bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Angiographic Features of Iris Melanocytic Tumors: Nevus versus Melanoma
Authors: Singaravelu Janani , Melendez-Moreno Alexander , Wrenn Jacquelyn , Singh Arun D.
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Determining the nature of iris melanocytic tumors based on clinical exam alone remains challenging. Tumor-associated vasculature of iris melanocytic lesions may facilitate the ability to discern between iris nevus and melanoma. Methods: In a single-institution, retrospective, observational study of 45 patients with pathologically confirmed iris melanoma and 15 patients with iris nevi that were either clinically stable or pathologically confirmed were included. Tumor characteristics and associated vasculature were identified on clinical exam and slit-lamp photographs. Fluorescein angiographic parameters including feeder vessels, intrinsic vessels, leakage, masking, and angiographic silence were assessed. Results: Feeder vessels were present in 17 (43%) melanomas and were absent in the nevus group (p = 0.002). Thirty-three (83%) iris melanomas and 5 (33%) iris nevi were observed to have intrinsic vessels, and a statistically significant association of intrinsic vessels with malignancy (p = 0.001) was noted. Fluorescein leakage was also observed more frequently in iris melanoma 39 (98%) than in nevi 9 (60) with a significant difference (p = 0.001). Angiographic silence occurred in 3 nevi (20%) and was not observed in any melanoma (p = 0.017). Overall, the presence of intrinsic vessels +/− feeder vessels had high sensitivity (0.85) and high positive predictive value (0.87) for diagnosis of iris melanoma. Conclusions: Anterior segment fluorescein angiography allows for the assessment of tumor-associated vascular patterns and demonstrates utility in differentiating iris nevi from melanoma. Feeder vessels were only observed in iris melanoma and were absent in iris nevi. The intrinsic vessels were present more frequently in melanomas and are thus associated with malignancy. Angiographic silence is indicative of iris nevi.
Peri-Insular Hemispherotomy: A Systematic Review and Institutional Experience
Authors: Yates Charles F. , Malone Stephen , Riney Kate , Shah Ubaid , Wood Martin J.
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Peri-insular hemispherotomy (PIH) is a hemispheric separation technique under the broader hemispherotomy group, a surgical treatment for patients with intractable epilepsy. Hemispherotomy techniques such as the PIH, vertical parasagittal hemispherotomy (VPH), and modified-lateral hemispherotomy are commonly assessed together, despite significant differences in anatomical approach and patient selection. We aim to describe patient selection, outcomes, and complications of PIH in its own right. Methods: A systematic review of the literature, in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, was conducted, with searches of the PubMed and Embase databases. A local series including patients receiving PIH and followed up at the Queensland Children’s Hospital between 2014 and 2020 was included. Results: Systematic review of the literature identified 393 patients from 13 eligible studies. Engel class 1 outcomes occurred in 82.4% of patients, while 8.6% developed post-operative hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus was most common in the youngest patient cohorts. Developmental pathology was present in 114 (40.8%) patients, who had fewer Engel 1 outcomes compared to those with acquired pathology (69.1% vs. 83.7%, p = 0.0167). The local series included 13 patients, 11/13 (84.6%) had Engel class 1 seizure outcomes. Post-operative hydrocephalus occurred in 2 patients (15.4%), and 10/13 (76.9%) patients had worsened neurological deficit. Conclusion: PIH delivers Engel 1 outcomes for over 4 in 5 patients selected for this procedure, greater than described in combined hemispherectomy analyses. It is an effective technique in patients with developmental and acquired pathologies, despite general preference of VPH in this patient group. Finally, very young patients may have significant seizure and cognitive benefits from PIH; however, hydrocephalus is most common in this group warranting careful risk-benefit assessment. This review delivers a dedicated PIH outcomes analysis to inform clinical and patient decision-making.
Data-driven Cross-lingual Syntax: An Agreement Study with Massively Multilingual Models
Authors: Varda Andrea Gregor de , Marelli Marco
Published: January 2023

Massively multilingual models such as mBERT and XLM-R are increasingly valued in Natural Language Processing research and applications, due to their ability to tackle the uneven distribution of resources available for different languages. The models’ ability to process multiple languages relying on a shared set of parameters raises the question of whether the grammatical knowledge they extracted during pre-training can be considered as a data-driven cross-lingual grammar. The present work studies the inner workings of mBERT and XLM-R in order to test the cross-lingual consistency of the individual neural units that respond to a precise syntactic phenomenon, that is, number agreement, in five languages (English, German, French, Hebrew, Russian). We found that there is a significant overlap in the latent dimensions that encode agreement across the languages we considered. This overlap is larger (a) for long- vis-à-vis short-distance agreement and (b) when considering XLM-R as compared to mBERT, and peaks in the intermediate layers of the network. We further show that a small set of syntax-sensitive neurons can capture agreement violations across languages; however, their contribution is not decisive in agreement processing.
An information-theoretic analysis of resting-state versus task fMRI
Authors: Tuominen Julia , Specht Karsten , Vaisvilaite Liucija , Zeidman Peter
Published: January 2023

