bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of physician networks on the implementation of pharmaceutical alternatives to a toxic drug supply in British Columbia
Authors: Kurz Megan , Guerra-Alejos Brenda Carolina , Min Jeong Eun , Barker Brittany , Pauly Bernadette , Urbanoski Karen , Nosyk Bohdan 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Characterizing the diffusion of adopted changes in policy and clinical practice can inform enhanced implementation strategies to ensure prompt uptake in public health emergencies and other rapidly evolving disease areas. A novel guidance document was introduced at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in British Columbia (BC), Canada, which supported clinicians to prescribe opioids, stimulants, and benzodiazepines. We aimed to determine the extent to which uptake and discontinuation of an initial attempt at a prescribed safer supply (PSS) program were influenced through networks of prescribers.

Methods
We executed a retrospective population-based study using linked health administrative data that captured all clinicians who prescribed to at least one client with a substance use disorder from March 27, 2020, to August 31, 2021. Our main exposure was the prescribing patterns of an individuals’ peers, defined as the proportion of a prescribers’ professional network (based on shared clients), which had previously prescribed PSS, updated monthly. The primary outcome measured whether a clinician had prescribed their initial PSS prescription during a given calendar month. The secondary outcome was the discontinuation of PSS prescribing, defined as an absence for PSS prescriptions for at least 3 months. We estimated logistic regression models using generalized estimated equations on monthly repeated measurements to determine and characterize the extent to which peer networks influenced the initiation and discontinuation of PSS prescribing, controlling for network, clinician, and caseload characteristics. Innovators were defined as individuals initiating PSS prior to May 2020, and early adopters were individuals initiating PSS after.

Results
Among 14,137 prescribers treating clients with substance use disorder, there were 228 innovators of prescribed safer supply and 1062 early adopters through the end of study follow-up, but 653 (50.6%) were no longer prescribing by August 2021. Prescribers with over 20% of peers whom had adopted PSS had a nearly fourfold higher adjusted odds of PSS prescribing themselves (aOR: 3.79, 95% CI: (3.15, 4.56)), compared to those with no connected safer supply prescribers.

Conclusions
The uptake of PSS in BC was highly dependent on the behavior of prescribers’ peer networks. Future implementation strategies to support PSS or other policies would benefit from leveraging networks of prescribers.
Comparison of open surgery versus endoscopic-assisted release for gluteal muscle contracture: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Jiang YaMeng , Li Tao , Wang Li , Chen Gang , Li Jian 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the clinical outcomes of open surgery and arthroscopic release in gluteal muscle contracture (GMC).

Methods
Two independent reviewers YM and WL conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science to identify clinical trials that adhered to the PRISMA guidelines (Appendix A), spanning from inception to July 2023. Search items included ((“gluteal” OR “gluteus”) AND (“contracture” OR “fibrosis”)). Research comparing open surgery or arthroscopic release was included. Clinical outcomes were compared using the risk ratio for dichotomous variables and the standardized mean difference for continuous variables. A P value < 0.05 was deemed statistically significant.

Results
Four studies with 453 patients met the selection criteria and were included in this review. Compared with open surgery, in the case of similar postoperative functional satisfaction (1.21, 95% CI = 0.46–3.17, P = 0.70), the arthroscopic release achieved advantages in postoperative complications (3.5, 95% CI = 1.75–7.03, P = 0.0004), cosmetic satisfaction (0.07, 95% CI = 0.01–0.65, P = 0.02), length size (5.65, 95% CI = 4.11–7.19, P < 0.001), and hospitalization duration (1.57, 95% CI = 0.89 to 2.26, P < 0.001).

Conclusion
This research shows that both open surgery and arthroscopic release improve functional satisfaction. The arthroscopic release could result in fewer complications, better cosmetic satisfaction, shorter length size, and shorter hospitalization duration.
Registration and protocol
There is no registration and protocol for this meta-analysis.
Mechanism of Circ_HECW2 regulating osteoblast apoptosis in osteoporosis by attenuating the maturation of miR-1224-5p
Authors: Zhang Chao , Li Qiangqiang , Ye Zhongduo , Wang Xiong , Zhao Hui , Wang Yongping , Zheng Xingxing 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Osteoporosis (OP) poses a significant clinical challenge with escalating morbidity. This study explores Circ_HECW2 expression in OP patients and its regulatory role in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced osteoblast apoptosis.

