bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An ethical assessment of powered exoskeletons: Implications from clinical use to industry and military contexts
Authors: Erden Yasemin J. , Rainey Stephen 
Published: July 2024

AbstractExoskeletons are technologies that can help to increase or improve mobility, dexterity, and strength. They can be used as assistive devices, to restore lost affordances, or for rehabilitation. While mechanical exoskeletons are passive and rely on the body's power for movement, powered exoskeletons are active mechanical systems that can assist or enhance a user's capacity, including in strength and performance. They also offer scope to augment or enhance beyond simple medical support, with potential in the future for superhuman power and strength. While these technologies present promising clinical opportunities, including for those who want to regain walking capacity, they also bring ethical questions, such as about data privacy and accessibility. In addition, the physical features of the technology can prove mentally, physically, and financially demanding, and may be deployed in contexts where user choice and autonomy is constrained. In this article, we discuss these issues, and raise some pertinent ethical questions, not all of which can be easily answered. We touch upon medical and therapeutic uses, for industrial and workplace settings, and in military contexts specially, given these are contexts where such technology may be required or even imposed. We argue that reasonable optimism for such technologies needs to be tempered by sufficient ethical assessment to identify and address barriers to research, development, and use. As well as managing any impacts and expectations for the health and wellbeing of users, the potential impact on autonomy and the risk of coercion, we have to consider what kind of data may be recorded or used, and the risk that these technologies could exacerbate existing inequalities or harms.
Pre‐processing visual scenes for retinal prosthesis systems: A comprehensive review
Authors: Holiel Heidi Ahmed , Fawzi Sahar Ali , Al‐Atabany Walid 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundRetinal prostheses offer hope for individuals with degenerative retinal diseases by stimulating the remaining retinal cells to partially restore their vision. This review delves into the current advancements in retinal prosthesis technology, with a special emphasis on the pivotal role that image processing and machine learning techniques play in this evolution.MethodsWe provide a comprehensive analysis of the existing implantable devices and optogenetic strategies, delineating their advantages, limitations, and challenges in addressing complex visual tasks. The review extends to various image processing algorithms and deep learning architectures that have been implemented to enhance the functionality of retinal prosthetic devices. We also illustrate the testing results by demonstrating the clinical trials or using Simulated Prosthetic Vision (SPV) through phosphene simulations, which is a critical aspect of simulating visual perception for retinal prosthesis users.ResultsOur review highlights the significant progress in retinal prosthesis technology, particularly its capacity to augment visual perception among the visually impaired. It discusses the integration between image processing and deep learning, illustrating their impact on individual interactions and navigations within the environment through applying clinical trials and also illustrating the limitations of some techniques to be used with current devices, as some approaches only use simulation even on sighted‐normal individuals or rely on qualitative analysis, where some consider realistic perception models and others do not.ConclusionThis interdisciplinary field holds promise for the future of retinal prostheses, with the potential to significantly enhance the quality of life for individuals with retinal prostheses. Future research directions should pivot towards optimizing phosphene simulations for SPV approaches, considering the distorted and confusing nature of phosphene perception, thereby enriching the visual perception provided by these prosthetic devices. This endeavor will not only improve navigational independence but also facilitate a more immersive interaction with the environment.
Temporary mechanical support in the peripartum patient as a bridge to postpartum recovery: A report of three cases
Authors: Jimenez Yomary , Elzeneini Mohammed , Siddique Nasir F. , Vilaro Juan , Aranda Juan , Al‐Ani Mohammad , Park Ki , Wen Tony S. , Egerman Robert S. , Jeng Eric I. , Ahmed Mustafa M. , Parker Alex M. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractCardiogenic shock (CS) is a severe complication of peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM). Patients with deteriorating CS often require temporary mechanical circulatory support. In PPCM, this can be used as a bridge to postpartum recovery or bridge to decision. The outcomes are unclear, especially if prolonged utilization is required. We present a case series of three patients with PPCM in deteriorating CS who were successfully supported with a ventricular assist device or veno‐arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a bridge to postpartum recovery.