Resting-state fMRI is an increasingly popular alternative to task-based fMRI. However, a formal quantification of the amount of information provided by resting-state fMRI as opposed to active task conditions about neural responses is lacking. We conducted a systematic comparison of the quality of inferences derived from a resting-state and a task fMRI paradigm by means of Bayesian Data Comparison. In this framework, data quality is formally quantified in information-theoretic terms as the precision and amount of information provided by the data on the parameters of interest. Parameters of effective connectivity, estimated from the cross-spectral densities of resting-state- and task time series by means of dynamic causal modelling (DCM), were subjected to the analysis. Data from 50 individuals undergoing resting-state and a Theory-of-Mind task were compared, both datasets provided by the Human Connectome Project. A threshold of very strong evidence was reached in favour of the Theory-of-Mind task (>10 bits or natural units) regarding information gain, which could be attributed to the active task condition eliciting stronger effective connectivity. Extending these analyses to other tasks and cognitive systems will reveal whether the superior informative value of task-based fMRI observed here is case specific or a more general trend.
The transformation of medical research in Mexico: A structural analysis of thematic domains, institutional affiliations, authors’ cohorts, and possible correlations
Authors: Milia Matías Federico , Brambila Claudia Gonzalez , Lee Ángel , Ponce José Ignacio
Published: January 2023

Global research on medical and health-related issues has experienced a profound reconfiguration over the last 30 years. The rise of new areas of inquiry has transformed the medical research landscape as staff with medical training gradually relinquished their prominence and specialists from other disciplines raised their profile within research teams. Given this, research priorities seem to be shifting increasingly towards laboratory-based and innovation-oriented research lines. The unfolding of these shifts in nonhegemonic countries such as Mexico is still to be understood. This paper surveys structural changes in Mexican medical research from 1993 to 2021 by observing temporal aggregation of authorships, emerging thematic features, and institutional affiliation patterns. It also explores correlations between these findings and their possible explanations. The results allow us to empirically describe significant changes in medical research done in Mexico. We detected periods of stability in authorship allowing us to describe stages in the accumulation of research and development (R&D) capabilities. The identified semantic patterns allowed us to characterize this transformation, observing subsequent stages of an accumulation and specialization process that began in the mid-1990s. Moreover, we found divergent thematic and institutional patterns that point towards a growing gap between research conducted in health institutions and scientific ones.
Empirical Theology as Theological Netnography: Methodological Considerations
Authors: Cartledge Mark J.
Published: January 2023

It is clear that the role of the internet is ubiquitous in everyday life. With smart phones almost everyone can access the internet 24/7 and use it for emails, social network activity, searching for information and navigation when driving a car to a new destination. It is also the case that the online world intersects directly with and is embedded in the off-line world of our everyday lives. Almost all forms of religion have this intersection and function with it as a matter of course. For Christians this has meant that ecclesial dimensions of spiritual life have also been taken online, or that the online dimensions have intersected with the everyday ecclesial life of most if not all Christians. The Covid-19 pandemic demonstrated how easily it was for most church congregations to arrange for services to be live-streamed online, supported by social media. Indeed, these new types of services attracted many visitors during the various lockdowns and a number of regular church-goers decided that they preferred the online world to the concrete one they were previously familiar. These recent changes in religious life invite reflection from the perspective of empirical theology. In particular, it may be asked how might an empirical approach to theology develop in relation to virtual ethnography or netnography? There is an emerging body of methodological literature that embraces the study of online or digital communities, otherwise known as netnography (Boellstorff et al, 2012; Hine, 2000, 2015; Kozinets, 2013, 2020; Pink et al, 2016), but, so far, there is a very limited application of empirical studies from a theological perspective (although see Hutchings, 2017; Sutinen and Cooper, 2021). Therefore, this paper explores the question: is there a distinctly empirical-theological approach to netnography? This question will be addressed in this exploratory paper and a methodological proposal suggested as part of the discussion.
Nano-Enabled Chronic Wound Healing Strategies: Burn and Diabetic Ulcer Wounds
Authors: Ngoepe Mpho Phehello , Battison Aidan , Mufamadi Steven
Published: January 2023

The human skin serves as the body’s first line of defense against the environment. Diabetes mellitus (DM) and 2nd–4th degree burns, on the other hand, affect the skin’s protective barrier features. Burn wounds, hypermetabolic state, and hyperglycemia compromise the
immune system leading to chronic wound healing. Unlike acute wound healing processes, chronic wounds are affected by reinfections which can lead to limb amputation or death. The conventional wound dressing techniques used to protect the wound and provide an optimal environment for repair have
their limitations. Various nanomaterials have been produced that exhibit distinct features to tackle issues affecting wound repair mechanisms. This review discusses the emerging technologies that have been designed to improve wound care upon skin injury. To ensure rapid healing and possibly
prevent scarring, different nanomaterials can be applied at different stages of healing (hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, remodeling).
Modulation Effect of the Annual Cycle on Interdecadal Warming Trends over the Tibetan Plateau during 1998–2020
Authors: Qin Zhengkun , Zou Xiaolei
Published: January 2023

