This article presents a case study of a 20-year-old male patient diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy(DCM)(NYHA IV).This condition was diagnosed as"heart failure disease"(water overflowing due to yang defic...This article presents a case study of a 20-year-old male patient diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy(DCM)(NYHA IV).This condition was diagnosed as"heart failure disease"(water overflowing due to yang deficiency,intermingled phlegm and stasis)in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).The treatment approach employed a combination of TCM and Western medicine.Western medicine involved the administration of sacubitril valsartan sodium tablets to inhibit ventricular remodeling,in conjunction with diuretics and cardiotonic agents.Initially,TCM utilized a static infusion of Shenfu injection,which was subsequently supplemented with Qiliqiangxin capsules to invigorate qi,warm yang,activate blood circulation,and promote diuresis.After a follow-up period of 3 years,the patient's ejection fraction(EF)improved from 23%to 51%,and the left ventricular end diastolic diameter(LVed)decreased from 68 to 52 mm,accompanied by a significant alleviation of symptoms.These findings indicate that the combined treatment of TCM and Western medicine can synergistically enhance cardiac function and impede the progression of the disease,thereby offering valuable insights for the optimal management of DCM.展开更多
Background Frailty is common and significantly impacts prognosis in heart failure(HF). The Vulnerable Elders Survey-13(VES-13), widely used in oncogeriatrics and public health, remains unexplored as a frailty screenin...Background Frailty is common and significantly impacts prognosis in heart failure(HF). The Vulnerable Elders Survey-13(VES-13), widely used in oncogeriatrics and public health, remains unexplored as a frailty screening tool in HF outpatients. In this study, we prospectively evaluated VES-13 against a multimodal screening assessment in detecting frailty and predicting individual risk of adverse prognosis.Methods Frailty was assessed at the initial visit using both a multimodal approach, incorporating Barthel Index, Older American Resources and Services scale, Pfeiffer Test, abbreviated Geriatric Depression Scale, age > 85 years, lacking support systems,and VES-13. Patients scoring ≥ 3 on VES-13 or meeting at least one multimodal criterion were classified as frail. Endpoints included all-cause mortality, a composite of death or HF hospitalization, and recurrent HF hospitalizations.Results A total of 301 patients were evaluated. VES-13 identified 40.2% as frail and the multimodal assessment 33.2%. In Cox regression analyses, frailty identified by VES-13 showed greater prognostic significance than the multimodal assessment for allcause mortality(HR = 3.70 [2.15–6.33], P < 0.001 vs. 2.40 [1.46–4.0], P = 0.001) and the composite endpoint(HR = 3.13 [2.02–4.84], P< 0.001 vs. 1.96 [1.28–2.99], P = 0.002). Recurrent HF hospitalizations were four times more frequent in VES-13 frail patients while two times in those identified as frail by the multimodal assessment. Additionally, stratifying patients by VES-13 tertiles provided robust risk differentiation.Conclusions VES-13, a simple frailty tool, outperformed a comprehensive multimodal assessment and could be easily integrated into routine HF care, highlighting its clinical utility in identifying patients at risk for poor outcomes.展开更多
Objective To determine whether frailty is a risk factor for hospitalization and mortality in older adults enrolled in the "Chronic Heart Failure Program" at a hospital in Lima, Peru, between 2018–2021.Metho...Objective To determine whether frailty is a risk factor for hospitalization and mortality in older adults enrolled in the "Chronic Heart Failure Program" at a hospital in Lima, Peru, between 2018–2021.Methods This was an ambispective cohort study. A total of 85 older adults participating in the Chronic Heart Failure Program at Guillermo Almenara National Hospital were included. Each had an initial frailty assessment, forming two cohorts: frail and non-frail older adults. Medical records were reviewed, and patients were followed for one year to track events of interest(hospitalization and mortality). Overall survival and risk factors for hospitalization and death were determined.Results During follow-up, 15.3% of the older adults died, and frailty was identified in 58.8% of the patients. Overall survival using the Kaplan-Meier method was 96.5% at 3 months after entering the Chronic Heart Failure Program;92.9% at 6 months;and85.9% at one year. Multivariate analysis using Poisson regression found that frailty was not a risk factor for hospitalization(a RR =0.92;95% CI: 0.42–2.03). Survival analysis using the Cox proportional hazards model showed that frailty was also not a risk factor for mortality after one year of follow-up(a HR = 1.32;95% CI: 0.27–6.53).Conclusions Our research does not confirm frailty as a risk factor for hospitalization or mortality in older adults enrolled in the“Chronic Heart Failure Program” after one year of follow-up.展开更多
When patients initially present with atrial fibrillation along with an enlarged heart and heart failure, followed by atrioventricular block, it's essential to consider genetic factors.^([1])Genetic testing can off...When patients initially present with atrial fibrillation along with an enlarged heart and heart failure, followed by atrioventricular block, it's essential to consider genetic factors.^([1])Genetic testing can offer crucial diagnostic evidence, aiding in prognosis assessment and the adoption of appropriate treatment strategies.展开更多
Inborn errors of metabolism(IEMs)are a large group of disorders resulting from deficient activities in several metabolic pathways due to the dysfunction of a distinct enzyme associated with a biochemical pathway[1,2]....Inborn errors of metabolism(IEMs)are a large group of disorders resulting from deficient activities in several metabolic pathways due to the dysfunction of a distinct enzyme associated with a biochemical pathway[1,2].Toxic intermediates will be produced due to the dysfunction of biochemical pathways.The liver is responsible for many essential metabolic processes,therefore it becomes one of the most severely affected organ by metabolic diseases[3].Early onset of liver disorders in IEMs includes jaundice,hepatomegaly,splenomegaly,ascites,hepatic encephalopathy,and liver failure[4].In infants and young children under 3 years old with acute liver failure(ALF),IEMs account for 18.9%-43%[5].展开更多
The purpose of this study is to clarify the characteristics of patients with decreased cognitive function undergoing treatment for acute exacerbation phase of chronic heart failure as a basic survey with a view to the...The purpose of this study is to clarify the characteristics of patients with decreased cognitive function undergoing treatment for acute exacerbation phase of chronic heart failure as a basic survey with a view to the standardization of nursing to prevent discontinuation of treatment of patients with declining cognitive function in the acute exacerbation phase of chronic heart failure. As the first stage of the research, using the interview guide created based on the background of discontinuation of treatment and symptomatic monitoring from 33 target literature sources, seven certified chronic heart failure nurses and 15 certified dementia nurses were given semi-structured interviews. Data obtained from the interviews was analyzed by qualitative induction. As a result, we obtained opinions/views on 8 situations namely, “cognitive function at hospitalization”, “characteristics at hospitalization, “characteristics when receiving examinations, procedures or treatment”, “characteristics of course of treatment”, “characteristics related to difficulties in grasping the symptoms of chronic heart failure and indices of deterioration”, “characteristics when using diuretics”, “characteristics concerning compliance with dietary restrictions” and “support required for discharge from hospital” concerning patients with declining cognitive function. In the future, it is necessary to prepare nursing protocols incorporating these contents for standardization of nursing.展开更多