Methods
Circ_HECW2 expression in OP patient serum and healthy controls was quantified using RT-qPCR. Diagnostic value of Circ_HECW2 for OP was assessed via ROC curve. Pearson’s correlation model examined associations between indicators. Human osteoblasts HFOB1.19, treated with LPS, were analyzed for Circ_HECW2, pre-miR-1224, miR-1224-5p, and PDK2 mRNA levels. TUNEL assay determined cell apoptosis and Western blot assessed cleaved-caspase-3 protein levels. RNase R resistance assay and actinomycin D assay confirmed Circ_HECW2’s cyclic structure. RNA pull-down and dual-luciferase reporter assay verified binding relationships between Circ_HECW2 and miR-1224 and between miR-1224-5p and PDK2.

Results
Circ_HECW2 exhibited elevated expression in OP patients with diagnostic significance and a negative correlation with lumbar T-score. LPS co-culture increased Circ_HECW2 expression in HFOB1.19 cells, significantly elevating apoptosis index and cleaved-caspase-3. Circ_HECW2 downregulation inhibited HFOB1.19 apoptosis, reduced pre-miR-1224 expression, and elevated mature miR-1224-5p. Circ_HECW2 bound to pre-miR-1224, and inhibiting miR-1224-5p reversed the effect of Circ_HECW2 downregulation on osteoblast apoptosis. miR-1224-5p targeted PDK2 transcription.

Conclusion
Circ_HECW2, highly expressed in OP, holds diagnostic significance and reflects disease severity. Circ_HECW2 reduces mature miR-1224-5p by binding to pre-miR-1224, upregulating PDK2, and facilitating LPS-induced osteoblast apoptosis.

Graphic Abstract
Prunella vulgaris polysaccharide inhibits herpes simplex virus infection by blocking TLR-mediated NF-κB activation
Authors: Zhong Xuanlei , Zhang Yibo , Yuan Man , Xu Lin , Luo Xiaomei , Wu Rong , Xi Zhichao , Li Yang , Xu Hongxi 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Prunella vulgaris polysaccharide extracted by hot water and 30% ethanol precipitation (PVE30) was reported to possess potent antiviral effects against herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection. However, its anti-HSV mechanism has not yet been fully elucidated.

Purpose
This study aimed to investigate the potential mechanisms of PVE30 against HSV infection.

Methods
Antiviral activity was evaluated by a plaque reduction assay, and the EC50 value was calculated. Immunofluorescence staining and heparin bead pull-down assays confirmed the interactions between PVE30 and viral glycoproteins. Real-time PCR was conducted to determine the mRNA levels of viral genes, including UL54, UL29, UL27, UL44, and US6, and the proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α. The protein expression of viral proteins (ICP27, ICP8, gB, gC, and gD), the activity of the TLR-NF-κB signalling pathway, and necroptotic-associated proteins were evaluated by Western blotting. The proportion of necroptotic cells was determined by flow cytometric analysis.

Results
The P. vulgaris polysaccharide PVE30 was shown to compete with heparan sulfate for interaction with HSV surface glycoprotein B and gC, thus strongly inhibiting HSV attachment to cells. In addition, PVE30 downregulated the expression of IE genes, which subsequently downregulated the expression of E and L viral gene products, and thus effectively restricted the yield of progeny virus. Further investigation confirmed that PVE30 inhibited TLR2 and TLR3 signalling, leading to the effective suppression of NF-κB activation and IL-6 and TNF-α expression levels, and blocked HSV-1-induced necroptosis by reducing HSV-1-induced phosphorylation of MLKL.

Conclusion
Our results demonstrate that the P. vulgaris polysaccharide PVE30 is a potent anti-HSV agent that blocks TLR-mediated NF-κB activation.

