Specific Database Research Articles

Clinical practice guidelines in prehospital pain management for paramedics: a systematic review protocol.

The purpose of this review is to examine prehospital pain management clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) to identify recommendations that can be adopted or adapted into paramedic clinical practice. An additional aim is to consider the methodological quality of these CPGs and the recommendations within them. Quality, evidence-based CPGs support clinicians and optimize patient care. However, not all CPGs meet rigorous evidence-based standards, and some may be misleading. As pain is a common reason for patients to access ambulance services, the evaluation of pain management CPGs, their quality, and whether their recommendations can be adopted or adapted into practice is required to increase understanding in this area. We will include CPGs for pain management intended for prehospital services in civilian communities. CPGs in English published from 2017, and containing clear recommendations addressing pain of any cause will be considered for inclusion. This review will combine methodologies, including the PICAR framework (population, intervention, comparison, attributes of eligible CPGs, recommendation characteristics) by Johnston et al. , and the JBI umbrella and scoping review methodologies. The search strategy will cover 12 databases, including PubMed, Embase, and specific CPG databases (eg, GIN Library). Additionally, Google Scholar and Google will be searched, and prehospital organizations without regular publications will be contacted. The AGREE II and AGREE-REX tools will be used to assess the methodological rigor and clinical credibility of the CPGs. The characteristics of both CPGs and the recommendations will be extracted and discussed in the review. PROSPERO CRD42022352951.

MetaCerberus: distributed highly parallelized HMM-based processing for robust functional annotation across the tree of life.

MetaCerberus is a massively parallel, fast, low memory, scalable annotation tool for inference gene function across genomes to metacommunities. MetaCerberus provides an elusive HMM/HMMER-based tool at a rapid scale with low memory. It offers scalable gene elucidation to major public databases, including KEGG (KO), COGs, CAZy, FOAM, and specific databases for viruses, including VOGs and PHROGs, from single genomes to metacommunities. MetaCerberus is 1.3× as fast on a single node than eggNOG-mapper v2 on 5× less memory using an exclusively HMM/HMMER mode. In a direct comparison, MetaCerberus provides better annotation of viruses, phages, and archaeal viruses than DRAM, Prokka, or InterProScan. MetaCerberus annotates more KOs across domains when compared to DRAM, with a 186× smaller database, and with 63× less memory. MetaCerberus is fully integrated for automatic analysis of statistics and pathways using differential statistic tools (i.e. DESeq2 and edgeR), pathway enrichment (GAGE R), and pathview R. MetaCerberus provides a novel tool for unlocking the biosphere across the tree of life at scale. MetaCerberus is written in Python and distributed under a BSD-3 license. The source code of MetaCerberus is freely available at https://github.com/raw-lab/metacerberus compatible with Python 3 and works on both Mac OS X and Linux. MetaCerberus can also be easily installed using bioconda: mamba create -n metacerberus -c bioconda -c conda-forge metacerberus.

15 Years of application of digital marketing and other technologies in tourism: A bibliometric analysis and systematic literature review

The objective of this bibliometric analysis is to examine the gradual evolution of research on digital marketing and other relevant technologies in the tourism sector from 2009 to 2023. A total of 102 papers were selected from the Scopus database, and the analysis was conducted using programs such as R Studio. The bibliometric and systematic literature review research dimensions, such as the overall number of citations, the articles with the highest citation counts, the authors with the most citations, the journals with the highest citation rates, and the networks of nations involved in research activities, were investigated. The study’ reveal the patterns of year-on-year expansion in publications and the incorporation of new keywords within the field of tourism research. It provides details on esteemed academic publications, influential authors, collaborative efforts, and nations involved in the field of tourism research, thereby providing insights into the current developments taking place in the area of various scholarly works. This study provides valuable insights for future researchers since it effectively reviews and analyses the current body of literature, identifies areas where information is lacking, and proposes novel approaches for further research. Nevertheless, the scope of this study is limited to data extraction exclusively from a specific database, impeding its applicability to a broader context.

