bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Simplified molecular diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis: Laboratory evaluation of miniature direct-on-blood PCR nucleic acid lateral flow immunoassay
Authors: van Dijk Norbert J. , Hagos Dawit Gebreegziabiher , Huggins Daniela M. , Carrillo Eugenia , Ajala Sophia , Chicharro Carmen , Kiptanui David , Solana Jose Carlos , Abner Edwin , Wolday Dawit , Schallig Henk D. F. H. 
Published: May 2024

Background
Diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in resource-limited endemic regions is currently based on serological testing with rK39 immunochromatographic tests (ICTs). However, rK39 ICT frequently has suboptimal diagnostic accuracy. Furthermore, treatment monitoring and detection of VL relapses is reliant on insensitive and highly invasive tissue aspirate microscopy. Miniature direct-on-blood PCR nucleic acid lateral flow immunoassay (mini-dbPCR-NALFIA) is an innovative and user-friendly molecular tool which does not require DNA extraction and uses a lateral flow strip for result read-out. This assay could be an interesting candidate for more reliable VL diagnosis and safer test of cure at the point of care.

Methodology/Principle findings
The performance of mini-dbPCR-NALFIA for diagnosis of VL in blood was assessed in a laboratory evaluation and compared with the accuracy of rK39 ICTs Kalazar Detect in Spain and IT LEISH in East Africa. Limit of detection of mini-dbPCR-NALFIA was 650 and 500 parasites per mL of blood for Leishmania donovani and Leishmania infantum, respectively. In 146 blood samples from VL-suspected patients from Spain, mini-dbPCR-NALFIA had a sensitivity of 95.8% and specificity 97.2%, while Kalazar Detect had a sensitivity of 71.2% and specificity of 94.5%, compared to a nested PCR reference. For a sample set from 58 VL patients, 10 malaria patients and 68 healthy controls from Ethiopia and Kenya, mini-dbPCR-NALFIA had a pooled sensitivity of 87.9% and pooled specificity of 100% using quantitative PCR as reference standard. IT LEISH sensitivity and specificity in the East African samples were 87.9% and 97.4%, respectively.

Conclusions/Significance
Mini-dbPCR-NALFIA is a promising tool for simplified molecular diagnosis of VL and follow-up of treated patients in blood samples. Future studies should evaluate its use in endemic, resource-limited settings, where mini-dbPCR-NALFIA may provide an accurate and versatile alternative to rK39 ICTs and aspirate microscopy.
Efficacy and safety of three-dimensional magnetically assisted capsule endoscopy for upper gastrointestinal and small bowel examination
Authors: Oh Dong Jun , Lee Yea Je , Kim Sang Hoon , Chung Joowon , Lee Hyun Seok , Nam Ji Hyung , Lim Yun Jeong 
Published: May 2024

Background
Magnetically assisted capsule endoscopy (MACE) showed the feasibility for upper gastrointestinal examination. To further enhance the performance of conventional MACE, it is necessary to provide quality-improved and three-dimensional images. The aim of this clinical study was to determine the efficacy and safety of novel three-dimensional MACE (3D MACE) for upper gastrointestinal and small bowel examination at once.

Methods
This was a prospective, single-center, non-randomized, and sequential examination study (KCT0007114) at Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital. Adult patients who visited for upper endoscopy were included. The study protocol was conducted in two stages. First, upper gastrointestinal examination was performed using 3D MACE, and a continuous small bowel examination was performed by conventional method of capsule endoscopy. Two hours later, an upper endoscopy was performed for comparison with 3D MACE examination. The primary outcome was confirmation of major gastric structures (esophagogastric junction, cardia/fundus, body, angle, antrum, and pylorus). Secondary outcomes were confirmation of esophagus and duodenal bulb, accuracy for gastric lesions, completion of small bowel examination, 3D image reconstruction of gastric lesion, and safety.

Results
Fifty-five patients were finally enrolled. The examination time of 3D MACE was 14.84 ± 3.02 minutes and upper endoscopy was 5.22 ± 2.39 minutes. The confirmation rate of the six major gastric structures was 98.6% in 3D MACE and 100% in upper endoscopy. Gastric lesions were identified in 43 patients during 3D MACE, and 40 patients during upper endoscopy (Sensitivity 0.97). 3D reconstructed images were acquired for all lesions inspected by 3D MACE. The continuous small bowel examination by 3D MACE was completed in 94.5%. 3D MACE showed better overall satisfaction (3D MACE 9.55 ± 0.79 and upper endoscopy 7.75 ± 2.34, p<0.0001). There were no aspiration or significant adverse event or capsule retention in the 3D MACE examination.

