bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation between body condition score and body composition in a rat model for obesity research
Authors:   Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Western University, Sa Long Rua, Amphoe Huai Krachao, Kanchanaburi 71170, Thailand, Siriarchavatana Parkpoom ,   School of Food and Advanced Technology, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand, Kruger Marlena C. ,   School of Health Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand,   Riddet Centre of Research Excellence, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand, Wolber Frances M. ,   School of Food and Advanced Technology, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand,   Centre for Metabolic Health Research, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
Published: September 2022

The incidences of obesity-associated chronic diseases are increasing worldwide. Research into the causes of obesity as well as potential treatments has highlighted the crucial role of preclinical studies using animal models. Rats are one of the most widely used species in obesity research. However, even with decades of research in both genetically obese rats and diet-induced obese rat models, definitive criteria to practically classify levels of obesity in the rat are not well established. The current study proposes new criteria modified from a 5-point body condition score (BCS) using in an animal health monitoring system and added a half-point scale to extend the range of body weight associated with subcutaneous fat deposition. The modified criteria were tested and compared with body composition from dual energy X-ray absorptiometry scans and selected adipose tissue weights. The results showed that the modified body condition scale was highly correlated with fat deposition in the rat body, particularly the visceral and inguinal fat pads. Both pads were closely related to changes in some specific landmarks used for the scale determination. These finding should extrapolate to obese rats in other models, with the advantage that data classified in BCS can pair the animal data with human body mass index. This will enhance the value of information from preclinical studies to design and predict outcomes of subsequent human clinical trials.
Current Concepts in Postoperative Pain Management Surgeries of Hip Joint: A Narrative Review
Authors: Gupta Anju , Kaushal Mallika , Malviya Amit , Kumar Shalender , Diwan Sandeep
Published: September 2022

Hip surgery is a common surgical procedure in the elderly and leads to significant pain postoperatively. The hip joint has a complex innervation which is unlikely to be covered with any single modality of pain relief. Multimodal analgesia has been critical in facilitating early recovery and rehabilitation in these patients. Regional analgesia is an important component of multimodal analgesia regimens and is instrumental in achieving optimal patient outcomes. Single shot or continuous central or peripheral nerve blocks provide effective and safe postoperative analgesia, lower opioid consumption, faster rehabilitation, and a high level of patient satisfaction. An ideal regional anaesthesia technique for hip surgery should be motor sparing while providing effective perioperative pain relief. Regional anaesthesia has seen enormous growth in the recent past due to advances in technology and research. These blocks have shown analgesic efficacy, have an opioid-sparing effect, and enable better patient positioning for central neuraxial blocks. Some of the novel interfascial plane blocks like Pericapsular Nerve Group (PENG) block are now being explored for hip analgesia. Within a few years of being described, these novel nerve blocks have seen tremendous favour in the literature and are being extensively used in the current practice of analgesia for hip surgery. In the present review, we aim to discuss the various modalities of analgesia which have been utilised in the past and would discuss few of the newer blocks for hip surgery. Keywords: Nerve blocks, Ultrasonography, Analgesics, Total hip arthroplasty, Fascia illiaca block, Multimodal analgesia, Transmuscular, Quadratus lumborum block
Resolution and penetration depth of reflection-mode time-domain near infrared optical tomography using a ToF SPAD camera
Authors: Jiang Jingjing , Ackermann Meret , Russomanno Emanuele , Di Costanzo Mata Aldo , Charbon Edoardo , Wolf Martin , Kalyanov Alexander
Published: September 2022

In a turbid medium such as biological tissue, near-infrared optical tomography (NIROT) can image the oxygenation, a highly relevant clinical parameter. To be an efficient diagnostic tool, NIROT has to have high spatial resolution and depth sensitivity, fast acquisition time, and be easy to use. Since many tissues cannot be penetrated by near-infrared light, such tissue needs to be measured in reflection mode, i.e., where light emission and detection components are placed on the same side. Thanks to the recent advance in single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) array technology, we have developed a compact reflection-mode time-domain (TD) NIROT system with a large number of channels, which is expected to substantially increase the resolution and depth sensitivity of the oxygenation images. The aim was to test this experimentally for our SPAD camera-empowered TD NIROT system. Experiments with one and two inclusions, i.e., optically dense spheres of 5mm radius, immersed in turbid liquid were conducted. The inclusions were placed at depths from 10mm to 30mm and moved across the field-of-view. In the two-inclusion experiment, two identical spheres were placed at a lateral distance of 8mm. We also compared short exposure times of 1s, suitable for dynamic processes, with a long exposure of 100s. Additionally, we imaged complex geometries inside the turbid medium, which represented structural elements of a biological object. The quality of the reconstructed images was quantified by the root mean squared error (RMSE), peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), and dice similarity. The two small spheres were successfully resolved up to a depth of 30mm. We demonstrated robust image reconstruction even at 1s exposure. Furthermore, the complex geometries were also successfully reconstructed. The results demonstrated a groundbreaking level of enhanced performance of the NIROT system based on a SPAD camera.
Cancelable biometric system for IoT applications based on optical double random phase encoding
Authors: Salama Gerges M. , El-Gazar Safaa , Omar Basma , Nassar Rana M. , Khalaf Ashraf A. M. , El-banby Ghada M. , Hamed Hesham F. A. , El-shafai Walid , Abd el-samie Fathi E.
Published: September 2022

