bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictors of failed induction of labor among women delivering at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Onanga Ephraim Oluoch , Kasujja Musa , Ddamulira Adam , Hakizimana Theoneste , Emmanuel Eilu , Okurut Emmanuel , Rukamba Jean De Dieu , Okello Maxwell 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background:Induction of labor (IOL) is increasingly common in Ugandan referral hospitals but remains a clinical challenge due to its association with adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. Identifying predictors of failed induction is crucial for optimizing patient care and outcomes. This study aimed to determine the incidence and predictors of failed induction of labor at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital.
Materials and Methods: A hospital-based prospective cohort study was conducted among 150 women undergoing labor induction at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital from July 4, 2023, to September 29, 2023. Participants were recruited using a consecutive sampling technique, and data were collected using a pretested questionnaire. A log-binomial regression model was utilized to estimate the relative risk of failed induction for each associated factor, controlling for potential confounders.
Results: The incidence of failed induction of labor was 35.33%. Nulliparity (P0) was associated with a heightened risk of failed induction compared to primi/multiparity (P1 or more), as indicated by an adjusted relative risk (aRR) of 1.68 (95% CI: 1.27-2.22, p < 0.001). A pre-induction Bishop score <6 significantly increased the risk, with an aRR of 2.44 (95% CI: 1.63-3.67, p < 0.001). Higher BMI (≥30 kg/m²) was found to pose a substantial risk, with an aRR of 1.87 (95% CI: 1.42-2.48, p < 0.001). Infants with a birth weight ≥3.5kg exhibited a notably elevated risk, with an aRR of 1.14 (95% CI: 1.13-1.14, p < 0.001).
Conclusion: The study found a fIOL incidence rate of 35.33%, consistent with the varying global trends, emphasizing the need for standardized definitions and protocols in assessing induction outcomes. Parity, pre-induction Bishop Score, birth weight, and BMI were identified as predictors of fIOL, highlighting the importance of considering maternal characteristics and obstetric factors in predicting induction outcomes.
Patients with atrial fibrillation and common exclusion criteria from clinical trials are at high risk of clinical events: The Murcia AF Project II (MAFP-II) cohort study
Authors: Soler-Espejo Eva , Rivera-Caravaca José Miguel , Bru-Cánovas José Daniel , Esteve-Pastor María Asunción , Lip Gregory Y.H. , Marín Francisco , Roldán Vanessa 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Some clinical characteristics and comorbidities in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients are common exclusion criteria in randomized clinical trials (RCTs) investigating oral anticoagulation. However, these characteristics are present in real-world patients. We compared the risk of adverse clinical outcomes between patients with and without RCT exclusion criteria.
Methods: The Murcia AF Project II (MAFP-II) cohort study was an observational study including AF outpatients starting vitamin K antagonist (VKA) therapy from July, 2016 to June, 2018. For the selection of the exclusion criteria, the four pivotal RCTs of direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) were used as reference. During 2-years of follow-up, ischemic strokes/transient ischemic attacks, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), major bleeds, and all-cause deaths, were recorded.
Results: 1050 patients (51.5% female, median age 77 years) were included, of whom 368 (35%) met at least one exclusion criterion for RCTs. During follow-up, the incidence rate ratios for major bleeding, MACE and all-cause mortality were higher among patients with exclusion criteria (all p<0.001). Patients fulfilling at least one exclusion criterion had increased risks of major bleeding (aHR 1.48; 95% CI 1.22-1.81; p<0.001), MACE (aHR 1.51, 95% CI 1.10-2.09, p=0.012), and mortality (aHR 3.22, 95% CI 2.32-4.48, p<0.001), as well as a lower event-free survival (all log-rank p<0.001)
Conclusions: In this real-world AF cohort of patients taking VKAs, more than one-third had at least one RCT exclusion criteria, which translates into an increased risk of major bleeding, MACE, and death. The outcomes of RCT on anticoagulation may not be applicable to all AF patients.
Intelligent In-Cell Electrophysiology: Reconstructing Action Potentials from Nanoelectrode Data Using Physics-Informed Deep Learning.