The Tibetan Plateau is a sensitive area of global climate change, where few conventional observations exist. Satellite AMSU-A microwave temperature sounding observations of brightness temperature (TB) are located in the absorption band of oxygen, which is well mixed in the atmosphere, and have microwave frequencies varying from 50.3 to 57.6 GHz. Therefore, AMSU-A TB observations at different sounding channels reflect atmospheric temperatures at different altitudes. In this study, AMSU-A TB observations during 1998–2020 from five polar-orbiting environmental meteorological satellites (POESs) are employed to investigate the interdecadal warming/cooling trends over the Tibetan Plateau. A limb correction is first applied to all AMSU-A channels before using TB observations at all fields of view for examining geographic distributions and differences of global warming/cooling trends. It is found that interdecadal trends of upper-tropospheric warming and stratospheric cooling are stronger over the Qinghai Tibetan Plateau than its eastern plain areas. An interdecadal variation of the annual cycle over the Tibetan Plateau is an important factor for the enhanced tropospheric warming trend. We also applied a different approach of significance testing that is based on counting signs of local trends (sign test) and confirmed that the detected significant local trends were not a result of chance. In addition, high-frequency noise in TB observations with periods smaller than annual and semiannual oscillations do not affect the climate trends of TB very much, but significantly reduced the uncertainty of the TB trends over the Tibetan Plateau.
Methods for Estimating Surface Water Storage Changes and Their Evaluations
Authors: Wang Shusen , Li Junhua , Russell Hazen A. J.
Published: January 2023

Developing effective methods for estimating regional-scale surface water storage change (ΔSW) has become increasingly important for water resources studies and environmental impact assessment. Three methods for estimating monthly ΔSW are proposed in this study, of which one is based on land surface runoff and two that use water body water budgets. Water areas observed by Landsat satellites for Canada’s entire landmass are used for evaluation of the results. The surface runoff method achieved the least satisfactory results, with large errors in the cold season or dry regions. The two water-budget methods demonstrated significant improvements, particularly when water area dynamics is considered in the estimation of the water body water budget. The three methods performed consistently across different climate regions in the country and showed better correlations with observations over wet climate regions than over dry regions with poorly connected hydrological system. The results also showed the impact of glacier and permanent snow melts over the Rocky Mountains on basin-scale surface water dynamics. The methods and outputs from this study can be used for calibrating and validating hydrological and climate models, assessing climate change and human disturbance impacts on regional water resources, and filling the ΔSW data gaps in GRACE-based total water storage decompositions studies.

Significance Statement

The purpose of this study is to develop and evaluate methods for estimating regional-scale surface water storage change. This is important because information on surface water dynamics is limited for water resources studies and environmental impact assessment. Our study makes available two new methods which significantly improve on surface water storage estimation from the traditional runoff model. A guide on controls of surface water dynamics is provided for regions under various hydroclimate and physiographic–hydraulic conditions and reveals the influence of glacier melt on surface water variations.
Sports-Related Concussions and Adverse Health Behaviors Among Middle and High School Students
Authors: Sarmiento Kelly , Miller Gabrielle F. , Jones Sherry Everett
Published: January 2023

Background:

Concussions affect millions of youths in the United States each year, and there is concern about long-term health effects from this injury.

Purpose:

To examine the association between sports- or physical activity–related concussion and health risk behaviors among middle and high school students in 9 states.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Data from the 2019 middle school and high school Youth Risk Behavior Survey were used for this analysis. Nine states were identified that included the same question on concussion and similar questions on health risk behaviors in their 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Students were asked to self-report whether they had ≥1 sports- or physical activity–related concussions during the 12 months preceding the survey. Self-reported concussion was the primary outcome of interest. Other variables included sex, race/ethnicity, played on a sports team, were physically active 5 or more days/week, ever tried cigarette smoking, ever used an electronic vapor product, academic grades, drank alcohol, were in a physical fight, seriously considered attempting suicide, made a suicide plan, and attempted suicide.

Results:

Among the 9 states, 18.2% of middle school students and 14.3% of high school students self-reported ≥1 sports- or physical activity–related concussions. Among both middle school and high school students, the prevalence of ≥1 sports- or physical activity–related concussions was higher among students who played on a sports team, were physically active 5 or more days per week, had ever tried cigarette smoking, had ever used an electronic vapor product, had seriously considered attempting suicide, had made a suicide plan, and had attempted suicide compared with those who had not engaged in those behaviors. The prevalence of sports- or physical activity–related concussion was consistently higher among middle school students than high school students across sex, race/ethnicity, and adverse health behaviors.