The security issue is essential in the Internet-of-Things (IoT) environment. Biometrics play an important role in securing the emerging IoT devices, especially IoT robots. Biometric identification is an interesting candidate to improve IoT usability and security. To access and control sensitive environments like IoT, passwords are not recommended for high security levels. Biometrics can be used instead, but more protection is needed to store original biometrics away from invaders. This paper presents a cancelable multimodal biometric recognition system based on encryption algorithms and watermarking. Both voice-print and facial images are used as individual biometrics. Double Random Phase Encoding (DRPE) and chaotic Baker map are utilized as encryption algorithms. Verification is performed by estimating the correlation between registered and tested models in their cancelable format. Simulation results give Equal Error Rate (EER) values close to zero and Area under the Receiver Operator Characteristic Curve (AROC) equal to one, which indicates the high performance of the proposed system in addition to the difficulty to invert cancelable templates. Moreover, reusability and diversity of biometric templates is guaranteed.
Improving the precision of parallel registration by incorporating a priori information
Authors: Berlakovich Nikolaus , Fuerst Martin , Csencsics Ernst , Schitter Georg
Published: September 2022

This paper presents an algorithm for the precise registration of optical wavefronts. A wavefront exceeding the spatial or dynamic measurement range of a wavefront sensor, e.g. a Shack-Hartmann sensor, can be measured in multiple sub-measurements, each providing a segment of the wavefront. Sensor misalignment during the measurements results in the demand for registration algorithms to precisely reconstruct the entire wavefront from the segments. The proposed algorithm registers the segments in parallel and incorporates a priori information about the uncertainty of the sensor misalignment obtaining high-quality registration. A simulative analysis of the algorithm with respect to sensor misalignment and measurement errors is presented together with an application of the algorithm to a measured divergent wavefront. In the scope of the analysis, the algorithm is compared to state-of-the-art registration algorithms, such as the iterative closest point (ICP) algorithm, where an improvement of the registration performance by a factor of 3 is obtained. Results show that the algorithm is able to reconstruct a divergent and a freeform wavefront with an RMS registration error of a few tens of nanometers with a standard deviation of 80 µm and 2.4 mrad.
Two dimensional gradient-index beam shapers fabricated using ultrafast laser inscription
Authors: Douglass Glen , Kunkel W. Minster , Ghoreyshi Ali , Gross Simon , Withford Michael J. , Leger James R.
Published: September 2022

In this paper gradient-index beam shapers are fabricated using the ultrafast laser inscription method. This method enables the fabrication of two-dimensional refractive index profiles inside silica glass, resulting in highly robust and compact beam shapers. The magnitude of this refractive index change can be tailored by adjusting the laser pulse energy, enabling arbitrary two-dimensional refractive index profiles to be manufactured. The process is then demonstrated by fabricating planar waveguides with quadratic index profiles that predictably resize Gaussian beams. Then a more complex two-dimensional refractive index profile is fabricated to transform an input Gaussian beam into a super-Gaussian (flat-top) beam.
Transient triplet differential-based photoacoustic lifetime imaging with an automatic interleaved data acquisition method for improved scanning speed and stability
Authors: Wang Bo , Xie Yang , He Xiao , Jiang Jinsheng , Xiao Jiaying , Chen Zeyu
Published: September 2022

Transient triplet differential (TTD) based photoacoustic lifetime (PALT) imaging provides valuable means for background-free molecular imaging and mapping of the oxygen partial pressure (pO2) in deep tissues. However, the broad application of this method is hindered by its long scanning time, poor accuracy, and low stability. This is mainly because most PALT systems execute the three data acquisition sequences separately without automatic control and neglect the long-time fluctuation of the laser output. In this work, we have proposed a novel automatic interleaved data acquisition method for PALT. This new method not only improved the scanning efficiency but also eliminated the long-time fluctuations of laser pulse energy. Results show that this new method can significantly improve the system’s stability and help reduce the scanning time. With this new method, we obtained the 3D background-free TTD images for the first time. We also observed distinct hypoxia inside the tumor due to the high metabolic rate of cancer cells, demonstrating the high reliability of our proposed method. The proposed method in this work can significantly promote the application of PALT imaging in biomedical studies.
Giant photonic spin Hall effect in bilayer borophene metasurfaces
Authors: Cheng Min , Fu Ping , Chen Shengyu
Published: September 2022

