bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A clinical survey of 244 equines with dental disorders in Thailand
Authors:   Equine Clinic, Department of Companion Animal and Wildlife Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand, Rungsri Porrakote , Satumay Nuttapon ,   Cavalry Center, Royal Thai Army, Saraburi 18000, Thailand, Pornprasitroj Phreuthi ,   Livestock and Agriculture Division, Veterinary and Remount Department, Royal Thai Army, Kanchanaburi 71000, Thailand, Rueangareerat Phuthita ,   Large Animal Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand, Ninthisen Supphavit ,   Large Animal Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand, Chaiya Supasinee ,   Large Animal Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand, Na-Lampang Kannika ,   Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Veterinary Public Health, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
Published: March 2023

Dental problems in equines can cause emaciation, colic, and poor performance. Types of dental disease in equine populations have been reported worldwide in veterinary medicine; however, few detailed investigations of equine dental problems in Thailand have been published. Thus, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of equine dental problems in Thailand. Standard dental and oral cavity examinations were performed on 244 equines (232 horses and 12 donkeys) ranging in age from 2–21 years (median = 9.88) from Western, Northern, and Central parts of Thailand between January 2015 and December 2017. The dental disorders were recorded and the data was analyzed to determine the proportion as a percentage of dental disorders. Logistic regression was used to find relations between dental floatation routine, gender, age, body weight, and dental disorders. The survey showed that sharp cheek teeth (82.37%) was the most common problem, which was often associated with frontal hook (10.65%) and caudal hook (6.55%). Other disorders observed included incisor tartar (9.42%) and canine teeth tartar (9.42%). One to two years routine of dental examination and floatation has 2.54 times (p<0.01) higher chance to develop sharp teeth compared to 0.5-1 year routine. In addition, not having any routine increased this effect by 22 times(p<0.01). Sharp cheek teeth was by far the most found and significant dental problem in these equines. These findings show the importance of regular dental floating and tartar scaling. Early detection and treatment can improve equine oral health.
Histopathologic prevalence of benign and malignant canine neoplasms in small animal hospital, Rajamangala University of Technology Tawan-Ok, Chonburi, Thailand: A retrospective study
Authors:   Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Rajamangala University of Technology Tawan-ok, Chonburi, 20110, Thailand, Meesuwan Sirilak , Sreta Donruethai ,   Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Rajamangala University of Technology Tawan-ok, Chonburi, 20110, Thailand, Uppaicha Rachan ,   Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Rajamangala University of Technology Tawan-ok, Chonburi, 20110, Thailand, Ketpun Dettachai ,   Veterinary Pathology and Diagnosis Centre, Akkhraratchakumari Veterinary College, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
Published: March 2023

This retrospective study surveyed the histological prevalence of 180 canine neoplasms registered during 2016-2020 in the small animal hospital, the Rajamangala University of Technology Tawan-Ok, Chonburi, Thailand. Histopathologic diagnosis of each neoplasia was performed using its published diagnosis criteria. The neoplasms were categorized into epithelial, mesenchymal and round-cell neoplasms. Their parameters were related to sex, breed, and neoplastic location. The study consequence revealed that benign neoplasms occurred in the same frequency as malignant neoplasia. Some neoplasms were sex-dependent, particularly mammary adenocarcinoma in females and perianal (hepatoid) gland adenoma in males. The purebred dogs were prone to the malignant mammary gland and benign mesenchymal neoplasia; meanwhile, the crossbred dogs had more frequencies of benign epithelial, benign round cell and malignant mesenchymal neoplasms than the purebreds. The buttock and head were the primary locations of benign epithelial neoplasms. The mammary gland was common for mammary cancers, while the hindlimb was the predilection site of the malignant mesenchymal neoplasia. These results are similar to the thosedescribed in the previous studies from other regions of Thailand and the rest of the world with a few different points. Therefore, regional veterinarians, particularly in Chonburi province, can confidently use our study findings to set up their preliminary diagnoses for their neoplastic patients.
Do women leaders of nonprofit public service organisations help to reduce the gender pay gap?
Authors: Andrews Rhys
Published: March 2023

It is often asserted that the representation of women in leadership positions within public service organisations is likely to result in improved outcomes for other women within those organisations. However, there has been little systematic research devoted to understanding whether this argument holds for the nonprofit organisations that now provide many public services. To cast light on this important issue, this article presents an analysis of the representation of women in leadership roles and the gender pay gap in Welsh housing associations – registered societies responsible for providing more than half of the social housing within Wales. The findings show that nonprofit service providers led by women in the most senior organisational positions may be more likely to have a lower gender pay gap, confirming arguments about the importance of actively representing female interests. At the same time, it seems that representation in the upper echelons in general is not likely to influence gender pay equality, which raises questions about whether a glass ceiling may be present, as has been observed in state-led public service provision. These findings suggest a need for more in-depth, multi-method research which systematically evaluates the way in which female leaders actively represent women’s interests in the myriad organisations that provide public services. This article has important implications given a renewed period of austerity in the public sector, which, as in the past, may threaten further progress on equality for those women who provide and receive public services.
Synthesizing the degree of polarization uniformity from non-polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography signals using a neural network
Authors: Makita Shuichi , Miura Masahiro , Azuma Shinnosuke , Mino Toshihiro , Yasuno Yoshiaki
Published: March 2023