Conclusions
Novel 3D MACE system is more advanced diagnostic modality than the conventional MACE. And it is possible to perform serial upper gastrointestinal and small bowel examination as a non-invasive and one-step test. It would be also served as a bridge to pan-endoscopy.
Impact of liver fibrosis on COVID-19 in-hospital mortality in Southern Italy
Authors: Galiero Raffaele , Loffredo Giuseppe , Simeon Vittorio , Caturano Alfredo , Vetrano Erica , Medicamento Giulia , Alfano Maria , Beccia Domenico , Brin Chiara , Colantuoni Sara , Di Salvo Jessica , Epifani Raffaella , Nevola Riccardo , Marfella Raffaele , Sardu Celestino , Coppola Carmine , Scarano Ferdinando , Maggi Paolo , Calabrese Cecilia , De Lucia Sposito Pellegrino , Rescigno Carolina , Sbreglia Costanza , Fraganza Fiorentino , Parrella Roberto , Romano Annamaria , Calabria Giosuele , Polverino Benedetto , Pagano Antonio , Numis Fabio , Bologna Carolina , Nunziata Mariagrazia , Esposito Vincenzo , Coppola Nicola , Maturo Nicola , Nasti Rodolfo , Di Micco Pierpaolo , Perrella Alessandro , Adinolfi Luigi Elio , Chiodini Paolo , Di Domenico Marina , Rinaldi Luca , Sasso Ferdinando Carlo ,   on behalf of COVOCA Study Group
Published: May 2024

Background & aims
SARS-Cov-2 infection manifests as a wide spectrum of clinical presentation and even now, despite the global spread of the vaccine, contagiousness is still elevated. The aim of the study was the evaluation of the impact of liver fibrosis assessed by FIB-4 and liver impairment, assessed by cytolysis indices, on intrahospital mortality in COVID-19 subjects.

Methods
This is a retrospective observational cohort study, which involved 23 COVID Hospital Units in Campania Region, Italy. Exposure variables were collected during hospital admission and at discharge. According to FIB-4 values, we subdivided the overall population in three groups (FIB-4<1.45; 1.45<FIB-4<3.25; FIB-4>3.25), respectively group 1,2,3.

Results
At the end of the study, 938 individuals had complete discharged/dead data. At admission, 428 patients were in group 1 (45.6%), 387 in group 2 (41.3%) and 123 in group 3 (13.1%). Among them, 758 (81%) subjects were discharged, while the remaining 180 (19%) individuals died. Multivariable Cox’s regression model showed a significant association between mortality risk and severity of FIB-4 stages (group 3 vs group 1, HR 2.12, 95%CI 1.38–3.28, p<0.001). Moreover, Kaplan-Meier analysis described a progressive and statistically significant difference (p<0.001 Log-rank test) in mortality according to FIB-4 groups. Among discharged subjects, 507 showed a FIB-4<1.45 (66.9%, group 1), 182 a value 1.45<FIB-4<3.25 (24.1%, group 2) and 69 a FIB-4>3.25 (9.0%, group 3). Among dead subjects, 42 showed a FIB-4<1.45 (23.3%, group 1), 62 a value 1.45<FIB-4<3.25 (34.4%, group 2) and 76 a FIB-4>3.25 (42.3%, group 3).

Conclusions
FIB-4 value is significantly associated with intrahospital mortality of COVID-19 patients. During hospitalization, particularly in patients with worse outcomes, COVID-19 seems to increase the risk of acute progression of liver damage.
Effect of systemic vascular resistance on the agreement between stroke volume by non-invasive pulse wave analysis and Doppler ultrasound in healthy volunteers
Authors: Lie Sole Lindvåg , Hisdal Jonny , Rehn Marius , Høiseth Lars Øivind 
Published: May 2024

Background
Stroke volume can be estimated beat-to-beat and non-invasively by pulse wave analysis (PWA). However, its reliability has been questioned during marked alterations in systemic vascular resistance (SVR). We studied the effect of SVR on the agreement between stroke volume by PWA and Doppler ultrasound during reductions in stroke volume in healthy volunteers.