We investigate theoretically the photonic spin Hall effect (PSHE) in bilayer borophene metasurfaces. Based on the combined effect of the Fabry-Perot resonance of the bilayer system and the resonant interaction of individual meta-atoms in borophene metasurface which lead to the topological transition, it is found that there exist giant PSHE shifts of the transmitted beams which can be flexibly regulated by adjusting the twist angle of metasurface bilayers, incident angle, spacer refractive index and spacer thickness. Near the topological transition of borophene metasurface the magnitude of PHSE shifts in bilayer borophene metasurfaces is generally on the order of tens of wavelengths and even on the order of hundreds of wavelengths near the epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) regions. The manipulation frequency range of the large PSHE shifts can reach hundreds of terahertz or even picohertz through adjusting the ribbon width of borophene metasurface or the electron density for borophene. It is found that in bilayer borophene metasurfaces there exist the ultrahigh sensitivity of the PSHE shifts to spacer refractive index, which can be applied to design the refractive index sensors with high performance.
Highly birefringent polarization maintaining low-loss single-mode hollow-core antiresonant fiber
Authors: Hosen Md. Sarwar , Khaleque Abdul , Shaha Kumary Sumi Rani , Asha Lutfun Nahar , Sultana Azra Sadia , Nishad Ruhana , Rahman Md. Tarek
Published: September 2022

In this paper, a highly birefringent polarization maintaining low losses and a single mode antiresonant hollow core fiber is proposed and analyzed, that is able to exhibit better performances compared to the recent related structures. The usage of bi-thickness cladding tubes with additional high refractive index layers on our geometrically optimized structure improves birefringence nearly by one order: the highest birefringence is 4.7 × 10−4 at 1.51 µm and sustains > 1 × 10−4 for a wide bandwidth of 100 nm with a larger core diameter of 26 µm. Elliptical nesting on our proposed structure lowers the confinement loss to 0.007 dB/m at 1.51 µm and maintains a loss of < 1 dB/m for a wide range of 210 nm. A polarization extinction ratio of 300 and higher order mode extinction ratio of 63, for our fiber, ensure a single polarization and single mode operation at 1.51 µm. Moreover, the proposed fiber exhibits a bend robust performance with a very low bend loss of 0.009 dB/m at a small bend radius of 6 cm and sustains a bend loss of < 0.01 dB/m from a bend radius of 4 cm and above. Hence, our presented fiber, containing the above excellent characteristics, may be fruitful for designing polarization-controlled devices (fiber optic sensors, fiber optic amplifiers, fiber optic gyroscope, etc.) in the field of optical communication.
Sleep-promoting neurons remodel their response properties to calibrate sleep drive with environmental demands
Authors: Dissel Stephane , Klose Markus K. , van Swinderen Bruno , Cao Lijuan , Ford Melanie , Periandri Erica M. , Jones Joseph D. , Li Zhaoyi , Shaw Paul J.
Published: September 2022

Falling asleep at the wrong time can place an individual at risk of immediate physical harm. However, not sleeping degrades cognition and adaptive behavior. To understand how animals match sleep need with environmental demands, we used live-brain imaging to examine the physiological response properties of the dorsal fan-shaped body (dFB) following interventions that modify sleep (sleep deprivation, starvation, time-restricted feeding, memory consolidation) in Drosophila. We report that dFB neurons change their physiological response-properties to dopamine (DA) and allatostatin-A (AstA) in response to different types of waking. That is, dFB neurons are not simply passive components of a hard-wired circuit. Rather, the dFB neurons intrinsically regulate their response to the activity from upstream circuits. Finally, we show that the dFB appears to contain a memory trace of prior exposure to metabolic challenges induced by starvation or time-restricted feeding. Together, these data highlight that the sleep homeostat is plastic and suggests an underlying mechanism.
Generative and interpretable machine learning for aptamer design and analysis of in vitro sequence selection
Authors: Di Gioacchino Andrea , Procyk Jonah , Molari Marco , Schreck John S. , Zhou Yu , Liu Yan , Monasson Rémi , Cocco Simona , Šulc Petr
Published: September 2022

Selection protocols such as SELEX, where molecules are selected over multiple rounds for their ability to bind to a target of interest, are popular methods for obtaining binders for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. We show that Restricted Boltzmann Machines (RBMs), an unsupervised two-layer neural network architecture, can successfully be trained on sequence ensembles from single rounds of SELEX experiments for thrombin aptamers. RBMs assign scores to sequences that can be directly related to their fitnesses estimated through experimental enrichment ratios. Hence, RBMs trained from sequence data at a given round can be used to predict the effects of selection at later rounds. Moreover, the parameters of the trained RBMs are interpretable and identify functional features contributing most to sequence fitness. To exploit the generative capabilities of RBMs, we introduce two different training protocols: one taking into account sequence counts, capable of identifying the few best binders, and another based on unique sequences only, generating more diverse binders. We then use RBMs model to generate novel aptamers with putative disruptive mutations or good binding properties, and validate the generated sequences with gel shift assay experiments. Finally, we compare the RBM’s performance with different supervised learning approaches that include random forests and several deep neural network architectures.
Gap junctions mediate discrete regulatory steps during fly spermatogenesis
Authors: Pesch Yanina-Yasmin , Dang Vivien , Fairchild Michael John , Islam Fayeza , Camp Darius , Kaur Priya , Smendziuk Christopher M. , Messenberg Anat , Carr Rosalyn , McFarlane Ciaran R. , Musso Pierre-Yves , Van Petegem Filip , Tanentzapf Guy
Published: September 2022