Tetanus is an Acute Infectious Disease

Tetanus is an acute infectious disease characterized by painful muscle spasms, mostly in the face and neck, and then throughout the body. Infection most often occurs when bacteria enter the body through injuries to the skin or mucous membranes. If the causative agent reaches anaerobic conditions, their growth and reproduction follows in the contaminated wound, creating an exotoxin that causes the symptoms of the disease. Tetanus can occur after trivial or even imperceptible wounds if the oxygen content in the injured tissue is low. The aim of this paper is to give a brief description of the events after contracting this disease. In the processing, the desk method of research was used, which enabled the review of a large number of specialized databases.

Representation of the program model using predicates

The object of research in this article is the process of modeling programs and their subsequent development. The purpose of this article is to develop a methodology for describing and building software models in the form of nondeterministic finite automat. To achieve this goal, a task was set to improve the method for describing such models using predicates based on the MODEL CHECKING technology. The result of this article is a method for describing and presenting program models directly according to the chosen algorithm using predicates. If the program algorithm is chosen and described correctly, the resulting model should also be correct. The model will be a non-deterministic state machine that will not require further checking, as provided by the MODEL CHECKING technology. Structurally, the model will represent a special database, the processing of which will allow turning the model into a program in any procedural programming language. When developing parallel programs that are widely used for control in aviation, land transport, military affairs, etc., two additional states of the automaton are introduced into the model, which take into account the features of such programs. Therefore, a state monitor is provided for access to shared resources and a state protocol to process parallel branches of the program. To describe the algorithm of the program, we propose to present it in the form of a connected sequence of certain actions using predicates with the use of extended temporal logic. This description covers both the logic of the program and its branches and the specific actions at each location of the program model. With the help of this methodology, a program model of a stack algorithm was developed, which is the main component for the future automated system of processing the description of program models. The program which was created according to this technology, is currently in the testing and verification stage. The sequence of processing steps of such a model is shown in the example of a floating-point constant translation program. This program is also created using this technology in the target language assembly, has been fully tested, and has shown its functionality. This description covers both the logic of the program with its branches and the specific actions at each location of the application model. Conclusions: with a correct description of the program algorithm, an adequate model of it is built, with the help of which the program itself is created in the target procedural programming language. Note that in the conditions of the rapid development of management and control automation systems in various spheres of human activity, research on the creation of reliable based on the description of their models is an urgent problem.004.414.23:510.637

Формирование цифрового паспорта огнестрельного повреждения методами компьютерного зрения

Разработано программное обеспечение ImgOpinion, которое позволяет выполнять оптико-структурный анализ цифрового изображения объекта методами компьютерного зрения. Оно предназначено для использования в экспертных лабораториях в составе аппаратно-программного комплекса компьютерного зрения MS-Unit, который включает специализированный осветитель “Фотобокс 3138” с цифровой регистрирующей камерой. Выходные данные строятся в виде цифрового паспорта огнестрельного повреждения, в котором приводятся криминалистически значимые характеристики объекта исследования, а также выявленных на нем следов выстрела. The ImgOpinion software, capable to perform the optical and structural analysis of a digital image of the object by computer vision methods, was developed. It can be employed in expert laboratories as a part of the computer vision hardware-software complex MS-Unit together with specialized illuminator “Photobox 3138” with a digital recording camera. The output data is constructed in the form of a digital passport of the gunshot residue, which contains forensically significant characteristics of the object under investigation, as well as a gunshot residue detected on it. Purpose. The research has solved the problem of creating a specialised hardware and software complex for forensic examination, the use of which partially automates the processes of identification and quantitative characterisation of gunshot traces and products. Methodology. Non-destructive research methods are implemented in computer vision systems, which include two main stages: a digital image acquisition and its mathematical processing. The hardware and software complex of a computer vision usually consists of an illuminator, a digital recording video camera and a specialised program for processing the raw data. Findings. ImgOpinion software has been developed, which allows performing the optical-structural analyses of digital images using the computer vision methods and is intended for use in expert laboratories as part of the MS-Unit computer vision hardware and software complex, which includes a specialized illuminator “Photobox 3138” with a digital recording camera. Autonomous and portable device has a mobile design and provides white light with colour temperature 5000 K (CIE D50) and colour rendering index CRI = 97+. Six independently switched LED monochrome illuminators with narrow spectral bands from 365 to 880 nm (UV to IR spectral bands) provide the uniform illumination without extraneous stray light on the working field (light intensity drop below 2 % at the edges of the working field). Value. The ImgOpinion output is constructed in the form of a digital passport of a gunshot injury, which contains forensically relevant characteristics of the object of investigation. The digital passport is an adaptation of the forensically significant information on the firearm traces for the integration into specialized databases for further development of the automation of expert evaluation processes, conducting the automated trace comparison and the determination of incident circumstances by it.