Spatial distribution of bedforms and related flow processes around canyon mouths: Insights from the Rovuma Basin (offshore Mozambique)
Authors: Chen Yuhang , Lu Yintao , Wang Xiaofeng , Fan Guozhang , Li Lin , Xu Xiaoyong , Zuo Guoping , Shao Dali , Cao Quanbin 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBedforms associated with turbidite systems are commonly observed on seafloor. Previous studies have analysed bedform morphological and sedimentary features to determine their formation mechanisms and flow dynamics. However, the seafloor topography and ocean circulation have comprehensively influenced both down‐ and along‐slope turbidity flow processes, complicating the spatial distribution of the related bedforms. Three‐dimensional seismic data (3D) were used to depict the morphological and sedimentary features of the bedforms around the canyon mouth on the slope of the Rovuma Basin (offshore Mozambique), to reveal the spatial distribution and related flow processes of the bedforms. The results show that the spatial morphological and sedimentary features of the submarine bedforms at canyon mouths are controlled by the combined action of down‐ and along‐slope factors. The along‐slope bottom currents influence the deposition distribution of the turbidity current at the canyon mouth. However, slope breaks control bedform morphological and sedimentary features during downslope turbidity currents. Coarse‐grained material of turbidity current flows along the axial zone of the canyon mouth, forming a linear series of crescent‐shaped net‐erosional cyclic steps characterized by short steep stoss sides and long gentle lee sides. The fine‐grained material of the turbidity currents is deflected towards the northern flank of the axial zone by the bottom currents and deposited as undulating net‐depositional cyclic steps at upper reach of the northern flank, showing long gentle stoss sides and short steep sides. Slope breaks enhance the erosion on cyclic steps by altering the velocity of turbidity current, forming net‐erosional cyclic steps with the manifestation of both short and steep stoss and lee sides at lower reaches of northern flank. The turbidity current in the axial zone formed lateral flow diversions caused by the obstruction of the cyclic steps. The flow diversions converge with the downslope flowing unconfined turbidity current at the northern flank and constitute a confluence characterized by continuous variation of flow properties, forming the cyclic steps featuring irregular morphology.
Surface Cues Explain the Logic‐Liking Effect in Disjunctions
Authors: Meyer‐Grant Constantin G. , Poggel Dorothea , Klauer Karl Christoph 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe finding that people tend to prefer logically valid conclusions over invalid ones is known in the literature as the logic‐liking effect and has traditionally been interpreted as evidence for the notion of so‐called logical intuitions. Results of more recent empirical studies investigating conditional and categorical syllogisms suggest, however, that previous instances of the logic‐liking effect can be accounted for by a confound in terms of surface‐feature atmosphere. But the true nature of this atmosphere effect has so far remained largely elusive. Here, we address this issue and introduce two variants of disjunctive syllogisms that enable us to deconfound validity, possibility of the conclusion, and surface‐feature atmosphere, which has been impossible with simple disjunctive syllogisms used in earlier studies. Three experiments, in which participants were asked to provide liking and logic ratings for these arguments, revealed that the logic‐liking effect in disjunctive syllogisms can be explained by an atmosphere confound in combination with implied demand to consider logicality when judging likability. We also observed a strong atmosphere effect in logic ratings over and above an effect of logical validity per se. Furthermore, atmosphere effects appear to be induced only by specific surface features, namely those that are ecologically valid, if fallible, predictors for logicality. We conclude that acquired atmosphere heuristics provide proxies for logical validity that reasoners often take at face value. A comparison of the present results with previous findings from experiments that focused on conditional and categorical syllogisms additionally indicates that these atmosphere heuristics are used irrespective of an argument's complexity.