Authors: Jahed Zeinab , Rahmani Keivan , Foster Ethan , Cai Ching-Ting , Yang Yang , Gupta Aayush , Yu Rose , Cui Bianxiao , Santoro Francesca , Forró Csaba 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Intracellular electrophysiology is utilized across different scientific and medical disciplines, including neuroscience, cardiology, and pharmacology, due to its pivotal role in exploring and comprehending the electrical properties of cells within diverse biological systems. Traditional methods for intracellular electrophysiology, such as patch-clamp, are highly precise but suffer from being low-throughput and invasive. In contrast, Nanoelectrode Arrays (NEAs) present a promising alternative, enabling simultaneous intracellular action potential (iAP) and extracellular action potential (eAP) recordings with high throughput. However, accessing intracellular potentials with NEAs remains a challenge. This study introduces a technique for intracellular electrophysiology supported by artificial intelligence (AI) that capitalizes on thousands of synchronous eAP and iAP pairs collected from stem-cell-derived cardiomyocytes on NEAs. Our analysis on this unique dataset uncovered strong correlations between specific features of eAP and iAP waveforms, such as amplitude and spiking velocity, that were not detected before, suggesting that extracellular signals could be reliable indicators of intracellular signals. By developing a physics-informed deep learning model trained on these datasets, we show successful reconstruction of iAP waveforms from extracellular recordings. We then demonstrate our model’s potential for non-invasive, long-term, and high-throughput assessments of drug cardiotoxicity. Although we show one specific application of the AI-based model, it opens the door for future research in electrophysiology, with the promise of expanding the dataset to encompass various electrogenic cell types and drug interactions.
Effectiveness of Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS) and Cognitive Bias Modification (CBM) in Treating Anxiety, Depression, Attentional Bias, and Drug Craving in Opioid-Dependent Patients; A Randomized controlled trial
Authors: Papi Kiyanoosh , Nosratabadi Masoud , Taremian Farhad , varkiyani Maryam Ebrahimi , Ghanbari Nikzad , khanbabaie Salar 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) pose significant challenges globally, with opiate addiction being particularly prevalent. This study investigates the impact of transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) at 10 Hz and individual alpha frequencies (IAF), along with cognitive bias modification (CBM), on drug craving, anxiety, depression, and attention bias in individuals with SUDs.
Methods:
Participants (N = 72) were allocated to control, tACS 10 Hz, tACS IAF, Sham, CBM, and CBM+tACS groups (n = 12 each). Measures included demographic questionnaires, dot probe tasks, Desires for Drug Questionnaires (DDQ), DASS-21 assessments, and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for craving. Mixed repeated measures ANOVA were conducted, revealing significant interactions (TIME*GROUP), indicating differential treatment effects over time.
Findings:
The study involved 72 substance abusers divided into six groups: control, tACS.10 Hz, tACS Real, Sham, CBM, and CBM+tACS. Demographic variables were similar among groups. Mixed ANOVA showed significant TIME*GROUP interactions for all assessments. Significant differences were found in depression, anxiety, drug dependence, and visual analog scale measures.
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Conclusion:
In summary, while tACS and CBM alone did not significantly reduce substance-related outcomes, their combined approach showed promise. This study highlights the brain's adaptability to electrical stimulation and underscores the need for further exploration in understanding and treating SUDs. Limitations include restricted participant access and reliance on verbal induction of craving, emphasizing the need for robust study designs and diverse measures in future research.
Unleash your inner power: Improving handgrip strength via post-hypnotic suggestions with long-lasting effects
Authors: Nieft Ulrike , Schlütz Marleen , Schmidt Barbara 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

In our study, we investigated whether hypnosis can affect muscle strength. As a measure, we used handgrip strength that we assessed via a hand dynamometer. In addition, we obtained subjective ratings of strength with a visual analogue scale. We developed a hypnosis intervention to make participants feel strong. In the intervention, we tied the feeling of strength to a post-hypnotic power anchor, so participants could evoke the feeling of strength again. We also had a randomized control group that did not receive hypnosis. We tested the effect of the post-hypnotic power anchor on two experimental sessions separated by one week.
Our data show that participants in the hypnosis group felt significantly stronger with their post-hypnotic power anchor compared to their own baseline, both in the first and second experimental session. In addition, participants in the hypnosis group showed a significant increase in objective strength compared to their own baseline in the second experimental session. We found no statistically significant differences in objective strength between groups. We conclude that our hypnosis intervention primarily improved strength perception and secondary objective strength. Our intervention can help patients to regain their health after a medical intervention and athletes to improve their sport performance.
Comparison of pH and PCO2 between arterial and venous blood gas samples in critically ill patients
Authors: Medarov Boris , Saha Biplab , Chong Keenan , Pokhrel Kiran 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The reliability of peripheral venous blood sampling as a substitute for arterial blood sampling in determining the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) in critically ill patients remains controversial. We aimed to determine the utility of venous blood in a medical intensive care unit population.
METHODS
Seventy-six critically ill patients requiring arterial blood sampling as part of their standard clinical management were prospectively enrolled in this study. A venous blood sample was drawn from the same upper extremity within 5 min of the arterial blood sampling. Venous pH, pCO2, and pO2 were measured in venous samples and compared with those in their arterial counterparts.
RESULTS
The venous pCO2 was, on average, higher by 5.8 mmHg (standard deviation = 4.6 mmHg) than the arterial pCO2 with Bland-Altman 95% limits of agreement of −3.4, 15.1 mmHg.