Methods
In a previous study we simultaneously measured stroke volume by PWA (SVPWA) and suprasternal Doppler ultrasound (SVUS). We exposed 16 healthy volunteers to lower body negative pressure (LBNP) to reduce stroke volume in combination with isometric hand grip to elevate SVR. LBNP was increased by 20 mmHg every 6 minutes from 0 to 80 mmHg, or until hemodynamic decompensation. The agreement between SVPWA and SVUS was examined using Bland-Altman analysis with mixed regression. Within-subject limits of agreement (LOA) was calculated from the residual standard deviation. SVRUS was calculated from SVUS. We allowed for a sloped bias line by introducing the mean of the methods and SVRUS as explanatory variables to examine whether the agreement was dependent on the magnitude of stroke volume and SVRUS.

Results
Bias ± limits of agreement (LOA) was 27.0 ± 30.1 mL. The within-subject LOA was ±11.1 mL. The within-subject percentage error was 14.6%. The difference between methods decreased with higher means of the methods (-0.15 mL/mL, confidence interval (CI): -0.19 to -0.11, P<0.001). The difference between methods increased with higher SVRUS (0.60 mL/mmHg × min × L-1, 95% CI: 0.48 to 0.72, P<0.001).

Conclusion
PWA overestimated stroke volume compared to Doppler ultrasound during reductions in stroke volume and elevated SVR in healthy volunteers. The agreement between SVPWA and SVUS decreased during increases in SVR. This is relevant in settings where a high level of reliability is required.
COVID-19 patient profiles over four waves in Barcelona metropolitan area: A clustering approach
Authors: Fernández Daniel , Perez-Alvarez Nuria , Molist Gemma ,   on behalf of the DIVINE project
Published: May 2024

Objectives
Identifying profiles of hospitalized COVID-19 patients and explore their association with different degrees of severity of COVID-19 outcomes (i.e. in-hospital mortality, ICU assistance, and invasive mechanical ventilation). The findings of this study could inform the development of multiple care intervention strategies to improve patient outcomes.

Methods
Prospective multicentre cohort study during four different waves of COVID-19 from March 1st, 2020 to August 31st, 2021 in four health consortiums within the southern Barcelona metropolitan region. From a starting point of over 292 demographic characteristics, comorbidities, vital signs, severity scores, and clinical analytics at hospital admission, we used both clinical judgment and supervised statistical methods to reduce to the 36 most informative completed covariates according to the disease outcomes for each wave. Patients were then grouped using an unsupervised semiparametric method (KAMILA). Results were interpreted by clinical and statistician team consensus to identify clinically-meaningful patient profiles.

Results
The analysis included nw1 = 1657, nw2 = 697, nw3 = 677, and nw4 = 787 hospitalized-COVID-19 patients for each of the four waves. Clustering analysis identified 2 patient profiles for waves 1 and 3, while 3 profiles were determined for waves 2 and 4. Patients allocated in those groups showed a different percentage of disease outcomes (e.g., wave 1: 15.9% (Cluster 1) vs. 31.8% (Cluster 2) for in-hospital mortality rate). The main factors to determine groups were the patient’s age and number of obese patients, number of comorbidities, oxygen support requirement, and various severity scores. The last wave is also influenced by the massive incorporation of COVID-19 vaccines.