The giant perilous rock at Wangxia (named Wangxia perilous rock) is representative in Three Gorges of the Yangtze River, China, has threatened badly the navigation of the Yangtze River channel for a long period. The g...The giant perilous rock at Wangxia (named Wangxia perilous rock) is representative in Three Gorges of the Yangtze River, China, has threatened badly the navigation of the Yangtze River channel for a long period. The giant perilous rock is composed of siliceous limestone and argillaceous limestone, and includes two elements marking by W1 and W2, respectively. The W1 is an isolated pillar while the W2 is in clintheriform. The linking segment of dominant fissure in the W2 is composed by moniliform solution funnels at its back, and the locked segment of the dominant fissure at the base of the W2 is composed by two parts. For the locked part of the dominant fissure of the W2, the upper segment shows the same lithology with the perilous rock and it can be simplified as an elastic medium, for the lower segment composed by argillaceous shale and mudstone can be simplified as a strain-softening medium. Introducing the water-softened function, the constitutive curves with two kinds of medium materials for the locked segment in the dominant fissure of the W2 have been proposed. Based on energy principle, the cusp catastrophe model for perilous rock rupture is built and formulas for the transient elastic and impulsive acceleration and the elastic-impulsive velocity of perilous rock catastrophe rupture have been established. By the calculation, the elastic-impulsive acceleration for the catastrophe rupture of the W2 is 531.4 m/s2, while the average elastic-impulsive velocity is 2.608 m/s. Further, it is deduced that the elastic-impulsive velocity at the base of the W2 is about 5.2 m/s. For the transient ruture of the W2, there is a greater speed difference between the top and the base of the W2, which impels the giant perilous rock to be retroverted sliding rupture, coinciding with the fact. Undoubtedly, studies in this paper must play an important role to analyze the catastrophe rupture mechanism of giant perilous rocks at both banks in Three Gorges of the Yangtze River, China.展开更多
Reservoir-induced landslides in China's Three Gorges Reservoir area are prone to tensile cracks due to the influenceof their own weight and fluctuationsin water levels.The presence of cracks indicates that the ten...Reservoir-induced landslides in China's Three Gorges Reservoir area are prone to tensile cracks due to the influenceof their own weight and fluctuationsin water levels.The presence of cracks indicates that the tensile stress in the area has exceeded the tensile strength of the soil,leading to local instability.To explore the impact of tensile failure behavior on the stability and failure modes of reservoir landslides,the Huangtupo Riverside Slump#1 is taken as a case study.By considering local tensile failure,potential tensile cracks are incorporated into the analysis via the limit equilibrium method and reliability theory.The reliability of landslides under different tensile failure scenarios is quantified.Strain-softening characteristics of the soil are combined to further analyze the failure transmission path of the landslide.Finally,these potential failure modes were validated through physical model tests.The results show that cracks developing at rear positions reduce the stability of the slope and increase the probability of instability.During the destruction process,retrogressive failures with multiple sliding surfaces are likely to occur.However,tensile failure at the forefront reduces the likelihood of an individual slide mass descending.Progressive failure results in both regular and skip transmission patterns.Additionally,cracks and water level changes can also lead to shifts in the positions of the most dangerous blocks.Therefore,in practical landslide analysis and prevention,it is necessary to consider local tensile damage and identify potential tensile crack locations in advance to optimize prevention measures and accurately evaluate landslide risk.展开更多
The advances in the treatment of heart failure with Yangxinshi tablet are reviewed in this paper.Yangxinshi tablet has effects of nourishing myocardia,improving myocardial metabolism,reducing myocardial oxygen consump...The advances in the treatment of heart failure with Yangxinshi tablet are reviewed in this paper.Yangxinshi tablet has effects of nourishing myocardia,improving myocardial metabolism,reducing myocardial oxygen consumption,dilating coronary artery,improving cardiac blood supply,reducing blood viscosity and improving microcirculation,and it can improve the functions of heart and curative effect of heart failure.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the role of T helper 17 cells (Th17) and regulatory T cells (Treg) in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF).METHODS: We enrolled 79 patients with HBV infection into ...AIM: To investigate the role of T helper 17 cells (Th17) and regulatory T cells (Treg) in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF).METHODS: We enrolled 79 patients with HBV infection into the study, 50 patients with HBV-related ACLF and 29 patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), from the First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College from January 2009 to June 2012. The ACLF patients were diagnosed according to the criteria recommended by The 19th Conference of the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver in 2009. Twenty healthy individuals with a similar gender and age structures to the two patient groups were also included as the normal controls (NC). Of the 50 ACLF patients, 28 were subsequently classified as non-survivors: 19 patients died from multiorgan failure, 3 underwent liver transplantation, and 6 discontinued therapy during follow-up because of financial reasons. The remaining 22 ACLF patients whose liver and anticoagulation function recovered to nearly normal levels within the next 6 mo were classified as survivors. The number of circulating Treg and Th17 cells was determined upon diagnosis and during the 8th week of follow-up through flow cytometry. RESULTS: The percentage of circulating Treg cells in the ACLF group was significantly higher than that in the CHB group (5.50% ± 1.15% vs 3.30% ± 1.13%, P < 0.01). The percentages of circulating Th17 cells in the ACLF and the CHB groups were significantly higher than that in the NC group (6.32% ± 2.22% vs 1.56% ± 0.44%, P < 0.01; 3.53% ± 1.65% vs 1.56% ± 0.44%, P < 0.01). No significant difference in Treg cell to Th17 cell ratio was observed between the ACLF group and the CHB group (0.98 ± 0.44 vs 1.12 ± 0.64, P = 0.991), whereas those in the two HBV infection groups were significantly lower than that in the NC group (1.85 ± 1.22; both P < 0.01). The percentage of Treg cells in the survivors during the 8th week of follow-up was significantly lower than that during peak ACLF severity [total bilirubin (TBIL) peak] (3.45% ± 0.97% vs 5.18% ± 1.02%, P < 0.01). The percentage of Th17 cells in survivors during the 8th week of follow-up was significantly lower than that during the peak TBIL (2.89% ±0.60% vs 5.24% ± 1.46%; P < 0.01). The Treg cell to Th17 cell ratio during the 8 th week of follow-up was significantly higher than that during the TBIL peak (1.22 ± 0.36 vs 1.10 ± 0.54; P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Restoring the Treg cell to Th17 cell ratio during the follow-up phase of ACLF could maintain the immune system at a steady state, which favours good prognosis.展开更多