Novel functional insights into the microbiome inhabiting marine plastic debris: critical considerations to counteract the challenges of thin biofilms using multi-omics and comparative metaproteomics

BackgroundMicrobial functioning on marine plastic surfaces has been poorly documented, especially within cold climates where temperature likely impacts microbial activity and the presence of hydrocarbonoclastic microorganisms. To date, only two studies have used metaproteomics to unravel microbial genotype–phenotype linkages in the marine ‘plastisphere’, and these have revealed the dominance of photosynthetic microorganisms within warm climates. Advancing the functional representation of the marine plastisphere is vital for the development of specific databases cataloging the functional diversity of the associated microorganisms and their peptide and protein sequences, to fuel biotechnological discoveries. Here, we provide a comprehensive assessment for plastisphere metaproteomics, using multi-omics and data mining on thin plastic biofilms to provide unique insights into plastisphere metabolism. Our robust experimental design assessed DNA/protein co-extraction and cell lysis strategies, proteomics workflows, and diverse protein search databases, to resolve the active plastisphere taxa and their expressed functions from an understudied cold environment.ResultsFor the first time, we demonstrate the predominance and activity of hydrocarbonoclastic genera (Psychrobacter, Flavobacterium, Pseudomonas) within a primarily heterotrophic plastisphere. Correspondingly, oxidative phosphorylation, the citrate cycle, and carbohydrate metabolism were the dominant pathways expressed. Quorum sensing and toxin-associated proteins of Streptomyces were indicative of inter-community interactions. Stress response proteins expressed by Psychrobacter, Planococcus, and Pseudoalteromonas and proteins mediating xenobiotics degradation in Psychrobacter and Pseudoalteromonas suggested phenotypic adaptations to the toxic chemical microenvironment of the plastisphere. Interestingly, a targeted search strategy identified plastic biodegradation enzymes, including polyamidase, hydrolase, and depolymerase, expressed by rare taxa. The expression of virulence factors and mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance suggested pathogenic genera were active, despite representing a minor component of the plastisphere community.ConclusionOur study addresses a critical gap in understanding the functioning of the marine plastisphere, contributing new insights into the function and ecology of an emerging and important microbial niche. Our comprehensive multi-omics and comparative metaproteomics experimental design enhances biological interpretations to provide new perspectives on microorganisms of potential biotechnological significance beyond biodegradation and to improve the assessment of the risks associated with microorganisms colonizing marine plastic pollution.EMsdtEfK7hXyizwjh4GBBGVideo

Development of occupation-based exposure matrix of lead for Korean workers: challenges and opportunities.