Gametogenesis requires coordinated signaling between germ cells and somatic cells. We previously showed that Gap junction (GJ)-mediated soma-germline communication is essential for fly spermatogenesis. Specifically, the GJ protein Innexin4/Zero population growth (Zpg) is necessary for somatic and germline stem cell maintenance and differentiation. It remains unknown how GJ-mediated signals regulate spermatogenesis or whether the function of these signals is restricted to the earliest stages of spermatogenesis. Here we carried out comprehensive structure/function analysis of Zpg using insights obtained from the protein structure of innexins to design mutations aimed at selectively perturbing different regulatory regions as well as the channel pore of Zpg. We identify the roles of various regulatory sites in Zpg in the assembly and maintenance of GJs at the plasma membrane. Moreover, mutations designed to selectively disrupt, based on size and charge, the passage of cargos through the Zpg channel pore, blocked different stages of spermatogenesis. Mutations were identified that progressed through early germline and soma development, but exhibited defects in entry to meiosis or sperm individualisation, resulting in reduced fertility or sterility. Our work shows that specific signals that pass through GJs regulate the transition between different stages of gametogenesis.
Health related quality of life among adult hypertensive patients on treatment in Dessie City, Northeast Ethiopia
Authors: Adamu Kidist , Feleke Amsalu , Muche Amare , Yasin Toyeb , Mekonen Asnakew Molla , Chane Muluken Genetu , Eshete Sisay , Mohammed Anisa , Endawkie Abel , Fentaw Zinabu
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Hypertension is one global public health emergency disease, and is one of the most critical factors for chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, arrhythmias, heart failure, and renal diseases. Hypertension affects quality of life of patients, however there is limited evidence on the factors that affect health related quality of life among hypertensive patients. As a result, the purpose of this study is to look into factors that affect the health-related quality of life of adult hypertensive patients.

Methods

An institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted in Dessie City public health facilities from March to April 2021 with the total samples size of 376 hypertensive patients. Simple random sampling technique was employed to select study participants. World health organization health related quality of life 26 items were used to measure outcome variable. Simple linear regression analysis was done and forwarded to multivariable linear regression analysis at p-value<0.2. In multivariable linear regression analysis variables whose p-value less than 0.05 at 95% confidence interval with unstandardized β-coefficient were declared as statistically significant.

Results

A total of 360 hypertensive patients were included in the study. The mean scores of physical, psychological, social and environmental domains were 42.93, SD (18.86), 51.78, SD (20.40), 57.31, SD (20.20) and 48.15, SD (16.26), respectively. Age, duration of antihypertensive treatment, low social support, physical inactivity, co-morbidity, being widow, khat chewing, and being single had a significant association with lower health related quality of life.

Conclusion and recommendations

The health-related quality of life of hypertensive patients were found low in all domains. The findings indicate the necessity for health professionals, government, non-governmental organizations and community to pay more attention to patients’ quality of life, seeking changes in the therapeutic approach in general.
Cost-utility analysis of robotic-assisted radical cystectomy for bladder cancer compared to open radical cystectomy in the United Kingdom
Authors: Machleid Felix , Ho-Wrigley Jenessa , Chowdhury Ameera , Paliah Anita , Poon Ho Lam , Pizzo Elena
Published: September 2022

Background

Bladder cancer is the tenth most common cancer in the United Kingdom. Currently, open radical cystectomy (ORC) is the gold standard. Due to the risk of complications and a 2.3-8% mortality rate1, there is growing interest in the use of robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC). The aim of this study is to perform a cost-utility analysis, comparing RARC to ORC for bladder cancer patients from the perspective of the National Health Service England.

Methods

A three-stage decision tree: surgery, post-surgery transfusions and complications, in a 90-day time horizon, was produced to simulate possible pathways of patients. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was calculated based on data derived from current literature. Multiple univariate sensitivity analysis was carried out to evaluate influences of varying costs of RARC and ORC on the ICER.

Results

The ICER for RARC compared to ORC resulted in £25,536/QALY. At the lower threshold of £20,000/QALY, RARC resulted in a negative NMB (£-4,843.32) and at the upper threshold of £30,000/QALY, a positive NMB (£624.61) compared to ORC. Threshold analysis showed that the intervention costs of £13,497 and £14,403 are met at the lower and upper threshold respectively. The univariate sensitivity analysis showed that the intervention costs of RARC or ORC, and the probabilities of complications, had the greatest impact on the ICER.