Conclusion
Our study suggests that a single care model at hospital admission may not meet the needs of hospitalized-COVID-19 adults. A clustering approach appears to be appropriate for helping physicians to differentiate patients and, thus, apply multiple care intervention strategies, as another way of responding to new outbreaks of this or future diseases.
Multilevel analysis of dropout from maternal continuum of care and its associated factors: Evidence from 2022 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Asnake Angwach Abrham , Abajobir Amanuel Alemu , Seifu Beminat Lemma , Asgedom Yordanos Sisay , Melese Molalgn , Bezie Meklit Melaku , Negussie Yohannes Mekuria 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundThe maternal continuum of care (CoC) is a cost-effective approach to mitigate preventable maternal and neonatal deaths. Women in developing countries, including Tanzania, face an increased vulnerability to significant dropout rates from maternal CoC, and addressing dropout from the continuum remains a persistent public health challenge.MethodThis study used the 2022 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey (TDHS). A total weighted sample of 5,172 women who gave birth in the past 5 years and had first antenatal care (ANC) were included in this study. Multilevel binary logistic regression analyses were used to examine factors associated with dropout from the 3 components of maternal CoC (i.e., ANC, institutional delivery, and postnatal care (PNC)).ResultsThe vast majority, 83.86% (95% confidence interval (CI): 82.83%, 84.83%), of women reported dropout from the maternal CoC. The odds of dropout from the CoC was 36% (AOR = 0.64, (95% CI: 0.41, 0.98)) lower among married women compared to their divorced counterparts. Women who belonged to the richer wealth index reported a 39% (AOR = 0.61, (95% CI: 0.39, 0.95)) reduction in the odds of dropout, while those belonged to the richest wealth index demonstrated a 49% (AOR = 0.51, (95% CI: 0.31, 0.82)) reduction. The odds of dropout from CoC was 37% (AOR = 0.63, (95% CI: 0.45,0.87)) lower among women who reported the use of internet in the past 12 months compared to those who had no prior exposure to the internet. Geographical location emerged as a significant factor, with women residing in the Northern region and Southern Highland Zone, respectively, experiencing a 44% (AOR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.35–0.89) and 58% (AOR = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.26–0.68) lower odds of dropout compared to their counterparts in the central zone.ConclusionThe dropout rate from the maternity CoC in Tanzania was high. The findings contribute to our understanding of the complex dynamics surrounding maternity care continuity and underscore the need for targeted interventions, considering factors such as marital status, socioeconomic status, internet usage, and geographical location.
Can resistance prehabilitation training bring additional benefits in valvular cardiac surgery? protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Montero-Cámara Jorge , Ferrer-Sargues Francisco José , Rovira María José Segrera , Cabello Adrián Sarria , Peredo David Cuesta , Calabuig Juan Antonio Margarit , Valtueña-Gimeno Noemí , Sánchez-Sánchez María Luz 
Published: May 2024

Introduction
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a group of illnesses that include coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, congenital heart disease and deep vein thrombosis. Major surgery is often chosen as the treatment of choice for CVD. The concept of fast-track rehabilitation after surgery appeared in the 1970s. Participation in these exercise-based prehabilitation programmes may decrease postoperative complications and length of hospital stay. The primary aim of the present study is to evaluate whether the implementation of an additional resistance training (RT) prehabilitation protocol within cardiac exercises based prehabilitation can reduce intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay, postoperative complications and hospital length of stay (LOS).

Methods
A protocol of a prospective, parallel, randomised clinical trial includes 96 adult patients diagnosed with valvular pathology and who have been scheduled for surgery. The participants will be randomly assigned to two groups of 48. Control group will be treated with ventilatory and strengthening of respiratory muscles, and aerobic exercise. Experimental group, in addition, will be treated with RT of peripheral muscles. Both hospital stay and ICU stay will be assessed as main variables. Other secondary variables such as exercise capacity, quality of life and respiratory values will also be assessed. Quantitative variables will be analysed with a T-Test or ANOVA, or Mann Witney if the distribution is non-parametric.

Results and conclusion
This will be the first controlled clinical study focused on adding strength exercise as an additional treatment during prehabilitation. The results of this study will focus on helping to improve rehabilitation and prehabilitation protocols, considering that it is essential to maintain pulmonary training, as well as the inclusion of peripheral exercises that help people with heart disease to be in a better physical condition in order to increase their participation and sense of quality of life.
'Leading' as a strategy in the performance-practice of contemporary solo violin music
Authors: Puusaari Maria 
Published: May 2024