Industry- and occupation-based carcinogen exposure matrices play a pivotal role in preventing occupational cancer. While the Korean CARcinogen EXposure (K-CAREX) has been developed in recent years to assess exposure prevalence and intensity by industry, the feasibility of constructing an occupation-based exposure matrix remains unexplored. Hence, the objective of this study is to explore the potential of combining the nationwide work environment measurement database (WEMD) and the special health examination database (SHED) to develop a comprehensive occupation-based exposure matrix. The WEMD provides information on airborne lead measurements, including industry codes, but it does not include data related to occupations. In contrast, the SHED contains information on both occupation and blood lead levels. By integrating these 2 databases, we attempted to assess airborne lead exposure levels by occupation. Additionally, we performed a rank correlation analysis to compare the airborne exposure levels with corresponding blood lead levels according to occupation. A total of 35 425 workers who both wore air samplers for lead and underwent special health examinations for lead were extracted between 2019 and 2021. An occupation-based exposure matrix was developed to evaluate the intensity of lead exposure across a range of occupations, encompassing 51 minor occupations and 70-unit occupations. Rank correlation analyses showed strong positive correlations between airborne lead and blood lead measurements according to occupation. Our study findings suggest that combining 2 nationwide surveillance databases can be an effective approach for creating an occupation-based exposure matrix. However, our results also highlight several limitations that need to be addressed in future studies to improve the accuracy and reliability of such matrices.

Optimized bacterial community characterization through full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing utilizing MinION nanopore technology

BackgroundAccurate identification of bacterial communities is crucial for research applications, diagnostics, and clinical interventions. Although 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing is a widely employed technique for bacterial taxonomic classification, it often results in misclassified or unclassified bacterial taxa. This study sought to refine the full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing protocol using the MinION sequencer, focusing on the V1–V9 regions. Our methodological enquiry examined several factors, including the number of PCR amplification cycles, choice of primers and Taq polymerase, and specific sequence databases and workflows employed. We used a microbial standard comprising eight bacterial strains (five gram-positive and three gram-negative) in known proportions as a validation control.ResultsBased on the MinION protocol, we employed the microbial standard as the DNA template for the 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing procedure. Our analysis showed that an elevated number of PCR amplification cycles introduced PCR bias, and the selection of Taq polymerase and primer sets significantly affected the subsequent analysis. Bacterial identification at genus level demonstrated Pearson correlation coefficients ranging from 0.73 to 0.79 when assessed using BugSeq, Kraken-Silva and EPI2ME-16S workflows. Notably, the EPI2ME-16S workflow exhibited the highest Pearson correlation with the microbial standard, minimised misclassification, and increased alignment accuracy. At the species taxonomic level, the BugSeq workflow was superior, with a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.92.ConclusionsThese findings emphasise the importance of careful selection of PCR settings and a well-structured analytical framework for 16S rRNA full-length gene sequencing. The results showed a robust correlation between the predicted and observed bacterial abundances at both the genus and species taxonomic levels, making these findings applicable across diverse research contexts and with clinical utility for reliable pathogen identification.

Frequencies of BCR::ABL1 Transcripts in Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: A Meta-Analysis.

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is associated with the Philadelphia chromosome and distinct BCR::ABL1 gene transcripts. We assessed the frequencies of these transcripts in Mexico, Latin America, and worldwide. We determined the prevalence of BCR::ABL1 transcripts in CML patients and intercontinental or regional variations using specialized databases and keywords. We analyzed 34 studies from 20 countries, encompassing 5795 patients. Keyword-based searches in specialized databases guided data collection. ANOVA was employed for transcript distribution analysis. The b3a2 transcript was most prevalent globally, followed by b2a2, with e1a2 being the least frequent. Interestingly, Mexico City exhibited a higher incidence of b2a2, while b3a2 predominated in the remaining country. Overall, no significant intercontinental or regional variations were observed. b3a2 was the most common BCR::ABL1 transcript worldwide, with b2a2 following closely; e1a2 was infrequent. Notably, this trend remained consistent in Mexico. Evaluating transcript frequencies holds clinical relevance for CML management. Understanding the frequency of transcript informs personalized CML treatments.