Conclusion:

Middle school students with a history of concussion warrant attention as an at-risk population for concussions and adverse health behaviors. Health care providers may consider screening students for adverse health behaviors during preparticipation examinations and concussion evaluations.
Betalain biosynthesis in red pulp pitaya is regulated via HuMYB132: a R-R type MYB transcription factor
Authors: Xie Fangfang , Chen Canbin , Chen Jiayi , Chen Jiaxuan , Hua Qingzhu , Shah Kamran , Zhang Zhike , Zhao Jietang , Hu Guibing , Chen Jianye , Qin Yonghua
Published: January 2023

Background

Multiple MYB transcription factors (TFs) are involved in the regulation of plant coloring. Betalain is a kind of natural plant pigment and its biosynthesis is regulated by a number of enzymes. Despite this, little is known about the molecular properties and roles of MYB TFs in pitaya betalain biosynthesis.

Results

In the present study, we identified a 1R-MYB gene, HuMYB132, which is preferentially expressed in red-pulp pitaya at the mature stage. It was clustered with Arabidopsis R-R-type genes and had two DNA-binding domains and a histidine-rich region. The expression assays in N. benthamiana and yeast indicated that HuMYB132 is a nucleus-localized protein with transcriptional activation activity. Dual luciferase reporter assay and electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) demonstrated that HuMYB132 could promote the transcriptional activities of HuADH1, HuCYP76AD1–1, and HuDODA1 by binding to their promoters. Silencing HuMYB132 reduced betalain accumulation and the expression levels of betalain biosynthetic genes in pitaya pulps.

Conclusions

According to our findings, HuMYB132, a R-R type member of 1R-MYB TF subfamily, positively regulates pitaya betalain biosynthesis by regulating the expression of HuADH1, HuCYP76AD1–1, and HuDODA1. The present study provides a new theoretical reference for the management of pitaya betalain biosynthesis and also provides an essential basis for future regulation of betalain biosynthesis in Hylocereus.
Correction: Effects of adding low‑dose ketamine to etomidate on serum cortisol levels in critically ill cardiac patients: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Elhamamsy Mostafa Mohammed , Aldemerdash Ahmed Mohammed , Zahran Fathi Badie , Ezz Gehan Fawzy Mahmoud , AlSaud Sara Abou , Boules Maged Labib , Abdelhady Mahdy Ahmed , Hamed Mohamed Ahmed
Published: January 2023

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Primary head and neck cancer cell cultures are susceptible to proliferation of Epstein-Barr virus infected lymphocytes
Authors: Shao Senyao , Scholtz Lars Uwe , Gendreizig Sarah , Martínez-Ruiz Laura , Florido Javier , Escames Germaine , Schürmann Matthias , Hain Carsten , Hose Leonie , Mentz Almut , Schmidt Pascal , Wang Menghang , Goon Peter , Wehmeier Michael , Brasch Frank , Kalinowski Jörn , Oppel Felix , Sudhoff Holger
Published: January 2023

Background

New concepts for a more effective anti-cancer therapy are urgently needed. Experimental flaws represent a major counter player of this development and lead to inaccurate and unreproducible data as well as unsuccessful translation of research approaches into clinics. In a previous study we have created epithelial cell cultures from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) tissue.

Methods

We characterize primary cell populations isolated from human papillomavirus positive HNSCC tissue for their marker expression by RT-qPCR, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence staining. Their sensitivity to MDM2-inhibition was measured using cell viability assays.

Results

Primary HNSCC cell cultures showed the delayed formation of spheroids at higher passages. These spheroids mimicked the morphology and growth characteristics of other established HNSCC spheroid models. However, expression of epithelial and mesenchymal markers could not be detected in these cells despite the presence of the HNSCC stem cell marker aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family member A1. Instead, strong expression of B- and T-lymphocytes markers was observed. Flow cytometry analysis revealed a heterogeneous mixture of CD3 + /CD25 + T-lymphocytes and CD19 + B-lymphocytes at a ratio of 4:1 at passage 5 and transformed lymphocytes at late passages (≥ passage 12) with CD45 + CD19 + CD20 + , of which around 10 to 20% were CD3 + CD25 + CD56 + . Interestingly, the whole population was FOXP3-positive indicative of regulatory B-cells (Bregs). Expression of transcripts specific for the Epstein-Barr-virus (EBV) was detected to increase in these spheroid cells along late passages, and this population was vulnerable to MDM2 inhibition. HPV + HNSCC cells but not EBV + lymphocytes were detected to engraft into immunodeficient mice.