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is the world’s sixth most common malignant tumor and the third cause of cancer death.Although great progress has been made in hepatectomy,it is still associated with a certain ...BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is the world’s sixth most common malignant tumor and the third cause of cancer death.Although great progress has been made in hepatectomy,it is still associated with a certain degree of risk of posthepatectomy liver failure(PHLF),which extends the length of hospital stay and remains the leading cause of postoperative death.Studies have shown that assessment of hepatic functional reserve before hepatectomy is beneficial for reducing the incidence of PHLF.AIM To assess the value of model for end-stage liver disease(MELD)score combined with standardized future liver remnant(sFLR)volume in predicting PHLF in patients undergoing hepatectomy for HCC.METHODS This study was attended by 238 patients with HCC who underwent hepatectomy between January 2015 and January 2018.Discrimination of sFLR volume,MELD score,and sFLR/MELD ratio to predict PHLF was evaluated according to the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve.RESULTS The patients were divided into two groups according to whether PHLF occurred after hepatectomy.The incidence of PHLF was 8.4%in our research.The incidence of PHLF increased with the decrease in sFLR volume and the increase in MELD score.Both sFLR volume and MELD score were considered independent predictive factors for PHLF.Moreover,the cut-off value of the sFLR/MELD score to predict PHLF was 0.078(P<0.001).This suggests that an sFLR/MELD≥0.078 indicates a higher incidence of PHLF than an sFLR/MELD<0.078.CONCLUSION MELD combined with sFLR is a reliable and effective PHLF predictor,which is superior to MELD score or sFLR volume alone.展开更多
BACKGROUND Anxiety,depression,and other negative emotions are common among patients with chronic renal failure(CRF).Analyzing the factors related to negative emotions is necessary to provide targeted nursing care.AIM ...BACKGROUND Anxiety,depression,and other negative emotions are common among patients with chronic renal failure(CRF).Analyzing the factors related to negative emotions is necessary to provide targeted nursing care.AIM To explore the correlations among life satisfaction,pleasure levels,and negative emotions in patients with CRF.METHODS One hundred patients with CRF who received therapy at the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University between December 2022 and February 2025 were included.The Depression,Anxiety,and Stress Scale(DASS-21),Satisfaction with Life Scale(SWLS),and Temporal Experience of Pleasure Scale(TEPS)were used to evaluate negative emotions,life satisfaction,and pleasure level,respectively.Pearson’s correlation coefficient analyzed the correlation between life satisfaction,pleasure level,and negative emotions.Linear regression analysis identified the factors affecting negative emotions.RESULTS The average DASS-21 score among patients with CRF was 51.90±2.30,with subscale scores of 17.90±1.50 for depression,18.53±1.18 for anxiety,and 15.47±2.36 for stress,all significantly higher than the domestic norm(P<0.05).The average SWLS score was 22.17±4.90.Correlation analysis revealed a negative correlation between the SWLS and total DASS-21 scores(P<0.05),but not with the individual depression,anxiety,or stress dimensions.The average TEPS score was 67.80±8.34.TEPS scores were negatively correlated with the DASS-21 score and the stress dimension(P<0.05),but not with depression or anxiety.Linear regression analysis showed that TEPS scores significantly influenced DASS-21 scores(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Patients with CRF experience high levels of negative emotions,which are negatively correlated with life satisfaction and pleasure.Furthermore,pleasure level had an impact on negative emotions.展开更多
BACKGROUND Congenital hypothyroidism(CH)is a common condition in both preterm and term infants characterized by either thyroid gland absence or hypofunctionality.The clinical association of refractory lactic acidosis ...BACKGROUND Congenital hypothyroidism(CH)is a common condition in both preterm and term infants characterized by either thyroid gland absence or hypofunctionality.The clinical association of refractory lactic acidosis and heart failure has rarely been observed in cases of pediatric patients with CH pathology.Here,we explored the etiological relationship between CH,heart failure,and refractory lactic acidosis to reflect the importance of thyroid function screening in neonates with heart disease.CASE SUMMARY A 33-day-old extremely premature female infant presented with tachypnea,respiratory distress,recurrent infections,and abdominal distension postnatal.On admission to our facility,she had cardiomegaly,hepatomegaly,and lactic acidosis(revealed on blood gas analysis),with lactate progressively rising to 25 mmol/L.Chest radiographs showed pulmonary congestion,while echocardiography revealed cardiac enlargement,left ventricular wall thickening,and pericardial effusion.Initial management aimed at correcting acidosis and treating heart failure proved ineffective.After reassessment,thyroid function tests showed significantly decreased triiodothyronine,free triiodothyronine,thyroxine,and free thyroxine levels,with a significantly increased thyroidstimulating hormone level,confirming a CH diagnosis.Levothyroxine was administered,resulting in rapid correction of lactic acidosis and gradual improvement of thyroid function and systemic symptoms,culminating in full recovery and discharge.We also reviewed the relevant literature on thyroid and cardiac dysfunctions in order to explore their deeper association.CONCLUSION This case links CH-induced heart failure with refractory lactic acidosis,urging prompt thyroid screening in affected neonates to reduce mortality.展开更多
Chronic heart failure(CHF)impairs cognitive function.Xijiaqi Formula(XJQ),a traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)used clinically to treat CHF,demonstrates potential for improving cognition in CHF patients.However,its prec...Chronic heart failure(CHF)impairs cognitive function.Xijiaqi Formula(XJQ),a traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)used clinically to treat CHF,demonstrates potential for improving cognition in CHF patients.However,its precise mechanism in treating post-CHF cognitive dysfunction remains unclear.This study systematically investigates XJQ’s effects on post-CHF cognitive dysfunction and the underlying mechanisms.The components of XJQ were identified through liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.CHF was induced in rats via ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery,followed by six weeks of XJQ treatment.Cardiac function was evaluated through echocardiography and hemodynamic parameters,while cognitive function was assessed using Morris water maze(MWM)and open field tests(OFT).XJQ treatment enhanced both cardiac and cognitive functions in CHF rats.Network pharmacology identified 12 core active components of XJQ and indicated its effect on cognitive dysfunction involved regulating synapses,inflammation,and phosphodiesterase 4(PDE4)-dependent cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP)signaling.XJQ inhibited microglial and astrocyte activation,decreased proinflammatory cytokines,and mitigated neuronal damage.Notably,XJQ promoted synaptic repair and dendritic growth by downregulating PDE4 and upregulating cAMP,protein kinase A(PKA),cAMP-response element binding protein(CREB),brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF),PSD95,and synapsin I levels.Molecular docking and Bio-layer interferometry assays confirmed direct binding of quercetin,kaempferol,isorhamnetin,and darutoside to PDE4.In conclusion,XJQ alleviates neuroinflammation and enhances synaptic plasticity to improve cognitive dysfunction in CHF rats via the PDE4/cAMP/PKA/CREB signaling pathway.These findings provide valuable insight into the heart-brain axis.展开更多
Cascading failures pose a serious threat to the survivability of underwater unmanned swarm networks(UUSNs),significantly limiting their service ability in collaborative missions such as military reconnaissance and env...Cascading failures pose a serious threat to the survivability of underwater unmanned swarm networks(UUSNs),significantly limiting their service ability in collaborative missions such as military reconnaissance and environmental monitoring.Existing failure models primarily focus on power grids and traffic systems,and don't address the unique challenges of weak-communication UUSNs.In UUSNs,cascading failure present a complex and dynamic process driven by the coupling of unstable acoustic channels,passive node drift,adversarial attacks,and network heterogeneity.To address these challenges,a directed weighted graph model of UUSNs is first developed,in which node positions are updated according to ocean-current-driven drift and link weights reflect the probability of successful acoustic transmission.Building on this UUSNs graph model,a cascading failure model is proposed that integrates a normal-failure-recovery state-cycle mechanism,multiple attack strategies,and routingbased load redistribution.Finally,under a five-level connectivity UUSNs scheme,simulations are conducted to analyze how dynamic topology,network load,node recovery delay,and attack modes jointly affect network survivability.The main findings are:(1)moderate node drift can improve survivability by activating weak links;(2)based-energy routing(BER)outperform based-depth routing(BDR)in harsh conditions;(3)node self-recovery time is critical to network survivability;(4)traditional degree-based critical node metrics are inadequate for weak-communication UUSNs.These results provide a theoretical foundation for designing robust survivability mechanisms in weak-communication UUSNs.展开更多