Degree of polarization uniformity (DOPU) imaging obtained by polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) has the potential to provide biomarkers for retinal diseases. It highlights abnormalities in the retinal pigment epithelium that are not always clear in the OCT intensity images. However, a PS-OCT system is more complicated than conventional OCT. We present a neural-network-based approach to estimate the DOPU from standard OCT images. DOPU images were used to train a neural network to synthesize the DOPU from single-polarization-component OCT intensity images. DOPU images were then synthesized by the neural network, and the clinical findings from ground truth DOPU and synthesized DOPU were compared. There is a good agreement in the findings for RPE abnormalities: recall was 0.869 and precision was 0.920 for 20 cases with retinal diseases. In five cases of healthy volunteers, no abnormalities were found in either the synthesized or ground truth DOPU images. The proposed neural-network-based DOPU synthesis method demonstrates the potential of extending the features of retinal non-PS OCT.
Cone contrast test-HD: sensitivity and specificity in red–green dichromacy and the impact of age
Authors: Iizuka Tatsuya , Kawamorita Takushi , Handa Tomoya , Ishikawa Hitoshi
Published: March 2023

We report normative cone contrast sensitivity values, right–left eye agreement, and sensitivity and specificity values for the cone contrast test-HD (CCT-HD). We included 100 phakic eyes with color vision normal (CVN) and 20 dichromatic eyes (10 with protanopia and 10 with deuteranopia). The CCT-HD was used to measure L, M, and S-CCT-HD scores, and the right and left eyes were evaluated for agreement using Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) and Bland–Altman analysis to investigate the sensitivity and specificity of the CCT-HD based on diagnosis with an anomaloscope device. All cone types were in moderate agreement with the CCC (L-cone: 0.92, 95% CI, 0.86–0.95; M-cone: 0.91, 95% CI, 0.84–0.94; S-cone: 0.93, 95% CI, 0.88–0.96), whereas the Bland–Altman plots showed that the majority of cases (L-cone: 94%; M-cone: 92%; S-cone: 92%) fell within the 95% limits of agreement and showed good agreement. The mean±standard error L, M, and S-CCT-HD scores for protanopia were 0.6±1.4, 74.7±2.7, and 94.6±2.4, respectively; for deuteranopia, these were 84.0±3.4, 40.8±3.3, and 93.0±5.8, respectively; and for age-matched CVN eyes (mean±standard deviation age, 53.1±5.8 years; age range, 45–64 years), these were 98.5±3.4, 94.8±3.8, and 92.3±3.4, respectively, with significant differences between the groups except for S-CCT-HD score (Bonferroni corrected α=0.0167, p<0.0167). The sensitivity and specificity of the CCT-HD were 100% for protan and deutan in diagnosing abnormal types in those aged 20 to 64 years; however, the specificity decreased to 65% for protan and 55% for deutan in those aged >65 years. The CCT-HD is comparable to the diagnostic performance of the anomaloscope in the 20–64-year-old age group. However, the results should be interpreted cautiously in those ≥65 years, as these patients are more susceptible to acquired color vision deficiencies due to yellowing of the crystalline lens and other factors.
Synchronization and coexistence in quantum networks
Authors: Burenkov Ivan A. , Semionov Alexandra , Hala  , Gerrits Thomas , Rahmouni Anouar , Anand DJ , Li-Baboud Ya-Shian , Slattery Oliver , Battou Abdella , Polyakov Sergey V.
Published: March 2023

We investigate the coexistence of clock synchronization protocols with quantum signals in a common single-mode optical fiber. By measuring optical noise between 1500 nm to 1620 nm we demonstrate a potential for up to 100 quantum, 100 GHz wide channels coexisting with the classical synchronization signals. Both “White Rabbit” and pulsed laser-based synchronization protocols were characterized and compared. We establish a theoretical limit of the fiber link length for coexisting quantum and classical channels. The maximal fiber length is below approximately 100 km for off-the-shelf optical transceivers and can be significantly improved by taking advantage of quantum receivers.
Refractive-type Varifocal Liquid-crystal Fresnel lenses for smart contacts
Authors: Banerjee Aishwaryadev , Ghosh Chayanjit , Karkhanis Mohit , DESHPANDE ADWAIT , Pourshaban Erfan , Majumder Apratim , KIM HANSEUP , Mastrangelo Carlos
Published: March 2023

We demonstrate the implementation of a low-power, low-profile, varifocal liquid-crystal Fresnel lens stack suitable for tunable imaging in smart contact lenses. The lens stack consists of a high-order refractive-type liquid crystal Fresnel chamber, a voltage-controlled twisted nematic cell, a linear polarizer and a fixed offset lens. The lens stack has an aperture of 4 mm and thickness is ~980 μm. The varifocal lens requires ~2.5 VRMS for a maximum optical power change of ~6.5 D consuming electrical power of ~2.6 µW. The maximum RMS wavefront aberration error was 0.2 µm and the chromatic aberration was 0.008 D/nm. The average BRISQUE image quality score of the Fresnel lens was 35.23 compared to 57.23 for a curved LC lens of comparable power indicating a superior Fresnel imaging quality.
Experimental Study on Optical Transfer Function through MATLAB Software Simulation
Authors: li yucheng , yang zhang , zhang muqun , li yongtian , you rui
Published: March 2023