Conclusions

In this study we present a primary cell culture of EBV-infected tumor-infiltrating B-lymphocytes, which could be used to study the role of these cells in tumor biology in future research projects. Moreover, by describing the detailed characteristics of these cells, we aim to caution other researchers in the HNSCC field to test for EBV-infected lymphocyte contaminations in primary cell cultures ahead of further experiments. Especially researchers who are interested in TIL-based adopted immunotherapy should exclude these cells in their primary tumor models, e.g. by MDM2-inhibitor treatment. BI-12-derived xenograft tumors represent a suitable model for in vivo targeting studies.
25-hydroxyvitamin D3 inhibits oxidative stress and ferroptosis in retinal microvascular endothelial cells induced by high glucose through down-regulation of miR-93
Authors: Zhan Dongmei , Zhao Juan , Shi Qin , Lou Juan , Wang Weiling
Published: January 2023

Background

The decrease of vitamin D plays a critical role in diabetes mellitus (DM)-induced oxidative stress and vascular endothelial injury. Therefore, we investigated the effect and mechanism of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25 (OH) D3) on oxidative stress and ferroptosis induced by high glucose in human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (hRMVECs). And the objective of this paper was to propose a new strategy for the prevention and treatment of diabetic retinopathy (DR).

Methods

First, hRMVECs were transfected with mimics NC or miR-93. After that, cells were treated with 100 nM / 500 nM 25 (OH) D3 and then cultured in a high glucose (30 mM) environment. Subsequently, qRT-PCR was employed to detect the expression level of miR-93; CCK-8 for the proliferation of cells in each group; biochemical tests for the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) and ferrous ion (Fe2+); and Western blot for the expression of ferroptosis-related proteins glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and SLC7A11).

Results

Under a high glucose environment, 25 (OH) D3 at 100 nM/500 nM could significantly promote the proliferation of hRMVECs, remarkably decrease the level of intracellular ROS/MDA, and up-regulate the level of GSH. Besides, 25 (OH) D3 greatly reduced Fe2+ level in the cells while increased protein level of GPX4 and SLC7A11. Subsequently, we found that high glucose induced miR-93 expression, while 25 (OH) D3 markedly decreased high glucose-induced miR-93 overexpression. Furthermore, overexpression of miR-93 inhibited the functions of 25 (OH) D3 by activating ROS (ROS and MDA were up-regulated while GSH was down-regulated) and inducing Fe2+ (Fe2+ level was up-regulated while GPX4 and SLC7A11 level was down-regulated) in cells.

Conclusion

25 (OH) D3 may inhibit oxidative stress and ferroptosis in hRMVECs induced by high glucose via down-regulation of miR-93.
Perspectives of Nonspecialists Delivering a Brief Depression Treatment in the United States: A Qualitative Investigation
Authors: Woodard Grace S. , Mraz Amanda , Renn Brenna N.
Published: January 2023

Background

Task sharing is an implementation strategy which increases access to services by training and supporting treatment delivery by nonspecialists. Such an approach has demonstrated effectiveness for depression and other mental health outcomes; however, few studies in high-income countries have examined nonspecialist providers’ (NSPs) perspectives of the acceptability, feasibility, and appropriateness of delivering mental health interventions. We examine qualitative reports of NSPs experiences delivering a brief structured behavioral intervention for depression (called “Do More, Feel Better” [DMFB]) to adults aged 55 and older.

Methods

All NSPs (N = 4, 100%) who delivered DMFB participated in a focus group to probe their perceptions of the acceptability, feasibility, and appropriateness of both the intervention and their delivery experience as NSPs. Two coders analyzed the qualitative data from focus groups using codebook thematic analysis.

Results

NSPs perceived the intervention and delivery experience to be acceptable, feasible, and appropriate. Qualitative results provided insight into specific barriers and facilitators which may be important to consider when planning to implement task sharing. Themes that emerged from qualitative data included supervision being highly acceptable and feasible, appropriateness of the intervention for NSPs, and the feasibility of tailoring the intervention to patient participants. NSPs also expressed difficulty managing emotional investment in patients’ success and providing therapy during a pandemic and racial violence in the US.

Conclusions

Our results can inform future implementation and sustainment of task sharing interventions to expand access to care.
Three dimensional evaluation of the skeletal and temporomandibular joint changes following stabilization splint therapy in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders and mandibular deviation: a retrospective study
Authors: Ahmed Madiha Mohammed Saleh , Shi Danli , Al-Somairi Majedh Abdo Ali , Alhashimi Najah , Almashraqi Abeer A. , Musa Mazen , Li Ning , Chen Xi , Alhammadi Maged S.
Published: January 2023

Background

Three-dimensional (3D) detailed evaluations of the mandibular mediolateral position, mandibular condylar position, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) spaces following stabilization splints (SS) therapy in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) and mandibular deviation (MD) have not been reported in the available literature. Accordingly, this study aimed to three-dimensionally analyze the skeletal and bony temporomandibular joint changes following stabilization splint therapy in adult patients with temporomandibular joint disorders and mandibular deviation.