The starting point for the present practice-based study was my observation of the diverse conditions regarding the focus-of-attention that occurs during chamber ensemble and solo performances of contemporary art music. As the violinist leader of a contemporary music ensemble, I focus my attention externally on multidirectional musical interactions with my fellow musicians and the audience. In contrast, when I am in a solo performance, I tend to focus more on my own internal, physical actions. More satisfactory musical results in leading interactive ensemble performances induced a hypothesis that ensemble leading practices can also be applied as a strategy to improve a solo performance. In this article, I provide a leading-based approach to explore ways in which leading can be used as a strategy in the performance-practice of contemporary works for solo violin and address which specific ensemble leading gestures can be applied in a solo performance. I suggest that leading in a solo performance serves two purposes: leading my own actions, and leading the audience to perceive the music and participate in the listening. Both Toccatina for solo violin by Helmut Lachenmann and Gesti for violin, electronics and video by Jouni Hirvelä feature soft dynamics and extended playing techniques that demand innovative performance strategies. I reflect on the performance-practice of these two works and demonstrate how leading can be used to emphasize temporal structures, dynamics, articulation, phrasing and embodied narratives of music. The concepts of attentional focus and musical gestures inform the theoretical context for this study.
An open-source research platform for mechanical ventilation based on Simulink® and STM32 nucleo
Authors: Röhren Felix , von Platen Philip , Lohse Arnhold , Kniesburges Alexander , Brütt Robin , Leonhardt Steffen , Walter Marian 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Gain in knowledge in experimental fields of research is mostly achieved using commercial hardware platforms. The linked costs however can limit a broad access by scientists and in the specific case of mechanical ventilation the pandemic demonstrated that further and collective research is essential and necessary. This contribution presents the modular design and implementation of a research platform which is based on STM32 Nucleo boards and Simulink®. The hardware required such as the pneumatic circuit are covered as well as the software architecture in which clinician related settings are processed for control references. The core functionality of mandatory volume controlled (VCV) and pressure controlled ventilation (PCV) while ensuring a positive end-expiratory pressure for the patient

(

PEEP

)

$(\text{PEEP})$

is evaluated and the foundational software models are published in a repository.
Gaussian process-based nonlinearity compensation for pneumatic soft actuators
Authors: Pawluchin Alexander , Meindl Michael , Weygers Ive , Seel Thomas , Boblan Ivo 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Highly compliant Pneumatic Soft Actuators (PSAs) have the potential to perform challenging tasks in a broad range of applications that require shape-adaptive capabilities. Achieving accurate tracking control for such actuators with complex geometries and material compositions typically involves many time-consuming and laborious engineering steps. In this work, we propose a data-driven learning-based control approach to address reference tracking tasks, incorporating self-adaptation in situ. We utilize a short interaction maneuver, recorded a priori, to collect the quasi-static data affected by severe hysteresis. Besides a linear feedback controller, we use two Gaussian process models to predict the feedforward control input to compensate for the nonlinearity in a one-shot learning setting. The proposed control approach demonstrates accurate tracking performance even under realistic varying configurations, such as alterations in mass and orientation, without any parameter tuning. Notably, training was achieved with only 25–50 s of experimental interaction, which emphasizes the plug-and-play capabilities in diverse real-world applications.
Reviewing the potential of hearables for the assessment of bruxism
Authors: Nahhas Mohammad Khair , Gerig Nicolas , Cattin Philippe , Wilhelm Elisabeth , Türp Jens Christoph , Rauter Georg 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Bruxism is a parafunctional oral behavior that affects a large percentage of the population. Bruxism is a risk factor for temporomandibular disorders. A gold standard is still lacking for assessing bruxism while awake, whereas for sleep bruxism, polysomnography with audio and video recording is the gold standard. Wearable devices, particularly those that detect sound (hearables), are cost-effective and convenient and could fill the gap. With this systematic literature review of Livivo and PubMed, extended by individual Google Scholar searches, we aimed to assess the potential of wearable devices that use sound as a biomarker for detecting bruxism. In summary, sounds originating from oral behaviors can be recorded from the ear, and hearables have the potential to detect bruxism-like events.
Model predictive control of blood glucose in critically ill patients using Gaussian processes
Authors: Benner Carl-Friedrich , Weber Nikolai , Leonhardt Steffen , Walter Marian 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Stress-induced hyperglycemia and high glycemic variability are common in intensive care patients. Several clinical studies show the benefits of tight blood glucose control, including lower mortality. This article presents an algorithm for blood glucose control in the intensive care unit. An Unscented Kalman Filter is developed to estimate the glucose metabolism state and time-varying insulin sensitivity from blood glucose measurements. Gaussian Processes are used to predict future insulin sensitivity changes based on previous measurements. A model predictive controller is designed to estimate optimal insulin infusion based on current state, predicted insulin sensitivity and planned nutrition. The developed control algorithm allows individualized blood glucose control with reduced glycemic variability and reduced risk of hypoglycemia in the intensive care unit.