Graphical Abstract
Breastfeeding support among re-hospitalized young children: a survey from Italy
Authors: Scarpato Elena , Salvatori Guglielmo , Barbaglia Michelangelo , Casero Deborah , Cazzato Teresa , Righetti Veronica , Staiano Annamaria , Davanzo Riccardo 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
In 2021, the Task Force on Breastfeeding of the Italian Ministry of Health released a document calling for the provision of breastfeeding support in case of re-hospitalization of the child after birth. Since type and quality of breastfeeding support during re-hospitalization in Italian Pediatric Units (PUs) is largely unknown, the Breastfeeding Section of the Italian Society of Pediatrics (TASIP) conducted an ad hoc national survey.

Methods
In March 2023, a specifically designed electronic questionnaire was sent to the Directors of 328 PUs, who were requested to fill it online.

Results
Data from 161 PUs were received, with a response rate of 48.7%. Our results highlighted that 18.6% of units do not provide training on breastfeeding for healthcare professionals and 46% of PUs lack of an ad hoc policy on breastfeeding support in case of re-hospitalization of the child. Although 88.2% of PUs provide breast pumps to the mothers of the re-hospitalized young children, 34.8% lack of a protocol on the storage of expressed breast milk.

Conclusions
Breastfeeding support for the mothers of hospitalized breastfed young children appears to be suboptimal in Italian PUs. Interventions aimed to structure and improve the quality of breastfeeding support for the mother-child dyad are needed, particularly developing protocols and providing a training on breastfeeding to the majority of healthcare professionals.
Update of statistical analysis plan for: Integration of smoking cessation into standard treatment for patients receiving opioid agonist therapy who are smoking tobacco: protocol for a randomised controlled trial (ATLAS4LAR)
Authors: Druckrey-Fiskaaen Karl Trygve , Madebo Tesfaye , Daltveit Jan Tore , Vold Jørn Henrik , Furulund Einar , Lid Torgeir Gilje , Fadnes Lars Thore 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis protocol paper presents an updated statistical analysis plan of the protocol of a randomised controlled trial. The randomised controlled trial investigates the effect of integrating smoking cessation interventions at outpatient opioid agonist therapy (OAT) clinics for persons with opioid dependency receiving OAT medication. The intervention group receives weekly follow-up including a short behavioural intervention and provision of nicotine replacement products. The control group receives standard treatment. The duration of the intervention is 16 weeks and the follow-up was completed by the end of October 2023. The primary outcome is defined as the proportion of participants reducing the number of cigarettes smoked by at least a 50% at week 16 of the intervention period. The primary outcome will be analysed according to intention-to-treat principles. Missing outcome data will be set equal to the baseline values. Development and reporting of the statistical analysis plan follow the Guidelines for the Content of Statistical Analysis Plans in Clinical Trials.Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05290025. Registered on 22 March 2022.
Drug repurposing: insights into the antimicrobial effects of AKBA against MRSA
Authors: Li Yingjia , Ma Hongbing 
Published: January 2024

AbstractStaphylococcus aureus is a major threat in infectious diseases due to its varied infection types and increased resistance. S. aureus could form persister cells under certain condition and could also attach on medical apparatus to form biofilms, which exhibited extremely high resistance to antibiotics. 3-Acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA) is a well-studied anti-tumor and antioxidant drug. This study is aimed to determine the antimicrobial effects of AKBA against S. aureus and its persister cells and biofilms. The in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility of AKBA was assessed by micro-dilution assay, disc diffusion assay and time-killing assay. Drug combination between AKBA and conventional antibiotics was detected by checkerboard assay. And the antibiofilm effects of AKBA against S. aureus were explored by crystal violet staining combined with SYTO/PI probes staining. Next, RBC lysis activity and CCK-8 kit were used to determine the cytotoxicity of AKBA. In addition, murine subcutaneous abscess model was used to assess the antimicrobial effects of AKBA in vivo. Our results revealed that AKBA was found to show effective antimicrobial activity against methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) with the minimal inhibitory concentration of 4–8 µg/mL with undetectable cytotoxicity. And no resistant mutation was induced by AKBA after 20 days of consecutive passage. Further, we found that AKBA could be synergy with gentamycin or amikacin against S. aureus and its clinical isolates. By crystal violet and SYTO9/PI staining, AKBA exhibited strong biofilm inhibitory and eradication effects at the concentration of 1 ~ 4 µg/mL. In addition, the effective antimicrobial effect was verified in vivo in a mouse model. And no detectable in vivo toxicity was found. These results indicated that AKBA has great potential to development as an alternative treatment for the refractory S. aureus infections.
Multi-tier dynamic sampling weak RF signal estimation theory
Authors: Smith Brett , Lanzerotti Mary 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis paper presents a theoretical analysis in discrete time for a multi-tier weak radiofrequency (RF) signal estimation process with N simultaneous signals. Discrete time dynamic sampling is introduced and is shown to provide the capability to extract signal parameter values with increased accuracy compared with accuracy of estimates obtained in prior work. This paper advances phase measurement approaches by proposing discrete time dynamic sampling which our paper shows offers the desirable capability for more accurate weak signal parameter estimates. For $$N=2$$

