to items within a detailed intake questionnaire, for example, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI‐II), were also evaluated.ResultsUnexpectedly, those complaining of hyperosmia had lower olfactory test scores than those with no such complaints (respective UPSIT means [95% confidence interval [CIs]] = 27.86 (26.85, 28.87) and 32.19 (31.67, 32.71); P < .001; respective threshold means (log vol/vol) = −4.49 (−4.89, −4.09) and −5.22 (−5.36, −5.06); P < .001). Remarkably, 70.95% of the self‐identified hyperosmics exhibited mild to severe microsmia. The hyposmia complainers also exhibited elevated BDI scores (11.02 [9.53, 12.51] vs 7.58 [6.80, 8.34]).ConclusionWhen objectively tested, many patients who complain of hypersensitivity to odors are actually less sensitive to them. The basis of this phenomenon is unclear. It could reflect the presence of emotionally disturbing altered smell sensations, or one or more comorbidities, such as hypochondria or osmophobia. These findings point to the importance of objective testing of persons with complaints of chemosensory dysfunction and reiterate the inaccuracy of self‐reports.
Characteristic Pressure Waveforms Can Distinguish Airway Collapse Patterns in Sleep Apnea Patients: A Pilot Study
Authors: Shah Ravi R. , Mahmoud Ahmad F. , Dedhia Raj C. , Thaler Erica R. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo use pharyngeal pressure recordings to distinguish different upper airway collapse patterns in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients, and to assess whether these pressure recordings correlate with candidacy assessment for hypoglossal nerve stimulator (HGNS) implantation.Study DesignProspective case series.SettingSingle tertiary‐quaternary care academic center.MethodsSubjects with OSA prospectively underwent simultaneous drug‐induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) and transnasal pharyngeal pressure recording with a pressure‐transducing catheter. Pressure was recorded in the nasopharynx and oropharynx, and endoscopic collapse patterns were classified based on site, extent, and direction of collapse. Pressure recordings were classified categorically by waveform shape as well as numerically by inspiratory and expiratory amplitudes and slopes. Waveform shape, amplitude, and slope were then compared with the endoscopic findings.ResultsTwenty‐five subjects with OSA were included. Nasopharyngeal waveform shape was associated with the extent of collapse at the level of the palate (P = .001). Oropharyngeal waveform shape was associated with anatomical site of collapse (P < .001) and direction of collapse (P = .019) below the level of the palate. Pressure amplitudes and slopes were also associated with the extent of collapse at various sites. Waveform shape was also associated with favorable collapse pattern on endoscopy for HGNS implantation (P = .043), as well as surgical candidacy for HGNS (P = .004).ConclusionCharacteristic pharyngeal pressure waveforms are associated with different airway collapse patterns. Pharyngeal pressure is a promising adjunct to DISE in the sleep surgery candidacy evaluation.
Higher tumor mutational burden is associated with inferior outcomes among pediatric patients with neuroblastoma
Authors: Chang Ya‐Hsuan , Yu Chih‐Hsiang , Lu Meng‐Yao , Jou Shiann‐Tarng , Lin Chien‐Yu , Lin Kai‐Hsin , Chang Hsiu‐Hao , Ni Yu‐Ling , Chou Shu‐Wei , Ko Kuan‐Yin , Lin Dong‐Tsamn , Hsu Wen‐Ming , Chen Hsuan‐Yu , Yang Yung‐Li 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIntroductionNeuroblastoma is a pediatric malignancy with heterogeneous clinical outcomes. Our aim was to identify prognostic genetic markers for patients with neuroblastoma, who were treated with the Taiwan Pediatric Oncology Group (TPOG) neuroblastoma N2002 protocol, to improve risk stratification and inform treatment.MethodsOur analysis was based on 53 primary neuroblastoma specimens, diagnosed pre‐chemotherapy, and 11 paired tumor relapse specimens. Deep sequencing of 113 target genes was performed using a custom panel. Multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification was performed to identify clinical outcomes related to copy‐number variations.ResultsWe identified 128 variations associated with survival, with the number of variations being higher in the relapse than that in the diagnostic specimen (p = .03). The risk of event and mortality was higher among patients with a tumor mutational burden ≥10 than that in patients with a lower burden (p < .0001). Multivariate analysis identified tumor mutational burden, MYCN amplification, and chromosome 3p deletion as significant prognostic factors, independent of age at diagnosis, sex, and tumor stage. The 5‐year event‐free survival and overall survival rate was lower among patients with high tumor burden than in patients with low tumor burden. Furthermore, there was no survival of patients with an ALK F1147L variation at 5 years after diagnosis.ConclusionsGenome sequencing to determine the tumor mutational burden and ALK variations can improve the risk classification of neuroblastoma and inform treatment.