Rationale:This case report describes a couple with recurrent fertilization failure despite undergoing multiple cycles of intracytoplasmic sperm injection(ICSI).The principal clinical concern was suspected oocyte activ...Rationale:This case report describes a couple with recurrent fertilization failure despite undergoing multiple cycles of intracytoplasmic sperm injection(ICSI).The principal clinical concern was suspected oocyte activation deficiency(OAD),in which fertilization is impeded due to the oocyte’s inability to initiate embryogenesis,commonly attributed to inadequate intracellular calcium(Ca^(2+))release following sperm injection.Patient concerns:The couple repeatedly experienced complete or near-complete fertilization failure in previous ICSI cycles,raising suspicion of an underlying oocyte activation defect.Diagnosis:Based on the repeated absence of fertilization post-ICSI and clinical history,a diagnosis of suspected OAD leading to recurrent ICSI fertilization failure was considered.Interventions:Artificial oocyte activation(AOA)using the calcium ionophore A23187 was performed.After ICSI,unfertilized oocytes were exposed to the ionophore to induce Ca^(2+)influx,simulating physiological calcium oscillations essential for oocyte activation.The efficacy of intervention was evaluated through subsequent embryonic development,morphological grading,and chromosomal integrity.Outcomes:Following AOA treatment,successful oocyte activation occurred,resulting in the formation of high-grade embryos with normal developmental progression.Chromosomal analysis revealed no detectable abnormalities,indicating genomic stability.Lessons:Calcium ionophore–mediated AOA may serve as an effective adjunct in cases of recurrent ICSI failure attributed to OAD.This case highlights the importance of individualized therapeutic strategies in assisted reproduction;however,further research is needed to refine protocols,validate broader clinical efficacy,and assess long-term safety,including potential epigenetic risks.展开更多
This study explores ethical violations and audit failures in various large-scale corporate fraud cases.Using a qualitative descriptive method and based on secondary data from documented fraud cases and published audit...This study explores ethical violations and audit failures in various large-scale corporate fraud cases.Using a qualitative descriptive method and based on secondary data from documented fraud cases and published audit reports,the study applies the Fraud Triangle framework,focusing on how weak integrity,objectivity,and professional competence have undermined public trust in the auditing profession.Using a qualitative descriptive method and the Fraud Triangle framework,which includes pressure,opportunity,and rationalization,the study analyzes cases from Indonesia(SNP Finance,Jiwasraya),China(Evergrande),and Germany(Wirecard).The analysis reveals that many audit failures observed in this study appear to stem more from ethical challenges than from technical incapability,driven by client pressure,weak internal controls,and compromised auditor independence.These cases demonstrate a recurring global pattern in which auditors neglect their responsibility to act in the public interest.展开更多
This study explores ethical violations and audit failures in various large-scale corporate fraud cases.Using a qualitative descriptive method and based on secondary data from documented fraud cases and published audit...This study explores ethical violations and audit failures in various large-scale corporate fraud cases.Using a qualitative descriptive method and based on secondary data from documented fraud cases and published audit reports,the study applies the Fraud Triangle framework,focusing on how weak integrity,objectivity,and professional competence have undermined public trust in the auditing profession.Using a qualitative descriptive method and the Fraud Triangle framework,which includes pressure,opportunity,and rationalization,the study analyzes cases from Indonesia(SNP Finance,Jiwasraya),China(Evergrande),and Germany(Wirecard).The analysis reveals that many audit failures observed in this study appear to stem more from ethical challenges than from technical incapability,driven by client pressure,weak internal controls,and compromised auditor independence.These cases demonstrate a recurring global pattern in which auditors neglect their responsibility to act in the public interest.展开更多
BACKGROUND Acute liver failure(ALF)is a life-threatening multisystemic condition with high short-term mortality.With the growing prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome,it is important to investigate the clinical...BACKGROUND Acute liver failure(ALF)is a life-threatening multisystemic condition with high short-term mortality.With the growing prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome,it is important to investigate the clinical implications of high body mass index(BMI)on survival outcomes in ALF.AIM To explore the impact of overweight and obesity on the clinical outcomes of patients with ALF.METHODS A retrospective observational cohort study was conducted involving patients with ALF admitted to the Johns Hopkins Health System between January 1,2000 and May 1,2020.We performed Cox proportional hazards regression to identify outcomes,including the need for liver transplantation(LT)or all-cause mortality.RESULTS A total of 196 patients were included,the median age was 43.5 years,63.3%were female,and 59.7%were of Caucasian ethnicity.Acetaminophen-induced ALF was the most common etiology(45%).The mean BMI was significantly greater among patients who underwent LT or died(29.64 kg/m^(2)vs 26.59 kg/m^(2),P=0.008)than among survivors.Patients with overweight and obesity had a higher risk of all-cause mortality or need for LT by 2.22-fold(95%CI:1.30-3.78)and 2.04-fold(95%CI:1.29-3.39),respectively.Elevated BMI was associated with renal failure and higher grades of hepatic encephalopathy.Derangements in serologic markers,including alanine transaminase,lactate,and ammonia,were associated with a mortality risk or need for LT.CONCLUSION In this large,retrospective study,with a diverse cohort of United States patients,Overweight and obese were independently associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality or need for LT.This work highlights the importance of closely monitoring ALF patients who are overweight or obese for adverse complications and measures to improve outcomes in this vulnerable patient population.展开更多