The optical transfer function (OTF) can transfer spectra of different frequencies. In the process of transmission, the frequency will not change, but the amplitude will decrease and the phase will shift. Therefore, the OTF is widely used in the evaluation of system imaging quality. In this paper, the intensity distribution, the coherent transfer function, the optical transfer function and the cut-off frequency of the image are obtained by using the back of the "5-yuan‘he’coin" as the object of MATLAB simulation. Finally, the experimental results are consistent with the theoretical analysis, which proves the accuracy of the MATLAB simulation measurement method. At the same time, the relevant theoretical analysis also provides an important theoretical basis for optimizing the system parameters and improving the correlation calculation of OTF. The experimental study of OTF has great potential applications in military and aerospace fields.
Der Wandel von Vertrauen in eine digitale Identität? – Einblicke in eine Nutzerstudie
Authors: Kostic Sandra , Poikela Maija
Published: March 2023

Ausweisdokumente ermögliche es Personen vor Ort eindeutig zu identifizieren. Um bestimmte online Dienste wahrzunehmen zu können, bedarf es auch einer Identifikation im Internet. Hierfür wird eine digitale Identität benötigt.

Dieser Beitrag stellt die Ergebnisse von zwei Studien mit Nutzenden (mit jeweils 16 und 12 Teilnehmenden) vor, die auf einem neu entwickelten Konzept einer sogenannten Identity Wallet basieren. Dieses Konzept veranschaulicht, wie Nutzende selbstständig diverse digitale Identitäten, sowohl hoheitliche wie der Personalausweis als auch nicht-hoheitliche wie der Bibliotheksausweis, in einer einzigen App speichern. Somit ist es den Nutzenden möglich ihre Identität mit einer einzigen App bei Dienstanbietern mit unterschiedlichsten Anforderungen an das Ausweisdokument nachzuweisen. Neben der Speicherung von Ausweisen oder auch Nachweisdokumenten, zeigt dieses Identity Wallet Konzept ebenso die Option auf Schlüssel (Fahrzeugschlüssel, Hotelzimmer, etc.) in derselben App zu hinterlegen.

Das Konzept wurde 2020 ausgearbeitet und mit 16 Studienteilnehmenden getestet, um nicht nur die Einsatzbereitschaft der Nutzenden, sondern auch das Vertrauen in solch ein Konzept zu evaluieren. Die Teilnehmenden waren offen für den Einsatz der Wallet und vom Konzept überzeugt. In Bezug auf das Thema Vertrauen wiesen die Ergebnisse der Studie daraufhin, dass der Anbieter der Wallet Anwendung Einfluss darauf nimmt, inwieweit Nutzende beschließen, der Anwendung zu vertrauen. Etwa die Hälfte der Teilnehmenden bevorzugten den Staat als Betreiber der Wallet, während die übrigen Teilnehmenden ein privates Unternehmen präferierten.

Ein überarbeitetes Konzept der Identity Wallet wurde 2022 erneut mit 12 Studienteilnehmenden getestet. Auch hier wurde die Frage der Einsatzbereitschaft der Nutzenden sowie des Vertrauens evaluiert. Die Studienteilnehmenden zeigten weiterhin eine große Bereitschaft zum Einsatz der Wallet. Allerdings veränderten sich die Ergebnisse zum Thema Vertrauen. Sie weisen darauf hin, dass nur eine Person ein privates Unternehmen als Betreiber der Wallet bevorzugt, während die übrigen Teilnehmenden den Staat favorisieren.
Ependymal polarity defects coupled with disorganized ciliary beating drive abnormal cerebrospinal fluid flow and spine curvature in zebrafish
Authors: Xie Haibo , Kang Yunsi , Liu Junjun , Huang Min , Dai Zhicheng , Shi Jiale , Wang Shuo , Li Lanqin , Li Yuan , Zheng Pengfei , Sun Yi , Han Qize , Zhang Jingjing , Zhu Zezhang , Xu Leilei , Yelick Pamela C. , Cao Muqing , Zhao Chengtian
Published: March 2023

Idiopathic scoliosis (IS) is the most common spinal deformity diagnosed in childhood or early adolescence, while the underlying pathogenesis of this serious condition remains largely unknown. Here, we report zebrafish ccdc57 mutants exhibiting scoliosis during late development, similar to that observed in human adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Zebrafish ccdc57 mutants developed hydrocephalus due to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow defects caused by uncoordinated cilia beating in ependymal cells. Mechanistically, Ccdc57 localizes to ciliary basal bodies and controls the planar polarity of ependymal cells through regulating the organization of microtubule networks and proper positioning of basal bodies. Interestingly, ependymal cell polarity defects were first observed in ccdc57 mutants at approximately 17 days postfertilization, the same time when scoliosis became apparent and prior to multiciliated ependymal cell maturation. We further showed that mutant spinal cord exhibited altered expression pattern of the Urotensin neuropeptides, in consistent with the curvature of the spine. Strikingly, human IS patients also displayed abnormal Urotensin signaling in paraspinal muscles. Altogether, our data suggest that ependymal polarity defects are one of the earliest sign of scoliosis in zebrafish and disclose the essential and conserved roles of Urotensin signaling during scoliosis progression.
Illusory object recognition is either perceptual or cognitive in origin depending on decision confidence
Authors: Alilović Josipa , Lampers Eline , Slagter Heleen A. , van Gaal Simon
Published: March 2023