Low dielectric constant composites using covalent organic framework dispersed terpolyimide
Authors: Purushothaman Revathi , Pandian C. K. Arvinda 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPolyimides are used in various applications, including fuel cells, membranes, and microelectronics, due to their outstanding tensile properties, great thermal stability, low dielectric constant, and chemical inertness. Applications requiring even lower dielectric constants include interlayer dielectrics and tape‐automated bonding. In this study, a covalent organic framework (COF‐1) was synthesized and dispersed in various percentages into a solution of terpoly(amide acid) (TPAA) to produce COF‐1/terpolyimide composites. 3,3′,4,4′‐Oxydiphthalic dianhydride (ODPA), 3,3′,4,4′‐biphenyltetracarboxylicdianhydride (BPDA), and 4,4′‐(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphthalic anhydride (6FDA) were reacted with 4,4′‐(hexafluoroisopropylidene)bis[(4‐aminophenoxy)benzene] (HFBAPP) or 4,4′‐(hexafluoroisopropylidene) dianiline (6FpDA) to form terpoly(amide acid). In this case, monomers with fluorinated substituents (HFBAPP, 6FpDA, and 6FDA) were utilized to improve free volume. Pores of COF‐1 and gaps between polyimide chains and COF‐1 can be filled with air with a dielectric constant (κ) ~1, lowering the κ value of terpolyimide composites. The κ value of COF‐1/terpolyimide composites decreased as COF‐1 content increased, reaching a minimum of 1.96. Tensile properties decreased slightly with increasing COF‐1 levels. The terpolyimides and their composites were thermally stable up to approximately 520°C. As a result, these polymer composites look promising for use as insulators in microelectronic applications.Highlights
Terpolyimide is prepared using fluorinated monomers to improve bulk volume.
Incorporated COF‐1 into terpoly(amide acid) to introduce pores/voids and reduce dielectric constant.
Developed COF‐1/terpolyimide composites with a low dielectric constant of 1.96.
Optimized COF‐1/terpolyimide composites for microelectronic applications.
Narrative review and call to action on reporting and representation in orthobiologics research for knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Sin Alexander , Hollabaugh William , Porras Lauren 
Published: July 2024

AbstractOsteoarthritis affects a significant portion of U.S. adults, and knee osteoarthritis contributes to 80% of disease burden. Previous data have shown that non‐White patient populations often report worse symptoms and less favorable outcomes following arthroplasty, a definitive treatment for knee osteoarthritis. There is a lack of demographics data on race/ethnicity, as well as socioeconomic status (SES) and social determinants of health (SDOH), in knee osteoarthritis treatment guidelines and knee arthroplasty research. In addition, there is underrepresentation of non‐White patient populations in the existing treatment guidelines for knee osteoarthritis. Over the past decade, orthobiologics have emerged as an alternative to surgical intervention. Our hypothesis is that there would be a similar lack of reporting of demographics data and underrepresentation of non‐White populations in studies pertaining to orthobiologics, including evaluating differences in outcomes. This study reviewed U.S.‐based research in orthobiologics as a treatment option for knee osteoarthritis. We identified a lack of demographics reporting in terms of race/ethnicity, and none of the studies reported SES or SDOH. Non‐White populations were underrepresented; White patients contributed to 80% or more of all study populations that reported race/ethnicity. None studied the correlation between symptoms and outcome measures, and the race/ethnicity, SES, and SDOH of the patients. Based on a review of existing literature, we strongly advocate for ongoing research encompassing patients of all races/ethnicities, SES, and SDOH, and an exploration into potential variations in symptoms and outcomes among distinct population subgroups. Furthermore, SES barriers may influence health care delivery on orthobiologics for disadvantaged populations.
