bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
12-weeks of Slow Breathing Exercises Reduces Blood Pressure among Healthy Normotensive Subjects
Authors: Gamboa Alfredo , Nian Hui , Smith Emily , Paranjape Sachin , Abraham Robert , Diedrich Andre , Birdee Gurjeet
Published: February 2024

Slow breathing exercises are a key component to many mind-body practices and have been shown to reduce blood pressure acutely. Long-term effects on blood pressure and autonomic tone are not well documented. We studied 99 healthy participants (41 ± 4 years, 76% female) who performed slow breathing exercises for 12 weeks and examined the effect of slow breathing on systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and autonomic tone. At baseline average BP was 105 ± 11/67 ± 8 mmHg. Among the 11 participants with elevated blood pressure, BP was 126 ± 11.0/ 80 ± 5 mmHg. SBP and DBP decreased significantly (-2.4 ± 7.3 and − 1.6 ± 5.5 mmHg, respectively) at 12 weeks among all participants. Blood pressure among slow breathing participants with elevated baseline SBP > 120 mmHg and/or DBP > 90mmHg reduced further ( -10.3 ± 7.9 and − 3.8 ± 5.5 mmHg, respectively). In our regression model, baseline SBP was associated with further decreases in SBP from baseline to 12 weeks. No significant changes were observed from baseline to 12 weeks in autonomic tone as measured with spectral analyses, catecholamines, standing stress test, respiratory sinus arrhythmia, and Valsalva maneuver. Nor were there any observed correlations between changes in blood pressure and autonomic tone. In conclusion, 12-weeks of slow breathing exercises resulted in clinically significant reduction of blood pressure in the absence of statistically significant changes in autonomic tone. Further research into the mechanisms of slow breathing on blood pressure regulation and efficacy for hypertension.
Quality and Content Assessment of Internet Information on Nasoalveolar Molding
Authors: Eglenen Merve Nur , Arslan Can , Cakan Derya Germec
Published: February 2024

Background
To evaluate the quality and content of websites related to nasoalveolar molding (NAM).
Methods
A systematic Internet search was conducted using the keywords "nasoalveolar molding" and "presurgical nasoalveolar molding" determined through Google Trends and popular search engines: GoogleTM, YAHOO!® and Yandex®. The top 50 websites were evaluated for each keyword and search engine. Repetitive websites, advertisements, scientific articles, and irrelevant websites were excluded from the study. The remaining 40 websites were evaluated using JAMA benchmarks, HON criteria, DISCERN, and EQIP tools.
Results
75% of websites were created for informational purposes, and the remaining websites were created for clinical promotion and advertising. According to DISCERN, only 2.5% of the sites were classified as excellent (63 points): 7.5% very weak (16–26 points), 22.5% weak (27–38 points), 40% moderate (39–50 points), and 27.5% good (51 points-62 points).
Conclusions
Internet information on NAM was generally at a moderate to poor level in terms of quality and content. In this regard, patients should be informed about the limits of their Internet information, and the Internet content that patients can obtain information should be increased.
Characteristics of attrition within the SuperMIX cohort of people who inject drugs: A multiple event discrete-time survival analysis
Authors: Abdelsalam Shady , Agius Paul A , Sacks-Davis Rachel , Roxburgh Amanda , Livingston Michael , Maher Lisa , Hickman Matthew , Dietze Paul
Published: February 2024

Background
Compared to the general population, people who inject drugs have poor health and wellbeing. Longitudinal studies can provide insight into factors driving these worse health outcomes but are subject to methodological challenges, such as cohort attrition. The aim of this study was to assess and characterise attrition in a prospective cohort of people who inject drugs in Victoria, Australia.
Methods
Using annually collected self-reported data from The Melbourne Injecting Drug User Cohort Study (SuperMIX) from September 2008 to January 2021, we estimated the incidence of participants being lost-to-follow-up (LTFU), with an episode of being LTFU defined as participants not undertaking a follow-up interview within two years of their last interview. We utilised a multiple event discrete-time survival analysis on participant period-observation data to estimate the associations between key factors and LTFU. Key areas of exposure measurement in analyses were sociodemographic, drug use and mental health.
Results
A total of n=1328 SuperMIX participants completed a baseline interview, with n=489 (36.8%) LTFU, i.e. not completing a follow up interview in the following two years. Increased attrition was observed among SuperMIX participants who were: born outside Australia, younger than 30 years, reporting having completed fewer years of education, not residing in stable accommodation, not in stable employment and not on opioid agonist therapy (OAT).
Conclusions
The attrition rate of the SuperMIX cohort has largely been stable throughout the duration of the study. Higher attrition rates among individuals at greater sociodemographic disadvantage and not on OAT suggest that additional efforts are required to retain these participants. Findings also suggest that SuperMIX might not be capturing data on adverse health and wellbeing outcomes among individuals at greatest risk of harm.
Modeling the Dynamic Behaviors of Bank Account Fraudsters Using Combined Simultaneous Game Theory with Neural Networks
Authors: USMAN A.U. , Abdullahi S. B. , Ran J. , Liping Y. , Suleiman A.A. , Daud H. , Ishaq A.I. , Sokkalingam R.
Published: February 2024