Conclusion

As the resultant ICER did not fall below the £20,000/QALY threshold, our study did not provide a definitive recommendation for RARC for bladder cancer. Negative values for the NMB at the lower threshold indicated the intervention was not feasible from a cost perspective. At the upper threshold of £30,000/QALY, this situation was reversed. The intervention became cost-effective. Therefore, further research is needed to justify the intervention.
Fusion peptide constructs from antigens of M. tuberculosis producing high T-cell mediated immune response
Authors: Arif Shaista , Akhter Mohsina , Khaliq Aasia , Akhtar Muhammad Waheed
Published: September 2022

Non availability of effective anti-TB vaccine impedes TB control which remains a crucial global health issue. A fusion molecule based on immunogenic antigens specific to different growth phases of Mycobacterium tuberculosis can enhance T-cell responses required for developing a potent vaccine. In this study, six antigens including EspC, TB10.4, HspX, PPE57, CFP21 and Rv1352 were selected for constructing EspC-TB10.4 (bifu25), TnCFP21-Rv1352 (bifu29), HspX-EspC-TB10.4 (trifu37), HspX-TnCFP21-Rv1352 (trifu44) and HspX-EspC-TB10.4-PPE57 (tetrafu56) fusion proteins. Th1-cell epitopes of EspC, PPE57 and Rv1352 antigens were predicted for the first time using different in silico tools. The fusion molecule tetrafu56, which consisted of antigens from both the replicating and the dormant stages of Mtb, induced a release of 397 pg/mL of IFN-γ from PBMCs of the active TB patients. This response was comparable to the response obtained with cocktail of the component antigens (396 pg/mL) as well as to the total of the responses obtained separately for each of its component antigens (388 pg/mL). However, PBMCs from healthy samples in response to tetrafu56 showed IFN-γ release of only 26.0 pg/mL Thus a previous exposure of PBMCs to Mtb antigens in TB plasma samples resulted in 15-fold increase in IFN-γ response to tetrafu56 as compared to the PBMCs from the healthy controls. Hence, most of the T-cell epitopes of the individual antigens seem to be available for T-cell interactions in the form of the fusion. Further investigation in animal models should substantiate the immune efficacy of the fusion molecule. Thus, the fusion tetrafu56 seems to be a potential candidate for developing an effective multistage vaccine against TB.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on human-nature relations in a remote nature-based tourism destination
Authors: Mul Evert , Ancin Murguzur Francisco Javier , Hausner Vera Helene
Published: September 2022

Tourism and nature-based recreation has changed dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic. Travel restrictions caused sharp declines in visitation numbers, particularly in remote areas, such as northern Norway. In addition, the pandemic may have altered human-nature relationships by changing visitor behaviour and preferences. We studied visitor numbers and behaviour in northern Norway, based on user-generated data, in the form of photographic material that was uploaded to the popular online platform Flickr. A total of 195.200 photographs, taken by 5.247 photographers were subjected to Google’s “Cloud Vision” automatic content analysis algorithm. The resulting collection of labels that were assigned to each photograph was analysed in structural topic models, using photography date (relative to the start of the pandemic measures in Norway) and reported or estimated photographers’ nationality as explanatory variables. Our results show that nature-based recreation relating to “mountains” and “winter” became more prevalent during the pandemic, amongst both domestic and international photographers. Shifts in preferences due to the pandemic outbreak strongly depended on nationality, with domestic visitors demonstrating a wide interest in topics while international visitors maintained their preference for nature-based experiences. Among those activities that suffered the most from decline in international tourism was northern lights and cruises as indicated by the topic models. On the other hand, images depicting mountains and flora and fauna increased their prevalence during the pandemic. Domestic visitors, on the other hand, spent more time in urban settings as a result of restrictions, which results in a higher prevalence of non-nature related images. Our results underscore the need to consider the dynamic nature of human-nature relationships. The contrast in flexibility to adapt to changing conditions and travel restrictions should be incorporated in collaborative efforts of municipalities and tour operators to develop sustainable local nature-based tourism products, particularly in remote areas.
Hydroxychloroquine/chloroquine for the treatment of hospitalized patients with COVID-19: An individual participant data meta-analysis
Authors: Di Stefano Leon , Ogburn Elizabeth L. , Ram Malathi , Scharfstein Daniel O. , Li Tianjing , Khanal Preeti , Baksh Sheriza N. , McBee Nichol , Gruber Joshua , Gildea Marianne R. , Clark Megan R. , Goldenberg Neil A. , Bennani Yussef , Brown Samuel M. , Buckel Whitney R. , Clement Meredith E. , Mulligan Mark J. , O’Halloran Jane A. , Rauseo Adriana M. , Self Wesley H. , Semler Matthew W. , Seto Todd , Stout Jason E. , Ulrich Robert J. , Victory Jennifer , Bierer Barbara E. , Hanley Daniel F. , Freilich Daniel ,   on behalf of the Pandemic Response COVID-19 Research Collaboration Platform for HCQ/CQ Pooled Analyses
Published: September 2022

Background

Results from observational studies and randomized clinical trials (RCTs) have led to the consensus that hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and chloroquine (CQ) are not effective for COVID-19 prevention or treatment. Pooling individual participant data, including unanalyzed data from trials terminated early, enables more detailed investigation of the efficacy and safety of HCQ/CQ among subgroups of hospitalized patients.

Methods

We searched ClinicalTrials.gov in May and June 2020 for US-based RCTs evaluating HCQ/CQ in hospitalized COVID-19 patients in which the outcomes defined in this study were recorded or could be extrapolated. The primary outcome was a 7-point ordinal scale measured between day 28 and 35 post enrollment; comparisons used proportional odds ratios. Harmonized de-identified data were collected via a common template spreadsheet sent to each principal investigator. The data were analyzed by fitting a prespecified Bayesian ordinal regression model and standardizing the resulting predictions.