A comparative approach for life history and functional response demonstrates similar survival strategies for Trichogramma evanescens and T. pintoi
Authors: Tonğa Adil , Erkek Mustafa , Ali Jamin , Fathipour Yaghoub , Özder Nihal 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDEgg parasitoids are important biological control agents of lepidopteran pests of agricultural crops. Trichogramma evanescens Westwood and T. pintoi Voegele (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) are egg parasitoids with worldwide importance. The parasitoid selection necessitates comparative assessment of the life table traits and functional response analysis to provide insights into their effectiveness in pest control. In this study, we examined their life table traits including survivorship and reproductivity, and functional response and associated parameters i.e., attack coefficient and handling time.RESULTSLife table parameters, using age‐stage, two‐sex theory, revealed similar survival and reproductive strategies for both species. For example, the female longevity, oviposition days and fecundity did not differ between both species. Exceptionally, the male longevity of T. evanescens was shorter than that of T. pintoi. The population growth parameters such as gross reproductive rate (GRR), net reproductive rate (R0), intrinsic rate of increase (r), finite rate of increase (λ), and mean generation time (T) did not differ between species. The polynomial logistic regression yielded a type III functional response and a non‐linear least square analysis revealed different attack coefficient and similar handling time. However, their parasitism rate differed between the lowest (five eggs) and highest (80 eggs) initial host egg densities such that T. evanescens had a lower parasitism rate at the lowest density and higher parasitism rate at the highest density.CONCLUSIONThe similarity in survival strategies and minor differences in host handling of both parasitoids are discussed in terms of relevance to applied biological control applications and evolutionary traits. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Statistical inference of a series reliability system using shock models with Weibull distribution
Authors: Sarhan Ammar M. , Almetwally Ehab M. , Mustafa Abdelfattah , Tolba Ahlam H. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn this study, we define a series system with non‐independent and non‐identical components using a shock model with sources of fatal shocks. Here, it is assumed that the shocks happen randomly and independently, following a Weibull distribution with various scale and shape parameters. A dependability model with unknown parameters is produced by this process. Making statistical conclusions about the model parameters is the main objective of this research. We apply the maximum likelihood and Bayes approaches to determine the model parameters' point and interval estimates. We shall demonstrate that no analytical solutions to the likelihood equations must be solved to obtain the parameters' maximum likelihood estimates. As a result, we will use the R program to approximate the parameter point and interval estimates. Additionally, we will use the bootstrap‐t and bootstrap‐p methods to approximate the confidence intervals. About the Bayesian approach, we presume that each model parameter is independent and follows a gamma prior distribution with a range of attached hyperparameter values. The model parameters' posterior distribution does not take a practical form. We are unable to derive the Bayes estimates in closed forms as a result. To solve this issue, we use the Gibbs sampler from the Metropolis‐Hasting algorithm based on the Markov chain Monte Carlo method to condense the posterior distribution. To demonstrate the relevance of this research, a real data set application is detailed.
Is gravidity associated with COVID‐19 vaccination among pregnant women in Jamaica?