Learning multi‐modal recurrent neural networks with target propagation
Authors: Manchev Nikolay , Spratling Michael 
Published: July 2024

AbstractModelling one‐to‐many type mappings in problems with a temporal component can be challenging. Backpropagation is not applicable to networks that perform discrete sampling and is also susceptible to gradient instabilities, especially when applied to longer sequences. In this paper, we propose two recurrent neural network architectures that leverage stochastic units and mixture models, and are trained with target propagation. We demonstrate that these networks can model complex conditional probability distributions, outperform backpropagation‐trained alternatives, and do not rapidly degrade with increased time horizons. Our main contributions consist of the design and evaluation of the architectures that enable the networks to solve multi‐model problems with a temporal dimension. This also includes the extension of the target propagation through time algorithm to handle stochastic neurons. The use of target propagation provides an additional computational advantage, which enables the network to handle time horizons that are substantially longer compared to networks fitted using backpropagation.
PBPK‐led assessment of antimalarial drugs as candidates for Covid‐19: Simulating concentrations at the site of action to inform repurposing strategies
Authors: Abla Nada , Almond Lisa M. , Bonner Jennifer J. , Richardson Naomi , Wells Timothy N. C. , Möhrle Jörg J. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe urgent need for safe, efficacious, and accessible drug treatments to treat coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) prompted a global effort to evaluate drug repurposing opportunities. Pyronaridine and amodiaquine are both components of approved antimalarials with in vitro activity against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). In vitro activity does not always translate to clinical efficacy across a therapeutic dose range. This study applied available, verified, physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models for pyronaridine, amodiaquine, and its active metabolite N‐desethylamodiaquine (DEAQ) to predict drug concentrations in lung tissue relative to plasma or blood in the default healthy virtual population. Lung exposures were compared to published data across the reported range of in vitro EC50 values against SARS‐CoV‐2. In the multicompartment permeability‐limited PBPK model, the predicted total Cmax in lung mass for pyronaridine was 34.2 μM on Day 3, 30.5‐fold greater than in blood (1.12 μM) and for amodiaquine was 0.530 μM, 8.83‐fold greater than in plasma (0.060 μM). In the perfusion‐limited PBPK model, the DEAQ predicted total Cmax on Day 3 in lung mass (30.2 μM) was 21.4‐fold greater than for plasma (1.41 μM). Based on the available in vitro data, predicted drug concentrations in lung tissue for pyronaridine and DEAQ, but not amodiaquine, appeared sufficient to inhibit SARS‐CoV‐2 replication. Simulations indicated standard dosing regimens of pyronaridine‐artesunate and artesunate‐amodiaquine have potential to treat COVID‐19. These findings informed repurposing strategies to select the most relevant compounds for clinical investigation in COVID‐19. Clinical data for model verification may become available from ongoing clinical studies.
Atypical cellular neurothekeoma of the oral mucosa: A rare case report and literature review
Authors: Bezerra Hélen Kaline Farias , Nakamura Gabriele Prospero , Mariz Bruno Augusto Linhares Almeida , Lopes Rodrigo Nascimento , Prado José Divaldo , Roza Ana Luiza Oliveira Corrêa , Vargas Pablo Agustin 
Published: July 2024

AbstractCellular neurothekeoma (CN) is a benign dermal neoplasm that most often affects the head and neck region and rarely occurs in the oral mucosa. We report a rare case of CN with atypical features on the floor of the mouth and summarize the reported cases of oral CN in English‐language literature. A 62‐year‐old woman presented with a 6‐month history of a painless mass on the floor of the mouth. Histopathological analysis of the excised specimen revealed a proliferation of neoplastic cells with oval to spindle morphology arranged in a vaguely nested and multinodular architecture separated by scarce hyaline collagen within a predominantly myxoid‐rich stroma. The tumor cells were positive for NSE, and CD63 (NKI/C3), and negative for S100 protein, CD34, and SMA. Thus, the final diagnosis was CN. In addition, we summarized all clinicopathological data on oral CNs reported in the English‐language literature. Nineteen cases were reviewed. Among them, only one case affected the floor of the mouth of a young girl, in contrast to the present case that occurred in an elderly woman. CN is particularly rare in this location and may be a diagnostic challenge for oral pathologists due to its rarity and morphological similarity with other lesions.