Survival of HIV/AIDS patients is crucially dependent on comprehensive and targeted medical interventions such as supply of antiretroviral therapy and monitoring disease progression with CD4 T-cell counts. Statistical ...Survival of HIV/AIDS patients is crucially dependent on comprehensive and targeted medical interventions such as supply of antiretroviral therapy and monitoring disease progression with CD4 T-cell counts. Statistical modelling approaches are helpful towards this goal. This study aims at developing Bayesian joint models with assumed generalized error distribution (GED) for the longitudinal CD4 data and two accelerated failure time distributions, Lognormal and loglogistic, for the survival time of HIV/AIDS patients. Data are obtained from patients under antiretroviral therapy follow-up at Shashemene referral hospital during January 2006-January 2012 and at Bale Robe general hospital during January 2008-March 2015. The Bayesian joint models are defined through latent variables and association parameters and with specified non-informative prior distributions for the model parameters. Simulations are conducted using Gibbs sampler algorithm implemented in the WinBUGS software. The results of the analyses of the two different data sets show that distributions of measurement errors of the longitudinal CD4 variable follow the generalized error distribution with fatter tails than the normal distribution. The Bayesian joint GED loglogistic models fit better to the data sets compared to the lognormal cases. Findings reveal that patients’ health can be improved over time. Compared to the males, female patients gain more CD4 counts. Survival time of a patient is negatively affected by TB infection. Moreover, increase in number of opportunistic infection implies decline of CD4 counts. Patients’ age negatively affects the disease marker with no effects on survival time. Improving weight may improve survival time of patients. Bayesian joint models with GED and AFT distributions are found to be useful in modelling the longitudinal and survival processes. Thus we recommend the generalized error distributions for measurement errors of the longitudinal data under the Bayesian joint modelling. Further studies may investigate the models with various types of shared random effects and more covariates with predictions.展开更多
文摘This article presents a case study of a 20-year-old male patient diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy(DCM)(NYHA IV).This condition was diagnosed as"heart failure disease"(water overflowing due to yang deficiency,intermingled phlegm and stasis)in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).The treatment approach employed a combination of TCM and Western medicine.Western medicine involved the administration of sacubitril valsartan sodium tablets to inhibit ventricular remodeling,in conjunction with diuretics and cardiotonic agents.Initially,TCM utilized a static infusion of Shenfu injection,which was subsequently supplemented with Qiliqiangxin capsules to invigorate qi,warm yang,activate blood circulation,and promote diuresis.After a follow-up period of 3 years,the patient's ejection fraction(EF)improved from 23%to 51%,and the left ventricular end diastolic diameter(LVed)decreased from 68 to 52 mm,accompanied by a significant alleviation of symptoms.These findings indicate that the combined treatment of TCM and Western medicine can synergistically enhance cardiac function and impede the progression of the disease,thereby offering valuable insights for the optimal management of DCM.
文摘Background Frailty is common and significantly impacts prognosis in heart failure(HF). The Vulnerable Elders Survey-13(VES-13), widely used in oncogeriatrics and public health, remains unexplored as a frailty screening tool in HF outpatients. In this study, we prospectively evaluated VES-13 against a multimodal screening assessment in detecting frailty and predicting individual risk of adverse prognosis.Methods Frailty was assessed at the initial visit using both a multimodal approach, incorporating Barthel Index, Older American Resources and Services scale, Pfeiffer Test, abbreviated Geriatric Depression Scale, age > 85 years, lacking support systems,and VES-13. Patients scoring ≥ 3 on VES-13 or meeting at least one multimodal criterion were classified as frail. Endpoints included all-cause mortality, a composite of death or HF hospitalization, and recurrent HF hospitalizations.Results A total of 301 patients were evaluated. VES-13 identified 40.2% as frail and the multimodal assessment 33.2%. In Cox regression analyses, frailty identified by VES-13 showed greater prognostic significance than the multimodal assessment for allcause mortality(HR = 3.70 [2.15–6.33], P < 0.001 vs. 2.40 [1.46–4.0], P = 0.001) and the composite endpoint(HR = 3.13 [2.02–4.84], P< 0.001 vs. 1.96 [1.28–2.99], P = 0.002). Recurrent HF hospitalizations were four times more frequent in VES-13 frail patients while two times in those identified as frail by the multimodal assessment. Additionally, stratifying patients by VES-13 tertiles provided robust risk differentiation.Conclusions VES-13, a simple frailty tool, outperformed a comprehensive multimodal assessment and could be easily integrated into routine HF care, highlighting its clinical utility in identifying patients at risk for poor outcomes.
文摘Objective To determine whether frailty is a risk factor for hospitalization and mortality in older adults enrolled in the "Chronic Heart Failure Program" at a hospital in Lima, Peru, between 2018–2021.Methods This was an ambispective cohort study. A total of 85 older adults participating in the Chronic Heart Failure Program at Guillermo Almenara National Hospital were included. Each had an initial frailty assessment, forming two cohorts: frail and non-frail older adults. Medical records were reviewed, and patients were followed for one year to track events of interest(hospitalization and mortality). Overall survival and risk factors for hospitalization and death were determined.Results During follow-up, 15.3% of the older adults died, and frailty was identified in 58.8% of the patients. Overall survival using the Kaplan-Meier method was 96.5% at 3 months after entering the Chronic Heart Failure Program;92.9% at 6 months;and85.9% at one year. Multivariate analysis using Poisson regression found that frailty was not a risk factor for hospitalization(a RR =0.92;95% CI: 0.42–2.03). Survival analysis using the Cox proportional hazards model showed that frailty was also not a risk factor for mortality after one year of follow-up(a HR = 1.32;95% CI: 0.27–6.53).Conclusions Our research does not confirm frailty as a risk factor for hospitalization or mortality in older adults enrolled in the“Chronic Heart Failure Program” after one year of follow-up.
基金Military Healthcare Special Scientific Research Project(25BJZ31, awarded to SHI XM)。
文摘When patients initially present with atrial fibrillation along with an enlarged heart and heart failure, followed by atrioventricular block, it's essential to consider genetic factors.^([1])Genetic testing can offer crucial diagnostic evidence, aiding in prognosis assessment and the adoption of appropriate treatment strategies.
文摘Inborn errors of metabolism(IEMs)are a large group of disorders resulting from deficient activities in several metabolic pathways due to the dysfunction of a distinct enzyme associated with a biochemical pathway[1,2].Toxic intermediates will be produced due to the dysfunction of biochemical pathways.The liver is responsible for many essential metabolic processes,therefore it becomes one of the most severely affected organ by metabolic diseases[3].Early onset of liver disorders in IEMs includes jaundice,hepatomegaly,splenomegaly,ascites,hepatic encephalopathy,and liver failure[4].In infants and young children under 3 years old with acute liver failure(ALF),IEMs account for 18.9%-43%[5].
文摘The purpose of this study is to clarify the characteristics of patients with decreased cognitive function undergoing treatment for acute exacerbation phase of chronic heart failure as a basic survey with a view to the standardization of nursing to prevent discontinuation of treatment of patients with declining cognitive function in the acute exacerbation phase of chronic heart failure. As the first stage of the research, using the interview guide created based on the background of discontinuation of treatment and symptomatic monitoring from 33 target literature sources, seven certified chronic heart failure nurses and 15 certified dementia nurses were given semi-structured interviews. Data obtained from the interviews was analyzed by qualitative induction. As a result, we obtained opinions/views on 8 situations namely, “cognitive function at hospitalization”, “characteristics at hospitalization, “characteristics when receiving examinations, procedures or treatment”, “characteristics of course of treatment”, “characteristics related to difficulties in grasping the symptoms of chronic heart failure and indices of deterioration”, “characteristics when using diuretics”, “characteristics concerning compliance with dietary restrictions” and “support required for discharge from hospital” concerning patients with declining cognitive function. In the future, it is necessary to prepare nursing protocols incorporating these contents for standardization of nursing.