New bank account fraud is a significant problem causing financial losses in banking and finance. Existing statistical and machine-learning methods were used to detect fraud thereby preventing financial losses. However, most studies do not consider the dynamic behavior of fraudsters and often produce a high False Positive Rate (FPR). This study proposes the detection of new bank account fraud in the context of simultaneous game theory (SGT) with Neural Networks, the SGT involves two players, a fraudster, and bank officials attacking each other through Bayesian probability in a zero-sum. The influence of outliers within the SGT was tackled by adding a context feature for effective simulation of the dynamic behavior of fraudsters. The Neural Networks layer uses the simulated features for fraud context learning. The study is validated using Bank Account Fraud (BAF) Dataset on different machine-learning models. The Radial Basis Function Networks achieved FPR of 0.0% and 8.3% for fraud and non-fraud classes, respectively, while achieving True Positive Rate (TPR) of 91.7% and 100.0% for fraud and non-fraud classes, respectively. An improved Radial Basis Function Networks detect fraud by revealing fraudulent patterns and dynamic behaviors in higher dimensional data. The findings will enhance fraud detection and reduce customer attrition.
Isolated Pulmonary Arteriovenous Fistula Related Stroke with Large Vessel Occlusions Successfully Recanalized by Recombinant Tissue Plasminogen Activator： a case report
Authors: Zhang Meixia , Pan Xiaoling , Chen Hongfang
Published: February 2024

Background: Pulmonary arteriovenous fistula (PAVF) induced paradoxical embolism leading to stroke is rare, especially large vessel occlusions. We presented a case of a 69-year-old female with middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion, initially responsive to thrombolysis.
Case Presentation: The patient presented with sudden-onset aphasia, resolving partially but recurring. Imaging revealed left MCA occlusion and carotid stenosis. After recombinant tissue plasminogen activator use, left MCA completely recanalized and carotid stenosis dicovered. Trans‑cranial Doppler with positive bubble test discovered a significant right-to-left shunt and chest CT angiography suggested the formation of PAVFin the lower lobe of the right lung.
Discussion: Although rare, PAVF is a potentially fatal but treatable cause of stroke. Even in large vessel occlusions patients, when considering embolic stroke of undetermined source, it is crucial to consider PAVF as a rare underlying cause.
Predicting survival in myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms with SF3B1 mutation and thrombocytosis
Authors: Xiao Zhijian , Li Fuhui , Qin Tiejun , Li Bing , Qu Shiqiang , Pan Lijuan , Zhang Peihong , Sun Qi , Cai Wenyu , GAO QINGYAN , Jiao Meng , Ai Xiaofei , Ma Jiao , Gale Robert Peter , Xu Zefeng
Published: February 2024

We interrogated data from 180 consecutive subjects with myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasm with SF3B1 mutation and thrombocytosis (MDS/MPN-SF3B1-T) diagnosed according to the 2022 World Health Organization (WHO) classification of myeloid neoplasms to identify co-variates associated with survival. At a median follow-up of 45 months (Inter-Quartile Range [IQR], 19–73 months), median survival was 70 months (95% Confidence Interval [CI], 57, 84 months). Subjects with bone marrow ring sideroblasts < 15% had briefer median survival compared with those in whom it was ≥ 15% (41 months [32, 50 months] versus 80 months [63, 97 months]; P = 0.003). In multi-variable analyses, age ≥ 65 years (P = 0.005), haemoglobin concentration < 80 g/L (P = 0.008), platelet concentration ≥ 800×10E + 9/L (P = 0.02), bone marrow ring sideroblasts < 15% (P = 0.007), complex cytogenetics (P = 0.04) and SETBP1 mutation (P = 0.004) were independently associated with worse survival. Using these data we divided subjects into 3 risk cohorts: (1) low- (N = 77; median 96 months [72, 120 months]); (2) intermediate- (N = 70; median 56 months [32, 80 months]); and (3) high-risk (N = 7; median 17 months [15, 19 months]; All pairwise comparisons P < 0.0001). Our model, if validated, should help physicians estimate survival in persons with MDS/MPN-SF3B1-T in the 2022 WHO classification.
Silencing lncRNA TUG1 inhibits osteo/odontogenic differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway
Authors: Sun Linghan , Jiang Yaxin , Li Shoucheng , Zhang Hua , Feng Hao
Published: February 2024

Background
Human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs), a type of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), can be induced to various tissues under appropriate conditions. LncRNA TUG1 has been shown to exert promoting effect on osteogenic differentiation, while its role in osteo/odontogenic differentiation of hDPSCs remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the role of TUG1 during osteo/odontogenic differentiation of hDPSCs.
Materials and methods
The hDPSCs were characterized and identified using flow cytometry and assessment of their multidirectional differentiation capabilities. TUG1 knockdown was achieved by lentivirus-mediated TUG1 short hairpin RNA (shRNA) and confirmed by qRT-PCR. The osteo/odontogenic ability was evaluated by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, alizarin red S (ARS) staining, qRT-PCR, and western blot. Lithium chloride (LiCl) was used as an agonist of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
Results
The hDPSCs were characterized by flow cytometry and multidirectional differentiation experiments successfully. The expression of TUG1 was upregulated during the process of the osteo/odontogenic differentiation of hDPSCs. Knockdown of TUG1 attenuated the osteo/odontogenic potential of hDPSCs and decreased the expression of DSPP, DMP-1, Runx2, OCN and OPN. Besides, silencing of TUG1 significantly reduced the levels of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway related marker proteins, Wnt3a and β-catenin, while activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling by LiCl markedly reversed the inhibitory effect of TUG1 silencing on the osteo/odontogenic differentiation of hDPSCs.
Conclusion
Our results imply that TUG1 might function through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway to promote the osteo/odontogenic differentiation of hDPSCs.
Causality between ageing and 24 gastrointestinal diseases: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Ren Yao , He Lei , Li Hongxia
Published: February 2024