Authors: Pinkney Jodian A. , Bogart Laura M. , Carroll Kamali N. , Bryan Lenroy R. , Witter Givana A. , Ashour Dina , Hoeppner Susanne S. , Hurtado Rocio M. , Goldfarb Ilona T. , Psaros Christina , Hyle Emily P. , Ojikutu Bisola O. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIntroductionIn 2021, Jamaica's maternal mortality ratio doubled as a result of COVID‐19‐related deaths. Yet, COVID‐19 vaccination among pregnant Jamaican women remained low. In the United States, COVID‐19 vaccination is lower among pregnant women who have had multiple pregnancies (multigravidas) versus women who were pregnant for the first time (primigravidas). We examined whether this pattern exists in Jamaica.MethodsA cross‐sectional survey of a convenience sample of 79 pregnant Jamaican women recruited from a teaching hospital (May–July 2022) was used to assess self‐reported COVID‐19 vaccination and medical mistrust beliefs—operationalized as low vaccine confidence, government mistrust, and race‐based mistrust—by gravidity. We used modified Poisson regression to estimate adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for vaccination by gravidity, adjusting for age, education, and comorbidities.ResultsThirty‐nine (49%) of the participants were multigravidas. Socioeconomic status was similar between multigravidas and primigravidas. COVID‐19 vaccination was lower in multigravidas (46%) than primigravidas (75%) after adjusting for age, education, and comorbidities (aPR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.46–0.99; p = 0.044). Vaccine confidence was lower in multigravidas (p = 0.044). Government mistrust and race‐based mistrust did not differ between the two groups.ConclusionIn Jamaica, multigravidas may have lower COVID‐19 vaccine uptake and lower vaccine confidence compared with primigravidas. Understanding the distinct needs of pregnant subpopulations is essential for crafting effective maternal vaccination campaigns.
Estimating the key outcomes and hepatocellular carcinoma risk in patients in immune‐tolerant phase of chronic hepatitis B virus infection: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Liu Min , Zhao Taixue , Zhang Jinyang , Bu Bing , Zhang Ruyi , Xia Xueshan , Geng Jiawei 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe question of whether patients in the immune‐tolerant (IT) phase of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection should undergo antiviral therapy and determine the optimal regimen remains unclear. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Wanfang Data from inception to 5 December 2023, was conducted. Studies reporting on key outcomes such as HBV DNA undetectability, HBeAg loss or seroconversion, HBsAg loss or seroconversion, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incidence in patients in the IT phase of chronic HBV infection were included. In total, 23 studies were incorporated. Approximately 4% of patients in the IT phase achieved spontaneous HBeAg loss over 48 weeks of follow‐up. Antiviral therapy demonstrated a favourable impact on HBV DNA negative conversion (Children: risk ratios [RR] = 6.83, 95% CI: 2.90–16.05; Adults: RR = 25.84, 95% CI: 6.47–103.31) and HBsAg loss rates (Children: RR = 9.49, 95% CI: 1.74–51.76; Adults: RR = 7.35, 95% CI: 1.41–38.27) for patients in the IT phase. Subgroup analysis revealed that in adult patients in the IT phase, interferon plus nucleos(t)ide analogues (NA)‐treated patients exhibited a higher pooled rate of HBsAg loss or seroconversion than those treated with NA monotherapy (9% vs. 0%). Additionally, the pooled annual HCC incidence for patients in the IT phase was 3.03 cases per 1000 person‐years (95% CI: 0.99–5.88). Adult patients in the IT phase had a significantly lower HCC incidence risk than HBeAg‐positive indeterminate phase patients (RR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.32–0.66), with no significant differences observed between IT and immune‐active phases. Presently, there is insufficient evidence solely based on reducing the risk of HCC incidence, to recommend treating patients in the IT phase of chronic HBV infection. However, both adult and paediatric patients in the IT phase responded well to antiviral therapy, showing favourable rates of HBsAg loss or seroconversion.
Distributed Nash equilibrium seeking for multi‐agent systems with uncertainty in the cost function
Authors: Ma Chunhe , Pang Yipeng , Qu Site , Hu Guoqiang 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn this paper, the Nash equilibrium (NE) seeking problem is investigated for a class of ‐integrator multi‐agent system with uncertain parameter in the cost function. In the game setup, each agent only accesses its neighbors' information. Without knowing the probability distribution of the uncertain parameter, the robust counterpart of the studied game is considered. Due to the nonsmoothness of the robust game, a smooth game that consists of real agents as well as fictive agents dealing with uncertainty is formulated. In contrast to conventional robust convex‐concave games, the assumption on the uncertain parameter is relaxed to Polyak‐Łojasiewicz (PL) inequality. Based on the relationship between the robust game and its reformulated version, a distributed NE seeking strategy is developed such that the states of the non‐cooperative agent can converge to the NE solution. At the end, numerical examples are given to verify the validity of the proposed method.