We occasionally misinterpret ambiguous sensory input or report a stimulus when none is presented. It is unknown whether such errors have a sensory origin and reflect true perceptual illusions, or whether they have a more cognitive origin (e.g., are due to guessing), or both. When participants performed an error-prone and challenging face/house discrimination task, multivariate electroencephalography (EEG) analyses revealed that during decision errors (e.g., mistaking a face for a house), sensory stages of visual information processing initially represent the presented stimulus category. Crucially however, when participants were confident in their erroneous decision, so when the illusion was strongest, this neural representation flipped later in time and reflected the incorrectly reported percept. This flip in neural pattern was absent for decisions that were made with low confidence. This work demonstrates that decision confidence arbitrates between perceptual decision errors, which reflect true illusions of perception, and cognitive decision errors, which do not.
Predictors of post-stroke cognitive impairment at three-month following first episode of stroke among patients attended at tertiary hospitals in Dodoma, central Tanzania: A protocol of a prospective longitudinal observational study metadata
Authors: Baraka Alphonce , Meda John , Nyundo Azan
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Neurocognitive deficits after stroke are a common manifestation and pose a significant impact on the quality of life for patients and families; however, little attention is given to the burden and associated impact of cognitive impairment following stroke. The study aims to determine the prevalence and predictors of post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) among adult stroke patients admitted to tertiary hospitals in Dodoma, Tanzania.

Methodology

A prospective longitudinal study is conducted at tertiary hospitals in the Dodoma region, central Tanzania. Participants with the first stroke confirmed by CT/MRI brain aged ≥ 18 years who meet the inclusion criteria are enrolled and followed up. Baseline socio-demographic and clinical factors are identified during admission, while other clinical variables are determined during the three-month follow-up period. Descriptive statistics are used to summarize data; continuous data will be reported as Mean (SD) or Median (IQR), and categorical data will be summarized using proportions and frequencies. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis will be used to determine predictors of PSCI.
Prediction of performance in a 100-km run from a simple equation
Authors: Coquart Jeremy B.
Published: March 2023

This study aimed to identify predictive variables of performance for a 100-km race (Perf100-km) and develop an equation for predicting this performance using individual data, recent marathon performance (Perfmarathon), and environmental conditions at the start of the 100-km race. All runners who had performed official Perfmarathon and Perf100-km in France, both in 2019, were recruited. For each runner, gender, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), age, the personal marathon record (PRmarathon), date of the Perfmarathon and Perf100-km, and environmental conditions during the 100-km race (i.e., minimal and maximal air temperatures, wind speed, total amount of precipitation, relative humidity and barometric pressure) were collected. Correlations between the data were examined, and prediction equations were then developed using stepwise multiple linear regression analyses. Significant bivariate correlations were found between Perfmarathon (p<0.001, r = 0.838), wind speed (p<0.001, r = -0.545), barometric pressure (p<0.001, r = 0.535), age (p = 0.034, r = 0.246), BMI (p = 0.034, r = 0.245), PRmarathon (p = 0.065, r = 0.204) and Perf100-km in 56 athletes The, 2 prediction equations with larger sample (n = 591) were developed to predict Perf100-km, one including Perfmarathon, wind speed and PRmarathon (model 1, r² = 0.549; standard errors of the estimate, SEE = 13.2%), and the other including only Perfmarathon and PRmarathon (model 2, r² = 0.494; SEE = 14.0%). Perf100-km can be predicted with an acceptable level of accuracy from only recent Perfmarathon and PRmarathon, in amateur athletes who want to perform a 100 km for the first time.
Do verbal coaching cues and analogies affect motor skill performance in youth populations?
Authors: Moran Jason , Hammami Raouf , Butson Joshua , Allen Matt , Mahmoudi Abdelkader , Vali Norodin , Lewis Ieuan , Samuel Phil , Davies Mike , Earle James , Klabunde Megan , Sandercock Gavin
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The way coaching cues are worded can impact on the quality with which a subsequent motor skill is executed. However, there have been few investigations on the effect of coaching cues on basic motor skill performance in youths.

Method

Across several international locations, a series of experiments were undertaken to determine the effect of external coaching cues (EC), internal coaching cues (IC), analogies with a directional component (ADC) and neutral control cues on sprint time (20 m) and vertical jump height in youth performers. These data were combined using internal meta-analytical techniques to pool results across each test location. This approach was amalgamated with a repeated-measures analysis to determine if there were any differences between the ECs, ICs and ADCs within the different experiments.