Purpose
The relationship between aging and gastrointestinal diseases has not been extensively studied. This study aims to investigate the correlation between various proxies of aging and the risk of 24 gastrointestinal diseases using a Mendelian randomization approach.
Methods
The latest genome-wide association studies were used to collect summary data on telomere length, 4 epigenetic clocks ( like the Horvathage clock) and 24 gastrointestinal diseases (like gastric cancer). The instrumental variables were obtained from the summary data on exposure based on assumptions of correlation, independence and exclusivity.. Causal inferences were made using three methods of Mendelian randomization (such as inverse variance weighting). Four sensitivity analyses were used to assess the results' credibility.
Result
The analysis using inverse variance weighting indicates that longer telomere length is association with a lower risk of alcoholic liver disease and cirrhosis. (P = 0.009, P = 0.01), but a higher risk of cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, and pancreatic cancer (P = 0.006, P = 0.049, P = 0.028). Additionally, the genetically predicted HorvathAge acceleration was found to reduce the risk of developing chronic gastritis and gastric cancer (P = 0.003, P = 0.038). The analysis of reverse MR did not indicate any reverse causality for the aforementioned results. The presence of Celiac disease and ulcerative colitis may shorten telomere length (P < 0.001, P = 0.016), while the presence of Celiac disease may accelerate GrimAge and PhenoAge (P = 0.045, P = 0.032). Additionally, the presence of Cholangitis may accelerate GrimAge and HannumAge (P = 0.004, P = 0.008).
Conclusion
Telomere length was found to reduce the risk of alcoholic liver disease and cirrhosis, but increase the risk of gallstone disease, cholecystitis and pancreatic cancer. Additionally, genetically predicted HorvathAge acceleration was associated with a decreased risk of chronic gastritis and gastric cancer. Telomere length (TL) and epigenetic clock (EC) are two independent biomarkers of aging, therefore further research is needed to investigate the relationship between aging and the genetic predisposition to gastrointestinal diseases.
Effect of Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) Application on Aggregate Stability and Permeability Parameters of Soil with Different Alkalinity Levels
Authors: EGRICAYIR Aysun , OZTAS Taskin
Published: February 2024

Soil alkalinity is an important soil degradation process that leads to deterioration of soil structure. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a synthetic organic polymer, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), on structural improvement of soils treated with sodium for creating different alkalinity levels. The PVA was applied at w/w ratios of 0.001, 0.003 and 0.005 on a weight basis to the soil samples, which were previously brought to three different exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) levels (10%, 20% and 40%) by NaCl application. Aggregate stability, water and air permeability of the PVA treated soil samples were measured and compared with the control group samples. As the ESP values of the soil samples increased, aggregate stability and water permeability decreased significantly, but the effect of ESP on the air permeability value was found to be insignificant. By applying PVA to soil samples at different alkalinity levels, a 27% increase in aggregate stability and a 438% increase in water permeability was achieved even at the lowest PVA dose. The results of this study showed that even very low doses of PVA could be used effectively in improving the degraded structural characteristics of alkaline soils.
Pupal exuviae of Culex pipiens L. (Diptera: Culicidae) can be utilised as a non-invasive method of biotype differentiation.
Authors: Jones Laura , Sanders Christopher , England Marion , Cameron Mary , Carpenter Simon
Published: February 2024

Background
Culex pipiens L. is a principal vector of zoonotic arboviruses in Europe, acting in both an amplification role in enzootic transmission between avian hosts and as a bridge vector between avian hosts and mammals. The species consists of two forms which are indistinguishable using morphological methods but possess varying ecological and physiological traits that influence their vector capacity. In this study we validate methods that can be used to extract trace DNA from single pupal exuviae of Cx. pipiens for use in molecular speciation of samples. These DNA extraction methods are compared using measurement of the nucleic acid concentration and successful identification using a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay.
Results
Genomic DNA was initially extracted from colony-derived individuals using an ethanol precipitation method, two commercially available DNA extraction kits: DNeasy® Blood & Tissue Kit (Qiagen, UK) and Wizard® SV Genomic DNA Purification System (Promega, UK) and a direct real-time PCR method. Time elapsed between eclosion and processing of pupae significantly influenced Culex pipiens form identification as nucleic acid concentration and PCR amplification success decreased with increased time elapsed. Real-time PCR amplification success, however, was not shown to vary significantly between the three extraction methods, with all methods successfully identifying all samples, but the direct real-time PCR method achieved a lesser amplification success rate of 55% (n=20 for each treatment). More variable results were produced when field-derived exuviae were used, with no significant difference in real-time PCR amplification success found across the four methods and a lower overall rate of successful identification of 55-80%.
Conclusions
This study shows that both colony and field derived Cx. pipiens pupal exuviae can be a useful non-invasive source of trace DNA permitting accurate biotype differentiation for up to twenty-four hours post-eclosion. The significance and utility of this technique in ecological and behavioural studies of Cx. pipiens is discussed and recommendations made for use according to experimental scenario.
A model based on Immunogenic cell death-related genes can predict prognosis and drug sensitivity in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Shi Jianfei , Zhang hua , Han Xin , Wang Jinfeng , Han Guangjie , Zhao Man , Duan Xiaoling , Mi Lili , Li Ning , Yin Xiaolei , Li Cuizhen , Yin Fei
Published: February 2024