CONCLUSIONS
Obtaining venous blood from an intact upper extremity in critically ill individuals can provide a reliable estimate of arterial pCO2 and eliminate the need for invasive arterial blood sampling.
Mechanisms Underlying the Protective Effects of Obeticholic Acid-activated FXR in Valproic Acid-induced Hepatotoxicity via Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Chen Yanan , Zhou Jingkai , Xu Shansen , Wang Lei 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

This study aims to comprehensively investigate the underlying mechanisms of farnesoid X receptor (FXR) activation by obeticholic acid (OCA) in the treatment of VPA-induced hepatotoxicity. Network pharmacology was performed to identified the potential targets and pathways underlying the amelioration of VPA-induced hepatotoxicity by OCA. The identified pathways were validated through GEO data analysis, and the interactions between OCA and potential targets were predicted using molecular docking as well as molecular dynamics simulations. A total of 462 targets associated with VPA-induced hepatotoxicity and 288 targets of OCA were identified, with 81 overlapping targets between VPA-induced hepatotoxicity and OCA. KEGG pathway and GO enrichment analysis indicated that the effect of OCA on VPA-induced hepatotoxicity primarily involved lipid metabolism, as well as oxidative stress and inflammation. The results of GEO data analysis, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations revealed a close association between bile secretion, PPAR signaling pathway, and the treatment of VPA-induced hepatotoxicity by OCA. Our findings revealed that OCA exhibits potential therapeutic efficacy against VPA-induced hepatotoxicity through multiple targets and pathways, thereby highlighting the therapeutic potential of FXR as a target for the treatment of VPA-induced hepatotoxicity.
Assessment of land suitable for surface irrigation and available surface water using Geographical Information System (GIS) and AHP, The Case of Beles Sub Basin, Ethiopia
Authors: Abawa Alemnesh , Berihune Zigiybel Firiew , Teklemariam Alayu Bekele 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Assessing the available water resources and identifying suitable land for irrigation at the basin level is crucial for effective planning and decision-making in irrigation development projects. Therefore, this study aims to utilize Geographic Information System (GIS) and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) technique to evaluate surface irrigation suitability and surface water availability in the Beles Basin. Surface water availability was analyzed by constructing a flow duration curve (FDC) and assessing the 90% available flow of the Beles River. Meanwhile, land surface suitability was determined through GIS-based multi-criteria evaluation (MCE). This method integrates various factors including slope, proximity to rivers, soil characteristics (type, texture, depth, drainage), proximity to roads, and land use/land cover. These factors were weighted using pair-wise comparison matrices to determine their relative importance in assessing physical land suitability. The results revealed that approximately 13.84%, 73.05%, and 13.11% of the catchment area were highly, moderately, and marginally suitable for irrigation, respectively. Regarding water availability, the FDC analysis indicated that the Beles River maintains a 90% available flow of 1.6 m3/s throughout the year. Consequently, in December, the river can only irrigate 0.25% of the total irrigable land, whereas from May to September, it can irrigate the entire irrigable area. The river's low flow presents opportunities for extensive irrigation during the wet season but limits irrigation during the dry season. Therefore, the implementation of water storage structures is imperative to facilitate irrigation across the entire potential land during periods of low flow.
Hyperuricemia is strongly associated with pulmonary hypertension in chronic lung disease
Authors: Izhakian Shimon , Gorenshtein Alon , Engelstein Haya , Freidkin Lev , Rosengarten Dror , Kramer Mordechai R 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Hyperuricemia has been identified as a powerful predictor of World Health Organization (WHO) group 1 pulmonary hypertension (PH) (pulmonary arterial hypertension). However, its relationship with PH secondary to chronic lung diseases (WHO group 3) remains unclear. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, lung function, and right heart catheterization data were retrospectively collected for 323 patients with various severe chronic pulmonary diseases undergoing evaluation for lung transplantation at a tertiary university medical center from June 2017 to February 2023. The data were analyzed to identify associations between hyperuricemia (serum uric acid level >6 mg/dL) and PH [mean pulmonary arterial pressure (MPAP) >20 mmHg]. Compared to the normouricemia group (n=211), patients with hyperuricemia (n=112) exhibited a higher likelihood of being younger (P=0.02), male (P<0.001), presenting with PH (P=0.001) and severe PH (MPAP >35 mmHg; P<0.001). They had elevated values of body mass index (P=0.004), plasma N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (P<0.001), serum creatinine (P<0.001) and C-reactive protein (P=0.03). The following variables were significantly associated with PH: higher values of body mass index (P=0.005), uric acid (P<0.001), total lung capacity (P=0.02), residual volume (P=0.01), and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (P<0.001); shorter 6-minute walk test distance (P=0.005); and lower forced expiratory volume in one second (P=0.006) and diffusing lung capacity for carbon monoxide (P<0.001). On multivariate analysis, elevated uric acid level remained one of the variables most significantly associated with PH (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.05-1.58, P=0.01). In conclusion, in patients with severe chronic lung diseases, hyperuricemia is strongly associated with the presence of PH.