Results

173 participants took part. There were no differences between the neutral control and experimental cues in any of the internal meta-analyses except where the control was superior to the IC for vertical jump (d = -0.30, [-0.54, -0.05], p = 0.02). Just three of eleven repeated-measures analyses showed significant differences between the cues at each experimental location. Where significant differences were noted, the control cue was most effective with some limited evidence supporting the use of ADCs (d = 0.32 to 0.62).

Conclusion

These results suggest the type of cue or analogy provided to a youth performer has little subsequent effect on sprint or jump performance. Accordingly, coaches might take a more specific approach that is suited to the level or preferences of a particular individual.
Exploring the views of Singapore junior doctors on medical curricula for the digital age: A case study
Authors: Zainal Humairah , Xiaohui Xin , Thumboo Julian , Yong Fong Kok
Published: March 2023

This study aims to explore the perspectives of medical trainees on the impartation of digital competencies in Singapore’s medical school curricula. It also considers how the medical school experience can be strengthened in order to bridge potential gaps in the integration of these competencies in the local curricula. Findings were drawn from individual interviews with 44 junior doctors from Singapore’s public healthcare institutions including hospitals and national specialty centers. House officers and residents from different medical and surgical specialties were recruited using purposive sampling. Data was interpreted using qualitative thematic analysis. The doctors were in their first to tenth year of post-graduate training. Thirty of them graduated from the three local medical schools whereas 14 others were trained overseas. Overall, they felt insufficiently prepared to utilize digital technologies in view of their limited exposure to such technologies in medical school. Six key reasons were identified: lack of flexibility and dynamism within the curriculum, dated learning style, limited access to electronic health records, gradual uptake of digital technologies in the healthcare sector, lack of an ecosystem that promotes innovation, and lack of guidance from qualified and available mentors. Equipping medical students with skills relevant to the digital age would benefit from a concerted effort from multiple stakeholders: medical schools, medical educators and innovators, as well as the government. This study bears important implications for countries that seek to bridge the ‘transformation gap’ brought about by the digital age, which is defined as the sharp divergence between innovations that healthcare providers recognize as important but for which they feel insufficiently prepared.
Radiation-induced alterations in multi-layered, in-vitro skin models detected by optical coherence tomography and histological methods
Authors: Bromberger Luisa , Heise Bettina , Felbermayer Karoline , Leiss-Holzinger Elisabeth , Ilicic Katarina , Schmid Thomas Ernst , Bergmayr Alexandra , Etzelstorfer Tanja , Geinitz Hans
Published: March 2023

Background

Inflammatory skin reactions and skin alterations are still a potential side effect in radiation therapy (RT), which also need attention for patients’ health care.

Method

In a pre-clinical study we consider alterations in irradiated in-vitro skin models of epidermal and dermal layers. Typical dose regimes in radiation therapy are applied for irradiation. For non-invasive imaging and characterization optical coherence tomography (OCT) is used. Histological staining method is additionally applied for comparison and discussion.

Results

Structural features, such as keratinization, modifications in epidermal cell layer thickness and disorder in the layering—as indications for reactions to ionizing radiation and aging—could be observed by means of OCT and confirmed by histology. We were able to recognize known RT induced changes such as hyper-keratosis, acantholysis, and epidermal hyperplasia as well as disruption and/or demarcation of the dermo-epidermal junction.

Conclusion

The results may pave the way for OCT to be considered as a possible adjunctive tool to detect and monitor early skin inflammation and side effects of radiotherapy, thus supporting patient healthcare in the future.
Oral characteristics and dietary habits of preterm children: A retrospective study using National Health Screening Program for Infants and Children
Authors: Herr Lan , Chung Juhyun , Lee Ko Eun , Han Jung Ho , Shin Jeong Eun , Jung Hoi-In , Kang Chung-Min
Published: March 2023

The rate of preterm birth is increasing worldwide and preterm infants are susceptible to oral health problems. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the effect of premature birth on dietary and oral characteristics as well as dental treatment experiences of preterm infants using a nationwide cohort study. Data was retrospectively analyzed from National Health Screening Program for Infants and Children (NHSIC) of the National Health Insurance Service of Korea. 5% sample of children born between 2008 and 2012 who completed first or second infant health screening were included and divided into full-term and preterm-birth groups. Clinical data variables such as dietary habits, oral characteristics, and dental treatment experiences were investigated and comparatively analyzed. Preterm infants showed significantly lower rates of breastfeeding at 4–6 months (p<0.001), delayed start of weaning food at 9–12 months (p<0.001), higher rates of bottle feeding at 18–24 months (p<0.001), poor appetite at 30–36 months (p<0.001) and higher rates of improper swallowing and chewing function at 42–53 months (p = 0.023) than full-term infants. Preterm infants also had eating habits leading to poor oral conditions and higher percentage of absence of dental visit compared to full-term infants (p = 0.036). However, dental treatments including 1-visit pulpectomy (p = 0.007) and 2-visit pulpectomy (p = 0.042) significantly decreased when oral health screening was completed at least once. The NHSIC can be an effective policy for oral health management in preterm infants.
Choice behavior in autistic adults: What drives the extreme switching phenomenon?
Authors: Zeif Dana , Yakobi Ofir , Yechiam Eldad
Published: March 2023

Background

Previous studies reported that autistic adolescents and adults tend to exhibit extensive choice switching in repeated experiential tasks. However, a recent meta-analysis showed that this switching effect was non-significant across studies. Furthermore, the relevant psychological mechanisms remain unclear. We examined the robustness of the extreme choice-switching phenomenon, and whether it is driven by a learning impairment, feedback-related aspects (e.g., avoiding losses), or alternatively a different information sampling strategy.