COSMIC-based mutation database enhances identification efficiency of HLA-I immunopeptidome

BackgroundNeoantigens have emerged as a promising area of focus in tumor immunotherapy, with several established strategies aiming to enhance their identification. Human leukocyte antigen class I molecules (HLA-I), which present intracellular immunopeptides to T cells, provide an ideal source for identifying neoantigens. However, solely relying on a mutation database generated through commonly used whole exome sequencing (WES) for the identification of HLA-I immunopeptides, may result in potential neoantigens being missed due to limitations in sequencing depth and sample quality.MethodIn this study, we constructed and evaluated an extended database for neoantigen identification, based on COSMIC mutation database. This study utilized mass spectrometry-based proteogenomic profiling to identify the HLA-I immunopeptidome enriched from HepG2 cell. HepG2 WES-based and the COSMIC-based mutation database were generated and utilized to identify HepG2-specific mutant immunopeptides.ResultThe results demonstrated that COSMIC-based database identified 5 immunopeptides compared to only 1 mutant peptide identified by HepG2 WES-based database, indicating its effectiveness in identifying mutant immunopeptides. Furthermore, HLA-I affinity of the mutant immunopeptides was evaluated through NetMHCpan and peptide-docking modeling to validate their binding to HLA-I molecules, demonstrating the potential of mutant peptides identified by the COSMIC-based database as neoantigens.ConclusionUtilizing the COSMIC-based mutation database is a more efficient strategy for identifying mutant peptides from HLA-I immunopeptidome without significantly increasing the false positive rate. HepG2 specific WES-based database may exclude certain mutant peptides due to WES sequencing depth or sample heterogeneity. The COSMIC-based database can effectively uncover potential neoantigens within the HLA-I immunopeptidomes.

Motivating factors for blockchain technology adoption: a theoretical analysis from the perspective of supply chain collaboration

Purpose This study aims to identify the driving factors that influence blockchain technology adoption in the context of a supply chain (SC), considering three dimensions: technology, transactions and collaboration. Design/methodology/approach An integrative systematic literature review of previous studies was conducted. Using three main dimensions: technology, transactions and SC collaboration, supported by the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology, transaction cost economics (TCE) and concepts of SC collaboration, the authors categorized factors that contributed to blockchain technology in SC in the extant literature and proposed a theoretical model that covers these three dimensions. Findings The findings reveal that the information sharing category – related to the SC collaboration dimension – is the category with the greatest number of motivating factors for blockchain adoption in the SC context, followed by performance expectancy and behavioral uncertainty. Research limitations/implications The review considers papers published until 2021 obtained from a specific database. Originality/value This study focuses on filling the research gap concerning technology adoption as it considers the interconnection formed by two organizations, interorganizational transactions and SC collaboration, using complementary theories to explain the phenomenon.

CarbDisMut: database on neutral and disease-causing mutations in human carbohydrate-binding proteins.

Protein-carbohydrate interactions are involved in several cellular and biological functions. Integrating structure and function of carbohydrate-binding proteins with disease-causing mutations help to understand the molecular basis of diseases. Although databases are available for protein-carbohydrate complexes based on structure, binding affinity and function, no specific database for mutations in human carbohydrate-binding proteins is reported in the literature. We have developed a novel database, CarbDisMut, a comprehensive integrated resource for disease-causing mutations with sequence and structural features. It has 1.17 million disease-associated mutations and 38,636 neutral mutations from 7,187 human carbohydrate-binding proteins. The database is freely available at https://web.iitm.ac.in/bioinfo2/carbdismut. The web-site is implemented using HTML, PHP and JavaScript and supports recent versions of all major browsers, such as Firefox, Chrome and Opera.