Background: Immunogenic cell death (ICD) can activate the immune system against cancer in host with immunocompetent. However, the prognostic role of ICD-related genes (IRGs) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unknown.We aimed to establish a prognostic model based on IRGs, and to verify the relationship between this model and the immune microenvironment of HCC, and whether this model can predict the prognosis of patients with HCC.
Methods: The Cancer Genome Atlas-Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma(TCGA-LIHC), and The Liver Cancer, Riken Japan (LIRI-JP) were downloaded via public databases, and 34 IRGs were extracted from the literature. First, consensus clustering analysis was applied in TCGA-LIHC to classified LIHC samples into different clusters based on IRGs. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between LIHC and normal samples in TCGA-LIHC, and DEGs among clusters were respectively sifted out through differential expression analysis, and they were overlapped to obtain IRGs-DEGs. Next, univariate Cox and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analyses were implemented on IRGs-DEGs for identifing prognosis related genes, and HCC samples were divided into high/low risk groups via risk score. Moreover, independent prognostic factors were yielded via univariate and multivariate Cox analyses, and enrichment analysis was applied for exploring biological pathways related to the prognosis model. Finally, the role of prognostic model in immune microenvironment and chemotherapy of HCC were analyzed.
Results: HCC samples were classified into two clusters in the light of IRGs, and cluster2 had a poorer survival state than that of cluster1. Totally 2197 DEGs in TCGA-LIHC and 112 DEGs between clusters were yielded, and they were intersected to get 72 IRGs-DEGs. Six prognosis-related genes, namely KRT20, MMP12, AGR2, CXCL5, CYP3A4, and MAGEA8 were finally identified via univariate Cox and LASSO analyses. Besides, the risk score and grade were found to be correlated with LIHC prognosis. Obviously, the prognostis model was related to immune, and metabolism related pathways like nitrogen metabolism, and adaptive immune response. Moreover, tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion (TIDE) score was sensibly lowly expressed in low risk group, suggesting that low risk group patients were more susceptible to immunotherapy. Ultimatly, high risk group was more sensitive to Camptothecin, Sorafenib and others, while low risk group was more responsive to Veliparib and Dabrafenib.
Conclusion: Through bioinformatic analysis, a prognosis model (contained KRT20, MMP12, AGR2, CXCL5, CYP3A4, and MAGEA8) was constructed in HCC, contributing to studies related to prognosis and treatment of HCC.
Wind tunnel experiment on the footprint of a block-arrayed urban model in a neutrally stratified boundary layer
Authors: JIA HONGYUAN , Lin Chao , Wang Xiang , Kikumoto Hideki
Published: February 2024

This study addresses the need to investigate footprint function features in urban areas and establish a validation database for numerical methods. Concentration and its flux footprints of a block-arrayed urban model were measured in a wind tunnel with a neutrally stratified boundary layer. The velocity and concentration were simultaneously measured by an X-probe hot wire anemometer and a fast-response flame ionization detector to evaluate the vertical flux. Experimental results highlighted the influence of the measurement heights on footprint distributions. Because the sensors were immersed in the roughness sublayer, their footprints showed strong heterogeneity across horizontal positions caused by building configurations. It was found that turbulent flux contributes up to 70% of total flux footprints, emphasizing the importance of accurate turbulent dispersion estimation in numerical methods. Furthermore, measured footprints were compared to those modeled by a widely used analytical method (Kormann and Meixner in Boundary-Layer Meteorol 99:207–224, 2001, https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1018991015119). The measured footprints extended further along the streamwise direction and their spanwise dispersions were constrained by the rows of blocks, which failed to be reproduced in the analytical method. This indicates the significant effects of building configurations on footprint functions in urban areas.
Towards Realist-informed Ripple Effects Mapping: Positioning the approach
Authors: Harris Kevin , Nobles James , Ryan Louis , Szedlak Christoph , Taylor Hannah , Hawkins Rowena , Cline Alice , Smith Elizabeth
Published: February 2024