Methods

This study is a retrospective clinical study that enrolled 26 adult patients with TMD and MD with a mean age of 24.86 years. The Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) was used to diagnose TMD. SS was adjusted weekly until occlusal contact stabilization occurred, and then adjusted monthly, patients were instructed to wear it at night for at least 10 h. The SS was removed after the elimination of TMD symptoms (TMJ/muscle pain on palpation, muscle spasm, and clicking) and having both condyles completely seated in a musculoskeletally stable position. Pre- and post-therapeutic Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) was analyzed. Mandibular mediolateral position, TMJ spaces, and mandibular condyle position were analyzed three-dimensionally using Mimics 21.0 software. Paired t-test or Wilcoxon rank-sum test was performed, and the significance level was considered atP < 0.05.

Results

The treatment period with SS therapy was 10.07 ± 3.1 months. The deviated chin was improved in 69.23% of the sample; the range of improvement was > 0 mm ≤ 3.9 mm. The mandibular rotation was significantly decreased from 3.58 ± 2.02° to 3.17 ± 1.60. The deviated side’s superior and posterior joint TMJ spaces were significantly increased from 2.49 ± 0.88 mm and 1.25 ± 0.79 mm to 2.98 ± 1.02 mm and 1.86 ± 0.72 mm, respectively. The value of the difference from the bilateral condyle head position to the X and Z axes significantly decreased from 2.50 ± 1.56 mm and 2.30 ± 1.57 mm to 1.64 ± 1.58 mm and 1.82 ± 1.11 mm, respectively.

Conclusion

The main positional effect of the stabilization splint treatment in TMD patients with MD includes considerable correction of mandibular deviation, improving facial asymmetry, and moving the condyle into a stable condylar position; these were done by promoting the mandible to rotate around the Z (roll) and Y (yaw) axes and by forward, downward, and outward condylar movement on the deviated side, respectively.
Robust adaptive beamforming based on covariance matrix reconstruction using Gauss–Legendre quadrature and steering vector estimation
Authors: Lv Yan , Cao Fei , Wu Fan , He Chuan , Feng Xiaowei
Published: January 2023

The performance of adaptive beamforming is considerably affected by system errors in the gain and phase perturbation errors, direction of arrival mismatch, and incoherent local scattering, especially when the sample data contains the signal of interest (SOI) component. In this study, a robust adaptive beamforming approach based on interference plus noise covariance matrix (INCM) reconstruction using Gauss–Legendre quadrature (GLQ) and steering vector (SV) estimation is developed. The proposed algorithm incorporates the GLQ with the integral over the spherical uncertainty set and uses a linear combination of the integral at several angular nodes to substitute the integral of the entire interference region; consequently, the computational efficiency of reconstructing the INCM is enhanced. The SV of the SOI is represented as a linear combination of several principal eigenvectors of the SOI covariance matrix; thus, the double-constrained problem corresponding to the noise subspace is transformed into a single-constrained model, and its solution can be gained by utilizing the Lagrange multiplier method. Subsequently, the weight vector of the proposed beamformer can be calculated. Numerical simulations indicate that the proposed approach can effectively suppress interferences and exhibits superior overall performance under system errors.
Exploring adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) among Ugandan university students: its associations with academic performance, depression, and suicidal ideations
Authors: Muwanguzi Moses , Kaggwa Mark Mohan , Najjuka Sarah Maria , Mamun Mohammed A. , Arinaitwe Innocent , Kajjimu Jonathan , Nduhuura Elicana , Ashaba Scholastic
Published: January 2023

Background

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) among university students have been linked to a variety of factors and have been shown to have a dose–response relationship with adult health and behavior.

Objective

To investigate the effect of exposure to ACEs on academic performance, depression, and suicidal ideations among university students.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey among university students at a public university in southwestern Uganda was conducted in 2021, integrating the Adverse Childhood Experiences International Questionnaire for assessing ACEs, the Patient Health Questionnaire for assessing depression symptoms and suicidal ideations, and questions assessing the family structure and academic performance as adopted from similar studies. Regression analysis was performed, and 3 models were generated to answer the study hypotheses.

Results

A total of 653 undergraduate university students with a mean age of 22.80 (± 3.16) years were recruited. Almost all students (99.8%) experienced one or more ACEs, with physical abuse being the common ACE reported. The average depression symptom severity was statistically higher among individuals who experienced any form of ACEs. No relationship was observed between the ACEs experienced and self-rated academic performance. Similarly, on regression analysis, the cumulative number of ACEs was not associated with self-rated academic performance (β =  − 0.007; 95% CI − 0.031 to 0.016; p = 0.558). However, the cumulative number of ACEs was positively associated with depression symptom severity (β = 0.684; 95% CI 0.531–0.837; p < 0.001), as well as increased the likelihood of suicidal ideations (aOR = 1.264; 95% CI 01.090–1.465; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The burden of ACEs is exceedingly high among Ugandan university students, highlighting the urgency in strengthening effective child protection strategies to protect Uganda’s rapidly growing population from mental ill-health and avoid future psychological disability, a burden to the healthcare system. The study's findings will also be useful to practitioners/policymakers working to prevent/limit child maltreatment globally.
Land cover and NDVI are important predictors in habitat selection along migration for the Golden-crowned Sparrow, a temperate-zone migrating songbird
Authors: Iverson Autumn R. , Humple Diana L. , Cormier Renée L. , Hull Josh
Published: January 2023

Background

Migrating passerines in North America have shown sharp declines. Understanding habitat selection and threats along migration paths are critical research needs, but details about migrations have been limited due to the difficulty of tracking small birds. Recent technological advances of tiny GPS-tags provide new opportunities to delineate fine-scale movements in small passerines during a life stage that has previously been inherently difficult to study.