文摘The giant perilous rock at Wangxia (named Wangxia perilous rock) is representative in Three Gorges of the Yangtze River, China, has threatened badly the navigation of the Yangtze River channel for a long period. The giant perilous rock is composed of siliceous limestone and argillaceous limestone, and includes two elements marking by W1 and W2, respectively. The W1 is an isolated pillar while the W2 is in clintheriform. The linking segment of dominant fissure in the W2 is composed by moniliform solution funnels at its back, and the locked segment of the dominant fissure at the base of the W2 is composed by two parts. For the locked part of the dominant fissure of the W2, the upper segment shows the same lithology with the perilous rock and it can be simplified as an elastic medium, for the lower segment composed by argillaceous shale and mudstone can be simplified as a strain-softening medium. Introducing the water-softened function, the constitutive curves with two kinds of medium materials for the locked segment in the dominant fissure of the W2 have been proposed. Based on energy principle, the cusp catastrophe model for perilous rock rupture is built and formulas for the transient elastic and impulsive acceleration and the elastic-impulsive velocity of perilous rock catastrophe rupture have been established. By the calculation, the elastic-impulsive acceleration for the catastrophe rupture of the W2 is 531.4 m/s2, while the average elastic-impulsive velocity is 2.608 m/s. Further, it is deduced that the elastic-impulsive velocity at the base of the W2 is about 5.2 m/s. For the transient ruture of the W2, there is a greater speed difference between the top and the base of the W2, which impels the giant perilous rock to be retroverted sliding rupture, coinciding with the fact. Undoubtedly, studies in this paper must play an important role to analyze the catastrophe rupture mechanism of giant perilous rocks at both banks in Three Gorges of the Yangtze River, China.
基金supported by the Major Program of National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.42090055)the National Key ScientificInstruments and Equipment Development Projects of China(Grant No.41827808)the National Nature Science Foundation of China(Grant No.42207216).
文摘Reservoir-induced landslides in China's Three Gorges Reservoir area are prone to tensile cracks due to the influenceof their own weight and fluctuationsin water levels.The presence of cracks indicates that the tensile stress in the area has exceeded the tensile strength of the soil,leading to local instability.To explore the impact of tensile failure behavior on the stability and failure modes of reservoir landslides,the Huangtupo Riverside Slump#1 is taken as a case study.By considering local tensile failure,potential tensile cracks are incorporated into the analysis via the limit equilibrium method and reliability theory.The reliability of landslides under different tensile failure scenarios is quantified.Strain-softening characteristics of the soil are combined to further analyze the failure transmission path of the landslide.Finally,these potential failure modes were validated through physical model tests.The results show that cracks developing at rear positions reduce the stability of the slope and increase the probability of instability.During the destruction process,retrogressive failures with multiple sliding surfaces are likely to occur.However,tensile failure at the forefront reduces the likelihood of an individual slide mass descending.Progressive failure results in both regular and skip transmission patterns.Additionally,cracks and water level changes can also lead to shifts in the positions of the most dangerous blocks.Therefore,in practical landslide analysis and prevention,it is necessary to consider local tensile damage and identify potential tensile crack locations in advance to optimize prevention measures and accurately evaluate landslide risk.
文摘The advances in the treatment of heart failure with Yangxinshi tablet are reviewed in this paper.Yangxinshi tablet has effects of nourishing myocardia,improving myocardial metabolism,reducing myocardial oxygen consumption,dilating coronary artery,improving cardiac blood supply,reducing blood viscosity and improving microcirculation,and it can improve the functions of heart and curative effect of heart failure.
基金Supported by The Major National Science and Technology Projects for Infectious Diseases (11th and 12th Five Year, China),No. 2008ZX10002-007, No. 2012ZX10002-007the Foundation of Shaanxi Provincial Science and Technology Plan Projects,No. 2011K14-09-09
文摘AIM: To investigate the role of T helper 17 cells (Th17) and regulatory T cells (Treg) in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF).METHODS: We enrolled 79 patients with HBV infection into the study, 50 patients with HBV-related ACLF and 29 patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), from the First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College from January 2009 to June 2012. The ACLF patients were diagnosed according to the criteria recommended by The 19th Conference of the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver in 2009. Twenty healthy individuals with a similar gender and age structures to the two patient groups were also included as the normal controls (NC). Of the 50 ACLF patients, 28 were subsequently classified as non-survivors: 19 patients died from multiorgan failure, 3 underwent liver transplantation, and 6 discontinued therapy during follow-up because of financial reasons. The remaining 22 ACLF patients whose liver and anticoagulation function recovered to nearly normal levels within the next 6 mo were classified as survivors. The number of circulating Treg and Th17 cells was determined upon diagnosis and during the 8th week of follow-up through flow cytometry. RESULTS: The percentage of circulating Treg cells in the ACLF group was significantly higher than that in the CHB group (5.50% ± 1.15% vs 3.30% ± 1.13%, P < 0.01). The percentages of circulating Th17 cells in the ACLF and the CHB groups were significantly higher than that in the NC group (6.32% ± 2.22% vs 1.56% ± 0.44%, P < 0.01; 3.53% ± 1.65% vs 1.56% ± 0.44%, P < 0.01). No significant difference in Treg cell to Th17 cell ratio was observed between the ACLF group and the CHB group (0.98 ± 0.44 vs 1.12 ± 0.64, P = 0.991), whereas those in the two HBV infection groups were significantly lower than that in the NC group (1.85 ± 1.22; both P < 0.01). The percentage of Treg cells in the survivors during the 8th week of follow-up was significantly lower than that during peak ACLF severity [total bilirubin (TBIL) peak] (3.45% ± 0.97% vs 5.18% ± 1.02%, P < 0.01). The percentage of Th17 cells in survivors during the 8th week of follow-up was significantly lower than that during the peak TBIL (2.89% ±0.60% vs 5.24% ± 1.46%; P < 0.01). The Treg cell to Th17 cell ratio during the 8 th week of follow-up was significantly higher than that during the TBIL peak (1.22 ± 0.36 vs 1.10 ± 0.54; P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Restoring the Treg cell to Th17 cell ratio during the follow-up phase of ACLF could maintain the immune system at a steady state, which favours good prognosis.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81970569,No.81773293,and No.31660266Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province,No.2015JJ4083,No.2019JJ50874,and No.2018JJ3758
文摘BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is the world’s sixth most common malignant tumor and the third cause of cancer death.Although great progress has been made in hepatectomy,it is still associated with a certain degree of risk of posthepatectomy liver failure(PHLF),which extends the length of hospital stay and remains the leading cause of postoperative death.Studies have shown that assessment of hepatic functional reserve before hepatectomy is beneficial for reducing the incidence of PHLF.AIM To assess the value of model for end-stage liver disease(MELD)score combined with standardized future liver remnant(sFLR)volume in predicting PHLF in patients undergoing hepatectomy for HCC.METHODS This study was attended by 238 patients with HCC who underwent hepatectomy between January 2015 and January 2018.Discrimination of sFLR volume,MELD score,and sFLR/MELD ratio to predict PHLF was evaluated according to the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve.RESULTS The patients were divided into two groups according to whether PHLF occurred after hepatectomy.The incidence of PHLF was 8.4%in our research.The incidence of PHLF increased with the decrease in sFLR volume and the increase in MELD score.Both sFLR volume and MELD score were considered independent predictive factors for PHLF.Moreover,the cut-off value of the sFLR/MELD score to predict PHLF was 0.078(P<0.001).This suggests that an sFLR/MELD≥0.078 indicates a higher incidence of PHLF than an sFLR/MELD<0.078.CONCLUSION MELD combined with sFLR is a reliable and effective PHLF predictor,which is superior to MELD score or sFLR volume alone.