Background: Evaluation approaches such as ripple effects mapping (REM) and realist evaluation have emerged as popular methodologies to evidence impact, and the processes of change within public health as part of whole systems approaches. Despite the various examples of their implementation across different evaluation settings, there has been little or no evidence of how they might be effective when combined.
Methods: With REM’s potential to pragmatically illustrate impact, and realist evaluation’s strength to identify how and why impacts emerge, this paper develops a rationale and process for their amalgamation. Following this, we outline a realist-informed ripple effects mapping (RREM) protocol that may be suitable for application within evaluation settings in a range of public health, whole system and physical activity settings.
Discussion: Combining these two approaches has the potential to more effectively illuminate the impacts that we see within public health and whole system approaches and initiatives. What is more, given the complexity often imbued within these approaches and initiatives they hold capability for also capturing the causal mechanisms that explain these impacts.
Conclusions: It is our conclusion that when combined, this novel approach may help to inspire future research as well as more effective evaluation of public health and whole system approaches. This is crucial if we are to foster a culture for learning, refinement and reflection.
Prediction Models for Retinopathy of Prematurity Occurrence Based on Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Wu Rong , Chen He , Bai Yichen , Zhang Yu , Feng Songfu , Lu Xiaohe
Published: February 2024

Introduction:
Early prediction and timely treatment are essential for minimizing the odds of visual loss or new onset of blindness of retinopathy of prematurity, emphasizing the importance of ROP screening in clinical routine.
Objective
To establish predictive models for ROP occurrence based on the risk factors using artificial neural network.
Methods
A cohort of 591 infants was recruited in this retrospective study. The association between ROP and perinatal factors was analyzed by univariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression. We developed predictive models for ROP screening using back propagation neural network, which was further optimized by applying genetic algorithm method. To assess the predictive performance of the models, the areas under the curve, sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, positive predictive value and accuracy were used to show the performances of the prediction models.
Results
ROP of any stage was found in 193 (32.7%) infants. Twelve risk factors of ROP were selected. Based on these factors, predictive models were built using BP neural network and genetic algorithm-back propagation (GA-BP) neural network. The areas under the curve for prediction models were 0.857, and 0.908 in test, respectively.
Conclusions
We developed predictive models for ROP using artificial neural network. GA-BP neural network exhibited superior predictive ability for ROP when dealing with its non-linear clinical data.
The Effect of Transrectal Povidone Iodine Use Before Prostate Biopsy Procedure Guided by Transrectal Ultrasound on Postoperative Infectious Complications: A Single-Center Retrospective Study
Authors: BASARANOGLU MERT , BIYIKOGLU MELIH , NEBIOGLU ALI , BOZLU MURAT , AKBAY ERDEM
Published: February 2024

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to assess post-biopsy infectious complications in patients undergoing who underwent transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy (TRUS-Bx) with and without transrectal povidone-iodine application by rectal mucosa cleansing. METHODS: A retrospective review of 118 patients at Mersin University Hospital (September 2022 to September 2023) who underwent TRUS-Bx was conducted. Biopsy indications included abnormal digital rectal exam (DRE) findings with any prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and/or PSA > 4 ng/ml. Patient demographics, comorbidities, PSA levels, prostate volumes, pathology results, D'Amico risk score, and infectious complications were analyzed. All patients received prophylactic cefpodoxime (200 mg orally, twice daily) for five days, starting the day before the procedure. Group 1 (48.3%) received cefpodoxime alone, while Group 2 (51.7%) received both cefpodoxime and transrectal povidone-iodine (50 cc, 15 minutes before the procedure). Hospitalizations post-procedure were noted, with a focus on infectious complication rates. RESULTS: A significant post-procedure increase in white blood cell counts was observed overall (p = 0.004). Within the groups, Group 2 showed a statistically insignificant increase (p = 0.307), while Group 1 exhibited a significant increase (p = 0.003). Leukocyte counts and C-reactive protein values increased significantly after TRUS-Bx, with Group 1 experiencing a substantial increase in leukocyte counts and C-reactive protein levels (p < 0.05). No significant differences existed between the groups in terms of demographics, comorbidities, PSA levels, prostate volumes, pathology results, D'Amico risk score, and cancer detection rates. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to antibiotic prophylaxis, transrectal povidone-iodine application effectively reduced post-biopsy infectious complications. This easily applicable, cost-effective, reliable, and well-tolerated method is recommended for all prostate biopsy procedures.
An autistic student at a Polish university – diagnosis and support
Authors: Baczała Ditta , Gut Arkadiusz , Matulewski Jacek
Published: February 2024

The research project concerns the factors determining the educational and social success of autistic people studying at selected Polish universities and recommendations for adequate students support programs. The project will use a package of psychological and pedagogical tools to diagnose this group of students and collect data, the analysis of which will allow us to know the predictors of success of autistic people studying at selected Polish universities. The collected data will allow the development of a package of solutions to support neurodivergent students in higher education. The article is a presentation of a research project under development.
Precipitation, temperature, and child undernutrition: Evidence from the Mali Demographic and Health Surveys 2012/2013 and 2018
Authors: Tanou Mariam , Kishida Takaaki , Kamiya Yusuke
Published: February 2024