Methods

We investigated habitat selection along migration routes for a temperate-zone migratory passerine, the Golden-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia atricapilla), given GPS tags on California wintering grounds. We used a resource selection function combined with conditional logistic regression to compare matched sets of known stopover locations and available but unused locations to determine how land cover class, vegetation greenness and climate variables influence habitat selection during migration. We also provide general migration descriptions for this understudied species including migration distance, duration, and elevation, and repeated use of stopover areas.

Results

We acquired 22 tracks across 19 individuals, with a total of 541 valid spring and fall migration locations. Birds traveled to breeding grounds in Alaska and British Columbia along coastal routes, selecting for shrubland and higher vegetation greenness in both migration seasons as well as grasslands during fall migration. However, model interactions showed they selected sites with lower levels of greenness when in forest (both seasons) and shrubland (fall only), which may reflect their preference for more open habitats or represent a trade-off in selection between habitat type and productivity. Birds also selected for locations with higher daily maximum temperature during spring migration. Routes during spring migration were lower in elevation on average, shorter in duration, and had fewer long stopovers than in fall migration. For two birds, we found repeated use of the same stopover areas in spring and fall migration.

Conclusions

Using miniaturized GPS, this study provides new insight into habitat selection along migration routes for a common temperate-zone migrating songbird, contributing to a better understanding of full annual cycle models, and informing conservation efforts. Golden-crowned Sparrows selected for specific habitats along migration routes, and we found previously unknown behaviors such as repeated use of the same stopover areas by individuals across different migratory seasons.
A deep learning-based model using hybrid feature extraction approach for consumer sentiment analysis
Authors: Kaur Gagandeep , Sharma Amit
Published: January 2023

There is an exponential growth in textual content generation every day in today's world. In-app messaging such as Telegram and WhatsApp, social media websites such as Instagram and Facebook, e-commerce websites like Amazon, Google searches, news publishing websites, and a variety of additional sources are the possible suppliers. Every instant, all these sources produce massive amounts of text data. The interpretation of such data can help business owners analyze the social outlook of their product, brand, or service and take necessary steps. The development of a consumer review summarization model using Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques and Long short-term memory (LSTM) to present summarized data and help businesses obtain substantial insights into their consumers' behavior and choices is the topic of this research. A hybrid approach for analyzing sentiments is presented in this paper. The process comprises pre-processing, feature extraction, and sentiment classification. Using NLP techniques, the pre-processing stage eliminates the undesirable data from input text reviews. For extracting the features effectively, a hybrid method comprising review-related features and aspect-related features has been introduced for constructing the distinctive hybrid feature vector corresponding to each review. The sentiment classification is performed using the deep learning classifier LSTM. We experimentally evaluated the proposed model using three different research datasets. The model achieves the average precision, average recall, and average F1-score of 94.46%, 91.63%, and 92.81%, respectively.
A deep learning model for the classification of atrial fibrillation in critically ill patients
Authors: Chen Brian , Maslove David M. , Curran Jeffrey D. , Hamilton Alexander , Laird Philip R. , Mousavi Parvin , Sibley Stephanie
Published: January 2023

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia in the intensive care unit and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. New-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) is often initially paroxysmal and fleeting, making it difficult to diagnose, and therefore difficult to understand the true burden of disease. Automated algorithms to detect AF in the ICU have been advocated as a means to better quantify its true burden.

Results

We used a publicly available 12-lead ECG dataset to train a deep learning model for the classification of AF. We then conducted an external independent validation of the model using continuous telemetry data from 984 critically ill patients collected in our institutional database. Performance metrics were stratified by signal quality, classified as either clean or noisy. The deep learning model was able to classify AF with an overall sensitivity of 84%, specificity of 89%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 55%, and negative predictive value of 97%. Performance was improved in clean data as compared to noisy data, most notably with respect to PPV and specificity.