N
=
2

simultaneous signals with a strong signal at 850 MHz and a weak signal at 855 MHz, the results show that dynamically sampling the instantaneous frequency at 24 times the Nyquist rate provides weak signal frequency estimates that are within $$1.7 \times 10^{-5}$$

1.7
×

10

-
5

of the actual weak signal frequency and weak signal amplitude estimates that are within 428 PPM of the actual weak signal amplitude. Results are also presented for situations with $$N=2$$

N
=
2

simultaneous 5G signals. In one case, the strong signal is 3950 MHz, and the weak signal is 3955 MHz; in the other case the strong case is 5950 MHz, and the weak signal is 5955 MHz. The results for these cases show that estimates obtained with dynamic sampling are more accurate than estimates provided using a single sample rate of 65 MSPS. This work has promising applications for weak signal parameters estimation using instantaneous frequency measurements.
Variable step size VLF/ELF nonlinear channel adaptive filtering algorithm based on Sigmoid function
Authors: Hu Sumou , Xie Hui , Liu Danling , Hu Jie 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe signals received by very low-frequency/extremely low-frequency nonlinear receivers are frequently affected by intense atmospheric pulse noise stemming from thunderstorms and global lightning activity. Current noise processing algorithms designed for nonlinear channels within these frequency ranges, which are predicated on fractional p-order moment alpha stable distribution criteria (where 0 < p < α < 2, and p and α denote distinct characteristic indices of alpha stable distribution noise), are constrained by their reliance on limited p-order moment statistics. As a result, the performance of low-frequency nonlinear channel receivers experiences significant degradation when confronted with robust pulse noise interference (0 < p < α < 2). To tackle this challenge, the present study introduces a novel variable step robust mixed norm (RMN) adaptive filtering algorithm, designated as SVS-RMN, which is based on the Sigmoid function. Leveraging the nonlinearity of the Sigmoid function and building upon the power function Hammerstein nonlinear channel model, the algorithm aims to enhance the RMN algorithm by deriving new cost functions and adaptive iteration formulas. The performance of the proposed algorithm is evaluated in comparison to conventional RMN algorithms based on fractional low-order moment (FLOM) criteria (0 < p < 2), as well as other algorithms employing variable step sizes and either FLOM or radial basis function (RBF) criteria, across various intensities of pulse noise and mixed signal-to-noise ratios. The experimental results reveal the following: (1) The proposed algorithm effectively mitigates strong pulse noise interference and significantly enhances the tracking performance of the RMN algorithm compared to conventional RMN algorithms based on FLOM criteria. (2) In terms of computational efficiency, simplicity of structure, convergence speed, and stability, the proposed algorithm surpasses other algorithms based on FLOM or RBF criteria.
Significance of relative phase features for shouted and normal speech classification
Authors: Phapatanaburi Khomdet , Wang Longbiao , Liu Meng , Nakagawa Seiichi , Jumphoo Talit , Uthansakul Peerapong 
Published: January 2024