Background
Undernutrition among children remains a severe burden in sub-Saharan Africa. Climate change is viewed as a major obstacle to enhancing children’s nutrition. Mali, a landlocked country in West Africa, has one of the highest prevalence of child undernutrition in the region. This study aimed to assess the effects of precipitation and temperature on child undernutrition in Mali, with a focus on climatic differences between the southern and northern regions.
Methods
We pooled the two most recent cross-sectional datasets from the Mali Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) 2012/2013 and 2018, and combined them with climatic variables at the DHS cluster level. The study included 12,537 children aged under 5 years. We conducted multivariate multilevel logistic regression analyses to estimate the effects of precipitation and temperature on the likelihood of child undernutrition.
Results
The average monthly precipitation during the last year, as well as the in the last two years preceding the survey, was associated with a reduced likelihood of childhood underweight and wasting in the northern part of Mali, predominantly comprising desert areas. Furthermore, we confirmed that an elevated average temperature was correlated with an increased likelihood of childhood stunting and underweight in the northern part.
Conclusions
Precipitation and temperature exerted a substantial impact on the nutritional status of children, particularly in northern Mali. Considering the growing threat of climatic variations, implementing strategies to address climate change, especially in the northern regions, is crucial for enhancing children’s nutrition.
Learning curve of stapled hemorrhoidopexy: analysis using the cumulative summation (CUSUM) method
Authors: Balmaceda Ruben , Affronti Leonardo , Recabarren Martin Galvarini , Cabo Javier Kerman
Published: February 2024

Background: Stapled hemorrhoidopexy (PPH) is a common technique for the treatment of hemorrhoidal prolapse. Although technical factors are determinant in postoperative results, there is little evidence on the learning curve of this technique. The aim of this study is to analyze the learning curve (LC) of the PPH technique using the cumulative summation method (CUSUM).
Methods: Retrospective, analytical study based on a digital survey. The early cases performed by a single surgeon were chronologically ordered. Pre, intra and postoperative variables were analyzed. CUSUM curves were constructed.
Results:Thirty-four patients were included. Three phases were identified by the CUSUM chart of operative time versus chronological order. The first phase had an ascending slope up to surgery number 18, the second phase had a descending slope up to surgery 36, and the third phase was ascending as of surgery number 37 (p<0,001, confidence level 70%). The CUSUM curves for postoperative variables did not show any trends along the learning curve (p<0.05).
Conclusion: The learning curve of the PPH technique using the CUSUM method showed a three-phase curve in terms of operative time, with a decrease between surgeries 1-18, a stabilization in surgeries 19-36 and a new increase as of surgery 37. The CUSUM curves related to pain, complications, recurrence and patient satisfaction do not show any chronologically related trends.
Entropy reduction in human cortical spontaneous activity marks healthy aging
Authors: Chang Da , Zuo Xi-Nian , Wang Xiu
Published: February 2024

Entropy trajectories remain unclear for the aging process of human brain system. We employed the open data from an accelerated longitudinal cohort (PREVENT-AD) including 24 healthy aging participants followed by 4 years with 5 visits per participant to establish the brain entropy aging curves and distinguish with the age and cohort effects. This reveals that global cortical entropy decreased with aging while a significant cohort effect was detectable that people who were born earlier showed higher entropy. Such entropy reduction were also evident for the large-scale networks although with different speeds for different networks: the primary and intermediate networks reduce their entropy faster than the higher-order transmodal networks. We conclude two specific brain entropy features with aging: the shift of the complexity hierarchy of networks and the diversity of complexity increases among networks.
Isoperiodic families of Poncelet polygons inscribed in a circle and circumscribed about conics from a confocal pencil
Authors: Dragovic Vladimir , Radnovic Milena
Published: February 2024

Poncelet polygons inscribed in a circle and circumscribed about conics from a confocal family naturally arise in the analysis of the numerical range and Blaschke products. We examine the behaviour of such polygons when the inscribed conic varies through a confocal pencil and discover cases when each conic from the confocal family is inscribed in an n-polygon, which is inscribed in the circle, with the same n. Complete geometric characterization of such cases for n ϵ {4,6} is given and proved that this cannot happen for other values of n. We establish a relationship of such families of Poncelet quadrangles and hexagons to solutions of a Painlevé VI equation.
AMS subclass: 14H70, 37J70, 34M55, 37A10
Survival benefit of cytoreductive surgery in patients with primary stage IV endometrial cancer: a systematic review & meta-analysis
Authors: Pham Eveline Ngoc Bao , Horeweg Nanda , Marel Jacolien , Nooij Linda Suzanne
Published: February 2024

Background. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the survival outcomes following cytoreductive surgery (CRS) in patients with primary stage IV endometrial cancer (EC). The role of CRS in this context is debatable, given the limited evidence from large studies and the inherent heterogeneity among patients with stage IV EC. Methods. We systematically searched the Cochrane Library, Embase, MEDLINE/PubMed, and Web of Science for original studies reporting survival outcomes of primary stage IV EC after complete, optimal, and incomplete CRS. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) for overall survival (OS) per CRS outcome were calculated using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 and the Q-test. Results. Twelve studies, including 748 patients, were analysed. 187 patients underwent complete CRS, and 146 patients optimal CRS. Ten studies reported a significant OS benefit after complete (18–48 months) and optimal CRS (13–34 months) compared to incomplete CRS (7–19 months). A benefit was also observed in patients with serous EC or extra- abdominal metastasis. Meta-analysis showed improved OS after complete/optimal vs. incomplete CRS (HR = 0.38, 95% CI 0.21–0.69, p = 0.0016). Heterogeneity was substantial between studies (I2 = 76.7%, p < 0.0001). Conclusion. Complete/optimal CRS results in an OS benefit for patients with primary stage IV EC, including serous EC or extra-abdominal metastasis.PROSPERO registration. CRD42022302968 on May 10th, 2022.
Effectiveness of Personalized Rehabilitation in Adults Suffering from Persistent Concussion Symptoms as Compared to Usual Care: A Randomized Control Trial Protocol
Authors: Moser Nicholas , Popovic Milos R. , Kalsi-Ryan Sukhvinder
Published: February 2024