文摘BACKGROUND Anxiety,depression,and other negative emotions are common among patients with chronic renal failure(CRF).Analyzing the factors related to negative emotions is necessary to provide targeted nursing care.AIM To explore the correlations among life satisfaction,pleasure levels,and negative emotions in patients with CRF.METHODS One hundred patients with CRF who received therapy at the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University between December 2022 and February 2025 were included.The Depression,Anxiety,and Stress Scale(DASS-21),Satisfaction with Life Scale(SWLS),and Temporal Experience of Pleasure Scale(TEPS)were used to evaluate negative emotions,life satisfaction,and pleasure level,respectively.Pearson’s correlation coefficient analyzed the correlation between life satisfaction,pleasure level,and negative emotions.Linear regression analysis identified the factors affecting negative emotions.RESULTS The average DASS-21 score among patients with CRF was 51.90±2.30,with subscale scores of 17.90±1.50 for depression,18.53±1.18 for anxiety,and 15.47±2.36 for stress,all significantly higher than the domestic norm(P<0.05).The average SWLS score was 22.17±4.90.Correlation analysis revealed a negative correlation between the SWLS and total DASS-21 scores(P<0.05),but not with the individual depression,anxiety,or stress dimensions.The average TEPS score was 67.80±8.34.TEPS scores were negatively correlated with the DASS-21 score and the stress dimension(P<0.05),but not with depression or anxiety.Linear regression analysis showed that TEPS scores significantly influenced DASS-21 scores(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Patients with CRF experience high levels of negative emotions,which are negatively correlated with life satisfaction and pleasure.Furthermore,pleasure level had an impact on negative emotions.
文摘BACKGROUND Congenital hypothyroidism(CH)is a common condition in both preterm and term infants characterized by either thyroid gland absence or hypofunctionality.The clinical association of refractory lactic acidosis and heart failure has rarely been observed in cases of pediatric patients with CH pathology.Here,we explored the etiological relationship between CH,heart failure,and refractory lactic acidosis to reflect the importance of thyroid function screening in neonates with heart disease.CASE SUMMARY A 33-day-old extremely premature female infant presented with tachypnea,respiratory distress,recurrent infections,and abdominal distension postnatal.On admission to our facility,she had cardiomegaly,hepatomegaly,and lactic acidosis(revealed on blood gas analysis),with lactate progressively rising to 25 mmol/L.Chest radiographs showed pulmonary congestion,while echocardiography revealed cardiac enlargement,left ventricular wall thickening,and pericardial effusion.Initial management aimed at correcting acidosis and treating heart failure proved ineffective.After reassessment,thyroid function tests showed significantly decreased triiodothyronine,free triiodothyronine,thyroxine,and free thyroxine levels,with a significantly increased thyroidstimulating hormone level,confirming a CH diagnosis.Levothyroxine was administered,resulting in rapid correction of lactic acidosis and gradual improvement of thyroid function and systemic symptoms,culminating in full recovery and discharge.We also reviewed the relevant literature on thyroid and cardiac dysfunctions in order to explore their deeper association.CONCLUSION This case links CH-induced heart failure with refractory lactic acidosis,urging prompt thyroid screening in affected neonates to reduce mortality.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.82430116 and 82574622)the Special Fund of Central Committee High Level Chinese Medicine Hospital(Nos.DZMG-LJRC-0014,DZMG-ZJXY-23013)+1 种基金Chinese Medicine Inheritance and Innovation“Thousand Million”Talents Project(Qihuang Project 2021)Qihuang Scholarsthe Medical and Health Industry Development Project of Tongzhou District(2023).
文摘Chronic heart failure(CHF)impairs cognitive function.Xijiaqi Formula(XJQ),a traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)used clinically to treat CHF,demonstrates potential for improving cognition in CHF patients.However,its precise mechanism in treating post-CHF cognitive dysfunction remains unclear.This study systematically investigates XJQ’s effects on post-CHF cognitive dysfunction and the underlying mechanisms.The components of XJQ were identified through liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.CHF was induced in rats via ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery,followed by six weeks of XJQ treatment.Cardiac function was evaluated through echocardiography and hemodynamic parameters,while cognitive function was assessed using Morris water maze(MWM)and open field tests(OFT).XJQ treatment enhanced both cardiac and cognitive functions in CHF rats.Network pharmacology identified 12 core active components of XJQ and indicated its effect on cognitive dysfunction involved regulating synapses,inflammation,and phosphodiesterase 4(PDE4)-dependent cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP)signaling.XJQ inhibited microglial and astrocyte activation,decreased proinflammatory cytokines,and mitigated neuronal damage.Notably,XJQ promoted synaptic repair and dendritic growth by downregulating PDE4 and upregulating cAMP,protein kinase A(PKA),cAMP-response element binding protein(CREB),brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF),PSD95,and synapsin I levels.Molecular docking and Bio-layer interferometry assays confirmed direct binding of quercetin,kaempferol,isorhamnetin,and darutoside to PDE4.In conclusion,XJQ alleviates neuroinflammation and enhances synaptic plasticity to improve cognitive dysfunction in CHF rats via the PDE4/cAMP/PKA/CREB signaling pathway.These findings provide valuable insight into the heart-brain axis.
基金supported in part by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Key Program)under Grant No.62031021。
文摘Cascading failures pose a serious threat to the survivability of underwater unmanned swarm networks(UUSNs),significantly limiting their service ability in collaborative missions such as military reconnaissance and environmental monitoring.Existing failure models primarily focus on power grids and traffic systems,and don't address the unique challenges of weak-communication UUSNs.In UUSNs,cascading failure present a complex and dynamic process driven by the coupling of unstable acoustic channels,passive node drift,adversarial attacks,and network heterogeneity.To address these challenges,a directed weighted graph model of UUSNs is first developed,in which node positions are updated according to ocean-current-driven drift and link weights reflect the probability of successful acoustic transmission.Building on this UUSNs graph model,a cascading failure model is proposed that integrates a normal-failure-recovery state-cycle mechanism,multiple attack strategies,and routingbased load redistribution.Finally,under a five-level connectivity UUSNs scheme,simulations are conducted to analyze how dynamic topology,network load,node recovery delay,and attack modes jointly affect network survivability.The main findings are:(1)moderate node drift can improve survivability by activating weak links;(2)based-energy routing(BER)outperform based-depth routing(BDR)in harsh conditions;(3)node self-recovery time is critical to network survivability;(4)traditional degree-based critical node metrics are inadequate for weak-communication UUSNs.These results provide a theoretical foundation for designing robust survivability mechanisms in weak-communication UUSNs.