Conclusions

This model demonstrates that computational detection of AF is currently feasible and effective. This approach stands to improve the efficiency of retrospective and prospective research into AF in the ICU by automating AF detection, and enabling precise quantification of overall AF burden.
WeWalk: walking with a buddy after stroke—a pilot study evaluating feasibility and acceptability of a person-centred dyadic behaviour change intervention
Authors: Morris Jacqui H. , Irvine Linda , Tooman Tricia , Dombrowski Stephan U. , McCormack Brendan , Van Wijck Frederike , Lawrence Maggie
Published: January 2023

Background

Evidence for benefits of physical activity after stroke is unequivocal. However, many people with stroke are inactive, spending > 80% of waking hours sedentary even when they have physical capacity for activity, indicating barriers to physical activity participation that are not physical. WeWalk is a 12-week person-centred dyadic behaviour change intervention in which a person with stroke (PWS) and a walking buddy form a dyad to work together to support the PWS to increase their physical activity by walking outdoors. This pilot study examined the feasibility of recruiting dyads, explored their perceptions of acceptability and their experiences using WeWalk, to identify required refinements before progression to a clinical trial.

Methods

Design: A single-arm observational pilot study with qualitative evaluation.

Intervention: WeWalk involved facilitated face-to-face and telephone sessions with a researcher who was also a behaviour change practitioner, supported by intervention handbooks and diaries, in which dyads agreed walking goals and plans, monitored progress, and developed strategies for maintaining walking.

Evaluation: Descriptive data on recruitment and retention were collected. Interview data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed using thematic analysis, guided by a theoretical framework of acceptability.

Results

We recruited 21 dyads comprising community dwelling PWS and their walking buddies. Ten dyads fully completed WeWalk before government-imposed COVID-19 lockdown. Despite lockdown, 18 dyads completed exit interviews. We identified three themes: acceptability evolves with experience, mutuality, and person-centredness with personally relevant tailoring. As dyads recognised how WeWalk components supported walking, perceptions of acceptability grew. Effort receded as goals and enjoyment of walking together were realised. The dyadic structure provided accountability, and participants’ confidence developed as they experienced physical and psychological benefits of walking. WeWalk worked best when dyads exhibited relational connectivity and mutuality in setting and achieving goals. Tailoring intervention components to individual circumstances and values supported dyads in participation and achieving meaningful goals.

Conclusion

Recruiting dyads was feasible and most engaged with WeWalk. Participants viewed the dyadic structure and intervention components as acceptable for promoting outdoor walking and valued the personally tailored nature of WeWalk. Developing buddy support skills and community delivery pathways are required refinements. ISCTRN number: 34488928.
Robot-assisted laparoscopic radical cystectomy with intracorporeal ileal conduit diversion versus open radical cystectomy with ileal conduit for bladder cancer in an ERAS setup (BORARC): protocol for a single-centre, double-blinded, randomised feasibility study
Authors: Maibom Sophia Liff , Joensen Ulla Nordström , Aasvang Eske Kvanner , Rohrsted Malene , Thind Peter Ole , Bagi Per , Kistorp Thomas , Poulsen Alicia Martin , Salling Lisbeth Nerstrøm , Kehlet Henrik , Brasso Klaus , Røder Martin Andreas
Published: January 2023

Background

Radical cystectomy (RC) with urinary diversion is the recommended treatment for selected cases of non-metastatic high-risk non-muscle-invasive and muscle-invasive bladder cancer. It remains unknown whether robot-assisted laparoscopic cystectomy (RARC) offers any advantage in terms of safety compared to open cystectomy (ORC) in an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) setup. Blinded randomised controlled trials (RCTs) between RARC versus ORC have never been conducted in cystectomy patients. We will investigate the feasibility of conducting a double-blinded RCT comparing ORC with RARC with intra-corporal ileal conduit (iRARC) in an ERAS setup.

Methods

This is a single-centre, double-blinded, randomised (1:1) clinical feasibility study for patients with non-metastatic high-risk non-muscle-invasive or muscle-invasive bladder cancer scheduled for cystectomy. All participants are recruited from Rigshospitalet, Denmark. The planned sample size is 50 participants to investigate whether blinding of the surgical technique is feasible. Participants and postoperative caring physicians and nurses are blinded using a pre-study designed abdominal dressing and blinding of the patient’s electronic health record. Study endpoints are assessed 90 days postoperatively. The primary aim is to study the frequency and pattern of unplanned unblinding after surgery and the number of participants who cannot guess the surgical technique at the day of discharge. Eleven secondary endpoints are assessed: length of stay, days alive and out of hospital, in-hospital complication rate, 30-day complication rate, 90-day complication rate, readmission rate, quality of life, blood loss, pain, rate of moderate/severe post-anaesthesia care unit (PACU) complications, and delirium. Participants are managed in an ERAS setup in both arms of the trial.

Discussion

We report on the design and objectives of a novel experimental feasibility study investigating whether blinding of the surgical technique in cystectomy patients is possible. This information is essential for the design of future blinded trials comparing ORC to RARC. There is a continued need to compare RARC and ORC in terms of both efficacy, safety, and oncological outcomes. Estimated end of study is March 2021.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03977831. Registered on the 6th of June 2019.