Background
Symptoms reported by patients who sustain a concussion are non-specific. As such, clinicians are better able to manage patients when a standardized clinical exam is performed to sub-type the driver(s) of symptoms. Aerobic exercise and multimodal rehabilitation have consistently shown to be a possibly effective means to manage this population; however, the optimal training prescription is unclear. Thus, there is a need to further examine the effectiveness of personalized rehabilitative treatments.
Our primary aim is to evaluate the response to personalized therapy on recovery, as measured by The Rivermead Post-concussion Symptoms Questionnaire (RPQ) when compared to an active control.
Methods
We will conduct a multi-center 12-week case-crossover randomized controlled trial. 50 participants will be recruited from out-patient University Health Network clinics and community-based clinical practices around the greater Toronto area. Participants will be randomized at baseline to Group A: a personalized care program followed by an active control or Group B: an active control followed by a personalized care program. Participants will be included should they be 21 years of age and older and have symptoms that have persisted beyond 4 weeks but less than 1 year. Participants will undergo 6-weeks of care in their respective streams. After 6-weeks, participants will undergo a re-examination. They will then crossover and undertake the alternative treatment for 6 weeks. At the end of 12 weeks, participants will undertake the endpoint examinations. The primary outcome will be the Rivermead Postconcussion Questionnaire (RPQ). The secondary outcomes will be changes in standardized clinical examination, Neck Disability Index (NDI), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and an electroencephalography (EEG) via NeuroCatchTM. The statistical analysis to be performed is composed of an adjusted model using an analysis of variance, specifically using an unpaired t-test to test for associations between variables and outcomes.
Discussion
Given the recommendations from reviews on the topic of rehabilitation for adults with persistent concussion symptoms, we are undertaking a controlled trial. The documented high costs for patients seeking care for persistent symptoms necessitate the need to evaluate the effectiveness of a personalized rehabilitative program compared to the current standard of care.
Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT06069700
Blood-based DNA methylation and exposure risk scores predict PTSD with high accuracy in military and civilian cohorts
Authors: Wani Agaz , Katrinli Seyma , Zhao Xiang , Daskalakis Nikolaos , Zannas Anthony , Aiello Allison , Baker Dewleen , Boks Marco , Brick Leslie , Chen Chia-Yen , Dalvie Shareefa , Fortier Catherine , Geuze Elbert , Hayes Jasmeet , Kessler Ronald , King Anthony , Koen Nastassja , Liberzon Israel , Lori Adriana , Luykx Jurjen , Maihofer Adam , Milberg William , Miller Mark , Mufford Mary , Nugent Nicole , Rauch Sheila , Ressler Kerry , Risbrough Victoria , Rutten Bart , Stein Dan , Stein Murrary , Ursano Robert , Verfaellie Mieke , Ware Erin , Wildman Derek , Wolf Erika , Nievergelt Caroline , Logue Mark , Smith Alicia , Uddin Monica , Vermetten Eric , Vinkers Christiaan
Published: February 2024