Results

Eight of 19 trials met eligibility criteria and agreed to participate. Patient-level data were available from 770 participants (412 HCQ/CQ vs 358 control). Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. We did not find evidence of a difference in COVID-19 ordinal scores between days 28 and 35 post-enrollment in the pooled patient population (odds ratio, 0.97; 95% credible interval, 0.76–1.24; higher favors HCQ/CQ), and found no convincing evidence of meaningful treatment effect heterogeneity among prespecified subgroups. Adverse event and serious adverse event rates were numerically higher with HCQ/CQ vs control (0.39 vs 0.29 and 0.13 vs 0.09 per patient, respectively).

Conclusions

The findings of this individual participant data meta-analysis reinforce those of individual RCTs that HCQ/CQ is not efficacious for treatment of COVID-19 in hospitalized patients.
Maize variety preferences among smallholder farmers in Ethiopia: Implications for demand-led breeding and seed sector development
Authors: Marenya Paswel , Wanyama Rosina , Alemu Solomon , Westengen Ola , Jaleta Moti
Published: September 2022

Among smallholder maize farmers in Ethiopia (and similar areas in Africa), yield and stress tolerance traits in maize varieties are important. While high yields remain a major objective, breeding and seed system development programs are increasingly based on the recognition that farmers also have an interest in other agronomic and consumption traits. In this paper we illustrate these issues by measuring the trade-offs farmers may be willing to make for specific traits in the mid-altitude maize markets in Ethiopia. Based on Choice Experiments among 1499 respondents, we estimate the preference for a set of agronomic and consumption traits relative to yield. by capturing farmers’ “willingness to sacrifice yield”. The results suggest a significant willingness to sacrifice yield for drought tolerance among both male and female household members, but not for early maturity per se. There was also a high willingness to sacrifice yields for plant architecture traits like closed tip and lodging resistance among male participants, but not among females. Heterogeneity in responses according to gender, education and land area under maize cultivation suggests that market segmentation is necessary for seed system development to become more demand-led and inclusive. Final and realistic segmentation will depend on the commercial viability or social impact potential of each segment.
Deep fusion of gray level co-occurrence matrices for lung nodule classification
Authors: Saihood Ahmed , Karshenas Hossein , Nilchi Ahmad Reza Naghsh
Published: September 2022

Lung cancer is a serious threat to human health, with millions dying because of its late diagnosis. The computerized tomography (CT) scan of the chest is an efficient method for early detection and classification of lung nodules. The requirement for high accuracy in analyzing CT scan images is a significant challenge in detecting and classifying lung cancer. In this paper, a new deep fusion structure based on the long short-term memory (LSTM) has been introduced, which is applied to the texture features computed from lung nodules through new volumetric grey-level-co-occurrence-matrices (GLCMs), classifying the nodules into benign, malignant, and ambiguous. Also, an improved Otsu segmentation method combined with the water strider optimization algorithm (WSA) is proposed to detect the lung nodules. WSA-Otsu thresholding can overcome the fixed thresholds and time requirement restrictions in previous thresholding methods. Extended experiments are used to assess this fusion structure by considering 2D-GLCM based on 2D-slices and approximating the proposed 3D-GLCM computations based on volumetric 2.5D-GLCMs. The proposed methods are trained and assessed through the LIDC-IDRI dataset. The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity obtained for 2D-GLCM fusion are 94.4%, 91.6%, and 95.8%, respectively. For 2.5D-GLCM fusion, the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity are 97.33%, 96%, and 98%, respectively. For 3D-GLCM, the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the proposed fusion structure reached 98.7%, 98%, and 99%, respectively, outperforming most state-of-the-art counterparts. The results and analysis also indicate that the WSA-Otsu method requires a shorter execution time and yields a more accurate thresholding process.
Nurses’, patients’, and informal caregivers’ attitudes toward aggression in psychiatric hospitals: A comparative survey study
Authors: Välimäki Maritta , Lam Joyce , Bressington Daniel , Cheung Teris , Wong Wai Kit , Cheng Po Yee Ivy , Ng Chi Fai , Ng Tony , Yam Chun Pong , Ip Glendy , Paul Lee , Lantta Tella
Published: September 2022