AbstractShouted and normal speech classification plays an important role in many speech-related applications. The existing works are often based on magnitude-based features and ignore phase-based features, which are directly related to magnitude information. In this paper, the importance of phase-based features is explored for the detection of shouted speech. The novel contributions of this work are as follows. (1) Three phase-based features, namely, relative phase (RP), linear prediction analysis estimated speech-based RP (LPAES-RP) and linear prediction residual-based RP (LPR-RP) features, are explored for shouted and normal speech classification. (2) We propose a new RP feature, called the glottal source-based RP (GRP) feature. The main idea of the proposed GRP feature is to exploit the difference between RP and LPAES-RP features to detect shouted speech. (3) A score combination of phase- and magnitude-based features is also employed to further improve the classification performance. The proposed feature and combination are evaluated using the shouted normal electroglottograph speech (SNE-Speech) corpus. The experimental findings show that the RP, LPAES-RP, and LPR-RP features provide promising results for the detection of shouted speech. We also find that the proposed GRP feature can provide better results than those of the standard mel-frequency cepstral coefficient (MFCC) feature. Moreover, compared to using individual features, the score combination of the MFCC and RP/LPAES-RP/LPR-RP/GRP features yields an improved detection performance. Performance analysis under noisy environments shows that the score combination of the MFCC and the RP/LPAES-RP/LPR-RP features gives more robust classification. These outcomes show the importance of RP features in distinguishing shouted speech from normal speech.
A comprehensive review of forensic diatomology: contemporary developments and future trajectories
Authors: Dahiya Parshant , Makwana Madhav D. , Chaniyara Poojan , Bhatia Ashna 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Forensic diatomology is a rapidly progressing domain that involves the examination of microscopic algae known as diatoms for forensic purposes. Diatoms are microscopic, single-celled, eukaryotic algae that exist in diverse aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and oceans. They are characterized by their rigid cell wall made up of silica, which is a unique morphological character, making them useful for forensic investigations.

Main body
Diatoms are a type of unicellular microscopic algae that belong to the class Bacillariophyta. They are one of the most common phytoplankton found in all aquatic environments, including marine and freshwater habitats. Diatoms have proven to be valuable evidence in various forensic investigations, particularly in cases involving drowning or bodies recovered from aquatic environments.

Conclusion
This comprehensive review provides an in-depth analysis of the principles, methodologies, applications, and challenges associated with the field of forensic diatomology. It emphasizes the importance of diatoms as trace evidence and discusses their potential to establish critical associations between the victim and the surroundings. This review also explores some recent advancements in diatom analysis techniques, including molecular approaches and automated identification methods. Finally, the paper outlines future directions for research and underlines the necessity for standardized protocols and interdisciplinary collaborations to enhance the reliability and validity of forensic diatomology.
Imageless navigation system (Naviswiss) provides accurate component position in total hip arthroplasty with lateral decubitus position for end-stage hip osteoarthritis: a prospective cohort study with CT-validation
Authors: Scholes Corey J. , Fatima Manaal , Schwagli Tobias , Liu David 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Aims
The Naviswiss system (Naviswiss AG, Brugg, Switzerland) is a handheld imageless navigation device used to improve the accuracy of implant positioning in total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, clinical data for leg length discrepancy and femoral offset is lacking, and the validity of the system has not been reported for patients undergoing THA in the lateral decubitus position. This study aimed to report the accuracy of the device in this patient population.

Methods
Patients underwent THA in the lateral decubitus position performed by a single surgeon. Component position measured by the device intraoperatively was compared to postoperative measurements on computed tomography (CT) scans. Agreement between the navigation system and postoperative measurements was reported for acetabular cup inclination, acetabular cup version, femoral offset, and leg length discrepancy.

Results
Thirty-three patients were included in the analysis. The mean difference between intraoperative and postoperative CT measurements was within 2° for angular measurements and 2 mm for leg length. Absolute differences in the two indices were up to 4° and 3 mm. The mean bias was 1°–2° overestimation for cup orientation and up to 2 mm overestimation for leg length change. However, 95% limits of agreement did not exceed absolute thresholds of 10° and 10 mm, especially after correction for bias. One case (3%) was declared intraoperatively for issues with fixation on the greater trochanter.

Conclusions
The accuracy of the Naviswiss system falls within clinically acceptable recommendations for acetabular cup placement, femoral offset, and leg length for total hip arthroplasty with a anterolateral approach in lateral decubitus position. The system could be further improved with regression-based bias correction.