Methods

We recruited an online sample of 114 US participants (57 autistic adults and 57 non-autistic). All participants performed the Iowa Gambling task, a four-option repeated choice task. Standard task blocks were followed by a trial block with no feedback.

Results

The findings replicate the extreme choice switching phenomenon (Cohen’sd= 0.48). Furthermore, the effect was found with no difference in average choice rates denoting no learning impairment, and was even observed in trial blocks with no feedback (d= 0.52). There was no evidence that the switching strategy of autistic individuals was more perseverative (i.e., that similar switching rates were used in subsequent trial blocks). When adding the current dataset to the meta-analysis, the choice switching phenomenon is significant across studies,d= 0.32.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that the increased choice switching phenomenon in autism may be robust and that it represents a distinct information sampling strategy and not poor implicit learning (or a bias in the sensitivity to losses). Such extended sampling may underlie some of the phenomena previously attributed to poor learning.
Evaluation of tuberculosis diagnostic test accuracy using Bayesian latent class analysis in the presence of conditional dependence between the diagnostic tests used in a community-based tuberculosis screening study
Authors: Keter Alfred Kipyegon , Lynen Lutgarde , Van Heerden Alastair , Wong Emily , Reither Klaus , Goetghebeur Els , Jacobs Bart K. M.
Published: March 2023

Diagnostic accuracy studies in pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) are complicated by the lack of a perfect reference standard. This limitation can be handled using latent class analysis (LCA), assuming independence between diagnostic test results conditional on the true unobserved PTB status. Test results could remain dependent, however, e.g. with diagnostic tests based on a similar biological basis. If ignored, this gives misleading inferences. Our secondary analysis of data collected during the first year (May 2018 –May 2019) of a community-based multi-morbidity screening program conducted in the rural uMkhanyakude district of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, used Bayesian LCA. Residents of the catchment area, aged ≥15 years and eligible for microbiological testing, were analyzed. Probit regression methods for dependent binary data sequentially regressed each binary test outcome on other observed test results, measured covariates and the true unobserved PTB status. Unknown model parameters were assigned Gaussian priors to evaluate overall PTB prevalence and diagnostic accuracy of 6 tests used to screen for PTB: any TB symptom, radiologist conclusion, Computer Aided Detection for TB version 5 (CAD4TBv5≥53), CAD4TBv6≥53, Xpert Ultra (excluding trace) and culture. Before the application of our proposed model, we evaluated its performance using a previously published childhood pulmonary TB (CPTB) dataset. Standard LCA assuming conditional independence yielded an unrealistic prevalence estimate of 18.6% which was not resolved by accounting for conditional dependence among the true PTB cases only. Allowing, also, for conditional dependence among the true non-PTB cases produced a 1.1% plausible prevalence. After incorporating age, sex, and HIV status in the analysis, we obtained 0.9% (95% CrI: 0.6, 1.3) overall prevalence. Males had higher PTB prevalence compared to females (1.2% vs. 0.8%). Similarly, HIV+ had a higher PTB prevalence compared to HIV- (1.3% vs. 0.8%). The overall sensitivity for Xpert Ultra (excluding trace) and culture were 62.2% (95% CrI: 48.7, 74.4) and 75.9% (95% CrI: 61.9, 89.2), respectively. Any chest X-ray abnormality, CAD4TBv5≥53 and CAD4TBv6≥53 had similar overall sensitivity. Up to 73.3% (95% CrI: 61.4, 83.4) of all true PTB cases did not report TB symptoms. Our flexible modelling approach yields plausible, easy-to-interpret estimates of sensitivity, specificity and PTB prevalence under more realistic assumptions. Failure to fully account for diagnostic test dependence can yield misleading inferences.
Effects of aspect ratios and vertical loads on in-plane seismic behavior of unreinforced masonry walls: A numerical simulation
Authors: Hu Yukun , Ma Pengfei , Yao Jitao
Published: March 2023

The in-plane seismic behavior of unreinforced masonry (URM) structures is closely related to the aspect ratio of the wall and vertical load. The purpose of this study was to investigate the difference between the failure mode of the model and the horizontal load using the finite element model (FEM) under the action of aspect ratio (0.50 to 2.00) and vertical load (0.2 MPa to 0.70 MPa). The overall macro model was established using the Abaqus software, and the corresponding simulation was performed. The simulation results indicate that: i) the shear failure and flexural failure were the main failure modes of masonry walls; ii) shear failure could be viewed as the main failure mode of the model when the aspect ratio was less than 1.00; however, the flexural failure was considered to be the main failure mode of the model once the aspect ratio was greater than 1.00; iii) when a vertical load of 0.20 MPa was applied to the model, only flexural failure was observed, regardless of whether the aspect ratio of the model increased or decreased; the flexural shear mixed failure was captured within the range of 0.30 MPa– 0.50 MPa; the shear failure was the main failure mode within the range of 0.60 MPa– 0.70 MPa; and iv) the wall with an aspect ratio less than 1.00 could bear a higher horizontal load, and the increase in vertical load can significantly improve the horizontal load of the wall. In contrast, once the aspect ratio of the wall reaches or exceeds 1.00, the increase in the vertical load has little effect on the increase in the horizontal load of the wall.
10-year follow-up study on medical expenses and medical care use according to biological age: National Health Insurance Service Health Screening Cohort (NHIS-HealS 2002~2019)
Authors: Bae Chul-young , Kim Bo-seon , Cho Kyung-hee , Kim In-hee , Kim Jeong-hoon , Kim Ji-hyun
Published: March 2023