Colombia Viviendo un Bilingüismo Idealizado Lejos de las Realidades del Contexto Educativo

Currently, bilingualism processes face great challenges in order to be at the forefront of globalization and economic expansion processes, taking into account that a second language is necessary to internationalize and expand in the economic and labor field; therefore, the purpose of this article is to understand whether a real bilingualism process is taking place in Colombia or whether we are talking about an idealized bilingualism. This study was carried out through a systematic review in specialized databases such as: scoopus, redalyc, scielo and the UMECIT university repository. Through this research it was possible to establish comparisons of various authors who have contributed significantly in the field of bilingualism not only nationally but also internationally; These contributions made it possible to understand that the bilingualism processes in Colombia still have a long way to go in order to prepare competent students in a second language and thus improve their levels in standardized tests, taking the Common European Framework as a reference, thus concluding that it is necessary to rethink the strategies, methodologies and the role played by both the teacher and the student in the teaching-learning process of a second language.

Data in Astrophysics and Geophysics: Novel Research and Applications

Rapid development of communication technologies and constant technological improvements as a result of scientific discoveries require the establishment of specific databases [...]

A comprehensive investigation for ChatGPTs applications in education

With the surge in popularity of Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (ChatGPT), an artificial intelligence technology, on a global scale, numerous industries have started to take notice of its potential applications in their specific sectors, including the field of education. This document presents a thorough examination of how ChatGPT is being used in the realm of education. The following piece outlines the approaches to integrating ChatGPT into education, viewed from three angles: Educational Assessment, Exercise Generation, and Personalized Learning. It also provides comprehensive guidelines aimed at both teachers and students. Utilizing ChatGPT in education allows for personalized one-on-one assistance to students, addressing challenges posed by uneven distribution of educational resources and individual differences among students. Current research on applying ChatGPT in education mostly revolves around designing prompts to elicit specific responses or using generated content for evaluating its subject-specific capabilities. Given that ChatGPT is a more versatile form of artificial intelligence not limited to any particular domain, the article suggests that future research should focus more on integrating ChatGPT into existing educational systems, ensuring its consistent performance in specific tasks. Furthermore, considering ChatGPT's possibility of generating imprecise information, it is necessary to explore how to fine-tune ChatGPT using specialized databases, enabling it to generate reliable content in professional subject areas.

WTAP-mediated abnormal m6A modification promotes cancer progression by remodeling the tumor microenvironment: bibliometric and database analyses.

Wilms' tumor 1 associated protein (WTAP) is an essential component of the m6A methyltransferase complex. The research on WTAP has been continuously developed and promoted in recent years. It is needed to make systematic specific bibliometric and database analyses on WTAP, to identify the cooperation and impact of authors, countries, institutions and journals, to evaluate the knowledge base and find the hotspot trends, and to detect the emerging topics regarding WTAP research. The related articles and reviews of WTAP in the Web of Science Core Collection from January 1999 to June 2022 were retrieved, and CiteSpace and VOSviewer were used to perform bibliometric and knowledge-map analyses. Multiple databases were used to explore the expression level of WTAP in pan-cancers and its correlation with prognosis and immune infiltration. In recent years, the number of publications on WTAP research has increased rapidly. Among the journals publishing WTAP research, Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology had the most papers, while Nature papers were most cited. The country with the highest number of publications on WTAP was China, and China Medical University was the institution with the most publications. The most prominent author was Haruo Sugiyama from Japan. Four main aspects of WTAP research included m6A modification, tumor association, cancer therapy, and regulatory mechanisms. The research frontiers and hotspots were m6A modification, methyltransferase, demethylation, tumor microenvironment (TME), and immunotherapy. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the expression of WTAP was up-regulated in a variety of tumors and closely related to TME and survival prognosis. From the bibliometric and database analyses on the researches on WTAP, it is suggested that up-regulated WTAP in cancers may promote cancer progression by mediating abnormal m6A modifications to reshape the TME, thereby affecting the survival prognosis of the patients. The information would provide helpful references for scholars focusing on WTAP and provide new insights for WTAP as a prognostic evaluation and immunotherapy for tumors in the future.