Background
Incorporating genomic data into risk prediction has become an increasingly useful approach for rapid identification of individuals most at risk for complex disorders such as PTSD. Our goal was to develop and validate Methylation Risk Scores (MRS) using machine learning to distinguish individuals who have PTSD from those who do not.
Methods
Elastic Net was used to develop three risk score models using a discovery dataset (n = 1226; 314 cases, 912 controls) comprised of 5 diverse cohorts with available blood-derived DNA methylation (DNAm) measured on the Illumina Epic BeadChip. The first risk score, exposure and methylation risk score (eMRS) used cumulative and childhood trauma exposure and DNAm variables; the second, methylation-only risk score (MoRS) was based solely on DNAm data; the third, methylation-only risk scores with adjusted exposure variables (MoRSAE) utilized DNAm data adjusted for the two exposure variables. The potential of these risk scores to predict future PTSD based on pre-deployment data was also assessed. External validation of risk scores was conducted in four independent cohorts.
Results
The eMRS model showed the highest accuracy (92%), precision (91%), recall (87%), and f1-score (89%) in classifying PTSD using 3730 features. While still highly accurate, the MoRS (accuracy = 89%) using 3728 features and MoRSAE (accuracy = 84%) using 4150 features showed a decline in classification power. eMRS significantly predicted PTSD in one of the four independent cohorts, the BEAR cohort (beta = 0.6839, p-0.003), but not in the remaining three cohorts. Pre-deployment risk scores from all models (eMRS, beta = 1.92; MoRS, beta = 1.99 and MoRSAE, beta = 1.77) displayed a significant (p < 0.001) predictive power for post-deployment PTSD.
Conclusion
Results, especially those from the eMRS, reinforce earlier findings that methylation and trauma are interconnected and can be leveraged to increase the correct classification of those with vs. without PTSD. Moreover, our models can potentially be a valuable tool in predicting the future risk of developing PTSD. As more data become available, including additional molecular, environmental, and psychosocial factors in these scores may enhance their accuracy in predicting the condition and, relatedly, improve their performance in independent cohorts.
Macroeconomic antecedents of involuntary psychiatric commitments in Denmark
Authors: Singh Parvati , Griffin Marquianna , Andersen Lars H. , Hvidtfeldt Camilla
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Economic downturns may precede reduced social tolerance towards the mentally ill that, in turn, may manifest as increased reporting of disordered individuals for involuntary psychiatric commitments (reduced tolerance hypothesis). In some instances, societies may also act out against vulnerable minority groups during economic downturns by way of increased scapegoating of such groups for involuntary psychiatric commitments (frustration-aggression-displacement hypothesis). Methods: We examined the relation between quarterly aggregated counts of unemployed persons (exposure) and involuntary psychiatric commitments (outcomes) in the (1) overall population (test of reduced tolerance), (2) among Danes (excluding non-western immigrants), and (3) among non-western immigrants (test of frustration-aggression-displacement hypothesis) in Denmark, over 72 quarters, from 2001 to 2018, using Danish register data. We specified our exposure as the quarterly counts of unemployed persons in Denmark (0, 1 quarterly lags). We used AutoRegressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) time-series analyses to control for autocorrelation and quarterly volume of voluntary (i.e. non-coercive) psychiatric inpatient admissions. Results: Results from ARIMA time-series analyses indicate 31 additional involuntary psychiatric commitments in the overall Danish population, one quarter after increase in 100,000 additional unemployed persons (p-value < 0.05). We also observe 14 additional involuntary commitments among non-western immigrants at exposure lag 1 (p-value < 0.05). We fail to reject the null for involuntary commitments among Danes (excluding non-western immigrants). Our discovered coefficients correspond with a 6.8% increase in involuntary commitments in the overall population and a 26.9% increase among non-western immigrants one quarter following a 3 standard deviation increase in unemployed persons in Denmark. Conclusions: Our findings support the reduced tolerance and frustration-aggression-displacement hypotheses in the Danish context. The pattern of results highlight the potential consequences of large macroeconomic contractions with respect to involuntary psychiatric commitments and also that minority groups may experience increased vulnerability during periods of heightened ambient stress.
Towards Video Pattern Recognition Method Based on the Classification of Copy-Right Videos Through Images
Authors: Saeed M. Imran , Shaikh M. Tahir , Shakir M. , Laghari Asif Ali , Karim Shahid
Published: February 2024

Detecting copyright material and piracy, especially in videos, is a dedicated challenge in marketing, advertisement, and industry. The issue of video piracy has become increasingly significant. This paper introduces a video-based pattern recognition method that classifies a copyrighted video through images. More precisely, the research has concentrated on evaluating outcomes across various videos using diverse parameters. Although prior studies in this domain have primarily emphasized aspects like face recognition, finger detection, background subtraction, and various other techniques, the issue of identifying copyrighted material within videos has yet to receive much attention. This paper introduces a video-based pattern-matching technique, and multiple video sources have described a methodology for detecting copyrighted video frames. These videos may encompass advertisements or specialized journalistic content legally owned by their creators. Our technique enables matching these video clips with specific video streaming or files to ascertain whether they contain the entire or a portion of the original video. The given video clip comprises individual frames, and our approach facilitates a frame-to-frame (F2F) comparison with other live video streams to determine the extent of similarity between successive images. This proposed method holds considerable potential for monitoring and identifying instances of illegally broadcasted, copyrighted digital video content.
Abnormal circadian rhythms and neutrophil extracellular trap-associated cell death play a role in skin cancer caused by long-term blue light irradiation
Authors: Hiramoto Keiichi , Kubo Sayaka , Tsuji Keiko , Sugiyama Daijiro , Hamano Hideo
Published: February 2024

Humans are exposed to large amounts of blue light from computers and smartphones. To date, no treatment has been developed for ameliorating nonmelanoma skin cancer induced by exposure to blue light. Here, we investigated the effects of tranexamic acid, carbazochrome, diisopropylamine dichloroacetate, and pantethine on blue light-induced skin cancer. The dorsal skin of male hairless mice was exposed to 40 kJ/m2 blue light thrice a week for 15 weeks after the application of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA). During the experimental period, mice were administered four types of test samples thrice a week. Skin cancer was induced in DMBA/blue light-treated mice, which improved upon administration of tranexamic acid or carbazochrome. In the mice treated with tranexamic acid or carbazochrome, the decrease in brain and muscle arnt-like 1 (Bmal1) level was suppressed, and the levels of neutrophils, beta 2 adrenergic receptor (β2-AR), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM1), C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2), and noradrenaline were affected by Bmal1. Furthermore, the administration of tranexamic acid and carbazochrome suppressed neutrophil extracellular trap-associated cell death (NETosis) caused by blue light irradiation. Hence, skin cancer induced by DMBA and blue light irradiation in mice can be improved by tranexamic acid or carbazochrome because tranexamic acid or carbazochrome modulates the noradrenaline/AR-β2/CCL2/ICAM1/neutrophil/NETosis signal transduction system regulated by the clock gene Bmal1.