Impact of peroral endoscopic myotomy on the endoscopic pressure study integrated system
Authors: Nishikawa Yohei , Inoue Haruhiro , Tanaka Ippei , Ito Shotaro , Azuma Daisuke , Ushikubo Kei , Yamamoto Kazuki , Okada Hiroki , Toshimori Akiko , Tanabe Mayo , Onimaru Manabu , Ito Takayoshi , Yokoyama Noboru , Shimamura Yuto 
Published: July 2024

ObjectivesThe endoscopic pressure study integrated system (EPSIS) is an endoscopic diagnostic system utilized for evaluation of lower esophageal sphincter function. Although previous studies have determined that EPSIS was effective as a tool for the diagnosis of achalasia, it remains uncertain if EPSIS can detect significant changes before and after peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM), which is the premier treatment for achalasia. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of EPSIS as an objective diagnostic tool for assessing the clinical effect of POEM.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent POEM from January 2022 to December 2023. The patients underwent EPSIS preoperatively and 2 months postoperatively. Intragastric pressure (IGP) parameters, including the maximum IGP, IGP difference, and waveform gradient were compared pre‐ and post‐POEM. These parameters also were compared between two groups: the postoperative gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) group and the non‐GERD group.ResultsA total of 50 patients were analyzed. The mean maximum IGP was significantly lower postoperatively than preoperatively (15.0 mmHg vs. 19.8 mmHg, P < 0.001). The mean IGP difference and waveform gradient were also significantly lower postoperatively than preoperatively (8.0 mmHg vs. 12.2 mmHg, P < 0.001; and 0.26 mmHg/s vs. 0.43 mmHg/s, P < 0.001, respectively). The mean postoperative waveform gradient was significantly lower in the GERD group (17 patients, 34%) than in the non‐GERD group (33 patients, 66%) (0.207 mmHg vs. 0.291 mmHg, P = 0.034).ConclusionThe results supported the use of EPSIS as an effective diagnostic tool for assessing the effect of POEM.
Impact of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and fibrosis on mortality and kidney outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease: A multi‐cohort longitudinal study
Authors: Zhao Lijun , Zeng Qingyue , Zhou Xiaoqin , Tang Linqiao , Wang Yujia , Han Qianqian , Zou Yutong , Xiao Xiang , Liu Ke , Ju Xuegui , Wu Yucheng , Li Xingyuan , Zhao Chuanyi , Liu Fang 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAimTo evaluate the impact of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) presence and fibrosis risk on adverse outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease.MethodsData were sourced from two longitudinal cohorts: 1172 patients from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and 326 patients from the kidney biopsy cohort at the West China Hospital of Sichuan University. Cox regression estimated hazard ratios (HRs) for NAFLD and liver fibrosis concerning adverse clinical outcomes. Subsequently, a two‐sample Mendelian randomization study using genome‐wide association study statistics explored NAFLD's potential causal link to cardio‐cerebrovascular events.ResultsIn the NHANES cohort, NAFLD stood as an independent risk factor for various outcomes: overall mortality [HR 1.53 (95% confidence interval, CI 1.21‐1.95)], mortality because of cardio‐cerebrovascular diseases [HR 1.63 (95% CI 1.12‐2.37)], heart disease [HR 1.58 (95% CI 1.00‐2.49)], and cerebrovascular disease [HR 3.95 (95% CI 1.48‐10.55)]. Notably, advanced liver fibrosis, identified by a fibrosis‐4 (FIB‐4) score >2.67, exhibited associations with overall mortality, cardio‐cerebrovascular disease mortality and heart disease mortality. Within the kidney biopsy cohort, NAFLD correlated with future end‐stage kidney disease [ESKD; HR 2.17 (95% CI 1.41‐3.34)], while elevated FIB‐4 or NAFLD Fibrosis Scores predicted future ESKD, following full adjustment. Liver fibrosis was positively correlated with renal interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy in biopsies. Further Mendelian randomization analysis supported a causal relationship between NAFLD and cardio‐cerebrovascular events.ConclusionsIn patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease, the NAFLD presence and elevated FIB‐4 scores link to heightened mortality risk and ESKD susceptibility. Moreover, NAFLD shows a causal relationship with cardio‐cerebrovascular events.