Abstract WP42: Transition to Tenecteplase: A Regional Experience

Background: Timely recognition and treatment of acute ischemic stroke is well-supported to promote better outcomes. Historically, alteplase has been the drug of choice for thrombolytic treatment, and while it is an excellent drug, there were barriers that would routinely come up during administration. Following the results of several studies that compared alteplase to tenecteplase, our leadership team decided to initiate the transition to tenecteplase within our region, spanning several states with approximately 40 hospitals. Purpose: The purpose of this clinical initiative was to implement tenecteplase as the primary thrombolytic in acute ischemic stroke and evaluate time to treatment (door in door out [DIDO] and door to needle [DTN]). Methods: Following the approval by leadership, the first step was identification of stakeholders at facility, market, service-line, and regional levels and initiation of bi-weekly meetings. The project relied heavily on facility-level structure that facilitates stroke quality improvement. We were able to utilize market specific stroke databases to understand historical data and to monitor ongoing success and complications. Results: Post-implementation, several positive changes were noted, which are visualized in the graphs. Conclusions: Through reduction of DIDO, treatment is initiated sooner to reperfuse at-risk brain tissue. Further evaluation is needed on the correlation between the transition and decreased length of stay, but we recognize tenecteplase has been shown to have a better rate of recanalizing large vessel occlusions, potentially resulting in less disability and shorter hospitalizations.

An empirical method for estimating TBM penetration rate using tunnelling specific energy

Establishing a suitable tunnel boring machine (TBM) performance estimation model is benefit to the machine type selection, project scheduling and budgeting. Although various models have been developed to predict TBM performance, most of these models use a relatively small specific database, which is difficult to be applied to engineering practice. In this study, some equations for estimating TBM penetration rate (PR) applicable to different geological conditions are proposed. Firstly, a TBM construction performance database containing 159 tunnel sections is built according to four different tunnel projects originating from China, which covers rock mass properties, TBM specification parameters and performance information. By eliminating the effects of some TBM specification and operating parameters, a normalized energy index is proposed for assessing the rock mass boreability. On this basis, a series of statistical analysis, i.e. linear multiple regression (LMR) and non-linear multiple regression (NLMR) are used to develop some empirical equations for estimating the PR by employing rock mass properties and TBM specification parameters, and more than 84% of the PR can be accurately predicted. Finally, to further evaluate the prediction performance of these equations, they are compared and discussed with fifteen published typical models, and the results proved that the models developed in this study are more reasonable and reliable. It should be noted that the input parameters of these equations are readily available at the project planning stage, thus they are very simple and practical for designers and constructors.

TRALI and TACO syndrome. Pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment: a review

INTRODUCTION: TRALI (transfusion-related acute lung injury) and TACO (transfusion-associated circulatory overload) are severe post-transfusion reactions with high hospital mortality, uncertainty in pathophysiologic mechanisms and a blurred clinical presentation often lead to these conditions being underdiagnosed or missed by clinicians. OBJECTIVE: To analyze and summarize the current understanding of the pathophysiology, differential diagnosis and treatment of TRALI and TACO syndrome. To highlight the best approaches and current practices to improve treatment efficacy and awareness among specialists. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Articles in the following databases were analyzed: PubMed, eLibrary. The main inclusion criteria were: free access to the full content of the publications, compliance with the review topics concerning pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of TRALI- and TACO-syndrome. Exclusion criteria: abstracts, conference proceedings and editorial letters, as well as publications not indexed in specialized abstract databases. RESULTS: This article presents the main reference points, thanks to which clinicians can make a differential diagnosis among posttransfusion complications and select the optimal treatment. Since TACO is a simulated cardiogenic pulmonary edema as a result of altered cytokine profile, and TRALI-syndrome is a consequence of specific immunologic conflict between donor and recipient after hemotransfusion, these conditions should be differentiated in the inpatient setting, and specialists should use the full range of modern laboratory and instrumental methods. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a large number of studies, the pathophysiologic mechanisms of TRALI and TACO remain somewhat unclear, and current approaches to diagnosis and treatment are not effective. Therefore, the existing gaps in the diagnostics of posttransfusion reactions should be clarified in further studies, and clinicians should be extra vigilant in their choice of diagnosis.