文摘Rationale:This case report describes a couple with recurrent fertilization failure despite undergoing multiple cycles of intracytoplasmic sperm injection(ICSI).The principal clinical concern was suspected oocyte activation deficiency(OAD),in which fertilization is impeded due to the oocyte’s inability to initiate embryogenesis,commonly attributed to inadequate intracellular calcium(Ca^(2+))release following sperm injection.Patient concerns:The couple repeatedly experienced complete or near-complete fertilization failure in previous ICSI cycles,raising suspicion of an underlying oocyte activation defect.Diagnosis:Based on the repeated absence of fertilization post-ICSI and clinical history,a diagnosis of suspected OAD leading to recurrent ICSI fertilization failure was considered.Interventions:Artificial oocyte activation(AOA)using the calcium ionophore A23187 was performed.After ICSI,unfertilized oocytes were exposed to the ionophore to induce Ca^(2+)influx,simulating physiological calcium oscillations essential for oocyte activation.The efficacy of intervention was evaluated through subsequent embryonic development,morphological grading,and chromosomal integrity.Outcomes:Following AOA treatment,successful oocyte activation occurred,resulting in the formation of high-grade embryos with normal developmental progression.Chromosomal analysis revealed no detectable abnormalities,indicating genomic stability.Lessons:Calcium ionophore–mediated AOA may serve as an effective adjunct in cases of recurrent ICSI failure attributed to OAD.This case highlights the importance of individualized therapeutic strategies in assisted reproduction;however,further research is needed to refine protocols,validate broader clinical efficacy,and assess long-term safety,including potential epigenetic risks.
文摘This study explores ethical violations and audit failures in various large-scale corporate fraud cases.Using a qualitative descriptive method and based on secondary data from documented fraud cases and published audit reports,the study applies the Fraud Triangle framework,focusing on how weak integrity,objectivity,and professional competence have undermined public trust in the auditing profession.Using a qualitative descriptive method and the Fraud Triangle framework,which includes pressure,opportunity,and rationalization,the study analyzes cases from Indonesia(SNP Finance,Jiwasraya),China(Evergrande),and Germany(Wirecard).The analysis reveals that many audit failures observed in this study appear to stem more from ethical challenges than from technical incapability,driven by client pressure,weak internal controls,and compromised auditor independence.These cases demonstrate a recurring global pattern in which auditors neglect their responsibility to act in the public interest.
文摘This study explores ethical violations and audit failures in various large-scale corporate fraud cases.Using a qualitative descriptive method and based on secondary data from documented fraud cases and published audit reports,the study applies the Fraud Triangle framework,focusing on how weak integrity,objectivity,and professional competence have undermined public trust in the auditing profession.Using a qualitative descriptive method and the Fraud Triangle framework,which includes pressure,opportunity,and rationalization,the study analyzes cases from Indonesia(SNP Finance,Jiwasraya),China(Evergrande),and Germany(Wirecard).The analysis reveals that many audit failures observed in this study appear to stem more from ethical challenges than from technical incapability,driven by client pressure,weak internal controls,and compromised auditor independence.These cases demonstrate a recurring global pattern in which auditors neglect their responsibility to act in the public interest.
文摘BACKGROUND Acute liver failure(ALF)is a life-threatening multisystemic condition with high short-term mortality.With the growing prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome,it is important to investigate the clinical implications of high body mass index(BMI)on survival outcomes in ALF.AIM To explore the impact of overweight and obesity on the clinical outcomes of patients with ALF.METHODS A retrospective observational cohort study was conducted involving patients with ALF admitted to the Johns Hopkins Health System between January 1,2000 and May 1,2020.We performed Cox proportional hazards regression to identify outcomes,including the need for liver transplantation(LT)or all-cause mortality.RESULTS A total of 196 patients were included,the median age was 43.5 years,63.3%were female,and 59.7%were of Caucasian ethnicity.Acetaminophen-induced ALF was the most common etiology(45%).The mean BMI was significantly greater among patients who underwent LT or died(29.64 kg/m^(2)vs 26.59 kg/m^(2),P=0.008)than among survivors.Patients with overweight and obesity had a higher risk of all-cause mortality or need for LT by 2.22-fold(95%CI:1.30-3.78)and 2.04-fold(95%CI:1.29-3.39),respectively.Elevated BMI was associated with renal failure and higher grades of hepatic encephalopathy.Derangements in serologic markers,including alanine transaminase,lactate,and ammonia,were associated with a mortality risk or need for LT.CONCLUSION In this large,retrospective study,with a diverse cohort of United States patients,Overweight and obese were independently associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality or need for LT.This work highlights the importance of closely monitoring ALF patients who are overweight or obese for adverse complications and measures to improve outcomes in this vulnerable patient population.
文摘Survival of HIV/AIDS patients is crucially dependent on comprehensive and targeted medical interventions such as supply of antiretroviral therapy and monitoring disease progression with CD4 T-cell counts. Statistical modelling approaches are helpful towards this goal. This study aims at developing Bayesian joint models with assumed generalized error distribution (GED) for the longitudinal CD4 data and two accelerated failure time distributions, Lognormal and loglogistic, for the survival time of HIV/AIDS patients. Data are obtained from patients under antiretroviral therapy follow-up at Shashemene referral hospital during January 2006-January 2012 and at Bale Robe general hospital during January 2008-March 2015. The Bayesian joint models are defined through latent variables and association parameters and with specified non-informative prior distributions for the model parameters. Simulations are conducted using Gibbs sampler algorithm implemented in the WinBUGS software. The results of the analyses of the two different data sets show that distributions of measurement errors of the longitudinal CD4 variable follow the generalized error distribution with fatter tails than the normal distribution. The Bayesian joint GED loglogistic models fit better to the data sets compared to the lognormal cases. Findings reveal that patients’ health can be improved over time. Compared to the males, female patients gain more CD4 counts. Survival time of a patient is negatively affected by TB infection. Moreover, increase in number of opportunistic infection implies decline of CD4 counts. Patients’ age negatively affects the disease marker with no effects on survival time. Improving weight may improve survival time of patients. Bayesian joint models with GED and AFT distributions are found to be useful in modelling the longitudinal and survival processes. Thus we recommend the generalized error distributions for measurement errors of the longitudinal data under the Bayesian joint modelling. Further studies may investigate the models with various types of shared random effects and more covariates with predictions.