Objectives

The world is witnessing a sharp increase in its elderly population, accelerated by longer life expectancy and lower birth rates, which in turn imposes enormous medical burden on society. Although numerous studies have predicted medical expenses based on region, gender, and chronological age (CA), any attempt has rarely been made to utilize biological age (BA)—an indicator of health and aging—to ascertain and predict factors related to medical expenses and medical care use. Thus, this study employs BA to predict factors that affect medical expenses and medical care use.

Materials and methods

Referring to the health screening cohort database of the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS), this study targeted 276,723 adults who underwent health check-ups in 2009−2010 and kept track of the data on their medical expenses and medical care use up to 2019. The average follow-up period is 9.12 years. Twelve clinical indicators were used to measure BA, while the total annual medical expenses, total annual number of outpatient days, total annual number of days in hospital, and average annual increases in medical expenses were used as the variables for medical expenses and medical care use. For statistical analysis, this study employed Pearson correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis.

Results

Regression analysis of the differences between corrected biological age (cBA) and CA exhibited statistically significant increases (p<0.05) in all the variables of the total annual medical expenses, total annual number of outpatient days, total annual number of days in hospital, and average annual increases in medical expenses.

Conclusions

This study quantified decreases in the variables for medical expenses and medical care use based on improved BA, thereby motivating people to become more health-conscious. In particular, this study is significant in that it is the first of its kind to predict medical expenses and medical care use through BA.
Consortium for the Study of Pregnancy Treatments (Co-OPT): An international birth cohort to study the effects of antenatal corticosteroids
Authors: Frier Emily M. , Lin Chun , Reynolds Rebecca M. , Allegaert Karel , Been Jasper V. , Fraser Abigail , Gissler Mika , Einarsdóttir Kristjana , Florian Lani , Jacobsson Bo , Vogel Joshua P. , Zoega Helga , Bhattacharya Sohinee , Krispin Eyal , Henning Pedersen Lars , Roberts Devender , Kuhle Stefan , Fahey John , Mol Ben W. , Burgner David , Schuit Ewoud , Sheikh Aziz , Wood Rachael , Gyamfi-Bannerman Cynthia , Miller Jessica E. , Duhig Kate , Lahti-Pulkkinen Marius , Hadar Eran , Wright John , Murray Sarah R. , Stock Sarah J.
Published: March 2023

Background

Antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) are widely prescribed to improve outcomes following preterm birth. Significant knowledge gaps surround their safety, long-term effects, optimal timing and dosage. Almost half of women given ACS give birth outside the “therapeutic window” and have not delivered over 7 days later. Overtreatment with ACS is a concern, as evidence accumulates of risks of unnecessary ACS exposure.

Methods

The Consortium for the Study of Pregnancy Treatments (Co-OPT) was established to address research questions surrounding safety of medications in pregnancy. We created an international birth cohort containing information on ACS exposure and pregnancy and neonatal outcomes by combining data from four national/provincial birth registers and one hospital database, and follow-up through linked population-level data from death registers and electronic health records.

Results and discussion

The Co-OPT ACS cohort contains 2.28 million pregnancies and babies, born in Finland, Iceland, Israel, Canada and Scotland, between 1990 and 2019. Births from 22 to 45 weeks’ gestation were included; 92.9% were at term (≥ 37 completed weeks). 3.6% of babies were exposed to ACS (67.0% and 77.9% of singleton and multiple births before 34 weeks, respectively). Rates of ACS exposure increased across the study period. Of all ACS-exposed babies, 26.8% were born at term. Longitudinal childhood data were available for 1.64 million live births. Follow-up includes diagnoses of a range of physical and mental disorders from the Finnish Hospital Register, diagnoses of mental, behavioural, and neurodevelopmental disorders from the Icelandic Patient Registers, and preschool reviews from the Scottish Child Health Surveillance Programme. The Co-OPT ACS cohort is the largest international birth cohort to date with data on ACS exposure and maternal, perinatal and childhood outcomes. Its large scale will enable assessment of important rare outcomes such as perinatal mortality, and comprehensive evaluation of the short- and long-term safety and efficacy of ACS.
Violent assault geographies in northeastern Australia
Authors: Hodgkinson Tarah , Corcoran Jonathan , Andresen Martin A.
Published: March 2023