The potential role of finerenone in patients with type 1 diabetes and chronic kidney disease
Authors: Escobar Vasco Maria Adelaida , Fantaye Samuel H. , Raghunathan Sapna , Solis‐Herrera Carolina 
Published: July 2024

AbstractChronic kidney disease (CKD) represents a global health concern, associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and decreased quality of life. Many patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) will develop CKD over their lifetime. Uncontrolled glucose levels, which occur in patients with T1D as well as type 2 diabetes (T2D), are associated with substantial mortality and cardiovascular disease burden. T2D and T1D share common pathological features of CKD, which is thought to be driven by haemodynamic dysfunction, metabolic disturbances, and subsequently an influx of inflammatory and profibrotic mediators, both of which are major interrelated contributors to CKD progression. The mineralocorticoid receptor is also involved, and, under conditions of oxidative stress, salt loading and hyperglycaemia, it switches from homeostatic regulator to pathophysiological mediator by promoting oxidative stress, inflammation and fibrosis. Progressive glomerular and tubular injury leads to macroalbuminuria a progressive reduction in the glomerular filtration rate and eventually end‐stage renal disease. Finerenone, a non‐steroidal, selective mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, is approved for treatment of patients with CKD associated with T2D; however, the benefit of finerenone in patients with T1D has yet to be determined. This narrative review will discuss treatment of CKD in T1D and the potential future role of finerenone in this setting.
Cultivating black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae on coconut endosperm and soybean curd residue: Impact on growth performance, waste reduction efficiency and larval nutritional composition
Authors: Pliantiangtam Nichaphon , Kovitvadhi Uthaiwan , Chundang Pipatpong , Wongoutong Chantha , Hirunwong Apinya , Kovitvadhi Attawit 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBlack soldier fly larva (BSFL), Hermetia illucens (L.) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), presents an attractive waste management solution that not only addresses the issue of waste but also generates alternative proteins and fats. Substrate quality and pre‐treatment by fermentation may play a crucial role in waste reduction efficiency and larval quality. The aim of this study was to investigate the growth performance, waste reduction efficiency and nutritional composition of BSFL rearing using different ratios of coconut endosperm (CE) and soybean curd residue (SC) with pre‐treatment by self‐fermentation (F), fermentation with baker's yeast (Y) and without pre‐treatment (C). Seven‐day‐old larvae were randomly separated into 15 experimental groups with three replicates. The experiment ended when the prepupae appeared. Based on the results, the larvae fed a diet with a high percentage of fresh SC exhibited the highest weight and growth rate, whereas the shortest development time was observed in larvae reared on Y. Pre‐treatment of the substrate with fermentation proved effective in waste reduction. The nutritional composition of the larvae showed that the highest crude protein was produced in larva reared on fresh 100% SC, and the highest ether extract was found when fed CE at 100% with pre‐treatment with F or Y. In conclusion, it is recommended to employ a fresh diet with a high SC content to optimise protein production, whereas a high level of CE with F or Y may be performed to obtain a high ether extract content. However, incorporating yeast fermentation with an SC content exceeding 25% provided high efficiency in waste reduction. Therefore, the selection of the ratio between CE and SC and of pre‐treatment techniques depends on the producer's objective.