The Effect of Motor Imagery Dosage on Motor Learning in Healthy Adults: A Pilot Study.
Authors: Zakadan Pretty Samir , Kadry Ahmed Mahmoud , Zope Yashashree , Alharthi Mohammed Ahmed , Cope Steven M. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Motor imagery (MI) involves visualizing a task rather than physically executing it, and its effectiveness may depend on duration. The optimal dose of MI for enhancing motor performance has not yet been determined.
Objectives: To compare the effects of different MI doses and physical practices on motor performance enhancement.
Methods: A pilot study was conducted with 27 healthy participants of both sexes aged 18-35 from Concordia University Wisconsin. The participants were divided into three groups: a control group with no MI, a low-dose MI group (6 minutes of MI practice per session), and a high-dose MI group (12 minutes of MI practice per session). Over three weeks, the participants completed nine sessions of a timed mirror tracing task, and their performance was measured by completion time and error count.
Results: The study involved 23 participants, with 8 in the control group, 9 in the low-dose group, and 6 in the high-dose group. Initial assessments revealed no significant differences in age or baseline performance among the groups. The control group experienced a notable decrease in task completion time in sessions three and six compared to the first session. The low-dose MI group demonstrated substantial improvement in all sessions, with noticeable differences observed between sessions two and three, as well as between sessions three and four. Conversely, the high-dose MI group did not show any significant improvement. There were no significant differences in performance between the groups across sessions.
Conclusion: Both MI and physical practice were found to enhance motor performance in novice tasks, with low-dose MI proving to be more effective than no MI. Interestingly, high-dose MI did not consistently lead to better performance. These findings highlight the importance of conducting additional research to determine the optimal MI dosage for different tasks and populations.
Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06299345. Retrospectively registered on March 2024.
Comparative study of brain functional imaging of brain in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease based on functional near infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Yang Zhen , Liu Li , You Tao , Wang Lingling , Yi Fang , Jiang Yu , Zhou Ying 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objective: Based on the near-infrared functional brain imaging system, this research studied the hemoglobin concentration signal in resting state and task state. The purpose of this research was to analyze the activated brain regions and functional connections by exploring the changes in hemoglobin concentration and the differences in brain network functional connections between healthy people and mild to moderate AD patients. So as to identify the cognitive dysfunction of patients at an early stage. By accurately locating the area of cognitive impairment in patients, it provides a basis for precise neural regulation of physical therapy.
Methods: Patients who came to our hospital from January 2022 to December 2022 were recruited and selected according to the exclusion criteria. After receiving their informed consent, MMSE scale examination and near-infrared brain function imaging examination were performed in a relatively quiet environment.
Result: Results from 24 subjects of experiment show that
1. In rest state, the function network connectivity of prefrontal decreased in AD patients.
2. The activation of dorsolateral prefrontal lobe and frontal pole decreased in AD patients in VFT task state.
3. The left dorsolateral prefrontal lobe may serve as a key site for early recognition of cognitive decline and non-invasive neuroregulation.
Comparative analysis of single versus tandem autologous stem cell transplantation in patients with multiple myeloma in Korea: the KMM2102 study
Authors: Jung Jongheon , Jung Sung-Hoon , Lee Je-Jung , Do Young Rok , Kang Ka-Won , Lee Jung Lim , Yoon Sung-Soo , Min Chang-Ki , Kang Hye Jin , Lee Ji Hyun , Park Ju-Hyun , Kim Kihyun , Eom Hyeon-Seok 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Tandem autologous stem cell transplantation can improve the prognosis of patients with multiple myeloma. However, the precise role of tandem transplantation remains debatable. We evaluated the clinical benefits of tandem transplantation retrospectively. Of the 655 included patients, 117 underwent tandem transplantation; the remaining were assigned to the control group. After a single transplantation, the tandem group achieved a complete remission (CR) rate of 24.8%, which increased to 46.2% after a second transplantation. The tandem group had a significantly longer median PFS than the control group in patients with International Staging System (ISS) III and high-risk cytogenetics (23.1 vs. 14.7 months, p=0.007 for ISS III; 21.7 vs. 13.2 months, p=0.042 for high-risk cytogenetics). The tandem group exhibited significantly superior PFS to the control group (20.3 vs. 12.6 months, p=0.003) among patients who failed to achieve CR after a single transplantation. Tandem transplantation was associated with significantly improved PFS after adjusting for maintenance therapy in patients with ISS III, those with high-risk cytogenetics, and those who did not achieve CR after a single transplantation. Following propensity score matching, the tandem group exhibited significantly longer PFS than the control group (30.3 vs. 13.5 months, p=0.028). Tandem transplantation should be considered in high-risk patients.