Attitudes toward aggression is a controversial phenomenon in psychiatry. This study examined and compared attitudes toward patient aggression in psychiatric hospitals from the perspectives of nurses, patients and informal caregivers and identified factors associated to these attitudes. A total of 2,424 participants completed a self-reported instrument regarding attitudes toward aggression (12-items Perception of Aggression Scale; POAS-S). We analysed data from nurses (n = 782), patients (n = 886), and informal caregivers (n = 765). Pearson’s r correlations were used to examine associations between variables. Differences between group scores were analysed using ANOVA/MANOVA with post-hoc Sheffe tests. Multivariate logistic regression models and logistic regression analysis were used to examine the effects of respondents’ characteristics on their attitudes toward aggression. Nurses had significantly more negative and less tolerant perceptions toward aggression (mean [SD] 47.1 [7.5], p<0.001) than the patients (mean [SD] 44.4 [8.2]) and the informal caregivers (mean [SD] 45.0 [6.9), according to the POAS-S total scores. The same trend was found with the dysfunction and function sub-scores (mean [SD] 25.3 [4.1] and 15.0 [3.6], respectively); the differences between the groups were statistically significant (p <0.001) when nurses’ scores were compared to those of both the patients (mean [SD] 23.7 [5.3] and 14.0 [4.1], respectively) and the informal caregivers (mean [SD] 24.4 [4.2] and 13.9 [3.5], respectively). The study offers new understanding of aggressive behavior in different treatment settings where attitudes toward patient behavior raises ethical and practical dilemmas. These results indicate a need for more targeted on-the-job training for nursing staff, aggression management rehabilitation programs for patients, and peer-support programs for informal caregivers focused on patient aggression.
Factors influencing the practice of Smoking Cessation Assessment and Management among Primary Care Doctors (SCAAM-DOC) in three districts of Malaysia
Authors: Ngee Ling Beatrice Jee , Cheong Ai Theng , Manap Abdul Hadi Abdul
Published: September 2022

Background

Smoking prevalence remains high in Malaysia. Primary care doctors have a good opportunity to motivate the smokers to quit smoking in view of the accessibility of primary healthcare clinics to the public. The objective of this study was to determine the practice of smoking cessation management among primary care doctors and its associated factors.

Methods

A cross-sectional online survey was carried out among 383 medical officers and interns in all government primary healthcare clinics in the district of Petaling, Klang and Hulu Langat from June to August 2020. All doctors were involved in the care of patients for smoking cessation. The knowledge, attitude and practice of smoking cessation management were assessed using a 17-items validated questionnaire which covered the components of 5As (Ask, advise, assess, assist, arrange) and 5Rs (Relevance, risk, reward, roadblocks, repetition). The management of pre-contemplation phase included the components of ask, advise, assess and 5Rs. The management of the contemplation phase included the components of assist and arrange.

Result

The majority of the respondents had poor score of knowledge (62.4%); attitude (58%) and practice (pre-contemplation management:50.9%; contemplation management:75.7%). Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, the significant factors associated with the poor practice of smoking cessation management in the pre-contemplation phase were poor (OR = 2.14, 95% CI 1.11–4.12, p <0.01) or moderate knowledge (OR = 2.50, 95% CI 1.19–5.26, p<0.01), poor attitude (OR = 2.16, 95% CI 1.39–3.37, p<0.01), lacks smoking cessation banners, brochures and leaflets in the clinic (OR = 2.01, 95%CI 1.26–3.19, p<0.01) and lack of nicotine replacement medications (OR = 2.27. 95%CI 1.27–4.06, p<0.01). No significant factors were shown associated with the practice of the contemplation phase.

Conclusion

The majority of primary care doctors had poor knowledge, attitude and practice of smoking cessation management. Factors that had increased the odds of the poor practice of smoking management at the pre-contemplation phase were poor knowledge, poor attitude, and insufficient organizational support for health promotion materials and nicotine replacement medication.
Recovery of neuropsychological function following abstinence from alcohol in adults diagnosed with an alcohol use disorder: Protocol for a systematic review of longitudinal studies
Authors: Powell Anna , Sumnall Harry , Smith Jessica , Kuiper Rebecca , Montgomery Catharine
Published: September 2022

Background

Alcohol use disorders (AUD) associate with structural and functional brain differences, including impairments in neuropsychological functions; however, review level research (largely cross-sectional) is inconsistent with regards to recovery of such functions following abstinence. Such recovery is important, as these impairments associate with treatment outcomes and quality of life.

Objective(s)

To assess neuropsychological function recovery following abstinence in individuals with a clinical AUD diagnosis. The secondary objective is to assess predictors of neuropsychological recovery in AUD.

Methods

Four electronic databases (APA PsycInfo, EBSCO MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Science Core Collection) will be searched between 1999–2022, with search strategies adapted for each source. Study reporting will follow the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Manual for Evidence Synthesis, study quality will be assessed using the JBI Checklist for Cohort Studies. Eligible studies are those with a longitudinal design that assessed neuropsychological recovery following abstinence from alcohol in adults with a clinical diagnosis of AUD. Studies will be excluded if participant group is defined by another or co-morbid condition/injury, or by relapse.

Results

This is an ongoing review. As of July 2022, the review protocol is registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022308686), searches have been conducted, and screening is in progress. Results are predicted to be complete by October 2022.

Conclusions

Comparing data on neuropsychological recovery from AUD will improve understanding of the impact of alcohol on the brain, and the relationship between AUD recovery and quality of life/treatment outcomes. It may provide information that could one day inform aspects of treatment and aftercare (e.g., options for cognitive training of functions that do not improve on their own).
Knowledge of cytomegalovirus infection among women in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Almishaal Ali A.
Published: September 2022

Background

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common intrauterine congenital infection in humans. Worldwide seropositive rates of CMV are considerably high among women of childbearing age. There is currently no optimal drug treatment nor a vaccine for congenital CMV infection and therefore the best available program to date of prevention is practicing standard hygienic measures. The success of this program relies on women’s knowledge of CMV modes of transmissions, and risk and preventative behaviors.