As climate change produces more extreme weather, it is increasingly important to understand the impacts of these changes on social behaviour. The relationship between weather and crime has been studied across numerous contexts. However, few studies examine the correlation between weather and violence in southern, non-temperate climates. In addition, the literature lacks longitudinal research that controls for international changes in crime trends. In this study, we examine over 12 years of assault-related incidents in the state of Queensland, Australia. Controlling for deviations in trend for temperature and rainfall, we explore the relationship between violent crime and weather across Köppen climate classifications. Findings provide important insight into the impact of weather on violence across temperate, tropical, and arid climate regions.
Prevalence and correlates of prescription opioid use among US adults, 2019–2020
Authors: Zajacova Anna , Grol-Prokopczyk Hanna , Limani Merita , Schwarz Christopher , Gilron Ian
Published: March 2023

This study estimates the prevalence of prescription opioid use (POU) in the United States (US) in 2019–2020, both in the general population and specifically among adults with pain. It also identifies key geographic, demographic, and socioeconomic correlates of POU. Data were from the nationally-representative National Health Interview Survey 2019 and 2020 (N = 52,617). We estimated POU prevalence in the prior 12 months among all adults (18+), adults with chronic pain (CP), and adults with high-impact chronic pain (HICP). Modified Poisson regression models estimated POU patterns across covariates. We found POU prevalence of 11.9% (95% CI 11.5, 12.3) in the general population, 29.3% (95% CI 28.2, 30.4) among those with CP, and 41.2% (95% CI 39.2, 43.2) among those with HICP. Findings from fully-adjusted models include the following: In the general population, POU prevalence declined about 9% from 2019 to 2020 (PR = 0.91, 95% CI 0.85, 0.96). POU varied substantially across US geographic regions: It was significantly more common in the Midwest, West, and especially the South, where adults had 40% higher POU (PR = 1.40, 95% CI 1.26, 1.55) than in the Northeast. In contrast, there were no differences by rural/urban residence. In terms of individual characteristics, POU was lowest among immigrants and among the uninsured, and was highest among adults who were food insecure and/or not employed. These findings suggest that prescription opioid use remains high among American adults, especially those with pain. Geographic patterns suggest systemic differences in therapeutic regimes across regions but not rurality, while patterns across social characteristics highlight the complex, opposing effects of limited access to care and socioeconomic precarity. Against the backdrop of continuing debates about benefits and risks of opioid analgesics, this study identifies and invites further research about geographic regions and social groups with particularly high or low prescription opioid use.
The salivary protein Saglin facilitates efficient midgut colonization of Anopheles mosquitoes by malaria parasites
Authors: Klug Dennis , Gautier Amandine , Calvo Eric , Marois Eric , Blandin Stéphanie A.
Published: March 2023

Malaria is caused by the unicellular parasite Plasmodium which is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. To initiate sexual reproduction and to infect the midgut of the mosquito, Plasmodium gametocytes are able to recognize the intestinal environment after being ingested during blood feeding. A shift in temperature, pH change and the presence of the insect-specific compound xanthurenic acid have been shown to be important stimuli perceived by gametocytes to become activated and proceed to sexual reproduction. Here we report that the salivary protein Saglin, previously proposed to be a receptor for the recognition of salivary glands by sporozoites, facilitates Plasmodium colonization of the mosquito midgut, but does not contribute to salivary gland invasion. In mosquito mutants lacking Saglin, Plasmodium infection of Anopheles females is reduced, resulting in impaired transmission of sporozoites at low infection densities. Interestingly, Saglin can be detected in high amounts in the midgut of mosquitoes after blood ingestion, possibly indicating a previously unknown host-pathogen interaction between Saglin and midgut stages of Plasmodium. Furthermore, we were able to show that saglin deletion has no fitness cost in laboratory conditions, suggesting this gene would be an interesting target for gene drive approaches.
Influenza A virus coinfection dynamics are shaped by distinct virus-virus interactions within and between cells
Authors: Delima Gabrielle K. , Ganti Ketaki , Holmes Katie E. , Shartouny Jessica R. , Lowen Anice C.
Published: March 2023

When multiple viral populations propagate within the same host environment, they often shape each other’s dynamics. These interactions can be positive or negative and can occur at multiple scales, from coinfection of a cell to co-circulation at a global population level. For influenza A viruses (IAVs), the delivery of multiple viral genomes to a cell substantially increases burst size. However, despite its relevance for IAV evolution through reassortment, the implications of this positive density dependence for coinfection between distinct IAVs has not been explored. Furthermore, the extent to which these interactions within the cell shape viral dynamics at the level of the host remains unclear. Here we show that, within cells, diverse coinfecting IAVs strongly augment the replication of a focal strain, irrespective of their homology to the focal strain. Coinfecting viruses with a low intrinsic reliance on multiple infection offer the greatest benefit. Nevertheless, virus-virus interactions at the level of the whole host are antagonistic. This antagonism is recapitulated in cell culture when the coinfecting virus is introduced several hours prior to the focal strain or under conditions conducive to multiple rounds of viral replication. Together, these data suggest that beneficial virus-virus interactions within cells are counterbalanced by competition for susceptible cells during viral propagation through a tissue. The integration of virus-virus interactions across scales is critical in defining the outcomes of viral coinfection.