Objective

The current study aims to assess the awareness and knowledge of CMV infection among women in Saudi Arabia.

Method

In this cross-sectional study, an online self-administered questionnaire was distributed to women 18 years of age or older residing in all regions of Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire included questions to assess awareness of CMV, knowledge of symptoms, transmission, and preventative measures of CMV infection.

Results

Out of the 1004 women who completed the questionnaire, self-reported knowledge of CMV was considerably low with only 82 women (8.17%) having heard of CMV infection. Most women reported learning about CMV from the internet and university. In binary logistic analyses, women pursuing studies in healthcare and those working in health professions, as well as those with undergraduate and graduate college degrees were significantly associated with higher knowledge of CMV. Urban area of residence was significantly associated with lower levels of knowledge of CMV. Among women who reported they had heard of CMV, their knowledge of CMV modes of transmission, symptoms, and preventative measures was considerably low. Regarding the transmission route, 23% reported no knowledge of modes of transmission, 59.75% reported mother-to-child transmission, 48.78% reported sexual intercourse, and 45% reported contact with body fluids of an infected person. Regarding knowledge of symptoms of congenital CMV, mental retardation and death were the most commonly reported clinical presentations.

Conclusion

The current study showed that the overall knowledge of CMV is very low among women in Saudi Arabia. Working in the healthcare field and higher education levels were significantly associated with better knowledge of CMV. It is crucial that women are provided with information regarding CMV-associated complications and preventative measures against mother-to-fetus transmission of CMV.
A transcriptome-wide association study of uterine fibroids to identify potential genetic markers and toxic chemicals
Authors: Kim Gayeon , Jang Gyuyeon , Song Jaeseung , Kim Daeun , Lee Sora , Joo Jong Wha J. , Jang Wonhee
Published: September 2022

Uterine fibroid is one of the most prevalent benign tumors in women, with high socioeconomic costs. Although genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified several loci associated with uterine fibroid risks, they could not successfully interpret the biological effects of genomic variants at the gene expression levels. To prioritize uterine fibroid susceptibility genes that are biologically interpretable, we conducted a transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS) by integrating GWAS data of uterine fibroid and expression quantitative loci data. We identified nine significant TWAS genes including two novel genes,RP11-282O18.3andKBTBD7, which may be causal genes for uterine fibroid. We conducted functional enrichment network analyses using the TWAS results to investigate the biological pathways in which the overall TWAS genes were involved. The results demonstrated the immune system process to be a key pathway in uterine fibroid pathogenesis. Finally, we carried out chemical–gene interaction analyses using the TWAS results and the comparative toxicogenomics database to determine the potential risk chemicals for uterine fibroid. We identified five toxic chemicals that were significantly associated with uterine fibroid TWAS genes, suggesting that they may be implicated in the pathogenesis of uterine fibroid. In this study, we performed an integrative analysis covering the broad application of bioinformatics approaches. Our study may provide a deeper understanding of uterine fibroid etiologies and informative notifications about potential risk chemicals for uterine fibroid.
Better sturdy or slender? Eurasian otter skull plasticity in response to feeding ecology
Authors: Russo Luca Francesco , Meloro Carlo , De Silvestri Mara , Chadwick Elizabeth A. , Loy Anna
Published: September 2022

Otters are semi-aquatic mammals specialized in feeding on aquatic prey. The Eurasian otterLutra lutrais the most widely distributed otter species. Despite a low degree of genetic variation across its European range, the population from Great Britain exhibits distinct genetic structuring. We examined 43 skulls of adult Eurasian otters belonging to 18 sampling localities and three genetic clusters (Shetlands, Wales and Scotland). For each sample location, information regarding climate was described using bioclimatic variables from WorldClim, and information on otter diet was extracted from the literature. By using photogrammetry, 3D models were obtained for each skull. To explore any evidence of adaptive divergence within these areas we used a three dimensional geometric morphometric approach to test differences in skull size and shape between areas with genetically distinct populations, as well as the influence of diet, isolation by distance and climate. Males were significantly larger in skull size than females across all the three genetic clusters. Skull shape, but not size, appeared to differ significantly among genetic clusters, with otters from Shetland exhibiting wider zygomatic arches and longer snouts compared to otters from Wales, whereas otters from Scotland displayed intermediate traits. A significant relationship could also be found between skull shape variation, diet as well as climate. Specifically, otters feeding on freshwater fish had more slender and short-snouted skulls compared to otters feeding mostly on marine fish. Individuals living along the coast are characterised by a mixed feeding regime based on marine fish and crustaceans and their skull showed an intermediate shape. Coastal and island otters also had larger orbits and eyes more oriented toward the ground, a larger nasal cavity, and a larger distance between postorbital processes and zygomatic arch. These functional traits could also represent an adaptation to favour the duration and depth of diving, while the slender skull of freshwater feeding otters could improve the hydrodynamics.